**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

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."

Chess Club starts THIS Friday, September 24 from 1-2 in room 5.

Growth Mindset Assembly and Books

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.

🐉 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

Tuesday's Spirit Day

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|                         O P E R A T I O N :                                  |
|            S E C R E T   S P Y   S P I R I T   D A Y                         |
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================================================================================

                      *** MISSION BRIEFING ***

  AGENT ATTENTION REQUIRED:
  Your presence is requested for Secret Spy Spirit Day! Standard dress code is 
  compromised. Dress in full undercover attire and report to campus on time.

================================================================================
|   DATE: Sept 21  |  TIME: 0900 HOURS  |  LOCATION: Arete Charter Academy
================================================================================

                   --- CLASSIFIED AGENT DISGUISES ---

   🕶️ THE CLASSIC AGENT:
      Trench coats, sleek dark blazers, suits, or tactical all-black gear.

   🥸 THE COVER IDENTITIES:
      Dark sunglasses, fedoras, newsboy caps, or fake moustaches.

   🔍 FIELD GADGETS:
      Toy magnifying glasses, oversized decoder watches, or briefcase backpacks.

   👟 STEALTH FOOTWEAR:
      Dark sneakers or boots designed for silent movement.

================================================================================

                   --- RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (DOs & DON'Ts) ---

   [✓] DO ensure disguises comply with standard school dress code guidelines.
   [✓] DO remove sunglasses inside the classroom during instruction time.
   [✗] NO real, realistic toy, or prop weapons of any kind.

================================================================================
|  THIS MESSAGE WILL NOT SELF-DESTRUCT. MARK YOUR CALENDARS IMMEDIATELY.      |
================================================================================

Sunday, September 20 Update

Good evening families,

What a wonderful Family Dance on Friday night. So amazing to see so many people there. We sold well over 100 tickets, raised some money for the Arete Parent Crew, had lots of dancing and I was super excited to see so many middle schoolers there! Thanks to the many helpers and our fearless dance chair- Pirate Sarah Herring!

Reminder to send water bottles with your students each day when they are on

campus. We have filtered water refilling stations, but no longer provide cups. We also have well water drinking fountains in classes that students can use. Thanks!

Spirit Days

*September 21- Monday: Dress for the USA

*September 22- Tuesday: Dress as a Secret Spy

*September 23- Wednesday: Dress as Meme

*September 24- Thursday: Sports/Jersey Day

On Tuesday, September 22, Nick at Entomemeology will be presenting two assemblies hosted by our awesome Arete Parent Crew. (Your fundraising dollars at work). Please come join us!

TK-3rd from 9:15-9:45

6th-8th from 10-11

The workshop consists of an interactive lecture about entomology and the importance of insect conservation as well as careers in entomology. Then there is a showcase of an exotic live invertebrate collection and curated specimen collections. There will be 10 different species of exotic invertebrates and four friendly, harmless species the students can hold. They are giant African millipedes, giant hissing cockroaches, dairy cow isopods and blue death feigning beetles. The bug handling helps students get more acquainted with bugs and bug behavior as well as helps dismantle fears. There will also be view-only bugs: a giant desert hairy scorpion, tailless whip scorpion, giant two spotted African assassin bugs, a Brazilian black tarantula, and a very large black widow spider and ant colonies.

Chess Club starts THIS Friday, September 24 from 1-2 in room 5.

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

Girls Basketball Season is Here!

It is time to lace up those sneakers—Girls Basketball is officially kicking off for all 5th through 8th graders!

Season Dates: October 19th – December 18th
Sign-Up Deadline: Please let us know by September 26th
Cost:

Blended Students: Covered by tuition
All Other Students: $175

How to Join: Pick up a permission slip in the main office and let Mrs. Whalen know at [email protected] if your player is interested by September 26th.

Boys Basketball families, don't worry—your season will start right after winter break!

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

💻 Keyboard & Typing Resources

Homeschool families do a wonderful job limiting screen time, but typing is an essential skill for schoolwork and assessments. Comprehensive schools typically start typing practice in 2nd grade for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a week.

If you want to practice at home, check out these free, fun sites:

Typing Pal

Dance Mat Typing

Ed Club

Learn to Type With Me

Need help setting up keyboarding practice? Email Carrie at [email protected].

🔗 Quick Links

*View the 2026-2027 Parent Calendar here

*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

*2nd-12th Grade Fall NWEA Math and AR Reading Assessments 2026-2027

*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 21

Spirit Day- Dress for the USA

September 21	3:30	XC Colfax Meet @ Colfax
September 22		Spirit Day- Dress As a Secret Spy
September 22	12:15-1:15	Create w/Clay
September 22	2-3:30	Flag Football Practice
September 22	2:10-3	XC Practice
September 23		Spirit Day- Dress Like a Meme
September 23	2:10-3	XC Practice
September 23	6:00	Girls Flag Football vs YRC @ 7Hills
September 24		Spirit Day-Sports/Jersey Day
September 24	11:55-2	Nevada County Law Day 5th Grade
September 24	Railhead Park, 175 Pacific Ave, Auburn, CA 95603	XC Bowman Bulls Invitational 2:45
September 24	2-3:30	Flag Football Practice
September 25	12:30	Sojourner Truth Field Trip 2252 Florin Rd. #126 Sacramento, CA 95822 - The museum is located on the corner of 24th and Florin
September 25	1-2pm	Chess Club Rm 5

BUGGY Assembly Tuesday

On Tuesday, September 22, Nick at Entomemeology will be presenting two assemblies hosted by our awesome Arete Parent Crew. (Your fundraising dollars at work). Please come join us!

TK-3rd from 9:15-9:45

6th-8th from 10-11

The workshop consists of an interactive lecture about entomology and the importance of insect conservation as well as careers in entomology. Then there is a showcase of an exotic live invertebrate collection and curated specimen collections. There will be 10 different species of exotic invertebrates and four friendly, harmless species the students can hold. They are giant African millipedes, giant hissing cockroaches, dairy cow isopods and blue death feigning beetles. The bug handling helps students get more acquainted with bugs and bug behavior as well as helps dismantle fears. There will also be view-only bugs: a giant desert hairy scorpion, tailless whip scorpion, giant two spotted African assassin bugs, a Brazilian black tarantula, and a very large black widow spider and ant colonies.

Girls Basketball Update

Girls Basketball Season is Here!

It is time to lace up those sneakers—Girls Basketball is officially kicking off for all 5th through 8th graders!

Season Dates: October 19th – December 18th
Sign-Up Deadline: Please let us know by September 26th
Cost:
- Blended Students: Covered by tuition
- All Other Students: $175
How to Join: Pick up a permission slip in the main office and let Mrs. Whalen know at [email protected] if your player is interested by September 26th.

Boys Basketball families, don't worry—your season will start right after winter break!

Sunday, September 13 Update

Good evening families,

We are excited to welcome Academic Enrichment Classes and After School Enrichments back on campus this week!

Ahoy Mateys- come join us for our second annual family dance at Arete. THIS FRIDAY evening from 5-7. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a family of 4+. Your ticket includes one piece of pizza per person. Additional pizza, drinks and dessert will be for sale. Our theme this year is Shipwrecked. Come dressed up as a pirate or mermaid or as yourself! Tickets will be for sale Tuesday and Wednesday morning outside the MPR or can be purchased in the office anytime. We hope you come dance with us! - Arete Parent Club

Nevada County Spelling Tournament- 2 students can attend per grade level.

*5-6th Grades- Wednesday, November 18- 8:30-1:30 (5/6th grades are now full).

*7-8th Grades- Thursday, November 19- 8:30-1:30 (7th grade is now full We still need an 8th grader).

RSVP by September 18 to [email protected] or [email protected].

Mrs. McKnight is the chaperone.

Spirit Days

*September 21- Monday: Dress for the USA

*September 22- Tuesday: Dress as a Secret Spy

*September 23- Wednesday: Dress as Meme

*September 24- Thursday: Sports/Jersey Day

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 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!

9/11, 9/14 - 9/15		Session 1 Meetings
September 14-18		6th Grade Science Camp
September 14	12:10-2	Girls Flag Football
September 14	2-3	Art Beaded Bubble Wand- CANCELLED DUE TO NO SIGNUPS
September 14	3-3:30	After Art Fun- CANCELLED DUE TO NO SIGNUPS
September 15	12-15-1:15	Art/Fairy,/Gnome
September 15	4:00	Girls Flag Football Game @ Seven Hills
September 16	3:30	XC Meet @ Seven Hills