Fountain Valley School District Newsletter

Last year, FVSD began utilizing an electronic flyer distribution system, Peachjar, in an effort to improve communication, ensure a strong link between home and school, and to enhance community support and involvement in our schools. Every school, the District Office, and outside organizations uses Peachjar to distribute district-approved e-flyers to families district wide . We are excited about the addition of Peachjar and look forward to this means of communication! Learn more.

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN (FMP)

District staff, parents, Trustees, community leaders, and even students have worked together with LPA Architects, Inc. to create a detailed Facilities Master Plan (FMP). The District's newly developed FMP identifies a vision for the next 10 to 15 years and provides a road map to coordinate short and long-range goals for our school buildings.

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With winter break upon us, I want to extend my very best to you and your family. May this holiday season bring you tremendous joy and laughter, as you spend time with friends and loved ones. I greatly appreciate each of you for your commitment to our students, as well as your dedication to one another and to our District. FVSD is an extraordinary community, and I could not be more thrilled to be a part of it!

Kindly,

Mark Johnson, Ed.D.

Superintendent

FOCUS: Our Facilities Improvement Efforts Continue!

It is with great pride that we share this update with you regarding the planning and design progress of Phase I of the Measure O HVAC Program. At this time, we are moving at a rapid pace and are on schedule to begin construction this summer. As the community is aware, both Masuda Middle School and Courreges Elementary School are included in the first phase, and plans for both schools are projected to be out of review with the Division of State Architects (DSA) by the end of January. And for the first time, we are excited to include the exterior designs (elevations - pictured above) being considered for Masuda - they all look great!! We look forward to providing you with ongoing updates, as we get closer to breaking ground in late June.

SPOTLIGHT: Universal Screening

After several discussions and meetings, the District's GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) Committee made recommendations to alter the identification and nomination process this year. The most significant change includes the implementation of universal GATE screening for third graders, which does require parental consent. During parent conferences, third grade teachers explained universal GATE screening and encouraged parents to give permission for their student to participate. Teachers in grades four through seven were also encouraged to discuss GATE nominations, when appropriate, during conferences. This year, we are pleased to report that we will test 553 students, 272 more than last year. GATE screening will take place across the district in January and February, and parents will be notified in June of the results.

HIGHLIGHT: FVSD Celebrates STEAM at 3rd Annual Polar Day!

Recently, FVSD hosted its 3rd Annual Polar Day at Courreges Elementary School. Polar Day, named after the December 1, 1959 treaty that established Antarctica as a non-military global research area, is organized by teachers, school administrators and community partners to highlight STEAM activities for all age groups. This year, we had over 3,000 attendees!!! Activities and events included: engaging presentations from expert scientists in the field, exciting and competitive cardboard sled dog races, and fun hands-on experiences like feeling the insulating power of whale blubber. In addition, we also welcomed the Anaheim Mighty Ducks S.C.O.R.E. program, a group that has partnered with FVSD for the last several years.

We are extremely appreciative to all of our Polar Day team for putting on such a successful event, as we work to promote hands-on STEAM activities for our students and community. Just one more reason why #WeHeartFVSD!

HIGHLIGHT: Things to Do With Your Student Over Winter Break

There's plenty of research about the importance of continuing learning over the summer to fight brain drain - but can the same be said about winter break? Here's what you need to know.

Younger Children Should Keep Learning

"Younger children haven't mastered the skills they're learning yet, so it's easier for them to lose them," said Barb, an elementary school teacher. She continued, "An older student can take a few weeks off from reading and math and jump back in with a skill set that's already been established."

Make Learning An Ongoing Habit

The key is to make learning fun and interactive, but also habitual. Short breaks are fine, but learning doesn't need to come to a full stop. If you teach your children early on that learning isn't a chore, but rather a necessary joy, their foundation for learning will grow even stronger.

Educational Activities for Kids Over Break

Take local excursions with an educational bent.
Grab some inexpensive workbooks.
Base activities on their recent school assignments.
Make it a routine.
Take a trip to the library.
Turn your regular errands into learning opportunities.
Reading is the best pastime.