MSD MESSENGER
April 2018

In This Issue......
MSD Calendar
Governing Board  
Meeting
Tues., April 10
7:00 PM, JM Library

Supporting Adolescents Through Middle School
Part 4 - Adolescents
at School
Wed., April 11
6:30 PM, JM Library

Wellness Committee
Meeting
Thurs., April 12
3:45 PM, JM Malucelli

MEF Auction Gala
Bubbles to Burgundy
Sat., April 14
6:00 PM
Moraga Country Club

Student Safety Committee Meeting
Wed., April 18
3:30 PM
Camino Pablo room 7

Cultural Proficiency Committee Meeting
Wed., April 18
7:00 PM, JM Library

Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Meeting #4
Thurs., April 19
6:30 PM, JM Library

Coordinating Council 
Committee Meeting
Wed., April 25
3:30 PM 
Camino Pablo room 7

Supporting Adolescents Through Middle School
Part 5 - Sexuality, Aggression, Self Harm, Bullying, School Struggles, Substance/Tech Abuse and...Coping
Fri., April 27
6:30 PM, JM Library
Did You Know?
~ Moraga iKind Project is presenting the film "No Place to Hide" on April 18 at 7 PM in the JM Auditorium? A discussion & panel will follow.

~ April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month?

~ April 25 is Professional Secretaries Day?

~ Raptor, a data base program used to clear visitors and volunteers, is now being used on all school campuses?   Please bring your ID when signing in at the  school office every time you come on campus.

~ It is necessary to complete a Volunteer Clearance Form prior to volunteering in a MSD classroom? 



~ You can view MSD CA Assessment of Student Performance and Progress state scores, the top 1% of all districts,  HE RE ?

~ You can view a detailed report of MSD revenue and expenses?  See HERE, page 85.

MEF is benefiting every student, every day, and donations make it possible for students to explore, imagine, innovate and experiment in small classes, with dedicated experts and with opportunities not found in most public schools?

~ MSD is looking for substitute  teachers?   
Contact Lisa Crouch at [email protected].
us.   More information about employment opportunities can be found HERE.
Quick Links

Joaquin Moraga IS
MEF
Parent Preview of Instructional Materials
- English Language Arts and Spanish -
Moraga School District parents, students, teachers, administrators and other community members are invited to preview new instructional materials considered for District adoption from April 16, 2018 through May 2, 2018.  Materials available for preview include a 6th-8th grade English language arts program, a K-2nd grade supplemental phonics program, a 3rd-5th grade supplemental grammar program and a 7th-8th grade Spanish program.

The public preview for these instructional materials will be held at the Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School Library.  Individuals interested in previewing these materials may view them between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.  If interested, please contact Alberta Falcone, District Textbook Coordinator, at (925) 377-4255 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment.  The materials will not be available for check out.

The District plans to bring textbook adoption recommendations to the Board at the May or June Governing Board meeting. If you have questions about this public preview please contact Dr. Carolyn Parker, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, at (925) 376-5943 or [email protected].  
April 10 Board Meeting
Parents and members of the public are invited to attend the April 10, 2018, MSD Governing Board meeting.  Agenda topics, among others include: the Town of Moraga Stormwater Fee, selection of a School Safety Consultant, "Speak Up Be Safe" presentation, and Measure V Architectural Services proposals.

Agenda analyses and backup information for all agenda items can be found on the MSD website - HERE.  

The MSD Governing Board generally holds regular meetings the second Tuesday of the month in the JM library.  Meetings begin at 7:00 PM.
March
Governing Board Meeting Highlights
~ Camino Pablo School principal Chris Reddam, Ms. Fallon and four of her fourth grade students presented an overview on how  discourse  is used in Common Core learning to provide opportunities for collaboration and a broader perspective of a topic. It also teaches students to be better listeners and more open to diverse opinions.  
~ Moraga School District Calendar Task Force Representatives presented an update on the work of the Task Force.  Representatives explained the process followed to review different calendars, develop surveys and solicit feedback.  Survey data from students, staff and parents was presented and discussed. MSD will bring forth a 2019-20 calendar proposal to the Governing Board for approval on May 8.
~ Superintendent Burns presented a report to the Governing Board on the District's existing, future and other related school safety plans. A committee was formed to select a firm to conduct safety assessments for each of our schools. A recommendation will be brought to the Governing Board on April 10 for a safety expert to conduct emergency plan/facility vulnerability assessments.
~ Business Official Daniela Parasidis presented the second interim financial reports, which evaluate the district's ability to meet financial obligations for the balance of the current year and two subsequent years.  Although Ms. Parasidis reported that the district would be able to meet financial obligations for next year and the two subsequent fiscal years, a structural deficit is projected due, in part, to annual increases to employer contributions for PERS and STRS. 
~ Director of Technology Adrienne DeWolfe provided the annual update on the implementation of the district's educational technology programs. An increase in bandwidth, a 21st century vision for teaching and learning, additional device access for students, and professional development have been the four areas of focus for growth this year. 
~ Superintendent Burns presented a review of the recommended guidelines for determining capacity standards at each grade level throughout the district. Enrollment capacity for approval of Intradistrict transfers is: 21 students in grades TK-3 and 26 students in grades 4-8.
~ Resolution 18-20, State School Facility Program was approved by the Governing Board and allows the District to file the eligibility application documents under the State School Facility Program. This program provides state funding assistance for two major types of facilities construction projects: new construction and modernization. The district may be eligible to receive $4,128,844.
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Board agendas and minutes can be located on the MSD website, www.moraga.k12.ca.us and under the menu heading "District."
MSD Committee Updates
All Moraga School District committee meetings are open to the public.  Meeting dates and times can be located on the front page of the MSD website.  See the posted calendar.  Dedicated website pages have been created for the four committees.  From the MSD homepage, click District and scroll to the committee.

~ The Wellness Committee, charged with developing a MSD Wellness Plan, met March 8 and reviewed teacher survey results regarding Social Emotional Learning; reviewed research supporting a recommendation to encourage alternatives to treats served in school; and planned for the 3/15 "Stress and How to Deal With It" student and parent education program.  Next meeting: 4/12 at JM at 3:45 PM.

~ The Cultural Proficiency Committee met March 19.  In lieu of moving forward with existing work, the meeting time was dedicated to soliciting feedback from members and the public to determine how to improve CPC communication to parents, staff and the community and how to increase feedback from all stakeholders. Next meeting: 4/18 at 7:00 PM at JM.

The Coordinating Council, charged with overseeing and developing the Local Control Accounting Plan, or the strategic plan, heard action/service reports and reviewed existing LCAP goals at the March 7 meeting.   Next meeting: 4/25 at 3:30 PM at CP.

~ The Student Safety Committee, responsible for updating the MSD Comprehensive Safety Plan, completed work started earlier this year to finalize intruder/active shooter protocols with support from the Moraga Police Department and a Playground Supervision Manual.  The SSC will develop goals for the 18-19 school at the next meeting: 4/18 at 3:30 at CP, room 7.
School Board Orientation 
Moraga School District Governing Board elections will be held November 6, 2018. Moraga residents interested in learning about the roles and responsibilities of the Moraga School District Governing Board are invited to attend an orientation meeting on May 23, 2018, at 7:00 PM at the JM library.  Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, and a Moraga resident.  For information about all qualifications for office, as well as deadlines and application fees, see HERE.
MSD Newsletter
The MSD Newsletter is sent to District families and community members after monthly Board meetings and when communicating special announcements. Please note the Subscribe and Unsubscribe information at the end of the newsletter.
Moraga School District  |  1540 School Street   |  Moraga, CA 94556      www.moraga.ca.us.k12.ca.us    |  Twitter: @MoragaSchDist

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