September 17 - 30, 2021

It has been a great start to the school year! We are excited to have all the students return to CTTB. They are all doing so well following the COVID protocols. We have great outdoor learning spaces for classes, lunch, and snack time. We look forward to a fun-filled year of learning!

Sincerely yours,

IGDVS Newsletter Team

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COVID-19 EDUCATION

• There are over 23 million vaccinated people in California, which is about 57% of the population

• Currently, there are over 4 million deaths because of COVID-19

• Adults who had COVID-19 may experience ongoing health problems that can last four or more weeks after COVID-19

• CDC recommends all people ages 12 years and older get vaccinated

• Over 540 million COVID tests have been administered and reported

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: KINDNESS

Acts of Kindness:

• Give a plant to a friend

• Let someone with fewer items go in front of you in line at the grocery store

• Make a meal for your parents

• Reach out a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile

• Donate to the animal shelter

• Hold the door open

• Do something that makes you happy, practice self kindness

• Donate clothes to a charity

• Write a nice note to a teacher

• Tell someone you care about them

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Thuy Nguyen is a senior at IGDVS.

What was your inspiration for coming to this school?

Before coming to this school, I attended summer camp. It was fun, so I decided to come. On top of that, my family is quite religious, they thought it would be good for me to come here.

If you could change one thing, what would it be?

One thing I would change is for the computers in the computer lab to be better computers.

What is your favorite part of the school？

My favorite part of school is definitely the students and teachers. Everyone here is so sincere. Each teacher is dedicated to teaching every student. And with that experience, I felt confident with their support, that I can achieve my dream. As for the people here, I am good friends with everyone, so that is my favorite part of the school.

What is your advice for the students currently studying in the school or future students?

Do what you want to do and not what other people want you to do, because if you do what others want you to do, you are not living for yourself. Do all the things you like, even if you may not be good at it, because eventually you will be able to find the thing that is meant for you. I have come to see that by doing things from your own heart, at your own will, it could truly bring you happiness. But at the same time, don’t force yourself to like something you don’t.

What has been the highlight of senior year so far?

So far, being able to resume school with my classmates and have in person class has been the highlight of my senior year.

What was your most memorable experience in IGDVS?

When I first came, in 7th grade, I had a senior that would always come to my room every night and give me hugs. This had kept me from being homesick at that time. It left me with a big impression and made me want to be the big sister that the younger sisters can lean on.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, when I would be 27-years-old, I would most probably be settled down, and have gotten a house for my parents to live in. I would have a healthy routine for life, and be doing something that I really like (hopefully working with children, either as a pediatric doctor or an engineer that specializes in medical devices for children.)

What is something you hope will continue even after leaving?

Definitely meditation. Meditation is basically my safe time, in which I could calm down and relax, and have time to slow down this fast paced world. It had also helped me more than I realize it did throughout the years.

What is your favorite school lunch?

Without thinking, fried rice.

CROSSWORD

Click on the link below for a fun crossword about fall festivities!

https://crosswordlabs.com/view/crossword-fall-festivities

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

You're the artist of your own life. Don't hand the paintbrush to anyone else –Anonymous

PLANNING YOUR FALL WARDROBE!!!

DISCLAIMER: pls don't buy anything that you aren't 100% sure you'll enjoy for a long period of time :'( sustainability>fast fashion the best alternative is to shop your own closet or thrift

This fall has a fun mix of neutrals and texture; lots of leather, pearls, pointelle and more! i'm starting to notice more 70s and 60s silhouettes and patterns coming back into style versus the more 90s y2k look that has been on trend for a few years now.

If you're in search of trendy pieces for this coming fall try incorporating them into your personal style! For example when purchasing a trench coat; if you have a more maximalist style try a faux fur trim or maybe croc print vs. a minimalist would prefer a more classic beige or black.

STYLE –> FILES

FALL 2021 TRENDS:

• loafers

• leather jackets (bomber style)

• newsboy caps

• oversized collars

• pleated skirts

• chunky jewelry

• 70s belts

• lingerie inspired

• berets

• square sunglasses

• doc martens (multiple styles)

Vegan Bread

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons grapeseed

• ½ cup almond milk, unsweetened (118 grams)

• ¾ cups warm water (177 grams)

• 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (8 grams)

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (125 grams)

• 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour (280 grams)

• ½ cup rolled oats (45 grams)

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (8 grams)

• 2 tablespoons seeds: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, etc (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, oil and almond milk. Heat over low heat until barely warm to the touch.

2. Pour into a large bowl with the warm water and yeast and mix with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until just combined. In a separate bowl, stir together whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, oats and salt. Add the flours and oats to the bowl and stir with the spoon until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured countertop and form the dough into a ball.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough by pushing with the base of your palm, then reforming it into a ball. Continue kneading for 8 minutes until the dough feels pillowy and has a smooth, stretchy exterior. If the dough is very sticky, add a small amount of flour while kneading. Alternatively: attach the dough hook to a stand mixer and start the mixer on medium-low speed, then allow the mixer to knead for 8 minutes.

4. Proof 1: Place the dough ball in a clean bowl and cover with a clean dish towel. Allow the dough to stand in a warm place (proof) until it rises to double in size, about 45 minutes to an 1 hour.

5. Shape the dough: Once proofed, grease an 8 to 9-inch loaf pan. Turn the dough onto a counter and gently press the dough into a large rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. The short side of the rectangle should be about the width of the long edge of the loaf pan. Roll the dough into a log (the width of the loaf pan). Pinch the seams on the sides and bottom of the roll and then place it into the greased pan seam-side down. Gently press the dough to fill the bottom of the pan.

6. Proof 2: Cover with a clean dish towel and allow to proof for 40 to 50 minutes until the dough doubles in size.

7. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

8. Bake the bread: Once proofed, brush with the top of the loaf with water. If desired, sprinkle the seeds on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and the inside of the bread reaches 190°F on an instant read thermometer. Remove the bread to a cooling on a rack and cool completely, at least 90 minutes. (However tempting, cutting the bread while warm will ruin its texture!)

9. Serve (+ storage info): Slice the bread and serve. Store the bread at room temperature for 2 to 3 days wrapped in plastic, or refrigerator for up to a week. The bread can also be frozen, sliced into pieces and wrapped in plastic, for 3 months.

Recipe by A Couple Cooks https://www.acouplecooks.com/vegan-bread-recipe/

Book Recommendations

Gods of Jade and Shadow

“It’s greater than you or I, this tale.”

Once upon a time, there lived a girl who knew that the world was a big and wonderful place, and she was tired of pretending that she was satisfied with her corner of the earth. So she decided to run away. Her name was Casiopea.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia weaves a mesmerizing Cinderella-esque story of 1920s Mexico vivid with jazz, newfound independence, and gods, villains, and magic indigenous to Mayan mythology. In the beginning of the book, Casiopea encounters the Mayan god of death, Hun-Kamé, who orders her help in reclaiming his throne from his traitorous brother. Failure would mean Casiopea’s death, but success could make her dreams come true - freedom to travel the world.

At its core, Gods of Jade and Shadow is a love story but there is more to it than romance and kisses. The book is filled to the brim with hunger and longing for a world that is young and filled with possibilities, for the vastness of all there is, for something better and greater.

*The story is based on the mythology of the Popul Vuh, which is a history of the K’iche’, one of the Mayan peoples who thrived before the Spanish conquest of Guatemala.

The Joy Luck Club

“Then you must teach my daughter this same lesson. How to lose your innocence but not your hope. How to laugh forever.”

Four mothers, four daughters, four families - the Meis, Hsus, Jongs, and St Claires - intersect in this story that shifts depending on who's telling the stories. The Joy Luck Club tells the story of four different women who emigrated from China to San Francisco. All four of them have different lives, different stories to tell, but they all share the same thing in that they’re the mothers of grown, Chinese-American daughters.

While much about immigration experience, The Joy Luck Club is also about both the younger and older generation's path to self discovery. While we as readers grope to understand pre-revolutionary, rural China and the nightmarishness of being a woman in traditional China, we are constantly reminded of the enormity of the confusing mental journey Chinese emigrants had to make to reach the American Dream and define themselves anew in a new world.

Howl's Moving Castle

“I think we ought to live happily ever after.”

A magical land called Ingary, a teenager cursed to look ninety, a charming wizard who terrorizes girls and eats their hearts and a country on the brink of war. Let the adventures begin!

When Sophie Hatter is turned into an aged crone by a peevish witch, she tries to aid the charming, wildly theatrical wizard Howl in vanquishing the witch, so that both of them can break and be free from the spells they're under.

Many people have watched the movie but the book is simply more. We get more insight into Sophie and Howl's backstories and strong personalities as well as more understanding on the factors preventing them from living out their lives peacefully and happily. A magical read, wildly imaginative and surpassingly gentle.

Fun Fact

George Washington Carver developed more than 300 uses for peanuts, including flour, insulation, and paper.

Craft:

Upcycling Clothes

Have an old pair of jeans or a shirt that is too plain or out of style? Rather than throwing your boring clothes away, you could embroider on a few patterns in whichever style you like.

All you need are:

1. An embroidery needle

2. Some bundles of embroidery thread

3. An empty canvas (either an old white shirt, a tote bag, or even the back pocket of your jeans)

Instructions:

First, trace a pattern or a drawing onto the area where you want to embroider using a pencil or some fabric chalk.

Next, loop the embroidery thread into the needle and start embroidering by stitching along the lines of your drawing. You can use back stitch, running stitch, or whatever suits you best.

TADA! You now have your own personalized piece of clothing!

Upcoming Dates:

• Midterms: October 13 - October 15

• Honoring Elders Day: October 23

• Halloween: October 31