District Digest: News from FCUSD schools

Thursday, August 16, 2018 | Volume IX, Issue II

News, Announcements, & Success Stories

VIDEO & PHOTOS: Welcome back #TeamFCUSD!

Schools rolled out the red carpet - in some places, literally! - for the return of excited students and families on Monday.

Relive the special moments in our First Day of School photo gallery with highlights from our schools. Want to share your photos, too? Use the hashtag #TeamFCUSD to share your pictures with us on social media.

VIDEO: Check out this welcome back video message from our Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D., and hear first-hand from students and employees who share their goals for the new school year.

IN THE NEWS: Good Day Sacramento was live from Mather Heights Elementary on Monday, where teachers played "paparazzi" and snapped photos while children and families arrived. Watch the recap here!

CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and now Instagram!

Culture, Climate & Connectedness: Resources for welcoming schools

We are committed to connecting with all students in ways that foster a welcoming, positive learning environment. Each of us plays an important role, and below is information and resources to help you prepare for the school year.

Our Social Emotional Learning efforts provide mental health and emotional supports, including licensed MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapists) and MSWs (Master Social Workers). Students in both general education and special education will have access to these supports if needed.

Every child has the right to an education free from bullying and mistreatment. If you experience a bullying incident or are witness to one, we need to know. Please tell a trusted staff member immediately. You can also fill out the Bullying Report Form which has an option to report anonymously.

Every school has a PBIS Team (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support) to oversee strategies that promote a positive school climate. Link Crew, at all of our high schools, is an evidenced-based program that matches student mentors with incoming freshmen to foster connection and a positive transition into high school. A similar program, WEB, takes place at our middle schools to welcome new sixth graders. The District's Empathy Working Group meets regularly to advise and counsel ways to promote equity and cultural awareness in our schools.

Throughout the year you will find opportunities to participate in events and programs such as Strengthening Families , run by our Health Services Department . For students, campus clubs such as the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) can be found at all three comprehensive high schools. Stories and events that focus on student wellness and positive school climate like this , this , and this will be shared throughout the year in this newsletter, our website and our social media pages: Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

Please reach out to talk with your teacher, principal, or a school staff member if you have concerns or questions about the well-being of your child.

It's more than a meal: Your application can boost your school

At many of our Folsom Cordova schools, we're asking our families to apply for Free and Reduced Meals - even if they're not sure they'll use them.

Why? Because it turns out those applications could increase the amount of money your school receives to pay for resources that help students: academic coaches, technology, musical instruments, field trips and more!

Schools receive more money and resources based on the number of families who qualify for free and reduced meals - regardless of whether they decide to use the program.

Watch this video to learn more . And visit www.fcusd.org/mealapps to see income eligibility, and click here to apply online in the privacy of your home - no need to bring a paper form to school!

Important note: Families in the following schools DO NOT need to fill out a meal application (for school funding purposes, families at these schools MUST complete alternative income verification forms ):

Cordova Gardens Elementary
Cordova Meadows Elementary
Kinney High School
Mills Middle School
Peter J. Shields Elementary
Prospect Community Day School
Rancho Cordova Elementary
White Rock Elementary
Williamson Elementary

Questions? Contact FCUSD Categorical Programs at 916-294-9000 ext. 103400.

Aerojet Rocketdyne continues its investment in STEM

Thank you to our partners at Aerojet Rocketdyne who recently made a generous $3,500 donation.

Funds will go toward our annual STEM Expo and other programs that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experiences for our students: programs like the Folsom High Robotics Team and the Sutter Middle Rocketry Team, which enhance classroom learning with hands-on application.

Aerojet Rocketdyne has been a partner and supporter of our STEM programs for several years. We are grateful to them and the many organizations in our area who share their valuable time and resources to enhance the learning experience for our students.

In other news ...

Vista del Lago parking: resources and school survey

Vista del Lago High School is starting the 2018-19 school year with its largest student enrollment since the school opened more than a decade ago. In the meantime, the School, District, and City have received questions from families and community members about school capacity and its impact on onsite student parking spaces.

The School, District, and the City of Folsom are working together closely and met recently to discuss potential solutions. While there are no immediate or permanent fixes to implement as school begins, we continue to dialogue with the city and school community to explore alternatives that could alleviate the parking situation at Vista del Lago in the long-term.

In the meantime, the District has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in recent weeks. Visit www.fcusd.org/vistacapacity for more details. Folsom Cordova will update this site periodically.

SHARE YOUR VOICE: The

School, District, and City will continue to evaluate potential solutions and welcome input from our families and students as the school year progresses. We invite our Vista del Lago families to take this brief survey that will be used to help narrow possibilities. Take the survey here.