Superintendent's Friday Update

March 5 , 2021

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"Dear Superintendent,

Welcome to Alta Loma School District!

You will love it here, the teachers and kids are so fun.

Want to hear a joke, OK. How do you get straight A's? You use a ruler haha..."

Deer Canyon 5th Grader

Hello to our Alta Loma School District Community,

I receive fabulous communications from students- they completely make my day. Most recently some letters from Deer Canyon Elementary arrived, one of which is excerpted above. Thoughtful questions, suggestions, and tips on local dining and other recommendations for acclimating to my new hometown come my way. Specific to the quote we began with, who doesn't appreciate a warm welcome AND a great joke all in one?

Additional student input is woven in below, (as are some quotes that continue to inspire Deer Canyon Principal Donna Carlson in her leadership journey).

It also leads me to think about how we assess and measure our work. What do "straight A's" look like in a dynamic system, which a school district certainly is? As we strive for continuous improvement, I'll try to highlight for you some of the functional and aspirational aspects of our work. During our regular Board of Trustees meeting this week, staff provided updates on key components of our shared commitment to the best student experience that we can provide for each learner. We recap some of that information here, touching on teaching and learning as well as on the District budget (which is really a financial picture of what we can do for kids).

On another note, thank you for your patience and feedback as this weekly update takes shape and lifts off. We experienced a couple of technical challenges last Friday as we prepared to send out the February 26 Update. The team here has refined our current distribution list in the hopes that this will reach all members of our community who have provided us with an email address for contact - and only once! The Friday Update will also be posted on our website at https://www.alsd.k12.ca.us

Back to the fun...

Question: Why was the math book so sad?

Answer: (of course) Because it had so many problems!

Wishing you a nice weekend ahead,

Karen Hendricks

Superintendent

Important Topics

Funding A+ Schools

"Welcome to Alta Loma School District! I am a student at Deer Canyon in 5th Grade. Everybody in Alta Loma School District is nice and welcoming. Our whole school is getting remodeled to look like a modern school. I know they will have yoga ball seats!...

Second Interim Financial Report: A Brief Budget Update

From Associate Superintendent Steve Thomas, Administrative Services

The Second Interim Financial Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on March 3. This report is one of five public financial documents presented to the Board each year. The budget cycle begins in June with approval of the District's budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. In December, staff presents the First Interim Report, which shows the District's financial activity from July 1 through October 31. A Second Interim Report is presented in March which reflects activity through January 31 and incorporates the Governor's proposed budget ideas for the subsequent fiscal year that begins July 1. Additionally, in August staff presents the Unaudited Actuals Financial Report, which shows all activity from the past year (July 1-June 30). Finally, the District receives an Audit Report in January which validates the past year's activity.

We are pleased that the District is in excellent financial condition, which allows us to support the instructional program for our students. If you wish to view our latest report for additional detail, please visit our website at https://www.alsd.k12.ca.us/.

Preparing Now for Learning in the Fall

"Never stop learning because life never stops teaching...Always strive for progress not perfection...Start where you are, use what you have and always give your best...Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try

and, of course... Be the change that makes a difference

in the life of child."

Deer Canyon Principal Donna Carlson

Fall Instructional Options for 2021-2022 School Year From Associate Superintendent Lori Thompson, Educational Services

The results of our recent parent poll indicated that 16% of our students will likely commit to Distance Learning for the 2021-2022 school year. We are pleased to share that we are opening the Alta Loma Virtual Academy (ALVA) for students in grades 1-8. Students enrolled in ALVA will follow the same curriculum standards, utilize the same instructional materials and participate in the same academic assessments as their peers who attend school traditionally. This Distance Learning program will be similar to the remote instruction students received this school year, taught by credentialed Alta Loma teachers. The opportunity to select this fall option for your student will begin very soon.

Opening Up Possibilities

"...I am a 5th grade student with Ms. Alford at the best school in the district, Deer Canyon Elementary, I feel like we should go back to school because it is more fun to be at school, I can focus more on my classes and school work in school with my teacher, and lastly I am able to see and play with my friends during recess and lunch break..."

Update on Returning to In-Person Learning

Above you will see a graphic update on the Aspirational Timeline to return students to In-Person Learning for the remainder of the current school year for those families that have selected this option.

We have now added in a placeholder for the potential return of Grade 7 and 8 students based on guidance provided since our Reopening Plan was presented to our Board of Trustees on February 17.

As of March 2, San Bernardino County remains in the purple tier, which is the highest risk designation. We are hoping for and anticipating a continued downward trend in COVID cases, and we have incorporated the provision of two-weeks’ notice for staff, parents and students. It is possible we will be able to return our junior high students for Hybrid Instruction as early as the first or second week of April. A tentative date will be provided as soon as we can do so. Junior high teams are at work on what that will look like.

As background information: each county in California is assigned to a color-coded tier that establishes risk-level based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents, the number of COVID-19 tests given per day that are found to be positive, and a health equity factor monitoring that positive cases in the county’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods do not significantly differ from the overall county rate.

Meanwhile, we are on track with our initial timeline and steps begin to change from “aspirational” to achieved. On Monday, we welcomed 94 students back to In-Person Learning in our SDC classes, and as of today we have 99 students in our Child Care programs on elementary campuses. We are now excitedly identifying finishing touches in advance of the arrival of Preppy K and Kindergarten students on Monday, March 15. All elementary school staff members will be back on campus as of Monday, March 8.

The logistics are many, and we acknowledge that a transition in learning model creates complexities for everyone involved. In the spirit of transparency, we are identifying and sharing some of those complexities or “Aha’s.” Identified goals of keeping students with their current teachers to the extent possible, addressing the needs of our youngest learners, and adhering to safety guidelines have resulted in the creation of a variety of schedules for our families to follow. Our teachers are being asked to pivot and to add more to their plates after months of heavy lifting. Classified staff and administrators continue to “roll up their sleeves” and keep pushing towards the possibilities. The In-Person Learning model does not look like the option that some would wish for. The respectful discourse around that is also greatly appreciated.

This piece concludes with a sincere thank you to our community. Thank you for your flexibility, your patience, and your partnership as we work though this moment in time together keeping students at the center of our efforts.

Upcoming District Events

Monday, March 8 - Elementary Staff Returns
Sunday, March 14 - Daylight Savings Time Begins
Monday, March 15 - Preppy K & Kindergarten students return
Friday, March 19 - Modified Day (check your school for times)
Monday, March 22 - Friday, March 26 - Spring Recess

Some Great Things Happening At Our Schools

Department of Child Care and Development Services

On Monday, March 1, we welcomed families back to our Child Care program on every elementary school campus in the District. There are currently 99 students enrolled in the program, with 26 more who will begin when In-Person Learning starts, bringing the total to 125. There are currently 26 spots at each site - 13 for students enrolled in PK-2, and 13 for students enrolled in 3-6. This is done to accommodate school schedules when they begin.

Students were excited to be back on campus and engaged in Distance Learning with their peers. Staff took the past couple of weeks to prepare rooms and attended training sessions that assisted them in planning activities for each of their groups. Programs are open each day from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Alta Loma Elementary School

ALE will have its Trimester 2 Honor Awards assemblies next week.

Teachers continue to use the Read Across America video links through next week with readers from across the U.S.

The Super Spirit Assembly this Friday honored our PBIS students, Chieftain Champion students, Read Across America Bookmark Making Contest Winners and Water District poster entries.

Banyan Elementary School

Banyan welcomed back four classes this week. Students and teachers were excited to be back and enjoy the in-person learning opportunity.

Banyan Elementary just finished its first-ever virtual STEM Fair. Grades K-6 created 24 projects with 37 students participating. Projects were created and presented using various platforms. Project presentations will be on the Banyan website beginning March 5. Special thanks to Dr. Rodriguez, TAP, Rebecca Kenyon and Susan Andazola for coordinating this event. https://sites.google.com/alsd.org/banyan-stem/home

In honor of Read Across America, Ms. Stammen (3rd grade teacher) created a Mystery Reader Site where students can click on a book and listen to it being read by a staff member. Clues to guess who the reader is, are available to students. The link to the site is shared via students Google Classroom.

Carnelian Elementary School

Carnelian's AR Reading Goal this year is 100,000,000 words. As of March 1, Carnelian students have read 60,030,009 words. Great job Cardinals, Keep Reading!

March 5, PTA Read-a-Thon began and will run until Wednesday, March 31. Pledges are due April 1.

Carnelian will host its Dine-out Night, Thursday, March 11, from 4-8 p.m. at the Panera Bread on Haven and Foothill. Go support the Cardinals!

Forty-three 1st-6th grade Cardinals were presented awards this morning for good behavior during Carnelian's monthly Flag Assembly. Carnelian's Writers of the Month were also acknowledged. Be sure to check in with your children about this assembly!

Way to go, Cardinals! Keep working hard!

Deer Canyon Elementary School

The Deer Canyon PTA will host its virtual Scholastic Book Fair “Paws for Books.”

DC media clerk and first grade teacher Ms. Won have organized daily activities for Read Across America:

Mon - PJ day - cozy up with a book

Tues - Hat day - Dr Seuss’ Birthday

Wed - Wear what you want to be when you grow up - Read to succeed

Thurs - Face masks & Superhero day - can’t mask my love for reading

Fri - Animal print day - celebrate non-fiction books

On Friday, students who turn in a reading log will receive a reading buddy (small beanie baby animal) via drive through opportunity

Hermosa Elementary School

Hermosa will have its second trimester awards drive-thru event next week on Monday, March 8, from 1:45-2 p.m. for all its hard working Husky students. It will have Sight Word Masters, Math Facts Superstars, AR Rock Stars, Honor Roll and Principal Honor Roll awards. We look forward to honoring them!

Hermosa will honor some wonderful individuals who have made a difference in our school and community with a drive-thru PTA Honorary Service Awards event. We will honor Jamie Bonaldo, Hailey Protacio, Jay Protacio, Lynette Wilson and Isabel Santos. This event will take place Friday, March 12, from 2:45-3:30 p.m.

Jasper Elementary School

Jasper is very excited to celebrate the return of its Child Care and SDC students. It is great to see all of those happy faces!

The Jasper team is also working hard to prepare for the anticipated return of grades K through 6.

Floyd M. Stork Elementary School

At Stork's Superstar Assembly this morning, 315 students that moved up to new levels for their cumulative points in AR for this year were recognized.

Mr. Suttner and staff were very excited to welcome back 14 students to childcare on Monday, March 1, and they are looking forward to the return of 56 kindergarteners on March 15th.

Victoria Groves Elementary School

Victoria Groves PTA will use the money raised in its Boosterthon Fundraiser to purchase Chromebooks and other electronics for the VG classrooms.

Don't forget every VG student is invited to drive by Victoria Groves on Monday, March 15, from 1:45-3:15 p.m. to silly string Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Perry.

Alta Loma Junior High School

Save the Date! Dine-out Night, Chipotle in the Upland Colonies, Tuesday, March 16, 4-9 p.m.

Alta Loma Loma Junior High held its Warrior of the Trimester Donut Drive Thru this morning. Keep up the good grade Warriors. Hard work pays off!

Vineyard Junior High School

Under the direction of Jenna Vandegrift, Vineyard's Theater Club put on a virtual production, of "Rumplestiltskin, Private Eye." It has been meeting twice a week over the past trimester to rehearse. Through a school assembly, all students were able to view the talented students performing. The link is attached for your enjoyment. Rumpelstiltskin, Private Eye, VJH Theatre 2021

Vineyard students have enjoyed participating in a variety of virtual clubs, including Newspaper Club with Mrs. Sabatelli, Theater Club with Mrs. Vandegrift, Art Club with Mrs. LeBeck, Cubing Club with Mr. Bovi and Mrs. LeMaster, and our Baking Club with Mrs. Cohrt.

Vineyard will have its 4.0/Purple Reign Breakfast Drive Thru on Tuesday, March 9, and Wednesday, March 10, from 7:30-8:15 a.m. Tuesday is for 7th Grade students and Wednesday is for 8th Grade students. Great job Vikings! We are proud of you all!