February 4, 2015 5035 Meyers St., Rocklin CA 95677 Wendy Mitchell, Principal

Feb 5 Student Leadership Meeting 7:30am Kinder room Feb. 6 Renaissance Rally – 2:30-3:00 pm Multi Feb 6 6th Grade field trip Sierra College Planetarium 11:00am-12:00pm Feb 6 2nd Grade field trip Sierra Wind Symphony 8:30am-10:30am Feb 9 Collaborative Inquiry: Mini Day – 11:40am Dismissal Feb. 9 Academic Talent Search Qualifying Exam 2:00 pm @ Western Sierra Campus Feb 12 Student Leadership Meeting 11:00am Room 32

Feb. 13-16 No School President’s Day. Feb. 18 PSP Meeting 6:00 -7:00pm in Room 36 Childcare in Room 39 Feb 19 Student Leadership Meeting 7:30am Kinder Feb. 21 WSCA International Taste Festival 6:00-9:30 PM. See attached Flyer. Feb. 27 Movie Night in Multi 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Give Campaign Update - February 2015

Apple TV’s are on their way to every classroom at Rocklin Academy Meyers!

Thanks to those of you who have donated to our Annual Give Campaign, the PSP got approval to supply each class a 60” TV with wall mount and an Apple TV box! We appreciate all who showed up at our last PSP meeting to share their thoughts and opinions. The technology will assist the teachers with more interactive learning options and allow our students to have innovative learning opportunities on a daily basis. We are currently shopping around for the best deals and the best products. We would love to hear from you if you have any connections to help us out!

While we are excited about the new technology, we are still actively fundraising to cover enrichment, field trips and school/teacher supplies. As of 2/3/15, we have $19,107.56 pledged toward our goal of $52,499. A large part of the gap in funding is related to field trips. Please remember that you are paying for your field trips through the Annual Give Campaign. Instead of paying the teacher $10 or $100 directly to cover the trip, PSP is being billed and paying for the trips. Please remember that your participation in the Annual Give Campaign is essential.

2014-2015 PARENT SURVEY

The Rocklin Academy Family of Schools is in the process of evaluating the progress we made on the 2014-2015 LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) and developing an LCAP for the 2015-2016 school-year. It is required to gather parent, staff, and student input as a means to evaluate the effectiveness of our current programs and plan, and set district goals for student learning. The results of this survey will have an impact on budget decisions and allocating the revenues received from the state. The survey may only be taken once per family and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

The survey is open from February 1st to February 6th. We thank you in advance for taking your time to provide vital input to the eight state priorities and our organization’s Core Values. The survey is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JMFDNPY

CONTINUED ENROLLMENT FOR 2015-16

Deadline to submit your family’s online form is February 19th

On Thursday, February 5, 2015, you will receive, via email, the RAFOS Continued Enrollment Form. This form is to be completed for every student attending Rocklin Academy Gateway (TK-Grade 6), Meyers (K-6), Turnstone (K-6) and Western Sierra (7-11) who wish to continue their enrollment for 2015-16. Please click on the link provided in the email and submit the Continued Enrollment Form electronically.

It is imperative that we have an accurate count of students rolling forward into 2015-16 and information received will let us know where we will have open enrollment slots. The deadline to submit your family’s online form is February 19, 2015.

Feed-Me Bear Jar in Office A.C.E.S. annual Pop Top fundraiser will go to support the Ronald McDonald House. Families have until March 31st to collect soda can Pop Tops. Once you bring your pop tops to school, it will go into a Feed-Me bear jar.

ATS TESTING

The Academic Talent Search (ATS) Qualifying Exam will be offered at the Western Sierra campus on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

ATS is a non-profit program that offers 4th - 9th grade students (grade level as of Jan. 1, 2015) exciting, interesting classes designed to accelerate learning in subject areas they enjoy. Each summer, these students have the opportunity to challenge themselves in traditional and non-traditional subjects, meet new friends from other schools, and experience a collegiate environment. The first step toward participating in ATS is to take the Qualifying Exam. Please see the letter at the end of this newsletter for more information.

Jesenia Bomgardner, Data & Testing Coordinator

PSP News

February PSP Meeting- MEETING DATE CHANGE The next PSP meeting will be on Wednesday, February 18th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm in Room 36. Please join us to find out about all of the exciting events and activities that are happening at our school. Childcare will be provided in Room 39 (Kinder class). You can receive double volunteer hours for attending! Family Movie Night – Alexander the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day When: Friday, February 27th, from 5:30 – 8:00 pm Where: Rocklin Elementary, Multipurpose room Wear your PJs, bring your blankets, pillows and enjoy a movie with your classmates and family. A parent must accompany their children. Snacks will be available for purchase. Those who attend will be entered into a free raffle!

Looking for volunteer hours?

Sign up to help with the event at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0C48A8A62FA5FB6-rocklin/.

SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE FUTURE PSP EVENTS:

FUNdraiser- Chick-Fil-A When: March 18th, 2015 Where: Chick-Fil-A, Roseville

All School Dance Show When: April 13th, 2015 Where: Rocklin Community Center Performance Times: 5:30pm-6:00pm K-2nd

6:15pm-7:00pm 3rd -6th Our PE teacher, Katie Sawaya, is asking for parent volunteers to help with dance rehearsals leading up to the showcase. Rehearsals take place during PE on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Parents can help during their child's PE class or stay all day and help with all PE classes. Any amount of time is appreciated. Rehearsals should begin the week of Feb. 24th.

Rocklin Academy Droids (RADs) 1st Place Winners

The Rocklin Academy Droids won 1st place at the 2014-15 California Capitol District Tournament First Lego League. The team comprises of Arun Beckhorn (4th), Cyrus Beckhorn (6th), Neil Dandekar (5th), Arjun Sapru (5th), Shawn Singh (5th), and Winston Wong (5th). The team, under the guidance of their coaches, Manish Dandekar and Samit Chhana, participated in the NorCal Championship, held in Sacramento, on January 24th. The RADs competed against 47 other teams from the Greater Sacramento Region and the Bay Area. The hard work and diligence of the team and their coaches showed at the end of the day, when the RADs won 1st place for having the most innovative project. Please congratulate the team members for their achievement and the recognition of Rocklin Academy Family of Schools at the NorCal Championship Tournament.

TO: ROCKLIN ACADEMY STUDENTS IN GRADES 4, 5, AND 6 RE: ACADEMIC TALENT SEARCH (ATS) The Academic Talent Search (ATS) Qualifying Exam will be offered at Western Sierra Collegiate Academy on Monday, February 9th at 2:00 pm. Students who take this test automatically qualify for the ATS Summer Program at Sacramento State. There is no obligation to apply; taking the test simply gives students the opportunity to attend unique, fun, and interactive courses. The first step toward participating in ATS is to take the Qualifying Exam. No test preparation is required since there is no pass or fail! ATS is a non-profit program that offers 4th – 9th grade students (grade level as of Jan. 1, 2015) exciting classes designed to accelerate learning in subject areas they enjoy. Fourth and fifth graders attend classes together and have the chance to expand their knowledge of interesting topics and meet new friends who share their enthusiasm for learning! Current 6th – 9th graders can challenge themselves in traditional and non-traditional subjects, and gain self-confidence and independence while experiencing a collegiate environment. Every summer, over 100 courses are offered in both traditional and non-traditional subjects that are specially designed for two age groups: grades 4-5 and grades 6-9 (4th graders will not be in classes with 9th graders). A variety of subject areas are available for students in grades 6-9, including computer science, engineering, law, mathematics, performing arts, and science. Some classes allow students to complete a year’s worth of high school material in 5 weeks. Many courses are recommended for high school credit. Older students appreciate the opportunity to develop independence and responsibility while exploring a collegiate environment—ATS students have access to university facilities, like the library, student union, and campus eateries. Through compelling week-long courses designed to expand the students’ knowledge and encourage their curiosity, 4th and 5th graders can apply new concepts towards solving complex problems. Classes in algebra, chemistry, creative writing, critical thinking, and engineering are just a few of the offerings available to this age group. Students shouldn’t miss the opportunity to develop “real world” skills and meet new friends who share their enthusiasm for learning! The Academic Talent Search Qualifying Exam will take place on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm, at our Western Sierra campus, 660 Menlo Drive, Rocklin. Please note that this is a minimum day for Rocklin Academy schools. This should allow enough time for lunch and transportation to Western Sierra. Please arrive no later than 1:45 pm! The test should last approximately one hour, but could vary depending on the student. If interested, please fill out the enclosed registration form and return it to Rocklin Academy’s office by the close of business on Friday, January 30, 2015. Questions about registration? Feel free to contact Jesenia Bomgardner at jbomgardner@rocklinacademy.org, or visit our website for more information, Rocklin Academy, ATS.

Congratulations!

Your school is offering you the opportunity to participate in Academic Talent Search (ATS) at Sacramento State. As mentioned on the Information for Students and Parents sheet (provided by your school), ATS provides fun, interactive, fast-paced summer classes to 4th through 9th grade students. Since 1982, more than 42,000 students have taken advantage of the educational opportunities provided by ATS, and over 1,800 students applied last year to attend classes on the Sac State campus. In 2014, over $45,000 in financial aid scholarships and fee waivers was granted.

To be eligible for ATS, all you need to do is be a current 4th through 9th grade student (grade level as of January 1, 2015) and take the ATS Qualifying Exam. Taking the test automatically qualifies you for ATS. The test takes a little over an hour and assesses your academic abilities. Students in 4th and 5th grades take the “intermediate” level exam while 6th-9th graders take the “advanced” level test. Scores do NOT affect your school grades. Taking the test does not mean you have to attend ATS, but by doing so, you have the option to decide later if you would like to attend these fun and unique classes at Sac State this summer.

Your ATS School Representative (usually the person who gave you this form) can tell you when the test will be offered at your school. To sign up, complete the back of this sheet and return it to your School Representative at least one week prior to the testing date. On the day of the test, bring the $15 processing fee with you (fees should not be submitted before the exam). This fee covers the scoring of your exam and the mailing of your test results directly to your home. If you cannot afford the test processing fee, ask your School Representative about a Testing Fee Waiver.

Again, congratulations on being offered this opportunity! If you have any questions, please call the ATS office (916-278-7032), send us an email (ats@csus.edu), or visit the ATS website (http://www.csus.edu/coe/ats) for more information. We hope you will join us this summer at Sac State!

Sincerely,

Scarlet P. Maurin Terry A. Thomas, Ph.D.Director Executive Director

California State University, SacramentoAcademic Talent Search (ATS) Mailing Address: 6000 J Street • Sacramento, CA 95819-6098Office Location: 7667 Folsom Blvd, Suite 2040 • Sacramento, CA 95826Phone: (916) 278-7032 • Fax: (916) 278-5930 • Email: ats@csus.edu • Website: www.csus.edu/coe/ats

Like us on Facebook for up-to-date info and announcements! • www.facebook.com/academictalentsearch

Have your parent/guardian complete the back side of this form so you can take the test.

Return it to your ATS School Representative at least one week before the testing date.

Don’t forget to bring $15 cash, check* (payable to ATS), or money order to school ON the day of the test. If you cannot afford the processing fee, ask your School Representative about a Testing Fee Waiver.

* Please note: Returned checks are subject to penalty fees per University Enterprises, Inc.

Visit the ATS website at www.csus.edu/coe/ats • Email ats@csus.edu • Call (916) 278-7032 • For up-to-date information about ATS, like us on Facebook!

Quick Facts... About the ATS Test• Because classes are filled top-score down, ATS strongly encourages tak-ing the test every year. Your highest scores (from the appropriate level of the exam) will always be accepted, so there is no risk in retesting!

• Testing is also available on the Sac State campus (for a fee of $15 per student) on the following Saturday mornings:

• January 31 • February 28 • February 21 • March 14

About ATS Classes• ATS’ wide variety of classes include new topics not covered in regular school, as well as traditional subjects taught at an accelerated level.

• Students gain exposure to a collegiate environment by attending classes at Sac State.

• Participants meet new friends from across the region who share an enthusiasm for learning.

• Many classes in the 6th-9th grade program are recommended for high school credit.

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ATS Test Sign-Up Form for 4th–9th graders

Student Name:

Mailing Address:

Primary Phone:

Current School:

Why should I take this test? The College Ability Test can offer valuable experience in taking a college admission-type exam. Test results also help identify special aptitudes to be further developed. There is no risk in testing, as test scores do not affect your regular school grades. The test is designed for older students, so you are not expected to know all of the answers or prepare for the test in any way.

If I have taken the test before, do I have to take it again? If you are currently in grade 6 or above and last tested as a 4th or 5th grader, you will need to test again to take the “advanced” level exam this year. Because classes are filled top-score down, ATS strongly encourages all students to take the test every year. ATS will accept your highest scores from the appropriate level of the exam, so there is no risk in retesting!

How much does the test cost?There is a $15 processing fee (payable to ATS on the day of the test) which covers the scoring of your exam and the mailing of your test results directly to your home. If you cannot afford the processing fee, ask your School Representative about a Testing Fee Waiver.

About the ATS Qualifying Exam (College Ability Test)

The College Ability Test is a 40-minute, multiple-choice exam. There are two parts to the exam: a verbal section and a quantitative section. Each section has 50 questions, with 20 minutes allotted to complete each part. Students take the test level appropriate for their grade: current 4th and 5th graders take the “intermediate” level, and current 6th–9th graders take the “advanced” level. The test is not “pass” or “fail,” as it does not measure specific knowledge; rather, it helps assess your aptitude for learning!

• Verbal SectionThe verbal section tests your knowledge of the meaning of words and your ability to identify relationships between pairs of words. You will be asked to find the pair of words that go together in the same way as the first two words.

Example gym : exercise :: a) cafeteria : eat c) car : sit b) mall : sell d) auditorium : clapSolutionTo solve analogy questions, put the primary pair of words into a sentence which explains their relationship (“You go to a gym to exercise.”). Next, substitute the answer choices into your sentence until you create a sentence that makes sense. The correct answer is A: “Gym” is related to “exercise” as “cafeteria” is related to “eat.”

• Quantitative SectionThe quantitative section tests how well you work with numbers. Each question has two parts (Column A and Column B). You must determine if the value presented in Column A is greater than the value presented in Column B, if the parts are equal, or if there is not enough information to decide.

Example Column A Column B Value of 3 nickels Value of 2 dimes and 1 dime and 1 nickel A if the part in Column A is greater B if the part in Column B is greater C if the two parts are equal D if not enough information is given for you to decideSolution The example is asking you to add. Since a nickel is 5 cents and a dime is 10 cents, in Column A, 5+5+5+10 is equal to 25. This is the same answer as 10+10+5 in Column B. Therefore, the answer to the question is C.

Last Name First Name Middle Initial

( )

Address

City State Zip

4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9thCurrent Grade as ofJan. 1, 2015 (circle):

Parent(s): Please return this completed form to your School Representative at least 1 week before the test to secure your student’s seat.

Apt #

Parent Signature:

Parent Name (Printed):

Parent Email:

A message from your ATS School Representative:4

= TOTAL: $

6-8:30 pm | WSCA | 660 Menlo Drive, RocklinRaffle Prizes • Fundraising for School Color Printer

Dinner & Dessert Plate Donation Cost: n Pre-sale = $9 Adults | $5 (Children under 11) n At Door = $12 Adults | $7 (Children under 11)

Presented by Western Sierra Collegiate Academy PSP

presents:

Oldest Student Name:

Grade: (Advisory) Teacher: Will Call:

Check your School: WSCA Turnstone Meyers Gateway

$9 Adult Dinner Plate Ticket x Qty. = $

$5 Child Dinner Plate Ticket x Qty. = $

Please Make Checks Payable to Western Sierra PSP

Pre-Sale deadline is Wednesday February 18, 2015.

Order forms may be dropped off in the PSP box at WSCA Lobby or

Mailed to: Western Sierra PSP | 660 Menlo Drive | Rocklin, CA 95765