Week Ending – October 28, 2011

Dear Parents and Guardians;

Happy Halloween!

This week we had several “fun” days.  On Thursday, students displayed their creative talent by designing a “crazy hat”.  Many students participated in the fun and the winning home room was Mrs. Espindola’s who had the largest percentage of students participating in the fun.  There will be a special treat for this class on Tuesday.

On Friday, students came to school in a variety of costumes.  We had the beautiful, the scary, and the ugly!  All students had fun being someone else for a day!  We hope to have more days in the coming months where students can exhibit their creativity and have some fun!

Uniform Note – Pack away those shorts and search your closets for those long pants.  Winter dress code goes into effect on November 1. In case you have forgotten, here is the dress code for 2011-12:

The California Aerospace Academy is a career academy and therefore students are expected to dress for success in the workplace.  Students are expected to wear the following every day to school unless there is a special allowance for free dress which will be announced in advance:

• Plain(may have CAA or CAP logo) navy blue, black  or gray polo or dress shirt with a  collar
• Shirts must be buttoned and tucked into trousers at all times
• All students must wear a belt
• Pants must be khaki, black, tan, navy blue – no jeans or denim
• Pants must be worn around the waist – no sagging
• August – October 31 and April 1 – June students may wear hemmed knee length shorts; khaki, black, tan or navy blue; no jeans or denim  Girls may wear knee length khaki, black, tan or navy blue skorts; no jeans or denim
• Navy blue, black, or gray plain sweatshirts or sweaters with no hoods (no checks, stripes, designs, logos except CAA or CAP logo)
• Closed toed shoes with low heels

Speaker of the Month – On Wednesday we had the privilege of traveling to the Aerospace Museum of California to hear a great presentation by Major Gen. James Hopp. Students not only learned about Major General Hopp’s path to his present career, but also learned about the Aerospace Museum of which he served on the Foundation Board.  Students were able to ask questions about the museum and his career.  We thank Major General Hopp for his support of our school and for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to our students.  We also thank the Museum for their hospitality in allowing us to hold these important presentations in their establishment.   

High School Flag Football – Our high school students have the opportunity to be a part of a flag football team under the coaching of Mr. Jason Sample.  Practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 4:30.  It is not too late to join. 

Electronic Equipment – We encourage all students to take special care of any electronic equipment that they may bring to school.  The best thing you can do is leave all valuable items at home.  Several iPods and cell phones have disappeared.  While we will do our best to try to recover them, students bring these expensive items to school at their own risk.  Do not leave them unattended.  And remember, cell phones and iPods are not to be used in the class rooms during instruction.

Parent Club Meeting – Mark your calendars and plan to attend our next parent club meeting on November 3.  Items to be discussed:          

                Presentation by Engineering Department – Mr. Schroeder and Mrs. Espindola

                Update on campus improvements

                Camp/field trip information

                Science Fair Information

                Open POCAA positions

There will be food served.  Meeting starts at 6:00 PM in our newly painted cafeteria. 

Students of the Month – CAA is proud to recognize the following students for exhibiting the quality of Responsibility for the month of October:  Gregory Soto, Taleigha Clough Martin, Breannan Simmons, David Soto, Desirae Willson, Anthony Friedman, Paul Jenkins, Ramon Soto, and Dylan Spykerman.

Honor Roll – First Quarter grades are in.  We are pleased to announce that 41 students achieved a 3.0 or higher.  Congratulations CAA students! 

Week Ending – October 21, 2011

Dear Parents and Guardians;

The staff of California Aerospace Academy wants to take this moment to express our thanks to our parents and friend who have worked hard this week to make our school beautiful and successful.  On Friday evening, our wonderful parent group hosted the annual spaghetti dinner at the Zion Center.  Many parents attended this event in which our students served a wonder dinner.  We extend a special thank you to Mr. David Viani for his expert cooking abilities.  The spaghetti was wonderful! 

On Saturday morning, several parents, students and staff showed up at 8:00 AM to help beautiful our school.  The cafeteria, outside doors, and some inside walls were painted.  Our school now looks bright and inviting.  A special thank you to Dr. Pat Johnson for donating the paint.  Students and staff who worked hard on this activity were:  Vincenzo Viani, Paul Jenkins, Hunter Mark, Nico Tryon, Vickie Roy, Catherine Gier, Tamie Musgrave, Jeremy Musgrave, Mia Torres, and Raymond Torres.  This coming weekend our floors will be cleaned and shined.  We are truly excited about our new look and we invite you to stop by and visit. 

Speaker for High School Students - On Wednesday, our high school students were privileged to hear for the US Air Force.  Tech Sergeant Perry and Lt. Col. Espino talked about their experience in the Air Force and the opportunities that are available to students.  Our well behaved students had the chance to ask questions and learn more about this branch of the service.  The staff of CAA extends our thanks to the USAF for this wonderful opportunity.   

Speaker of the Month – This Wednesday all students will go to the Aerospace Museum of California to hear Major Gen. James Hopp talk about his career.  Major Gen. Hopp has over 40 years of leadership and management experience providing weapon system program management, logistics and supply chain management, information technology, and strategic planning to U.S. military services, the Department of Defense, private industry, and foreign governments. He served 30 years active duty with the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Major General.  He is the currently the President of the Aerospace Museum of California Foundation Board, in Sacramento, CA, a Director of SAFE Credit Union,  and a former Director on the California Capital Air Show Board of Directors. Parent are welcome to attend this presentation at 10:30 at the Museum. 

Great California Shakeout – On Thursday things were shaking at CAA.  Our school participated in the Great California Shakeout.  At 10:22, teachers played a public service announcement equipped with earthquake sounds.  Students dropped to the floor, covered themselves, and held on.  CAA was a part of 8.6 million participants in this event.  Prior to Thursday, students learned about earthquake and what to do should one happen in our area.  Our students and teachers did a great job and we hope there are no earthquakes in our future!

Picture Re-takes – Monday our school photographers will be at school to take pictures of students who missed the September picture day.  Also students who wish to have their picture re-taken may do so, but must bring back their original picture package.  Picture re-takes will be in the morning. 

Crazy Hat Day – The staff of CAA has declared that Thursday, October 27 is Crazy Hat Day.  Students may wear hats to school.  We will be looking for the most original, the craziest, and the prettiest.  Students are encouraged to participate in this fun activity.  So check our closets for your craziest, wackiest hat and wear it to school on Thursday.  There will be prizes!

Free Dress Friday – This Friday is the last Friday in October and that means Free Dress Friday.  Check your student handbook for appropriate free dress attire.

October 31 – Teacher Work Day – No School

Week Ending – October 14, 2011

Dear Parents and Guardians;

A special thank you to all parents and friends who attended the Parents of CAA meeting last Thursday.  It is such a pleasure to see a good turnout of parents who are interested in the education of their children.  As we continue throughout the year, parent meetings will focus on a department who will highlight the special activities that are going on at our school.   We welcome any ideas that you may have to make these monthly meeting meaningful. 

Tests at CAA – This past week our high school students were involved in several tests.  10^th, 11^th, and 12^th graders took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This test will help our students determine a career path.  Representatives from the Armed Forces will be on campus in the near future to go over the results of the test.  There is no military obligation involved. 

On Wednesday, 11^th grade students went to Futures High School to take the PSAT exam.  We are proud that our students are looking toward their future and getting involved in these testing options. 

Report cards – If you were unable to pick up your student’s report card at the Parent Meeting on Thursday, expect it in the mail this week.  If you have not received the report card by Friday please contact the office.      

Week Ending – October 7, 2011

Dear Parents and Guardians;

Fall is definitely in the air with the unexpected rain and cooler weather this week.  As we enter the colder months, staff has been concerned about the temperature in the building.  Currently our boiler is not working and is slated for repairs in the very near future. Because of this problem, sometimes the classrooms are chilly. Even though it is not unbearable, we are concerned about the health of our students.  While we encourage you to wear non-hooded garments, we understand that in this economic time purchasing the school sweatshirt might be prohibitive.  Therefore, we have decided to allow students to wear their hooded jackets and sweatshirts in the building as long as the following guidelines are in place:

• All outer garments must be either plain black, navy blue, or gray
• Outer garments may not have logos or patterns (only logo acceptable is CAA)
• Hoods are not to be worn on the head in the building.  They must be tucked into the jacket, sweatshirt, etc.
• Students wearing hoods will get one warning, then the clothing will be taken by the teacher and given back when student leaves the building (lunch, or after school)            

We hope that this will keep our students warm and comfortable until the heat is restored.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  And one final reminder – winter dress code will be in effect starting November 1.  That means that shorts will not be allowed during the winter season.  Please see that your child is wearing the correct uniform when he/she leaves for school.   As always jeans are only allowed on Free Dress Fridays (the last Friday of the month).  Students out of dress code will be calling home to get the proper attire.  

McClellanParkExpo – The Expo was held on Thursday.  Thank you to the parents and staff who supported our school by working at our booth.  Our students were able to visit the Expo, interviewed many company representatives, and obtained received information from many of the vendors.  We thank McClellan Park for allowing us to participate in this fine event. 

Cafeteria info – Many students who were eligible for free or reduced lunches last year did not complete their applications for the new school year.  Last week the 30-day period had expired and many students were unable to receive lunch.  We have since been in contact with the Twin Rivers Nutrition Services and rectify this problem. In order to obtain a free/reduced lunch, you must complete new paperwork each school year.  Until the process is completed, students can receive an alternative lunch (which will still be charged to their account).  Applications are available on the Twin Rivers Unified School website.  (http://www.twinriversusd.org/depts/nutrition/)

Tardies – Coming to class late continues to be a problem.  Starting this week, students who are tardy can expect to serve a detention for every class in which they are late. Students coming to school late without a valid excuse will also be expected to make up their time at lunch time or after school.    Remember, school begins promptly at 8:10 AM.  Coming to class late disrupts the learning environment for all students.  Please talk with your student about promptness.  Thank you for your help.

Parents of CAA – The October meeting of the Parents of CAA will be held this coming Thursday, October 13 at 6:00.  There will be a presentation by the Science Department, information about the Parent Portal, field trip information, and fund raising ideas.  Parents are encouraged to attend and pick up first quarter report cards.  The home room with the most parents in attendance will receive a breakfast treat.