TUSD Weekly Update
TUSDtv
We hope you enjoy this first episode of TUSDtv featuring our host, Dr. Jeff Persons from Medeiros Elementary School and three of our TUSD Principals:

  • Paulo Pimentel, Earl Elementary School
  • Luisa Salinas, Wakefield Elementary School
  • Ed Ewing, Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy

TUSDtv is designed to give enrichment content to students and keep them connected to their schools. Due to COVID-1, we take extra precautions with filming and only one person is allowed in the studio at a time. The camera operator wears a mask and gloves and the room is ventilated and sanitized frequently. Only one performer is allowed at a time and social distance is kept at a minimum of six feet. All necessary conversations are held outside at a six foot distance in the open air. 

The TUSDtv concept was developed by the Ed Services team to fill a need for students that are confined to their homes. For many students, school is their only social connection to the world and TUSDtv helps keep that contact alive for them.  Thank y ou to Director of Student Services Gil Ogden and Walnut’s Irene Hales for all their help producing this episode!

You can watch this episode on YouTube, Charter Channel 2, or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Have an idea for a segment on TUSDtv? Just reach out to Gil Ogden or Marie Russell!
Tech in TUSD
Marshall Beyer, Coordinator of Educational Technology
Hello TUSD! Sitara and I are excited to announce our Virtual PD Series that is launching this week! These PDs are aimed to help provide you with some knowledge and skills around a subject or application that can easily be applied in the classroom once we return to a more traditional setting. During this time of optional learning, some of the topics can more easily lend themselves to our current situation to help you provide optional activities and ways to connect with students. With that, we need to be mindful of the fact that not all of our students will have the opportunity to take part in these activities. Please check out the schedule and click on the COVID-19 link on the homepage. We look forward to seeing you virtually! 
Sitara Ali, Ed Tech Coach
Writing Workshop: Analyzing Sentences
Mary Asgill, District Writing Coach
Hiding inside of every narrative sentence is a little world. Narrative sentences are like tiny paintings of tiny scenes that tell tiny stories in an organized manner. Inside of each sentence is a little scene that is created by the content and structure. We can help students craft good narrative sentences if we help them understand the tools writers use to shape the ideas (content) and organization (structure) of sentences. If we help students dismantle sentences, then, show them how to rebuild them, the only thing that would stand in the way of students writing great sentences is lack of practice.
Induction Update
Denise Duewell, Coordinator of Induction and Professional Development
Wow, what a difference a week makes! Two weeks ago our induction candidates were right in the middle of their second inquiry cycles, trying new strategies in their classrooms in order to have a deeper impact on their students. Now they are asking important questions - What will distance learning look like for my students? How can I have the greatest impact on my students during this difficult time? What challenges will we face when we return? How will we complete this year? Will year 2 candidates be able to clear credentials this year? 
TUSD Staff Tips & Tricks
Kelly Villalobos, Crowell Elementary School
Have some time on your hand while sheltering-in? Need something good to read? Consider checking books out of your local branch of the Stanislaus County Library. The process is quite easy.
  1. Create and then login to your account on the Stanislaus County Library website.
  2. Peruse the catalog or search for the books of your choice.
  3. Place a hold for the books at your local library branch
  4. Wait for an email notification that your books are ready for pick up.
  5. Go to your library and call to announce your arrival. The number to call should be posted on a sign by the entrance to the library. The librarian will ask for your library card number and check out your books. Once this is done, they will bag your books and leave them in a spot for you to pick up outside
  6. Pick up your books and enjoy!

The library is not currently accepting book returns. Please hold on to all books until the library facilities are open to the public.

Note: E-books, e-magazines, and e-audiobooks are available digitally to download use on your devices by selecting the e-resources tab on the library website. 

In our current COVID-19 times, we need to be careful about social distance and ensuring that we are safe and hygienic in our exchanges with people with items we touch. The library, following guidelines from the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, is doing their part to adhere to this. For more questions about library hours and operations, please visit the following link.
Look for the Helpers
TUSD Child Nutrition
In our first full week of meal distribution, Child Nutrition served 24,182 meals to TUSD students! Currently TUSD is serving meals at seven school sites and we also started a delivery route. Our community continues to be thankful of TUSD efforts to ensure no student goes hungry during this crisis:

"Just came from Crowell! This is so helpful for parents working from home. And the kids loved their food. Thank you! You're very much appreciated!"
Thank You TUSD Essential Workers!
Maintenance & Operations
Child Nutrition
Transportation Department
Medeiros Elementary School
Virtual Spirit Week
No Place Like Home and #OperationStayConnected
March 23-27 Turlock and Pitman High School hosted a virtual spirit week. We enjoyed seeing students and staff embrace school spirit from the comfort of their own home. We particularly enjoyed the videos shared by ASB officers showing how they are managing the Governor's "Stay at Home" Order. Check it out! More Spirit Weeks are happening this week--why not join in?
Julien Elementary School
Cunningham Elementary School
Seen on Social Media
Hometown Heroes
Thank You for Your Service!
Tony Nascimento, Turlock Fire Department
Have a family member performing essential work during the COVID-19 outbreak? Send us a picture so we can give them a shout out!
COVID-19 Resources
Useful Websites
Share Your Awesome!

Marie Russell
Chief Communication Coordinator
mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us
209.648.0968
@tusd_mrussell

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.