2017-2018

TUSD Weekly Update| 3.26.18 We hope you are enjoying this new communications effort designed to showcase and keep you in the loop on all the wonderful things happening in TUSD. Please follow us on social media for daily vs. just weekly updates! Got a story idea? Please reach out!

FOG Highlight Video

TUSD Business Symposium

David Lattig, Director of CTE and Program Equity Seventy-six local business representatives attended our Second Annual Business and Education Partnership Symposium on April 21. TUSD has received incredible support from many outstanding industry leaders over the past two years, and this event was used to recognize them for their work with TUSD. It also served to further demonstrate an ongoing need to sustain our partnerships to more effectively prepare our students for college or a career. Gallo Winery's Workforce Development Division shared how that company partners with local school districts to recruit and train high school graduates through their internship program. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Heidi Lawler also shared our District's theme-based approach to learning. As a result, sixteen new business partners have expressed interest in creating opportunities for our students through paid or unpaid internships. Additionally, ten new business partners are interested in partnering with one of TUSD's theme-based schools. We look forward to making this event even better next year!

Occupational Olympics Results

Over 100 TUSD students participate in Stanislaus County Office of Education's Occupational Olympics last week. Students competed in a variety of categories in multiple Career Technical Educational pathway categories. Congratulations to Turlock High School on reclaiming first place in this event! Below is a list of students who placed:

Ag Engineering and Construction Trades 1 st Daniel Peden- Turlock High School 3 rd Gerardo Alvavos – Turlock High School Ag Equipment Technology 1 st Nicholas Hickman – Turlock High School 3 rd Jace Jantz - Turlock High School  Medical Occupations 3 rd Courtney Stanley – Turlock High School  Pitsco Light Weight 1 st Bryan Ochoa - Turlock High School 2 nd Edgar Madrigal – Turlock High School 3 rd Jesus Coronel – Turlock High School

Pitsco Heavy Weight 1 st Eduardo Orozco – Turlock High School 2 nd Shawn Belerique – Turlock High School 3 rd Isaac Puga – Turlock High School  Pitsco Best Design 1 st Anthony Sousa – Turlock High School 2 nd Caleb Norman – Turlock High School  Portfolio Review 1 st Taylor Rose Nunes – Turlock High School  Salad Prep 1 st Nestor Olivares – Pitman High School 3 rd Alyssa Durjava – Pitman High School

Math Blast

Math Blast is a county-wide competition where sixth graders compete to solve a variety of math problems, ranging from intense word problems, geometry, prime numbers, algebra and even more advanced concepts like the Pythagorean theorem, factorials, and so much more! This year’s competition hosted 140 sixth graders competing on two tests, one individual and the second, a partner test. They only have 50 minutes to complete each stage. We are proud of our TUSD students who participated in this challenging event!

Cunningham Elementary School Julien Elementary School Linley Fripp: First Stage: 10 th , Binary Star: 5th Lauren Hemberry First Stage: Honorable Mention, Binary Star: 2nd Jay Yee: Binary Star: 2nd Madison Eissayou: Binary Star: 5 th

Medeiros Elementary School Samantha Robison: Honorable Mention, Individual Test Walnut Elementary Education Center Josey Swanson and Fiona Sargisian: Honorable Mention, Partner Test Josey Swanson: Honorable Mention, Individual Test  Mindy Wu: 9th place, Individual Test

Helping Students Manage Anger 10 Tips for Parents & Educators

Jennifer Carlsen and Darrah Wilson, Student Support Clinicians Remember that anger is a natural emotion and is expressed differently at each developmental stage. Model the behavior you want to see in your children; they learn how to experience and manage anger from your example. Verbalize (out loud) what you are doing to manage your anger (example: I am so frustrated right now, I need to breathe and take a time out for a moment”). Many adults use coping skills like deep breathing, taking a “time out,” going for a walk, squeezing a stress ball, exercising, venting to friends… and we often forget to teach our children to use these same tools. Help children to identify and name their feelings (a feelings vocabulary). Use feeling charts to help children identify and express their feelings. Create a plan for children who struggle with anger on what resources they have and what coping skills they can use when they become upset. Help the child recognize when they need to use that plan. Assist children with problem solving by providing possible solutions to a specific problem, or options to choose from to cope with their feelings (example: You seem frustrated right now, would you like to do some breathing, or go for walk?”) Provide a physical outlet for emotions and energy. Play-doh, stress balls, “worry stones,” and other manipulatives are helpful for children who are struggling to express emotions. Provide opportunities for expression through art, music, and play. Children will often act out their feelings through role-playing scenarios with peers, acting them out using characters, etc. Pay attention to themes in their art and play. Be aware of children’s sensory experiences: what are the sounds, smells, textures, etc. in the room? Create an environment that supports a calm, relaxed state and is not overly stimulating.

#ThinkBeforeYouClick

Robert Brogdon, Network Systems Supervisor The Cybersecurity committee has been working to develop a program that will provide all staff in TUSD with the tools and strategies needed to increase our digital safety. We will start by sharing some quick tips throughout the remainder of the school year and hope to have short videos available starting in the 2018-19 school year. The Technology Services Department recently was made aware of a ransomware event at a TUSD site. Fortunately, the impact was very minimal but it supports our ongoing efforts to educate all TUSD stakeholders about the importance of cybersecurity. We are currently reviewing new products that will vastly improve network security and provide increased visibility across the network. These products include a new next-generation firewall, web content filter and anti-virus protection. We ask all staff to consider the following when using email and technology in general: Practice skepticism even when things seems fine If something feels off, it probably is Always report suspicious activity to Technology Services via email, Help Desk or work order Always verify that the email sender is who it appears to be Do not to click on unknown links in emails Do not to open unknown attachments  Look for spelling and/or grammatical errors When in doubt, don’t click #ThinkBeforeYouClick Leam How to Identify SPAM

Hometown Hero

Caleb James Casey graduated from Pitman High School in 2017 and is now serving his country as a member of the United States Army. Caleb is stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, and is an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator/15w. Caleb joined the military to serve his country and “protect those who can’t protect themselves.” His biggest challenge is being apart from his family and friends. Someday, after he retires from the Army, Caleb would like to become an Ag teacher like Luke Gocke at Pitman who inspired him to always do his best. Caleb is very thankful for the education he received in TUSD, in particular, the hands-on experience and training in the FFA program which he credits with helping him “become the man I am today.” Thank you for your service, Caleb, and be safe!

Catching Up with . . . Travis Souza

Check out Houzz

Turlock High School Travis Souza attended both Dutcher Elementary and Dutcher Middle School before graduating from Turlock High School in 2010. Travis went on to UC Irvine where, after first considering Mechanical Engineering, he decided to major in Business with an emphasis in Marketing with the hope that it would give him the most options after graduation and also fit better with his collegiate basketball schedule. Travis currently works as an Account Manager for Houzz which is a “popular website and app specifically for home remodeling and design.” According to Travis, Houzz is a great place to work, especially for a first job, as it gives him room to grow, is fast-paced, and comes with enviable perks like flexible working hours and a fully stocked kitchen! In reflecting on his time in TUSD, Travis credits science teacher Sonja Raynes and math teacher Ken Donaldson with having the most influence and impact on his life. Travis shared that until he took AP Calculus with Mr. Donaldson math had been fairly easy, but on his first exam he received a 48%: “I deserved it! I got complacent and was lazy with my studying. He showed me that I needed to earn what I get. I studied HARD my next test and did well, and I was able to turn it around and receive a good grade on the year. He taught in a way that made it easy to understand, and he was also a funny guy.” Travis advises students to “make school and whatever your passion is a priority” as “both are going to create a sense of hard work for you, keep you occupied and out of trouble, and will most likely shape your future.” When he is not busy at Houzz, Travis enjoys working out, golfing, playing basketball and video games, hanging with his friends, and napping. Congrats to Travis on his career success . . . and that fully stocked work kitchen!

Meet Stacy

Cunningham Elementary School Stacy Oldfield has taught in TUSD the past 21 years and is currently a 4 th grade teacher at Cunningham Elementary School in the GATE cluster. Stacy shared that her job is “fun, exhausting, and rewarding” and that she loves her students, of course,” but is also fortunate to work with “amazing people.” She misses recent retirees Tom and John, but Elizabeth, Jill, Gracie, Joy, and Summer “help keep it all together and make it less exhausting.” When she is not busy “developing lessons, helping students master essential standards, communicating with parents, attending staff meetings, etc.” Stacy runs! Both Stacy and her husband belong to two running clubs—Shadowchase and Dusty Bottoms—and she will be participating in the Boston Marathon in April and the New York Marathon in November. Thank you, Stacy, for helping put the “US” in TUSD and good luck in your upcoming races!

Kids' Corner

Althea Mumford, Grade 4, Brown Elementary School Elijah Mull, 5th Grade, Brown Elementary School Jaysee Rubio, 5th Grade, Brown Elementary School

Six Word Story

Pitman High School Name | Brooklyn James Extra-curricular Activities: Band, Drama, YES Company, Mock Trial Favorite Subject: Math Career Goal: Biomedical Engineering College Goal: UOP Fave Thing About Pitman: The love and support from all of the students.

Last Week in Social Media

That’s a wrap on FOG! Congratulations to ALL our TUSD seniors who received a Superintendent’s Music Award plaque today. We’ll see everyone again next year! Hopefully Mother Nature will be much more cooperative.

All good things must come to an end and we are fortunate to have Pitman and Turlock High School Band Directors Ruben Modesto and Daniel Baudino closing out the Festival on the Green! Thank you to all who came out and braved the rain and enjoyed the sun while it lasted. A special thanks to our awesome music educators and students who shined brighter than the sun . . . and rain!

Did you know we also have art work showcased at FOG today? Check it out on your way inside the Pitman gymnasium. We’re getting ready for our afternoon orchestra performances so come on down soon!

How thankful are we for these amazing TUSD music educators? Give them a shout out and some love for all they do for our amazing TUSD singers and musicians.

The gangs all here! Come on down to FOG today to hear our outstanding TUSD student musicians and visit our wonderful vendors! Thank you to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Heidi Lawler and her Administrative Assistant Connie Cusenza for all their hard work helping organize this amazing event. Let the music play!

Over 40 local business professionals participated in the Annual Dutcher Middle School Career Day today. Students were able to select three half hour sessions to attend and hear first-hand about the “real world of work” from a cross section of career professionals. Thank you to counselor Julie Perino for helping organize this great day for Diamondback students!

Congratulations to Turlock High School who reclaimed FIRST PLACE in Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Occupational Olympics. Proud of the outstanding work of ALL our CTE students and teachers. We ❤️ CTE!

Good luck to our TUSD Career Technical Education students who are competing in the Occupational Olympics today at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds!

Our second annual TUSD Business Symposium is in full swing this morning at the Assyrian American Civic Club. Thank you to our Turlock business and community partners who attended today. We appreciate your support of our TUSD students and Career Technical Education programs. We couldn’t do it without you! If you’re interested in partnering with TUSD contact us at 209.667.2990.

Anyone remember R.E.M’s song “Shiny Happy People”? Well these guys aren’t “holding hands” but there are sure a lot of happy faces after TC-AFT followed CSEA to successfully agree on a contract for the 2017-2018 school year. We are thankful to ALL of our TUSD folks who participate in the negotiations process each year!

14 students from Germany are living with their host families and shadowing their exchange partners at Turlock High School. During their stay from March 18-April 14 they will be learning about American culture and school systems. In addition they will travel to San Francisco, Sacramento, and Yosemite. Shout out to THS German teacher Julie Shipman-Norman for time and effort she puts into organizing the GAPP exchange every year!

It’s Osborn night at the TUSD Board of Trustees meeting! Shout out to Guillermina Montes and Izaiah Saenz for providing the Inspiration and Flag Salute, respectively. They did great!

✔️ We’re making a list and checking it twice . . . please welcome the Wakefield Wildcats to the new website club! Hope you are enjoying these new mobile-friendly website designs. We hope to have all school websites converted by June. Have pictures? An idea for content? Please reach out to mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us.

Stay in touch! Please contact Chief Communication Coordinator Marie Russell if you have a recommendation for future content including a retiree to catch up with, student to recognize, or employee to feature.  CONTACT US ‌ ‌ ‌ #picoftheday Thanks to Raynette Ulrich from Medeiros Elementary School for sharing this festive pic of Campus Supervisor John Snoke! Share a picture of your school, colleagues, students, or anything to do with TUSD for a new #picoftheday feature and be entered to win a $5 gift card. Send pictures to 209.648.0968 or either of following emails: mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us mrussell@turlockusd.org Staff, student, and community entries welcome!