Dear students and parents, 

We would like to wish all our families who celebrate the Jewish New Year; Rosh H’ashana, Shana Tova! This year, more than ever before, we wish you good health! 

Dear Parents and Students, 

Long Weekend 

Please note that this coming weekend is a long weekend due to Thanksgiving Holiday. The school will be closed on Monday October 12th. 

Twin Day 

We are happy to continue our tradition from previous years of “Twin Day”.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask you to team up with students from your class and not from other classes. There is no limit to creativity, and the most creative twins will be the winners. The “Twin Day” competition will take place on Friday, October 16th. 

Sign Out Sheet 

For safety reasons, starting today, every student picked up before 5pm must be signed out. The parent who comes for the student must fill up the sign out sheet and sign it. Please be ready to show an ID if required to do so. Students will not be allowed to leave the school premises without a parent’s signature. 

Arriving to School on Time 

Classes at UMCA start at 9:00am. We ask all students to arrive on time. Arriving late to a class interrupts the lesson, distract the students and the teacher’s attention, not to mention the information the student missed by being late. Students who arrive late will have to wait till the class ends and will not be allowed in the class. 

Pick Up Time 

We kindly ask all parents to pick up students only after all classes end (for most classes at 4;00pm). Picking up a student before that should be reserved only for emergency cases (i.e., doctor’s appointment etc.).  

Homework Time 

Most of the days, students don’t have classes after 4:00pm and that time is reserved for homework preparation. If you pick up your child without giving him the option to finish his homework in class, make sure he finishes the homework on the weekend. All unfinished homework accumulated during the week must be done at home over the weekend. 

Parent – Teacher Interviews 

This year, due to COVID-19, we are unable to have a face to face interviews. However, we believe it is important for parents to meet with their child’s teacher and get a report on their academic progress. Therefore, we will give you an option to sign up with the teachers you wish to speak with, on a specific time slot, for a zoom meeting. More information to follow. 

Cell Phones 

This is another reminder that cell phones are not allowed during class. If a student is caught on his phone during a lesson the phone will be confiscated. 

Our New Teachers 

This week, we are happy to introduce Mr. Brandon and Ms. Julia: 

Ms. Julia Shlykova Sport Teacher Grades 1-8 

It is such a pleasure to welcome all the wonderful students back to school this year. My name is Mrs. Yuliya Shlykova and this is the start of my 7th year of teaching at UMCA Rich Tree Academy. I’ve graduated from two Universities in Ukraine (Kiev), as well as involved in sport (Rhythmic gymnastics) for more than 15 years. I successfully participated and was a winner of many National and International competitions as a member of The National Team of Ukraine. I have a Sport Rank – Master of Sports of Rhythmic gymnastics. 

The goal of Physical Education at UMCA is to teach students to develop healthy living habits that will last a lifetime.  We accomplish that by having students participate in a wide variety of activities, sports, and challenges that will increase their physical, social, and mental abilities, as well as teamwork and cooperation skills.  We hope to provide a safe, fun, and motivating class that will encourage all students to want to participate, have fun, and try their best.  

Throughout the school year, the students will participate in a wide variety of activities.  The activities will include such things as fitness testing, fitness games, ball games, rope jumping, relay races, stations, and many others. It is our goal to help children find a variety of ways to enjoy being physically active so that they will be able to get all of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social benefits that come from someone who is physically active.   

As a teacher, I recognize that children are at different developmental levels, with a variety of needs & interests. For this reason, in each class, I attempt to provide all the children experiences that are both beneficial and enjoyable.  Each lesson is also adjusted to take into account the wide range of skill and fitness levels that is characteristic of children at the school level. 

Mr. Brandon Rubino Math Teacher Grades 1,2,3 

My name is Brandon Rubino, or as your student knows me - Mr. Brandon. I am the elementary level Math teacher at UMCA and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to get to know, and teach all of your brilliant children this year. What I value most in my students is accountability. I hope to influence my students to display a dedicated work ethic, and a willingness to practice to improve areas of weakness as opposed to letting them define us. There are many different types of learners and forms of intelligence, so with that being said I am more concerned with getting your student to become accountable to hold their academics to a proper level of integrity, rather than check off the boxes of an arbitrary rubric/evaluation. Math can seem intimidating and unwelcoming to those who may struggle with numbers, but Math can be represented in so many more ways than that. I hope to get your students to engage with the real life practicalities of Math and how it does not have a linear existence of just numbers and equations. I will ensure that every type of learner and forms of intelligence in my classroom have equal opportunities to thrive, and even lead their peers. I look forward to collaborating on a great year with all of you. 

Halloween Party 

Get ready to celebrate with us on October 30 the holiday all kids love – Halloween!  So come wearing your costume and let’s celebrate! We will also take pictures of all the students with their costumes, so smile 😊 We kindly ask you to come with costumes which have no weapons and avoid cultural costumes. Please note that protective masks still need to be worn by grades 4 and up. 

UMCA wishes you all a great long weekend! 

Dear Students and Parents, 

Long Weekend  

Please note that this coming weekend is a long weekend due to Thanksgiving Holiday. The school will be closed on Monday October 12th.  

Change/Drop Courses

Please note that the last day to change or drop a course is October 15th. After that day, no changes will be available.

Your UMCA Account

We wish to emphasize that all students have access to their personal UMCA account. It is extremely important you are frequently logging in to your account and checking your subject's home page. This is where your teacher posts your homework and your marks. Some teachers post videos and other relevant material which you must read/watch. Sometimes, there might be online quizzes which you must complete on time.

If you still don't know, or unable to login to your account, please contact Ms. Ariela in the main office (first floor).

Student Council Elections 

In the students’ elections which took place this week the following candidates were elected: 

President - Sophie Sonkin 

Vice President - Karin Knab (double check spelling) 

VP Events - Catharine Perret  

Treasurer - Danil Bataev and Ruthie Fogel 

VP Communications - Alex Gromov  

Being part of our student council is a great opportunity to practice your public speaking skills, influence and take part in school’s events, as well as add this impressive experience to your resume. We wish all the elected students a successful and influential school year! 

Cell Phones  

This is another reminder that cell phones are not allowed during class. If a student is caught on his phone during a lesson the phone will be confiscated. 

University & College Applications & Scholarships    

Please be reminded that UMCA will be hosting a University Applications Presentation for grade 12 students with Alina Pinsky. The participation of grade 12 students in this session is mandatory. Individual consultations will be available later on only for those who participated in this session. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend this session as well. Students of other grades are also welcomed to participate thought their participation is not mandatory. Due to COVID-19, this session will be conducted online, via zoom, and will take place on Tuesday, October 20th  at 6:00pm. The link to the meeting will be advertised closer to date.