ORINDA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER
June 8, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is difficult to believe that today marks the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Summer 2018 is upon us! As I reflect on the school year, I am grateful for the truly unique community of Orinda. The support of our parents/guardians and the greater Orinda community for our public schools is unparalleled. Parents and community members donate generously to fill the funding gap between what we need to offer an outstanding educational program and what we receive from the state. You volunteer in our classrooms and at our Makers' Faires and other events. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, District and Site Administrators, and our Faculty and Staff, thank you for making our public schools a priority. It is an honor and privilege to lead this District.
OIS Eighth Grade Promotion
One of my favorite celebrations to attend at this time of year is the promotion of our eighth grade students. This year I reminded our eight graders that they had entered Kindergarten wanting to learn their ABCs and 123s, but in actuality, there are different ABCs and 123s that we want them to know and work on throughout the rest of their lives. Many of you remarked that you enjoyed my speech, so I have decided to include it for those of you who were not in attendance at Promotion last night. I hope that it resonates with you.
Promotion Speech
Now it is my honor to address the OIS Class of 2018. When you started elementary school, it was important that you mastered your ABCs and your 123s.
- A = Apple
- B = Ball
- C = Cat
Your ABCs and 123s are the building blocks of your learning.
There is a little secret I want to share with you. There is a whole other set of ABCs and 123s that you have been learning from your teachers and parents all along. Tonight I’m going to reveal the other ABCs and 123s that you need to know to be successful in high school, college, and life.
A=
Attitude
There will always be roadblocks in life. Some are major, and some are minor blips on your journey. Roadblocks make you deviate from your path. They take you on a new journey, maybe somewhere more adventurous or beneficial than your plan.
You can choose to feel like "Why me?" when something difficult occurs, OR you can acknowledge the challenge and work through it using skills learned at school and from your parents and by seeking help from family and friends. By having a positive attitude, you empower yourself and do not let circumstances or others control you. Scientists have discovered that having an attitude of gratitude, focusing on that for which you are thankful, actually makes you happier and healthier.
B=
Balance
When you were little and learning to walk, achieving balance was challenging. No doubt you fell on your behind many times. Now that you’re older, achieving balance in your life has very different meanings. When your life is in balance, you’re less likely to get knocked off your feet. At OIS and in elementary school, we have tried to teach you about balance in many areas:
- Study (work)/life balance (work hard, play hard)
- Between academics and time engaged in activities and with friends
- Independence and the ability to collaborate with others
- Planning and spontaneity
- Using your left brain (logical, mathematical) and your right brain (creative)
Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma said, “When you have a good balance between thinking and feeling, your actions and life will be richer for it.”
C=
Character
According to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” In your OIS core classes, you have studied character traits in the books and stories you have read. You’re the author of your story. What character attributes do you want people to use when describing you? It’s great to be smart or talented, but when you have good character, you use your intellectual, artistic, and physical gifts in ways that lift others up.
Thank your grandparents and parents for they have taught you the importance of good character from your earliest days. Your character is your moral compass. It is what guides you to do what is right even when it’s not easy.
1=
Body
You have one body. It is a marvelous, complex machine.
Take care of it. Combining good nutrition, regular exercise, and enough rest will give you the best chances for living a long, healthy life.
2 =
Eyes, Ears
You have two eyes to see the world. Use them to observe beyond the obvious and to view people, places, and objects from different points of view. You have two ears and one mouth; use them proportionately! (Greek philosopher Epictetus) Being a great listener who seeks to understand will take you far.
3 =
Past, Present, and Future Phases of Life
Don’t dwell on your past. You cannot “have a do-over.” What you can do is acknowledge and learn from your mistakes. The past contains your history and has formed the person you are today. The present is RIGHT NOW. Live in the present. Take it in. Don’t spend so much time looking at your phone or computer that life passes you by. The future is a blank canvas, and you are the artist. I challenge you to paint your canvas with big, bold strokes and colors. It’s yours to create from this moment on.
OIS Class of 2018, you have not yet mastered these new ABCs and 123s. Not one of us here today has. By continuing to focus on a positive
A
ttitude, achieving
B
alance, and good
C
haracter, you will open doors to opportunities throughout your life. Take good care of your
1
body. Use your
2
eyes and
2
ears to see and hear the world around you. The past is gone, the present is now, and the future is yours. Congratulations, OIS Class of 2018. Make us proud!
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As always, I welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions on any topic related to our OUSD schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent of Schools
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- June 18: Regular School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
- August 13: Regular School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
- August 22: First Day of School
- August 28: OIS Back-to-School Night
- August 30: Sleepy Hollow & Wagner Ranch Back-to-School Nights
- September 3: Labor Day Holiday
- September 6: Del Rey and Glorietta Back-to-School Nights
- October 8-12: Elementary Conference Week - Minimum Days (12:20 p.m. dismissal)
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The Board of Trustees took the following actions at their May 14 regularly scheduled monthly meeting:
The Board held public hearings and discussed, but took no action on the following items:
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Reflections of David Schrag, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
It has been nearly a year since I joined the Orinda Union School District as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and I want to share some of my impressions and learning from this first remarkable year:
- The caliber of teaching and learning that consistently happens across our District is world-class, and a hallmark of what makes Orinda students so successful.
- Teachers and staff in this district are some of the most hardworking, talented, collaborative professionals anywhere, and they are the heart of a culture of lifelong learning.
- Support from our Parent Clubs and Educational Foundation (EFO), made possible by your generous donations, provides exceptional programs, low class sizes, and professional development opportunities that help make Orinda Union School District truly exceptional.
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Parent and community support are essential for providing Makers’ Faires and other opportunities for students to engage in creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
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MathematicsTeacher On Special Assignment Maple Lai offering professional development for colleagues
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- Teacher coaches (literacy, technology, mathematics, and STEAM), elective classes, counseling support, and so many other programs and opportunities are integral to giving our staff the tools they need to meet every student's needs. The partnership of our parents' groups and our staff takes OUSD to the next level; one that few other school districts occupy.
Joining such an exceptional district has been inspiring and humbling. I am excited and eager to deepen the work of our teachers and staff, and strengthen the partnerships with our parent and community groups that are the fabric of our Orinda Schools. Here’s to a restful Summer!
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OUSD Retirees Honored at June 4th Board Meeting
During the Board Meeting on June 4th, the Board honored the following retirees for their years of dedicated service to OUSD:
LINNEA BURNETTE has taught First Grade at Wagner Ranch since 2004 and a total of 21 years at Wagner Ranch. Ms. Burnette has served many roles at Wagner Ranch, from parent to playwright of three Wagner musicals to small group support to literacy specialist to first grade teacher. She will miss teaching first grade and observing the incredible growth her students make from the first day of school to the end of the school year.
STEVE EYDAM has held the positions of Custodian and Head Custodian during his 40 years with OUSD. He spent his first few years with the district at OIS, and has been at Del Rey for 37 years. Mr. Steve’s fondest memories of his time at OUSD include the performing arts programs at Del Rey and assisting with overnight field trips at Point Bonita, Malakoff Diggins, and the C.A. Thayer. Mr. Steve will miss the Del Rey students the most, who have kept him feeling young all these years and kept him laughing and smiling throughout each school day.
KAREN FAZIO taught Physical Education at Glorietta and Wagner Ranch. She wants her students, their parents, and her colleagues to know how much she has enjoyed working in Orinda and that she will miss it greatly. Ms. Fazio joined OUSD in 1997 as a fifth grade teacher at Glorietta, but she transitioned to teaching P.E. 12 years ago. In this capacity, she taught students the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports, introduced them to numerous non-competitive sports and activities, and instilled a life-long interest in physical activity for fun and well being.
SHIRLEY GLOTCH has served 16 years at Sleepy Hollow as Clerk and was honored as the OUSD Classified Employee of the Year in 2017. She will miss the Sleepy Hollow staff, parents, and the students. Over the years she formed numerous friendships and has kept in touch with many parents. During her retirement, Ms. Glotch plans tend to her garden to the benefit of her relatives and neighbors. She and her husband are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary later this year, and now she will have the time to take a trip to celebrate this milestone.
DANNY GONZALES worked in OUSD for 13 years as Custodian at Sleepy Hollow. Mr. Gonzales thoroughly enjoyed being around the students and their positive energy. He loves camping and fishing and looks forward to being able to engage in both hobbies more. Mr. Gonzales will also be taking care of his mother during his retirement, and he hopes his beloved San Francisco 49ers are on their way to a winning season this fall.
JUDY HUSTON worked as a Special Education paraprofessional for five years with OUSD, mostly at Glorietta and Wagner Ranch. Ms. Huston will miss the smiles and wonderful gifts of colleagues, teachers, staff, and the kids. During retirement, she plans to hang out in nature, visit family, lead a year long workshop called “Soul of Aging,” and sub for OUSD.
RON LANGER joined OUSD in 1994 as a P.E. teacher at OIS, assumed the role of Associate Principal at OIS in 2005, and became Principal of Glorietta in 2011. Mr. Langer has devoted 35 years to his career in education. He will miss his daily interactions with students and the opportunity to provide them with a variety of enriching educational experiences. He will also miss his staff immensely and the amazing Glorietta parent community whose support over the years has been immeasurable. Mr. Langer looks forward to spending more time with his family, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and reading during his retirement.
CAROL LEVIN has taught First Grade in OUSD for 20 years, 15 years of which have been at Glorietta. Ms. Levin’s fondest memories always include her students. She has enjoyed working as a First Grade teacher and witnessing her students grow as readers. Ms. Levin will miss the sense of community of OUSD, both the community created in her classroom with students and parents as well as the community of colleagues at Glorietta and in the District.
PATRICIA LOPEZ was hired in 2000 to teach Spanish at OIS. She believes that every teacher teaches for that “aha” moment when even just one student “gets it.” Ms. Lopez will miss learning from her students and the warm companionship of her colleagues. Her future plans include learning to play an instrument, learning another language, learning to paint, and learning to grow food.
CECILIA KILMARTIN has taught Core 7 at OIS for nearly 19 years and also Journalism, Wellness, and Study Hall. Ms. Kilmartin’s fondest memories of working at OIS include learning the areas in which her students were mini-experts, opening students’ eyes to perspectives they had not encountered before, and students’ “aha” moments when they were struck by the intersection of Core with the world at large. Ms. Kilmartin will miss her OIS and OUSD students, colleagues, and friends.
ALFRED MACHACON worked as a Custodian at OIS for over 21 years. His fondest memory of working at OUSD is the sincere gratitude he received from the staff for the work he performed as a Custodian. Mr. Machacon will miss his daily routine at OIS, but is looking forward to babysitting his grandchildren in his retirement.
MARK MORTENSON served OUSD as a Maintenance Craftsman since 1992. His fondest OUSD memories include working at the schools during the summer when it was peaceful, BBQs with his colleagues, and driving down Moraga Way in the morning when it was sunny. Mr. Mortenson will miss the friends he made during his many years at OUSD, many of whom have become like family to him.
CHRIS ORTIZ served as Head Custodian at OIS for 24 years. He really enjoyed working with all of the wonderful teachers at OIS and will miss the friends he has made in OUSD. Mr. Ortiz is looking forward to spending time with his family and working with his community in Little League, Yacht Club, and Knights of Columbus during his retirement.
PAM TOKI has been an Instructional Support Teacher at Del Rey since 1999. Ms. Toki is thankful for the unique, supportive parent community and the inspiring staff at Del Rey. She will miss being with the amazing kids and staff, but looks forward to pursuing her art career in her retirement.
SUSAN ZIB has been teaching Art at Glorietta for 17 years, and at both Glorietta and Sleepy Hollow for eight of those years. Ms. Zib appreciates all the personal drawings and notes she has received from children over the years. She will miss introducing new ideas and elements of the art experience to her students and her OUSD friends who are like family.
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From L to R Front Row: Judy Huston (WR), Alfred Machacon (OIS), Patricia Lopez (OIS), Susan Zib (GL), Danny Gonzales (OIS), Carol Levin (GL), Linnea Burnette (OIS), Chris Ortiz (OIS), and Ron Langer (GL)
From L to R Back Row: Ceci Kilmartin (OIS), Steve Eydam (DR), and Mark Mortenson (District)
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