From mr. Frank 12/17

Dear Colina Families-

As we prepare for the holidays and the last week of school in December we have quite a few activities planned, please be sure to see the upcoming events below. Please note regular daily attendance at school is important and very hard to replicate those learning experiences; please be cognizant of any missed days outside of illnesses. I have attached the CVUSD attendance brochure should you have questions or concerns.

The Holiday Hustle will be postponed as the forecast has rain scheduled Monday.  We will plan to host the activity on Tuesday 12/18 providing the conditions are safe for our students to participate. If conditions do not permit a safe running environment, we will cancel the event this year. 

Congratulations to Simon Levin who won 1st Place in Colina’s Geography Bee last week!  Simon’s performance allows him to participate in the state competition later this year.  Congratulations to the runner ups Beny Efraim in 2nd and Mason Collins who secured 3rd place overall.  Thank you to Mr. Olson for making these opportunities possible.

2018 CVUSD LCAP Survey: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4705016/2018LCAP Our school district is a stronger one when we engage our staff, students, parents, and community in processes that assist with two-way communication. Your input via the 2018 LCAP Survey informs the important decisions we make each day in support of our goals. The survey will remain open until December 17, 2018.

Outdoor Education Update: We have determined that with the loss of so many local camps due to the fires that this year, our 6th grade students will take part in three Outdoor Education excursions.  Our students will enjoy learning outdoors at the Topanga State Park, the Malibu Lagoon, and the CUSN Aquatic Center at Castaic Lake.

Topanga State Park- Students hike through oak woodland and chaparral habitats in this Chumash culture and natural history program in the mountains. On mountain trails they are introduced to natural cycles and the close relationships connecting plants, insects and animals. They learn about Chumash culture and how it compares to our own by engaging in special activities and games designed to emphasize the importance of native values.Malibu Lagoon- This coastal wetlands-marine science program gives students the opportunity to use microscopes to identify plankton, utilize scientific tools to test for water quality, and use binoculars to identify local bird species and their feeding habits. They visit tidal pools at the beach and learn how wetland species have adapted to life in an estuary. Interacting with this vital ecosystem firsthand, they learn about human impacts in the watershed and how to minimize them. CSUN Aquatic Center at Castaic Lake- Students will learn boating and water safety prior to experiences in canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.  They will experience health and fitness via lifelong outdoor hobbies.  Students will also take part in Aqua SMART-STEM lessons tied to science.  Students will design and test ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), explore buoyancy, the power of wind and water. 

We will be refunding every family, then recollecting for these three Outdoor Education excursions as they will come with specific permission slips.   The total cost this year will be $60 per student for the three day experience; all activities meet 6th grade NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and the CA Science Framework.  More information will be coming to you in the days ahead.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s 6th grade Science teacher.

Calendar Events This Week:

December 18- Holiday Hustle (Turkey Trot) - Parents welcomed to sign into the office for visitor pass.  Races begin at 1235 pm.  (Race order: 7th Girls, 7th Boys, 8th Girls, 8th Boys, 6th Girls, 6th Boys.)  6th grade race should start around 100 pm.

December 18- Choir Holiday Concert 7 pm Auditorium

December 19- Band Performance @ The Oaks Mall 5pm

December 21- COTY: Pajama Day, Spirit Rally

Winter Vacation December 24-January 4, School Resumes Monday, January 7, 2019.

From all of us at Colina Middle School, we want to wish you the very best this Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club for making these messages possible.