Superintendent's Friday Update
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Hello Alta Loma School District,
Happy 100th Day of the School Year!
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Pictured above, Declan - PK Student |
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Please see below for our
Top Three Updates
- ALSD School Modernization Progress
- Paper - Online Tutoring Update
- Kindness Week
You'll also find a list of important upcoming dates, and a snapshot of just SOME of the great things happening here in our ALSD schools!
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School Modernization Update- Thank You, ALSD Community!
From Eric Hart, Associate Superintendent and Brian Salsgiver, Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation
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In June 2016, the community passed Measure H for the Alta Loma School District which provided the District the ability to issue bonds for the purpose of modernizing our school sites. To date the District has completed modernizations at Alta Loma Junior High, Vineyard Junior High, Deer Canyon Elementary, Carnelian Elementary and Jasper Elementary.
Site modernization projects are focused on upgrading the classrooms, but also include work related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, student and staff bathrooms, multi-purpose rooms and school offices. Some of the features in the classrooms being upgraded are the lighting, technology, distributive sound, flooring, paint and tack board on the walls. Classroom technology upgrades include new digital projectors and a 65 inch monitor that is wall mounted.
The most recent school sites that have completed modernization are Carnelian and Jasper Elementary Schools. These projects were started during the Distance Learning year of 2020-21, which allowed for construction to be completed quickly due to not having students on campus. This provided the opportunity for students to return to newly modernized classrooms this year and benefit immediately from the upgrades to the sites.
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Floyd M. Stork Elementary School is currently under modernization. The modernization at Stork began in October 2021 with Phase 1 which was focused on the first set of six classrooms for students in kindergarten and 1st grade, as well as RSP and speech.
The work in these classrooms included replacing the temporary walls in the pods with permanent walls, upgrades to the classroom lighting, installation of solar lighting tubes to provide sunlight into the classroom, technology upgrades to the digital projector and installation of a second wall mounted monitor, paint and new tack board on the walls.
The six classrooms in Phase 1 were completed in December 2021. The teachers moved into their modernized classrooms during winter break, so that students could be welcomed back to their newly modernized classrooms when they returned. Phase 2 began with the teachers moving to their temporary classrooms during winter break, so construction could begin on the next set of classrooms. To date Phase 2 demolition has been completed and the construction of the permanent walls, upgraded lighting and installation of the solar lighting tubes has begun.
Some reflections from Stork staff and students are included below. As with all of our school sites participating in the modernization process, we thank them for their patience and flexibility as the phases unfold and awesome new improvements appear.
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The students in Mrs. Klomp’s 1st grade class at Stork said they love the new sky lights in their classroom.
“My class is bright and it feels like we are in the 21st Century. My favorite thing is the new projector. ” ~ Electra Klomp, 1st Grade Teacher
"My students and I are loving our new classroom! Our favorite parts are opening and closing the sky lights and my new microphone which helps all students hear me whenever they are in the room."
~ Kylie Guilinger, Kindergarten Teacher
"The audio features, including the new microphones and ceiling speakers, support instruction and class communication!"
~ Janine Gonzales, 1st Grade Teacher
"The overall feel of the classroom has dramatically improved. It is a space that is welcoming, inviting, and is designed to enhance the educational experience for all students."
~ Natalie Mastrosimone, RSP Teacher
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Paper - Online Tutoring Update
Paper, the online tutoring program that was launched in August of 2021, continues to support students in grades 4-8. Since the start of using the platform, there have been 2,327 sessions with tutors and 2,068 essays have been submitted for review. We are proud to announce that 45% of ALSD students have been active on the platform and that students in Alta Loma are the leading users of Paper in our area. The top subjects have been basic arithmetic, basic algebra, and essay writing.
Students can access Paper through their Clever account at Clever.
We encourage all students to log in to Paper through their Clever account. Parents are invited to a short informational meeting on Thursday, January 27, 2022 @ 6:00 p.m. (See flier on website).
Paper will continue with “Club Paper” with new classes starting at the end of January. This free virtual club will provide extra curricular activities throughout the school week. These free virtual classes provide opportunities where students can explore math, science, art, and more.
Club Paper Flier
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The Great Kindness Challenge Week: January 24–28, 2022
The California Department of Education, in partnership with the Great Kindness Challenge® (GKC), encourages teachers, staff, students, and families of California schools to participate in the GKC the week of January 24–28, 2022.
The GKC initiative, presented by Kids for Peace, is a global campaign that promotes kindness in kindergarten through grade twelve schools. It is a positive, action-based bullying-prevention initiative that creates a school culture of kindness, compassion, unity, and respect.
Creating a culture of kindness is a continuous commitment on the part of Alta Loma School District. Next week, you may see some additional information regarding participation from our school sites. Parents, families and community members, this may also be a timely opportunity for you to engage your students in the discussion about your "kindness story." Acts of kindness, both big and small, help change our world!
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My best to you,
Karen Hendricks
Superintendent
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- Monday, January 24 - Friday, January 28: Kindness Week
- Monday, January 24, 2022: Staff Development / Professional Learning Day - No school for students
- Thursday, January 27, 2022: Paper Information Meeting, 6:00 pm
Meeting ID: 946 5252 8211 Passcode: Qm9FYW
- Thursday, January 27, 2022: Virtual Preppy K Parent Information Night, 6:30 pm
- Tuesday, February 1, 2022: Kindergarten Registration Begins
- Tuesday, February 1, 2022: Application Window for Intra and Inter-District Transfers Opens
- Wednesday, February 2, 2022: Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
- Monday, February 14: President Lincoln's Birthday - School Holiday
- Monday, February 21: Presidents' Day Holiday
- Friday, February 25: End of Trimester II
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Great Things Happening At Our Schools |
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From Principal Guadalupe Berzunza:
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Stork Superstars would like to give a huge shout out to our amazing Superintendent Karen Hendricks. We appreciate her for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit our classrooms. She not only visited the classrooms, but she actually took the time to sit and talk with some of our Superstars. She also engaged in activities that our superstars were working on. Our Superstars were so excited to have her visit their classrooms. Thank you Superintendent Hendricks for supporting our amazing boys and girls and sharing words of encouragement as they continue to thrive academically and emotionally. |
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From Principal Kristy Johnson:
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Victoria Groves would like to highlight the work of Susana Martinez, our Health Clerk and Gabriela Rodriquez, District RN. We are thankful for the countless hours they spend caring for students, contact tracing and supporting the staff with COVID protocols. They have done an extraordinary job at Victoria Groves. We would also like to congratulate Susana, she will be starting a new position as Attendance Clerk at Stork Elementary. Thank you for the impact you’ve had at VGS, you are going to be missed! |
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From Principal Michele Rachielles:
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Assistant Principal, Mr. Dzama has started some awesome new incentive programs on campus. We love to celebrate Warriors. There is a lot to celebrate! |
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Warriors are being recognized for making it to class on time every time. All students who hustle during the passing period are eligible for a monthly drawing for prizes! Pictured here, Aubrey Araiza, Enrique Vela, Omar Jaara, Andrew Marquez. Thank you, Warriors for getting to class on time all the time! |
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Warrior PRIDE (Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence) is paramount at ALJH. Each week a handful of students win a drawing from the Warrior Wins submissions. Pictured here, Cheri Huang, Anabelle Lopez, and Hayden Wicker are recognized for their PRIDE. |
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From Principal Sandy Rose:
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In Mrs. Thornton’s social studies class, they participated in various activities in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Using StudySync, they participated in a "Blast" activity online regarding this incredible man’s legacy.
The class brainstormed ideas about what kids could do on their day off (for Martin Luther King Jr. Day), since it is a national day of service for others. Students generated great acts of kindness including: volunteering at the animal shelter, collecting trash at a local park, helping a neighbor, creating messages of kindness on rocks in the community, just to name a few. As a follow up, students researched this heroic man and created a poster with several facts about Martin Luther King Jr. Seventh grader, Margot Yang, shared, “I enjoyed learning about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and how it shaped our future.” A few 7th graders are showing off their posters.
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From Principal Dolly Bentley:
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Alta Loma Elementary’s Student Council is an important part of our campus. At the beginning of the year, our students voted on our student council members for the 2021-22 school year. They have been doing a great job planning and organizing many fun activities for our campus such as Spirit days, skits for our monthly Chieftain Pride assemblies, working on service learning projects, selling Kindness Grams, and much more! Thank you Student Council for helping to make our school a great place for our staff and students! Also, thank you Ms. Randall and Ms. Conroy for working with this amazing group of students and for making Student Council possible this year! |
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From Principal Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins:
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Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” This year has embodied just that!. As a community, and team, Banyan has banded together to take steps of faith together this school year. We have celebrated triumphs and embraced challenges. This week our Bulldogs focused on the brave acts of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights non-violent movement. Students held discussions, created artwork and developed their own visions for the future, and equality. We are proud of our students' continued passion for others and their thirst for knowledge. Go Bulldogs, we are proud of you!! |
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From Interim Principal Sue Geddes:
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Carnelian opened a new Champs class this past Monday. Rachel Chun has been busy getting the room ready for her new Cardinals. There were happy smiling faces in Room 3! Our Title I staff has also been working hard to move to a new classroom which opened this Monday as well. The portable is spacious and allows for concentrated groupings of students eager to learn. |
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HAPPY 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL!
I’m so proud of how our Eagles have SOAR’n!
In our sixth grade classes, students are actively engaged in lessons that use Chromebooks as a tool for engagement and instruction. Whether students are working on math, drafting an essay, creating simulation models in science, or analyzing historical documents, students are developing and gaining the skills needed as 21st century learners. The quality of instruction and manner in which our sixth grade team engages our students is incredible to watch in action. We love our sixth grade students and teachers and are so proud of their daily commitment to hard work and resiliency.
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From Principal Curtis Quanstrom:
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Jasper Elementary has teamed up with Hoot Reading to pilot a reading program. These pioneers are participating in live 1:1 Hoot reading lessons, 3 days a week for the next 5 weeks. The 1:1 instruction is with an experienced classroom teacher that is passionate about reading. The program has been a hit from day one. The sounds of engaged learners focused on reading can be heard throughout the room. Students finish the lesson beaming with confidence and zealous to come back again. |
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From Principal Val Bires:
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I scream, YOU scream, WE all scream for ICE CREAM! This week our Huskies enjoyed our monthly Spirit Night at Baskin Robbins on 19th Street and Carnelian for a tasty treat. Participating in spirit nights are always fun and a great way to show school spirit. Thank you to all our Hermosa Husky families and staff who participated! |
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Ongoing Updates from Your COVID-19 Safety and Information Team:
On January 12, 2022 the Governor's Office shared updated COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools that includes updated recommendations for the management of students exposed to COVID-19 in a K-12 setting. The Alta Loma School District continues to follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) K-12 guidance. This guidance allows for us to follow the Group Tracing Approach. When a positive individual is identified in the classroom families will receive a Classroom Notification letter and should follow the guidance outlined in the letter.
Policies related to this matter would be set at the state level, not at the county or local level. If you'd like to reach out to your local representatives, contact information for Assembly Member Ramos and Senator Ochoa-Bogh can be found at https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/. Information for contacting Governor Newsom's office can be found at https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/.
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