TUSD Weekly Update
What'sup in TUSD
Dana Salles Trevethan, Superintendent
It’s crazy to think we’re in mid-September already with so much done and still so much to do for the 2020-21 school year. Many decades ago, this was my favorite month for several reasons—my first son was born, last holiday break until November, my tennis athletes were eager to start challenging each other as the opening season ladder was established, and my 9th and 10th grade English students had finally settled into accepting my classroom management expectations and passion for grammar and writing! As much as I wanted, I never labored them with sentence diagramming—one of my adolescent hobbies.
However, this September feels very different and unfamiliar for all of us. The truth is that our greatest work and collective efforts have never been more important than they are now—with plans to return students and staff to school safely in the near future. Although I wish we were planning a modified return for all 14,000 students, it’s currently not possible to return those in grades 7-12 based on current State guidelines.

The good news is that we finally have the opportunity to return to modified in-person TK-6 instruction within a blended-learning model for students and families ready to do so; we’ll continue to offer our independent hybrid model for those who may be reluctant to return to in-person instruction.  With concerted efforts to collect input from key stakeholders in TUSD and our community, our re-opening plan and TK-6 waiver strategically outline those priorities and actions required to return to safe schools and classrooms that uphold social-distancing guidelines, limit social mixing, enforce personal protective equipment, and ensure sanitization of restrooms and highly touched surfaces/objects. Testing staff and contract-tracing are also on this list, but until we are able to confirm county and state support, conversations continue.  It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child. I promise it’s now taking our entire Turlock city to support the needs of every student and family who count on us to provide equity and opportunity—academically, social-emotionally, and nutritionally. We’ve learned over the past 7 months that TUSD is truly a hub for children, adolescents, parents, and guardians in our community. This work cannot be accomplished without ALL of my TUSD colleagues—thank you.

Additional efforts are being made to re-connect students to routine, exercise, peers, and mentors until we can return without a waiver once our County remains in the new state red tier category for at least two weeks. At the same time we are creating a scaffolded re-opening plan for TK-6 students for late October, we are also in the midst of creating small learning cohorts for students with acute needs to return sometime soon as well as having athletic conditioning resume at the beginning of this week so that high school athletes and coaches can voluntarily begin preparing for delayed, modified athletic seasons. Needless to say this has not been easy on most, but we are doing everything we can to keep education moving forward until COVID-19 data allows us to do more for our students. Fingers crossed, prayers continue, and hopes high as we navigate the coming weeks with optimism and caution.
National Suicide Prevention Month

Student Support Clinicians
TUSD Farm Update
Hali Bream, Interim Farm Coordinator
Howdy from the TUSD Farm! We have a new Instagram site: TUSD_Farm. Please check it out and follow the farm to keep up on it's happenings!

It's been busy around the farm, with almond harvest happening last week, roses in bloom, and a farm kitten running amuck. Don't forget about the Google site... It has been updated with new videos about the aforementioned happenings, and also new links to various virtual field trips. Bookmark it! You will see updates on the site monthly.
The 'US' in TUSD
Aracele Villapudua, Turlock Adult School
How long have you worked in TUSD? I am starting my fourth year with the district.
What is your job title? I am a counselor with Turlock Adult School.
Where did you work prior to TUSD? Most recently, I worked at Central Catholic High School for nine years as a counselor, at Argus High School as well as Turlock and Ceres Adult School for one year as an instructor, and California State University Student Support Services Program for ten years as an academic advisor.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day? I love my job as I feel that all my past experiences have prepared me to work with this population. I am humbled by the sacrifices our students make to obtain their high school diploma (or equivalent) and/or to learn English. There is no such thing as an average day at Turlock Adult School because our population is so diverse and every day is different and rewarding.

Things you are most proud of? I am proud of my parents' sacrifices to ensure my sister and I had a better future, of being the first in my family and extended family to obtain a college degree, and the fact that my husband and I can provide more opportunities and time to our three boys, who are our pride and joy.

Challenges? There are always challenges in life and believe that these experiences are an opportunity for growth. I focus on trying to be the best I can be in every aspect of my life (i.e. as a counselor, mom, wife, friend etc.) especially while we all navigate uncharted waters with social distancing.

Favorite memory/story? I have many great memories in my career as an educator. However, my favorite memory always reminds me of how important educators are in a student's life. I was earning my multiple subject teaching credential and was a student teacher in a kindergarten classroom in this district. There was a student who was in danger of being held back because he had not made the connection between the alphabet and his name. I worked with him and suddenly it finally clicked! I saw the "light bulb,” the look in his eyes, and his overall excitement. This experience validated my desire to continue on my path to become an educator! I was hooked and still am!
What are you reading? I currently have a few books on hold and now that things are settling, I will resume my reading (La Casa de los Secretos by Maria de Lourdes Victoria and Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett).

Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV? I do not have much spare time to watch TV but when our schedules permit, we watch America's Got Talent and American Ninja Warrior.

Anything surprising we may not know about you? I almost died of an acute asthma attack as a kid. However, I am healthier now than ever and am an adrenaline junkie. I have sky dived, love running, and doing Spartan races with my husband.

Anything about your personal life you’d like to share? I am married to Mr. Villapudua, who is a counselor with the district and am a mother to three healthy boys who keep my husband and I busy. While the boys keep us pretty busy, I carve time to run, learn something new, and cook.
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Turlock High School
TUSD is proud to announce that Turlock High School’s Jackson Thomas has been selected as a Semifinalist in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. Jackson is among 16,000 Semifinalists chosen as part of the annual academic competition. The Semifinalists, who were selected based on scores on a PSAT qualifying test, will compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million, to be awarded in the spring. According to THS counselor, Ronna Oliveira, Jackson is one of the “best all around” young men I’ve worked with during my 17 year tenure at Turlock High School. He has a 4.5 GPA and is ranked number 12 in a class of 601 students. In addition to being a National Merit Scholar finalist, he earned the AP Scholar with Distinction award this year. Jackson is also a talented athlete, participating in varsity swimming and water polo. Jackson was a three year qualifier for sectionals in swim and earned 1st Team All-Conference honors for water polo. His leadership in and out of the pool earned him the honor of being named team captain for the past three years. Jackson is also involved in a number of clubs including Relay for Life, Young Life, Mock Trial, and is a Link Crew Leader. This fall Jackson will be applying to a number of universities but ultimately hopes to be at Westmont or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo next year. Jackson shared he is grateful for the recognition and “thanks God for blessing him with supportive parents who have helped me along the way.” 
Turlock High School Photography
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Useful Websites
Share Your Awesome!

Marie Russell
Chief Communication Coordinator
mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us
209.648.0968
@tusd_mrussell

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.