"Every kid is just one caring adult away from being a success story." ~Josh Shipp
|
|
|
Ryan Hollister and Eric Hauck, Science Instructional Coaches
|
We had a total of 43 entries into this month’s drawing! That means over 43 teachers in our district engaged in either NGSS based PD, support, or collaboration. Ryan and I are so thankful to be working with all of you wonderful teachers as we navigate the new science standards. We appreciate hearing about all of the meaningful conversations that are happening amongst you surrounding the importance of science education. Please know that we are here to support you.
We have completed the first drawing: Congratulations to Rosalva Sanchez from Osborn Elementary! Rosalva received the ticket for her hard work on planning the 1
st
grade team’s year of science. They came up with some excellent Osborn-focused phenomena to drive their instruction and dove into the evidence statements for each of their standards.
Other teachers earned tickets by: working one-on-one with a coach in their classroom, engaging in a grade level collaboration with a coach, or providing evidence of NGSS in action in their classroom.
If you are interested in obtaining a ticket yourself, you can obtain a raffle ticket by providing evidence of your implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards. There is a variety of “evidence” that will be accepted for this. Here is a non-exhaustive list of ways to obtain a ticket:
1. Work directly with a coach.
2. Film yourself teaching a lesson.
3. Provide a copy of a lesson plan you did with student work
4. Provide a reflection on a lesson series w/ things you think went well and could have been better.
5. Provide record of you and your team collaborating on a storyline and the phenomena that you are using.
Thank you for all of your hard work!
|
|
Denise Duwell, Coordinator of Professional Development and Induction
|
Reflection and analysis. They are two important skills for educators and students alike. As first and second year teachers move forward analyzing their classrooms and the work they do, the TUSD Induction Program does the same. We are in the process of building a new website and writing our program summary for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This is all to prepare for a district visit to formalize our accreditation. Such a summary involves fine-tuning communication and utilizing surveys to gather information from our candidates, our mentors, and our site administrators on what they would most like to see in induction. In order to continue our growth, we are also working with the Special Education Department to meet the needs of our education specialists on their journey through induction.
Our first seminar of 2019 began with ELPAC training by Megan Bernard. Megan provided candidates and their mentors with background for the ELPAC exam, and more importantly, she provided elementary and secondary teachers with actual practice in the areas of listening and speaking. What an eye-opener for us all! Teachers had to listen to academic information once, take notes, and summarize it according to a rubric while using academic language. Actually participating in the test helped teachers see where they could strengthen their instruction and where they could potentially begin to remove scaffolds, so students are well prepared for the test. Students will ultimately benefit from this training because some teachers are looking at ways they can increase the frequency and the rigor of listening and speaking in their classrooms.
Teachers are taking what they have learned in trainings and in their own classrooms and building on it, planning next steps, researching best practices, and observing other teachers in the district to gather ideas and to grow. They use seminar time and weekly meetings to work with their mentors on improving their craft, on taking risks, and on meaningful reflection. That reflection would likely be diminished without our mentors. We are thrilled to celebrate those who make this program possible. In each induction column, I will highlight a few mentors. Here are some of the most recent comments provided by our new teachers:
“I appreciate all the time and support that Roxanne has given me as a mentor and colleague. She is always reaching out to offer advice or encouragement. Roxanne is attentive and constantly puts my professional needs before hers. Thank you!”
“Scott has always been supportive and given me great advice. Scott is someone that I can go to when I have a question or concern, and I know that he will have an answer. As a first-year teacher last year, and as a second-year teacher this year, his support has been immensely valuable to me, especially during times when I have needed extra support. Scott is a positive person who has helped me reflect, learn and grow as a teacher, and for that I will always be grateful.”
“I appreciate Bernadette because I know I can go to her for anything and she will help me no matter what. She always gives me feedback on my lessons or ideas for lessons. She is also very passionate about being a teacher so I know I am in good hands when I ask her for help.”
"I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing woman! Marisela Ornelas is so extraordinary and teaches me so much every day. I am proud to say we are a super team and I am honored to not only have her as my mentor but to also co-teach with her. Marisela goes above and beyond to help build our 6th grade team and we are very privileged to have her. I am blessed and thankful to have her as a mentor and I wish others had the opportunity to experience this joy and partnership."
|
|
Turlock Regional HIgh School Art Show Results
|
|
Congratulations to the following TUSD students on winning awards at the 2019 Turlock Regional Art Show held at CSU, Stanislaus. Thank you to all of our 7-12 art educators: Will Creighton, Larry DeTomasi, Josh Ebersole, Amber Elstad, Terri Gianotti, Megan Mcinerney, Amy Olguin, Elizabeth Pike, Vicente Rosales, Rachel Valladares!
|
|
TUSD:
Natalie Burton
Anne Bailey:
Ethan Wright
Artel:
Riddock McCay
|
|
Advanced:
Mono Garcia (1st), Elena Arellano (2nd), Alondra Castro (3rd), and Melanie Jaime (HM)
Beginning:
David Navarro (1st), Jolie Benedict (2nd), Grace Hopkins (3rd), and Adilene Camarena (HM)
|
|
Advanced:
Tyler Tyler (1st), Crystal Gil (2nd), Emily Braley (3rd), and Abbey Harrington (HM)
Beginning:
Kaylee Davis (1st), Estrella Castro (2nd), Chyrra (3rd), Sygna (HM)
|
|
Advanced:
Omar Cuellar (1st), Vanessa Echevarria (2nd), Amaris Toledo (3rd)
Beginning:
Navraj Dosani (1st), Daisy Martinez (2nd), Destiny Gregory (3rd), Blake Avila (HM), Gaby Jimenez (HM)
|
|
Advanced:
Marissa Ireta (1st), Estrella Castro, Elena Arellano (3rd), Jimena Garcia (HM)
Beginning:
Alondra Castro (1st), Matteo Cotti Piccinelli (2nd), Alex McCarthy (3rd), Natalie Mitchell (HM)
|
|
Sierra Showell (1st), Ariel Cortez (2nd), Lyneth Barajas (3rd), Hailey Rivas (HM)
|
|
Tambeer Dhillon (1st), Isaac Garland (2nd), Oscar Olvera (3rd), Itzel Guzman (HM)
|
|
Marissa Tallas (1st), Jason Limet (2nd), Jultiza (3rd), Paulina Medina (HM)
|
|
Athletic Director Weekly Wrap-Up
|
|
Mike Brown, Turlock High School
|
Boys Basketball
14–12 overall and 7–3 league. 2nd in the league behind Gregori. Lost to Gregori: Turlock 55-Gregori 69. Beat Pitman: Turlock 70-Pitman 57.
Girls Basketball
20–7 overall and 9–1 league. CCAL champs. Beat Gregori: Turlock 46-Gregori 25. Beat Pitman: Turlock 54-Pitman 43.
Boys Soccer
19–1–3 overall. 9–1 league. Co-Championship with Pitman. Beat Downey 6–1
Lost to Pitman Turlock 2-Pitman 3.
Girls Soccer
20–1–1 overall 9–0–1 league. CCAL champs. Beat Downey 2–0. Tied Pitman 1-1.
Final week of the regular season. Next week all four of teams will be starting the CIF playoffs.
Boys Soccer received #1 seed and will play Chavez Tuesday night at 6:00 PM. Girls received the #3 seed. They will play Franklin (Stockton) on Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Both games are at THS. Go DOGS!
|
|
Dave Walls, Pitman High School
|
Boys Soccer
What a season for the Pitman Pride Soccer team! A victory on Monday over Enochs 8-4 set up the big game with the Turlock Bulldogs. The Sports Complex was packed on Wednesday as two of the best teams in the Section and State prepared to play for a share of the CCAL Championship. Probably one of the best high school games that I’ve ever seen. It was back and forth all match as the Pride pulled out an exciting 3-2 victory. The Bulldogs got two goals from Luke Redman and the Pride were led by Daniel Borges (2) and Luis Cordero (1). The Pride ended the regular season 17-2 overall and 9-1 in CCAL play – and Co-Champions of the Central California Athletic League with Turlock. Big shout-out to both Turlock (1) and Pitman (2) who received the top two seeds in the SJS DI Playoffs. The Pride will host Lincoln-Stockton on Tuesday at 3:00 PM in the first round of the playoffs.
Wrestling
Pitman Wrestling traveled to Gregori High School over the weekend for individual qualifying at the SJS DII Divisionals and a trip to Masters. The Pride had 6 individual champions (Lilly Freitas, Izzy Tubera, Sammy Silveria, Kendall LaRosa, Talwinder Malhi and Jaron Azevedo) and will send 12 wrestlers on to Masters next week at Delta College. Our lone female wrestler Lilly Freitas had two early pins in the first two rounds at Central Valley HS and won her weight class with a finals pin.
Coaches Spotlight
Brian Hofsteen (Boys Soccer) has guided the Pride to their first ever share of the CCAL Soccer Championship and second boys league title in school history. Brian is in his 2
nd
year as head coach and his tenth years as a teacher at Pitman High School after
graduating from James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, WI and the University of Oregon with a degree in Architecture and Planning. Brian has also spent time as a National Park Ranger and was also in the Peace Corps. Coach Hofsteen has guided the Pride to back to back playoff appearances and the Pride will host Lincoln of Stockton on Tuesday in the 1
st
round of the playoffs.
Athlete Spotlight
Congratulations to Lilly Freitas (Girls Wrestling) a freshman who on Saturday became the first female wrestler in school history to win a Sac Joaquin Section Girls Southern Regional 145 lbs. Championship. Lilly went into the tournament seeded 3rd and won in convincing fashion. Lilly adds the Section Regional Championship to the Pan Am Championship she won in September, the Granite Bay Invitational and Women's West Coast Tournament of Champions she won this winter. Lilly heads to the Masters Tournament Friday and Saturday at McNair HIgh School in Stockton.
|
|
Where in the World is . . . Russ Garman?
|
|
My teaching in Turlock began in 1984 teaching math at the old junior high, now Dutcher Middle School. The following year I transferred to Turlock High School where I taught Chemistry and Physical Science for seventeen years and then finished my tenure teaching math for two years. I retired in 2004.
I earned my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Forensic Science/Chemistry, but decided to seek a position in teaching due in great measure to a very positive experience I had though a UC Berkeley high school student tutoring program through which I tutored a Berkeley High student in physics. Prior to teaching in Turlock, I taught two years in San Rafael with the UCB intern program, followed by a year in the Philippines teaching for the Department of Defense. Upon returning from overseas and getting married, I had a hiatus from classroom teaching and pursued additional post graduate studies in Educational Testing and worked in that area for several years in Seattle and San Antonio.
While teaching at THS I had the opportunity to be involved with the THS Science Olympiad teams and the Student Christian club. I enjoyed good support from the three department chairs under whom I served, other faculty in the two departments, and school administration.
I found working with the THS students positive and enjoy a good number who I still see around town who ask, most commonly “Did you teach at Turlock?” More specifically, I appreciated the concern expressed by a couple students who, earlier this school year, passed a 3rd grade girl in tears at the corner near Julien school and were concerned enough to ask if she was okay. The 3rd grader was our granddaughter. We have five grandchildren and three adult children. One is a graduate of THS and another is also a teacher.
Following my retirement from Turlock in 2004, I taught part time in two other high schools in the Turlock area, but still have contact with THS. Most recently I served in traffic control with Turlock Police Department volunteers at the Homecoming parade and viewed this year’s Harvest Bowl game. Go Bulldogs!
|
|
Meet Christina Nunes, Wakefield Elementary School
|
How long have you worked in TUSD?
6 years
What is your job title?
Campus Supervisor
Where did you work prior to TUSD?
A preschool.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day?
An average day for me starts off in the cafeteria with TK and kindergarten then I rotate from in the cafeteria and outside depending on the grade. I love what I do and enjoy getting to know the kids.
Things you are most proud of?
All my accomplishments at work and in my personal life.
Challenges?
Not having enough time in my day.
Favorite memory/story
? In my personal life my favorite memory is my wedding and having my son. At work my favorite memories are all our dress up days.
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV?
The Good Doctor
Anything surprising we may not know about you?
I didn’t grow up here I grew up in a small town by the ocean.
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share?
I love doing all sorts of crafts and spending time with my husband and son.
|
|
Students of TUSD: eCademy Charter
|
|
Thank you to eCademy Charter at Crane School Principal Tim Norton for letting us visit with Hayley, Acire, and Nina. Go Cranes!
|
|
National School Counseling Week
|
It's National School Counseling Week! Shout out to our school counselors for providing academic, social-emotional, college/career support to ALL students on their educational journey here in TUSD.
|
|
|
Pitman High School Pride Time
|
Pitman High School Principal Angela Freeman and Assistant Principal John Acha gave an update to the TUSD Board of Trustees on Pride Time, part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and a key part of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process. Some impressive improvement in math pass rates!
|
|
|
TUSD Transportation Department
|
CHP Modesto Facebook
BE ALERT...BE SAFE...BE ALIVE: This is the safety message relayed to the drivers, mechanics and dispatchers that make up Turlock Unified School District's Student Transportation Team. Thank you for having the Modesto Area CHP crash your safety presentation this morning. Keep up the outstanding work! REMEMBER, TO STOP FOR THE FLASHING RED LIGHTS.
|
|
|
It is once again time to let your voice be heard. The purpose of the LCAP survey us to gather input for creating TUSD’s Local Control Accountability Plan. The LCAP will be used to guide decisions regarding how we allocate resources for our programs. We appreciate you taking the time to help us plan for the future needs of our TUSD students—your voice matters!
|
|
Share Your Awesome!
Marie Russell
Chief Communication Coordinator
mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us
209.648.0968
@tusd_mrussell
|
|
|
We would love to have ALL staff help share our TUSD story to the world, but if that is not really your thing, just click on link below to download an opt-out form and return to "Marie Russell, D.O." via district mail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
