Pathways to Possibilities and Student Success       October 3, 2019
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents and Community members, 

We've just completed our first month of school and it's been a great month! I make weekly visits to our schools and it's wonderful to see the outstanding learning that is underway in our schools and our outdoor classrooms. 

As I shared in our last e-newsletter, this is my eighth school year serving as your Superintendent Chief Learning Officer. What an honor it is! When I joined TTUSD in 2012, I spent my first few months conducting a "Listening and Learning Tour" to get input from students, staff, and parents about our district and what they wanted to see in a Superintendent. It's hard to believe that was seven years ago!

This past spring, I launched my second "Listening & Learning Tour" to check in with our school sites and staff across the district and revisit some of the questions I asked initially regarding opportunities and successes for our school district and specific actions they'd like the Superintendent to consider in the near future. I'd also like your feedback as well!
  Please click here to access my online form and  share your input.

Sincerely, 

Robert J. Leri, Ed.D.
Superintendent Chief Learning Officer
    Why they love working with kids!
Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world. Their work and impact extend far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. They educate and shape our youth. They teach them life skills. Their job takes passion, heart, and commitment. In each Education Connection, teachers across the district will share why they love teaching. We'll also hear from a classified employee. These are our front-line employees who make a huge difference in a positive school and district environment. From transporting and feeding students to teaching them vital skills and ensuring that schools are operating smoothly, classified employees are integral to the success of TTUSD.

Judi Scoville
Fourth-grade teachers, Tahoe Lake Elementary
Teaching is FUN! My students keep me on my toes and every day is a new day. I love that I'm always learning from my students and I hope I'm making a difference in their lives. I have the best co-workers and I love my Tahoe Lake family. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students grow in regards to what they know and see their confidence grow. 

Natalie Franco
Campus Monitor, Alder Creek Middle School 
What I admire about my job is knowing I can make an impact in a child's life. I came from a background where I had little to no resources and because of that I always aspired to help others succeed. I love getting to know my students and building a relationship with them. I also want students to feel like they can trust adults. Overall, education is the foundation for knowledge and it's important to serve as a positive role model because in all sincerity our students are our future leaders and everything we do as a community they look up to that example.
Why TTUSD has minimum days & teacher contract days
Parents often wonder why our schools have minimum days and non-student teacher contract days during the school year when no school is in session. The short answer is to ensure your child has the best education possible. The needs of students are constantly changing, as is the technology they use. In order for educators to meet each student's needs teachers and school leaders are provided time to collaborate with peers, conduct research on the latest instructional techniques, review and analyze data and plan engaging and relevant lessons. Staff development and collaboration time better ensure that all students are college, career, and life ready upon graduation!

The District's vision to provide all scholars with challenging and engaging learning opportunities to thrive and be successful in a globally competitive age is supported through engaging, relevant and differentiated teaching and learning. Full day and minimum day professional development and collaboration opportunities allow for research, planning, and collaboration at the school and district level. By providing these opportunities for all of our educators, the ever-changing needs of our scholars are better met.  

On October 7, our teachers will participate in a full day of professional development. All TTUSD teachers will work with either a grade-level team or content area team to learn and improve instruction across the district. Even though we have minimum days and non-student professional development days, it is important to note that TTUSD meets state requirements for instructional days and exceeds state requirements for instructional minutes.

TTUSD makes every effort to be family-friendly and to minimize impacts for the community. The District worked with local afterschool providers to ensure programs were offered on the student free days, so it was convenient and affordable for working parents.
Save the date for upcoming Parent Academy!
Elementary Parents: You're invited to our second annual Parent Academy 

November 16, 2019
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Truckee Elementary

Parents are important partners in our student's education! We're hosting a special training session for parents of elementary school students. You'll learn about tools, strategies, and resources to support your child's success in school. Sessions will include math, writing, reading, ELD, technology, health & wellness and more!

Our keynote speaker is a bilingual educator,  José-Luis Orozco. José-Luis Orozco is a bilingual educator, children's author, and recording artist who has dedicated his life to creating quality bilingual music, books, and videos for children. He encourages learning of the Spanish language and promotes Latin American culture through his art.

Breakfast and childcare (grades TK-5) will be provided. Please RSVP online here by November 12, at  or call (530) 582-2514

The event will conclude with a fun-filled family concert with  José-Luis Orozco.
    Information on the Public Charge Final Rule
Potential Impact on Public Education and Programs Provided by Schools
You may have heard of changes to the federal Public Charge rule which will take effect on October 15, 2019. The term Public Charge is used in immigration law to refer to a person who is primarily dependent on the government for support. The changes to the existing rule will now make it more difficult to apply for permanent residency or earn a visa if an applicant is dependent on government aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), housing assistance, and Medicaid.

We want to make sure you know that K-12 public education is not impacted by the Public Charge rule. Neither is your child's ability to receive nutritious meals and snacks, before, during, and after school. All of our TTUSD students and all of the 6.2 million students in California's public schools are allowed to participate in the school nutrition program available at their school site, and participation in the nutrition program does not impact immigration status.

It is important that all parents continue to complete meal applications and other forms requested by your child's school.

Our school nutrition programs play a vital role in ensuring that students are eating nutritious meals that can help them concentrate during the school day and reach their full academic potential.

For more information, please visit the California Department of Education's Safe Havens Initiative webpage. If you have questions, please contact TTUSD Food Services at (530) 582-2528.