Superintendent's Friday Update
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Hello Alta Loma School District,
Please see below for our Top Three Updates for the week:
- Technology Safety
- ALSD is Hiring!
- District's Second Interim Report
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1. Technology Safety
From Rick Brindle, Director of Information Technology
This is the time of year that we see a noticeable increase in the number of IRS and Social Security related fraud attempts. Every year these scams get a little more persistent and sophisticated. Here are some simple tips that you can use to stay vigilant and protect yourself against tax and Social Security related fraud:
1. Government agencies will never call or text you unsolicited and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action.
2. Government agencies will never ask you to pay fines or fees with retail gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
3. The IRS will not use email, text messages or phone calls to threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
If you receive a phone call or text demanding immediate payment of an outstanding tax bill, its it very likely that this is an attempt to defraud you. If contacted by phone, hang up immediately. If contacted by text message, block the sender. You can report the incident to the IRS using their scam reporting link: https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml
Remember, never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or any tax documentation (W2, 1099, return documents) using email. Also, never provide your work or personal usernames and passwords using email. Legitimate businesses or government agencies should never ask you for sensitive information using email or text messages.
Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Remember cyber-criminals are preying on fear and/or your sense of urgency and they want you to react quickly, so take a couple of seconds and look for the following common indicators of phishing attempts:
• An unexpected or odd email address associated with a familiar name. This is called email “spoofing” and it’s a very effective way to trick unsuspecting recipients. Take a second to verify the full email address including the domain (everything after the @ symbol). If you don’t recognize the full address, it’s a clue that the message is suspicious.
• Do not simply trust the name on an email - question the intent of the email content. If the sender asking you to do something out of the ordinary, like pay an invoice or click on a link not normally associated with your regular communications, it’s probably a phishing attempt.
• Do not trust an email message with a heightened sense of urgency, especially if it’s asking you to open an attachment or click on a link. Messages about account cancellation, overdue invoices, or an urgent document are common phishing attempts.
In general, the best way to protect yourself from phishing scams is to take an extra minute to critically evaluate the email you just received.
Thanks, and stay safe!
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2. ALTA LOMA SCHOOL DISTRICT IS HIRING!
From Donna Carlson, Assistant Superintendent of
Human Resources
The Human Resource Department continues to be hard at work posting and recruiting for proctors, child nutrition workers, child care substitutes, bus drivers, general education and special education instructional aides, licensed vocational nurses, a behavior intervention assistant, a behavioral health therapist, a night lead custodian, substitute custodians and substitute teachers.
If you or someone you know would be a great addition to the team, please contact our Human Resources Department at 909-484-5151.
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3. DISTRICT'S SECOND INTERIM REPORT
From Eric Hart, Associate Superintendent of Administrative Services
The District’s Second Interim Report is to report actual activity in the current fiscal year for the period of July 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022, along with containing a multi-year budget projection for the two subsequent fiscal years.
The interim reports must include a certification of whether or not the District is able to meet its financial obligations in the current fiscal year and two subsequent fiscal years.
The Second Interim Report will be presented at the March 2 Board of Trustees meeting.
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As shared previously, in recognition of the short weeks in February we've been providing updates from our school sites a bit differently this month. On February 11, you saw our west side elementary schools highlighted (Alta Loma, Carnelian, Jasper, and Stork.) On February 18, updates for the east side elementary schools (Banyan, Deer Canyon, Hermosa and Victoria Groves) were shared.
Today you will see our junior high schools represented. We hope you continue to enjoy this glimpse of great things happening at our schools sites!
My ongoing best to you,
Karen Hendricks
Superintendent
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Board of Trustees Meeting
- Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - This Board of Trustees Regular Meeting will begin at 5PM for Closed Session. Open Session will begin at 6PM. The Board of Trustees may return to Closed Session at the conclusion of the Open Session Meeting if it is necessary in order to complete those agenda items.
The meeting will be held at the District Support Center (DSC), located at 9390 Base Line Road, Alta Loma. In-person attendance requirements: All persons attending the meeting will be required to wear a face covering for the entire Board Meeting and review the health screening questions prior to entering the meeting location.
For your convenience, below is a list of some of the Regular Open Session Agenda Items
- Trustee Reports
- Staff Reports will include a STEM Showcase Recap, COVID Update and Recap of the Governor's February 28 Announcement, and Updates on Staffing, Crossing Guards and Transportation
- General Functions (of the Board of Trustees)
- Trustees will have a 2nd Reading and recommendation for action of amended Board Bylaws 9220 (Governing Board Elections) and 9320 (Meetings and Notices)
- Review and recommendation for action on the Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule for 2022-2023
- Child Care Program tuition changes will be reviewed and recommended for action.
- The 2021-2022 Second Interim Financial Report will be reviewed and recommended for action.
Other Important Dates
- Tuesday, March 1; 8th Grade Parent Night for Alta Loma High School, 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, March 2: Board of Trustees Meeting, District Support Center (DSC) Closed Session 5:00 PM / Open Session 6:00PM
- Monday, March 7 - Friday, March 11: National School Breakfast Week
- Tuesday, March 8: Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Thursday, March 10 - Friday, March 11: Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Tuesday, March 15 - Thursday, March 17: Legislative Action Week 2022
- Thursday, March 17: St. Patrick's Day
- Friday, March 18: Modified Day for Elementary and Junior High Students
- Monday, March 21 - Friday, March 25: Spring Recess
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Great Things Happening At
ALSD
Junior High Schools
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Vineyard Junior High School
From Principal Sandy Rose:
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Vineyard hosted our annual Spelling Bee, and we were excited to have 46 students from both 7th and 8th grade participate.
Students were given special lists to study prior to the Spelling Bee, and many students spent their lunchtime studying. It was heartwarming to see how encouraging students were to one another while competing.
A special thank you goes to Jennifer Thornton for coordinating this amazing event for our Vikings! Congratulations to our winners: Saraya Chigoji (1st place) and Lyla Pinedo (2nd place).
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In celebration of Black History Month, our students enjoyed participating in numerous learning activities such as conducting research, creating posters to hang around campus, participating in gallery walks, and listening to announcements featuring various famous Black Americans. |
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Alta Loma Junior High School
From Principal Michele Rachielles:
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Thursday night was epic with STEM Fairs happening all over town. The two junior highs teamed up and held a mousetrap car derby race in the ALJH gym.
Participating students have been honing their cars for weeks and last night they put them head to head with the others. Cars raced for excellence in speed, distance, and design.
Thank you to Mr. Burke, Mrs. Lening, and Mrs. Holt for leading this awesome event.
The winners included
Michael Magat (VJH)- Fastest
Axel Dunbar (VJH)- Most creative design
Abigail Duffy (ALJH)- Longest distance
Kayley Wong (ALJH)- Best looking design
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Ongoing Updates from Your COVID-19 Safety and Information Team: |
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We are aware of a policy change just announced today by the CDC regarding masks in schools. Like you, we will be anxious to see how this is reflected in Governor Newsom's remarks scheduled for Monday, February 28.
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Over the past two years, we have learned that many of us become aware of new legislation, mandates, guidelines, and recommendations when school districts are asked to implement them. At that point, it is too late to be heard during the decision-making process.
We believe that every voice should be heard when decisions have major impacts on your kids. This is not a request for advocacy, but is our attempt to inform everyone that decisions will be made beyond our local level that will have implications for our students. Some examples include:
· Future indoor masking mandates will be determined by CDPH and SCCPHD. We anticipate updated information on February 28, 2022.
· SB866 (Weiner) would allow students 12+ to receive COVID vaccines without parental permission.
· SB871 (Pan) Public Health: Immunizations
Policies related to COVID-19 have been and will be set at the state level, not at the county or local level. For anyone wishing to express their opinions regarding masking, potential vaccination / booster mandates, availability of antigen take-home tests, or other COVID related topics, we suggest contacting agencies and elected officials directly at:
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health:
California Department of Public Health:
The ALSD Board of Trustees has taken actions in respect to both mask mandates and vaccine mandates. Those Resolutions can be found at:
Resolution 7-21-21 DISTRICT STATEMENT TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNING MASK MANDATES:
Resolution 11-03-21 DISTRICT STATEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATES:
Like other school districts in San Bernardino County, ALSD has adhered to the guidance and legal mandates of health agencies since March 2020. It is important that voices are heard on all sides of future COVID variant management decisions. While our local Board of Trustees is always appreciative of hearing from our families, the major decisions ahead will be made by the people and agencies listed above. Our staff interacts with these agencies, and it is important they also hear directly from our families.
We continue to receive questions about the future of indoor masking as well as potential vaccination mandates. As of today, indoor masking is still required by the CDPH and our local SBCDPH.
As a reminder: 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.
This statement recognizes that “the state is continuing to work with education, public health, and community leaders to update masking requirements at schools to adapt to changing conditions and ensure the safety of kids, teachers, and staff.”
The California indoor masking requirement for public settings will expire after February 15. On that date, general masking guidance will revert to the previous guidance, which requires masking for unvaccinated individuals in all indoor public settings and requires masking for all individuals regardless of vaccination status in higher-risk settings like public transit and congregate living.
As of February 25, there have been no changes to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements for K-12 school settings. Mandatory public health directives for schools continue to require students and staff to wear face coverings while indoors.
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