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Field Trip Options

Hi Families!

We have so many fun field trips planned for the spring, and we’re excited to share them with you!

We’re still looking to fill two spots in March (possibly April) and May and thought we’d reach out to our school families for ideas!

Do any of you own a local business or know someone who might be willing to offer our students a free tour or educational experience? We’d love to find some new opportunities for the kids!

If you have any ideas or connections, please feel free to email me. We’d love to hear from you!

Thank you! 

Ashley Patch

[email protected]

Picture Day Schedule

Tuesday, October 20 (Walkins,staff, High School TK-3 Hybrid) 

9-9:20 Homeschool family walkins and staff 

9:20-9:40- Marina Codiga

9:40-10- 

10-10:20- Amber Baker

10:20-10:40 Nicole Tomasetti

10:40-11:00 Cassie McAlister

11:00-11:20- Meredith Doerr

 

Wednesday, October 21 (Walkins, staff and 4-8 Hybrid and BMS)

9:00-9:10 Homeschool family walkins and staff 

9:10-9:30 - Leah Veblen and Linda Allen

9:30-9:50- Rachel Smith

9:50-10:10- Amanda Tamo 7th

10:10-10:30- Aaron Codiga 8th

10:30-10:50- Viv McKnight 6th

10:50-11:10- Amber Baker

Orders can be placed online at mydorian.com before picture day and up to 4 days afterward.  We still need two parent helpers on Wednesday. Volunteers receive a "C" package for free.

peace poster contest
Hi Everyone-
 
In my middle school art classes, we are currently working on peace posters. The competition is open to any student who attends Arete between the ages of 11 (by November 15th) and 13. The Lions Club also sponsors a Peace Essay. If you have any students that you think might be interested, please share this information with them. They can also reach out to me with further questions. 
 
The school deadline is October 22nd. There is no flexibility in this! The Lion's Club will be picking them up at the end of the day. Students can deliver posters to me in the art room (Room 5) between 8:30 and 11:10 am or to the office at any time between 8 and 4, with clear labeling that it's for me.
 
The basics:
Students must be 11 (by 11/15/26), 12, or 13.
  • The theme is Harmony in Humanity. Bringing Peace to the World through one child at a time.
  • Posters MUST be original to the creator (NO AI).
  • Artwork can be no smaller than 13 inches by 20 inches, and no larger than 20 inches by 24 inches.
  • NO words or lettering should be included on the front of the poster, that includes the artist's signature. The artist's name should be written on the back of the poster.
  • NO 3-D art.
  • NO items stapled or glued to art (like collage).
  • Oil pastels or chalk MUST be fixed with a spray fixative to seal it and keep it from smearing (do not laminate).
  • Essay should be no more than 500 words.
  • Essay should be typed and printed in black ink.
  • Essay must be original work of the author (NO AI).
  • The essay must be accompanied by the Essay Entry Form in the attached packet.
I have attached the full rules.
 
Please let me know if you have questions.
Susie Yoho, M.Ed.
Visual Arts Teacher - Magnolia Intermediate and Arete Charter Academy
Educational Advisor - Arete Charter Academy

2026-2027
LIONS INTERNATIONAL
PEACE POSTER CONTEST
Harmony in Humanity
BRINGING PEACE TO THE WORLD, THROUGH ONE CHILD ATA TIME
Congratulations! Your son or daughter is creating a work of art that depicts what peace is by participating in the Lions International Peace
Poster Contest.
The Higgins Diggins Lions Club
Lions Club is sponsoring the contest at
Pleasant Ridge Union School District
(school or youth group name)
By entering this contest, your child is joining more than 600,000 children from around the world in sharing his or her vision of world peace. The
contest is open to children who will be 11, 12 or 13 on November 15, 2026. Contestants are asked to create a poster that visually communicates
the contest's theme, "Harmony in Humanity." This event offers an opportunity for you and others to discuss what peace looks like from the eyes
of your child.
FANTASTIC AWARDS!
One international grand prize winner will receive US$5,000 (or local equivalent) and an award. In addition, the grand prize winner, two family
members (one being a parent or legal guardian) and the sponsoring club president are invited to attend an award ceremony. The 23 merit award
winners will each receive US$500 (or local equivalent) and a certificate of achievement.
WHO ARE WE?
Lions International is the world's largest service club organization, with 1.4 million members in more than 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries and
geographical areas. In addition to our efforts toward conquering blindness, we have also made a strong commitment to community service and
helping youth throughout the world.
NEED MORE INFO?
To view the finalist posters or to download a video, visit the Lions International website at lionsclubs.org/ peaceposter. Share your child's artwork
on social media with #peaceposter.
PPC-3 EN 9/25

Cinema in Schools 2.0 Assembly 10/27/26

 

TK-3 9:25-9:55

10-10:55 6-8

For the TK-3rd assembly, we'll reintroduce media arts & moviemaking with story-telling elements and how technology needs to be balanced with imagination & play & human connection. SKIT & SEL self-regulation with mind & body wellness. simple tools to help themselves feel more ready to learn and handle everyday challenges. We will be building skills that students can use throughout the school day and at home.

For the 6th-8th assembly, we’ll cover media arts and consumption, screen time safety, technology influencing human connections, AI feelings reflection, creative avenues using media, looking for young filmmakers, SKIT & SEL self-regulation with mind & body wellness. 

Mrs. Codiga’s and Mrs. McKnight’s classes will have starring roles in the assembly

Dragons' Lair Productions

Are you in grades 5- 12? Are you interested in video production, camera work, or audio gear? Mrs. McKnight is looking for 5 enthusiastic students to join the Student AV & Video Production Crew! You’ll get to run live events and produce media projects for Alta Sierra, Cottage Hill, Magnolia, and Arete. No prior experience is needed—Mrs. McKnight will teach you everything from camera operation to Final Cut Pro video editing. Spots are extremely limited to just 5 crew members, so apply today! 
 
Please fill out the Dragons' Lair Production Application to apply.

Openings in the Center for the Arts Field Trip Tomorrow

Student Matinee at The Center for the Arts- Friday, October 9th 10:00am 3rd-8th Maat Ms. McAlister in front of the Center.

This awe-inspiring live show blends science, live music, and storytelling into a journey through the cosmos — and back home to Earth.  It's family-friendly, all ages welcome, with a Q&A after the show. And here's the best part: it's FREE for our community, thanks to the generous support of the Hoeffer Foundation, SaveMart Cares, and Amaral. 

One show. Infinite wonder. Look up — and see your place in the universe in a whole new light. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4EAAAB29A6FE3-65030550-arete#/

Arete Parent Crew Meeting 10/6 at 9:15

Hiya Parent Crew, hope you all had a great weekend!  This meeting will be a doozy - budget, fundraisers, and spiritwear oh my!
 
 
The meeting agenda is here, feel free to comment if you have something you would like to add.  Click on the October tab if it doesn't take you there.
 
See you soon

Sunday, October 4, 2026

 

Good evening families,

It's so toasty out that it is hard to believe that October Break is only one week away. PRSD and the Arete office will be closed from October 12-16. Enjoy the time with your families and hopefully some cooler weather!

 

Marshmallows and Mysteries

We are excited for our annual Reading Night held in the MPR, Tuesday, October 6 at 5:30 pm. This year we will be sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows while we enjoy some mystery reading selections presented by the teachers. We are encouraging students to come in costume dressed as their favorite mystery character or some comfy pajamas. Also, you may bring a book for the book exchange table, if you would like. Don't forget to bring a cozy blanket and pillow for our reading time.

The schedule is as follows:

5:30- 6:00- Students will visit crafting booths and a book exchange table. 

6:00- 6:15- Hot Cocoa and marshmallows will be provided.

6:15- 7:00- Families will pile in the middle of the MPR with pillows, and blankets for reading time.

Please click to sign up so we make sure we have enough treats. Thank you!

Marshmallows and Mysteries
This week on October 7 for 4-8th graders who signed up is our Field Trip to Bluebird Farm Nevada City. Please be at school by 8:50 to check in. The bus leaves at 9am and will return by 1pm. BMS can still be picked up at 2. Hybrid kiddos should be picked up at 1pm. If you did not sign up for a lunch, please pack your own. Kiddos should be dressed to hike around a farm in warm weather. All teachers are attending, so if you did not sign your child up, please have them work from home. The field trip is currently completely full. If your child will no longer attend, please email [email protected] so that we do not wait for them that morning.
 

Concerned About Your Child’s Chromebook Access?

GoGuardian has tools for parents to see sites, set time restrictions, pause the Internet, and also block some sites. We cover some of the setup and functionality here. There are things to keep in mind.

  • There are "at school" hours and "at home" hours. The school filter policy is the only one in effect during school hours, which are from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (it ends at 2:30 PM on Fridays). All other times are "at home" hours.
  • Parents have control via the GoGuardian Parent app during "at home" hours. Parents can be more restrictive than the school filtering policy, but not less restrictive.
  • Also, any time a student is on the school's network, the "at school" policy is in effect, regardless of the time of day.

 

School Pictures

October 20 and 21 from 9-11:30. Families can place orders online at mydorian.com before picture day and for up to 2 days afterwards. We have two sets of basic picture packages available per day for parent helpers. Email [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering to help that day.

 

October SEL Focus: Understanding Our Feelings & Bodies

This October, students will be learning about regulation—what it means to feel calm, focused, energized, or overwhelmed, and how our feelings can affect the way our bodies and brains respond.

Through fun, age-appropriate activities and conversations, students will practice noticing how they are feeling, recognizing signals from their bodies, and learning simple tools to help themselves feel more ready to learn and handle everyday challenges. We will be building skills that students can use throughout the school day and at home.

 

Arete’s 10th Annual Trick or Treat Event

On Thursday, October 29th All Arete kiddos can dress in their Halloween costumes and will Parade and then Trick or Treat around the playground at 11:30.

All students who are not on campus that day may sign up to come Trick or Treat with their parents. Please reserve a spot for each kiddo who you are bringing on campus that day! Please do not "show up" that day if you are not signed up or we will not have enough treats/toys. We need volunteers and treats or toys for the Trick or Treating. There are two parts to this Sign Up. 


Part 1- Sign up to bring in your students if they do not normally attend school on Thursdays. 

Part 2- Sign up to come in and hand out 40 treats/toys. This only works if people come in to help that day! All treats should be absolutely 100% NUT FREE. Please sign up for something if you plan on attending! Even if your kids normally attend on Thursdays, we still need people to bring treats and pass them out! Please be here by 11:15 to get directions and be ready to go.

This is a BRING YOUR OWN BAG EVENT!!! We will NOT be providing disposable bags this year. Please bring or send in a bag for your kiddo and maybe an extra for a kiddo who forgot. 

Trick or Treating 2026

 

🐉 Arete’s 4th Annual Dragon Fair!

Join us for a fantastic community event celebrating our school and local creators! This is a wonderful opportunity for young entrepreneurs to gain hands-on practice making, marketing, and selling their own items.

Whether you're selling or just shopping, come out and support our amazingly talented families!

📅 Event Details

  • When: Friday, November 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Set Up: Begins at 10:30 AM
  • Who Can Participate: Current and former Arete students and parents
  • Sign-Up & Payment Deadline: Friday, October 30th (We must have 10 entries to hold the fair).

🎪 Vendor Information

  • Booth Size: 10' x 10'
  • Setup Requirements: BYO (Bring Your Own) booth, tables, chairs, and display supplies.
    • Note: We have a limited number of school tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need one, please request it in the comments section when you sign up!

🎟️ Raffle & School Support

Please bring two items to donate to our Dragon Fair Raffle! All proceeds from the raffle directly fund vital school needs, including:

  • Sports & P.E. equipment
  • New library books
  • Science gear
  • Assemblies

🛍️ Not Selling? Come Shop for Christmas gifts for friends and family!

Even if you aren't hosting a booth, please mark your calendar and join us! Bring friends and family to browse all the cool, handcrafted creations made by our community while supporting Arete.

Ready to reserve your spot? Please complete the sign-up form below and submit payment by Friday, October 30th.

Arete’s Dragon Fair 2026
 

 

 

🔗 Quick Links

*View the 2026-2027 Parent Calendar here 

*Trick or Treating 2026

*Arete’s Dragon Fair 2026

*Arete Approved Curriculum 2026-2027

*Fall Semester Enrichments

*Arete Planning for the 2026-2027 School Year

*Academic Enrichment Sign Up

By*Click here to sign up for Blended Middle School

*K- 12 Arete Piano Lab - Semester One Registration 26/27

*Vendor Budget Form 2026-'27

*Supplies Budget Form 2026-'27

*Curriculum Budget Form 2026-'27

*Edlio- See all of the postings we have ever made!

See Important Dates for the Entire School Year Here

October 5 

2-3

Art w/Friends Pumpkin Pillow

October 5 

3-3:30 

After Art Fun

October 6 

12:15-1:15 

Art Sun Printing

October 6 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football

October 6 

2:10-3

Last XC Practice and 

October 6

5:30-7

Marshmallows and Mysteries- Fall Reading Night

October 7 

Be at School at 8:50 to check in  

Bus Leaves at 9

5-8th grade on Campus Students Field Trip to Bluebird Farm Nevada City

October 7 

5:00

Flag Football vs GVC @ Seven Hills

October 7 

4:30 PM

XC Miner Mile @ NU

October 8  

12-1:15 

Cookie Science
 

October 8 

2-3:30 

Flag Football (last practice)

10/9, 10/19 - 10/20

  

Session 2 Meetings

October 12-16

  

October Break

Trash

**TRASH TALK**

Please help us keep our campus clean and safe! We’ve noticed an increasing amount of trash scattered around the Arete property—especially in the parking lots, field areas, play structures, and lunch spots. While windy days make it tough, we need everyone’s help to keep our grounds tidy. Please do your part by disposing of your trash properly. Thank you for your help!

 

October SEL Focus: Understanding Our Feelings & Bodies

This October, students will be learning about regulation—what it means to feel calm, focused, energized, or overwhelmed, and how our feelings can affect the way our bodies and brains respond.

Through fun, age-appropriate activities and conversations, students will practice noticing how they are feeling, recognizing signals from their bodies, and learning simple tools to help themselves feel more ready to learn and handle everyday challenges. We will be building skills that students can use throughout the school day and at home.

Sunday, September 27 Update

 

Good evening families,

So lovely to have fall weather arrive (at least some of the time!).

 

🐉 Arete’s 4th Annual Dragon Fair!

Join us for a fantastic community event celebrating our school and local creators! This is a wonderful opportunity for young entrepreneurs to gain hands-on practice making, marketing, and selling their own items.

Whether you're selling or just shopping, come out and support our amazingly talented families!

📅 Event Details

  • When: Friday, November 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Set Up: Begins at 10:30 AM
  • Who Can Participate: Current and former Arete students and parents
  • Sign-Up & Payment Deadline: Friday, October 30th (We must have 10 entries to hold the fair).

🎪 Vendor Information

  • Booth Size: 10' x 10'
  • Setup Requirements: BYO (Bring Your Own) booth, tables, chairs, and display supplies.
    • Note: We have a limited number of school tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need one, please request it in the comments section when you sign up!

🎟️ Raffle & School Support

Please bring two items to donate to our Dragon Fair Raffle! All proceeds from the raffle directly fund vital school needs, including:

  • Sports & P.E. equipment
  • New library books
  • Science gear
  • Assemblies

🛍️ Not Selling? Come Shop for Christmas gifts for friends and family!

Even if you aren't hosting a booth, please mark your calendar and join us! Bring friends and family to browse all the cool, handcrafted creations made by our community while supporting Arete.

Ready to reserve your spot? Please complete the sign-up form below and submit payment by Friday, October 30th.

Arete’s Dragon Fair 2026

 

You all are invited to the following assemblies:

November 4, 2026: 4-8 Growth Mindset Assembly from 9:15-10:00am

November 4, 2026: 6-8 Growth Mindset Assembly from 10:15-11:00am

Order Autographed Copies of Dr. Blake’s Books

To accompany his powerful message, Dr. Blake has written a series of beautifully illustrated children's books focused on growth mindset themes. He is offering personalized, autographed copies delivered directly to the school for our students!

  • Order Link: Order Autographed Books Here
  • Order Deadline: October 28, 2026
  • Note: When placing your order online, please remember to include your School Name, Student Name, Grade Level, and Teacher Name in the Order Notes section at checkout to ensure proper delivery.

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Blake and inspiring our students together!

Here is a little about Dr. Blake-

As a little background context: I have a Ph.D. in Hip-Hop and Global Youth Cultures, performed on America's Got Talent, and presented a TEDx Talk. I have supported more than 600,000 students, educators, and parents over the past 20 years, and have seen the power of the Growth Mindset transform students' lives in the face of immense challenges. I am passionate about the growth mindset, kindness and digital citizenship.

 

We would love to have you add photos to our yearbook drive throughout the year. *Click here: Yearbook Photo Share

*Create an account.

*Then you can upload. Thanks!

 

Girls Basketball Update

Cancelled due to not enough sign ups.

 

Marshmallows and Mysteries

We are excited for our annual Reading Night held in the MPR, Tuesday, October 6 at 5:30 pm. This year we will be sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows while we enjoy some mystery reading selections presented by the teachers. We are encouraging students to come in costume dressed as their favorite mystery character or some comfy pajamas. Also, you may bring a book for the book exchange table, if you would like. Don't forget to bring a cozy blanket and pillow for our reading time.

The schedule is as follows:

5:30- 6:00- Students will visit crafting booths and a book exchange table. 

6:00- 6:15- Hot Cocoa and marshmallows will be provided.

6:15- 7:00- Families will pile in the middle of the MPR with pillows, and blankets for reading time.

Please click to sign up so we make sure we have enough treats. Thank you!

Marshmallows and Mysteries
 

 

📅 Campus Info

  • Free & Reduced Meals: Email Sheila at [email protected] to order breakfast or lunch.
  • Reminder to send water bottles with your students each day when they are on campus. 
  • Accepted Office Payments: Exact cash, check (to PRSD), or online at MealTime

🚗 Campus Safety & Daily Protocols

Always sign in and out at the office when visiting campus. During safety drills or real emergencies, we must account for every individual checked into the building.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Routine

  • Drive Slowly: We have children, families, and chickens walking through the parking lot!
  • Pull All the Way Forward: Load and unload at the front of the line to keep traffic moving.
  • No Parking Past the Garden: Do not drive past the garden into staff/handicapped spaces unless authorized.
  • Walk Your Child: If you park, walk to get your child. Do not wave them across traffic.

Health & Food Policies

  • 🚫 NUT-FREE CAMPUS: Please save all nut-based snacks for home.
  • Birthdays: Check with Sarah and the classroom teacher before sending in birthday treats due to specific classroom allergies.
  • Healthy & Low-Waste: We encourage healthy, low/zero-waste snacks and treats!

 

🔗 Quick Links

*View the 2026-2027 Parent Calendar here 

*Arete’s Dragon Fair 2026

*Arete Approved Curriculum 2026-2027

*Fall Semester Enrichments

*Arete Planning for the 2026-2027 School Year

*Academic Enrichment Sign Up

*Click here to sign up for Blended Middle School

*K- 12 Arete Piano Lab - Semester One Registration 26/27

*Vendor Budget Form 2026-'27

*Supplies Budget Form 2026-'27

*Curriculum Budget Form 2026-'27

*Edlio- See all of the postings we have ever made!

See Important Dates for the Entire School Year Here

 

September 28 

4:00

Girls Flag Football @ Ready Springs

September 29 

12:15-1:15 

Pottery Wheel 

September 29 

2:10-3

XC Practice

September 29 

2-3:30 

Flag Football Practice

September 30 

12:15-1:00

Cooking Class Chinese Take out and Ramen Art

 

September 30 

1-1:50 

Snack Attack Mango Ice Cream Sandwiches 

September 30 

2:10-3 

XC Practice

September 30 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

October 1 

CANCELLED

Science Adventures in STEAM

October 1 

12:15-1

Cooking Class Ramen Art

October 1 

1:150

Snack Attack Mango Ice Cream Sandwiches

October 1 

2-2:45

Bread Art Brioche Animal Sculptures

October 1 

22431 Kingston Ln, Grass Valley, CA 95949

XC Rattler Run PRSD

October 2 

1-2

Chess Club

October 2 

1:30 -2:30 

California Museum Trip @1020 O St. Sacramento, CA 95814

 

training
This is a wonderful training that the county is providing for teachers. Since homeschool parents are the teachers of their own children, you are invited to attend. We will be sending staff as well! Click here to register- Mastering Reinforcement for Lasting Behavior Change Training
 
"This training will discuss how to identify, understand and intervene with problem behaviors within the classroom. Through examples and case studies the steps of creating a classroom environment rich in positive behavior supports will be outlined and discussed. Evidence-based positive behavior intervention strategies and supports within the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework will be covered. Strategies will address how to support the vast array of problem behaviors that students may engage in, across all classroom settings."