The Orion/Mandarin Gazette
March 2020
Wanted: Owners of Jackets and Sweaters
Book Fair
A new friend in the library
School Calendar
March
Mar 2 Dr. Seuss Birthday - Campus wide reading celebration
Mar 5 7:00pm Starship PTO-school age child care provided
Mar 7 2:00-4:00pm Julia Robinson Math Games in the cafeteria: Link to volunteer: https://signup.com/go/kStvahL
Mar 9-Mar 13 Early dismissal all week at 1:30 for parent-teacher conferences:kinder at 1:00
Mar 17 6:30-8:30pm Parent Meeting with Seeds of Change to review survey results
Mar 20 NO SCHOOL - Holiday in Liu of Lincoln's Birthday
Mar 21 School wide auction - Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion - proceeds support all students at school
Mar 24 8:30-9:30am Coffee with Superintendent Dr. Baker
Mar 25 8:45-9:30 Current Grades 3 and 4 Parents invited to tour grades 4-5 classes in group tour
Mar 27 School Spirit to Celebrate Month of Courage "Be a Superhero-Dress like a Superhero"
April
Apr 3 Early Dismissal for grades 1-5 at 1:30. All kinder on early bird schedule 8:15-1:00
Apr 6-Apr 10 Spring Break - No school
Community Survey - Orion and Mandarin Immersion - We Want to Hear From You
Dear Community,
We have experienced a lot of change this year by bringing our innovative and unique programs all on one campus. The benefits for the students far outweigh the challenges we have experienced. The children, families and staff have experienced multiple different perspectives, learning styles, languages, cultures, ethnic, racial and social economic diversity. Your children lead richer lives by experiencing this diversity at an early age. Our campus truly reflects Redwood City.
All of this rapid change has not come without challenges. Some of our parent leaders and staff have worked with an outside organization, Seeds of Change, to put forth a parent and staff survey that will guide our next steps together. The survey is intended to give voice to all of our different communities that are learning, working, and collaborating here on the Orion campus.
To learn more about Seeds visit https://www.seedscrc.org/
We ask the each family to complete one survey. It is available in electronic form, both in English and Spanish or paper version. The paper version is at attachment to this newsletter. Extra copies will be available in the front office and with our REACH coordinator, Onika Tarver in the MUB from 2:30-6:00pm each day.
The survey is due by Thursday, March 12 by 3:00pm.
We will hold a community meeting on Tuesday, March 17th from 6:30-8:30pm in the school cafeteria to review the results. Limited school age child care available.
Art Club After School by CSMA
Here's the link: https://register.asapconnected.com/ClassDetail.aspx?pk=1664121
Soon to come: After school theater classes starting March 23 by Dragon Theater. Stay posted for the registration information next week.
Celebrate Math in the month of March!!
Starting this Thursday from 12-1, parent volunteers will lead math games in the library for students.
Welcome Onika Tarver
Almost in middle school
Passionate Parents of the MI program
Student Led Portfolio Conferences for Orion Alternative Students
March 9-March 13 Grades 1-5 Early Dismissal at 1:30
Kinder Early Bird Schedule 8:15-1:00pm
One of the many unique educational elements of the Orion Alternative model is the student lead conferences during the Spring. Students in Orion Alternative classes will lead the conference by showcasing some of their work this second trimester that demonstrates and celebrates growth in their own educational goals, creativity and reflection. Students are expected to attend and lead the conference with their parents. Over the next two weeks they will practice with their peers and reading buddies presentation and public speaking skills. This builds self confidence, trust, and highlights for each student their personal strengths and goals. Teachers will dedicate the last 5 minutes of the conference to share the report card and discuss the results with parents and answer any questions. Spanish translation available. Please request from teacher.The Starship Corner - The Parent Teacher Organization
Starship Corner:
Starship is this week, March 4th @7pm in the MUB. Childcare will be available from 7-8pm. Every parent, teacher and staff member is a part of Starship and all are welcome to the meeting. Here are a few priorities for this Month
- Teacher Appreciation Week
- All School Variety Show
- Planning for next year's activities and goals
- Agenda included as an attachment as well at the bottom of the newsletter
Questions or ideas: email starship@orionschool.org.
School wide Auction March 21 for Both Mandarin Immersion and Orion Alternative Communities
Starship's Auction on March 21st will take place at Devil's Canyon. The auction is Starship's largest fundraiser, supporting key programs like PE, Field Trips and Soul Shoppe. The night includes a silent and live auction, with fantastic items to bid on, such as Principal for a Day and a dedicated School Parking Spot! Families and Staff are encouraged to contribute to the auction by donating specific items or activities. We hope that teachers and staff will also attend and we ask parents to help sponsor tickets so they can join the fun! Get your tickets, sponsor a teacher or submit a donation here. https://www.orionauction.org/?fbclid=IwAR10frn3p3bfxWE4wTqGqUKnKWfz0B1RHoY5uXoafJDw4XRjKR0aFdYkzWo
King Tut or Kevin?
A budding politician
Looks like trouble.....
Soul Shoppe "Free to Be" Tools for Self Advocacy
Grade Level Classrooms Open to Tour
Our staff wants to provide families the opportunity to see the next grade level coming for
2020-21 during the SEAL Family Gallery and student demonstration for grades k-3. Grades 4/5 will host a tour with Principal Katherine. Please take note of the following dates. The SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) Parent engagement opportunities are for both the CURRENT grade level families and the rising grade level for next year. Parents can see the complex content, language and meet teachers in an authentic setting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this short yet educational opportunity.
Current kinders only: March 19 8:15-8:45am
Current 1st Grade and current kinder families: March 12 1:30-1:50
Current 2nd Grade and Current 1st Grade families: March 25 8:15-8:45
Current 3rd Grade and Current 2nd Grade families: March 13 8:15-8:45a
Current 3rd & 4th Grade: 8:45-9:30 Tour grades 4 and 5 classrooms