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Good evening families, We have one quick week before we are off for just over two weeks. Reminder that Monday, January 5 we are closed for staff training. |
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Arete Charter Academy’s Promotion Ceremony has been moved to Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 to support other district events. |
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Arete accepts these forms of payment: *Exact cash *Check to PRSD *Mymealtime.com (need student ID number) |
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Second Annual Heritage Festival Friday, February 27th 2026, 9:00-1:00. All Are Welcome Please join us for this one of a kind community building event. Last year’s festival was such a special experience, we decided that we had to make it an annual tradition. Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for parents and students alike, to connect with one another. We want to nurture the “village” mentality, so that school feels like a home away from home, and students are set on the secure foundation of a strong community. If you do not typically attend school events, please, from the bottom of our hearts, consider joining us for this one. Every family adds a bit of magic to the adventure of the day. Poster Boards, rectangular stickers to hold parent contact information (share whatever you are comfortable with), and round student stickers to represent the country your family chooses, are available in the front office. Some parents were hoping to have them to work on over Winter Break. |
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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 17 from 9:10-10am. Thank you to those who signed up to bring in supplies to support this fun event. Please bring the items in the day before or at 9am drop off so we can get everything ready ahead of time for the fun event. |
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Nevada County Speech Contest We are so excited to announce the topic for the 2026 Speech Tournament: A Family Tradition that is Meaningful to You This tournament is open to two 4th - 8th graders from each school. The preliminary competition will take place on Friday, March 13th, with the finals the following Monday, March 16th. Ms. McAlister will be the teacher chaperone and will be hosting two speech coaching sessions on Thursdays, February 26 and March 5 at 12:15-1:45. Please let me know ASAP if your child wants to participate. If we have more than two entries per grade level, we will have an on site speech contest at Arete. The final day to let me know your kiddo will participate is Friday. January 9, 2026. |
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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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APC December Meeting follow-ups: Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 6th 9:15-10:15 - RSVP here - and we will be voting to finalize our budget for the rest of the year - thanks @Lorinda Garcia for asking the follow-up question about confirming budget plans!
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Talented Learner's Hub will be sponsoring the December 20 Day Meeting Prizes and the Voellingers will be on campus the week of December 15th from 9am-1pm to distribute prizes and answer questions about their enrichment courses. TLH is an Arete approved vendor that was founded by parents El and Cody Voellinger. They will be offering semester-long courses in the afternoons after resource starting in January 2026. Courses include: Life Skills, Speech & Debate, Nature Bowl, and Poetry Lab. They will provide transportation from Arete to the instructional site (make sure to let Arete know that someone other than you will be picking up your kiddos) and work samples will be included in lessons! To learn more or sign-up, you can connect with El next week in-person or email questions to [email protected] *Extra prizes will be in the office for kids to redeem tickets if their meeting is at a different time. EA’s will also be passing out awesome Informative Writing Packets created by Marina Codiga and STAR AR reports to all 2-8th grade students and NWEA Math reports to students who scored below grade. These awesome reports give specific information about what math skills should be targeted for instruction. |
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Every year, students in grades 3-8 complete CAASPP testing in the spring. CAASPP testing results are reported to the state and we use the results of these tests to help keep our charter open. We are looking to show growth each year. Many families have questions about how to help their children practice and prepare, and this night is for you! On Janaury 22, please join us for a welcome dinner from 5:00 - 5:30 followed by an informative session and training from 5:30 - 6:30. Bring your questions and a charged chromebook if you have one (chromebooks can also be checked out to families during the event). We will go over basic testing information, answer questions, and complete practice test walk-throughs to help your family learn about the CAASPP testing platform and how your children can practice at home. This is a great opportunity for both confident testers and students who struggle with testing anxiety. Also very helpful for students in the Blended Middle School Program! You don't want to miss this important event! We will be handing out raffle prizes to attendees! On Thursday, March 12th, from 5:30-6:30, Arete will host an exciting and interactive Math Night, where families can experience the magic of math in a fun-filled evening with a series of stations, each designed to help students explore different math concepts while getting ready to see math in a whole new light! Join us for a fun and engaging Family Math Night where we will unleash our inner artists and explore the beautiful connection between mathematics, shapes, and creativity. This evening is dedicated to the visual and artistic side of math, focusing on hands-on activities that build spatial reasoning and a love for patterns. We would love to have you all join Mrs. Tamo for this fun and active night! This is a free night and ALL are invited! Two Great Nights of FUN and LEARNING: CAASPP Family Night and Geometry Night |
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Tuesday, January 13- ALL families are invited to an assembly put on by the Forest Service called, “Tahoe in the Classroom”. *TK-3rd- 30 minutes 9:30-10- Animal Superpowers *3/4- 45ish minutes 10:15-11:00- Trees *6-8- 45-60 minutes 11:10-12:10- Trees |
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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 on Wednesday, January 28th. 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 Jan 7, 1-2pm |
Wacky Tacky (Mismatch Day) Monday 12/15 Blizzard Day Tuesday 12/16 Pajama Day Wednesday 12/17 Pajama Day Thursday 12/18 |
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Important Sign Ups: Two Great Nights of FUN and LEARNING: CAASPP Family Night and Geometry Night 25/26 8th Grade High School Information Second Annual Heritage Festival K- 12 Arete Piano Lab - Semester Two Registration 25/26 Second Semester Enrichments 2026 Arete Christmas Celebrations 2025 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. |
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December 16 |
10:30-11:30 |
Author Kentrell Martin |
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December 17 |
12-1 |
Drawing Club |
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December 17 |
11-11:55 |
The 4-8th Hybrid Resource Center Party with Ms. Baker and Mrs. Veblen AND the BMS Party |
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December 18,19, Jan 6 |
20 Day Meetings |
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December 18 |
11-11:55 |
Ms. Tomasetti's, Ms. McAlister, and Mrs. Codiga's Resource Center Party will be Thursday, December 18 from 11:15-11:55. |
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December 19 |
End of Semester 1 |
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December 22-31 January 1-2 |
Winter Recess- No School |
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January 5 |
Professional Development Day- No School |
Every year, students in grades 3-8 complete CAASPP testing in the spring. CAASPP testing results are reported to the state and we use the results of these tests to help keep our charter open. We are looking to show growth each year. Many families have questions about how to help their children practice and prepare, and this night is for you! On Janaury 22, please join us for a welcome dinner from 5:00 - 5:30 followed by an informative session and training from 5:30 - 6:30. Bring your questions and a charged chromebook if you have one (chromebooks can also be checked out to families during the event). We will go over basic testing information, answer questions, and complete practice test walk-throughs to help your family learn about the CAASPP testing platform and how your children can practice at home. This is a great opportunity for both confident testers and students who struggle with testing anxiety. Also very helpful for students in the Blended Middle School Program! You don't want to miss this important event! We will be handing out raffle prizes to attendees!
On Thursday, March 12th, from 5:30-6:30, Arete will host an exciting and interactive Math Night, where families can experience the magic of math in a fun-filled evening with a series of stations, each designed to help students explore different math concepts while getting ready to see math in a whole new light! Join us for a fun and engaging Family Math Night where we will unleash our inner artists and explore the beautiful connection between mathematics, shapes, and creativity. This evening is dedicated to the visual and artistic side of math, focusing on hands-on activities that build spatial reasoning and a love for patterns. We would love to have you all join Mrs. Tamo for this fun and active night!
This is a free night and ALL are invited!
Two Great Nights of FUN and LEARNING: CAASPP Family Night and Geometry Night
Nevada County Speech Contest
We are so excited to announce the topic for the 2026 Speech Tournament:
A Family Tradition that is Meaningful to You
This tournament is open to two 4th - 8th graders from each school. The preliminary competition will take place on Friday, March 13th, with the finals the following Monday, March 16th. Ms. McAlister will be the teacher chaperone and will be hosting two speech coaching sessions on Thursdays, February 26 and March 5 at 12:15-1:45. Please let me know ASAP if your child wants to participate. If we have more than two entries per grade level, we will have an on site speech contest at Arete. The final day to let me know your kiddo will participate is Friday. January 9, 2026.
FUTURE BRUIN DAY FIELD TRIP: Jan. 27, 2026
Eighth grade families, we're planning our field trip to Bear River High School's "Future Bruin Day." This is an opportunity for your student to preview high school life. Parent RSVP’s are due by Friday, Dec. 12. Please email Sarah at [email protected] to reserve your child’s spot. Students will meet Arete teacher, Mrs. Allen in front of the BR Gym at 9am to join our Arete group. Parents should pick students up no later than 12:30. Thank you!
Future Bruin Day - Tuesday, January 27: From 9:15-12:30: Students will come to campus for a morning of information, tour, lunch and a rally! Please note that lunch will be provided to students only during this event.
Bear River will be handing out T Shirts to the students who complete the form by December 12 selecting their size. Future Bruin Day T-Shirt order This must be completed by Friday, December 12.
SAVE THE DATE: BRHS PARENT NIGHT
Eighth grade families interested in Bear River High School, please save the date for their Future Bruin Parent Night: Flier
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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Good evening families, Thanks to all who made our Snowball such a blast for the kiddos. Also, we had an amazing Arete Crew Parent Meeting this week with lots of lively participants and yummy treats! |
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Family Heritage Planning Meeting Monday December 8th at 12pm there is a Family Heritage Festival planning meeting - RSVP - join the Sarahs and Ms Tomasetti to plan for version 2! https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/share... |
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Ugly Christmas Sweater Wednesday 12/10 Throwback Thursday (Dress From Your Favorite Decade) Thursday 12/11 Wacky Tacky (Mismatch Day) Monday 12/15 Blizzard Day Tuesday 12/16 Pajama Day Wednesday 12/17 Pajama Day Thursday 12/18 |
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Our Family Christmas Party is THIS Wednesday! 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. Reminder to bring a finger food to share at the Potluck. Sarah will provide reusable plates and cups and hot and cold apple cider. 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. We still need a few parents to donate dairy free chocolate milk and hot liquid cups with lids. Thanks! 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 17 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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APC December Meeting follow-ups:
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Talented Learner’s Hub is hosting our December 20 Day Meeting Prizes. Arete Parent, El Voellinger, will be on campus from 9:30-12 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for your child to turn in their 20 Day Meeting ticket for a prize. We will have extra prizes in the office for kids to redeem tickets if their meeting is at a different time. Learn more about our new vendor here. Talented Learners Hub or [email protected]. The company will provide transportation from Arete to the instructional site (make sure to let Arete know that someone other than you will be picking up your kiddos) and work samples will be included in lessons. EA’s will also be passing out awesome Informative Writing Packets created by Marina Codiga and STAR AR reports to all 2-8th grade students and NWEA Math reports to students who scored below grade. These awesome reports give specific information about what math skills should be targeted for instruction. |
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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 on Wednesday, January 28th. 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 Dec 10, 1-2pm - Wed Jan 7, 1-2pm |
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Important Sign Ups: K- 12 Arete Piano Lab - Semester Two Registration 25/26 Second Semester Enrichments 2026 Arete Christmas Celebrations 2025 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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Date |
Time |
Event |
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December 8 |
1:30-2:30 |
Art w/Friends |
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December 8 |
2:30-3:30 |
After Art w/Friends |
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December 9 |
12:15-1:30 |
STEAM |
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December 10 |
9:30-2pm |
BMS IMAX Field Trip |
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December 10 |
12-1 |
Drawing Club |
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December 10 |
1:00-2:00 |
Spelling Bee Practice |
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December 10 |
Session #1- 4:30-5:20 Session #2- 5:30-6:20 |
Family Christmas Party |
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December 11 |
2:15-3:15 |
Staff Christmas Party- Office Closed from 2-3:30pm |
