TUSD Weekly Update
Decoding COVID-19
Marie Russell, Chief Communication Coordinator
A new feature in our TUSD Weekly Update will be devoted to decoding some of the information in our reopening plans specifically as it relates to COVID-19. This week the focus will be on “triggers to distance learning.” A common query in our “Ask Me a Question” Instagram story relates to how school reopening is affected by tier assignments (e.g., purple, red, orange, etc.). The general rule of thumb is that once a school/District reopens, the decision on returning to distance learning is guided by classroom, school, and district data rather than county data. Since TUSD elementary schools were approved for a waiver from the State, tier changes do not impact their reopening. On the flip side of this, if schools are unable to fully reopen while in the red tier, and their county returns to purple, then they must wait for a return to the red, with the exception of any “small learning groups” that have already been returned and established as per additional state guidelines.
Prior to reopening for TK-K on October 26, TUSD had already returned several special education classrooms under the separate “small learning group” guidance. Beginning November 3 TUSD will be expanding this process to secondary and will be targeting students enrolled in special education along with those who have connectivity, attendance, and/or grade issues.

It is important to understand that any confirmed case of COVID-19 in a classroom will “trigger” a return to distance learning for 14 days. If multiple classroom cohorts have a positive case then the entire school will follow a similar path. Finally, if multiple schools are quarantined, this could trigger the closure of the entire district. While we are not bound by tier changes once schools reopen, it is likely that if there is an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community this will also be manifested in our schools. It is why the actions of our Turlock community play such an important role in the ability of our schools to stay open; in other words, it takes a village!

Next week we will focus on the communication plan for various COVID-19 case scenarios and, thereafter, the steps our health staff are taking at sites to help keep schools remain open by following a strict protocol for students displaying symptoms of illness. We hope these brief features will reinforce information shared in our COVID-19 staff training as well as frontload important information for those who have not yet attended. Stay safe and #MASKUP.
TUSD Farm Update
Hali Bream, Farm Coordinator
The Farm harvested and sold 418 pounds of walnuts last week. They were delivered to Martella Walnut and Grower Direct Nut.

We are currently prepping the planter boxes and have a flat of broccoli that we will be planting. Broccoli counts as one of the dark, leafy greens for Child Nutrition to serve to students. TUSD Farm will be partnering again with Child Nutrition to determine a plan for having the Farm broccoli put into student lunches! In addition, the broccoli can be utilized in foods and culinary art classes.
Tech in TUSD: Ed Tech Bytes
Sitara Ali, Ed Tech Coach
As educators teaching in this new digital world, we are finding it harder to harder to engage our students online, whether we are using Zoom or Google Meet. Distance Learning brings with it a
whole new set of challenges, due to home environment, distractions, and feelings of displacement. Some of our students are thriving in this online environment: chatting, video conferencing, creating. Other students are barely staying afloat, trying their best to manage all of the digital platforms which they never had before. All of our students are navigating this new way to learn, helping siblings and parents, coping with screen exhaustion, and trying to stay
healthy amid a global pandemic. So how can we, as educators, help our students actively learn and engage in the curriculum to
get the most out of the limited time we have with them? Below are a few strategies that we can use when digitally meeting with our students to help them engage and connect with the curriculum.
Library Reading Coner
Student Support Clinicians
The 'US' in TUSD
Laura Wenstrand, Dennis Earl Elementary
How long have you worked in TUSD? This is my fifth year with TUSD, 26th total.
What is your job title? Kindergarten teacher, Dennis Earl ES
Where did you work prior to TUSD? For two years we worked at Colegio Nueva Granada, an international school in Bogotá, Colombia. Prior to that, nineteen years with Pleasanton Unified, along with a two-year post during that time at the Carol Morgan School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day? I love being a primary teacher. With new normal unfolding daily, listening to my students tell their stories, even in the virtual setting, is still a highlight for me. Kindergarteners have such a fun energy that is perfect for creating a classroom community and culture of friendship, purpose and growth mindset.
Things you are most proud of? For many years I have worked to integrate mindfulness into my teaching, slowly making it part of the fabric of my classroom. I am grateful that Turlock adopted Toolbox, a valuable program which supports social-emotional learning for students. Through this journey I have met like-minded teachers who have now become close friends.  
Challenges? It has always been a priority for me to connect with students and build relationships with families. I believe this connection is at the foundation of mental wellbeing and academic success. The challenge this year has been finding meaningful ways to make these connections given the circumstances we are in. Last week during a virtual class meeting, when one of my kindergarteners announced at our zoom meeting that she and her new friend, located in another window, both were wearing the same red shirt. I loved that even though they have never met in person my students feel connected. 
Favorite memory/story? When traveling to Cuba we had arranged ahead of time to be picked up at the airport by a taxi and taken to the apartment we were staying in. Without cell phones nor local currency, our car never arrived. Growing anxious we were reminded of being mindful of the need to remain calm. After some creative thinking and communication, things ultimately worked out in the end thanks to the generosity of both locals and other travelers. 
What are you reading? Happy Teachers Change the World: A Guide for Cultivating Mindfulness in Education (Hanh and Weare)
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV? During the shutdown we re-watched the series, Parenthood, ten years after the show premiered. With ten years of parenting our own three kids in between, the re-watch was really interesting.
Fave movies? The annual Warren Miller Productions ski film tour is a big family tradition. 
Anything surprising we may not know about you? My husband is a Turlock High alum and is a teacher-coach there. Our daughter and youngest son are/will be fifth generation Bulldogs. As an East Bay native and one that appreciates family first, it’s fun to be part of Turlock, where my children can continue to grow deep roots in the school district and greater community.
Seen on Social Media
COVID-19 Resources
Useful Websites
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 email Marie Russell for an opt-out form.