News from the Village

The CVA family directory is available on the website when you log into the website via the Staff and Student Logins page.
Use your student's username and password. Please remember that this information is to be kept within our CVA community.

Aluminum Recycling

Please bring your aluminum recycling to school any day in tied plastic bags. Small bags can be brought to the resource room.

Let's Go CATS!

It's that time again - time for the cheer team to start!

This year we will put together a routine for the

talent show on Thursday, May 10.

All students are welcome to participate.

Practice times are as follows:

Mondays from

3:30 to 4:30

April 16, 23, 30 and May 7

Thursdays from

12:30 to 1:30

April 26 and May 3

I am asking for a $10 fee to cover t-shirts for the talent show. Please contact me if this is a concern. There may be scholarship money available.

Print out and return the permission slip that is attached. Let Amanda Reding know if you have any questions!

Tennis or Badminton Rackets

If anyone has any Tennis or Badminton Rackets that they no longer use/need that they would want to donate, the CVA Physical Education Department would love to have them! Any questions please contact Mr. Orr.

Community

& Service Opportunity

Please join Great River Greening as they continue their efforts to restore native landscapes throughout the state! Individuals of all ages, families with supervised school-aged children, and community and corporate groups of any size are welcome to participate in Greening's volunteer restoration events.

Pilot Knob Invasive Removal Event - Mendota Heights - Saturday, May 5 from 8:30 - 12:30

Cherokee Bluffs Regional Park - Saturday, May 12 from 8:30 - 12:30

Rum River Easement Property Tree Planting - Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 - 12:30

To sign up, go to their

website
and click under "volunteer"

Greetings!

As you know, CVA values rigorous academics as well as personal growth. We are very grateful to Robert Iwan for providing an opportunity this coming Friday for our level 3, 3+ and and High Schoolers to experience a college science lab activity at Inver Hills Community College. It is one of our goals as a school that students will be equipped to take college courses through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program whether here at CVA or another High School and we are excited to team with Bob, who is part of the Biology Faculty at Inver Hills, parent to a CVA student, and has substitute taught in our science classroom, to provide this opportunity. Check below for more details!

David Alley

Baseball/softball

Next week in all Physical Education classes students will be starting our baseball/softball unit. Students are encouraged to bring their own glove if they have one. If you have extras, it would be great if you could bring them in to share as well. Please do not bring in your own baseballs/softballs and/or bats! Also, please make sure all gloves are clearly labeled! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Orr.

Inver Hills Community College Optional Field Trip This Friday

Level 3, 3+ and HS students are invited to Inver Hills Community College on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 9:00 until noon. During this time students will be able to conduct and interpret an experiment in our general biology lab assessing the affects of various factors on the fermentation rate of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Students will also experience a short general biology lecture and participate in a class discussion on biology topics of their choice. Parents are welcome to attend but not required. Please click here for a permission slip to be turned in by Wednesday, May 2nd to Susanna at the front desk. There is no cost for this trip. If you would like help coordinating a carpool for your student, please click here to email Laurie Iwan who has graciously consented to help out in this way. Contact Kate Doan (HS Science teacher) with any questions.

Parent Volunteer Opportunity

We are looking for a parent advisor for LEGO team! FIRST LEGO League introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

Students benefits:

Design, build, test and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology
Apply real-world math and science concepts
Research challenges facing today's scientists
Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills
Participate in tournaments and celebrations

What the CVA LEGO teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It's fun. It's exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime. Mr. Rand will continue to work with the LEGO program offering guidance, practice space and assistance at the competition. Please email Mr. Rand if you would be interested in taking a lead role during the 2012 -2013 school year. The summer is a GREAT time to practice using the LEGO Mindstorm NXT.

Tennis Summer Programs

I want to first thank the Saint Paul Urban Tennis Program for letting us borrow tennis rackets, nets and tennis balls during our recent two week tennis unit. Without their generosity we would've had no way to offer this great lifetime sport to our students. This next week in student mailboxes there will be a flyer for the Saint Paul Urban Tennis Summer Programs. They offer a variety of programs for all ages and abilities at different locations through-out Saint Paul. Please let Mr. Orr know if you have any questions or if the flyer doesn't make it home and you would like one.

LAST WEEK OF
YEARBOOK SALES

We are in our last week for orders on Yearbooks. The cost is $9 per book, but there is a discount for multiple books in the same family. ($9 for 1, $17 for 2, $24 for 3, etc.) Please send an order form (click here for a copy) and cash or check made out to Cyber Village Academy (or CVA) to the front desk by May 2 to be guaranteed a copy. Our order goes in that day.

Levels A and B will be Spending their Shoobles in Shoobaleedo!

This is the time of year when Levels A and B Global Studies classes engage in an economics simulation called Mini-society. The classes have decided that this year they will live in a society called Shoobaleedo and earn and spend money called Shoobles. Thanks to Cole P. for coming up with both of those names! Next steps for students are to apply for jobs and develop their business entrepreneurial skills. Stop by Christy and Cherie's classrooms on Mondays or Tuesdays after 12:30 to see students discover the forces of supply and demand and experience other concepts of economics in action.

MYP@CVA

The International Baccalaureate Organization just announced the authorization of its 2000th World School. CVA received its authorization as an IB World School in 2009. Many of you know we had to submit our curriculum and go through an on-site review demonstrating that CVA offers a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum where students learn to take responsibility for their learning. IB offers three programs to serve students aged 3-19, the Primary Years Program, the Middle Years Program, and the Diploma Program. CVA offers the Middle Years Program for our students who are in grades 6, 7, and 8. All three programs promote educating the whole person through emphasis on personal, emotional, and social as well as intellectual growth. In addition, IB programs

require study across a broad range of subjects drawing on content from educational cultures across the world
give special emphasis to language acquisition and development
encourage learning across disciplines
focus on developing the skills of learning
include, to a varying extent, the study of individual subjects and of transdisciplinary areas
provide students with opportunities for individual and collaborative planning and research
include a community service component requiring action and reflection.

For more information about all three IB programs, please go to the IB Website: http://www.ibo.org/ or contact CVA's IB Coordinator, Cherie Neima.

Washington D.C. Update!

Early registration for Washington D.C. is Thursday May 10th!

Register now to save $50 off the price of the trip. The dates have been set! Washington DC is scheduled for April 24 - 27, 2013. This trip is open to all current 6th, 7th & returning 8th grade students (next year's CVA 9th grade)!

ANNOUNCEMENT: CVA students have received the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery is one of our most sacred shrines honoring our nations' Veterans and their families who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom while serving in past and present conflicts. This ceremony will take place on April 25th with four of our students being the official wreath party. We are very honored to be a part of this event.

Please email Mr. Rand or Robyn with questions about Washington D.C. 2013!

Class Pets

It is that time of year again! CVA is looking for a summer home turtles

for three CVA mice and 2 turtles. If you would be interested in hosting the school mice or the turtles for the summer please mice

contact Mr. Rand. CVA will supply the housing and 1 bag of food. You will need to change the bedding (shredded paper) weekly for the mice and clean the water for the turtles as well as feed and water daily. You may also need to purchase a bag of mice or a jar of turtle food over the summer. Mice and turtles will move to their new home on Wednesday, May 16th. The first families to respond will be the proud summer homes for our wonderful class pets!

ANNUAL PARENT SURVEY

Each year faculty and staff use the excellent feedback given on these parent surveys to make improvements in our school community. Please take a few minutes to complete the completely anonymous survey by clicking on this link. Please complete the survey by Monday, May 7th. Thanks!

Monkey Pins to Raise Money for the MS Society

In class last week students were shown monkey pins that were made by Emily B, a former CVA student, who has MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Emily has made a you-tube video about her story that she would love for you all to see: Emily's Story

Pins are $1 and all proceeds go to the MS Society to help raise awareness and to fund research to help find a cure. Students can purchase pins from Robyn - there are pink, yellow, green and orange pins.

On Sunday, May 6, CVA is participating in the Twin Cities MS walk (we have done this for many years and is an excellent community and service activity). To join our team, click here and search for the "cats and eagles" team. We are currently one of the largest teams in the state. You can also make a donation to the team if you are unable to join us for the walk. To find out more about MS, please click on the following link: MS Society

Notification of Vacant Board of Education Seats, Nominations and Elections

Composition of the Cyber Village Academy Board of Education:

The Cyber Village Academy School Board is made up of 9 members; 5 of which are CVA teachers, 3 of which are CVA parents, and 1 of which is a non-CVA related community member.

Vacant Positions:

We are currently accepting nominations for 2 parents, 2 teachers and 1 community member. All terms are 3-year terms, with the following exceptions:

Due to a parent not being able to continue on the Board as a parent because of a graduating child, one of the parent positions is a 2-year position to finish out the original 3-year term; and
Due to an early resignation of a community member, the community member position is a 1-year position to finish out the original 3-year term.

Responsibilities of School Board Members:

The position of School Board member is an important responsibility. The school Board sets direction for the school, makes decisions about the program, budget, staffing and policies for the school. School Board members must attend meetings. It is at and only at these meetings that Board action is accomplished. Members are expected to learn how to constructively contribute to board actions, become knowledgeable about the school and governance responsibilities. They are expected to vote their conscience for the good of the school, taking into account their knowledge of the school, the groups they represent, the school's mission and situation. All School Board Members must attend a mandated School Board Training provided by the Department of Education. This training, paid for by CVA, must be completed within 1 year of being elected to the board.

Procedure for Nomination:

If you wish to nominate yourself or another person, please complete the attached form. If nominating another person, obtain that person's permission and have them complete the information about themselves. The deadline for turning in the nomination form is Friday, May 11. Click here for a nomination form, or pick one up at the front desk on campus.

Board Meeting Dates and Times:

In general, Board meetings will take place on the last Tuesday of each month, August - May. Additional meetings may be called during the summer months. Meetings are held from 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Election Date:

The Cyber Village Academy School Board election will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 8:00A.M. - 6:00P.M.

Eagle Bluff Parent/Student Meeting

This meeting is ONLY for 8th graders and a parent who are going to Eagle Bluff.

There will be a mandatory parent/student meeting on Monday, April 30th at either 8:00 am or 3:30 pm in Room 214. (Study Center). You only need to go to ONE of the meetings, not both. They should not last longer than 30 minutes and hopefully closer to 20 minutes long. Please don't forget to have all 3 forms that were emailed out earlier filled out and brought to the meeting to turn in. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Orr at corr@cybervillageacademy.org.

CVA Talent Show and

Dessert Auction

What: Talent Show & Silent Dessert Auction

Where: CVA Gym

Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012

Time: Talent Show beginning at 7:00 P.M. (Dessert Auction during Intermission)

Your Part

Bring in a dessert for the auction (tables will be set up for the dessert auction near the entrance of the auditorium).
Support CVA by bidding on the desserts.
Cheer on our students as they display visual and creative talents.

Silent Auction Guidelines

1. Desserts will be placed on tables near the entry. Please have them set out prior to the beginning of the talent show.

2. You are to wander around (socialize), feasting your eyes on the scrumptious desserts that are up for bid, signing your name and dollar amount to any and all that make your mouth water.

3. Make sure to go back to double (and triple) check your favorites to be sure that no one out-bids you!

4. At the end of the allotted auction time (intermission), all bids will cease.

5. Immediately following the intermission, winners of the delicious desserts will be announced. Payment is needed at this time.

Be a Foster Dog Family!

(from Cherie Neima)

We recently adopted a rescue dog that we fostered. He was brought to Minnesota by the Midwest Animal Rescue & Service (MARS) from Missouri where dogs are put to sleep after 6 days in a shelter. In the same group of dogs, there was a little guy named Ricardo or Ricky who is part corgi and part rat terrier. We played with him while we were waiting and were really Ricky dog impressed with him. Since then we've found out that he is in need of a foster home---as are many of the dogs that MARS rescues. Here's a link to Ricky's page on the Internet. Scroll all the way down to see more pictures and his information. MARS provides all the shots and vet services and the dog food for families who foster. We are really impressed with the organization. Fostering is a great experience and I would encourage others to get involved --- particularly if you are looking for a community and service activity! Ricky is waiting.

International Days @ CVA

Children Around the World

In May, while the 8th graders are at Eagle Bluff, we are planning for 2 days of activities designed to expand our students' international understanding. We are planning for hands on interactive activities that will break down stereotypes and foster understanding of differences and commonalities that humans all over the world have. We will be focusing especially on Games, crafts and hobbies that are practiced by children in various countries. We will be making kites and flying them, cooking and tasting some international foods, creating toys from found objects and creating and playing some international games. In addition, we plan to have a performance time for students who choose to go in depth in either dance or music classes. Do you have expertise you could lend? Artifacts that could be loaned to our 'international museum'? Music you'd like to play? Dances you'd like to teach? please contact Lauren Odle or Jennifer Naglak if you'd like to be involved in any way, no matter how small. Look soon for a resources list of items that could be donated or loaned.

Yours for the kids, CVA - International Baccalaureate World School

The Team at
Cyber Village Academy