News, Announcements, & Success Stories
VIDEO: Theodore Judah 5th grade piano virtuoso Nathan Zhang featured on ABC World News Tonight!
Nathan Zhang, a fifth grader at Theodore Judah Elementary, had no idea that his piano playing would go viral after we posted a video of him playing on the district's Facebook page. 

ABC World News Tonight with David Muir reached out to feature Nathan on his segment called America Strong. Watch the story here!   

The video of Zhang playing Bach's English Suite no. 2 Bourree connected with many not only because of his obvious talent, but also because he chooses to  spends part of his recess a few times a week playing the piano to first graders during their lunch time as a gift of classical music. Fox40 locally did a feature story on Zhang. 
 
Zhang has been playing piano since the age of 5, he is currently 10 and practices daily. He says he loves performing and playing the piano in front of people. He has also been playing the violin for two years and is part of the school orchestra. 
 
Zhang said one of his best experiences performing was when he had the chance to play at Carnegie Hall, in New York. He entered an online contest called American Protege
and won the chance to play at Carnegie Hall in 2016, earning a Judges' Distinction Award for his performance. 
Read Dr. Koligian's quarterly message to the community
In her October message to families and community members, Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D., reflects on her first 10 weeks of the school year: moving into her new home, visiting all of our schools, and getting to know the many partners who support our students.
 
She also shares some of our recent successes and ways for you to stay connected to what's happening in Folsom Cordova schools.
You're invited to our Parent Summit: support and services for students and families
FCUSD is hosting this year's first in a series of productive learning opportunities for families and students at its next Parent Summit . 

Don't miss these high impact topics:
  • Community resources: Consulate of Mexico Sacramento with Rodrigo Baez
  • College & Career Readiness Opportunities 
  • "Know your District Services " Trivia
Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 8:30- 11:30 a.m.
Location: Rancho Cordova Elementary, 2562 Chassella Way

Child care will be provided and light refreshments will be served to attendees.

For questions, please call Categorical Programs & Grants at 294-9000 Ext. 104630 

See the flyer in  English ,  Spanish ,  Russian ,  Dari ,  Pashto.
Folsom High Teacher named 2018 Grammy Music Educator Award Semi-Finalist
Folsom High music teacher Curtis Gaesser was named a semifinalist for the 2018 Grammy Educator Award.
 
Twenty-five semifinalists were announced on Oct.18, from numerous submissions through out the nation. Those chosen are being recognized for their contributions to music education. Here is the complete list and article from CBS Morning News .
 
Folsom High's Music Program has gained national attention under Gaesser's direction, at festivals and competitions over the past 30 years.
 
Ten finalists for the 2018 Grammy Educator Award will be named at a later date. Should Gaesser be named a finalist, he'd earn $1,000 honorarium, while the school would receive a matching grant. 
 
We will keep you posted on when the finalists are named!
Runway 17 Fashion Show to benefit children with disabilities
Y ou're invited!  The Runway 17 project was created out of the need of providing inclusion of recreational opportunities to children with disabilities in the community.  

The project will allow the City of Folsom to recruit and train counselors to support children with a variety of special needs, so they can participate in the same programs as their friends without disabilities.

The event will feature a runway show, auction, raffle, and much more!   Children of all abilities will participate.  

Event Date: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017
Time:  2 -5 p.m.
Location:   Folsom Community Center,  52 Natoma Street, in Folsom.
 
Tickets are $30 during the early bird period and $35 afterwards. 
Click here to buy your tickets!   
AFS Project: Change Scholarship contest open to students
The AFS Project: Change Scholarship contest invites students in grades 8-12 to submit their global volunteer project ideas for a chance to win a free trip abroad to make their vision a reality. 
 
Students can submit an essay for the contest addressing global issues and propose a volunteer project that can help in different countries. 
 
Last year, Wade Kiesow, a Folsom High student was selected to participate in a project in Guatemala involving sustainability workshops in a local school there teaching adults and children about environmentally friendly practices. 
 
Students can submit their essay from now until Dec. 18, 2017. For more information click here. 
In other news ...
                              

Walnutwood High: Day of the Dead 

  
Each year, Walnutwood High School's Adolescent Parent Program holds a community event to celebrate the Mexican holiday El Dia Del Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 
 
This year, on Thursday, Nov. 2, the program will hold its 12nd annual Day of the Dead/ Dia De Los Muertos event.  
 
The  open house presented by  students celebrates and honors their families and heroes with folk art, written tributes, food, and drinks. 
 
The event in the past has drawn families, Folsom
Cordova employees, 
school board members, Ranch Cordova city council members and other community members.    
Join us, won't you?
Explore Rancho Cordova Expo
 
Learn all about Rancho Cordova and the wonderful things your city has to offer for you and your family.
 
Join us for a special Expo event where you can meet representatives of organizations who offer a full range of community services. 
 
Date: Thursday, Oct. 26 
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Folsom Cordova Adult School
(10850 Gadsten Way)
 
For questions, call or email Bea Lopez at 
916-273-5711 or 
 
Rancho Cordova Rotary and Rotary Community Corp will provide translators in several languages to assist attendees. 
 
Board of Education: Oct. 19, 2017

The FCUSD Board of Education held its regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Education Services Center Board Room, 1965 Birkmont Drive in Rancho Cordova.
 
Agenda items included: 
  • Approve New Middle and High School Course Outliness 
  • Adopt Folsom Cordova Education Association 2017-2018 Proposed Contract Openers to the Board of Education
  • Granite Center Discussion
  • 2017-18 Adopted Budget Book 
The full agenda can be found  here.  

Stay Connected
FCUSD Communication and Community Engagement Office
(916) 294-9000 ext. 104530