December 16, 2009

Winter Break
On behalf of our staff I would like to wish all of you a wonderful winter break.  Whether you are traveling or staying at home, take time to enjoy your family and friends.    Our students work hard during the school year and this two week break is a perfect opportunity for them to explore the world outside of their books and contracts.  Encourage your student to step back and enjoy some quiet peaceful time.

We wish you a wonderful vacation and a very happy 2010.
Reminder:  Winter Break: December 22 through January 2

Contra Costa Food Bank
Thank you to the students and staff who donated to the food bank.  The bin is almost full.  Your generosity will help families throughout Contra Costa County this holiday season.

California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
The CAHSEE will be administered to all 10th graders, and to any 12th graders who have not taken or not passed one or both sections of the test.  Testing dates are FEBRUARY 2 for English and FEBRUARY 3 for Math.  This is not optional.  All 10th graders must take the test and all 12th graders who have not passed must take the test in order to graduate in June.

Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest for students in grades 9-12. Students memorize poems from a posted list of hundreds of poems – they then deliver the poem from memory.  Venture high school students were able to work with Alison Luterman, poet and playwrite to practice their interpretation of the poem they chose to recite.  Each high school holds a competition to select a school representative who then competes at the county level. Last year a student from Monte Vista won the county title. (There is also a state and national competition). You can see clips of winning poetry recitations and find out more information at the website: http://www.poetryoutloud.org/ 
Try-outs for Poetry Out Loud will be held on January 12, 2010 from 1-3 pm at Venture.  Even if you did not work with Alison, we encourage you to compete on January 12.

Fund Raiser
Reminder:
If you shop online, check out www.goodshop.com  By doing your online shopping through this site you can help raise funds for Venture.

Community Links
We are interested in providing students and families with as many links to community activities as possible.  If you are aware of any activities open to our students, please let Janet know so they can be included in our newsletter.
These sites offer a variety of classes for students of all ages:
City of San Ramon:    http://www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/Parks/default.htm
Town of Danville:       http://www.ci.danville.ca.us/default.asp?serviceID1=440Frame=L1
Contra Costa Library: http://ccclib.org/programs