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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

 

September 18

5-7

Shipwrecked Family Dance

 

🔗 Quick Links

*View the 2026-2027 Parent Calendar here 

*Marshmallows and Mysteries

*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

What: Car show
When: Saturday, September 26 9am-2pm
Who: any Arete students
How: Come join us at the table to sell your art in person, or leave your artwork at the front desk for The Groves and we will sell the art on your behalf and get you your $.  Car-themed art is recommended!
 
*Fun Background Story - the owner of the print shop on the corner saw a car poster drawn by one of our students for the Talent Show and remembered to invite us to host a table at the Car Show!

Have You Filled A Bucket Today?

This month, students in Kindergarten–8th grade will explore how their words, actions, and choices affect others. Through age-appropriate activities, students will learn about kindness, empathy, inclusion, respect, and positive relationships, while discovering ways they can help create a caring and supportive school community.

Bucket Filling Activity:

Students will learn that everyone carries an “invisible bucket” that can be filled by kind, respectful, and encouraging words and actions. They will explore how “bucket dipping”—such as excluding, teasing, or disrespecting others—can negatively affect someone, and identify simple ways they can help fill the buckets of those around them.

Lesson Outlines:

4/5 Grades PRSD Band Opportunity

Calling all 4th and 5th graders! Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument? PRSD's Elementary Band program is beginning in a few weeks, and now is your chance! Choose from clarinet, flute, trumpet, and trombone! Classes are taught by Arete's music teacher, Mr. Horton, and will take place in the music room at the middle school. Parents, for more information, please click here. If you are ready to sign up, please use this link! 

Monday, September 7 Update

 

Good evening families,

So excited to have so many kiddos starting on campus this week. Please CLOSELY read through the pick up routine. We DO NOT allow students to cross the parking lot without you accompanying them. Also, please know that we are working diligently to complete purchase orders as quickly as we can. Some vendors still have not completed their contracts and Sheila V is working hard to help them finish, but we cannot send purchase orders to them until they are done. Also, if you are over budget or do not clearly complete the budget form, that takes a lot of time going back and forth emailing with you. Some budgets have 4-6 different vendors listed and each one of them needs a separate purchase order and that takes additional time. I am out of town this weekend, but brought my laptop and have completed nearly 100 purchase orders and Sheila will send them out Monday. Thanks SO MUCH for your patience!

 

🚗 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!

 

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

*5-6th Grades- Wednesday, November 18- 8:30-1:30 (5th grade is now full).

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

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

Mrs. McKnight is the chaperone.

 

*Our first Arete Parent Crew Meeting is Tuesday, September 8 at 9:15 in the MPR. Please drop your kiddos off to class and head over. 


*Ahoy Mateys- Tickets for our Family Dance will go on sale that day. Our theme this year is Shipwrecked and it is September 18. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a family and will include food. Pre-sale tickets are much appreciated and there will be a small amount of tickets sold at the door. More details to come!  

 

Quick update for breakfast/lunch sign-ups: 

We must sign up for food ONE WEEK in advance so please remember that when you are planning/ordering food!

Please remember to add the days and your child's grade next to their first and last name when you register. This makes organizing the rosters so much easier for our team. Email requests to [email protected]. Sheila needs to order meals ONE week in advance.

The law says that we have to offer lunches to students who are enrolled  in classes for at least two hours each day. Currently, as a courtesy, we offer meals Monday- Thursdays and students can receive those meals even if they do not attend classes. Only students attending our Friday enrichment class can sign up for Friday meals.

The pick up time for breakfast is 8:50-9:05. The pick up time for lunch is 11:55-12:05. After the time has passed, meals will be given to any available hungry children, so we can reduce food waste. Also, it is VERY helpful if you email Sheila if you know your children will be absent for the day so she can share the food with others.

The free meals are paid for with tax payer money and we try not to be wasteful!

Reminder: NO eating in the library and PLEASE make sure all of the trash makes it into the garbage cans and the food waste makes it into the food waste bin.

We really appreciate your help!

 

📅 Key Dates & Enrollment Process

  • September 8: Resource Center classes begin
  • September 15: Academic Enrichment classes begin
  • View the 2026-2027 Parent Calendar here 
 
 
 
 

🔗 Quick Links

*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 7

  

Labor Day

September 8

  

Resource Center Opens

September 8

9:15 MPR

Parent Crew Meeting

September 8 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 8

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

September 9 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football 

September 9

  

Cross Country Meet at Weimar

September 10 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 10

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

9/11, 9/14 - 9/15

  

Session 1 Meetings

September 14-18

  

6th Grade Science Camp

September 14 

2-3

Art Beaded Bubble Wand

September 14 

3-3:30

After Art Fun

September 15 

12-15-1:15

Art/Fairy,/Gnome

September 15 

12:15-1:45

STEM in the Kitchen

September 15 

4:00

Girls Flag Football Game @ Seven Hills

September 16

3:30

XC Meet @ Seven Hills

September 18

5-7

Shipwrecked Family Dance

September 21 

  

Spirit Day

September 21 

2-3 

Art Mason Jar Aquarium

September 21 

3-3:30

After Art Fun

September 21 

3:30

XC Colfax Meet

September 23 

6:00

Girls Flag Football vs YRC @ 7Hills

September 24 

Railhead Park, 175 Pacific Ave, Auburn, CA 95603

XC Bowman Bulls Invitional

September 25

1-2pm

Chess Club Starts

September 28 

4:00

Girls Flag Football @ Ready Springs

October 1 

22431 Kingston Ln, Grass Valley, CA 95949

XC Rattler Run PRSD

October 6

5:30-7

Reading Night

October 7 

TBD

XC Miner Mile @ NU

October 7 

5:00

Girls Flag Football vs GVC @ 7Hills

10/9, 10/19 - 10/20

  

Session 2 Meetings

October 12-16

  

October Break

October 27 

9:25-9:55 K-3th

10-10:55 6-8th

Cinema in Schools: Filmmaking Workshops & Digital Literacy ASSEMBLY 

November 4 

4-8 from 9:15-10:00am

6-8 10:15-11:00am

 

Growth Mindset Assembly 

November 11

  

Veteran’s Day

November 13

9-10

Staff Meeting

November 13

11-1

Arete Dragon Faire

11/16 - 11/18

  

Session 3 Meetings

November 25-27

  

Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 16, Thursday, November 19, 

Friday, November 20.

Monday, November 30, Thursday, December 3, and Friday, December 4. 

    

December 9

2:15-3:15

Arete Staff Christmas Party

December 9

4:30-6:30

Arete Family Christmas Party

12/17 - 12/18, 1/5  

  

Session 4 Meetings

December 18

  

End of Semester 1

December 21- Jan 1

  

Winter Break

January 4

  

Professional Development 

January 5

  

Beginning of Semester 2

January 18

  

MLK Holiday

February 1- 26

  

Arete Read-a-Thon

2/1 - 2/3

  

Session 5 Meetings

February 12 and 15

  

President’s Weekend

February 26

  

Arete Heritage Fest

Monday, March 1, Thursday, March 4,  Friday, March 5, Monday, March 8, Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12.

  

PRSD Benchmark Assessments- NWEA/Star Reader

3/3 - 3/5 

  

Session 6 Meetings

March 9

5-5:30


6-6:30

Tk-8th Prospective Family Night

9-12th Prospective Family Night

March 9

5:30-6:30

Family Math Night

March 17

  

Arete Talent Show

March 23

9:00-12

Spring Pictures w/ Total Capture Photography

March 24

9:00-12

Spring Pictures w/ Total Capture Photography

March 29- April 2

  

Spring Break

Meeting days -4/7-4/9

  

Session 7 Meetings

April 6-13 

  

Scholastic Book Fair

April 13 & 14

  

Arete Student Showcase

April 26

  

Professional Development 

May 1 

Time to complete registration Forms

  

5/6 - 5/7, 5/10 

  

Session 8 Meetings

May 26 & 27

  

Fun Field Day/ Last Day of On Campus Classes

May 27

  

8th Grade Breakfast (Last day BMS is on campus)

May 28

9-10am

Staff Meeting

May 31

  

Memorial Day Weekend

June 3

5:30pm

Arete Promotion

June 8

  

Last Day of School

June 9-10

  

Emergency Days

6/4, 6/7 - 6/8 

  

Session 9 Meetings

🎨 Fall Enrichment Classes (TK–8th Grade)

Hello,

Reminder that Monday, September 7 is Labor Day so school is closed. Also, we need to have ten students signed up for the Intellibricks classes or we will need to cancel them. Re-look through the other classes as well, as a few more were added!
  • Semester Dates: September 14 – December 11 (No class Oct 12–16, Nov 11, Nov 25–27. Make-up week: Dec 14–18).
  • Sign-Up Requirement: Register at least 48 hours in advance so we can verify funds and supplies.
  • Cancellations & Refunds: Classes canceled by families with less than one week’s notice will still charge student funds, and a "to-go" kit will be left in the school office.
  • Insufficient Funds: If student funds run out, Sign Up Genius will notify you, and your spot will be removed. You can contact the instructor directly to arrange private payment.
  • Waitlists: Email Sarah at [email protected] to be added to a waitlist.

⚠️ Important Schedule Change (Lunch Supervision)

Arete will no longer employ a supervisor from 11:55–12:15. Vendors will set up outside on the grass near the stage at 11:55 AM to watch students until class starts at 12:15 PM. This gives kids time to have a snack, run around, and use the restroom.

👉 Fall Semester Enrichments

🚌 Field Trip Sign Ups

We are excited to offer a new round of field trips! Please review the sign-up rules and guidelines below:

Field Trip Policies

  • Transport & Supervision: All field trips meet directly at the location. Parents are responsible for driving/carpooling. An Arete teacher will meet the group on site. If you need to arrange a drop-off/pick-up, please email [email protected].
  • Check-In: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
  • Age Limits: Pay close attention to age restrictions for each event.
  • Adult Chaperone Pre-Payment: If a trip requires chaperone payment, pay 2 weeks in advance.
  • Payment methods: Exact cash or check (payable to PRSD) in the Arete office, or online via MealTime
  • ($20 minimum).
  • Cancellations: Arete prepays for all students. If you cancel with less than a week’s notice, you will need to reimburse Arete for your child’s fee.
  • 👉Arete Field Trips 2026-27

Sunday, August 30 Update

 

Good evening families,

Reminder that next Monday is Labor Day. The Resource Center opens the next day. Academic Enrichment classes start September 14. Looking forward to seeing more of you on campus!

 

Supply Order Key Deadline & Contacts

  • Submission Start Date: September 1

Step-by-Step Submission Instructions

  1. Submit Individual Requests: Complete one Supply Budget and one email per student.
  2. Itemize All Purchases: List every item individually on the budget sheet alongside its specific price.
  3. Follow Amazon Wishlist Rules:
    • Place all Amazon items on a dedicated Wishlist.
    • Clearly label both the email and budget sheet as "Amazon Wishlist".
    • Remove any items from the Wishlist that are not listed on the budget sheet.
  4. Email To: Your Educational Advisor,  Sarah ([email protected]) and Amber Sullivan ([email protected])

Supply Guidelines & Purchasing Rules

  • Basic Classroom Essentials Only: Requested items must reflect “basic” materials needed for one student for the semester and like what you would see in a comprehensive classroom.
  • Prohibited Items: Non-educational or organizational supplies (e.g., sticky notes, laminating film, stickers) will not be approved.

 

*Our first Arete Parent Crew Meeting is Tuesday, September 8 at 9:15 in the MPR. Please drop your kiddos off to class and head over. 

*Ahoy Mateys- Tickets for our Family Dance will go on sale that day. Our theme this year is Shipwrecked and it is September 18. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a family and will include food. Pre-sale tickets are much appreciated and there will be a small amount of tickets sold at the door. More details to come!  
 

 

📅 Key Dates & Enrollment Process

  • August 20-September 3: Fall Math and Reading Testing
  • September 8: Resource Center classes begin
  • September 15: Academic Enrichment classes begin
  • View the 2026-2027 Parent Calendar here 

Important Note on Curriculum: We cannot purchase curriculum until budgets are signed, proof of residency is verified, and all paperwork is complete. We process orders in the order that files are finalized—the sooner you complete the paperwork and submit the required documentation, the sooner your materials arrive!

 

 

🏆 Fall Sports Season 2026

  • Girls Flag Football starts this Tuesday, September 1 from 2:00-3:30pm at the field. Coach Cook will be sending out a formal schedule soon! All athletes must have a permission slip in the office before they practice.

 

 

🚗 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!

 

📅 Campus Info

  • Free & Reduced Meals: Email Sheila at [email protected] to order breakfast or lunch.
  • Accepted Office Payments: Exact cash, check (to PRSD), or online at MealTime

🔗 Quick Links

*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
See Important Dates for the Entire School Year Here

September 1 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 1

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

September 2 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 2

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

September 3

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 3

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

August 20, 24, 28, 31

Sept 3

  

PRSD Benchmark Assessments- NWEA/Star Reader

September 7

  

Labor Day

September 8

  

Resource Center Opens

September 8

9:15 MPR

Parent Crew Meeting

September 8 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 8

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

September 9 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football 

September 9

  

Cross Country Meet at Weimar

September 10 

2-3:30 

Girls Flag Football Practice

September 10

2:10-3

Cross Country Practice @ Arete

9/11, 9/14 - 9/15

  

Session 1 Meetings