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Sunday, May 17 Update

 

Good evening families,

 

Friday was Mr. Walsh’s last day of Chess Club for the year. Thanks to Olivia and Sammy for coming and making his last day awesome! We are so thankful to Mr. Walsh for re-lighting the chess fire at Arete!
 

 

Important Sign Ups:

View the Full 2026/2027 Arete Parent Calendar here

25-26 Return Sign Up 

Arete Fun Field Days

Summer Checkout Form

Arete 8th Grade Promotion 2026

Arete Blended Middle School 2026/2027

Arete Planning for the 2026-2027 School Year

Arete Parent Crew Slack

Click here to join our Arete Family Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/248326042576101

 

Important Dates

Date

Time

Event
 

May 19 

  

Resource Visits Garden

May 19 & 20

Piano Lab Cancelled

  

May 21 

Piano Lab Open

  

May 25

  

Memorial Day- No School

May 26

Snow Make up Day

School is IN session

May 27 

9-12

TK-3 Fun Field Day

May 28

  

8th Grade Breakfast

(Last Day of BMS on campus)

Last day to submit reimbursements

May 28 

9-12

Field Day 4-8

May 28 

Last Day of Piano Lab

  

May 29

9-10

Staff Meeting

May 31

  

The last day to spend funds on vendors (unless ELO funds have been secured.)

June 1

1-4

Parent Crew Swim Meetup ant LOP

June 4

9-5ish

8th Grade Sunsplash Trip w/ Magnolia

Jun 5, 2026

2:30-4:30

Checkmate and Cheese Chess Event @Magnolia

June 8,9,10 

  

20 Day Meetings

June 10 

5:30

Arete Promotion

June 10

  

Last Day of School

June 11

June 12

  

Emergency Days

July 31

  

The last day to use ELO funds with approved vendors.


20 Day Meetings

       

June 8-10

Session 9

  

Fair Tickets


Tech Trek
Congratulations to our very own Juliette King!  (Juliette is pictured above, far left) Juliette competed in the 2026 Nevada County Tech Trek.  Empowering the Next Generation: AAUW Recognizes the 2026 Nevada County Tech
Trekkers
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Nevada County Branch, in partnership
with the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools (NCSOS), is proud to announce the eight
local middle school students selected as this year’s AAUW Tech Trekkers.
Through hands-on problem-solving and encounters with women role models in science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM), AAUW Tech Trek helps girls see their futures while
having nonstop fun. This one-week summer camp is backed by AAUW’s research and designed
to make STEM fields exciting and accessible to girls in middle school—the age when girls’
participation in these fields statistically drops.
Introducing the 2026 Nevada County Tech Trekkers selected for their curiosity, academic drive,
and passion for discovery, we are thrilled to congratulate: 

Cell Phones and Rattlesnakes- Two Things We Do Not Want on Campus

Hi there,
Please remind your kiddos to stay on paved walkways as it is rattlesnake season. We have found them on pavement a few times (so kiddos should keep their eyes out) but more often in the grass and bushes. Jon works really hard to keep everything trimmed up, but 12 acres requires a lot of upkeep.
 
Also, reminder that if your kiddo is not normally on campus and not used to the district cell phone policy, cell phones must be turned off and in backpacks or the school cell phone safe (not pockets) anytime kids are on campus. This includes testing, recess, meetings, etc. Thanks for your support in this!

Cell Phones and Rattlesnakes- Two Things We Do Not Want on Campus

Hi there,
Please remind your kiddos to stay on paved walkways as it is rattlesnake season. We have found them on pavement a few times (so kiddos should keep their eyes out) but more often in the grass and bushes. Jon works really hard to keep everything trimmed up, but 12 acres requires a lot of upkeep.
 
Also, reminder that if your kiddo is not normally on campus and not used to the district cell phone policy, cell phones must be turned off and in backpacks or the school cell phone safe (not pockets) anytime kids are on campus. This includes testing, recess, meetings, etc. Thanks for your support in this!

sharktank

Our Blended Middle Schoolers are stepping into the "Shark Tank" on May 26th,  and you’re invited! From ground-breaking gadgets to creative solutions, come see what our student innovators have dreamt up.

  • When: May 26th 9AM-2PM (12:45-1:15 break for lunch)

  • Where: Multipurpose Room

  • Who: Families, students, and community members are all welcome.

  • Flexibility: Swing by for one pitch or stay for the whole day!

Think you have what it takes to be a Shark? We are looking for guest judges to join the panel. sign up!

Library News

Hello Parents,

As we wrap up the school year, please note that the library is now officially closed for the season. We’ve had a wonderful year of reading, and we are already looking forward to reopening our doors this September!

To help us get everything accounted for, please note the following return instructions:

  • General Library Books: Please place these in the book bin, located in the hallway next to Ms. Sarah's desk.

  • Curriculum Books: If you are returning these before your scheduled check in time please place these books directly on Mrs. Kate’s desk.

  • Deadline: All items must be returned by Friday, May 29th.

 Summer Reading

Planning to keep books over the break? Please remember that any items kept for the summer MUST be recorded on the Summer Checkout List and is for returning families only. Anything not on that list needs to be back at the school by the 29th of May.

Thank you for helping us keep our library organized! Have a great summer!

Subject: Important Reminder: School Meal Pickup Schedule & Policies

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Please take a moment to review the following schedule and guidelines regarding school meals:

  • Breakfast Pickup: If you have signed your child up for breakfast, please note that pickup is strictly between 8:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

  • Library Policy: As a reminder, there is no eating permitted in the library at any time.

  • Morning Snacks: If your child forgot to bring a snack from home, they must pick one up between 10:05 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

  • Lunch Service:

    • General Schedule: Lunch is served from 11:55 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

    • Blended Middle School: Lunch service is from 12:45 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

  • Cancellations: If you have ordered lunch but will not be picking it up on a specific day, please email Sheila Volek at [email protected] as soon as possible to let her know.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping our meal program run smoothly!

Glow Dance
Link for Permission Slip see below
 
Join us for the end of the year middle school dance! Students in grades 5th-8th are invited to attend.

Tickets: $10, and includes food, drinks and snacks Purchase tickets in the office. Let it Glow Middle School Dance Permission

Click here to sign up to help decorate, chaperone or donate food and supplies Arete Dance Sign Up

Requested Attire is white or neon colors to allow students to GLOW under the blacklights!

Location: Arete Charter Academy MPR     

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm. 

There will be dancing, music and games! 

Sunday, May 10 Update

 

Good evening families,

Hope that all of our wonderful mothers had a beautiful day. Being a mama is my favorite job on earth and I love being witness every day to how you all love on your kids and are always looking out for what is best for them. I am thankful that you are trusting us to be partners with you on your kiddos' educational journey,

 

Arete Fun Field Days!

PLEASE SIGN UP IF YOU ARE ATTENDING SO WE CAN PLAN FOR NUMBERS. Students are invited to wear summer clothes and sandals and bring a towel. (There is water involved on this fun day)! 

These days only work if LOTS of families sign up to run stations. Please sign your kiddo up to attend and then sign yourself up to help out. Please read each station’s directions carefully and make sure to show up and WORK the station. We will provide the materials. Thanks!

Arete Fun Field Days

 

Arete 8th Grade End of Year Activities 2026

Hello 8th grade families! The end of the year is quickly approaching. We need your help to end the year in style for our kids. Please sign up to help bring items to the 8th grade breakfast and graduation. 

The breakfast will take place on May 28th and is only for 8th grade students. We have some students who are dairy free, gluten free, and vegetarian so we are asking for a variety of items to make this an enjoyable breakfast for everyone. Please deliver it early to campus so we can have time to set up and serve the kids at 9.

Students participating in the promotion ceremony will have the opportunity to decorate graduation caps. Please sign up and provide students with caps and items to decorate it with. 

The 8th grade students have voted on the theme Starry Night for their promotion ceremony. Please sign up to provide the decorations to help bring their theme alive. Any and all help is appreciated to set up the ceremony. Set up will begin at 10 am on 6/10. 

Arete 8th Grade End of Year Activities 2026

 

Parent Appreciation Day

We love celebrating our At Home Teachers- YOU. This year we are having a lemonade/treat bar and we hired Susie Bell to come in on May 12 and make clay hearts with you. Come for the Arete Music Showcase at 9:15, stay for the Parent Appreciation Event and then hang around for the last Arete Parent Crew Meetup at 12. We even scheduled some Parent Appreciation time at 1:30 so more parents can attend. Each participant will get to take home their own hand made item (after it is fired) before the end of the year. Please sign up for one spot per family until May 1 and then you can add an additional participant if you want. Thanks!

Parent Appreciation Day Sign Up

 

Arete Let it Glow 5th-8th School Dance

Tickets: $10, and includes food, drinks and snacks 

Click here to sign up to help decorate, chaperone or donate food and supplies Arete Dance Sign Up

Requested Attire is white or neon colors to allow students to GLOW under the blacklights!

Location: Arete Charter Academy MPR     

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm. 

There will be dancing, music and games! 

(Permission slip and payment in exact cash or check to PRSD, must be turned in by Wednesday, May 13th. We must have 20 students signed up by this date for the dance to happen) We must have FOUR parents signed up by Wednesday to chaperone and CLEAN up to hold the dance.

Let it Glow Middle School Dance Permission

 

Important Sign Ups:

Arete 8th Grade Promotion 2026

Arete Blended Middle School 2026/2027

Let it Glow Middle School Dance Permission

3-8th Grade CAASPP & 5th & 7th Grade Physical Fitness Testing 2026

Arete Parent Crew Slack

Second Semester Enrichments 2026

2025-2026 Field Trips

Second Semester Academic Enrichment Class- 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th/6th Grades for Literacy Launch K-2nd Grades

Arete PlanninArete Planning for the 2026-2027 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

See Important Dates for the Entire School Year Here


Important Dates

May 11 

  

Resource Visits Garden

May 11 

1:30-2:30 

Art w/Friends Bird Bath

May 11 

2:30-3:30 

After Art Fun

May 12

9:30

Arete Music Showcase

May 12

10:15-11:15

TUPE: Tobacco Awareness- All grade levels
May 12 11:15-11:45, 11:45-12:15, 1:30-2 Parent Appreciation Day

May 12   

12:15-1:30

Botanical Home Workshop

May 13

10:15-11:15

TUPE: Tobacco Awareness- All grade levels

May 13
  1. 9:15-10:30- Sam
  2. 10:30-11:45- Baker/Veblen

Art Docent
     

May 14 

9-12

CAASPP

May 14
  1. 9:15-10:30 Nicole
  2. 10:45-11:45- McAlister/Codiga

Art Docent

May 15th

5:30-7pm

Middle School Dance

May 19 

  

Resource Visits Garden

May 20

6:30

PRSD Spring Concert at Magnolia

May 25

  

Memorial Day- No School

May 26

Snow Make up Day

School is IN session

May 27 

9-12

TK-3 Fun Field Day

May 27

  

8th Grade Breakfast

(Last Day of BMS on campus)

Last day to submit reimbursements

May 28 

9-12

Field Day 4-8

May 29

9-10

Staff Meeting

May 31

  

The last day to spend funds on vendors (unless ELO funds have been secured.)

June 1

1-4

Parent Crew Swim Meetup ant LOP

June 4

9-5ish

8th Grade Sunsplash Trip w/ Magnolia

June 8,9,10 

  

20 Day Meetings

June 10 

5:30

Arete Promotion

June 10

  

Last Day of School

June 11

June 12

  

Emergency Days

July 31

  

The last day to use ELO funds with approved vendors.

 

nature
The Arete Charter 5th/6th Grade Team earned 2nd Place at the Nature Bowl Finals at Camp Pollock in Sacramento, CA! First place went to Bergamo Montessori School. A special highlight: Arete was the only team in the competition to achieve a perfect score in the Team Problem Solving event.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, teamwork, and outstanding performance! Congrats to Hunter Herring, Verona Voellinger, Yahrahi Huntley, Remmi Herring, and their Nature Bowl teacher Cody Voellinger!

End of Year...

Dear Arete Families,

We have sent out Alexandria and/or Asset Tiger reports to you so you can begin gathering all non-consumable items that need to be returned to Arete.

To complete this process, you will need to sign up for a time slot to return all items listed on your checkout lists. Please use the following link to schedule your return time:

25-26 Return Sign-Up: 25-26 Return Sign Up.

Important Details for Returning Items:

  • Individual Time Slots: You will need to select a separate time slot for each child.
  • Item Condition: All items being returned must be in good and clean condition. Please be aware that if items are not in acceptable condition, they will need to be paid for out of your own pocket.
  • Chromebooks: If your child has a Chromebook and charger checked out, please remember that the corresponding Chromebook case must also be returned.

Return Location: Returns will be collected at the Parent Resource Room during your scheduled sign-up time. Please pull up the gravel driveway, which is located just past the front office and before the garden. We will have two reserved parking spaces available for your convenience.

Summer Checkout Option for Returning Families: If you are a returning family for the next school year (25/26) and have completed your Intent to Return form, you may be eligible to check out some of your items to use over the summer. This is a courtesy we provide specifically for returning families.

To request a summer checkout, please use this link:

Summer Checkout Form: Summer Checkout Form

Important Details for Summer Checkout:

  • Chromebook Inspection: If you wish to keep your Chromebook over the summer, you must bring it into the Parent Resource Room so we can verify that it is in good working order.
  • Individual Forms: Please fill out a separate Summer Checkout form for each child.
  • Item Identification: On the form, you MUST list the tag number and the item/title name for each item you wish to keep.

Questions? If you have any questions, please email us and CC [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Amber, Kate, and Sarah