Picture Retake Day
November 18 9-12
Posts
Sunday, November 16 Update
Hi families,
So much to celebrate lately! Our Popcorn and Poetry Night was amazing. Lots of kiddos spontaneously wrote poems and got up to read them. A new parent wrote a beautiful poem about Arete and it is now hanging in the front office. Families were amazing learning about and adapting to the new online attendance procedures (required by our auditor) to show daily minutes (required by the state of California). The first group that learned about the new system was trained on it while our Arete internet was done due to a fallen telephone pole. Yet everyone was kind and understanding. Our Hot Cocoa Bar is the 20 Day Meeting treat and I am so impressed with how kind and polite the kids are when they come in for their treat. Finally we capped the week with our biggest and most creative Dragon Fair. I know I took home many Christmas presents and some yummy baked goods to share with my daughter and her friends who came home to visit for the weekend. So much to be thankful for! We do have a funny calendar this year where we have one more week of classes and then students have a whole week off for Thanksgiving. The office will be open Monday and Tuesday with Sarah, Sheila, and Andrea working but Educational Advisors are off. Office hours may be 8-3:30 for picking up items. Final supply/curriculum orders must have budgets and links to EA's but Tuesday, November 18 in order for us to purchase and receive them before break starts.
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Students on campus in grades TK, K, 2, 5, 8, 10 and students with IEPs will be pulled for Hearing/Vision Screening. Families not on campus that day are welcome to bring their kids in to be screened between 9am-3pm on November 18 and December 3. |
Please join us this Wednesday and Thursday from 9-9:45 for Parent Appreciation Cafe/Bar hosted by our Blended Middle School Leadership class!
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We are so excited to announce our Family Christmas Party! This is one of my favorite nights of the year and it is BACK!! This community event is open to ALL Arete Families! On Wednesday December 10th from 4:30 to 5:20 AND 5:30-6:20pm we are inviting families to come join in a Christmas craft together (creating a Christmas ornament/hanging out of a cinnamon stick) while we listen to Christmas music and enjoy potluck snack/treats. Local artist, Susie Bell, will be leading our craft activity! Arete will provide juice and paper products and we are asking families to please bring a finger food item to share.When you sign up, please select ONE slot for each person 2+ who wants to paint an art project. If slots fill up and you still want to attend, please email me to be added to the waiting list. Please give at least 24 hours for any cancellations. All families are invited as this is an evening event open to the community. In addition, we are planning our Arete Resource Center Pajama Ice Skating Party. This event promises to be lots of fun and we will need some help with family volunteers and supplies. This was a tradition at the original Pleasant Ridge School and we are bringing it back. We are building a mini ice skating rink in the MPR, bringing in fake snow and students will skate around on paper plates. The 4-8th Hybrid Resource Center Party with Ms. Baker and Mrs. Veblen AND the BMS Party will be Wednesday, December 17 from 11:15-11:55. Ms. Tomasetti's, Ms. McAlister, and Mrs. Codiga's Resource Center Party will be Thursday, December 18 from 11:15-11:55. The Blended Middle School will also have a special craft project with Susie Bell on Thursday, December 10 from 9:10-10am. Please review the slots carefully to see how you can help! Don't forget to wear your jammies!! Students must meet state mandated vaccine requirements to attend this event. |
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The Arete Parent Teacher Crew (PTC) is hosting an author visit on Tuesday, December 16 from 10:30-11:15. . Kentrell Martin is an author who brings an unforgettable literacy and inclusion experience to our students. Current book titles include Shelly Goes to the Zoo, Shelly's Outdoor Adventure, Shelly Goes to the Bank (co-author), Kasey's First Day of Basketball Practice, Shelly Goes to the Fiesta, Shelly va a una fiesta (Spanish), Shelly Meets a New Friend, KJ's Emotional Day, Shelly Goes to New York, Count with KJ, Shelly Goes to the Dentist, and Colors with KJ. These are the first 12 books that bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing world through American Sign Language. Here is a video about Kentrell’s visit. ALL families are invited on campus for this special event!! You also have an opportunity to pre-order his books and receive your autographed copies during his visit. Here is the link to the store. |
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Arete needs you to complete this online survey to learn more about your opinions about it. This survey is an opportunity to communicate your perceptions about your child’s school. If you have any questions about the survey please contact [email protected] Your participation is voluntary. It is also very important. The information you provide will help guide district and school efforts to promote safety, enhance learning supports, and improve student achievement. -This is an anonymous survey. It is designed so that no one can be identified from the data. You do not have to respond to any questions that you feel could be used to identify you. Simply skip any such questions. - All questions apply to Arete only. - The results are for the use of PRSD. The California Department of Education and WestEd will preserve data confidentiality and refer data requests to the district. If you have more than one child here, you will only need to complete one survey. Please access the survey here: CA School Parent Survey 2025-2026 Thank you for taking this very important survey! |
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Make Up Picture Day Details: November 18. BMS Group Picture- 9:45. Make ups 10:30-11 Ordering Information Parents can either order online before picture day and up to 4 days after picture day at www.dorianstudio.com or via a paper order form. Paper order forms should be turned in on picture day to the photographer. We are not able to accept late paper order forms. |
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Important Sign Ups: Second Semester Enrichments 2026 Arete Christmas Celebrations 2025 2nd-8th Grade and High School Winter NWEA Math and AR Reading Assessments 2025-26 Spelling Bee Sign up: Register now on SignUp Genius Tuesday Math Tutoring at Arete High School Blended Middle School Field Trip 2526 Fall Enrichment Sign Ups 26/26 Arete Charter Academy Blended Middle School 25/26 Arete Planning for the 2025-2026 School Year (This is the official Resource Center Sign Up). Click here to join our Arete Family Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/248326042576101 |
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We are a NUT FREE campus. Please save nut snacks for while at home. Also, we have some other class specific allergies, so please email Sarah and the classroom teacher BEFORE bringing in birthday treats. We are also working towards a healthier campus and encourage snacks/treats that align with that. Low and zero waste items are preferred. |
Important Dates
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November 17, 20, Dec 1, 4 and 6 |
9:15-12 |
NWEA/STAR AR Assessments |
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November 17 |
9:00-12:00 |
NWEA/AR Testing |
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November 17 |
1:30-2:30 |
Art w/Friends |
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November 17 |
2:30-3:30 |
After Art w/Friends |
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November 18 |
9:00-3:00 |
Hearing/Vision Screening Grades TK, K, 2, 5, 8, 10 |
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November 18 |
BMS Group Picture- 9:45 .Make ups 10:30-11 |
Dorian Picture Day Make Up Day |
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November 18 |
12:15-1:15 |
Botanical Wkshp |
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November 19 |
9-9:45 |
Parent Appreciation Cafe Bar |
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November 19 |
California Healthy Kids Survey Administered to 5-8th on campus students |
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November 19 |
12-1 |
Drawing Club |
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November 20 |
9-9:45 |
Parent Appreciation Cafe Bar |
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November 20 |
9-12 |
NWEA/AR Testing |
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November 20 |
10-12 |
FT @ Center For the Arts Student Matinee |
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November 21 |
9-12 |
NWEA/AR Testing |
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November 21 |
10-11:30 |
FT @ Bernhard Museum |
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November 24-28 |
Thanksgiving Recess |
School is not in session |
Arete Christmas Celebrations
You have been invited by Sarah Schwartz to sign up for "Arete Christmas Celebrations 2025." Please review all of the information carefully and check dates and details before you sign up. Thanks!
Hearing and Vision Screening
Students on campus in grades TK, K, 2, 5, 8, 10 and students with IEPs will be pulled for Hearing/Vision Screening. Families not on campus that day are welcome to bring their kids in to be screened between 9am-3pm on November 18 and December 3.
Your 5th-8th Grade student is invited to Arete's Snowflake Ball.
Dance sign up:
We are also hoping that you might be able to help with some donations or volunteer decorating or chaperoning. Here is the volunteer/donation sign up. Tickets and permission slips are due by Wednesday, December 3rd.
Arete's fourth annual Dragon Fair is tomorrow! Due to the rain, we will be setting up in the MPR. November 14 from 11:00am-1:00-pm. Set Up begins at 10:30am.If you would like to participate in this craft fair please fill the information out down below and pay by Friday, October 31st. Current and former Arete parents and students are invited to participate. Please bring two items to donate to the raffle to raise money for sports gear, P.E equipment, new books, science gear or fixes that are needed around the school. Restrooms will be available. Booth size is 10x10. BYO Booth, tables, and everything else you'll need for your setup. (We have a limited number of tables that are first come, first served. Please add that to the comments if you need one.) This is a great community event. Even if you do not sign up to sell items, please come visit that day and see all of the cool stuff our talented families make! Arete’s Dragon Fair 2025
Arete Charter High School Ed Talk Video
Here is the video link the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Ed Talk recorded last week about our new high school adventure. So proud of sweet Grayson Morgan and his interview!
Our Next Spelling Bee practice is November 12th, all dates/ times are below and will be in the MPR. Practice sessions are not mandatory, but are good preparation for our official Arete School Spelling Bee in January 2026. Everyone who joins will build confidence in spelling and public speaking.
RSVP to the practice invites:
- Official School Bee will be later in January, date TBD
At home you can be practicing with the official Scripps Word List. (also attached)
*reminder that at least 1 school champion will move on to regionals in Sacramento with a chance to compete nationally for BIG PRIZES.
California Healthy Kids Survey
Arete needs you to complete this online survey to learn more about your opinions about it. This survey is an opportunity to communicate your perceptions about your child’s school. If you have any questions about the survey please contact [email protected]
Your participation is voluntary. It is also very important. The information you provide will help guide district and school efforts to promote safety, enhance learning supports, and improve student achievement.
-This is an anonymous survey. It is designed so that no one can be identified from the data. You do not have to respond to any questions that you feel could be used to identify you. Simply skip any such questions.
- All questions apply to Arete only.
- The results are for the use of PRSD. The California Department of Education and WestEd will preserve data confidentiality and refer data requests to the district.
If you have more than one child here, you will only need to complete one survey.
Please access the survey here: CA School Parent Survey 2025-2026
Thank you for taking this very important survey!
Sunday, November 9 Update
Reminder that there are no on campus classes this Monday (Staff Training) and Tuesday (Veteran's Day).
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There are now three different options. State vaccination regulations apply. Funds are removed from curriculum first, and then enrichments. Work samples will be sent home. The first two programs utilize student's funds to add a day of on campus instructional time for families who are desiring more higher level academic instruction from credentialed teachers with more advanced projects and more time with other students. We have a nine student minimum. Classes would be broken up into two multi-age groups of 2nd and 3rd grade (Wednesday Class) and 4th/5th/6th grade (Tuesday Class). Students at the lower grade level (2nd and 4th grades) should be reading and writing at grade level to be able to have success at the multiage learning model. The third class, Literacy Launch, has a focus that is perfect for emerging readers. (Wednesdays from 9am - 12pm). 2/3 Academic Enrichment: (Wednesdays from 9am - 12pm): This Academic Enrichment Class is designed to challenge and engage students through hands-on learning experiences. Students will work to expand their writing abilities through creative writing projects that really focus on organization and detail. They will build stronger math skills by working on problem solving skills through group activities and games. We will also be exploring at least one or two novels and discussing themes, characters, and vocabulary to help develop their critical thinking skills. 4-6 Academic Enrichment: (Tuesdays from 9am - 12pm): This one day per week class focuses on Project Based Learning units. The students work on projects that incorporate English Language Arts, Mathematics, Art, Technology, and Science or Social Studies into a cohesive project and/or presentation. This semester students will complete two projects: Ocean Explorers and National Parks Traveler. The Ocean Explorer project will dive into the science of ocean ecosystems, the history of ocean conservation, and the students will research an endangered species. The National Parks Traveler project will include history of our National Parks, research of a chosen national park, and the students will create a very detailed plan and budget for a proposed vacation to their chosen park. K- 2 Literacy Launch (Wednesdays from 9am - 12pm): Join our Arete astronaut team this semester as we continue to explore the alphabet and immerse ourselves in literacy learning! We will do fun and engaging read-alouds, book studies, spelling, phonics, penmanship practice, and writing surrounding these explorations. We will also incorporate art and some hands-on activities as part of our literacy adventures. Our goal will be to strengthen reading and writing skills in a fun and thematic way! Note: This class will be appropriate for kindergartners who are beginning to read through 2nd graders who are not yet fluent readers. Kinder students should know all letter names and the majority of sounds, demonstrate an interest in reading basic words, and be comfortable with writing/formation of all letters. By completing this form, families are committing for one semester from 9am-12pm, for a total of $285 out of Curriculum/Enrichment Funds (Yes, that breaks down to $5 an hour for high quality instruction). Tuesday classes will run from January 6 - May 19 (No Class March 31), and Wednesday classes will run from January 7- May 20 (No Class April 1). All students should come prepared with a water bottle and a healthy snack that does not contain nuts. |
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Arete is participating for the first time in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. We will send at least one Spelling Champion to Regionals in Sacramento with a chance to go to the Finals in Washington DC. Register now on SignUp Genius to express your interest, receive the study guides, and get invited to practice sessions. Our official Spelling Bee will be scheduled in January 2026. We will hold monthly practice sessions leading up to Arete's first official School Spelling Bee in January. Anyone is welcome to join the practice sessions and the spelling words will be based upon your grade level. (for the official Scripps Spelling Bee, contestants must not have reached their 15th birthday on or before August 31, 2025) Looking ahead at dates for Practice Sessions: - Wed Nov 12, 1-2pm - Wed Dec 10, 1-2pm - Wed Jan 7, 1-2pm |
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Arete's 4th Annual Dragon Fair will be Friday, November 14 from 11:00am-1:00-pm. Set Up begins at 10:30am.If you would like to participate in this craft fair please fill the information out down below and pay by Friday, October 31st. Current and former Arete parents and students are invited to participate. Please bring two items to donate to the raffle to raise money for sports gear, P.E equipment, new books, science gear or fixes that are needed around the school. Restrooms will be available. Booth size is 10x10. BYO Booth, tables, and everything else you'll need for your setup. (We have a limited number of tables that are first come, first served. Please add that to the comments if you need one.) This is a great community event. Even if you do not sign up to sell items, please come visit that day and see all of the cool stuff our talented families make! Arete Dragon Fair- Fall 2025 SignUp |
Important Update: New Attendance Reporting SystemDear Parents, We are currently working on and about to release a new online system for tracking and reporting student attendance! This change is in response to new state regulations that require us to be more specific in how we document student attendance. The new system will help us accurately track student participation and ensure that each student meets the applicable minimum school day requirement for their grade. To be counted as a day of attendance, a student's engagement must meet the required instructional time. The online system will give you a clear and convenient way to view your child's attendance and participation, helping us all work together to ensure their success. Thank you for your cooperation as we transition to this new and improved system. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. |
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Important Sign Ups: 2nd-8th Grade and High School Winter NWEA Math and AR Reading Assessments 2025-26 Arete Dragon Fair- Fall 2025 SignUp Spelling Bee Sign up: Register now on SignUp Genius Tuesday Math Tutoring at Arete High School Blended Middle School Field Trip 2526 Fall Enrichment Sign Ups 26/26 Arete Charter Academy Blended Middle School 25/26 Arete Planning for the 2025-2026 School Year (This is the official Resource Center Sign Up). Click here to join our Arete Family Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/248326042576101 |
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*Please email Sheila at [email protected] if you would like to order free/reduced breakfast or lunch this year. |
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We are a NUT FREE campus. Please save nut snacks for while at home. Also, we have some other class specific allergies, so please email Sarah and the classroom teacher BEFORE bringing in birthday treats. We are also working towards a healthier campus and encourage snacks/treats that align with that. Low and zero waste items are preferred. |
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November 10 |
Professional Development Day- No School |
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November 11 |
Veteran’s Day- No School |
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November 12 |
12-1 |
Drawing Club |
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November 12 |
12:15-1:15 |
Snack Attack |
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November 12 |
1:00-2:00 |
Spelling Bee Practice |
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November 12 |
1:15-2:30 |
Culinary Class |
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November 13 |
12:15-1:15 |
Snack Attack Cooking |
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November 13 |
1:15-2:30 |
CULINARY |
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November 14 |
10:00-1:00 |
Dragon Fair |
Arete Parent Crew News
Our November meeting was a blast with some get-to-know each other time, quick updates about happenings at Arete, and then roundtable time to discuss future Parent Crew activities/ budget planning.
* About pies, we are at 107! as of today! Thank you so much! Orders will be available for pick up on November 18th from 11:30-2:30 only. These will be Fresh Frozen pies and storage here is limited.
* We had a great new idea from Jaime King - Arete's Family Business Directory - please input your info if your family has a business/ service that other Arete Families may want to use. This is a great way to support our school community!
For a full recap of the meeting, check out the Arete Parent Crew Slack
Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:15am - RSVP here. For this holiday edition, feel free to bring a holiday cookie/ treat to share.
Professional Development Day November 10, school not in session.
Veterans Day is Tuesday November 11, school not in session.