The Wednesday Weekly - Apr 10
4/10/24
April 10, 2024
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Kindly, Kara
Assessments from a Homeschool Parent Perspective
Hello Homeschool Families,
As we sail towards the end of another school year, it's a perfect time to reflect on our achievements and set goals for what lies ahead. This period marks a time of assessment where we gauge the progress of our students and ourselves. There are numerous ways to assess our homeschoolers and the incredible strides they've made this year. As their primary educators, we have a keen understanding of their growth and the milestones they've reached.
Now, let's talk about testing from a personal parenting perspective. Many of the curriculums I use incorporate tests and quizzes, although we don't always administer them. Each curriculum I've selected includes placement tests at the outset to determine the starting point. Testing is indeed part of homeschooling. However, I acknowledge that testing isn't the ideal method for fostering enthusiasm for learning. As homeschoolers, our aim is to nurture a love for learning, joy in discovery, and a genuine desire to acquire knowledge.
We put considerable effort into finding the right fit for our individual learners, respecting their unique brains and learning styles. We have the flexibility to accommodate neurodivergent children and adjust the pace for students who are either ahead or behind their peers. We're fortunate to be part of a school that values this mindset and teaching approach. Nonetheless, life isn't all about fun and rainbows. It's crucial to instill resilience, grit, and perseverance. The only way to cultivate these qualities is by tackling challenging tasks. Testing is a part of life—from spelling tests to driving exams and on to college assessments, accreditations, and certifications.
Applying knowledge in a test format yields rewards and opens doors to opportunities. It's a vital skill that everyone should learn. Let's encourage our children to embrace these challenges, knowing that each one is a stepping stone toward personal growth and future success.
State testing has begun this week and will continue through April. By now, you've begun testing or have scheduled your CAASPP test time with your HST. Regardless of whether your student falls within the grade range for state testing, we also have our final STAR test to tackle before the school year concludes. I must take a moment to commend our testing team for the clear communication and excellent resources they've provided this year. Their information underscores why it's essential for our students to participate in testing, ensuring the sustained health and future of our school. Remember, every student counts, and we're all in this together.
Tips for Motivating and Rewarding Students for Testing at Home:
- Create a positive testing environment at home with minimal distractions.
- Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones along the way.
- Offer incentives such as special treats, extra screen time, or fun activities after completing testing.
- Provide encouragement and support throughout the testing process.
- Emphasize the importance of doing their best and reassure them that mistakes are part of learning.
If you have any questions or simply want to connect about the testing process, please reach out. Together, let's navigate this journey with enthusiasm and determination.
Thank you for being part of our wonderful homeschool community.
Kindly,
Kara Parkins
Why is the CAASPP test so important anyway?
Our CAASPP testing window is currently open for our 3rd - 8th & 11th graders. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is a statewide assessment that all public school students in California participate in.
Participation in the CAASPP assessment is crucial for several reasons:
School Performance Data: The school receives a positive score for each participating student and a negative score for all non-participating students. The sum of these scores impacts our school's overall performance metrics and rankings. Schools with lower participation rates appear less successful.
School Accountability and Funding: The CAASPP results, including participation rates, are used to assess school accountability and eligibility for funding. Schools are required to achieve a minimum participation rate to demonstrate compliance with state requirements. Failure to meet this threshold can lead to reduced funding or negative assessments of school performance.
Assessment of Educational Effectiveness: State authorities and the school district use CAASPP data, including participation rates, to evaluate the effectiveness of different educational models, including homeschool programs. Low participation rates can raise questions about the school's ability to implement and monitor academic standards effectively.
Achieving a 95% participation rate or higher is critical for our renewal with our authorizer and ensuring continued support and resources for our school, as well as showcasing the success of our unique homeschool program. Additionally, achieving a 95% participation rate is essential for our charter to be renewed. Every student's participation matters in helping us meet this requirement and demonstrate the effectiveness of our educational model.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your HST or a Family Liaison. Your partnership and participation are greatly appreciated!
The Cottonwood School Curriculum Showcase 2024
Are you ready for some homeschool planning and fun?
Join us at Cottonwood's annual Curriculum Showcase, where we'll feature:
- Popular curriculum vendors
- Many of Cottonwood's fantastic Community Partners
- Educational and fun Cottonwood programs that you won't want to miss!
Explore some (but not all!) of what your school has to offer at this family-friend event! Cottonwood students past, present, and future will love the chance to grab some SWAG as well as win amazing prizes in our live raffle! We'll also have an ice cream truck and a taco food truck available to satisfy your cravings while you check out all the fantastic resources available. There will be games and activities for kids throughout the entire event.
Come meet HSTs, Community Coordinators, Family Liaisons, and other Cottonwood staff. Meet some of your student's schoolmates and make connections with other Cottonwood families.
This is an event you don't want to miss, so mark your calendars now and get ready to have some homeschooling fun with our community.
Register today by following the link below!
Get updates about this event by responding "Going" to this Facebook event (make sure you are already a part of Cottonwood's Homeschool Community Group). See you there!
Join The Cottonwood School at the Northern California Homeschool Conference
Join Cottonwood at the Northern California Homeschool conference. We will have our own booth in the Vendor Expo. Connect with other homeschool families and gain valuable insights at this exciting in-person event. Hosted at the Destiny Community Center in Rocklin, this convention is designed to inspire and support homeschooling parents and students across Northern California.
You'll have the opportunity to attend a wide range of workshops and sessions led by experienced homeschooling experts.
Cottonwood families have been offered a 10% discount on tickets until April 20 using discount code: CW2024. Purchase tickets by clicking the button below. **Tickets for this event are out of pocket. This is not a Cottonwood Sponsored event.**
Learn more about the Convention by clicking here.
Final week to download The 100 Hours Outdoors Challenge!
You can find more info about dates & events throughout the newsletter or on the Hawks' Nest Calendar.
Remember, this list does not include all events hosted by The Cottonwood School. Please check your personal calendar and email for field trip reminders, class reminders, and more.
Upcoming Week
- Wed, April 10:
- Cottonwood Regional Park Days
- Amazon Punchout Ordering closes at 4:30 pm
- Fri, April 12: The Cottonwood School's International Festival @ the Community Connect Center, 10 - 12:30 pm
- Mon, April 15:
- Mindset Mondays - see SELF Talk for details (LINK HERE)
- Mondays at the CCC, 9 am - 4 pm
- Storytime & Craft Club at the Lending Library, 2 - 3 pm
- Fri, April 17:
- Cottonwood Regional Park Days
- Library Van on Location (Fair Oaks Park)
- Mon, April 22:
- Mindset Mondays
- Mondays at the CCC, 9 am - 4 pm
- Storytime & Craft Club at the Lending Library, 2 - 3 pm
- Tues, April 23: The Cottonwood School's April Board Meeting, 6 pm (Via Zoom, LINK HERE)
- Fri, April 24:
- Cottonwood Regional Park Days
- Library Van on Location (Roseville)
- Thurs, April 25: The Cottonwood School's Virtual Town Hall Meeting w/ the Parent and Student Advisory Committee, 4 - 5 pm (LINK HERE)
- Fri, April 26: Spring Makers Market - Come see what Cottonwood Entrepreneurs will be selling. See our flyer below!
- Fri, May 10: 2024 Annual Curriculum Showcase
- Thur, May 23: Last Day of School
FINAL DEADLINE FOR ORDERING! AMAZON PUNCHOUT ENDS 4/10/24
If you have questions, please connect with your HST.
AUDITIONS: Calling all 7th - 12th Graders
Audition for the 8th Grade Promotion and High School Graduation
Are you a performer at heart? Do you want to help add something special to our celebration? We are looking for 7th-12th grade students who would love to share their talents and passions!
Recite a poem, give a short speech, sing a song, or perform music - all of these are options to help make our 8th Grade Promotion or High School Graduation an extra special showcase of our students and their talents. Interested students are encouraged to submit a video audition of their act.
Audition video submissions are due by May 3, 2024.
Great News! Student access to WiN online platforms will continue through summer! (Lexia, eSingapore, iReady)
Cottonwood's Weekly Park Days
Join us at our Weekly Park Days listed below!
- Join Amanda & Maria in the 80 Corridor Area: Roseville, Citrus Heights, Rocklin
- Join Alina in the 50 Corridor Area: Placerville, Cameron Park, Folsom
- Join Alaynah in the Elk Grove Area
Curious About Curriculum?
We would like to share these videos with all of you! Listen to our favorite vendors teach us how to use their curriculum!
Immortality is to live your life doing good things and leaving your mark behind.” ~ Brandon Lee
A legacy is something we leave behind. When we talk about creating a legacy, it means we do something that others will appreciate when we leave. Doctors leave a legacy by saving lives, teachers leave a legacy by sharing a love of learning, and other people leave a legacy every day by spreading kindness and giving to others. We all leave legacies whether we realize it or not. When someone mentions someone after they are no longer in the same place, what is said about that person is the legacy that he/she/they left behind. It’s the impact we had on others, the way we treated each other, the way we conducted ourselves in certain situations...
Continue reading this week's SELF Talk using the button below!
International Festival THIS FRIDAY!
Please join us this Friday at the Community Connect Center from 10 am - 12:30- pm for the International Festival. Learn about customs, food, and performances from around the world. We look forward to seeing you!
Scheduling Reminder
RISE classes, including electives, are on pause for the week due to CAASPP testing. Boost classes, including electives, will continue to meet as scheduled.
Students who miss a Boost class due to testing with their HST are encouraged to review class recaps, extension activities, and homework assignments in the Boost newsletter or the teacher's Clever classroom. To ensure student privacy, we are not able to record and share Boost classes. Please let your students know we are grateful for their participation in CAASPP and glad they will be able to return to their Boost class soon.
Please note that there will be no regular RISE classes or assignments next week, April 8-11, due to CAASPP testing week.
Students who have registered to test with RISE will log into the RISE Homework Help Zoom Room at the start of their testing session for instructions.
Concurrent Enrollment (Open Soon for Fall Classes)
It is time for students to turn in their college forms for fall classes:
Sierra registration opens April 26th | Steps to enrollment with Sierra College
Los Rios registration opens in early May | Steps to enrollment with Los Rios Colleges
A few Concurrent Enrollment Reminders:
Concurrent enrollment means a high school student takes college courses while remaining a full-time high school student.
Students must take a minimum of 20 Cottonwood high school credits with a minimum of 4 classes per semester at Cottonwood and be in good academic standing.
High school students can take a maximum total of 11 college units per semester; a maximum of three college classes will be added to the course schedule and transcript.
CVHS Parent/HST Info Session
Info Session for the 24-25 School Year April 24th in Zoom from 3:30-4:30 pm. See this flyer for details.
CVHS Visitation Day
For all 8th-11th interested students: April 18th, 2 - 3 pm. Students will tour two Live classes, meet CVHS teachers, and hear about the CVHS core, elective, and CTE class offerings. To register, go HERE.
April 8-12 is CAASPP Testing Week for grade 8 & 11 CVHS students
CVHS 24-25 Class Registration
Registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year. We have added additional sections for core classes and new electives: Music Theory, Advanced Art, and Personal Finance 2. Students can choose from Live! Zoom classes and Self-Paced Edgenuity classes. CVHS is:
University Prep Academics (Live! & Self-Paced)
Student-Centered, Collaborative, & Engaging
Relevant with Real-World Connections
Infused with 21st Century Skills
Integrated with Cross-Curricular Study (24-25 Live!) in CTE, the Arts, & Core Academics
Go HERE for our 2024-2025 Class List and Live Class Schedule
April Links:
Homestudy High School Student April Edition Link
HST and Parent CVHS Presents Quarter 3 Newsletter
High Schoolers & Parents
Join us to learn about our CTE Program and Personal Finance Classes!
A Roadtrip Through the 1920s
This Wednesday, April 10th at 5 pm, our 11th and 12th graders are gearing up for an immersive journey through the 1920s with “A Roadtrip Through the 1920s.” After weeks of dedicated preparation, they’re poised to showcase their in-depth exploration of various topics from that era. From the roaring jazz age to the prohibition era, students have delved into the cultural, social, and political landscapes of the 1920s. This interdisciplinary project has been a culmination of their efforts, seamlessly blending history, literature, art, and music to create an engaging and educational experience. As they transform our facility into a time capsule of the 1920s, students are eager to transport visitors back in time and share their newfound knowledge and passion for this transformative decade.
High School Resource Hub
- CVHS Quick Start Guide
- TCS High School Announcements Facebook Page - announcements, college fairs, etc.
- High School Concurrent Enrollment Guidelines
- The Cottonwood High School Course Catalog
- The Cottonwood High School Family Resource - contact Carey Brown, High School Success Coordinator/HST with questions.
All fee-based events for the remainder of this school year are closed. Please visit one of the links below to see free events that are still open for registration.
Our Community Team is excited to host many upcoming spring field trips, and is busy planning for the 24/25 school year!
Field Trip Registration Hub:
- How to Register for Field Trips and Events: Never registered for a field trip/event? Start here for instructions.
- Eventbrite Collection - View all of our published trips with full trip details directly on Eventbrite
- Upcoming Field Trips & Events - All school-wide field trips & events here in list format
- Parent Hawks' Nest Event Calendar - Login required
Social Media Resource Hub
- OFFICIAL Facebook Community Group
- Official and private, moderated by Cottonwood School staff.
- Ensures accurate information and verifies active members as parents/legal guardians.
- A secure space for information, updates, and community connections.
- Public Instagram
- Pinterest - Tons of resources and ideas to be found.
⏰ Park Day & Parallel Learning Time Reminders
Click the links below to add yourself to our REMIND list for our Park days. A weekly text will be sent to remind you of our upcoming event. Additionally, if there are last-minute location or time changes, you will be updated.
REMIND: Parallel Learning Time
REMIND: Rocklin/Roseville/Lincoln Park Day
Resource Hub
- The Parents Hawks' Nest - Everything you need to know and more is found here.
- School Instructional Calendar 2023-24 - PDF version for print/download
THE COTTONWOOD SCHOOL
Serving transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade students in El Dorado, Amador, Alpine, Placer, and Sacramento Counties.
Location: 3921 Sandstone Dr. Ste 100, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, USA
Phone: (530) 285-2003