January 2017
​
​
February 14, 2017
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
GCC Board Retreat and Meeting @GCC
​
March 7, 2017
4:45 pm
GCC Board Meeting @GCC
​
March 11, 2017
8:30 - 12:00 pm
GCC Technology Super Saturday @GCC
​
May 5, 2017
8:30 am Shot gun start
GCC Golf Tournament
Teal Bend Golf Course, 7200 Garden Highway, Sacramento
Upcoming Events
ENGAGE
It’s only January, and there are already so many Good Things to share in the GCC!
​
Congratulations to SAVA, GIS and COA who were selected to be Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School Nominees! These schools were among the top campuses in the country in their implementation of CKH and Culture Climate survey schools. We are looking forward to a site visit with each campus and Flippen Group in the near future. National Showcase Schools will be chosen in the spring and we are honored to have these schools under consideration.
​
I have enjoyed spending time at the school sites this month as part of our Coffee with the Superintendent series. Thank you so much to those of you who took the time to come out and spend time with me!
I was an honor to attend the Mid-Year Graduation ceremonies; kudos to CCCS and SAVA staff for your support of these students and their graduations. I am so proud of the work these two schools do to create success for at-risk youth – the opportunity to be a part of graduation is an honor that the board members and I cherish.
​
And finally, as a charter school organization providing quality educational options for over 13 years, we were proud to take part along with our schools in National School Choice Week!
​
Looking forward to what the rest of 2017 brings us,
​
~ Dr. Cindy Petersen, Superintendent/CEO
COMMUNICATE
EMPOWER
LAUNCH
Good Things Newsletter
Business Services Update
The Business Services department wrapped up a busy December working on several projects. We completed the First Interim Financial Report and Revised Budget, entering all the new benefit change information for employees, gathering information for our IRS and FTB filings and 1099 forms. We also introduced electronic web based forms for direct pay and purchase requisition requests. We are working on an electronic travel conference form and direct integration with our financial system for purchase requests. As we turn in to January and beyond we will be working on the Second Interim Financial Report and next year’s budget.
​
Office of Community Engagement and Development
At the end of the year 2016, the Community Engagement and Development team was focused on charter renewal for schools located in the Twin Rivers Unified School District: COA Elementary, COA Middle, HLA, Futures, CCCS and SAVA. Since receiving approval, the Community Engagement team has been working with the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Personnel and Academics to addresses all necessary changes and additions to the charters.
The team also assisted COA Middle School leadership to build a partnership with Wells Fargo Bank and successfully arrange the financial literacy seminar “Hands on Banking” at the school site. The Office of Community Engagement and Development is working closely with organizational committee members to continue to plan and prepare for Annual GCC Foundation Golf Tournament. Assistant Director Terebkov continues to coordinate work of parent liaisons at the district level and provide support to EPIC school in production of radio programs.
​
Data and Compliance Update
Anna Serin completed information for P-1 attendance reports and CALPADS certifications for two sites and coordinated the other CALPADS information with TRUSD staff. She has been working closely with GCC staff on charter renewal data and data for traffic mitigation for the new Rancho Del Paso school site.
Health Support Services
The Health Support Services team coordinated two training dates for medication administration at the school sites. These trainings were held to standardize the training across our school sites and to ensure all state laws and regulations are being properly followed to address student safety. They are also continuing to work with school sites to coordinate the vision and hearing screenings and following up with schools and families for those students in need of additional vision and hearing screenings by a doctor. The health support staff continues to monitor immunization requirements for their schools and help to inform staff of upcoming immunization deadlines for students.
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." Albert Einstein
Good Things Are HappeninG
All Across the GCC!
EXPLORE
EdCamps
The GCC Human Resource Department is proud to announce the first two in a series of exciting GCC EDCAMP opportunities to come relating to Applied Behavior Analysis (more commonly known as behavior modification). These EDCAMPS will be led by GCC Behavior Intervention Specialist Geoffrey Munch and are particularly applicable to GCC teachers and paraprofessionals. Geoffrey Munch is a board certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has spent the last 7 years creating and implementing programs for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Down Syndrome, etc.
EDCAMP Participation is voluntary. EDCAMPS are held in the GCC Central Office Boardroom from 4-5 p.m. Seats are limited – to register for the EDCAMP, please email Lisa Brabo in the GCC Human Resource Department at lisa.brabo@gcccharters.org. Participants should bring a laptop computer or Chromebook to the session.
​
Tuesday, January 31 – Punishment and Reinforcement – Do you witness problem behaviors with students? Come to this EDCAMP and learn basic behavioral modification techniques to use in the classroom. The skills you will learn at this EDCAMP can be used in behavior reduction and skill acquisition across all scholars.
Tuesday, February 28 – Functions of Behavior – Do you have students engaging in disruptive behaviors in your class? Is 90% of your time spent focusing on 10% of your students? Using Applied Behavior Analysis, you will learn the function of every human behavior. You will also learn how to use this knowledge to address problem behaviors and take control of your class.
​
GCC Technology Super Saturday
Created just for you!!! Our first ever GCC Technology Super Saturday will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 from approximately 8:30-12:00 p.m. The focus for this year’s Technology Super Saturday will be Google for Education, and workshops will be led by a team from EdTech. Possible topics may include: Google Classroom, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Chrome, Google Slides, etc. This event is open to all employees with an interest in Google Applications. Attendance is voluntary and there is no cost to employees for this workshop.
Effective integration of technology and use of the SAMR model to improve instruction and student learning are key initiatives of Gateway Community Charters. We look forward to bringing you more professional learning opportunities such as this to continue our focus in building coherence through professional learning across the GCC.
​
Upcoming Deadline
-
Sacramento State University Administrative Credential Program
-
Applications for Preliminary Administrative Service Credential and M.A. in Educational Leadership are being accepted now through February 14th.
-
This program is for principals and teachers.
-
Points of contact: Dr. Virginia Dixon (dixonv@csus.edu) and Dr. Sarah Graham (sarah.graham@csus.edu).
GCC Athletics Update
The 2016-17 GCC Elementary and Middle School basketball season came to an end on January 13th at Hardwood Palace in Rocklin. This year's basketball league has proven to be one of the most competitive and exciting seasons we have had here in the GCC the past few years. The final week began with 4 playoff games and ended with COA Elementary and HLA Middle School reigning victorious as the 2016-17 GCC Middle/Elementary School Champions. Congratulations to all of our schools, kids, and coaches for your hard work and for a great season.
FUTURES HIGH SCHOOL
HIGHER LEARNING ACADEMY
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE CHARTER SCHOOL (CCCS)
Mid Year Graduation, January 2017.
Congratulations to our mid-year graduates!
“It’s amazing,” revealed Megan Wilson, age 17, when asked about graduating in January. She absolutely beamed with delight, ready to move on with her life.
Two years ago, Megan came to CCCS hoping to make a change. The other schools she had attended had been overcrowded. She stated, “It is way better here. There are more opportunities to get my work done.” She attributed her success to having access to tutors and, more importantly, working one-on-one and talking with her teacher.
Megan’s advice to other students is: “Take advantage of the tutors and the one-on-one with the teachers to get good grades and make something of yourself.”
Congratulations Megan, and to ALL of our grads!
​
The Future is Yours!
Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy (SAVA)
Gateway international school (GIS)
CKH Showcase School Nomination
GIS is excited to be nominated as a “Showcase School” for Capturing Kids’ Hearts. Our teachers and staff actively live out Flip Flippen’s motto, “If you have a child’s heart, you have a child’s mind.” It matters how much care and concern is shown to students and peers. A simple smile and a handshake can turn a person’s day around for the better. There are a lot of smiles at GIS!
​
HeartZones for Physical Education
GIS is excited to implement HeartZones during P.E. classes. This technology allows the teachers to monitor students’ heart rates during physical activities. Teachers can tell if students are exercising in their optimal zone and how much effort they put forth. The heart rates then project to a smartboard where students can monitor their own results. Kudos to Mr. Burkhead and Mrs. Vang for their time spent setting up this beneficial program.
Empowering possibilitIes Charter School (EPIC)
Community outreach Academy (COA) Elementary
Community outreach Academy (COA) MIDDLE SCHOOL
What is
Dr. Petersen Reading?​
-
Invent to Learn: Making, Tinkering and Engineering in the Classroom (Martinez)
​
-
Make it Matter: How Managers Can Motivate by Creating Meaning (Mautz)
​
-
Talk, Inc.: How Trusted Leaders Use Conversation to Power Their Organizations (Slind and Groysberg
SAVA Basketball
Sacramento Academic Vocational Academy is currently participating in their third year in the Sacramento Athletic League. This league is making a huge impact on our players. They are improving their grades, learning life skills, the importance of commitment, team building skills, and so much more all while playing basketball!
The team is coached by two SAVA staff members: Head Coach James Stoops and Assistant Coach Andy Vang. In its first game, SAVA defeated William Daylor and then defeated Adelante in its second game of the season. The SAVA team is currently 2-0 tied for first place! Their next game will be on February 3rd against Nueva Vista.
Community Service Project
The students worked for two weeks raising money for children with leukemia. This Community Service Project was called Pennies for Patients. Our school raised $1972.92!
​
Think Kindness Challenge
Our scholars were challenged with documenting acts of kindness throughout the school day. These acts of kindness are written on colored rings that when placed together form a long chain. This is our second Think Kindness Challenge of the 2016-17 school year. Our last total was 3,747 documented acts of kindness in 15 school days. The school was challenged to beat the old score and try to beat the Big Challenge of 5,000 documented acts of kindness. The rings were tallied and put together at our school wide assembly and, wow, EPIC's Think Kindness Challenge documented 7,932 acts of kindness in just 15 days!
Art Program
The Art Program is continuing to blossom at Community Outreach Academy Middle School under the expertise of Ms. Santer!
Husky Games
Traditionally at the end of every semester students participate in a student cohort competition organized by homeroom class (first period) called the ’Husky Games’. Students and staff decide on the number and nature of games held and all students are encouraged, but not required, to represent their class by taking part in at least one of the competitions. To add to the fun, each class chooses a theme and dresses up for the occasion. The enthusiasm, comradery, and the competitiveness of the participants are contagious! This is definitely one of the annual events that both students and staff anticipate and look forward to. Winners are determined at the end of the day and they receive the Golden Tire along with a pizza party.
Math Competition
A special thanks to all staff who came out to support their students and those who participated and helped during this event. A special Thank You to Daniel Coonan for organizing this event this year! Mr. Coonan went above and beyond the call of duty and organized a wonderfully successful event. The cheering PowerPoint Presentations created by our students were especially thoughtful and affirming. These slides were displayed on our TVs throughout the sites and during the Math Competition. They showed support and encouragement to the students who were scheduled to participate in the competition.
GCC Basketball League
Our Basketball Team played in the Championship game and we won the trophy! We are so proud of our students. It goes to show that everything that we put our minds and efforts to, we can achieve as a team. Special thanks to Daniel Bubela for organizing the Basketball team and a very special thanks to Kate Rossle for coaching the team to victory. We truly appreciate our staff and students and appreciate their skill, talents and dedication.
Library
We have new library furniture and have filled the shelves with lots of wonderful books. We also received new books and Tanya Kisel is working diligently on simplifying the labeling system of the books so they are set up in the library by student reading levels.
Technology Workshop
Tanya Kisel, Michael Serdi, and Tim Strauch came back from their Technology Workshop very enthusiastic about all the new things they learned about the future of Technology in the classroom. We look forward to hearing what they learned as they share during the GCC EdCamps on Technology as well as at our staff meetings. We are very excited to see our staff members teaching these workshops and would like to encourage all of our staff members and teachers to share their expertise either at EdCamps or our Staff Meetings.
Futures Family Night
Finishing off 2016, Futures High School had an amazing Family Night. The goal of the night was to create connections between staff, parents, and students. The night was full of games, performances, presentations, and competitions.
​
Vex Robotics Competition
On a recent Saturday morning in January, Mr. Nguyen and six students went to Ceres High School to compete in a VEX Robotics Competition. The students were respectful, gracious, and demonstrated great character. After a long day of qualifying matches, they made it to the quarterfinals before their run ended. The students are motivated to improve their robot before they attend the next competition!
​
FBI Teen Academy 2016
Futures High student Julie Tofan had a chance to be a part of the FBI Teen Academy. At the academy she was taught the mission and all the important duties the Federal Bureau of Investigation does to keep our country safe. She really enjoyed it and would like to pursue this career choice.
​
Futures' Athletics
The winter sports' seasons are coming to an end and the Knights' boys and girls basketball and soccer teams are in full preparation to do the hard work necessary to end their seasons with big victories over tough and rival competitors. The boys soccer and basketball teams have won the last 3 of 4 games with the girls' programs not too far behind with 2 big wins in their last 4 games.
GCC Golf Tournament
On Friday, May 5th, 2017 at Teal Bend Golf Course, the avid and the amateur, the above par and sub-par, the driven and their golf cart drivers will come together for our annual Golf Tournament and Lunch Reception. This annual event is the "hole in one" for the Gateway Community Charters Foundation!
Mark your calendars and register today at: www.gccgolftournament.com
​​
Funds raised benefit the athletics programs at ALL 7 of the Gateway Community Charters schools!
Share this information with your business or community contacts that might be interested in Sponsorship Opportunities!
Thank you for your support of all students at Gateway Community Charters!
Community Partners. Mutual Assistance Network and AmeriCorps members were out at HLA on MLK day for National Day of Service. Volunteers helped paint the buddy bench, organize library books, and plant flowers. A time to beautify the campus was much needed!
​
HLA Reads! Sacramento Public Library librarians came out to read to first graders and pass out free books.
​
Literature Assembly. We had the Sonnet Man out for an assembly. He took Shakespeare and broke it down with hip hop. Students were encouraged to write their own raps using literature.
​
Volunteering Club. The Eagle Volunteer Club participants served the community while being creative and artistic as they used glitter, glue, stamps, markers, stickers and pompoms to make hand crafted Christmas and New Year’s Cards. The group produced 82 amazing cards that showed the hearts and loving spirits of the students at HLA. The library was filled with holiday music, art supplies, and the sound of students enjoying themselves and each other while giving back to the community with creative love and joy. Everyone had a fabulous time with the competition as well. Our goal was to make 50 cards of great quality. We met and surpassed this goal by 32! The winners of the competition received a holiday themed headband:
1st Place : Liyanna H. - 3rd grade created 10 cards
2nd Place: Alliyson R. – 3rd grade created 9 cards
3rd Place: Cloe T. – 4th grade created 8 cards
​
Samantha Olson, HLA School Counselor and her son Evan, delivered the 82 hand crafted Christmas and New Year’s Cards created by the Eagle Volunteer Club on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 to the Arden Post Acute Rehab and The Courtyard Terrace Memory Community. The clients at Courtyard Terrace we given the cards directly and wished a Merry Christmas in the main hall. The cards were given to the Arden Post Acute Rehab clients in their holiday gift bag later that afternoon.
Campus Beautification Day
On December 17th, we held the Campus Beautification Day. It was extremely pleasant to see many of our parents come out to support us in our ongoing efforts to make our school a better place for our staff and students. With over twenty volunteers present that day, we were able to accomplish a lot: we deep cleaned the facility; assembled newly purchased furniture; rearranged existing furniture and cleaned the outside courts. The site is now ready for the new semester. We would like to sincerely thank the parents and the school staff who took their time and came out on their day off to take care of our school’s needs. The caring and engaged parents are the bloodline of our school. Such parents provide their children with an example of how to make the world a better place.
​