Academy Adventures Midtown
-Building on Strengths-
Campbell's Corner
Thank you to all of our parents who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences. This is one of the few meetings that we require. It is important to talk to you about any questions or concerns that we have, as well find out if you have any questions or concerns! If you have not met with your child’s teacher, please call to schedule a conference as soon as possible.
Thank you to our families who spent some time reading with students for Love of Reading. It was great listening to everyone enjoying books. Dr. Seuss continues to be a favorite, but students had fun sharing Shel Silverstein, Tedd Arnold and a Bailey Street Kids story as well as books about the desert and various alphabet books.
Next week is Community Week. We have some exciting people lined up to talk about their jobs and other ways they help the community. We hope that you will be able to join us while we learn about some of the people and jobs around us.
We will be sending information home regarding the end-of-the-year field trip soon. Be sure to watch for flyers and text messages!
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Class
Academy Adventures Midtown Kindergarten and First Grade is a-movin' and a-groovin'! Not only did we dominate the month of February, March has some greatness in store!
Over the past month, your students have almost met, met or EXCEEDED their personal goals! We do a weekly check to ensure success!
In SuperKids, the Kindergarten class has finished up Sal, met and completed Lilly and Icky! Through these two Superkid friends, our Kindergarten students are continually working on initial, medial and final sounds; working with Fiction and Non-Fiction stories, as well as CVC words learned from our Super Kids friends. Throughout February, we practiced a lot more writing, which leads in to our future of short stories, with Tic, Tac and Toc.
Our first graders are reading smaller chapter books with our SuperKid friends. Through our SuperKid friends, we are writing complete sentences, with correct punctuation, capitalization, and adding -ing to verbs. Our First Grade authored and completed their short stories, and illustrated some beautiful work! Coming up in March, we will continue to practice our comparing and contrasting and our antonyms and synonyms. Our beautiful brains will continue to practice our writing skills, and focus on short and long vowels and proper grammar usage and mechanics.
Every month, I continued to be amazed and awe-struck at both classes with their math skills! We continue to use GO MATH! Kindergarteners can now add and subtract within 10. These skills are reinforced through SplashLearn on the iPads.
First graders present MASTERY skills on SplashLearn! The First Graders can now use place value, 10's and 100's frames to increase Mental Math practices. I am excited to introduce this class to telling time! It will be amazing!
Our class gets great opportunities to use critical thinking and creativity for some brain breaks. We completed the #KindnessProject – where we painted KIND rocks and plan to make someone's day by spreading them in the community. We also use creative art to present the retention learned from learning about the Middle Ages, Desert Storms, Space and sensory skills!
AS ALWAYS, the staff, parents and most importantly the STUDENTS make my heart whole.
Please join us in celebrating YOU in our monthly events. Stay tuned for some fun events to cap off the last few months of the 2019-2020 school year!
2nd & 3rd Grade Class
It was nice seeing our parents at the conferences. Thanks for your attendance and commitment to your child's education. The quarter is winding down and the kids are doing great. Now for the last quarter push after Spring Break until the last week of school. The third quarter ends at Spring break time.
I hope you all enjoyed the Rodeo Holiday. Sometimes relaxing on a day off is wonderful. I chose the busy path, my family and I traveled to visit Disneyland. I was able to meet my sons new girlfriend for the first time. Now it's back to work, and my focus is on the students, and the curriculum. The students had a full first day back. The students got back to work and worked diligently all day, which was delightful. I am proud of their efforts!
In Science, we are learning about Geology, the study of the Earth, Volcanism, and the land. I was able to pick up a polished rock for the students during my Disneyland trip. They are learning about the different types of rocks and strata in the Earth.
In Math, the 3rd grade is working on learning about Fractions and Equal parts. In Math, 2nd grade is working on Comparison Symbols. The students can remember it by the large number being the giant alligator mouth, and the smallest number is designated by the pointed end, and the little tiny bird beak.
In Reading, the students are focusing on reading the text and looking for details. In Writing the students wrote spring poems and a narrative.
Dates to Remember: March 9-12 is Community Week. March 13-20 is Spring Break. Please make arrangements for your children. The first week of March was Galileo testing. The last week of March is the Standardized Writing Assessment. Please remember to have the students get to bed on time, or early those weeks, as well as practicing daily healthy eating habits.
4th & 5th Grade Class
The Lions have moved to the Islamic Empires in the Middle Ages. This unit is closely related to our previous unit about the middle ages in Europe. The units are tied by the decline of the Roman Empire and events such as the Crusades. We will be writing informative paragraphs and continue working with root words and suffixes. The Tigers are reading contemporary fiction and excerpts from various stories. We will be working on comparing and contrasting these stories and reading stories written from different perspectives.
In GoMath, the Lions began learning about division and will continue to practice multi-digit multiplication while learning about factors, multiples and patterns. The Tigers moved into multiplying decimals and ordering decimals followed by learning how to divide decimals.
The entire class is still practicing multiplication and cursive writing which are both important skills to have.
The 4th and 5th graders, along with the 3rd graders, have begun practicing for the state testing (AzM2, formerly AzMERIT) which starts at the end of March. Watch for information regarding how you can help your child prepare. If you want your child to practice at home, here is the link. https://login11.cloud1.tds.airast.org/student/V389/Pages/LoginShell.aspx?c=Arizona_PT Click the green sign in button in the center at the bottom, select the grade level, then the test you want to practice.
Health and safety of students and staff is a priority for Academy Adventures Midtown. In order to help facilitate healthy habits and prevent the spread of viruses, the school has instituted the following practices:
1. Each night, the school surfaces are wiped down with disinfectant wipes, including but not limited to: tables, chairs, door handles, faucets, drinking fountain, etc.
2. Students wash their hands before breakfast, snack and lunch.
3. Students wash their hands when they return from the playground at recess.
4. School surfaces (tables, door handles, chairs, sinks, water fountains, etc.) are wiped down during morning break, lunch break and before the after school program.
5. Students are being encouraged to cover their cough and wash their hands immediately after blowing their nose.
To ensure the health of all individuals, we are asking that if your child has an excessive cough, that you please keep them home. If a child is coughing a lot at school, regardless if the child has a fever, the child will be sent home. These same precautions apply to our staff.
Please discuss with your child the importance of covering their cough and washing their hands.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Campbell at 520.777.3757. We appreciate your cooperation!
2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR!
We have begun the registration Process for 2020-2021! Re-Registration forms went home the end of February. Please make sure you return those as soon as possible! If you are unsure, please check YES and put a little note stating that you are not sure. This way we can save your child a spot.
We have also opened up Pre-Registration for all new students! Please share information about the school with friends and family! Who better to fill the school with than friends and family members! We currently have openings in all grade levels. We do have have some incentives for people who refer children! Ask Mrs. Campbell about the incentive program!
For your convenience, the Re-Enrollment form (For students returning) and Pre-Registration (new students) form is linked below.
Title IVA - Healthy Snack Program
The students continue to enjoy cooking and making their healthy snacks! In addition to cooking, we have added one day a week where the students learn about nutrition and the importance of eating healthy. We encourage you to have your child help you at home preparing family meals and snacks! It provides a fun way for your child to learn about math (measuring ingredients), reading (reading the recipe and following directions) and science (how the ingredients work together).
This is a new favorite recipe for the students (and staff!)! Ask your child about these cookies!
FLOURLESS ALMOND BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16 Cookies
Ingredients
2/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add the almond butter, coconut sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda and mix together until very well combined. Add in the chocolate chips and continue mixing until fully combined.
Measure out two tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one. Bake in two separate batches at 350°F for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Notes
I suggest using a no-stir almond butter for these cookies, I've found that it works best in this recipe.
Store cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week.
https://www.livewellbakeoften.com/easy-flourless-almond-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Title I Program Update
Students continue to have daily tutoring with our Title I Interventionists! We have seen a lot of progress in our students and they enjoy the one on one or small group tutoring sessions. We are extremely proud of how hard the students are working! It is definitely showing in their daily work in the classroom.
We had a short break in the texting stories, but we are back on track! We hope you continue to read and discuss the short stories with your child(ren). That short amount of time you spend with your child reading, makes a HUGE difference in their academics!
Part of our Title I Grant is to increase participation of Parents and the Community. We have a minimum of one family event each month. However, please feel free to come to the school and visit and/or volunteer anytime! We encourage your participation in your child's education and your child loves to have you here!
This month, we are having our first ever Community Week! We are excited to bring people in from the community to speak about their jobs and other positive ways they impact our community! This event will take place March 9-12, 2020. We would love for you to participate either as a speaker or just to come and listen to the presentations with your child(ren).
School Improvement Plan
Academy Adventures Midtown is working hard on School Improvement to ensure that our state assigned letter grade goes up next year! We have every reason to believe it will, especially with how hard our students are working and all the wonderful support we get from our families! Teachers and Administration are also meeting several times a week to discuss ways to make the students even more successful! We have seen a lot of progress in all of our students and are very proud of how hard they continue to work!
As part of the recommendations made by the State, we are making a few changes to the daily schedules to provide more instructional time and opportunities for our students! All students will have PE on Tuesday afternoons and STEM on Wednesday afternoons. More Science will be incorporated into the curriculum, as well as Science testing in Galileo. Students will be gaining 50 minutes more of instruction per week, that is almost 50 more hours of instruction before the end of the school year!
The 3rd, 4th & 5th grade students are practicing for their state testing (AzM2 and Science), which will begin after Spring Break. They have made great progress on Galileo and DIBELS, so we know they will do great on their state testing! Please continue to encourage your children to "show what they know" and to take testing seriously.
If you have any questions regarding school improvement, please speak with Mrs. Campbell or Mrs. Angela.
ANNUAL END OF YEAR FAMILY FIELD TRIP!
Join us on April 9th for our Annual End of Year Family Field Trip! This year, we will be spending the day at Funtasticks Family Fun Park! Make sure to return your RSVP by March 23rd so your and your child(ren) don't miss out on the fun!
Watch for more detailed information to be sent home.
ATTENDANCE / TARDIES / EARLY RELEASE
We are seeing an increase in tardies as the year progresses. It is important that students are at school on time! When students arrive late, it could not only easily throw off their day, but also cause them to lose valuable information pertaining to their studies. Every minute counts! Please make an effort to have your children at school on time daily. All students are eligible for free breakfast and can arrive at 7:30 (M, T, Th & F) or 8:30 (W). School begins promptly at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays school begins promptly at 9:00 AM.
In addition, it is important that your child is in school the entire day so they do not miss out. School is dismissed at 2:15 pm (or 11:30 on Early Dismissal Days). Please try to make appointments on days school is not in session, or after 2:15 pm.
A reminder that a child must be 24 hours fever free, with NO medication before they can return to school after being ill.
If you have any questions, please speak with Mrs. Campbell.
If you park to come into the school, please pay attention to where you are parking and be respectful of the surroundings, including:
- Do Not Block the neighbors driveways
- Do Not Block mailboxes
- Do Not Block the school's three (3) drive ways so people cannot get out of the parking lot
- Do Not Park in front of the school door
- Do Not Block the roadway
We appreciate your attention and cooperation in making the area safer.
- Every Wednesday is Late Start! School begins at 9:00 AM. Students can arrive at 8:30 AM for breakfast. Please do not arrive prior to 8:30 AM, we do not have anyone to monitor your children.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD!
Congratulations to all the students who had Perfect Attendance! To qualify for Perfect Attendance, students cannot miss a day of school, including “no lates” or “no early outs”.
Gabriel Arenas
Santiago Carbajal
Xavier Camacho
Erika Veloz Herrera
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS!
Congratulations to all the students who received an Academic Achievement Award! The Academic Achievement Award may be given to a student in each class that exhibits excellence in the quality and/or quantity of their school work. Recipients are selected by each classroom teacher. There is one student per month selected from each classroom.
Audriana Nelson -
Audriana continues to show an amazing hunger to learn and demonstrate awesome determination!
Kevin Watson -
Kevin has excelled in his academic endeavors this quarter and he happily completes his work.
Brisa Ballesteros-
Brisa has been working very hard to master her multiplication facts and spelling words, as well as how to use what she is learning to help her in all areas of the classroom!
ATTITUDE AWARDS!
Congratulations to all the students who received the Attitude Award! A student is selected for an Attitude Award based upon their demonstration of a “want to do” and “can do" academic attitude, along with being positive and having the courage to be imperfect. “If you don’t try, you don’t get!” Recipients are selected by the classroom teacher. There is one student per month selected from each classroom.
Assad Dinow -
Assad continues to increase his positive attitude daily, through his willingness to learn, his curiosity on life and ability to help others with a smile.
Piper Kuhn -
Piper always has a great attitude! Piper happily completes her work and voluntarily helps her peers and students in need.
- March 9-12 - COMMUNITY WEEK! We will have people from around the community coming and speaking with students about what they do. Please join us!
- March 13-20 - SPRING BREAK! NO SCHOOL! Spring Break begins Friday, March 13th and continues through Friday, March 20th. Enjoy your break!
- April 9 - ANNUAL END OF YEAR FAMILY FIELD TRIP! We are going to Funtasticks Family Fun Park! Be sure to return your RSVP by March 23, 2020!! That is the final deadline.
Academy Adventures Midtown
Email: info@academyadventuresmidtown.com
Website: https://academyadventuresmidtown.com
Location: 3025 North Winstel Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: (52) 777-3757
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Academy-Adventures-Midtown-sponsored-by-Ed-Ahead-601505409905965/