2017-2018
TUSD Weekly Update| 10.30.17
We hope you are enjoying this new communications effort designed to showcase and keep you in the loop on all the wonderful things happening in TUSD. Please follow us on social media for daily vs. just weekly updates! Got a story idea? Please reach out!
Sugar Skulls from Amber Elstad's Photography class at Turlock High School.
Turlock High School Link Crew
Over the summer Turlock High School hosted a two-day training for a new Link Crew program which is designed to connect freshmen to upperclassmen to help ease their transition to high school. Link Crew leaders were nominated by THS faculty/staff and students could also volunteer. On August 9, 450 9th graders (out of about 700 enrolled) attended an assembly to kick-off the Link Crew program. At THS, ten freshmen are paired with two-three junior and/or senior mentors. Throughout the school year, Link Crew leaders meet with their 9th graders once a week during Advisement and also support them socially and academically on an ongoing basis. For example, Link Crew leaders have invited 9th graders to social events like the Back to School Dance and home football games. Club sign ups on campus have been noticeably higher this year which THS Activities Advisor Jennifer Cullum directly attributes to the Link Crew program. Great to see programs like this in TUSD!
College Corner | The SAT & ACT
TUSD has been an official SAT and ACT Test Center since 2008 and in that time span thousands of students have been able to take these important college exams close to home. The SAT and ACT have undergone significant changes over the past few years and there are some distinct differences between the two that are highlighted below. SAT and ACT practice problems are a great extension activity for students and there are many online resources available. Check them out!
Welcome New Fiscal Services Employees!
Carmina Gonzalez | Purchasing Specialist
Bridget Perez | District Account Clerk
Hometown Heroes
Dylan Alves is a 2015 graduate of Pitman High School and currently serves in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation/Electronics Technician. Dylan shared that he followed his grandpa's footsteps into the military and hopes to become the best possible version of himself. He enjoys the brotherhood of his fellow Marines as well as working with dedicated people with the same mindset. Dylan's greatest challenge has been learning patience as well as having to start at the bottom in an organization that is constantly moving with or without you. He is the son of Pitman High School secretary Teri Alves who Dylan credits as being his number one supporter. Thank you for your service, Dylan, and Semper Fi!
Meet Cheryl Alves
Walnut Elementary Education Center
Walnut Elementary Education Center Administrative Secretary Cheryl Alves has worked for TUSD the past 30 years at various sites including Brown, Turlock High School, and Freedom Independent Study. Cheryl shared that in her position she strives to keep the Walnut staff and teachers happy; she feels particularly fortunate to work at Walnut where two of her grandchildren attend. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys having her family over for dinner and hanging out with her grand-children. She also loves spending time at the coast. Thank you, Cheryl, for helping put the "US" in TUSD!
Where in the world is . . . Lori Decker?
Former Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services Lori Decker worked in TUSD for 26 years and retired in 2014. She currently lives in Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and volunteers at a local elementary school providing one-on-one tutoring in a specialized program that focuses on dyslexic students. Lori misses the "awesome" Fiscal Services staff in TUSD, but does not miss dealing with budget cuts! Lori and her husband are enjoying their retirement--especially the opportunity to spend more time outdoors--and she wants to thank all the wonderful staff, administrators, and Board members she had the pleasure of working with during her tenure in TUSD.
Six Word Stories
Timmy
Turlock High School
Grade | 12
Fave Class | Dance
Activities | Singing
College Goal | Tony & Guys
Career Goal | Cosmetologist
Fave Thing About School | Dance

Carolina
Pitman High School
Grade | 12
Fave Class | Anatomy and Physiology
Activities | Cross-Country and yoga
Career Goal | Registered Nurse
Fave Thing About School | The teachers and meeting new people



Last Week in Social Media
Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off
Please contact Chief Communication Coordinator Marie Russell if you have a recommendation for future content including a retiree to catch up with, student to recognize, or employee to feature. 209.648.0968



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