October newsletter

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ADVOCATES is how we are framing our student learner outcomes, and is something we have been talking with our students about consistently. On a daily basis and in all of their classes, our students are learning content and curriculum, but we want them to learn more—namely, the the deep principles outlined in the ADVOCATES program:

Adaptable
Developed
Voice
Ownership
Confidence
Accountability
Team player
Educated
Scholars

Make sure you ask your kids about what each of these principles means to them.

COVID

The COVID pandemic is still at the forefront of our minds and it is of primary importance that we protect the health and safety of our staff and our students. Our students and staff wear masks throughout the day, do a daily temperature check upon entering the building and use hand sanitizer and/or wash their hands frequently. Thank you for your support in reminding your kids of the importance of wearing masks and only lowering them if they are needing to eat or drink.

Attendance

If your child will be absent for any reason, please reach out to Dawn and let her know as soon as possible. While we love the responsibility the students show in letting us know of their own absences, we need to hear about student absences from a parent. A phone call or email to dawn@mainstreetscholars.org is best.

Tips for a Successful School Day

1. Arrive at school 5 minutes early so you can be situated and ready to join your class on time.

2. Take some time to eat and finish your breakfast before school. Aside from the COVID safety issue, we want your full attention on your classwork.

3. Take some time to use the restroom and get drinks of water in between your classes. When students leave the classroom, it is disruptive to the entire group.

4. Consider whether you are presenting your best self. This applies to your attitude and so much more. When you arrive fresh, awake and alert, you will be prepared to do your best learning. Eat a good breakfast, drink lots of water and get a good night’s sleep.Plan for a healthy lunch and consider limiting energy drinks and sodas.

Community Opportunities

University of California Berkeley and Stanford Splash

The UCal Berkeley and Stanford Splash programs are educational outreach programs offered to high school students. These are FREE and fabulous opportunities for your students to learn about topics that might be of interest to them, including: Introduction to Particle Physics, The Study of Kafka, Introduction to Japanese, Survival Skills 101. While some classes are more academic, others relate to hobbies such as drawing or juggling. Whatever your interests, Splash has something for you! The Fall 2021 Splash at both locations will be virtual.

UCal Berkeley Splash Program | Saturday, 10/30, 10am–5pm
Stanford Splash Program | November 13–14, 10am–5pm

Academic calendar

The MSS academic calendar is available on our website. This calendar includes holidays and breaks for the school year and will be a valuable resource as you are planning activities for your family.

Birthdays

A huge Happy Birthday shout out to Maggie. We hope your day is extra special.

Student work

Biomes map | The Life Science class is learning the different biomes of the world

Timeline: Napoleon's Battles | World History is exploring the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte

WASC Accreditation

This fall MSS will undergo an accreditation renewal with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC accreditation means that a school places high priority on its mission and the goals of its learners. It ensures that the programs offered meet or exceed standards that are developed by experts in the field. Ultimately, our WASC accreditation means that we are developing the best programs we can to educate and develop our students. As ADVOCATES for your children, we aim to build their confidence in all that they do.

A-G Certification

We now have 17 courses approved as A-G! We continue to submit our classes and our curriculum for A-G approval and we will keep you posted as our approvals roll in. We are proud to be developing classes and course content that allow our students to be successful in achieving their future goals.