September 2018 Newsletter
A message from the Superintendent
Did you know that getting to school on time, every day, has a proven link to student success? School today requires collaboration and hands-on learning. When students miss school, even for an excused absence, it's hard to make up that work.

Our school board has recognized September as Attendance Awareness Month, and improving student attendance is one of our top priorities. You can read more in the article below. If your family is having trouble with attendance issues, please reach out to your school. There are people in the district who can help!

Hope you enjoyed Back-to-School night! If you missed my message, you can watch it by clicking the video above.

Diann Kitamura
Superintendent
New attendance assistance
Kids in 6th grade class with laptops
Did you know that missing two days of school each month is considered chronic absence? Under the Project SAIL (Student Attendance Improves Learning) Grant, we now have District Family Mentors, as well as Family Engagement staff at every school, to assist our families with attendance issues. An attendance letter will be mailed out to all families in September. Please take a look at your child's information from last year. Did your child miss 18-days or more of school, or more than 2 days a month? Is there room for improvement? We can help! Check our website attendance page , or contact your school for more information.
Check student attendance in Illuminate Ed
You can check attendance information for your child by using your llluminate Education parent portal account. Once you activate your account, you can log in at any time, and even set up a “notification” to email you any time your child’s attendance changes. Illuminate Ed is the portal to see lists of classes, report cards, and transcripts, too. If your child's teacher uses the Illuminate Ed gradebook, you can also look at assignments and grades. If you still need to set up your parent portal account, contact your child’s school (elementary school secretary or middle/high school registrar) for your access code.
Open Enrollment - Oct. 1 - Nov. 16
Most students attend their neighborhood school, and build friendships and community there. Some students have reasons to request another school. "Open Enrollment," from Oct. 1 - Nov. 16, is the time to make that request for the 2019-20 school year. Applications must be completed online during that window. Families who need assistance can come to the S.A.F.E. office at 211 Ridgway Avenue. School capacities may restrict availability. See the  SRCS district website  for more information on Open Enrollment, also known as an intra-district transfer. The online application will be available on the website beginning October 1st.
Did you know...
The new graduation requirements adopted by the Board of Education in spring, also known as "a-g requirements," are being phased in, beginning with this year's 9 th  graders. Students who graduate before 2022 will not be affected by the new graduation requirements. By the school year 2021-22, all students will need to meet these new requirements. To learn more, visit our website .
C&C survey for high school parents, students
Each of our high schools will be extending the hours in their College & Career Center, as one of the ways to support the new a-g graduation policy. What extended hours work for you? Please complete this quick College & Career Center Extended Hours Survey to let us know. The survey is open to parents/guardians and high school students through September 28th. Thank you!
Searching for the best teachers, staff
Teachers at new teacher orientation
Staffing our schools with amazing teachers is a top priority. Here’s what we look for when hiring:
1.    Valid training and/or credential in their content and area of expertise
2.    A willingness to be a learner and to continue their professional growth
3.    A commitment to equity and opportunity for all students.
However, some subject areas are harder to staff than others. Across the country, and in Santa Rosa, it is harder to find Special Education, math, and science teachers. Several factors impact this: people are not entering the teaching profession fast enough to replace those who are retiring, the cost of college and additional training required for a teaching credential, and the high cost of living in areas like ours. You should know that Santa Rosa City Schools is committed to working with our staff, parents and families, and our community and higher education stakeholders, to address these issues.
Free counseling, academic support for families
Whether you have lost a home or not, your family might be feeling ​effects of last year's fires. Our staff is here to help! The Integrated Wellness Center provides free counseling, school nurse services, and tutoring for families affected by the wildfires - outside of school hours. The services are available for any students and families in the area, not just in our district. No personal information is collected. Come in for support! The Integrated Wellness Center is located at 2232 Lomitas Avenue, open Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:30pm. Call 707-284-8225 for information or an appointment. 
School Board vacancy
The governing Board of the Santa Rosa City Schools District has an open seat in Trustee Area 2 and is seeking candidates to fill the vacancy. The Board will be holding interviews at their October 24, 2018, Regular Board meeting. 
Anyone interested in this position should contact the district office on or before 4:00 p.m. on October 8, 2018: Lori Kolacek, Santa Rosa City Schools, lkolacek@srcs.k12.ca.us 707-890-3800 ext. 80101
For more news, follow us on social media:
@SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa
Santa Rosa City Schools
211 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-528-5388
communication@srcs.k12.ca.us