TUSD's Spooktacular Halloween
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5 More Things Effective Writing Teachers Don’t Do
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Mary Asgill, District Writing Coach
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1.
They don’t teach everything.
Avoid student and teacher burnout. For each genre, gather insights from the curriculum, essential standards, assessments, and students’ interests - then teach only what’s essential.
2.
They don’t grade everything.
Teach mini-lessons that focus on only one part of the rubric at a time. Grade that. Be done. Move on.
3.
They don’t assign too much.
Start small. Stay small. Don’t assign an essay; assign a paragraph. Then - teach students to write it well. Within the paragraph, work at the sentence level to emphasize certain writing elements - especially coherence and detail. Students struggle with how to logically link sentences and how to elaborate on ideas. When teaching at the paragraph and sentence levels, it’s easier to spot the writing problems that need addressing.
4.
They don’t teach the writing process out of order.
If teachers focus on conventions too early, students lose interest in writing. The mechanics are important, but effective writing teachers let the pre-writing and drafting stages remain at the start of the writing process and proofreading and publishing at the end. Ultimately, it won’t matter if punctuation and spelling are correct if students have nothing to say. Spend time on revision; then, spend time on conventions.
5.
They don’t teach grammar out of context.
Students will understand the grammar and mechanics if they see the grammatical structures used as they appear in everyday language. Effective writing teachers have students locate aspects of grammar in their classroom texts and imitate the patterns. Students get better at revising and proofreading when they study the way professional writers use grammar to advance their ideas
If you have writing tips that will enhance the work of writing teachers, email me. Let’s continue to build our TUSD writing community.
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Sutton Lucas, On Track Transitions Teacher
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Our partnership with the TUSD Farm has been extremely beneficial to all our students. During our time together, our students are learning job skills such as landscaping, custodial duties, and animal care. Each week our students are excited to spend time at the farm and see our dear friend, Duke, the goat. We appreciate the farm taking the time to scaffold and adapt all job skills to meet the needs of every student in our program. Not only have our students been working at the farm twice a week but we have also been able to partner together to teach functional academics and social skills through our fundraising event creating pumpkin centerpieces. We look forward to growing our partnership. Thank you Laura Brem and TUSD Farm!
“I have enjoyed washing pumpkins and feeding the horses.” - Natalie
“I love feeding the pigs”-Donnie
“My favorite part is gardening in the hoop barn and brushing the mini horses.” -Cynthia
Follow us on Instagram to see all the fun we are having out at the Farm @ on_track_tranisitons.
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Tech in TUSD: Forwarding Google Mail to Your Outlook Inbox
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Sitara Ali, Ed Tech Coach
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Did you know that you could forward all your Gmail to your Outlook account? You can even filter your emails and create rules so that your emails get filtered into folders that you have created! This means that all of those Google Classroom emails can get filtered to appear in specific folders depending on how you program it, and you’ll never have to check two emails again!
How?!?
- Go to your turlockusd.org email account
- Click on the settings cog
- Click on Settings
- Click on Forwarding and POP/IMAP
- Click add forwarding address
- Type in turlock.k12.ca.us email
- Select forward a copy
- Then select save!
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Marshall Beyer, Coordinator of Educational Technology
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Kristen Cole, Pitman High School, Counselor
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Catching Up with . . . Cayla Donahue
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I was born and raised in Turlock and I attended Dennis Earl Elementary, Dutcher Middle School, and Turlock High School.
I graduated from Turlock High in 2014 with academic honors and was awarded Female Athlete of the Year. With that award, as a three-sport athlete, I also received a Lifetime Pass to attend all THS sporting events, so I'm still enjoying going to games and supporting the Bulldogs!
I then attended CSU Stanislaus and majored in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Exceptional Children and Youth. I graduated in the spring of 2018 Magna Cum Laude, and I am now finishing up the Multiple Subject Credential Program with my student teaching at Brown Elementary in the 6th grade.
I've always wanted to be a teacher. "Playing School" was a big part of my childhood, so it's no surprise that my career path has led me to this point. Along the way, I have been influenced by wonderful teachers throughout my time in TUSD. In particular, Mr. Tribble's class at THS will always be one of my favorite and most impactful classes. He created a safe and welcoming environment for all students and fostered a diverse learning culture. Every day was a new and engaging experience in his class. I want to adopt those kinds of positive classroom experiences and share them with my future students. I would love to fulfill my dream of being an elementary school teacher and would really enjoy the opportunity to work in TUSD alongside teachers that I have learned from and grown with.
There are many keys to success in school but mastering time management was particularly critical to me, while I was juggling sports, jobs, and academics. If you begin learning how to manage your time in elementary/junior high and then in high school fine tune this skill, it will continue to help lead you to success in college where you have many activities/jobs and lots of academic responsibilities.
In my spare time, I enjoy coaching soccer and have been the THS Assistant Varsity Girls Soccer coach since Spring 2015. I enjoy getting to work with these girls and love seeing them move onto the higher levels. I have also spent several years coaching at the younger age levels for the Academica traveling soccer club in town. As well as coaching, I still enjoy playing soccer on an indoor with some of my fellow THS Alumni and teammates.
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Athletic Director Sports Update
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Mike Brown, Turlock High School AD
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Football:
Big Harvest Bowl week! Freshmen beat Pitman to finish the league undefeated champions. JV beat Pitman to secure them the undefeated league championship. Varsity was in control from the beginning and won 41–7 to secure them an undefeated league championship and hopefully a first round home game.
Girl’s Golf:
Ainslie Coughran shot an 80 at Masters and placed about 10th in individuals.
Volleyball:
Volleyball traveled to Roseville to play Woodcreek for the first round of the CIF playoffs. THS beat them 3 – 1. Then they played # 1 seed St. Francis and won the first game but lost the next 3. Great season ladies!
Water Polo:
We had a great night in water polo Monday night. JV Girls beat Pitman 15–5 and was undefeated league champions. The JV boys also beat Pitman 12 – 4 and they also went undefeated champions. Next came the Varsity girls who won 11- 5 and had an undefeated season and league champions. The Varsity boys played last and we saved the best for last. The score went back and forth every period but in the end the Bulldogs won 11 – 10. This gave our boys and undefeated league championship. So, yes, for the first time in a long time, all four of our teams went undefeated and won the league championship. Great job, Aquatics!
Coming Up Next Week for the Bulldogs:
Tues: Girls Water Polo will play home against River City of Sacramento @ 5:30 for the 1st round of the CIF playoffs. Good luck Ladies!
Wed: Boys Water Polo will play home against McClatchy of Sacramento @ 5:30 for the 1st round of the CIF playoffs. Good luck gentlemen!
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Dave Walls, Pitman High School AD
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Cross Country:
Big shout out to Pitman Cross Country as both the boys and girls had a fantastic week at the CCAL Cross Country Championships run at Legion Park in Modesto. The Varsity Boys took first and won the first CCAL Cross Country Championship in school history. The Pride were lead by Christian Balderas (2nd overall) and Damian Garcia (3rd overall). The Varsity Girls placed 2nd behind Gregori and were lead by Camila Stephens (4th overall) and Dianna Olthof. JV Boys placed 2nd in CCAL and JV Girls finished 3rd. Boys and Girls Cross Country will participate in the Sub-Section Meet at Frogtown on November 9.
Football:
Varsity Football traveled across town to face the league leading Turlock Bulldogs in Harvest Bowl 16. Turlock was in control for most of the game - big shout out to Pitman who played with great pride and determination on both sides of the ball in what has been a tough 2019 season. Turlock finished the night with a 41-7 victory. The Pride got its lone score after a lengthy 4th quarter drive added by several key Kendal LaRosa runs and completed by a 4 yard scamper by Chris Avalos. The Pride end the year 2-3 in league play and 3-7 overall.
Girls Tennis:
The Lady Pride received the #13 seed in the D2 Section Playoffs and will travel to Vacaville on Monday. On Tuesday and Thursday the Pride participated in the CCAL Single and Doubles Championships at MJC. Kathern Hawley, Jackie Mendez and Ann Luu represented the Pride in the singles tournament. Kat Hawley advanced to the 2nd round and fell to eventually champion Alyssa Tay (E) in a split set tie breaker (1-6, 6-0, 10-6). Pitman's #1 Doubles played in the 3rd place match with at shot at advancing to the individual Section Tournament in Rocklin - The Pride fell in 3 sets. The Pride ended league play 6-4 (3rd) and awaits the Section Playoff on Monday.
Volleyball:
The Lady Pride traveled to Stockton to face the always talented St. Mary's Rams in the 1st round of the Section Playoffs. The loss to the Rams 25-16, 25-15, 25-9 on Tuesday brings an end to the 2019 volleyball season. The Pride received outstanding play from junior setter Haylee Freeman on the night. The Lady Pride ended the year 5-5 in the CCAL and 15-19 overall.
Water Polo:
The Pride traveled across town to face the league leading and undefeated Turlock Bulldogs in the 2019 Harvest Splash. The Varsity Boys played one of their most inspired games of the year as they fell to the Bulldogs 11-10 and the Varsity Girls lost 11-6 as all four levels fell to the Dogs. The Varsity Boys stormed back from 11-7 deficit in the 4th quarter as they scored 3 late goals to draw within one with 30 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs spread the pool and were able to run down the clock and leave the Pride with one last desperation shot as time expired. The Varsity Boys ended league play 6-4 (3rd) and Varsity Girls ended up 7-3 (2nd). The Varsity Girls play Granite Bay on Tuesday @ Del Oro High School and the Varsity Boys play Lodi on Wednesday - 3:30 @ Tokay High School.
Coming Up New Week for the Pride:
Mon: GT @ Vacaville HS (2:00PM - Section Team Playoffs)
Tues: GWP vs Granite Bay HS @ Del Oro HS (6:00PM - Section Playoffs)
Wed: BWP vs Lodi HS @ Tokay HS (3:30PM - Section Playoffs
Sat.: XC @ SJS Sub-Sections (TBD @ Frogtown - Calaveras County Fairgrounds)
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Coaches Spotlight: Chris Wolfley
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Pitman Athletics would like to give a big shootout to Coach Chris Wolfley! After 17 years of being a mainstay in the Pitman Athletics department and on the sideline every Friday night, Coach Wolfley coached his last football game last Thursday. Coach Wolfley was part of 120 Varsity football wins, 2 CCC Football Championships, 5 Junior-Varsity Championships and 12 years of Section Playoffs. He has also coached numerous wrestlers and track athletes to conference championships and Divisional, Section and State medals. Coach Wolfley has put in 40 years on the sideline - from Oakland to Modesto Christian to Johansen to Pitman and all points in between. Thank you for your commitment to FCA and the continued growth and development of Pitman's Strength and Conditioning program. Coach Wolfley will coach through the winter and spring season and then hang up his whistle. #Roll Pride - Coach Wolfley
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Meet Larry De Tomasi, Pitman High School
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How long have you worked in TUSD?
I have been with TUSD for 28 years as both an elementary and secondary teacher. I’ve taught at Osborn, Julien, Dutcher Elementary, Dennis Earl, Turlock High, and Pitman High.
What is your job title?
I am a Visual Arts Teacher and Pitman’s Visual Arts Department Chair
Where did you work prior to TUSD? Prior to teaching in TUSD I taught 3rd grade in Benicia, California. Before that I worked as an Architectural Designer/Drafter. I worked for various architects throughout the Bay Area and had a side business for a few years before teaching. I’ve designed homes in Walnut Creek, Danville, and Carmel and throughout the North Bay area.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day?
I spend my average day with around 180 teenagers, and I love every minute of it. They energize me and make me feel young. I enjoy their sense of humor, their moods, good or bad (bad gives me a chance to improve it) and their interactions with each other. I pray every morning that I can inspire them and be a positive influence in their lives.
Things you are most proud of?
I am proud of my own children. My daughter Jessica (28) is intelligent and creative, Nathanial (26) is adventurous, Ace (30), my step-son, served his country as a United States Marine, and my step-son Chaz (27) is our world traveler. I am also very proud of my wife, Angela. She has overcome much adversity in her life and has turned out to be an inspiring example of what a life of service for others should look like.
Challenges?
I still face some challenges in the classroom. I have a handful of students that don’t speak English, and it’s sometimes difficult to break through that language barrier. However, it can also be rewarding when it happens. Besides, art is a universal language. I also face the challenges of retirement. It’s not far off for me, and although it will be awesome to have my own free time, I will miss our students.
Favorite memory/story?
One was meeting my wife Angela and our first actual date. Great memory for me (and her, I hope) but probably boring for you guys. I have a great memory from my years teaching 4th grade at Dennis Earl Elementary. Denise Nulph and I took our 4th grade classes on a three day wagon train adventure in the foothills of Madera. We all had to wear period clothing. We walked, rode on the wagons or horses. The students had chores that needed to be done each day along with lessons and keeping journals. I don’t think any of those kids will ever forget that trip.
What are you reading?
I am an historical fiction fan. My favorite books are from
The Saxon Chronicles
by Bernard Cornwell. I am also intrigued by Apologetics. I just finished a book called
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
by Normal Geisler and Frank Turek.
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV?
I really enjoyed
Game of Thrones
until the last season.
Fave movies?
Braveheart, Gladiator, Guardians of the Galaxy l
and
ll, Paint Your Wagon
.
Anything surprising we may not know about you?
Out of high school, I signed on as a volunteer firefighter and did that for 12 years. Three of those years I was “On Call” and actually living in the station. The area that I worked in (Crockett and Vallejo, CA) are now on fire. I also owned and operated a game store here in Turlock for about three years call Harlequin Games and Hobbies.
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share?
I love the outdoors. Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. There are two types of camping. One is in our trailer with my wife Angela and the other is sleeping on the ground next to a campfire. I haven’t been able to get Ang to do the latter. I also love games. Board games, card games and miniature games. Not so much into video games because I’m horrible at playing them.
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Roselawn Continuation High School
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We’re visiting Roselawn Continuation High School today! Here are some facts about their school:
Est. 1975
Principal: Felipe Meraz
10 Teachers
1 Counselor
9 Classified Staff
205 Students
Mascot: Dragon
Fun Fact: Former site of Roselawn High School built in 1912. New adventures coming for Dragons in future with relocation to former site of John B. Allard.
Have a great year Dragons!
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For TUSD’s second PD day of the 2019-20 school year, all certificated staff are engaged in multiple learning & collaboration opportunities to support their efforts in increasing academic & social emotional/behavioral achievement for all students. Trainings include bi-literacy training, Youth Mental Health First Aid, K-5 History Social Science program training, 6th grade Eureka Math support, Google for beginners & advanced, Edulastic student assessment platform, instructional coach content area support, & strategies to address the needs of students with disabilities. Teachers also will also collaborated with their teams during the day to review student data, identify students needing intervention or enrichment, & develop action plans to ensure high levels of learning for all students. TUSD . . . All means ALL!
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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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