Weekly Thunderbolt
February 21, 2019
Principal’s Message

Dear Roy Cloud Families,

I’m writing to update you on our next cycle of Investigative Learning Units. You will recall that students are participating in two Units this year. Investigative Learning Units help connect students to a purpose for their learning. They ask, “Why am I doing this?” Units propose challenging opportunities that are authentic, promote critical inquiry, allow for continuous improvement and provide student agency. Students ask, “How does this connect to me? How does it connect to the real world? “

Units may develop around: 1) Solving a pressing problem; 2) Tackling a Design Challenge; 3) Exploring a Philosophical Question; 4) Investigating a Historical Event of a Natural Phenomenon; 5) Examining a controversial issue. In developing a Unit, teachers plan for an “Enduring Understanding”: What is it beyond this unit , that we want students to understand? Teachers also pose an “Essential Question”: What lies at the heart of the topic and also prompts deeper investigation?

To help with the communication between you and your child around the current Investigative Learning Unit, a chart of the Enduring Understanding and Essential Question for each grade level is below.
It’s exciting to see the Units evolve and the students engaged in their meaningful work.

In partnership,
Diane Prystas

P.S. Please join me next week for the Principal's Meetup - Thursday, February 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Library. I look forward to seeing you there!
Calendar
This Week:
  • Thur, Feb 21 - ASB Class Rep Meeting, 1:35-1:50pm, Room 41
  • Thur, Feb 21 - RCEF Info Night, 7pm (details below)
  • Sat, Feb 23 - Roy Cloud Auction, 6-11pm, Domenico Winery

Next Week:
  • Mon, Feb 25, Site Council Meeting, 3:15pm, Library (Agenda)
  • Thur, Feb 28 - Bolt Assembly, 8:15am
  • Thur, Feb 28 - Principal's Meetup (BYOC), 8:30am, Library
  • Thur, Feb 28 - Last Day to Bring Food for ASB Drive
  • Fri, Mar 1 - Last Day for Spirit Wear Orders

Upcoming:
  • Mon, Mar 4- Fri, Mar 8 - 5th Grade Outdoor Ed
  • Mon, Mar 11- Fri, Mar 15 - Minimum Days, Spring Conferences, All grades released at 1:30pm all week
  • Thur, Mar 14 - Science Night, 6:30-8:00pm, MUB (tickets)
  • Sat, Mar 16 - Referral window for GATE ends, 5pm
  • Tue, Mar 19 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm, Library
  • Fri, Mar 22 - Sat, Mar 23 - Mary Poppins JR (tickets)
  • Wed, Mar 27 - Middle School Rally, 2:10-2:50am, MUB
  • Thur, Mar 28 - Bolt Assembly, 8:15am
  • Thur, Mar 28 - ASB Class Rep Meeting, 1:35-1:50pm, Room 41
  • Fri, Mar 29 - Superintendent Coffee, 8:30-9:30am, Library
  • Fri, Mar 29 - Minimum Day, All grades released at 1:30pm
  • Mon, Apr 1 - Fri, Apr 5 - Spring Break, No School
PTO News
Grandparents' Support Needed
This is the last week for grandparents to donate to our Fund-A-Need. The money raised in our "grandparent fund" will be used as the starting bid for the auction Fund-A-Need.

This year's Fund-A-Need supports social-emotional learning through partnerships with outside companies and programs and providing our teachers with professional development training.
Don't Get Out-Bid on Saturday!
The 2019 Auction Catalog is available online. If you haven’t had time to peruse all the fantastic items then here is your chance. Don’t wait until Saturday... start strategizing, set a maximum you’re willing to spend, and lastly, make sure not to get out-bid!
Last Call... Jim Wilten's Beginning Leadership Class for 4th and 5th Graders
Starting on Feb. 28th, Jim Wilten is back for Spring sessions. This parent/child class is a wonderful opportunity to build confidence and leadership skills though storytelling, slideshows, and highly engaging activities. If you missed the sessions in the Fall, don't miss this wonderful opportunity, and join in this time around. Space is limited, so sign up now! See attached flyer , and reserve your spot by emailing Mary Redner.
Science Night Tickets On Sale
Roy Could Science Night is an interactive exploration of science and technology.

Thursday, March 14th, 2019  
5:30pm to 8:00pm
Roy Cloud MUB

Roy Cloud students (K-8) are invited. Parents are welcome to attend…but not required, unless kids are too little. $5 entrance fee paid in advance. Includes pizza, veggies, and water for dinner.
Mary Poppins JR. is coming March 22-23
Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Don't miss their adventures with everyone's favorite "practically perfect" nanny in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins JR. Our "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" Roy Cloud students will be lighting up the stage. All shows include a special prelude concert performed by the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade chorus. Tickets are available now online and will be sold at school in March, with 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales going directly to the Roy Cloud PTO. Enjoy the show!
PTO Tech Coordinator Needed
  • Maintain detailed inventory of PTO purchased chromebooks & ipads, to be used to forecast & plan for future purchases
  • Be the PTO liaison with teachers and admin for technology purchases
  • Mostly at-home work, including email

If you have questions or can help, please email Yvonne Sarles.
Walk Through History Day
All 5th and 6th grade classes participate in Walk Through History days at Roy Cloud. The 6th graders, like Ms. Amato's class above, walk through the Ancient World (Egypt, Greece, and Rome). The 5th graders walk through the American Revolution. With your financial support, PTO contracts with California Weekly Explorer to provide these engaging days of learning.
Garden Corner
In anticipation of spring, the 1st graders spent their class time this week doing free choice garden work. Some students were vigorously digging into one of the garden beds to loosen the soil. Another group sifted through the finished compost bin to collect nutritious soil to spread in the garden. They demonstrated team work, responsibility, and enthusiasm throughout class.

NEEDED: 1 liter plastic bottles!!
I am looking for 1 liter plastic bottles to use for a class science experiment. If you have any empty liter bottles in your recycling, please send them with your students to class or leave them at the front desk. Thank you so much!
School News
Last Chance to Respond to District Surveys
There are two current district surveys for parents to respond to. If you haven't already, please take the time to fill these out - your feedback is valuable.

  1. RCSD Climate Survey (English / Spanish).
  2. RCSD LCAP Survey (Local Control and Accountability Plan).
ASB Cancer Awareness Week
Monday, March 11 - Friday, March 15

On Friday, students have the opportunity to get hair extensions, their hair sprayed with wash-out color, or paper crowns. To participate, return this permission slip to your teacher or the office by March 1st.
ASB Food Drive Ends February 28th
There will be collection boxes in the classrooms and MUB.

The most needed items are: canned tuna & chicken, peanut butter, meals in a can (soup, chili), low-sodium canned vegetables, canned fruit in its own juice or water, olive or canola oil, and low-sugar whole grain cereals. Please avoid foods packed in glass and sugar-sweetened drinks.
Get It Before It's Gone...
Return the order form to the school office by March 1st.
Community News
TONIGHT! RCEF Info Night
Thursday, February 21
7:00pm
Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, RWC

Learn about
  • RCEF's mission
  • How they fundraise
  • What programs are supported
  • How RCEF works with the district
RWC Parents for Better Education Funding
Local RWC parents are working together to advocate at a state level for equitable school funding - specifically with a high cost of living adjustment. If you would like to learn more or get involved, here is the link to the facebook group.
Dine Out to Benefit RCEF
Feb 27 - Mar 2
Main & Elm Restaurant, 150 Elm Street, RWC
*mention this fundraiser when dining

Some ways to participate:
~ Plan a mom’s night out with your mom-crew, and meet at Main and Elm.
~ Take your family out instead of cooking.
~ Pick Main and Elm for that business lunch meeting on Thurs or Fri during the fundraiser.
~ Catch up with a friend over coffee.
From the Weekly Thunderbolt Editor:

To submit content for the Thunderbolt, send to  [email protected]  no later than Tuesday midnight for publication on Thursday. Vendors promoting for-cost camps and classes that are not on campus, please publish through peachjar .

Want to be added to the distribution list for the Weekly Thunderbolt? Click  here  to sign yourself up.