In this issue:

Mrs. Koberg

Mr. Boothby

Mr. Corwall

Mrs. Platz

2016 US NEWS BRONZE MEDAL

Schedule Change Request

Breaking Ground

16-17 Supply Lists

Class Placements

16-17 School Calendar

Dress Code

Start and Release Times

Dates to Know

About VCS

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT:

All Vision Charter School K-12th grade students are invited to drop in to "Meet the Teacher" from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 15. Parking will be easiest for those showing up from 3:30-4:30. The gates will be open to the neighboring subdivision for those wanting to park and walk. Bring your money to buy dinner and/or beverages! We are inviting multiple food trucks to sell drinks and food during the Meet the Teacher event as a fundraiser for the Junior Class!

We will begin our celebration of our 10th year Anniversary with cupcakes available in the gym for the first 600 people. Look through yearbooks and check out pictures of the whole school in 2007 and again in 2016.

K-6th grade students:

Families are invited to drop by their child's assigned classroom to meet the teacher, drop off supplies, and notify the teacher of how the child will be getting home daily. Your child will enjoy seeing their seat assignment and checking out the layout of the classroom. It is very helpful if families are able to review the teacher's informational video online at visioncharter.net posted on their blog.

7th -12th grade students:

Students will go to the gym and get an updated schedule and map of classes. They will then drop off their supplies in their advisory classroom listed on their schedule. Students who would like to select their locker partner must show up to their advisory class with their locker partner. Students must be in the same advisory to be eligible partners. The students will sign out their locker with their advisory teacher. Locks will not be provided by the school.. Students may not change their locker partner after they have selected or been assigned a partner. Students who do not have a locker partner will be assigned a partner by their advisory teacher. 7-12th grade students or parents needing to fill out a secondary course change form, request a Parent Portal password, schedule a meeting with the counselor, or order lunches may do so during this time in the cafeteria.

K-12th grade students:

Are invited to check in with Mrs. Moore in the gym to receive support and training on ordering lunches at orderlunches.com.

An Introduction to our new sixth grade teacher, Mr. Keefe:

This will be my 10th year teaching and my first at Vision Charter School. I have previously taught 5th grade and completed my student teaching in 6th grade. Words cannot express how excited I am to start my new adventure at VCS! I have heard nothing but great things about Vision which is why I decided to continue my career here. My family is my everything outside of the classroom. Vision is much closer to home and my son Zane will be starting Kindergarten in 2 years and we look forward to him starting his educational journey with me at Vision. I have been married to my wife Brandi for 4 years, my daughter Katelyn is 11, and my son Zane is 3. In my spare time, I really enjoy watching the Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks play football. I also do enjoy playing video games and just spending quality time with my family.

I attended Northwest Nazarene University for 2 years and finished up my Elementary Education Degree from Central Washington University in 2007. I have also received my Master's of Educational Technology with an emphasis in School Technology Coordination and Technology Integration from Boise State University in 2012. I first began my teaching career as a 5th grade teacher at Centennial Elementary School in Nampa. After 6 years, I moved to Meridian Elementary School for 2 years, and spent the past year at Willow Creek Elementary in Meridian.

I will be teaching 6th Grade Pre-Algebra, Social Studies, Reading, and a Technology Elective. In my classroom, I strongly believe that building a relationship with all my students is the key to a successful classroom and something I look forward to doing every fall. Technology is a very important component of my classroom. We will be using Google Classroom and possibly Edmodo daily for tasks and communication. I firmly believe that this will be an outstanding year, and the start of something major!

A letter from our new K-5th grade Vice Principal, Mrs. Koberg:

Hello Vision Charter School!

I am so excited to join the Vision family this year as the K-5 Vice

Principal. I began my career in education in 1999 and have had the pleasure of working with students at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Primarily, my emphasis as a teacher has been promoting creativity, problem solving and critical thinking through visual arts and art appreciation through the study of art history. After obtaining my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership in 2014, I knew that the only way I would ever choose to leave my art teaching career would be if the right leadership position opened up at the right time at the right school for me. Growing up in Texas, California, Virginia and Alaska offered a diverse experience. I made the final move here to Idaho to attend college and have loved it ever since. I have three fantastic daughters Mia, Chloe and Jadyn who keep my husband Scott and I entertained constantly. We enjoy bike riding, hiking, floating the river, traveling, playing games, photography, listening to and playing music and watching movies.

I look forward to supporting and encouraging every student as I meet the Vision family this year and learn the Vision way.

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."-Aristotle

A glimpse into the life of Mr. Casey Boothby our new 6th-12th grade Vice Principal:

I have been a teacher for 9 years - all 9 in the Vallivue District. In those years, I've taught 7th and 8th grade Science as well as STEM Electives at Vallivue Middle School. I have a B.S. in Biology with a Chemistry Minor from Eastern Oregon University, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from B.S.U., and an Ed Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from N.N.U. My administrative roles have included Administrator over the Migrant Summer School Program, 2015-16 Accreditation Team Lead, Administrator over after school programs, and performed as an Administrator Substitute whenever the building principal was absent.

I have been twice selected to attend the Discovery Educator Network Summer Institute. I was also selected to be a member of the first-ever Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program at Boise State University and worked in the Chemistry department developing nanoparticles. Myself and another teacher were recently selected to attend Idaho's first-ever FabSLAM Challenge where we are challenged to create a solution to a problem in our city using 3-D printing technology. I was voted by my peers as the 2015-16 Vallivue Middle School Teacher of the Year.

I believe that every student has their own story, and I want each student who walks through my office door to feel that I value them as an individual and I want to make a difference in their lives. I want them to know I deeply care about their academic success. I want to provide the kind of environment that fosters student curiosity and one that encourages students to use critical thinking skills. Creating and building positive relationships is really important to me as an Administrator. These positive relationships include other staff and teachers, parents, and students. Each of these relationships requires a different approach but each is built on a foundation of respect for each other.

In my spare time I enjoy being outside, whether it is in the mountains riding 4-wheelers, or playing on the beach of the Oregon coast. I enjoy playing video games and watching WWE with my step-sons. I've been known to receive an occasional make-over from my two daughters. I love watching documentaries. I look forward to meeting parents and all the 6th-12th grade students in the coming weeks

Meet the new addition to the science department, Mr. Cornwall:

Mr. Cornwall will be teaching 7th and 8th grade science in addition to Dual Credit Geology and Chemistry.

Kevin Cornwall attended high school in Idaho at Rimrock HS in the Bruneau-Grandview School District and Cambridge HS. He holds a degree in Biology from Boise State University and is currently working on a Master's Degree in Earth Science Education. After graduating from college, he drove for UPS and then worked as a district sales manager in the health insurance industry. After a few years in health insurance marketing, he embarked on his teaching career. "I wanted a career in a science field and wanted to do something positive for kids. I was tired of chasing dollars and I wanted to do something that would make a more meaningful impact in people's lives."

Mr. Cornwall's first teaching assignment was in Homedale, Idaho where he taught Physical Science, Earth Science, Biology, Algebra and coached high school football and basketball. He then moved to Middleton, where he taught Idaho Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Ecology and volunteered as an assistant coach with the girls' high school basketball program.

Kevin has seven children; one is a BSU graduate, two attend college at Utah State University, two attend school in Homedale, and two will be attending elementary school at Vision.

"I am very excited to join the staff at Vision and have the opportunity to teach in a district that values education at a high level. While science has been my primary academic focus, I am fascinated by the relationship between science and art, history, and current events. I try to instill that interest in my students by taking an interdisciplinary approach to teaching."

Mr. Cornwall enjoys outdoor activities with his family such as camping, rock hounding, hiking, and fishing. He creates lapidary artwork using the rocks they collect.

Mrs. Cindy Platz is joining the Special Education Department as a full time Educational Assistant.

I am excited to join the Vision Charter team. I have worked for Nampa School District for 6 years as a para pro in the Extended Resource Room and Resource Room. The last 4 years I have worked for Vallivue School District as a Behavioral Interventionalist. I also have worked the last 4 years for Community Partnerships of Idaho. This summer I am working as a job coach for the youth who are on an IEP or a 504. I have been married to my husband Tracey for 22 years. We have 3 amazing boys, Cody is 22, Zac is 20, and Trentin is 18. I love to go camping, watch football, and get together with my 3 sisters.

2016 US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT BRONZE MEDAL! Vision Charter School is recognized in the National Rankings and earned a 2016 US NEWS and WORLD REPORT BRONZE MEDAL! Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college.

SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS:

Requests for changes to schedules will begin being accepted on August 1, 2016. A link on my Ms. Dowski's website located at http://visioncsdcounselor.weebly.com will open on that day. Please remember parents may send change requests electronically to marydowski@visioncsd.org or by paper delivery to the school addressed to Ms. Dowski. Schedule requests must be received by 3:00 p.m. on August 24, 2016.

BREAKING GROUND:

We are on track to break ground in September of 2016! We are expecting to begin moving in to the new building by late July 2017. Check out the plans at http://www.visioncharter.net/files/Vision%20Charter%20Phase%20II%2004_12_16.pdf

2016-2017 SUPPLY LISTS:

Supply lists were sent home with students with their report cards. If you did not receive a supply list for the upcoming school year, please go to visioncharter.net on the home page under helpful highlights. You may also go straight to it by following this link:

http://visioncharter.net/content/16-17-class-supply-lists-k-middle-school-high-school

CLASS PLACEMENTS:

Teacher assignments and class lists will be posted on the window of Building A at 9:00 a.m. on August 3, 2016. Please remember that we do not accept teacher requests and all 6th grade students will have both teachers.

2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR:

First through twelfth grade FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL will be August 16, 2016.

http://visioncharter.net/files/approved%202015-2016%20school%20calendar%20Sheet1.pdf

2016-2017 DRESS CODE UPDATE:

K-6TH GRADE DRESS CODE POLICY-

SHIRT:

* Traditional polo style collared shirt in a solid color; no see-through white shirts

* No sleeveless shirts; appropriate sleeve length includes short (mid bicep), � or longer sleeves

* Shirt must cover midriff (even when arms are raised)

* Quarter size ($.25) or smaller insignia/label on front of shirt acceptable

* Polo shirt will be required to have all buttons fastened at all times except for the top two buttons

*K-6th grade students may wear sweatshirts with writing, logos, or secondary colors in the classroom as long as they are not distracting, disruptive, or offensive in any manner as determined by the administrator

- K-6th students may wear spirit wear with an approved vision charter logo. Modest, solid-color t-shirts may be worn with an approved vision charter iron-on logo.

SLACKS:

* Solid color -no "blue jeans", no stretch pants, athletic pants, or sweat pants

*Solid color means no secondary color is present.

* Must be worn at the waistline

SHORTS/SKORTS/SKIRTS/JUMPERS:

* Solid color; no "blue jeans", no sweats or athletic shorts

*Solid color means no secondary color is present.

* Shorts, skorts, and skirts must be worn at the waistline

* Length: skirts, jumpers, shorts, and skorts must at least reach to 3" above the knee

SHOES:

* No roller shoes allowed; shoe heels should not exceed two inches for safety reasons; sandals are acceptable, weather permitting; no backless sandals/shoes allowed-includes clogs, flip flops, etc.; shoes must be conducive to all school activities

* Tennis shoes must be worn on P.E. days

7TH-12TH GRADE DRESS CODE:

-Students will wear attire and treat other students and staff of Vision Charter School with respect and modesty. If one's dress or behavior is offensive, inappropriate, distracting to the learning/school environment, and/or poses a safety hazard as determined by the administrator, it will not be acceptable on campus.

-Pants must be worn at the waist to cover one's undergarments

-Shorts and skirts must be worn at waist, reach to at least 3" above the top of the knee.

-Jeans may be worn as long as they are worn at the waist and do not display holes, rips, or tears.

- No Brief or Exposing Tops. Garments such as halter tops, tube tops, crop tops, tank tops (worn alone), spaghetti strap tank tops (worn alone), and tops that are see through may not be worn. Midriffs and undergarments must stay hidden.

-Gauges are to stay under 10mm

K-12th GRADE DRESS CODE GUIDELINES:

1. Students should have a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance.
2. Leggings must have a skirt or shorts that are worn over them.
3. Clothing should not be ripped, faded, torn, shredded, or have obvious holes.
4. Hair should be well groomed and appropriate for a learning/business setting. Hair should be natural in color. Hair should never be a distraction to the learning environment.
5. Jewelry is to be in moderation and not a safety concern or distraction to the learning environment.
6. Clothing must not be overly tight or bagging, or revealing in any way.
7. Underwear or undergarments are not to be visible on either upper or lower parts of the body.
8. No hats, hoods, scarves, or non-religious head covering of any kind are allowed to be worn while inside the school buildings. However, hats, visors, or other acceptable head coverings will be allowed outside.
9. No trench coats allowed.

10.Clothing, tattoos, body markings, or any item brought to school, such as outer wear, back packs, lunch boxes, notebooks, jewelry, and hair pieces, may not have any insignias, patterns, graphics, writing or messages that are obscene or relating to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, any illegal activity, or any sexual innuendos.

11.Gang attire of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, garments that are suggestive or colors, bandanas, or belts that have gang symbols or innuendos on them.

12.Any attire, grooming practice, makeup, or possession that disrupts the educational atmosphere will not be allowed.

13.Special days that would not adhere to certain portions of this dress code may be allowed with the permission of the school administrator and announced in advance.

14.The school administrator holds the right to determine if any apparel, jewelry, grooming practice, or other item is not appropriate for Vision Charter School based on a distraction to the learning environment or a safety concern.

**All students will resolve the dress code violation prior to returning to class. Dress code violations will result in the following: 1st offense: Warning, 2nd offense: Detention/Community Service, 3rd offense: Defiance Referral *See Discipline Policy for continued offenses of defiance.

SCHOOL START AND RELEASE TIMES:

Supervision Begins at 7:45 a.m.

K-6th and 9-12th first bell rings at 8:05 a.m.

7th-8th first bell rings at 8:08 a.m.

K release time is 3:05 p.m.

1st-3rd release time is 3:08 p.m.

4-6th release time is 3:10 p.m.

7-8th release time is 3:13 p.m.

9-12th release time is 3:16 p.m.

Buses leave at 3:20 p.m.

Students must be picked up by 3:30 p.m.

DATES TO KNOW:

August 15 Meet the Teacher K-12th grade 3:30-6:30 p.m.

August 16 First Day of School for 1st-12th graders

August 23 Kindergarten First Day of School

September 2 No School

September 5 No School-Labor Day

September 23 No School- Teacher Work Day

October 4 MS/HS Fall Concert 7:00pm

October 6 & 7 No School- State Inservice Days

October 10-14 No School- Fall Break

October 18 Boise National College Fair for Juniors/Seniors

October 19 10th graders take the PSAT

October 20&21 Secondary Drop in Conferences 3:30-7 p.m.

October 20& 21 Elementary Scheduled Conferences

October 28 & 29 Fall Play "The Lion, the Witch, and Wardrobe"

November 8 K/1 Fall Program 7:00 p.m.

November 11 Veteran's Day Assembly tbd

November 12 Craft bazaar & Robotics Extravaganza in the library, gym & tech lab

December 19 Christmas (elementary 6:00; secondary 7:30)

January 20 HS music fundraiser dinner 5:00-6:45 p.m.

February 10 LipSync Battle 2.0

February 23 MS Pops Concert 7:00pm

March 2 HS pre-festival Concert 7:00pm

March 7 2nd & 3rd Spring Program 7:00 p.m.

March 10 &11 Spring Play tbd

March 17-22 Disneyland trip

April 5 SAT

April 21-22 Cinderella (Friday 7p.m. & Saturday 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.)

April 30 Prom

May 2 MS pre-festival concert 7:00 p.m.

May 4 Science Expo/Math Carnival/Art Fair 3:30-7:00 p.m.

May 9 HS Pops Concert 7:00 p.m.

May 16 6th Grade Concert 7:00 p.m.

May 22 RAD 7 p.m.

May 23 Elementary Talent Show 1:30

May 24 Secondary Talent Show 1:30

May 24 Field Day K-6th

April 2016 Idaho SAT Scores

School or District	Reading/Writing overall	Math Overall	overall	% meeting benchmark in Reading/Writing	% meeting benchmark in math
Vision Charter School	602	528	1130	92	58
State	511	491	1002	62	35
Thomas Jefferson Charter	563	500	1063	77	35
Boise	534	515	1049	70	45
Idaho Arts Charter	519	482	1001	72	26
Middleton	514	483	997	61	22
Vallivue	493	463	956	56	23
Caldwell	463	445	908	37	16

2016 Graduating class: 37 seniors earned 1009 college credits and $649,699 in scholarships and seven students graduated with one or more Associate of Arts! 100% of seniors graduated.

School Mission: To create well educated, respectful citizen leaders in a K-12th grade College Prep Science and Art School.

Vision/Design Elements: Vision Charter School shall implement and maintain the following essential design elements of its educational program:

Arts and Sciences - Language arts, fine arts, and science will be emphasized at all grade levels. Students will acquire and apply knowledge.

Character and Leadership Development - Character development is considered a fundamental purpose of education and will be fostered through a child-centered educational model built on high behavioral and academic expectations. The comprehensive character education plan will tap into each child's innate need to know boundaries while protecting his/her dignity.

Small School Environment - The school will provide a small, safe educational setting in which students and faculty know each other personally.

Music Training - Elementary students will be taught basic keyboarding through general music courses. A music curriculum for older students will focus on the development of fundamental musician skills, while also exposing students to local musical heritage and culture.

Second Language - Students in all grades will be exposed to a second language, with a primary emphasis on Spanish.

An Enriched Curriculum For All Students - An enriched, gifted and talented curriculum will be offered for all students. At the high school level, advanced or college credit level courses will be available for all core subjects.