CCA Community Newsletter
12-14-23
WINTER BREAK SCHEDULE
December 19 - Last day of Preschool before winter break
December 20 - regular early dismissal
December 21 - early dismissal
December 22 - January 2 - no school for Winter Break
January 3, 2024 - school resumes
NOETIC MATCH COMPETITION
Recently, some select students in grades 2-8 participated in the Noetic math Competition. This is a challenging test, and every problem solved represents an accomplishment. We are proud of every CCA participant's ambition in taking on such a rigorous math contest. 6th grade student, Chris Surine, placed in the top 10% of participants nationally and made National Honor Roll. CCA had many students also scoring in the top 50% and making Honorable Mention. That list can be found at the link below:
MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH, 7TH AND 8TH CHOIR WINTER CONCERT
The Clear Creek Amana Middle School 6th, 7th and 8th grade choir members gave a wonderful performance at their winter concert in the High School Performing Arts Center.
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS AND UPDATES
INTERACT CLUB - WINTER GEAR DRIVE
The High School Interact Club wanted to make a difference for CCA students/children in the CCA Community so they set up a collection for gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots and snow pants. They have collected 204 items in two weeks. All 5 elementary buildings have received items.
Thank you students and sponsor Mrs. Baxter for keeping our little Clippers warm this winter!!
If you would like to make a donation, items can be dropped off at any of the CCA Elementary buildings.
What is Interact?
SAT/INTERACT is available for all high school students. This group partners with the local Rotary chapter and because of that, shares a common mission: to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
8TH GRADE PARENT/STUDENT NIGHT ON JANUARY 29, 2024
The High School is hosting an 8th Grade Parent/Student Night on January 29 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the high school PAC. They will provide information about high school in general and talk about courses and schedules. They are encouraging students to attend with parents/guardians. This is a great opportunity to hear about what high school is all about.
When: January 29
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: High School Performing Arts Center
NEW DISMISSAL HOURS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL STARTING JANUARY 3, 2024
RE: New High School hours starting January 3, 2024.
In the attempt to relieve traffic congestion at the end of the school day, the High School will be released 5 minutes earlier, allowing more time between the release of the middle school and high school.
The new High School day will be as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:20 am to 3:25 pm
Wednesday 8:20 am to 1:25 pm
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
SCHOOLOGY
Schoology Parent Access Codes: You can now retrieve your Schoology access code in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. See this short video on how to find your code: https://watch.screencastify.com/v/PSWj7kfAHhOrJyqGLWrA You can use this code to sign up for a Schoology parent account or to add students to your existing account. Learn about more parent resources here: https://www.ccaschools.org/Page/5789
NEWS AND NOTES FROM SCHOOL THERAPISTS
SCREENAGERS
Screenagers survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOmqD-adbYlOuQtyT7x1gFo17a9a_eYLsl9AL34wsxWrdyAw/viewform
Grief During the Holidays
This time of year can be hard, and this is especially true for anyone experiencing grief or loss. Watching others celebrate holidays can be a reminder that someone you love has died.
Grief During the Holidays: How Parents Can Help Kids (And Themselves)
1. Turn an absence into a presence. Find ways to include your loved one as part of the holidays. Examples include: Cooking a loved one’s favorite recipe, lighting a candle, telling stories, carrying on an old tradition or creating a new one.
2. Give Space to Talk. Kids may talk openly about their loved one if we create space for them to do so. If and when a child is ready, encourage them to share memories (but don’t force them to).
3. Gather your village. This may be a good time to ask for help from friends, neighbors or extended family especially when a parent may be feeling overwhelmed as they try to manage their own grief at this time of year.
4. Remember that children grieve differently than adults. It may look like a wide range of emotions. Grief is not time-limited. It is also important that adults in the child’s life model self-regulation.
Tips include are from https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/grief-during-the-holidays-how-parents-can-help-children-and-themselves
If you know of a child or teen that is struggling with grief, or if you yourself are struggling with grief and loss, the following resource may be beneficial:
The Dougy Center is a place to find support, resources and connection for kids, teens and caregivers. https://www.dougy.org/
SLEEP DURING THE HOLIDAYS
During the hustle and bustle of this hectic time of year please remember to make sleep hygiene a priority! Remember to turn off electronics and lights, avoid caffeine after 2pm, and don’t eat 2-3 hours before bed. We encourage you to try to meditate or read 30 minutes before bed, take a bath or shower, and journal to release thoughts as you get ready for a good night’s sleep.
Here is a reminder from the CDC of how many hours of sleep one should get based on age:
Newborn - 0–3 months - 14–17 hours (National Sleep Foundation)
Infant - 4–12 months - 12–16 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
Toddler - 1–2 years - 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
Preschool - 3–5 years - 10–13 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
Elementary School Age - 6–12 years - 9–12 hours per 24 hours
Teen - 13–18 years - 8–10 hours per 24 hours
Adult - 18–60 years - 7 or more hours per night
SCHOOL BOARD
ELEMENTARY BOUNDARY BOARD AND ADMIN WORK SESSION TONIGHT
The school board will meet with Admin tonight to discuss elementary school boundaries and the survey results.
The school board will adopt a boundary plan at the December 20 board meeting.
Date: December 14
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: CCA Admin Office
The work session will be available by livestream on the district YouTube account.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District will conduct a public hearing on the 2024-25 School Calendar. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Administration Building, 1486 Hwy 6 NW, Oxford, Iowa. At the time and place of the public hearing, interested individuals will be given the opportunity to express their views, both orally and in writing, on the proposed 2024-25 School Calendar. This notice is given by order of the Clear Creek Amana Board of Directors.
DECEMBER 13 WORK SESSION
The board discussed the following items. The supplemental reports and presentations are on the board agenda.
- Change order for Crossing Ridge and expansion of the instrumental music room for East Ridge Elem
- Oak Hill Elem roof storm damage and replacement information
- Athletic Field Mower information
- Early resignation incentive report
- Presentation on historical information for East Ridge Elementary and Attendance boundaries.
- 2024-2025 School Calendar review
- Discipline Matrix Update
- Magnet Program Plan
- Review Board Goals and Strategic Plan
- Activity gate/admissions Check In and Schedule B. Report on the pilot plan for free student admissions.
- Board orientation updates
- Policy review updates from the policy committee meeting
December 14 - School Board Work Session - Attendance Boundary Discussions
December 19 - Last day of Preschool before winter break
December 20 - School Board Regular Meeting
December 20 - early dismissal
December 21 - early dismissal
December 22 - January 2 - No School Winter Break
Quick Links Below
CLEAR CREEK AMANA MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Clear Creek Amana Mission Statement
The mission of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is to prepare students to be productive, responsible, community members by providing an environment that brings learning to life.
Clear Creek Amana Vision and Core Values
Vision: As Clear Creek Amana Community School District moves into the future, we will foster a family atmosphere, while immersing students in a diverse academic experience, for their tomorrow.
The philosophy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is founded on three core values:
- Student Opportunities- We believe all students can achieve academic success when provided with the appropriate structures and support. We feel all children in this country deserve access to a high-quality, free, public education.
- Collaborative Learning Culture- We believe collaborative and qualitative teachers drive exceptional results. We must invest in exceptional teachers to achieve exceptional results. We must recruit, support, and retain the nation’s highest quality teachers and staff. Core to our mission, curriculum and school culture are the foundation from which our students will excel. We firmly believe that this investment is critical to the success of our students.
- Managing Growth- As the district continues to grow, we will advocate for reasonable class sizes. We will focus on building and maintaining our buildings and grounds to create an inviting learning environment. We will welcome the community to our district to share their expertise and knowledge in order to collaboratively improve our local community.
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Angelica Brothers, Equity Coordinator District Office at 1486 Hwy 6 NW, PO Box 487, Oxford IA 52322, 319-828-4510 or angelicabrothers@ccaschools.org.