Superintendent's Friday Update
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Hello Alta Loma School District,
We've been putting a spotlight on safety during the month of October, and I've asked our Information Technology TOSA, Margaux Cruz, to share some important guidance as National Digital Citizenship Week comes to a close. Our Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) provide an invaluable service to ALSD staff and students. In addition to Ms. Cruz, Tamara Youngstrom leads important efforts here in her role as English Language Arts TOSA. We are fortunate to have this strong layer of teacher expertise at a districtwide level.
And since this specific piece is technology related, I'd also like to acknowledge our Information Technology Department for their diligence and their relentlessly positive commitment to service. The stated mission of this team is to "support the integration of technology safely into the classroom, enhancing teaching and learning, and to better prepare Alta Loma students for the future." This stellar group of professionals includes Director of Information Technology Rick Brindle, Network Specialist Ho Lee, and Computer Technicians Steven Rachford and Felicia Pounds.
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Now, from Margaux Cruz!
"The week of October 18-22, 2021 has been National Digital Citizenship Week. Children are growing up with the power of digital media and technology to explore, connect, create, and learn in new ways. With this power, young people have great opportunities, but they also face challenges and dilemmas. Schools are dealing with the ramifications, including issues such as online safety, cyberbullying, privacy, hate speech, misinformation, and digital distraction. To address these issues, schools are creating a positive culture around media and technology by incorporating digital citizenship education as part of their curricula (Common Sense Education).
- Media Balance & Well Being: We find balance in our digital lives.
- Privacy & Security: We care about everyone’s privacy.
- Digital Footprint & Identity: We define who we are.
- Relationships & Communication: We know the power of words & actions.
- Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech: We are kind & generous.
- News & Media Literacy: We are critical thinkers & creators.
An example of a Kindergarten topic covering Media Balance & Well Being is called “Pause for People,” and it talks to students about saying goodbye to technology when they don’t want to log off. Whereas the 8th grade lesson focuses on “Digital Media and Your Brain” and talks about what you can do to keep from getting hooked on digital media.
to keep the conversation going about what it means to be a responsible digital citizen."
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From the COVID-19 Safety and Information Team:
ALSD continues to receive and deeply respect diverse input related to vaccines, which are not currently mandated. At this time, there is not an Executive Order, Public Health Order or legislative action to put a mandate into effect.
Policies related to this matter would be set at the state level, not at the county or local level. If you'd also 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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Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!
With my appreciation and best regards,
Karen Hendricks
Superintendent
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Friday, October 22 - Middle School Band Night at Alta Loma High School Football Game, 6:00 pm
- Saturday, October 23 - GATE Chess Tournament, 9:00 am; Vineyard Junior High
- Monday, October 25 - Friday, October 29 - Red Ribbon Week
- Tuesday, October 26 - Football & Volleyball Games, 3:00 pm
Football - ALJH vs. VJH @ Alta Loma Junior High
Volleyball - ALJH vs. VJH @ Vineyard Junior High
- Friday, October 29 - End of Trimester 1
- Wednesday, November 6 - Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00 pm; District Support Center
- Wednesday, November 10 - Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Meeting, 6:00 pm; Vineyard Junior High
- Thursday, November 11 - Veteran's Day Holiday; No School
- Friday, November 12 - Admissions Day Holiday; No School
- Monday, November 15 - Thursday, November 18 - Elementary School Parent/Teacher Conferences (Modified Days)
- Friday, November 19 - Modified Day for all
- Monday, November 22 - Friday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Holidays; No School
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Great Things Happening At Our Schools |
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From Principal Guadalupe Berzunza:
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Stork is fortunate to have Ms. Kaitlyn Trotter as our TAP. She is dynamic and innovative. She is always looking for ways to ensure that our students are being recognized for “Being Responsible, Respectful and Resourceful.” She has launched our Caught Being Good Campaign. Last week we began to give out “Caught Being Good” tickets to our students who are illustrating respectful, responsible, or resourceful behavior. Teachers, proctors, and countless support staff were quick to give out tickets to our Superstars who were demonstrating positive conduct. Students turned their tickets into our “Caught Being Good” box and at the end of the week we held a raffle to choose our winners. There were countless prizes for our students to select and it was incredible to see the excitement on all our students' faces as they waited to see if their ticket was chosen. We are thrilled that students continue to display amazing behavior and we love seeing them eager to make good choices. Go Superstars!
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From Principal Kristy Johnson:
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PBIS is an integral piece of our school culture and climate. It allows students to have a clear understanding of schoolwide expectations and helps support their academic and social growth. Students all have the opportunity to earn Grizzly Bucks for demonstrating our three PBIS traits- Being Respectful, Being Responsible and Being Safe. Once a month, our students get to spend their Grizzly Bucks at the Grizzly store. Our students loved visiting the store this month to pick out some fun rewards. We are so thankful for our PTA’s support with funding our store. |
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From Principal Michele Rachielles:
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8th grade science classes demonstrated their understanding of motion by making their very own marble/pool noodle/pipe insulation roller coasters!
Students have to work collaboratively to create a design which would carry their marble through a loop, curve, and hill. This experience is an awesome way for students to show off their knowledge and understanding of kinetic and potential energy as they relate to Newton’s Laws, velocity, and more! Thanks to our awesome 8th grade science team, Mrs. Lening, Ms. Melchor, and Mr. Burke for making science come to life!
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From Principal Sandy Rose:
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In Mrs. LeMaster’s math classes, students participate in hands-on STEM activities twice a month. During these STEM activities, students take part in challenging activities that promote critical thinking, perseverance, and teambuilding. Their latest challenge was to figure out how to make a square with various amounts of sticks. Originally, each team of four students was given three sticks per student. They were asked to use all 12 sticks to make one square. Then they had to make two squares, then three squares, all the way up to 12 squares. Students were tasked with diagraming their findings as they worked together to create the square. Thank you, Mrs. LeMaster, for providing our students with hands-on ways to engage students and challenge their thinking! |
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From Principal Dolly Bentley:
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This month, our Kindergarten students participated in their annual ABC Fashion Show. Our Kindergarteners decorated their special vests to represent each letter of the alphabet. It was a joy to watch and cheer them on as they walked our hallways and classrooms proudly adorned with their letter vests! Thank you to our amazing kindergarten team for making learning fun for our students at ALE! |
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From Principal Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins:
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Thanks to our wonderful PTA, this week Banyan students learned to express themselves through creative art in a schoolwide virtual setting. Students learned the meaning of artistic expression and emotional regulation through this step-by-step guided activity. Our students raved about their ability to be creative and have fun! Thank you to our PTA who came together and worked tirelessly to provide this extraordinary activity a tangible reality for our students. |
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From Principal Chris Deegan:
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Carnelian 6th graders are setting priorities, making a plan and looking toward their futures.
We ponder the common question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We discuss different career options aligned to passions and interests. At this point, students backward map the pathway they may take in order to pursue these interests. They research “dream colleges,” or schools that they may attend, and put this plan down on paper in an essay addressing future goals, what their dream college is, and how they will help to make the world a better place. I am grateful for the dedication of Mrs. Harstine in helping our students learn and achieve at their highest levels! Keep up the great work!
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From Principal Andrew Carter:
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On Thursday we participated in the Great California ShakeOut. Deer Canyon Eagles joined millions of Californians in practicing a full evacuation earthquake drill. Safety is a priority for us here at Deer Canyon, so planning, practicing, and implementing our plan is crucial. Our teachers, staff, and students all did an incredible job! I was so proud of their focus and organization.
Our students were so well-behaved while teams ran search and rescue drills finding staged students and staff members. A special thanks goes out to our emergency team coordinators Mrs. Kerr, Mrs. Fortugno, and Mrs. Rice. Our Eagles definitely SOAR’d during the Great ShakeOut!
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From Principal Val Bires:
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Who is that on the school roof? Because the Husky students met their Fall Fundraiser goal, Principal Bires and Assistant Principal Bowyer spent the day on the roof! |
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Way to go to our Hermosa Spirit Team who is led by 4th grade teacher, Allison Goebel. Thank you Ms. Goebel for organizing, leading and guiding our spirit team, Hermosa has a tremendous amount of school spirit & pride and our spirit team knows how to lead the Husky pack! We are so thankful for our Hermosa Spirit Team! |
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From Principal Curtis Quanstrom:
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The 50th day of school has come and gone, and to mark the occasion, Jasper Elementary celebrated 50’s Day. 50’s Day has been a tradition in first grade, but the fun of dressing up has gone schoolwide with the support of Student Council. Some of the fun-filled activities the students enjoyed are counting, jump rope, hula hoop, bubble gum, graphing, mini sock hop, balloon games, root beer floats, popcorn, and crafts. It’s pretty hard to fit an amazing decade into a day, but our Champions did a pretty good job. |
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