GIVING TREE- Making a wish come true!

This year VCS is partnering with the National Honor Society to bring a Merry Christmas to some of our own students this year.  We have ornaments hanging on a Giving Tree in the elementary and secondary offices with items to be purchased for these children.  We ask that you bring back the unwrapped item along with the ornament as it has a code on it so we know which child to distribute the item to.

We need all the items to be returned to the Elementary Office by end of day on Wednesday, December 18th.

We thank you in advance for your support in making sure these children have a very Merry Christmas!

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

Kindergarten-Second grade Christmas Program:

The kindergarten-2nd graders have been working hard on their Christmas program, "It's Christmas Everywhere!"  They have been learning about how Christmas is celebrated in different countries around the world.  Come see what they have learned in a wonderful evening of family fun.  The performance will be at 7:00p.m. in the new gym on Tuesday, Dec. 10.  Students need to be in place by 6:55.  Doors will open at 6:15.  Students need to stay with their parents until 6:45, and they will then be allowed to begin getting into place.  They may wear their Christmas finest or school uniform for the performance.  Modesty dress code rules apply.  Dresses must cover girls' knees completely when seated.  The performance will last about 30-35 minutes and will include an audience sing-along.  We look forward to seeing you there!

BLUE CHRISTMAS:

Blue Christmas will be held on December 19th starting at 5:00 p.m. in the VCS gym.  Mr. Leavell's beginning guitar class will start the evening off and perform first. At 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Ellis' sixth grade beginning choir, orchestra, and band classes will perform. Starting at 7 p.m. the advanced guitar class led by Mr. George will begin performing.

Since this is a community fundraiser with all proceeds benefitting the Moretti family and Anthony's fight against brain cancer, all musical performers will be required to bring in $1. General admission will be $2 per individual and $10 per family with the hope that more will be donated. Donations will also be accepted throughout the evening in support of this great cause. Let's raise money and enjoy an evening of wonderful music from very talented students!

Sixth - Twelfth grade Band, Orchestra, Symphony, and Choir Concert:

6th-12th grade music ensembles at VCS will present their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 17 at 7:00p.m. at the Vision Charter School gymnasium. Come enjoy music from the 6th grade band, orchestra, and choir; middle school band; middle school orchestra; middle and high school combined choir; and the high school advanced symphony.  Students must arrive to warm up and tune no later than 6:45p.m.  Doors will open at 6:30.  We look forward to seeing you there.

The PFA Schwan's Fundraiser -LAST DAY TO ORDER IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 9th!

The Primary grades are competing against the Secondary grades.  The winner receives a Free Movie Night with pizza and popcorn at the school.

Schwan's has changed the way they are doing fundraisers.  No more dates and places to pick up the products.  Schwan's will deliver to all who order in any state (except Hawaii and Alaska).  So asking family out of state is no longer an issue. We will get 20% of all sales and 5% off future sales for 345 days after our 30 day campaign.

For example:  Grandma in Georgia buys $300 worth of food now and every month for the year.  It is delivered directly to her from Schwan's in Georgia.  The PFA gets $60 for the campaign and then $15 a month for the rest of the year.  Grandma gets her food and Vision PFA gets a quarterly check from Schwan's.  

They also have ECertificates for Schwan's food you can purchase for $25. Give it as a gift or keep it for yourself, the school makes 40% either way! (That is $10 each)!!!!  Unfortunately, only one "ECert" per person.

Schwan's Home Delivery: 

Go to Schwans-Cares.com

Click on "Find a Campaign" on the home page

Enter Campaign ID: 3035 into the search box

Click on the "fundraisers" tab at the top 

Find my name: VISION K-5th grade OR 6th-12th grade

Click the "Support Now" button

SHOP!

or call 1-855-870-7208 and provide Campaign ID: #3036 AND Fundraising ID: K-5th grade #7853 or 6th -12th grade #7854

VCS and the PFA Thank you for your Support! 

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

Any middle school or high school students who are desiring to have a schedule change at semester are required to submit an add/drop form to the counselor. These forms must be signed by teachers and a parent. Forms will be available to students Jan 6-Jan 16, 2014 and will need to be turned into the counselor no later than Friday Jan 17, 2014. Contact Ms. Radmall at candiceradmall@visioncsd.org with additional questions. 

IDLA  All students who are taking an IDLA class next semester will be required to turn in an enrollment form and check for $75 to the counselor before Jan 17, 2014. Schedules and enrollment forms can be found in the library next to the counselor's office.

If students are currently enrolled in IDLA this semester they are still required to enroll for the Spring semester and are still required to fill out an enrollment form and are still required to turn in $75 for the semester. 

**Checks must be made out to Vision Charter School with the IDLA class name in the memo line.**

Students enrolled in IDLA Fall semester and who do not wish to take IDLA in the spring will be required to turn in an Add/Drop to the counselor. Those are also due Jan 17, 2014.

For further information please check blog post HERE or contact the counselor, Ms. Radmall, at candiceradmall@visioncsd.org. 

SCHOOL CLOSURES/ SNOW DAYS:

 IN THE EVENT OF SCHOOL CLOSURE OR EMERGENCY CLOSURE: The most accurate updated information can be found on our Facebook page and our website at visioncharterschool.net.  We will also send out updates via this newsletter. If you would like to receive our newsletters, you may sign up on our website.

You may also check updates on KTVB channel 7, KBOI channel 2, KIVI/KSAW channel 6 and 9.

We are aware that many families are traveling a long distance daily to get to VCS.  In the event of snow and ice, we prefer that you and your family come late to school and be safe rather than rush to avoid a tardy and potentially encounter dangerous traffic situations. Therefore, we will not count your child absent as long as they are at school NO LATER than 10 a.m. daily during harsh weather conditions. Please notify the attendance clerk when signing in that the tardy was due to road conditions.  Tardies will always be excused during bad weather days. This grace period only applies on bad weather days.  Your safety is our first priority!  (Your child will still be responsible to make up missed work from any class per the attendance policy.)

SUPPORT THIS GRANT:

Mrs. Mitchell has written a grant to try and obtain a video camera and recording equipment for all the fantastic things we do here at VCS as well as a possible way to spread news about upcoming events.  All information to donate can be found at http://www.donorschoose.org/project/and-now-the-eight-oclock-news/

DATES TO KNOW:

Monday, December 9- Last day to participate in the Schwan's fundraiser. Please see the information listed above for details.

Tuesday, December 10 - Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Christmas program starts at 7 p.m. in the Vision Charter School gym.

Tues. Dec 10, 2013- SENIOR CLASS - Cap, gown, and tassel orders are due! Jon Wilson and the Jostens crew will be back to collect cap and gown orders from students.

Saturday, December 14- 7:30- 3 Both Middle School Robotics teams compete at a Regional Tournament at Columbia High School in Nampa! Go Golden Eagles and Eagle Eyes!

Tuesday, December 17 - 6th through 12th grade Christmas program starts at 7 p.m. in the Vision Charter School gym.

Thursday, December 19 - BLUE CHRISTMAS starts at 5 p.m. in the Vision Charter School gym! 6th grade choir, band, orchestra, beginning guitar class, and advanced guitar class will be performing as a fundraiser for the Morretti family.

Dec. 23-Jan.5:  NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

January 6: School Resumes

January 9 or 10 - Boise Philharmonic Children's Concerts (4th-6th grades attend)

January 17:  End of 2nd Quarter/Semester

January 20:  NO SCHOOL MLK, Jr. Day 

Computer Science Education Week - Bringing Hour of Code to Idaho

Give the gift of learning and fun to your children and yourself next week by participating in "an hour of code" through one of the fun tutorials at http://code.org/learn. Oh and by the way...all participants are eligible to WIN AN iPAD MINI compliments of Idaho Digital Learning!

There's a national education event taking place December 9-15 called the Hour of Code, and the goal is to give more than 10 million students from across the US their first taste of computer programming.

Computer science provides a foundation for virtually any career. It's the art of blending human ideas and digital tools. Computer scientists work in so many different areas: writing apps for phones, curing diseases, creating animated movies, working on social media, building robots that explore other planets and so much more. That's why IDLA is challenging all Idaho students to an "Hour of Code."

Beyond that, there are some really important reasons why the Hour of Code is so important:

• Computing jobs are growing 3 times faster than the number of computer science graduates.
• More than 50 percent of all math and science jobs are for computer scientists.
• Computer science jobs are the highest-paying jobs for new graduates (according to IDLA)
• Computational thinking is important across all subjects.

  What is an Hour of Code? It's a one-hour introduction to computer science where anyone can learn the basics.

Still need more information? Watch this video:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKIu9yen5nc#t=17

and check out the Hour of Code website at http://code.org/.

Every Idaho student, teacher and parent who completes an "Hour of Code" through code.org may enter into a drawing to win an iPad mini as thank you gift! There will be 5 winners chosen across five categories; PreK-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-8th grade, 9th-12th grade and Adult category (Admin, Teacher or Parent). Enter to win at  https://docs.google.com/a/visioncsd.org/forms/d/1B8df8ZFy-vsoA9pd5xcOp_YCTbTLUfEN7qoCUfduEiY/viewform

Staff "likes" from the PFA:

Every year around the holidays VCS PFA asks teachers and staff to list their "likes".  Staff likes and wishes are below.

Jan Ayotte

I collect snowmen, I love chocolate and I love to eat at Sizzler.

Classroom needs/wants:  copy paper, white and/or colored cardstock, index cards, dry erase markers, quart size sealable bags

Cristina Barnes

I like vanilla and cinnamon candles.  I like coffee from Dutch Bros and Starbucks, burgers from Carl's Jr and Red Robin.  I like peppermint creamer and bold coffee.  I also like to read.

Mark Boothby

Mr. B likes coffee and the Oregon Ducks.  He also collects college and university pennants to add to the walls in his classroom

Amy Bowers

TGI Fridays

Heather Burton

I like coffee, chocolate and Smoothies from Jamba Juice.

Lisa Decker

Interests or Hobbies: reading, old movies

Favorite Scents: apple/cinnamon, lavender, spice

Body Scents: cucumber/melon, raspberry

Favorite Drink: Orange Rockstar Recovery

Favorite place to eat/shop: Sonic, Solid, Amazon

Classroom wants/needs: 3rd and 4th grade level books for my library.

Al Ellis

Office Supplies, Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, gel pens, whiteboard markers, Henry Weinhard's Root Beer, Starbuck's coffee and music.

Debra Ellis

Starbuck's, any kind of gift card that would allow me to go out on a date with my husband.

Kara Evans

Interests or Hobbies: cake decorating, swimming

Favorite places to shop: JoAnne's Michael's, Kohl's, Maurice's, White House/Black Market, Target, Wal Mart, The Hobby Lobby, Staples

Favorite Scents: cake, vanilla, coffee, cookie type smells

Body Scents: Bath and Body Country  Apple, Twilight, Cashmere

I LOVE Coffee, not picky; Dutch Bros, Moxie Java, Starbucks

Classroom needs:  Construction paper, sketching pencils, any science kits,

Angie Ferrera

Gift cards to Dollar Store, Target, Wal Mart

Classroom needs/wants: Dry erase markers, construction paper, art supplies, books for classroom library.

microscopes, video cameras (it doesn't hurt to dream), books for the library.

Jason George

Hobbies involve surfing and music.  I like candles that smell like the beach.  I love coffee from Dutch Bros or Flying M.  I like to eat at Messenger Pizza.  If I had to shop it would be at Hastings.

Tricia Huckins

All things sports, especially New York Yankees

Good non-flavored coffee

Favorite place to eat sushi is Krung Thai in Nampa

Classroom needs/wants:  Hand sanitizer, sticky tack, pencil top erasers, pink pearl erasers, plastic spoons and forks, white board cleaner

Sheree Knapp

I love anything from Dutch Bros - especially hot Chai Lattes

I also like going to the movies and going out to eat

Yummy coffee for the front office is always wanted!!

Hand warmers for doing parent/pick-up duty

Dan Leavell

I am planting gardens outside at school, so any garden tools or implements that the kids could use would be helpful.

Corla Legg

Interests and Hobbies: Reading, watching BBC movies and Harry Potter.

Favorite Candle scent: Cinnamon Vanilla

Favorite Body Scent: Twisted Peppermint from Bath and Bodyworks

Favorite place to eat/shop: Olive Garden, El Tenampa, Bath and Body Works and Target

Andrea Martindale

Hobbies: Scrapbooking

Favorite Drink: Coffee from Dutch Bros or Starbuck's

Favorite Restaurants:  Jalapenos, Red Robin

Favorite Places to shop: Target, H & M

Classroom need/wants: Scotch laminating pouches (letter size), large Expo markers, small Expo markers, sheet protectors, construction paper

Debra McDorman

Scentsy type scents - all kinds

Light scented bath and body products,  I love Sonic (Diet Scotch & Soda), Diet Pepsi w/ Lime.

Classroom needs/wants; colored cardstock, glue sticks, gift cards to Staples or Wal Mart.

I like to eat out at any restaurant and like to shop at Wal Mart, Macy's, Shopko and Costco.

Rob McDougall  

I like most candies (not a fan of dark chocolate).  I enjoy eating out at any place.

Becky Mitchell

Fruity scented lotion.  Gift cards to Hastings, Barnes and Noble, Amazon for more books! 

Classroom needs/wants: Expo markers, GloFish for my tank, tropical fish food.

Cindy Moretti

Dutch Bros, Olive Garden, scrapbooking and massages

Mrs. OldenKamp

I love handmade gifts from kids, chocolate, Diet Pepsi w/ Lime, side hugs and hi-fives.

Cindy Osgood

I like coffee, chocolate and berry smells

Classroom needs/wants: tag-board, dry erase markers, masking tape, construction paper, markers, glue, gift certificate from Caxton.

Candice Radmall

Chocolate, gift cards, Thai food

Jessica Ryan

Scentsy Bars, coffee gift card, Target gift card, Wal Mart gift card for school items, gift card to the teacher store, construction paper.

Kurt Scheffler

Classics and books on History for both my personal enjoyment and the classroom.

I also enjoy eating out at a wide variety of places and I love going to movies.

Lucy Wafwa

Interests/Hobbies:  SCHOOL, reading, scrapbooking

Favorite scents: Vanilla, Cinnamon, Lavender

SONIC

Classroom needs/wants: art supplies, colored copy paper, white 8 ½ X 11 cardstock

Books, books, books, gift cares for books from Hastings, Barnes and Noble, etc.

Teresa Wilkins

I enjoy going out to the movies.  My favorite Scentsy scents are Vanilla and Cinnamon rolls.  Favorite body scent is Pomegranate.  I like to drink Iced Tea and Hot Chai Tea.  Favorite places to eat/shop; anywhere!

Classroom needs/wants: copy paper, poster board, construction paper, games (Science, Language Arts, math or Strategy themed games).

Mrs. Castor:

Essential oils that are good for a classroom

Scentsy cubes that smell yummy 

iTunes gift card that I can buy e-books or apps for my classroom

College Prep Websites and updated information from the Guidance Counselor, Ms. Radmall may be located at her blog at http://www.visioncharter.net/counselor.