January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025
Beth Wylie | Charter DirectorBeth began her work at Fuente Nueva as a parent volunteer when her oldest son enrolled in the first kindergarten class. As the school developed, Beth designed and implemented an Extended Day program. In 2005 she became the “lead petitioner” for Fuente Nueva’s Charter Petition and later accepted the position of the Charter Director.
Upon earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University, Beth gained her Pennsylvania teaching credential in 1992. After experiencing the constraints of the public education system, Beth left the classroom and worked for several years in a non-profit mental health services agency. After her three children were born, she dedicated herself to the role of stay-at-home mother.
When Beth joined the Fuente Nueva team in the role of Charter Director she gained valuable on the job experience as an administrator. Since her start at FNCS, Beth has gained her California Teaching Credential, authorization to teach English language learners, school business manager and finance training, and the all-important Certificate of Achievement from the Charter School Leadership Boot Camp through the Charter School Development Center.
This night is provided to give parents an opportunity to learn about our program, meet the teachers, tour the classrooms, and obtain an enrollment application. Child-care is available with limited space. Reservations for child care are strongly encouraged and may be made by calling 822-3348.
Parents unable to attend our information night may learn more about Fuente Nueva Charter School by: scheduling a visit to the classrooms, attending a school event, talking to current Fuente Nueva school community members or calling the school to find out more.
This night is provided to give parents an opportunity to learn about our program, meet the teachers, tour the classrooms, and obtain an enrollment application. Child-care is available with limited space. Reservations for child care are strongly encouraged and may be made by calling 822-3348.
Parents unable to attend our information night may learn more about Fuente Nueva Charter School by: scheduling a visit to the classrooms, attending a school event, talking to current Fuente Nueva school community members or calling the school to find out more.
On Friday November 9 we dismiss at 1pm to begin parent teacher conference week. Early dismissal will continue through Friday November 16, to provide 5 days for conferences. This is a great opportunity for parents to engage in their child’s education. Sign-up for your conference by the door of your student’s classroom.
Join us for Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday 10/10. We will meet at the Greenview Market (corner of Janes and 11th st.) at 8:15am. Students will either join the “Walking school bus” or ride their wheels in the “Rolling human powered school bus”. If students are in before care, they are welcome to participate. You may also meet us at the school at 8am to walk on over to the market Hope to see you on Wednesday!
There is a lot of talk out there about the effectiveness of homework in elementary school and people line up on both sides of discussion. Opponents argue that we should let kids have free time to explore their own passions while supporters say it teaches students responsibility. Where does Fuente Nueva land on this issue?
We believe that homework should be meaningful, manageable, and minimal. While this approach will translate differently at each grade level, the goal is the same of aiming for quality of quantity. You will see less busy work, and more projects. Teachers will send home simple opportunities for students to share what they are learning with parents. So while homework is not going away entirely, we do hope that this new approach enables families to have more quality time together to immerse themselves in all the “learning in disguise” that can happen while they are away from school.
So what does this look like? As an immersion school we ask for parents to support their child’s home language development. In most cases at Fuente this is English language development. Simply reading with your child every night is a great way to both spend time with your family while also providing a learning opportunity. In grades 2nd-5th grade, homework assigned supports the limited amount of school time they receive formal instruction in English. In addition, teachers are ready to work with parents to provide additional home practice that fits individual needs. This could be simply referring parents to the learning opportunities on our website or as complex as creating learning packets for the specific needs of the student.
Fuente Nueva teachers are already reporting that the new approach is creating a positive shift in student engagement during lessons. As with all new practices we plan to monitor the impacts and adjust as needed. We sure hope that families enjoy the opportunity to read, play and spend quality time together.
Please join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, September 13 at 5:30pm. We will begin in the hall where we plan to share information on exciting happenings at Fuente Nueva. This is a great time to get important information, so you can engage in your child’s school community. Next, parents will visit both the regular classroom and the English library. There will be information booths on our Disaster and Safety planning, AFN and more. This event is for parents, so we do offer limited child care to our students with advance notice Sign-ups are available in the main office and the Extended Day room. Younger siblings are welcome to stay with parents as needed.
We look forward to welcoming a Paul Swenson as our school photographer for this year. We have long enjoyed the photos by Eva York who has gone back to school for her master’s degree. Order forms went home in your first day packets and can also be found in the main office. Sibling pictures will be offered.
Join in this great annual event that celebrates the intercultural friendship between Arcata and Camoapa, Nicaragua. If you have not been before, I highly encourage you to consider carving out some time to stop by. Better yet, if you want to lend a hand, donate a baked good with all proceeds benefiting the Arcata-Camoapa Sister City project.
The 33rd annual I Block Party, with live music and free admission, is on Monday, September 3rd, from 12-6 on I street, between 10th and 11th streets. Music from the Gatehouse Well, Kingfoot, Motherlode and the Latin Peppers.
Enjoy local microbrews, and delicious barbequed chicken, albacore, or tofu. Cold drinks and locally made desserts will also be available, as well as a raffle and silent auction. Brings the kids for free facepainting!
The I Block Party is the annual fundraiser for the Arcata-Camoapa Sister City Project, which is celebrting 33 years of international friendship and solidarity. All proceeds benefit Camoapa, Nicaragua.
Music Line Up:
12:00-1:00 The Gatehouse Well
1:15-2:45 Kingfoot
3:05-4:05 Motherlode
4:30-6:00 The Latin Peppers
There will be no school on Monday due to Labor Day celebrations. Enjoy your long weekend!