Medeiros Elementary School
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Art work from Mrs. Blood's 1st grade and Mrs. Thomas's 6th grade
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Congratulations to the following nominees who will attend the California League of High Schools, Region VI, 2019-2020 Educator of the Year Dinner on November 19, 2019:
- Turlock High School – Matt Rosengarth, Social Studies
- Pitman High School – Dustin Curtiss, Math
- Turlock Adult School – Alberto Perez, Woodworking
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Jennifer Carlsen & Darrah Wilson, Student Support Clinicians
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For some people, the holidays are not quite the most wonderful time of the year. Many factors, including increased financial burdens, traveling, lack of sleep, lack of time outside (particularly if you are a nature lover) and pressure to entertain or buy the perfect gifts can lead to stress. Sometimes the feeling that there is a way the holidays “should be” or some idealized version of what family get togethers “should” look like can lead to stress. Too much time spent with family and friends, or being spread too thin as you try to attend everything, can be overwhelming. So can being alone, and feeling isolated while the rest of the world celebrates.
Some Strategies
Organize:
Make lists of purchases you need to make. Develop a holiday budget and work within it, regardless of the commercials or social media pop-up ads that might tempt you.
Delegate:
Use online shopping, grocery pick up, meal planning apps, social media event invites. Ask others for help. Be selective about where you are spending your time and use time savers any way you can. Say “I’m sorry, I can’t” when you need to. And sometimes, you need to-it doesn’t always require an explanation.
Use Your Tools:
Use empathy at the dinner table. Patience with your family member’s long winded stories. Take time away if needed, even if it is just to step into the next room and breathe.
Be Mindful:
Try to be really present at holiday celebrations and events. Close your eyes at the holiday concert and really listen. Take time to smell the food as it comes out of the oven. Notice how it feels to receive a hug from someone you haven’t seen in awhile. In the mornings, notice the crisp coolness…the white of each frozen blade of grass. Just. Slow. Down.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Remember that you only have so many hours in a day. Be kind to yourself and gentle with your expectations. You are only one person. Your loved ones will never remember if the pie isn’t cooked quite right, but they will always remember the time you all laughed hysterically playing Silly Street (P.S. This is not an ad for Silly Street but it should be—check it out. Thank me later).
For more on supporting your mental health during the holidays, please see:
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Tech in TUSD: Adobe Spark Creation Tool
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Sitara Ali, Ed Tech Coach
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What?
Adobe Spark is a media creation tool that allows students (13 and older) to create beautiful graphics, video stories, and web pages. Adobe Spark has templates students can use or they can be creative and make their own! You can integrate text, photos, videos, audio, and more with a professional finished product for students.
Why Use it?
Adobe Spark allows students to be innovative and encourages creativity through the use of graphic design. Have students create a presentation with just pictures, tutorial videos explaining a math problem or science concept, retelling a major historical event, explaining the concept and idea behind a famous painting, a poster for mind mapping, explaining a book visually,
annotated photos, student portfolio, a web page to keep track of their project progress, and more! This platform helps increase student engagement in the classroom through an easy to use tool!
How?
Have the students and staff follow the instructions below.
1. Go to spark.adobe.com
2. Click on “Log in” near the top right of the screen
3. Click “Log in with school account”
4. Click “Continue with Google”
5. Enter in your school email that ends in @ turlockusd.org
6. Enter in your password for this account.
Any questions or concerns?
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No Bully Solution Coaches
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Gil Ogden, Director of Student Services
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Bullying is a denial of a student’s fundamental need for belonging and acceptance. It is particularly devastating for minority students, students with disabilities, and students considered “other,” where it can lead to shame-based trauma. Students who habitually bully tend to engage in delinquency, alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviors and crimes throughout adolescence and into their adult lives. For schools, bullying creates and unsafe and insecure learning environment where violence increases and academic performance plummets.
In order to address bullying effectively, each school in TUSD has a No Bully Solution Coach. When a student is being bullied, the Solution Coach uses the Solution Team to combine empathy (i.e., a willingness to step into another person’s shoes and see things from their perspective) with action. Over time, Solution Teams create classroom and school cultures where students are more accepting of differences, more trusting of adult help and where incidents of bullying are significantly reduced.
The Solution Team is revolutionary in that it challenges the traditional view of bullying that sees it as an issue between the bully and the target. Solution Team is based in the belief that we can only affect real change through engaging the larger peer group. We encourage you to support the Solution Coaches at your school and create a school culture that supports empathy and kindness.
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Catching Up with the Gordons
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Hanna Gordon
Throughout my education in TUSD I attended Dutcher Elementary School, Walnut Elementary School, Dutcher Middle School and finally I graduated from Pitman High School in 2016. I currently attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins and I will be graduating in May 2020 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a teaching credential. Throughout my studies I have had the great opportunity to complete over 200 practicum hours in several elementary schools in Fort Collins, work part time as an assistant teacher at the Reggio Emilia inspired lab school that is funded by CSU, and am about to begin my student teaching experience in a first grade classroom. I am looking forward to becoming an early elementary teacher after graduation. For now, kindergarten really has my heart but I am always open to new experiences.
I had many teachers throughout my school career that have made large impacts on me. The teaching staff at Walnut Elementary (most of them retired by now) have inspired my philosophy of teaching as I study to become a teacher myself. The school community and positive energy there continues to be something that I strive to bring to the elementary schools that I step into every day. My band director at Pitman also inspired me to continue marching band after high school. Something that I have always held to be true is that band is not about the performances you march or the places that you travel but it is a feeling and place to remember once the experience is over. I have created lifelong friendships, learned about hard work, leadership, and being confident in yourself even when you don’t feel confident.
I have been a member of the Colorado State University marching band for three years and am currently the Captain of their color guard team! I have also enjoyed learning to ski, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and spending time with my dog, Penny.
My advice for students:
- Always hold on to your roots but don’t let them stand in the way of your growth. The experiences that you gain when moving away from home or going to college will test you and force you to grow in ways you couldn’t have thought. I am so lucky to have been able to learn and evolve with my family and friends supporting me along the way.
- As my graduation comes near, I would also encourage students to take advantage of the time you are given. There are so many things that I wish I had done and joined but now I can only enjoy what I have left. Always step out of your comfort zone and do the things that you think you cannot do!
I am also looking forward to the Border War on November 22! A rivalry game always has a great crowd energy but a CSU win will be even sweeter when it is against my sister. Despite the rivalry between our schools we always go out of our way to support each other by attending as many games as possible and wearing the other’s school colors (when they’re not playing each other). I will be rocking my green and gold on Friday but there will be nobody screaming louder than me during Wyoming’s halftime show.
Sarah Gordon
In TUSD, I attended Medeiros Elementary, Walnut Elementary, Turlock Junior High, and Pitman High School. I graduated as a distinguished scholar from Pitman in May 2019. This fall I began attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie double majoring in Environment and Natural Resources and Environmental Systems Science and minoring in Chemistry and Honors. I’m not 100% certain what I want to do as a career, so my goals are pretty flexible. Right now I’m planning on being either a research scientist or work as part of a team to perform experiments regarding the conservation of the environment. I’ve also always wanted to work at NASA so if I figure out a way to fit that in I think it’d be pretty cool.
A few hobbies I’ve started picking up since I came to college is going swing dancing with my friends on Thursday nights at the swing dance club on campus. I have to say I’ve gotten pretty good at it. Another hobby I’m looking forward to starting next semester us playing in the symphonic band on campus because I miss being a part of concert band. Marching band is fun, but since it’s winding down I’m excited to keep playing. Something fun that I am fortunate enough to participate in as part of the Western Thunder Marching Band is going downtown and playing music and the fight song in bars and restaurants the night before game days to get fans hyped for the game! It’s a really fun and unforgettable experience.
A few teachers have had a pretty large effect on my life and my goals at almost every school I attended:
-Mr. Sutterley and Mrs. Loomis at Walnut- I think the main reason I love science so much is because I attende Walnut Elementary. Being on the math and science side showed me how fun science can be and the teachers there made it that much more fun.
-Mrs. Creighton’ STEM Class at TJHS- Mrs. Creighton’s STEM class was another reason I chose to pursue science because I was able to apply scientific knowledge to experiments we did in that program.
-Mr. Modesto at Pitman- Without band in high school, I would be a completely different person. Being in band with Mr. Modesto as our band director gave me so many opportunities that I’ll never forget, like going to the east coast two times and playing a solo in the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
My advice for students:
-If you’re thinking about going out of state and you have the opportunity to, do it! It seems scary to be so far away from home but it’s worth it! You’ll meet so many new people and have so many fun adventures! Plus, it’s really fun to tell people that you’re from California and then have to explain where Turlock is on the map.
-A good mentality to have about college is that if you want to go do something even just a little bit, just go! If you’re scared about being alone, most clubs and events do a good job of making sure you find friends.
-Not everything you do in high school will be as fun in college, it’s just a different type of experience. I was nervous to join marching band in college because I had so much fun in high school and I was worried that joining in college wouldn’t be as fun. At first, I was scared because what we do in college marching band is so much more advanced than what we did in high school, but it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in college.
One thing I’m looking forward to is our next and final home football game on November 22. It’s the “Border War” between University of Wyoming and Colorado State, which is college equivalent of the Harvest Bowl in Turlock. One of the reasons I’m super excited for that game is because my sister goes to Colorado State and will be sitting on the opposing student section. We have never faced each other before since we both went to Pitman, but I’m pretty confident in our football team’s abilities to beat CSU. As much as we heckle each other about our teams, we support each other when it comes to game days, even going as far as wearing each other’s university logos. After all, I’m more of a fan of the CSU Marching band rather than the football team. Speaking of marching band, the Western Thunder Marching Band has been working tirelessly to perform our most challenging halftime show yet and I can’t wait to perform it in front of a sold-out crowd of 30,000 people. Even if Wyoming loses, it’ll be an unforgettable game. And since I’m part of the band, I’m not worried because the band always wins.
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Barney Gordon, Assistant Superintendent Business Services
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Check out our new monthly Q & A spot for the Business Services Department which encompasses the Child Nutrition, Maintenance & Operations, Technology, and Transportation. Got a burning question about something in these areas? Ask Barney!
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We would also like to recognize 2018 Turlock High School graduate Josh Childers, one of our Hometown Heroes, who is enlisted in the Marine Corps and was recently injured with shrapnel during a training exercise in Iraq. Josh's mom, Karyn, is a District Accounting Technician in Finance and Accountability.
Schools Attended in TUSD:
Dennis Earl, Julien, Dutcher, THS
Your Rank: Lance Corporal
Your Job/MOS:
0331 Infantry Machine Gunner
Where are you stationed?:
My primary duty station is Twentynine Palms, California but currently I am in Iraq.
Why did you join the military?:
I joined the Marines because I wanted to serve my country and stand up for my beliefs.
What is your favorite part of being in the military?:
My favorite part about the military is shooting guns and the brotherhood.
What has been the biggest challenge?:
My biggest challenge is being so far away from home and everyone I care for and love.
What are your goals for the future?:
My goal in the future is to join law enforcement.
Any hobbies?:
Hobbies include camping, fishing, and shooting.
Anyone you'd like to recognize for helping you on this journey?
I'd like to recognize my wife, family, and close friends for their support through this.
Anything else you'd like to share?:
I can't wait to come home, Semper Fi.
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Dave Walls, Pitman High School
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Cross Country
Big shout out to Pitman Cross Country as the Varsity Girls, JV Girls, and Sophomore Boys Teams all qualified for Sac Joaquin Sections / 26 total Pitman runners qualified as individuals. This was the 2nd year in a row that the Varsity Girls qualified for Sections. Congratulations for Sophomore Boys for winning their first Sub Section Championship last Saturday 11/9 at Frog Town. On Saturday 11/16 the Sophomore Boys won their first ever Divisional Championship in school history. Great job boys - Roll Pride!
Water Polo
The Varsity Girls played Granite Bay on Tuesday 11/5 and lost to the Grizzles 12-1. The Lady Pride finished off a very successful season as they end the year 7-3 in league play and 2nd behind Turlock. Big shout out to departing varsity girls coach Michaela Richter who guided the Lady Pride to back to back playoff games in the last two years. The Varsity boys traveled Tokay HS on Wednesday 11/6 to take on Lodi and came away with an exciting 10-5 victory over the Flames. This was the second year in a row that the Pride traveled in the first round and brought home a victory. The boys traveled to 2nd seeded Rodriguez HS on Friday 11/7 and fell to the Mustangs 8-5 in the 2nd round. The Pride finished the year 6-4 in league play and 13-10 overall.
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How long have you worked in TUSD?
I’ve been with TUSD for a little over a year. My first day was July 2, 2018.
What is your job title?
Administrative Secretary I in Special Education Department
Where did you work prior to TUSD?
I worked 25 years at Empire Union School District.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day?
Let me just say, I absolutely love what I do! No two days are ever the same. One day can be filing, ordering supplies, paying invoices and the next figuring out how to have the On Track van towed to the mechanic because it broke down on the side of the road. I feel blessed to work with such a great staff in our department! Being a part of special education has given me the opportunity to see all the “behind the scenes” work that makes the wheels of special education turn. Everyone in our department is compassionate, patient, and caring with one goal…making students a priority!
Things you are most proud of?
I am extremely proud of my daughter, Adrienne. She is currently working on her teaching credential and Master’s degree. After several years of hard work, her goal to be a special education teacher is within reach. I am also very proud of my son, Robert. He enlisted in the military straight out of high school. He served his country in Afghanistan for 2 years and now lives in Turlock. Unfortunately we don’t see him as much as we’d like because he is constantly traveling for work.
Challenges?
Working in special education can be challenging at times. We have our good days and not so good days. We stay focused on giving students the best education possible because they deserve it and also because they are the leaders of tomorrow. Fortunately there are always more good days than bad! J
Favorite memory/story?
My most favorite memory was seeing my daughter graduate from college earning her Bachelor’s Degree. Seeing the excitement in her eyes was priceless!
What are you reading?
Currently I am reading, I’ve Been Thinking… by Maria Shriver. It’s a really good book! Uplifting and inspirational!
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV?
I enjoy watching Ancient Aliens, In Search of…, and almost anything paranormal.
Fave movies?
I love watching classics. James Dean, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, etc. My absolute favorite movie is Gone with the Wind. I watch EVERY TIME it’s on television.
Anything surprising we may not know about you?
I’ve surprised a few people when I tell them I LOVE heavy metal and ska punk music. I’ve been known to enter a mosh pit or two. Unfortunately we don’t get a lot of that music in the Central Valley so I tend to pack up and go to So Cal for the weekend to see the shows.
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share?
My family and I love taking day trips to the coast…sitting on the beach for a few hours is relaxing.
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We’re visiting Earl Elementary School! Here are some facts about their school:
Est. 1998
Principal: Paulo Pimentel
Assistant Principal: Chanthon Phe
43 Certificated Staff
27 Classified Staff
860 Students
School Mascot: Explorers
School Motto: Earl Explorers are excellent students, awesome citizens, readers, and learners for life.
History Moment: Dennis Earl was a former TUSD Board of Trustees member who passed away in 1985.
Have a great year Explorers!
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We’re visiting Julien Elementary School today! Here are some facts about their school:
Est. 1954
Principal: Jenny Henderson
Assistant Principal: Jay Brem
42 Certificated Staff
40 Classified Staff
809 Students
School Mascot: Mustang
School Motto: Pride, Responsibility & Character
Fun Fact: Julien was named in honor of two of Turlock’s earliest doctors, brothers Albert and Eric Julien.
Have a great year Mustangs!
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Share Your Awesome!
Marie Russell
Chief Communication Coordinator
mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us
209.648.0968
@tusd_mrussell
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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.
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