Meet Mrs. Wright

Aimee Wright is a lifelong Butte County resident and educator with 23 years of teaching experience. She has been teaching kindergarten at Achieve Charter School since 2005. Her husband, Steve, serves as the principal at Achieve Chico, and together they have two daughters, one Achieve alum and one current ACMS student.
Mrs. Wright loves spending time outdoors, whether she is hiking, camping, exploring with her family, or working in her garden, which is her favorite place to be. In the classroom, she especially enjoys teaching phonics and writing. She finds great joy in watching kindergartners make connections as they learn to read and write, and she is passionate about helping students build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Fun fact: Mrs. Wright has a creative side too! She loves graphic design and creates many of the graphics and logos used throughout the school.

Kindergarten FAQ Page

• What time does Kindergarten start?  School hours for Kindergarten-5th grade: 8:10am-2:30pm (Monday-Thursday).  School dismisses on Fridays for all students at 12:30pm.  The first week of school will be minimum days for Kindergarten only, class will dismiss at 12:30pm.  We have playground supervision and breakfast services available for students daily, beginning at 7:30am.  *Read below to see what to do if your child will arrive late.
• How does drop-off/pick-up work?  We have a great, orderly system!  Achieve/Life Church has two parking lots (one near the CVS parking lot, and another closer to Ceanothus Ave.  Kindergartners use the "Yellow Gate" (Ceanothus Ave. parking lot) for drop-off and pick-up.  At the beginning of the school year, your family will receive a tag with a number to hang on your rearview mirror during dismissal time.  As you pull onto campus our staff will enter your family's number in our dispatch system.  The system notifies each student's teacher, your child will be sent to the gate.  Our staff will assist your child in your vehicle.  If your child needs seatbelt assistance please leave the roundabout and park in the parking lot area to help your child buckle up (instead of doing this in the roundabout while others are waiting behind you).  Please do not park in the roundabout and out of respect for our neighbors, we ask that you do not arrive before our dismissal time of 2:30pm, leaving your vehicle idling in the roundabout.  If you arrive for pick-up before 2:30pm, please park in our parking lot and walk up to the gate.  Parking in the parking lot and walking up to the gate with your tag is always an option!  Families walking up to the gate will be directed to stand in a certain area inside our gates so our hallways are clear for students to navigate and we can supervise those exiting the gate more easily.

• Where do I buy uniforms?  See the Summer Newsletter post from our Office for ordering information!  More information about our Uniform Policy and Dress Code can be found on our website: www.achievecharter.org  We also have gently used uniforms in the office, which are available for free.  Students wear the uniform t-shirt each Monday-Thursday.  All Fridays are "Free Dress Fridays," uniform optional.  Please see the above link for dress code guidelines.  Please save costumes, make-up, or distracting clothing/jewelery for spirit dress-up days. 
• Can my child wear sandals during school?  Our dress code states that TK-5th-grade students need to wear closed-toe shoes.  
• Does my child need to wear a uniform to our PLP Conference or Orientation?  Uniforms are optional these days, please have uniforms ready for our first day of school.
• Is Orientation mandatory?  Orientation is not mandatory.  It's another opportunity for your child to make a positive connection with the school before our first day of school.  Choose the best time to visit for your family on 8/10/26: 
• Session 1: 9-10am
• Session 2: 10:30-11:30am
• How does drop-off work on the first day of school?  The first day of school is so special!  Please park and walk your student to our classroom on the first day.  The classroom will be open at 8:10am.  Please help your student find a seat and begin morning work.  After a while, Mrs. Wright will direct students to the carpet area for our first morning meeting and story.  Parents are encouraged to leave the classroom by the time our story ends.  Families are welcome to take pictures and videos (Mrs. Wright will be available for photos!).  Please do not post pictures/videos of other children on social media without obtaining permission from their parents.
• How can I help calm my child's first-day jitters?  First-day jitters are normal!  See Mrs. Wright's tips in this blog post.
• What does my child need to bring to school each day?  Please send your student with a full-sized backpack, nutritious snack (the school does not provide snacks), and a filled water bottle daily. Water bottles with sports lids (closed tops with flip-up spouts) work best in kindergarten and help us prevent large water spills.  Please leave all toys and extra items at home.  A small stuffed animal or comfort item from home is OK for the first few weeks.  You may choose to include a "Just in Case Bag" in your child's backpack too.  Sometimes little things come up during the school day: a spill at snack, a bathroom accident, or a messy moment during recess.  To help your child feel comfortable, it's helpful to have a spare set of clothes at school.  Just pop them into a labeled bag and keep it in their backpack, just in case we need it.  Please label ALL items your child brings to school (snacks, lunchboxes, waterbottles, jackets, etc.)  Thanks!
• Where is the lost and found?  Our Lost and Found area is labeled and located near the yellow gate area.  Please label all of your child's items from home!
• What if my child occasionally has accidents?  If your child occasionally has accidents please consider packing an extra set of clothes in a ziplock baggie in your child's backpack. 
• How do I enter the campus gates or check my child out during the school day? During school hours our gates are locked.  If you are bringing your child to school mid-day, or visiting for your volunteer time please park on the Blue Gate side (parking lot closest to CVS).  Ring the camera doorbell, and our staff will unlock the gate for you.  All visitors must check in at the office.  
• What should I do if my child is sick?  If your child is staying home please notify the school by 9:00am.  Contact the office (530) 872-4100 or email the office (msobrero@achievecharter.org) and your student's teacher (awright@achievecharter.org).  You can read about illness guidelines in our Handbook:  www.achievecharter.org     
• Can I help out in the classroom?  We love volunteers!  Each month I will send out a volunteer sign-up link for in-class volunteer time.  There will also be opportunities throughout the year to help with at-home projects, field trips, school-wide needs and opportunities to get involved with our Parent Advisory Council.  Classroom volunteer sign-ups will be emailed home sometime in September.
• Do I need to be fingerprinted to be a volunteer?  All school volunteers are accompanied by staff members and do not need to be fingerprinted to work on campus with students.
• Can kindergartners go to the after-school care program?  Absolutely!  Kindergartners LOVE our after school program, Achieve-More.  Learn more and sign-up for the month here: https://www.achievecharter.org/Achieve-More-E-L-O-P-After-School-Program/
• How does the meal program work?  All Californian students can receive free breakfast and lunch service.  A meal program number and practice sheet will come home with your student at the beginning of the year.  Have your kindergartner practice entering their number on the picture of the keypad.  Teachers will take lunch orders each morning.  (If your child will be tardy please contact the office before 9am to submit your student's order).  Staff will assist your student with entering their meal number and getting meals.  The menu of offerings changes several times throughout the year and can be found on our website: https://www.achievecharter.org/Our-Campuses/Chico-Campus/  Students may also bring lunches from home.  Please send items in baggies or plastic containers (no glass please) and with an ice pack.  
• How can I find information on upcoming school events?  Stay up-to-date on school events and happenings by regularly checking the email address you provided to the office.  Download the ParentSquare app to access our archived and most current communications.  Follow us on Facebook at Achieve Charter School Chico and Instagram: achievecharterschoolk_8 
• Will my kindergartner go on field trips?  Yes!  Your child will attend several field trips per year.  You may drive just your child on the field trip, or volunteer to also drive other children.  Please see the school office for a Driver's Application and LIVESCAN paperwork.
• Can I attend the daily Morning Assembly?  Please join us!  Families are welcome to watch our daily morning assembly (8:10am in the Life Church Sanctuary) from the back of the sanctuary.  Fridays are popular days to attend, we do awards weekly. We'll notify you ahead of time if your student will be earning an award!

Feel free to email me with additional questions!  

awright@achievecharter.org

What in the world is a PLP?

Welcome to Kindergarten! Let's Talk PLPs

As the parent of an incoming kindergartner, you're about to learn a few new school acronyms. While they may not earn you any texting cred (LOL!), they'll help you stay "in the know" about life at Achieve.

PLP = Personalized Learning Plan

One of the first acronyms you'll hear is PLP, which stands for Personalized Learning Plan.

A PLP is much more than a document. It is an ongoing conversation that begins before your child even starts school. Together, we'll get to know your child as a learner, celebrate their strengths, identify areas where they can grow, and set meaningful academic and social goals.

PLPs are a unique part of the Achieve experience because they give teachers a wonderful head start in understanding each child's individual needs and interests. This helps us personalize learning from day one. Throughout the year, we'll meet several times to celebrate progress, revisit goals, and discuss next steps.

One of the most rewarding moments in kindergarten is watching students confidently lead their own PLP conferences by the end of the year. It is amazing to see how much they grow, not only academically but also in their ability to reflect on their learning and share their goals. 

Preparing for Your First PLP Conference

Our first conference is all about getting to know one another. Here are a few ways you can prepare.

• Sign up for your conference: Sign-up Link
• Talk with your child ahead of time. Let them know they will be meeting their kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wright. I will ask about their favorite activities, interests, and things they enjoy. Practicing these conversations at home can help them feel more comfortable. After we chat for a few minutes, your kindergartner may be excused to play with classroom toys while we continue our conversation.
• Parents, come ready to share. I would love to hear about your child's strengths, interests, and any areas where they may need extra support. Please also let me know about important information such as food allergies, vision needs, whether your child is right- or left-handed, and any questions or concerns you have before the school year begins.
• Conference length: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Bring a favorite item. Your child is welcome to bring a favorite stuffed animal, small toy, or special vacation souvenir to show me. It is a wonderful conversation starter and often helps children feel more comfortable in their new classroom.

I can't wait to meet your family and begin this exciting kindergarten journey together!

Welcome Kindergartners!

Welcome to the Achieve Family!

What you've heard is true. We really are a family here at Achieve!

At Achieve Charter School, we meet students where they are, encourage them to reach their full potential, and support them every step of the way. We believe in every child, celebrate their successes, and partner with families to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are so excited to welcome your family to the Achieve community and cannot wait to begin this journey together!

• Parent, Teacher, and Student Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) Conference: This special meeting is all about getting to know one another and beginning our partnership for the school year. Be sure to check out this blog post for everything you need to know about preparing for your child's first Kindergarten PLP conference.

• Kindergarten Orientation: Our optional Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Monday, August 10th. This is an opportunity for your child to meet some of their classmates, explore the classroom, and get a fun preview of kindergarten. Uniforms are optional for Orientation.  Choose the session that works best for your family: Session 1: 9-10am, Session 2: 10:30-11:30am.  Orientation is designed as a relaxed, family-friendly experience. Your family can explore the classroom together.

The First Week of School:

• Kindergarten and TK students will attend minimum days during the first week of school, August 11th through August 14th. Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. each day. (We still have lunch on minimum days.)

• Please remember that every Friday is an early dismissal day for the entire school, with dismissal for K-8th Grade at 12:30 p.m.

• Our regular full-day kindergarten schedule begins on Monday, August 17th. On full days, kindergarten students will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m.

I cannot wait to meet you and your kindergartner! It is going to be an great year!

If you have any questions before school begins, please do not hesitate to send me an email. I am happy to help!

Calming First Day Jitters

The kindergarten countdown is on!  Your kindergartner's countdown chain is growing smaller, and so is my to-do list - it's almost time to welcome in a new batch of recruits.  Here are some ideas to calm first day jitters.

• Take a low-key approach.  It’s natural to be excited about your child starting kindergarten, but talking about it too much can actually make him more anxious. 
• Compare Kindergarten to something familiar such as preschool or TK.  Explain that kindergarten will be a place where he will make friends, play with new toys, and learn.
• Get familiar with the school.  Attend your child’s PLP Conference together, bring your student to Orientation, come to our Ice Cream Social. 
• Put a family photo in your child’s backpack.  If necessary your student may bring a small stuffed animal or comfort item to keep in the backpack for the first few days of school.
• Create an easy-to-follow morning routine.  Establish a regular early bedtime, and leave plenty of time in the morning for a healthy breakfast. 
• Try not to outwardly show your own anxiety.  Model confidence and excitement for your student.  
• Don’t stay too long.  Reassure your child that you will be back and say a quick goodbye, lingering will only make it more difficult for your child to see you go.  As wrenching as it may be for you to walk away while your child is sad or crying, chances are that she will be happily playing soon after you are out of sight.  We love to love on your children – kindergarten staff will help them through it!
• Identify his anxiety.  What exactly is he afraid of?  Once you establish what his specific fears are you will be better able to address his concerns and work with your child and ACS staff to find ways to handle them.

Ideas adapted from: 
          Lee, Katherine.  "Calming First Day Kindergarten Anxiety."  About Parenting.  Web. 13 
          August 2014.  http://childparenting.about.com/od/schoollearning/a/first_day_kindergarten_anxiety.htm

See you soon,