Superintendent’s Corner What’s New on the

Governing Board

2

HCSEF

Scholarship Winners

2

What’s New at the

Learning Centers

3

Student Art 17

Senior PLP 18

Student Highlights 21

Prom 2014 22

Caught in the Act!` 23

CSF Information 24

Apply to UC 25

2013-14 Calendar 26

2014-15 Calendar 27

What’s on the Horizon 28

Final Thoughts 29

Shakespeare in the Park 30

On the Horizon M A Y 2 0 1 4

Inside this Issue

By Superintendent Craig Heimbichner

As I write, the school year has just closed, and graduation is in a few

days. As I reflect on the hard work and accomplishments of so many

this past year—parent educators, students, teachers, administrators,

classified staff, the Governing Board—and the amazing promise of

the upcoming year, I feel grateful to have the role that I do supporting

such a fine educational institution as Horizon.

Some of the changes that will be in place for next year are very excit-

ing. We will be opening a new Roseville Learning Center, consolidat-

ing our old Roseville Learning Center and our Special Education

building down the road into one fantastic new location. Parking, ease

of access, rooms and outside play area, and room to expand are all

part of this great new Center for our Horizon students.

We will also be adding Transitional Kindergarten and hiring more

bilingual teachers. We have been building a fantastic team to support

our parents, including a new Director of Curriculum, Instruction and

Professional Learning who will train parents and staff and support

academic achievement through personalized learning like never be-

fore. Our technology is upgrading and many great new developments

are happening in this area which will be supported by a Director of

Innovation and Marketing, building our virtual learning and working

on outreach to parents and families. We have an Assistant Superinten-

dent of Business and Support to ensure that our staff is well taken care

of and aligned with student and family educational needs. We will be

implementing more choices at Learning Centers including pilot pro-

grams involving a great deal of support for families in difficult in-

structional content provided by highly qualified teachers.

By the end of next week, our new Master Schedule and staff assign-

ments will be completed and will be announced soon. Families will be

able to plan early this time and summer will be busy. When you re-

turn in the fall, expect a vibrant, dynamic, and growing Horizon to

welcome you back. And for the graduates moving on—

congratulations. We will wish you all the best!

What’s New on the Governing Board?

Three Parents Elected to Governing Board

Congratulations are in order for our three newly elected Governing Board Parent Representatives:

Andrea Rynerk (incumbent)

Karen Vicari

Sara Infante

These parent representatives will take their oath of office at the June 19th Board meeting. Their terms of office

begin July 1, 2014; however, there are no meetings scheduled for July. The first Board meeting of 2014 will be

Thursday, August 21st.

Our thanks to Carmen Del Prado and Angela Henning who served with distinction for so many years. They

helped successfully lead Horizon through many changes in leadership, charter accountability, and challenges

during their years of service. They will be missed.

HCSEF Scholarship Winners

Congratulation to our five scholarship winners for 2014!

Ariel Roque Valdes $1,000

Rachel Nugen $1,000

Lyndy Abdelsayed $1,000

Darian Kane $500

Joseph Diego Corona $500

P A G E 2

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

HORIZON CHARTER SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION HCSEF is a non-profit corporation dedicated to raising money to benefit HCS students, giving them

the opportunity to pursue academic achievement and to become productive and responsible citizens.

What’s New at the Learning Centers?

Artgebra?

P A G E 3

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

Submitted by Betsy Anderson,

Auburn Learning Center Math

Teacher

A challenge was given to

Mrs. Anderson’s high

school Algebra 1 class to

make a picture that repre-

sents a coordinate graph

with an x & y axis, with

the positive and negative

signs represented in the

appropriate quadrants.

Ruth Farinha rose to the

challenge! She drew a

very cool tree (see left)

with a limb and the trunk

representing the x & y

axis. Notice the big eyes

of the owls?

P A G E 4

Chasing the Dream Project:

Researching the Meaning of the American Dream

This English project asked students to examine the American Dream and its development over the past 60+

years. Students conducted a formal interview, wrote a three to five-page essay and constructed/presented a

multi-media presentation.

Common Core Standards ELA 11-12 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reason-

ing, and evidence and to add interest.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.10By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11-CCR text

complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

Mrs. Bell’s English 11 class engage in an American Dream project to fulfill Common Core

Standards for English/Language Arts—Literacy, grades 11-12.

Chasing the Dream Project:

Researching the Meaning of the American Dream

Elk Grove Learning Center Drama Lab Submitted by Principal Kelly Collins

The Elk Grove Drama Lab students performed short skits during May for their final performance grade. The

students wrote, cast, directed, and performed comedic skits, one involving a break-in to a school library and

the other depicting a blind date gone wrong! The students began by all coming up with ideas, and then com-

piling their ideas into two group scripts. They chose roles, rehearsed, designed sets, and created costumes. Af-

ter six weeks of rehearsal and problem solving, they performed the skits in the common area of the Elk Grove

Learning Center. They did a great job and got a lot of practical experience with different aspects of theater!

A special thanks to their teacher Mrs. Erin Jones who taught this great group of students this past school year.

Thank you Mrs. Jones! Job well done.

Peltric Terrell, Jonah, Jessica Bernadino, & Andrew Curtis

act out a scene during final drama performance

Andrew Paulsen takes one for the team

with a pie in the face at the end of one of

the final drama performances.

Marissa McCliss, Mahalia Smith, Gricel Orduno, and Go-

vanna Vargas begin their scene at a restaurant depicting a

blind date gone wrong.

P A G E 5

“Frozen?”

Submitted by Melanie Larson, Science Teacher at Auburn Learning Center

P A G E 6

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

As an introduction to a unit on insulation, the Auburn

Learning Center’s 4th, 5th and 6th grade science stu-

dents were given an assignment with very little in-

struction or direction: “Design and create a house for

a pet ice cube. Your home must be no larger than a

shoe box. Use whatever materials you’d like”. Stu-

dents created their “homes” at home. The first thing in

the morning the following day we placed their “pets”

in their new homes and set the homes outside (shade

in the morning, sun in the afternoon). At the end of the

day we checked to see which ice cube pets survived

and discussed why. As a class we brainstormed good

vs. poor insulators and discussed how homes, pets and

ourselves stay insulated. The kids had a great time!

Before

P A G E 7

After

Roseville Learning Center: Miss Kitty’s Cooking Class

Learning how to make and decorate cupcakes!

P A G E 8

Roseville Learning Center – Ameri-Cans Project

Mrs. Kulesa’s 1st/2nd grade students participated in an Ameri-Can Project. The assignment was to choose

and research a famous American. Then they were asked to use a can and various materials to create their

amazing American. They also had a report form that they completed to share information on their Ameri-

Can. They presented their reports in front of the class. Their projects are on display in the lobby of the Ro-

seville Learning Center, where everyone loves looking at them. The Ameri-Cans project was a huge suc-

cess!

Mrs. Kulesa’s 1st/2nd grade class with their Ameri-Cans

P A G E 9

On April 11th and 12th, the students of the Auburn Learning Center performed a magical rendition of the

play, “Into the Woods.” As an indicator of the wild success of the production, almost all 230 seats were

sold out for every show in the Upper Room Community Church (formerly Auburn Bayside). According to

director Jinnae Barrett, who has run Horizon Auburn production classes for four years now, this was by far

the students’ best performance. “Into the Woods” is a challenging show, and the many students involved

rose to the challenge, bringing Sondheim’s songs and ideas to life with vibrancy. Many long and loving

parent volunteer hours created the lush scenery and beautiful costumes—a big thank you to our wonderful

parents! With this quality of theater, the next Auburn production is not to be missed .

P A G E 1 0

“Into the Woods” a Wild Success!! Submitted by Principal Maria Blix

The Hen tries to retrieve her golden egg

from the Baker

Cinderella, Jack, Little Red, and the transformed witch sing in the finale

Cinderella and her mother (tree) sing about life’s lessons

P A G E 1 1

Mysterious Man makes stellar appearance

“Into the Woods” cast 2014

Little Red’s Wolf steals our hearts

Charming Prince Duo Baker and his wife visited by

the Wicked Witch

Rapunzel and the Witch have an emotional encounter

Roseville Learning Center: Miss Carrie’s Animation &

Drama Classes

Having a blast in

Miss Carrie’s Drama Class

Miss Carrie’s Animation Class

P A G E 1 2

Roseville Learning Center: Miss Kitty’s Music and Movement Class

presented a musical version of The Little Red Hen.

Tayler Peterson as the Little Red Hen

Matthew Bellotti as the “lean, mean,

steel-eyed fox”

Sahaar Tukhi as the Cow, Hope Davidson as the

Cat, Jerzey Sorokoski as the Pig, Nicole Cordova,

Michael Nedashkovshiy, Star Salonga, Taylor

Skalland, and Liam Smith as the Chicks

The beautiful back-drop was created by art

teacher Carrie Tompkins

P A G E 1 3

Cross the Curriculum Project in Social Studies and English

Students enrolled in Mrs. Jordan’s World History and Mrs. Bell’s English 10 at the Auburn Learning Center worked on a cross-

curricular 21st Century Comparative Countries Assessment. After studying WWII in History and completing Markus Zusak’s nov-

el, The Book Thief, in English, students completed an in-depth research project on 1st World Problems vs 3rd World Successes.

Their task was to understand the role that the political, economic and societal choices made by each country influenced their mod-

ern situations.

Assignment:

21st Century Comparative Countries Assessment

1st World Problems vs 3rd World Successes

The final unit assessment this year focused on comparing and contrasting issues facing countries in the developed and developing

world. The choice of countries to compare was:

North Korea vs. South Korea

Lebanon vs. Turkey or Egypt

Cambodia vs. Japan

Venezuela vs. Chile

Research included:

Historical Perspective

Political Structure

Economic Structure

Economic Performance

Social Structure

Civil Welfare and Rights

Civil Defense

Students made a written evaluation on the strength of the two countries going into the 21st century. Using their research and evalua-

tion, students designed and created a poster to present to the class that highlights all of their information. Students then presented

their countries and your poster to the class, in either English 10 or World History.

Common Core Standards:

Research to Build and Present Knowledge:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.7

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; nar-

row or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under

investigation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.8

Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of

each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagia-

rism and following a standard format for citation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9

P A G E 1 4

P A G E 1 5

Congratulations to the Kindergarten and 6th grade graduates of the Roseville Learning Center!

The Kindergartners sang, “First Grade,

First Grade” to the tune of “New York,

New York

Sixth Graders recited a goodbye poem.

Parents and students enjoyed a yummy cake!

P A G E 1 6

Student Art Submitted by ST Joan Oakes

Left: Alina Shadyuk, Grade 8

Pencil & Paper

Below: Glenn Morey, Grade 11

Watercolor Landscape

Above: Angelina McClung, Grade 8

Wooden Stylus on Scratch-Art paper

P A G E 1 7

Senior PLP

Seniors Personalized Learning Projects

Submitted by RA Cindy Garcia

Horizon Charter Schools’ first Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) presentations and displays were held the

first week in May school wide.

Our twelfth grade students were assigned to research and demonstrate a career choice, post high school

plan, or a community service opportunity.

Students went above and beyond showcasing their hard work! Students presented and displayed at teacher

meetings in all the regions, and at our event nights in Roseville and Elk Grove and two brave students

even presented to the Governing Board! Teachers, Board members, and parents were extremely pleased

with the presentations and displays.

Congratulations Seniors, Teachers, and Parents!

Seniors Sarah Fazzino (left) and Cecelia Larson (right) with their teacher Susan Pagel (middle) presented

their Personalized Learning Projects at the Roseville Region 2 teacher meeting.

P A G E 1 8

Darien Kane: Ballet (left) and Sierra Stull:

teaching ( below) present their PLP projects to

the Governing Board

P A G E 1 9

P A G E 2 0

Placerville Seniors Display Their Personalized Learning Projects

Student HighlightsStudent Highlights

Senior Grace Grebe Receives United States Equestrian Federation Recognition

USEF is the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sports in the United States, sanctioned by the United States

Olympic Committee. The USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program encompasses young equestrians in-

volved in all breeds and disciplines from the grassroots to international competitions.

Participants in the program must be high school students who document at least 100 hours of training and provide

verification of participation in three equestrian competitions during the year. After completing these requirements

and verification, the student receives a certificate commemorating their achievements, a USEF High School

Equestrian Athlete varsity letterman patch and lapel pin for each year of participation.

USEF recognizes the dedication of equestrians preparing for competition through practice and training sessions as

similar to other students in high school athletic programs and developed this program to honor individual achieve-

ments with a varsity letter in the student's chosen sport, regardless of the availability of an equestrian team or club

through their school.

Horizon Charter Schools are proud to recognize Grace for her achievement.

Grace Grebe and her horse in action

P A G E 2 1

“Paris By Moonlight”

Prom on the Delta King

P A G E 2 2

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

Looking fabulous, Horizon students and

guests enjoyed a fairy tale evening on the

Delta King in Sacramento at Horizon’s

prom May 9th.

A beautiful venue, the Delta King looks

out on the Sacramento River.

P A G E 2 3

Caught in the Act!

Horizon’s Superintendent, Craig Heimbichner, and his wife were caught

stepping out in style at Horizon’s Paris by Moonlight Prom!

P A G E 2 4

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

P A G E 2 5

P A G E 2 6

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

Looking Forward to 2014-2015 The Governing Board Approved the School Year Calendar for 2014-2015.

P A G E 2 7

P A G E 2 8

What’s on the Horizon?

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

Sunday, June 1st Graduation!

Monday, June 30– Friday July 4 All Offices Closed

Monday-July 7th—Friday, August 5th CRC/Library Closed

Tuesday, August 12th All Staff In Service, All Offices Closed

Wednesday, August 13th First Day of School

Summer Hours

During June and July all learning centers will be closed. Administrative Offices in Lincoln will be open

with reduced staff during our regular hours of 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Please call ahead if

you need to come in to meet with any administrative staff member to be sure they are available.

Have a wonderful summer!

O N T H E H O R I Z O N

P A G E 2 9

ON THE HORIZON features students, parents, staff, and vendors. If you know of an excep-

tional student, parent, teacher, office staff, or vendor you’d like to see in highlighted in the

newsletter, please contact Brenda Clark at bsclark@hcs.k12.ca.us or 916.408.5252.

If you are interested in contributing to the Horizon Newsletter, please contact Brenda

Clark.

“Like” us on Facebook and share your student’s success story!

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you want to see Shake-

speare’s 12th night per-

formed in a clean, fun,

and creative way….

If you want to support a

great young theater group

that works hard….

If you want to enjoy an

evening and learn some

great life lessons while

you laugh and are enter-

tained…..

If you want to sit on the

grass and enjoy a peaceful

evening of laughter and

love….

Shakespeare in the Park is

your chance!

Shakespeare in the Park Submitted by Keri Hodgson