Due to the holiday, there will be no District Digest next week!
 
Your weekly recap of student success
VIDEO: Natoma Station community honors those who served
Veterans Day Video and story by Ron Aguilar, FCUSD Multimedia Communication Specialist

Students, parents, faculty and local veterans packed the gym at Natoma Elementary in honor of Veterans Day last week.  The voices of children filled the room as they sang patriotic songs that included the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and This Land is Your Land. 

This has become a yearly tradition for Natoma Elementary.  "It's important for the kids to know that they're not just getting a day off on Nov. 11, but that it's a time to remember those who have served or those who are currently serving our country," said Principal Ted Bosque.

Many volunteers and community members come together to make the event a success.  The school's Student Council excitedly greeted families and veterans as they arrived.  Even the local Starbucks generously donated coffee and snacks to show their support.  From decor to food all hands were on deck to show gratitude to our honored veterans.
  
Click here to see the school community in action!
360 VIDEO: Explore student Dia de los Muertos tributes
Day of the Dead Video and story by Ron Aguilar, FCUSD Multimedia Communication Specialist

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that focuses on remembering those who have died and live in our memories.  Jenny Harmon, a teacher at Walnutwood High School's Adolescent Parent Program, celebrates this day with her students through festive décor and traditional food.  Each year her students created alters that memorialize the life of a friend or loved one in a unique, annual hands-on learning experience. 

HOW TO WATCH THIS VIDEO: This video captures a few of those stories but also encompasses a full 360 degree view of Harmon's classroom. This video is only compatible to view.

* with Google Chrome on PC/Mac desktop, or

* on iOS and Android devices 

Throughout the video feel free to drag your mouse or even turn your device in a full 360 degrees to transport yourself into her classroom and hear the stories of her student's tributes to their loved ones.  Immerse yourself into the environment and experience it as if you were in her classroom!
  
Click here to experience the 360 video!
  
RSVP for James Rollins book signing for chance to win Nook!
Best-selling author and Folsom resident James Rollins will join us to sign his newest release, The Bone Labyrinth; A Sigma Force Novel on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble store in Citrus Heights. This will be a fun night for the entire family. 
  
Not only will you meet Rollins, famed children's author Erin Dealey will be on hand to read stories and provide fun, interactive activities for kids.  We will hear from Rollins, learn about ways we can help disadvantaged students and hold a drawing for prizes.
  
Barnes & Noble will donate a portion of all proceeds that evening toward FCUSD literacy initiatives such as Community Readers.  Plan to have dinner at nearby eateries and they will donate portions of their sales as well.
  
Keep the date!  Get your holiday shopping done early.  Come get your signed copy of The Bone Labyrinth; A Sigma Force Novel and help support our literacy program for students in need.
 
RSVP for this event, and you'll be entered to win one of two Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nooks, provided by the Folsom Cordova Education Association. Click here to RSVP and enter the drawing!
 
For more details, please contact Angela Griffin Ankhelyi at 916-294-9000 ext. 104541.
Students' Digital Video Marathon on Thanksgiving Day!

DV Marathon

SECC's annual Student Digital Video (DV) Thanksgiving Day Marathon links students and their parents, teachers, and peers to the educational messages students feel are important to them to express. 

 

From the serious to animations, the varied messages provide an insight into the issues in students' lives today.

 

The marathon airs Thursday, Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and features 24 back-to-back episodes of entries from the SEVA contest.  Viewers can tune in on Cable 15 or stream online here.  To view our talented students' video on Parking Lot Etiquette from Cordova High School, click here.
In other news ...

                  
Board Update Logo
Enjoy your upcoming week-long break!
   
We hope everyone enjoys their time off.  The District Digest will return after the Thanksgiving break.  As a reminder, school is back in session on Monday, Nov. 30.
  
While you are off for Thanksgiving break, why not download our mobile app!  You can view student grades, lunch menus, pay your student's meal account and much more!  You can find it free in the Google Play and Apple app store.
  
Like us on Facebook and follow us on  Twitter! 
  
Subscribe to FCUSD YouTube page and check out our videos!
  
Do you have a success story you would like us to know about regarding a student, teacher, or one of our schools?  We can help spread the word for you.  Click here to submit your story and we will work with you to find the best way to tell your story!
  
  
  
Upcoming community events for your family
  
  
16th Annual Cordova Community Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Village Green Park, 3141 Bridgeway Dr.  Admission is free.  Click here for additional info.
  
The 2015 Holiday Run will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Village Green Park in Rancho Cordova.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the Rancho Cordova Police Activities League (PAL).  To register and check entry fees, click here.
 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:  The Sacramento County Sheriff's and Rancho Cordova Police Dept. have partnered with others in our community to provide " Christmas in Cordova".  This one-day family event will take place at Mills Middle School in Rancho Cordova on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click here for info.
Board of Education Update: Nov. 5, 2015
 
The FCUSD Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Service Center, 1965 Birkmont Drive in Rancho Cordova.
 
Agenda items include:
 
 
 
The full Board agenda can be found here.
 
Stay Connected
FCUSD Communication and Community Engagement Office: (916) 294-9000 ext. 104530