Katherine Jeans, Pitman High School
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I came across Neil Pasrciha’s Ted Talk several years ago when I was trying to find resources to use while teaching the play,
Our Town
. I was completely inspired by his message and began asking my own children when I picked them up from school, "What was your awesome for the day?" One day it dawned on me, if I do this with my own kiddos, why don't I do it with my students, thus the
Journal of Awesome
was born.
Each week, several times throughout the week, students respond to a general prompt usually related to something that we are discussing or working on in class, and a second prompt which asks them "What is your awesome for that day or week, or weekend and why?" In addition, they have to identify if their awesome relates to one of the 3 A's of Awesome: Attitude, Awareness, or Authenticity? Usually on Fridays, we talk about what their awesomes have been in the class and they get a chance to share what awesome things are going on with each other and I get to hear about the awesome things as well. Also on Fridays, I award a certificate to my "Awesome Student of the Week" for each of my classes. That student receives a certificate and an index card and they get to decorate it with their name and post it on the wall for the rest of the year. I base the weekly winner on the 3 A's of Awesome and they are recognized for demonstrating attitude, awareness, or authenticity.
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Jennifer Carlsen, Student Support Clinician
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Last Spring, TUSD took steps to train administrators and teachers to respond to people expressing suicidal thinking. A trained facilitator from the Stanislaus County Office of Education taught us “QPR” which stands for question, persuade and refer. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
Join us in raising awareness of how to respond to suicidal thinking. While September is nationally dedicated as the month for suicide awareness we at TUSD will continue to work towards the goal of raising awareness and reducing stigma all year long.
To learn more visit:
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Sitara Ali, TUSD Ed Tech Coach
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What is it?
Google has an amazing resource that can used if you teach history, current events, and art! Google has digitized some important and famous works of art and culture, making it very easy to browse cultural artifacts from the classroom! You can explore paintings by color, zoom in on a painting to see intricate detail, and sort works of art to fit your classroom needs. Learning about the history or geography of a specific place? Google Arts and Culture has a street view section where you can explore the International Space Station , Paris , Machu Picchu , and more! Do you teach Portuguese? Google Arts and Culture has a section where you can explore the “Wonders of Portugal.”
Now What?
Since this is from Google, everyone has access already! Go to artsandculture.google.com to
start exploring all that this resource has to offer!
Technology Integration
So now that you have experienced this, how can you incorporate this site to make an interactive lesson that involves the 4Cs (Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking)? Have students create a poster in Google Slides (file→ page setup→ custom size), link images and make a hyperdoc, writing explanatory text, and collaborating with two-three individuals.
Students could also use Adobe Spark and take a piece of artwork from Google, and create a voice over for the picture, reading their explanatory text! Need more ideas or want some 1:1 collaboration with me to help plan?
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Jennifer Carlsen, Student Support Clinician
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On Monday night parents visited Julien Elementary School to learn more about, Toolbox, an exciting new social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum being introduced to our elementary students. If you missed the training and want to learn more, please enjoy this informational video, and click the link below to read more about this program.
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Student Rep to the School Board Reports
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Aiden Cooke, Turlock High School
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September 17, 2019, Board Report
Activities
- Our school recently celebrated California week with spirit days all related to California. We had a change in plans with the death of junior, Kaden Farro. We had a memorial and balloon release at lunch last Thursday and had a white out in his honor at the football game on Friday.
- We had a lockdown during lunch on Tuesday of last week. All students were safely inside safe spaces in less than 1 minute and 30 seconds. Sadly this occurred but it was amazing the way our staff, faculty, and students reacted. From maintenance to administration our campus worked together and was prepared.
- This week we will have Powder Puff flag football on Thursday at 6 PM. It is always a highlight of the year! We will also be celebrating Battle of the Classes.
Clubs
- Chess Club started off the year strong with 20 members! We’re looking forward to a great year!
- Turlock HOSA-Future Healthcare Professionals Chapter has had an amazing start of 2019-2020 school year with over 60 at our lunch meetings, supporting Mr. Swanson’s DWTTS local charities, donating inspirational decorations to Emmanuel Cancer Center’s Monkey Business Teen group for September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness, hosting Turlock’s Fall Blood Drive on September 26, spreading positive vibes at lunch in supporting September’s Suicide Awareness month, hosting Vital Signs medical skills workshop at lunch and Athletic Training Student Aide Internships have started with Mike Collins in Sports Medicine.
Sports
The Turlock High School Varsity Football team is now 3-1 on the season as they enter the fifth week of game play against Central High School of Fresno. We defeated Sheldon of Sacramento last game in a hard fought victory. The Bulldogs continue to push a high academic standard and have proven to win with great sportsmanship. Go Bulldogs!
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Chuc Luu, Pitman High School
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September 17, 2019, Board Report
- Clubs met and elected officers.
- ASB class officers elected.
- The Varsity Volleyball team finished in the Gold division of the Central CA Classic and tied for 5th place out of 36 teams total.
- Upcoming Events:
- Pitman Preview of Champions Band review is on September 28
- FFA BBQ on October 3
- Pink Out on October 4
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Athletic Director Sports Update
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Mike Brown, Turlock High School AD
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Football:
Varsity fell to Fresno 41-13 as did JV 35-7. Freshmen football rolled over Central of Fresno 49-0.
Girls Golf:
Girls Golf beat Downey. Turlock 258 Downey 293. We lost to our cross town rival Pitman 255 Turlock 274
Volleyball:
Volleyball played El Capitan and lost a close one 3-2
Coming Up Next Week for the Bulldogs:
Mon: Volleyball is @ Enochs @ 4:00 PM
Tues: Tennis is home against Modesto @ 3:00, Golf is at Creekside for the mid-Season tournament.
Wed: Volleyball is home against Modesto, Water Polo home against Gregori @ 3:00, JV tennis is at Pitman
Thurs: Tennis is home against Downey. Powder Puff Football game starting at 6:00 pm.
Fri: Water Polo is away against El Capitan
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Dave Walls, Pitman High School AD
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Cross Country
Cross Country traveled to Modesto's Legions Park for the first CCAL Center Meet. Varsity Boys finished the in 2nd place w/ Efren Sanchez 2nd overall, Varsity Girls finished 3rd w/ Camila Stephens finishing 3rd overall. At the Frosh-Soph levels - Frosh-Soph Girls finished 3rd. with Isabella Dominguez finished 2nd and the Frosh-Soph Boys finished 2nd with Ben Plaa coming in first overall.
Football
Varsity Football traveled to Monterey on Friday night and picked up their first victory of the season. The Pride defeated the Toreadores in a game that went down to the last play. The Pride got steller play and a TD pass from Landyn Magina to Kade Morris, rushing TD's from Sergio Romo and Julian Lindo and a 90+ yard kick return from Chris Avalos to pace the scoring. The Junior Varsity defeated a tough Monterey JV 6-0 aided. The freshmen completed the trifecta over Monterey on Thursday night 30-0 to move to 3-1 on the season.
Girls Golf
Girls Golf hosted crosstown neighbor Turlock HS on Thursday at Turlock Country Club and came away with the victory. This might well be the first victory over the Dogs in school history. The Lady Pride were paced by Simone Samra's 42 and Isabelle Rodriguez 45 on the day. The Pride are 2-2 in CCAL play after a Tuesday defeat to league leading Enochs.
Girls Tennis
The Lady Pride are 1-1 in CCAL play after a Tuesday 8-1 victory over Modesto and Thursday 9-0 loss to league leading Gregori at home. The Pride are 3-2 on the young season.
Volleyball
The Lady Pride went 2-0 on the week. On Tuesday the Pride traveled Tracy HS and defeated the Bulldogs 3-0. The Pride received outstanding play from Kendra Delgado on the night. On Thursday night the Pride opened up CCAL play and traveled to Modesto HS to take on the Panthers - the Pride took the night 3-0. Taylor Vannest gave an outstanding all around effort on the night. The Pride are 10-9 on the year and look for continued improved play in CCAL.
Water Polo
Boys Water Polo went 1-1 on the week. The Pride traveled to Lincoln-Stockton on Wednesday and came away with an 8-5 victory. On Thursday the Pride traveled to Oakdale and came up short 9-7. Girls Water Polo dropped two hard fought contest this week - falling to Lincoln on Wednesday 9-7 in OT and coming up short to the Mustangs of Oakdale 9-5..
Coming Up Next Week for the Pride:
Mon:
Volleyball @ Gregori-Modesto (3:30, 4:30, 5:30)
Tues:
Girl Golf @ CCAL Mid-Season Tournament (Creekside CC 9:00PM)
Girls Tennis @ Downey HS (2:30)
Wed:
Volleyball @ Downey HS (4:00, 5:00, 6:00)
B-G Water Polo @ Modesto Pool (3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00,)
Thurs:
Girl Golf vs Modesto (Muni GC / 3:00PM)
Girls Tennis vs. Enochsi HS (3:15PM)
Frosh Football - BYE
Fri:
Cross Country @ Clovis West Invitational - TBD
VGWP @ El Capitan Tournament - TBD
FSGWP @ Oakdale F/S Tournament - TBD
JV Football vs. Marin Catholic (Joe Debely Stadium - 5:00PM)
Varsity Football vs. Marin Catholic (Joe Debely Stadium - 7:00PM)
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Meet Darrah Wilson, Student Support Clinician
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How long have you worked in TUSD?
Two years in November
Where did you work prior to TUSD?
Merced County-first in Child Welfare Services (CPS), and then at Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, providing mental health treatment for youth in foster care or on probation / in juvenile hall. Prior to the County, I worked for Aspiranet and was a substitute teacher.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day?
This job is so unique- It is an incredible (and rare) experience to get to work with children who struggle with everything from a lack of social skills, to severe mental illness, without the restrictions of meeting medical necessity or having to bill insurance, etc. It's just about doing good work and helping kids- the dream I have always had. Being able to also work with some amazing colleagues whom I really admire, and be involved in innovative programs like TOOLBOX has just been the icing on that cake!
In terms of an average day, it really varies. Most days, I start at the District Office and get supplies for my sessions, then go out to the sites and do assessments, sessions, parent meetings, and consultations with teachers / staff, then return to the D.O. and do documentation and treatment planning, meet with interns, and contact families for new referrals. Sprinkle in some risk assessments, TOOLBOX trainings, intern trainings / supervision, and program development / data work, and I get a lot of variation in my day... which is one of the things I love about this job.
Things you are most proud of?
My kids. My growth as a person and as a mom. The difference I have been able to make through my career.
Challenges? Being part of a new program, we are still feeling some growing pains. Mental health is evolving in an incredible way, but with that comes the challenges of helping it fit into the existing cultures / structures. I am incredibly grateful that everyone here at TUSD has been so supportive and encouraging as that process has happened.
Favorite memory/story?
In undergrad, I substitute taught thinking it would be "easy money." I quickly learned my lesson when I subbed for a kindergarten class for a week. It was an absolute disaster- I had a student pee in the sink, one with a bloody nose who got blood on everyone around her, and one lock herself in the bathroom screaming- all at the same time. I remember thinking it was like trying to herd cats. I went home and went to bed at 4 pm out of sheer exhaustion. Kinder teachers, you are my heroes.
What are you reading?
Just finished
The Couple Next Door
by Shari Lapena
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV?
Outlander
,
Yellowstone
, and let's be honest... a lot of
Paw Patro
l and
PJ Masks
... (involuntarily).
Fave movies? Recently watched
Will You Be My Neighbo
r? (Mr. Rogers Documentary) and loved it.
Anything surprising we may not know about you?
I basically grew up in a veterinary hospital- my mom worked at one for 30 years. So I grew up with just about every strange animal you can imagine, and have nursed more little injured, three-legged, one-eyed furry friends than I could count! I showed up late to school a few times after being up late to help deliver puppies. In middle school, I had a pet prairie dog named Peanut.
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share?
We love to camp and hike, and spent a lot of the summer heading up some rough Jeep trails. Nature recharges me.
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Crowell Elementary School
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We’re visiting Crowell Elementary School today! Here are some facts about their school:
Est. 1959
Principal: Margaret Osmer
Assistant Principal: Stephen Valgos
# Certificated Staff: 40
# Classified Staff: 58
# Students: 641
Mascot: Cougar
Motto: We ARE Cougars!
Fun Fact: Principal Osmer and Asst. Principal Valgos are both former Marines. Oo-rah! 🇺🇸 Have a great year, Cougars!
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September Character Trait
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Transportation Department
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Congrats
to Carolina, Raccoon; Madison, Giraffe; Talina, Giraffe!
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Visit the TUSD website for updated health benefits information for 2020.
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Pitman Preview of Champions, Saturday, September 28, 2019
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Pitman Marching Pride Boosters: Come line the streets and enjoy an exciting FREE parade as over 20 Northern and Central California high school and junior high school marching bands compete for top prizes in categories such as music, showmanship, and marching!
Parade starts at 9:00am on N. Tegner Rd down the street from the high school. Drumline competition runs simultaneously near the intersection of Sandstone Ave and Persimmon Rd.
And after the parade join us in the Pitman Quad for our campus party! The BBQ will be fired up serving hamburgers and hot dogs, and other snacks will be available... ice cream from
Oak Barrel Creamery
, Shaved Ice from
Kona Ice
! We'll have face painting, photo taking, tee shirt buying... and lots more...and stay for the Awards Ceremony which starts at approximately 1:00pm. Don't miss it!
- Schedule · Saturday, September 28, 2019
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Drum Line / Percussion Competition
- 9:00 AM - 11:20 AM - Marching Band Competition
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Campus Party with food and fun
- 1:00 PM - Award Ceremony
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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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