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Hello Wildflower Community- We’d like to communicate a few exciting developments in the works at Wildflower! We are pleased to announce that we are in the process of developing a school lunch program for the upcoming school year. Our goal is to provide a high quality and locally sourced meal program for our Wildflower kids and community. We are working with a consultant to guide us through the process. We are also working on a design for the new kitchen space. Beginning next school year, we will have a new home for our middle school program. We recently signed a lease for a building space in the North View Shopping Center. The 4000 square foot space is located directly north of the Wildflower campus in what was formally Holiday Pools. Currently, we are in the process of preparing our application for a use permit. The new lease also provides Wildflower with access to the gate that leads into the North Valley Shopping Center. This will allow us to improve our drop off and pick up traffic pattern, and greatly reduce the congestion at these times. Both of these opportunities presented themselves after the school year began and we still have much work to do to see them through to completion. A more detailed overview of the meal program, kitchen space and new middle school classroom with be presented at the spring Town Hall Meeting, scheduled for Wed. April 24. We hope to see you at the Town Hall!

We are so proud of one of our outstanding 8th graders, Maya Klein, she won first prize in the Junior High portion of the Chico News and Review Poetry 99 Contest! Not only that, Emma Schutz Fort, Wildflower's Counselor, won second place in the adult section! Check out the attachments to read their poems. Congratulations! https://www.newsreview.com/chico/poetry-99-junior-high-winners/content?oid=27928725 https://www.newsreview.com/chico/poetry-99-adult-winners/content?oid=27928723

Today and tomorrow are the last days of discount Music Festival ticket sales online or in the office! WOC families this includes you, after your two at the parent price... Purchase discounted tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wildflower-open-classroom-7901892748

Wildflower Adolescent Program students learning about DNA, how do you represent a DNA helix? Multicolored gummy bears of course!

Enrichment afternoon with Kali's group making pink pancakes with no food coloring (beets)! Students from 1st through 6th participate in a multi-age enrichment that can also be described as an elective. Other enrichments include hula-hoop art, yoga, recycled art projects, poetry, science, coding, and ukulele!

Thanks for all who attended the Souper Supper last night, it was great having the community together to socialize and enjoy some delicious homemade soups. A special shout out to Tina, Gail, Lindsey, Diane, and Linda for putting this event together!

We are in the midst of Enrollment at Wildflower. Current student re-enrollment forms are due January 18th. Enrollment forms for new students will be accepted through February 4th, in time for the lottery that will take place on the 7th of February. Come check us out on January 30th for our Open House between 9 and 2. If you're interested in Kindergarten, get here by 11:15 to get the most out of your experience!

Open House is coming soon on Wednesday, January 30 9am-2pm. Please tell your friends! Any prospective Kindergarten or TK families interested in seeing the Kinder classroom, be sure to come by before 11:15!

Wildflowers grow and bloom in some of the most extreme conditions. With all the challenges our community has had to face recently, remember that beauty shows it's face in some of the most unexpected ways, a blooming sunflower on the playground at the end of December!?!? Continue to bloom and grow over the break, and we'll see you next year!

Wildflower is hosting another Wellness Event December 15th from 11 - 4, please share with your friends and family!

Wildflower is holding another Wellness Clinic, December 15th and we need volunteers throughout the day. Please sign up on our sign up genius link, and show our Paradise, and canyon friends and family how much we care and want to share our support!https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AA5A722ABF58-wellness

Hello Wildflower Community- I am writing to provide some information concerning our re-entry efforts and our return to school, which is set for Monday December 3. First, my heart goes out to all of those directly affected by the catastrophic fire that continues to impact each and every one of us in the greater Chico area. I feel honored to be a part of a community that has responded in such an incredible manner to meet the needs of those impacted by the fire. Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of working on school related issues with the Paradise school leaders, in particular the Paradise charter school community. Most had lost their homes and yet they guided their efforts with the exacting focus of keeping their school communities intact. I am pleased to say that all of these schools have found temporary school spaces for their students. Wildflower staff members are currently in the process of establishing a plan to directly assist those schools during their relocation and settling in stages. While we must not lose sight of those in need, it is time to address some practical measures concerning our return to school. I have fielded a number of questions concerning the length of time that school was canceled. Most Chico kids and parents were ready to get back to school as soon as possible. The decision concerning the length of school closure took into account a variety of factors. A disaster of this magnitude presented so many unknowns, including the safe placement of thousands of displaced students. Time was also needed for re-entry plans, trauma training, business and insurance related issues and the required cleaning of all schools in Chico. All Chico schools were instructed that all facilities needed to cleaned by an outside cleaning company prior to students re-entering school buildings. The cleaning measures are focused on any negative impact the smoke and ash from the fire may have had on our facilities. Wildflower, like many charter schools, contracted with a company called Servpro for cleaning. The comprehensive cleaning includes the wiping of all surfaces and objects, air cleaning and recirculation, cleaning all carpets and changing all HVAC filters. Currently, the cleaning company has a large crew on site and they should be completed by Saturday. Costs associated with the cleanup will be covered by the school’s insurance policy. Wildflower will not need to extend the school year as a result of the school days missed. In addition, our school will receive full funding from the state for the days that we have not held classes. Both of these items are related to the fact that Governor Brown declared a state of emergency for Butte County. In addition, the Butte County Office of Education directed all Butte County schools to be closed. The Wildflower staff recognizes that students will be returning to school in a variety of mindsets and some with varying levels of trauma. Wildflower staff members have completed re-entry and trauma training during our time away from school. A few points are clear. One, that children need to get back into the routine of school. Two, that support measures need to be in place to meet the needs of those students experiencing trauma related to the fire. Our support measures are being led by Wildflower staff members Emma and Tina. Emma, our school counselor, is reaching out to families and students that were directly affected to establish a re-entry support plan. Tina has been heading up our support and relief efforts, and is creating a variety of support plans and mechanisms to meet our community’s needs. These efforts include support for our teachers. While our entire staff wants to be a source of support in every way possible for those impacted by the fire, please know that our teachers play a very special and specific role. Their primary responsibility is to create a safe and nurturing environment for your children. In order for them to make that happen, they need to be focused on the tasks related to their classroom environment. If you would like to speak with your child’s teacher concerning fire related issues, please send them an email or give them a call to set up a time to meet. Approaching teachers with fire related items during the times they are working with children, including prior to school each day, will take them away from their child focused mindset. We will be welcoming four new students after we return to school. Two new students will be joining the middle school program, along with one new kindergartener and one fourth grade student. Please help us welcome these kids and their families to the Wildflower community. I look forward to seeing you on Monday and working with you to create a nurturing and positive environment for the students of Wildflower Open Classroom. Our Chico community has a long way to full recovery and I envision the Wildflower community being a big part of those efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you should have any questions. Tom Hicks Wildflower Director

Wildflower Community, At the direction of Butte County Superintendent Tim Taylor, Wildflower and all Butte County Schools will be closed until December 3. The current county wide plan is to re-open school on Monday, December 3rd. We hope this message finds you and your family well in this difficult time in our community.

Wildflower is hosting a FREE Wellness Clinic for those displaced by the Camp Fire this Wednesday, November 14th 12-4pm at Wildflower 2414 Cohasset Rd Ste. 3. Receive FREE services and support to help reduce stress, find comfort, and connect to caring individuals.This event is open to all ages. Children's activities and childcare is provided so parents may receive services and children can play. Massage, energy healing, yoga, meditation, music, and sound healing will be offered along with haircuts, and emotional support, there will be a place to just talk, rest, have a snack and enjoy a warm tea or coffee. Butte County SELPA will have three mental health clinicians from BCOE on site for counseling and support including children. If you are wanting to donate monetarily we will accept cash, gift cards, or electronic transfers to Andy Taylor via Venmo @Andy-Taylor-8 or contact him via email at Andydtaylor12@gmail.com. Any financial donations will go directly to Wildflower families, alumni, and extended family displaced by the fires. Tina will be at Wildflower throughout the Wednesday Wellness Clinic to collect monetary donations.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the traumatic Camp Fire that has destroyed so many homes and businesses in our area. We are doing our best to keep the Wildflower community updated with as much information as possible. ​​During this difficult time, we want to make sure we are providing for the physical, social, and emotional needs of staff, students, and parents within Butte County. Butte County Office of Education in collaboration with other agencies have put together a crisis resources list to help families in need and provides information for those who would like to offer support. Click the link below for those resources. https://5il.co/5ktc Stay safe, and we will continue to send updates as we receive them.

Dear Wildflower community, we are reaching out to you in concern. We would like to find out whom amongst you have been directly affected by the Camp Fire. We want to help! There are many WOC families in need, and we are gathering supplies for immediate use including food, clothing, cash, and toiletries. Please email and let us know how you are affected and what you need. This includes Wildflower alumni and extended family. Emails can be sent to info@wildflowerschool.com

Wildflower will be closed all of next week and through the Thanksgiving holiday. Our thoughts are with those affected by the tragic turn of events in our community. We will continue to update you as information becomes available. Please see the press release below for more information. Press Release All Butte County Schools Closed Through November 23, 2018 OROVILLE-CA Butte County Superintendent of Schools, Tim Taylor, is announcing the closure of all public schools (districts and charter schools) in Butte County through Friday, November 23, 2018. This action is taken in response to the ongoing Camp Fire emergency in Butte County. Schools, families and communities are experiencing extreme loss due to this fire and its impact. Time is needed to help understand the extent of loss and disruption in our county and to develop ways to resume safely providing services to our schools and students. Butte County Office of Education will continue to support our schools, students, families and staff affected and is working closely with the California Department of Education, district superintendents and charter school leaders throughout the duration of this emergency and in the difficult months ahead.

Due to the impact of the Camp Fire, Wildflower will be closed Friday, November 9. Our thoughts are with Chico and the surrounding communities. We hope everyone stays safe during this difficult time. Press Release All Butte County Schools Closed Friday, November 9, 2018 OROVILLE-CA Butte County Superintendent of Schools, Tim Taylor, is announcing the closure of all public schools (districts and charter schools) in Butte County tomorrow, Friday, November 9 due to fire emergency and for the safety of students, staff and families affected by the Camp Fire in Butte County. This action follows on the emergency proclamation for Butte County by acting Governor Gavin Newsom. As a reminder, schools are also closed Monday, November 12 in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Wildflower Community, We want to let you know we are following the "Camp Fire" closely. We will let you know if there are any changes to our school schedule. If your family is being impacted by the fire, and need anything, please contact Wildflower for assistance. As of now, Chico has not been directly impacted by the fire, and your children are safe here at school. We will keep you posted with any updates.

Our annual costume parade demonstrated the imaginations of our students and families!

Linda's and Melissa's students were scientists today!

The WOCAP river trip was a success!

Morgan's 3rd & 4th Grade Pumpkin Book Report Projects!

What a great way to kickstart the week! Thank you to Wolfthump for drumming and dancing with us after lunch!

Wildflower had a great visit with Andy Keller from Chico Bag, and the Bag Monster! Reuse - Reduce - Recycle! Get your very own Wildflower Chico Bag in the office for only $8.00.

Wildflower is holding our annual "Makers Market" holiday craft fair Saturday December 1, 2018. If you are interested in being a vendor please contact Lindsey (530)566-4480 or email lhensher@gmail.com. Please pass this info along to folks who might be interested!

Debbie's 1st & 2nd Grade Class learning about trees at the Tree Farm!

WOCAP Students learning about water sheds in preparation for their upcoming river trip!

Victoria's 1st & 2nd grade students had a dendrochronology lesson yesterday, then proceeded to build family trees!

Both 5th & 6th grade classrooms are celebrating National Geographic's 130th Birthday Bash Celebration to kick off their theme for the year, can you guess the theme??? National Geographic, of course!

Wildflower Adolescent Program dissecting owl pellets!

Mornings before school...

Picture Day Tomorrow, Don't Forget!!!

The All School Campout was a hit! Thank you to all the amazing families who showed up to help make it such an awesome experience! It takes a village!

From the first day of school to the Ice cream Social, Wildflower has had an amazing start to the school year!

Exploring Architecture in SF with Linda's 5th & 6th Graders!

The WOCAP Experience!

Wildflower Adolescent Program students are venturing off into the wilderness!

3rd & 4th Grade Present Geology Rocks!

Amazing Race WOCAP Style!

Wildflower's awe-inspiring WOCAP kids have begun the Amazing Race! Looks like they're off to a great start!

Loads of pictures from teacher appreciation week were just uploaded on the website - go to Menu then click on Photos... Check out our amazing teachers and all the hard work our parents put in!

Come visit the Wildflower booth at the endangered species fair!

This years Wildflower Music Festival was truly epic. It couldn't have happened without the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors, and you, the community who showed up in force. Thanks to all the bands, Hot Flash , Kyle Williams, Triple Tree, Moonshiner Collective, and ALO. You all rocked the stage, and made the day electric ⚡️. On behalf of the 25 WMF Committee Members, and Wildflower Open Classroom, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! See you all next year!

Last Chance to Sign Up (and tell your friends to sign up :) to Volunteer at the Festival! Benefits to volunteering 2 Hours: For community members, they save $20 on their ticket! For WOC families, need I answer that??? We need your help! Areas to Volunteer: -- Parking (needs 8 for the late afternoon & evening shifts) -- Kids Area (7 for late afternoon & evening shifts) -- Admissions (4 for late afternoon & evening shifts) -- Bike Valet (2 for evening shift) -- Kids Crafts (1 for noon shift; 6 for late afternoon/evening shifts) -- Silent Auction (10 open slots all day) We do have floaters and the coordinators will be on-site but still, let's fill these slots! Kids Singing on the Big Stage! Students should be at the festival no later than 12:30 to sing on stage with our music teacher (Holly Taylor) and her band Hot Flash. The performance "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars starts at 12:45... Get your kids there on time and your cameras set to record! Looking forward to seeing you then! Your Wildflower Staff & Festival Committee

Wildflower families, the school climate survey was sent out today, please check your email! Your feedback is very important to our school community and the results are used to shape the direction of Wildflower. Fill out the WOC Community Survey for a chance to win either a $40.00 Gift Certificate to Schuberts, two free Music Festival Tickets for next year's Festival 2019, or the Grand Prize. . . Dinner at Woodstocks and Movie Passes to Cinemark for for a family of five!

It's Board Elections Time! There are openings on the Board of Directors for the upcoming two-year term. If you are interested, please stop by the office or click the attachment for the application. Apps and a photo for the ballots are due by Friday, April 27. A public forum will be held at the next Town Hall Meeting, May 2 and ballots will be sent home. Voting will conclude on May 16 at 3:30pm. More details about where to submit ballots, etc. coming soon.

WOC Families, don't forget the Strawberry Shortcake Social this Wednesday, April 4 at 6:00! This will be a great evening to socialize and enjoy some strawberry shortcake. While the kids get to play some fun games, parents will reconnect with their child's teacher and go over what's in store for the end of the school year.

1st and 2nd Graders in the Wildflower Olympics!

Our annual Snowball performance was a hit! Thank you to Chuck Nadeau for taking such spectacular pictures!

Wildflower's annual snowball was an evening to remember! A big thank you to the El Rey for restoring this iconic Chico venue and giving our students a platform to show their UNITY!

The Monkey Flower's class pet Teddy saying good-bye to one of Fawn Lily's Flat Stanley creations!

Five More Years Approved! Hip Hip Hooray!! Thank you, Chico Unified Board of Directors, for approving our charter!

Come show your Wildflower support tomorrow night for the final step in our Charter Renewal at the CUSD Board Meeting. February 21, at 6:00pm at Marsh Jr. High, 2253 Humboldt Rd. Don't forget to wear your WOC colors!

Charter Renewal Announcement Hello Wildflower Families, Wednesday evening, February 21, is an important night for Wildflower! Chico Unified School District Board will be making a decision concerning our charter renewal. Our charter gets renewed every five years, and this is part of the required process for Wildflower and all charter schools. This is the final meeting that will occur for our renewal process. Your presence and support is always appreciated. The meeting will begin at 6pm at Marsh Jr. High, 2253 Humboldt Road, Chico, CA 95928. If possible, it would be great to see your family there wearing your Wildflower shirts and colors!

A great big shout out to Jake Early for designing our 2018 Wildflower Music Festival Logo!

Save the Date: Snowball is on February 27th!!!

Happening right now... The Eco-Club is learning Recycling 101

Don't forget: Town Hall meeting tomorrow night at 5:30!

Open House is just a week away! Weds, January 31 9am-2pm. Tell your friends! Any prospective Kindergarten or TK families interested in seeing the Kinder classroom, be sure to come by before 11:15!

Please join us for the Town Hall/WCC Meeting on Wednesday, January 24 at 5:30pm.  The Town Hall meeting will discuss general school topics, and the WCC will address Music Education at Wildflower.  Since we know everyone is busy, it will be an easy potluck. Bring your favorite appetizer, finger food, or salad to share with everyone. Please bring your own drink, and Wildflower will provide a Town Hall tasty treat. Childcare is provided with pizza for the kids, but please send your child with a waterbottle.

Morning Sing with our amazing new music teacher Holly Taylor!

Hello Wildflower Families, Next Wednesday evening, January 17, is an important night for Wildflower! There will be a public hearing in front of the Chico Unified School District Board for our charter renewal. Our charter gets renewed every five years, and this is part of the required process for Wildflower and all charter schools. This is the first of two meetings that will occur for our renewal process. There will be short presentations, and questions from the CUSD Board. Your presence and support is always appreciated. The meeting will begin at 6pm at Marsh Jr. High, 2253 Humboldt Road,Chico, CA 95928. If possible, it would be great to see your family there!

Leadership League - In Action with extra helpers

The 3rd & 4th grade classes put on an Excellent Extinct Animal Exhibition this morning!

Don't forget tonight is parent volunteer night from 5-7pm!

Evening Parent Volunteer Opportunity Wednesday, Dec. 13th! Don't forget to stop by between 5 & 7 to get some of your volunteer/co-opping hours in. Last month we had 5 parents (and 3 students!) participate and they were able to get some great work done in the classrooms. These evening co-opping events take place once a month, the next one is scheduled for Thursday, January 18th. Childcare is available for those volunteering their time!

We Are Mobile! Check out our updated website and download our new app!!!

Debbie's 1st and 2nd grade class are hosting a donation drive for the Butte Humane Society. There's a donation box in Debbie's class for any and all who would like to give food, leashes, collars, towels, etc...

5th & 6th Grade artwork from a National Parks Unit is up on display in Wildflower's Community Room!

Craft Fair Tomorrow! Come shop locally at Wildflower's annual craft fair, Saturday Dec. 1 from 10am to 4pm!

The Snowball Performance has been postponed until early February! We are actively searching for a new conductor to lead our students to musical performance perfection for this late winter event.

WOC's Annual Craft Fair is this Saturday! December 2nd from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the big room at Wildflower Open Classroom.

Evening Parent Volunteer Opportunity Tonight! Don't forget to stop by between 5 & 7 to get some of your volunteer/co-opping hours in. Teachers and staff are making lists for parents to help out around the school. These evening co-opping events will take place once a month throughout the school year. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, December 13th. Childcare is available for those volunteering their time!

The Parade of Lights, Chico. Wonderful fun! Theme "The Magical World of Books." 17 children and adults, most wearing Irlen glasses and covered in purple lights, walked in the parade, pulling a flotilla of 6 lighted purple wagons, with painted book covers inside them. Some walkers held banners, One rode his scooter, we handed out information, and all were really excited. We were interviewed by Local Action News Live, and at three places during the parade the Judges read out a full description of Irlen syndrome over loudspeakers. One announcer even sharing that he had worn Irlen lenses as a child and they had really made a difference in his life.

Thanks to everyone who donated books for our Fall Book Swap Tradition. We received more books than ever this time making it a fun selection for all age groups. Some students took 5 or more books and we still have plenty left for the Spring Swap. It always makes me happy to see the kids hovered over the stacks of books looking for a personal treasure! Keep on reading everyone! And thanks to our volunteers: Abby (3rd time helper!), Gwen, and Maya! Tina Fleischer

Do your children need extra help with homework? Every 1st Monday of the month students can meet with some of our 8th graders for after school help. This is open to all students K - 6 grade

Come and see what we are all about. Call today to reserve a spot in one of our weekly tours.

Wildflower Organic and Fair Trade Coffee is a blend of Indonesian, Central and South American coffee beans. Wildflower Blend is roasted half dark and half light to give a medium body with low to medium acidity with a rich sweet full flavor. $12/pound. All profits go to benefit the Wildflower Open Classroom, email wildfloweroc@gmail.com to order yours today.

Halloween at Wildflower, students paraded around the blacktop in their always creative costumes!

It's a great day at WOC!

This Friday is the first Friday of the month! Every first Friday of the month...join WOC Board members for coffee and conversation.

Congratulations to our 5th and 6th grade students - Winners in the annual Poetry 99 contest!

All Wildflower Open Classroom community members are invited to the annual Town Hall meeting. April 27th 5:30-7:00pm.