Hello Belmont-Redwood Shores Families,
It's parent-teacher conference time for our elementary students. Our K-5 and K-8 schools will have minimum days this week and next week to allow for those conferences. Here is a
tip sheet
from the Global Family Research Project regarding conferences. For example, if there is a specific topic you want to discuss at the conference, please let your teacher know in advance, so they can think about it ahead of time. Also, remember that there is no school Wednesday to Friday of next week for Thanksgiving break. Topics for this update include:
- Tomorrow is "I Heart SchoolForce Day"
- TIDE Academy info session for 8th grade families
- Fatal accident on Cipriani Blvd in Belmont
- Healthy schools newsletter
- Dyslexia parent education on December 6
- Survey for parent education topics
- Ongoing need for substitute teachers and instructional aides
- Reminder of air quality protocols
Tomorrow is "I Heart SchoolForce Day"!
It is the time of year to give thanks for all of the good things in our lives, and I’d like to take a minute to highlight SchoolForce's contribution to our schools. SchoolForce donations truly enable a strong, well-rounded program for our students. Please join in the fun and show your support for SchoolForce tomorrow!
As background, state and federal funding formulas direct additional funds to schools with greater needs (defined by income, English learner, and foster youth status). As such, in 2016-17, BRSSD was funded at $1,800 per student below the California average for K-8 school districts. Thanks to our parcel taxes and School Force, that gap was cut to $1,000 per student. With the passage of parcel tax Measure K in June 2018 to generate another $325 per student and broadening donations to SchoolForce, we continue to make progress in closing that gap.
SchoolForce raised $2 million last year, and it benefits every child in every classroom (
see here
). Tomorrow is the kick-off to SchoolForce’s annual giving campaign, and I encourage all of you to show your love for SchoolForce! Please go to
www.schoolforce.org
and make a donation today!
8th grade Parent Information for TIDE Academy
As you begin to look towards high school options, the Sequoia Union High School District would like to share information about a new high school program they're launching in Menlo Park. We will be hosting a local presentation of the TIDE Academy at Nesbit School on Wednesday, November 14 from 7-8pm in the Multi-Use Room. This information session is for adults and students alike, and will give you an opportunity to ask questions of the founding principal. Nesbit is located at
500 Biddulph Way, Belmont, CA 94002
. If you would like more information, you can visit the TIDE website at
www.tideacademy.org
, or send an email to tide@seq.org.
Fatal Accident on Cipriani Blvd in Belmont
Yesterday, a woman was found fatally injured in the roadway (
link to press release
). We are in close contact with the Belmont Police, and we will keep you informed of anything we learn that may have implications for student safety.
Healthy Schools Newsletter
The Sequoia Healthcare District, through their generous Healthy Schools Initiative (HSI), supports many programs throughout our schools that promote student health. Please read this
HSI Newsletter
and learn how they contribute to the well-being of our community as well as to BRSSD schools.
Opening Doors PTA Parent Education Event on Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability in reading. Kids with dyslexia have trouble reading accurately and fluently. They may also have trouble with reading comprehension, spelling, and writing. If your child has dyslexia, he or she won’t outgrow it. But there are supports, teaching approaches and strategies to help students overcome the challenges. If you are interested in learning more about this event or signing up (Thurs, Dec 6, 9:30-11:30am), please use
this link
.
StarVista Parent Education Survey
Through the Sequoia Healthcare District grant, we are able to provide parent education seminars through StarVista, a well-respected local nonprofit organization. Please fill out this
Parent Survey
and indicate which parent education workshops you would be interested in attending. StarVista provides two weeknight seminars each school year, and the topics will be decided based on this feedback and what our PTAs have already scheduled.
Need for Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants
We continue to need substitute teachers and instructional assistants (para-educators). These are incredibly impactful positions that keep our classrooms productive.
Para-Educators:
Do you enjoy working one on one with a student or assisting in a classroom? Substituting as a para-educator does not require experience, and there is great flexibility. Assignments vary from a few hours to full days, and you can pick the types of assignments that you prefer.
Substitute Teachers:
Whether you have a teaching credential or not, we want you on board. Substitute teaching requires that you have your Bachelor’s degree. If you do, we are happy to walk you through the process of obtaining your 30-Day Emergency Teaching Permit.
For details and an outline of the application process for either position,
click here
.
Reminder of Air Quality Protocols
PE:
- If red, have indoor PE
- If orange, lower stress outdoor PE is OK. (Indoor PE OK, too.)
- If yellow, regular PE program
Recess/Lunch
- If red, have indoor recess and lunch
- If orange, outdoor recess and lunch is OK but please provide an indoor option if possible (e.g., let students use the gym or multi-use room if they prefer--can also do this after students eat first at lunch tables)
- If yellow, no change
Don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions or comments. Thank you!
Michael Milliken
Superintendent
650-620-2703
