Two girls
Your weekly recap of student success
White House names local teacher one of nation's best
Andy Kotko, a first-grade teacher at Mather Heights Elementary School, has been named by President Obama as one of the best math and science teachers in the country.

The White House honored Kotko on Monday with the  2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest recognition bestowed upon the nation's math and science teachers.

Kotko has twice been a finalist for this prestigious honor.  Kotko and 212 other winners from throughout the country will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and travel to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 8.

Kotko makes learning look effortless in his classroom.  His young students dig deep - and have fun - while exploring complex mathematical concepts through hands-on projects and group work.

"Teachers transform lives by inspiring and equipping students as lifelong learners," Kotko told the National Science Foundation.  "I am grateful for the many educators who have invested in my teaching practice as well as for the colleagues and families that work beside me each day.  This honor is also a testimony to the great effort of the students under my guidance who work diligently to grow in their mathematics understanding."

To read the full story, click here!

WATCH video from ABC10 here
Folsom Cordova students show growth in statewide tests
Students
Students in Folsom Cordova schools continued to make progress and, districtwide, perform above state averages in English-language arts and math, according to new state test results released on Aug. 24.

That included modest gains among the District's most vulnerable student populations, including English learners and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, though achievement gaps continue to persist.

"Our teachers and staff are committed to ensuring all students have a personalized pathway to success, and our students continue to make progress in developing the skills they'll need to achieve in the years ahead," said Superintendent Deborah Bettencourt.

More than 10,500 students in grades 3-8 and 11 took the state's Smarter Balanced assessments last spring, part of California's comprehensive testing program. The scores are one tool designed to help teachers better understand how our students are performing under new state standards, measure student growth, and implement effective learning strategies tailored to individual children.

In English-language arts, 59 percent of students districtwide met or exceeded state standards, up four percentage points from last year, the first year of the state's new testing program. Similar growth was seen in math performance, where 50 percent of Folsom Cordova students met or exceeded state standards, up four percentage points from 2015.

Statewide, 49 percent of students met or exceeded English language arts standards, while 37 percent of students met or exceeded standards in math.

Dig deeper into the results: District and individual school performance can be found on the state's website: http://caaspp.cde.ca.gov/sb2016/default


Learn more about your child's score reports: www.fcusd.org/testing.

Families invited to upcoming International Baccalaureate Info Nights! 
Enrolling in Folsom Cordova's International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a chance to show top universities your student is ready for the next level of success.

Folsom Cordova has two International Baccalaureate programmes: 
  • Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students grade 6 - 10 attending Mitchell Middle and Cordova High schools.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) for students grade 11 - 12 attending Mitchell Middle and Cordova High schools.
There will be information nights coming soon and this will give you the opportunity to stop by and get all your questions and concerns addressed.  

Information Nights

September 6, 2016
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

October 3, 2016
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

November 1, 2016
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

To read more about our IB programs and see additional dates, visit www.fcusd.org/IB!

VIDEO: Community begins to see improvements funded by Measure G
Measure G
Video and story by Sydney Northcutt and Reijer den Dulk, FCUSD Communications Internship Program

Not only are students' busy feet scuffling to class kicking up dust right now - a new construction and modernization is well under way at many of our Folsom school sites as well.

During the upcoming school year the Folsom community will begin to see the first wave of improvements to classrooms and facilities as a result of Measure G.  In November of 2014 Folsom voters passed Measure G, a $195 million bond measure that will provide the funding needed to upgrade current Folsom facilities and add new facilities to some schools.

VIDEO: To see the video story on Measure G updates, click here!

A total of 10 elementary school sites and five secondary school sites have proposed renovations.  A Facilities Master Plan has been approved by the Board of Education to help prioritize those upgrades.

The first $100 million was approved by the Board to plan and construct initial projects including: Vista del Lago High School stadium completion, Carl Sundahl modernization and new construction, Oak Chan modernization and new construction, Phase 1 of Sutter Middle School's modernization and new construction, a second gym at Folsom High, a technology infrastructure upgrade throughout Folsom school.

To read the full story, click here!
High-tech helmets help Cordova High athletes prevent head injuries
CHS Football Thanks to a grant from the City of Rancho Cordova both the varsity and junior varsity football programs at Cordova High School will be wearing helmet-based, head-impact monitoring technology.

Head football coach at Cordova High Darren Nill wrote the grant that was approved by the city that allowed the school to buy 180 of the state-of-the-art helmets from Riddell.

These helmets are equipped with sensors hidden in the padding. When an impact reaches a certain threshold, the sensor will then send an electronic signal to a hand-held device on the sidelines.  That means every player is being monitored at the same time, and wherever they are on the field during practice and games.

Videos and news coverage can be found: 

Coming soon: A new, improved FCUSD mobile app
mobile app
Keep an eye out in September for the launch of Folsom Cordova's new and improved mobile app!  We're making it easier for families, staff, and students to stay connected to their schools, grades, events, and more.

New features: Upgraded features will include:
  • Custom notifications from your school
  • Be alerted to changes in your student's grades and attendance
  • Peachjar e-flyers straight to your app
  • Sync school events to your personal calendar
  • Much More!
Already have our app?   Once we launch, you'll need to download  the new app.  It will not be an update to your existing app.

Questions?  Contact Communication & Community Engagement at (916) 294-9000 ext. 104530 or smello@fcusd.org.

One simple application could increase funding for your school
MealApps
Folsom Cordova is asking our families to apply for free and reduced school meals - even if they're not sure they'll use it.
 
Why?  Because it turns out those applications could increase the amount of money your school receives to pay for resources that help students:  academic coaches, technology, musical instruments, field trips and more!
 
Schools receive more money and resources based on the number of families who qualify for free and reduced meals - regardless of whether they decide to use the program.

 
Do I qualify?   Click here to see if your household income qualifies your family.
 
Easy and private:  There's no need to bring us paper applications, and we keep your information private.   Your child will never be identified as a participant.

Another benefit?  You and your student may be eligible to receive other services:  Not sure you'll use the meal program?  That's OK!  You don't have to - but keep your approval letter.  It could qualify you for other services, like reduced-cost bus transportation.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Families in the following schools   DO NOT need to fill out a meal application ( for school funding purposes, these schools will receive alternative income verification forms):
  • Cordova Gardens Elementary
  • Cordova Meadows Elementary
  • Cordova Villa Elementary
  • Mills Middle School
  • Peter J. Shields Elementary
  • Rancho Cordova Elementary
  • White Rock Elementary
  • Williamson Elementary
Questions? Contact the   FCUSD Food Services Department at   (916) 294-9011.

An evening with Cordova High alum and hometown hero Sept. 8
YantisAs the 15th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, come hear Ryan Yantis share his personal account of duty, perseverance, and overcoming challenges in the face of danger. 

When:   Thursday, September 8
Time:    6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Where:  Cordova High Performing Arts Center

Born and raised in California, Ryan Yantis became one of the most successful swimmers ever to graduate from Cordova High.

A four-time All-American High School swimmer and letterman at Cordova High, he set two national and sectional high school records in 1979.  His outstanding high school performance earned him a full ride scholarship to the University of Missouri, where he lettered in swimming in 1980.

Shortly after college graduation, Yantis joined the Army where he served for over 20 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later became a  Public Affairs Officer at the Pentagon, and  was in the area where American Airline Flight 77 crashed. 

He returned to the crash site to account for personnel under his charge and to make sure that everyone in his office had evacuated.  When he found several injured, Yantis began carrying out stretchers and bringing aid into the building in a life-saving operation.

Alums in the news: Former Lancer a standout at Oberlin College
Monique Newton
Congratulations to former Cordova High School Lancer Monique Newton who earned a pair of All-American awards at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Newton came into the outdoor championships looking to make history, earning berths in the hammer, shot put, and discus events. She was just one of four females to qualify for all three disciplines.

During the year Newton was also named the NCAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year and was the NCAC Champion in the shot put both indoors and outdoors.

Entering her junior year, Newton returns as a strong favorite to make multiple trips to the All-American podium over the next 24 months.

To read the full story, click here!
In other news ...

                                                                                                                                                   
College
heart screening
Board Update Logo
All high school students, families invited to FCUSD College Fair
 
Folsom Cordova is inviting all students in grades 9-12 and their families to a special college fair, where parents and children can learn more about opportunities after graduation.

Participants will have the opportunity to speak face-to-face with representatives from colleges and universities throughout California and out of state, and branches of the military will be available to discuss their admission process.

Additionally, families can learn more about financial aid, college admission requirements, and the District's college and career planning software, Naviance.  This event is coordinated in partnership with the  Folsom Cordova Education Foundation.

Date:       Tuesday, Sept. 20
Time:       6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Cordova High School, 2239 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova

or contact your high school's College/Career Clerk
       

Free heart screening available to students Sept. 18
 
Folsom Cordova and the  Via Heart Project are inviting all students ages 12-25 enrolled in FCUSD, San Juan Unified or Twin Rivers Unified schools to participate in a special, free heart screening event next month designed to help prevent health problems before they emerge.

Via Heart screenings take 60-90 minutes and are non-invasive.  A team of medical volunteers, including cardiologists, sonographers, and nurses will conduct a health history questionnaire review, an EKG, and, if warranted, an echocardiogram.  Student privacy is protected throughout all aspects of the screening.

Date:   Sunday, Sept. 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Register:  Registration is open until noon on Sept. 16 and is limited to 750 students.   viaheartproject.org/screenings  
Cost: Free.  Participants are encouraged to consider a donation that will help support the screening program.
Questions: (800) 284-0125 or screening@viaheartproject.org 


Board of Education Update: Aug. 18, 2016
 
At their August 18 regular meeting, Board of Education members:

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Education Services Center.
 
Agendas are posted the Friday before meetings and can be found here.
Stay Connected
FCUSD Communication and Community Engagement Office
(916) 294-9000 ext. 104530