Hello all,

Hope you had wonderful holidays with your families. I soaked up time having both of my adult children under the same roof with my husband and I. That is about the best gift a mama can get!

*Chess Club is moving to Magnolia Intermediate School on Thursdays at 1pm. If your child is interested in attending, please email me to set up arrangements.

*Practice CAASP Testing- This year we are going to have individual and/or sibling times for families to sign up to practice some of the skills that will be included on the State tests. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get familiar with the testing format and the tools that may be used. During practice testing, students can ask any questions they have and we CAN answer/help them. If your student gets overwhelmed on testing days this is a chance for them to see it's really not so bad!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you! Please email [email protected] if you need a different day/time.

**This sign-up is for students who DO NOT usually come on campus as we are building testing practice into our Resource Center and Blended Middle School days.**

Practice CAASPP Testing Sign Up

*Typing Practice

Most of you know that we are struggling at Arete to show progress from year to year on CAASP testing (which is one of the assessments used to renew our charter petition every five years) as well as NWEA math and Star AR. As we analyze why this is occurring, it is becoming apparent that some of it may have to do with many of our students having a lack of access to typing practice. We love that families closely monitor their children’s screen time, and are hoping that you might consider having your child do some daily or a few times a week typing practice. Students in public school generally start practicing typing a few times a week starting in second grade.

*PRSD is focusing on reducing Tech Addiction in Children and building pathways for Digital Health. Each week I will share a NEW tidbit about this or how to to reduce screen time for kids who struggle with this.

*A 2013 study in Psychological Science that followed 17,000 people from birth to age 50 found that reading level at age 7 was the most important indicator of future socioeconomic status.

*A 2013 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study found that “reading for pleasure at age 15 was the most important indicator of the future success of the child.”

*According to research, kids who read on screens are THREE TIMES less likely say they enjoy reading.

*According to recent research, kids are reading much less. The proportion who NEVER read TRIPLED from 1984 to 2014.

*Our Leadership class in the Blended Middle School is requesting your input on what you would like them to work on this year. They are an awesome team of 6th-8th graders so please keep that in mind! Arete Leadership Survey

*Want to Sign Up For the Resource Center- do so here

*Winter Enrichments- Sign up here

*2023-2024 Field Trips- Sign up here

*Have Photos For the Yearbook? Upload here 

Want to join Arete’s Private Family Group on Facebook- do so here. Arete Charter Academy Family Group

Remember to email Sarah at [email protected] a few days before a kiddos’ birthday if you want to send in treats so I can check for food allergies. Nuts are never allowed, but some individual classes have food allergies that I also monitor closely. Thanks for keeping our students safe. We also strongly encourage healthier treats if possible as some families closely monitor their kiddos’ sugar and food dye intake.

Please remember that we are a NUT FREE school as we have several students with severe nut allergies. Kiddos may enjoy nut free granola bars and spreads on their sandwiches and all the nut free favorites when away from Arete. Thanks!

*Want to see dates for the entire year? Click here

Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year

*January 8- Science Adventures in STEAM with Ms. Doerr - 4th - 8th Grades 12:15-1:30

*January - Science Adventures in STEAM with Ms. Doerr - TK-3rd Grades 12:15-1:30

*January 9- Art Docent

*January 10- Art Docent

*January 10- Culinary Arts Classes with Susan Gouveia - 4-8th Grades - Gourmet Taco Platter 12:15-1:15

*January 10- Little Fish Arts with Susie Bell - 4th - 8th Grades - Sculpture - 01/10 & 01/31 12:15-1:15

*January 10- Culinary Arts Classes with Susan Gouveia- TK-3rd Grades - Empanadas (Meat or Veg) w/Sauce 1:15-2:15

*January 11- Culinary Arts Classes with Susan Gouveia- TK-3rd Grades - Gourmet Taco Platter 12:15-1:15

*January 11- Little Fish Arts with Susie Bell- TK-3rd Grades - Sculpture - 01/11 & 02/01 12:15-1:15

*January 11- Culinary Arts Classes with Susan Gouveia- TK-3rd Grades - Empanadas (Meat or Veg) w/Sauce 1:15-2:15

*January 11- Lego Motor Madness 12:15-1:45

*January 15- Martin Luther King Day-school is not in session