Portola Valley School District Parent Newsletter
 October 1, 2019
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PVSD Board of Trustees
Karyn Bechtel
Brooke Day
Jeff Klugman
Kimberley Morris-Rosen
Message From the Superintendent
Dear Families,

In Portola Valley School District, our goal is to ensure every student receives an outstanding education. Your student’s regular attendance plays a significant role in achieving this outstanding education. Recognizing the importance of student attendance, California has started tracking chronic absenteeism, which means missing more than 10% of the school year, in schools across the state. 

In fact, according to the 2018 CA School Dashboard, 8.3% of K-8 students in PVSD were chronically absent, or missed more than 10% of the school year (missed 18 or more school days). This represents a 2.5% increase from the previous school year. These data translate into “orange”, or “high” on the chronic absenteeism academic indicator on the CA School Dashboard school accountability system.

While PVSD does not rely on attendance to generate funding due to our basic aid status, we do rely on “low” or “very low” attendance data to maintain eligibility for the CA Distinguished School award. Currently, given our status of “orange”, PVSD is not eligible for this prestigious award.

While we realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances, please be aware that absences can add up quickly. We also know when students miss too much class time, regardless of the reason, they will miss critical class experiences and may fall behind academically.
We believe it is vital for students to attend school when they are healthy. Therefore, extended absences for family vacations mid-school-year are strongly discouraged. We also note that according to California Education Code 48205, student absences due to family vacations and trips are unexcused.
 
School is in session for only 180 days per year, and so we ask parents’ cooperation in scheduling vacation during the remaining 185 non-instructional days. Students missing school will be asked to make up missed work, while simultaneously attending to new assignments upon their return. These obligations often add stress to students’ lives.

Portola Valley School District is committed to partnering with you to ensure the well-being of your child. We value our partnership with families in supporting our students’ continuous and meaningful learning opportunities during the school year.
Roberta Zarea, Portola Valley District Superintendent
Invitation to Attend Oct. 2nd Board of Trustees Meeting
Please come to the upcoming PVSD Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday October 2 at 6 pm at Corte Madera Room 102 to learn more about important issues in our district, including:
  • Measure Z Bond & Construction Update
  • Parcel Tax Feasibility Study
  • Emergency Preparedness Update
  • Professional Development Update
The Annual Campaign Is Off To a Great Start
The Portola Valley Schools Foundation (PVSF) Annual Campaign is officially underway! Check your mailbox for the PV Schools Foundation annual brochure to learn more about all the ways the Foundation helps make our schools extraordinary places for learning. 

Every PVSD student benefits from funds raised during the PVSF Annual Campaign. That’s why the Foundation is asking every family to donate this year. 
The Portola Valley Schools Foundation Annual Campaign is off to a strong start. With only a few days behind us, we were already at 17% participation and $332,000 in donations as of Thursday. 

Every dollar counts, and every child benefits, so please join us today !
Tell me what’s on your mind!
Please send any questions or comments that you have for Superintendent Zarea.
Thank you for taking the time to share!
An opinion article published in The New York Times
Written by Kim Brooks
PORTOLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028
Phone 650-851-1777 | Fax 650-851-3700