February 3, 2023

From the Desk of Dr. Smith

Testing Season is Upon Us

What Can Parents Do to Support Students?

Alta Loma School District students are preparing to take the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (CAASPP) as a part of this year's standardized testing. In an effort to guide parents to assist in preparation of the state assessment, here is a link to the Parent’s Guide to Understanding the The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments:

Parents Guide for Language Arts and Math

Students in grades 3 - 8 will begin taking the state assessments in April in both language arts and mathematics. In addition, students in grades 5 and 8 will take the California Science Test, CAST. Here is a link to the Parent Guide to Understanding the California Science Test in grades 5 and 8:

Parents Guide for Science

Did you know that students can take practice tests at home to prepare and understand the type of questions they will be given? If you currently have a student enrolled in these testing grades, you may want to walk through the practice test with them. This practice can help your student understand testing format and features, and is a great opportunity for them to know and practice what type of questions they will be asked. This is also a great opportunity for you as a parent to discuss their thinking. 

The tests are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress System, or better known as CAASPP, and are one piece of information that helps teachers, parents, and the student understand how well the student is meeting their grade level’s expectations.

To see a practice test, visit the California Department of Education’s (CDE’s) Smarter Balanced Practice Tests Web page:

Smarter Balanced Practice Test

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the culture, history, achievements and contributions of African Americans. The origins of Black History Month began in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was dedicated to promoting achievements by Black Americans and people of African descent. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  

As culturally proficient educators, we continually strive to incorporate the histories, cultures, and contributions of all cultures throughout the year, not only limited to one month. Black History is American history and should be taught year round; however, February is a month that is set apart to increase our opportunities to learn about African Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our society. Below is an additional resource that you may find helpful.  

Smithsonian: National Museum of African American History and Culture

It is my desire to continue to share resources and updates throughout the year to support our efforts in building cultural proficiency and to better understand, value and appreciate the assets of the various cultures represented in our community! 

Upcoming District Events

• Wednesday, February 8 - Board of Trustees Governance Workshop, 5:30 pm, District Support Center
• Monday February 13 - Lincoln's Birthday (No School)
• Wednesday, February 15 - Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00 pm, District Support Center
• Thursday, February 16 - Superintendent's Community Cabinet, 6:00 pm, District Support Center
• Friday, February 17- End of Trimester II
• Monday, February 20 - Presidents Holiday (No School)
• Tuesday, February 28 - Elementary Parent Conferences (Grades 1-6 Modified Day)

Last week we welcomed School Board Trustees Mr. Chung and Ms. Martinez to Alta Loma Junior High, along with myself and Superintendent Smith. Our team walked the site, talking to students and staff. Trustees were able to see the great work happening within our halls and classrooms. As a site, we are incredibly proud of the work and dedication displayed by our staff and students. The sense of Warrior PRIDE is strong. As one of the premier junior highs in the state, we appreciate the support from our School Board and the work they do to ensure we can continue functioning at the highest level. Together we are better as a commUNITY. #WarriorPRIDE

Alta Loma Elementary School

From Principal Josh Jauss:

It was very apparent this week that we are back to doing what the staff and students of Alta Loma Elementary do best...learning and having fun.

It was great to see our student council working side-by-side with our PTA and staff volunteers as they ran our PBIS student store. Though the lines were long, with the extra help, students were able to quickly trade their PBIS tickets for an array of fun items.

With our STEM fair around the corner, students have really been getting into the spirit of things. On the other side of the school, our fifth graders could be seen exploring and comparing the characteristics and complexity of different materials. One might say you could smell the science in the room. All and all, it was great to see so much fun happening in the classrooms this week. Thank you all for your support and hard work.

At Carnelian Elementary, we LOVE celebrating student success! We not only want our Cardinal students to be good scholars and learners, but we want them to be good people!

We recognize students who are doing random acts of kindness or going above and beyond to help others by giving them a Cardinal Red Card. Each month, students can shop at the Carnelian Red Card store and one of the options they can earn is popcorn and a movie with the principal! 

Our PTA also provides a monthly Gold Star Lunch, which includes pizza, chips and a drink for students who have shown success in different academic areas. One student from each class is selected for Gold Star Lunch, and PTA Member Mrs. Ochoa serves them pizza with a smile! Finally, on Wednesdays, our very own Mrs. Carrera opens up a student store during lunch so that students have an opportunity to practice their economical and financial learning by purchasing small items. Wednesdays and every day is a great day to be at Carnelian! Our Carnelian community wants to remind everyone to “Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Proud and Have a Great Cardinal Day!

Jasper Elementary is participating in the Kids Heart Challenge and the students are very excited about supporting this heart warming cause. 

Our Kids Heart Challenge program kicked off on January 30th! We are proud to support the American Heart Association and Be the Torch in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Students will learn how to keep their hearts happy and healthy through physical and mental wellbeing, while helping others with special hearts by raising life saving donations. Our goal is to have 100% of our school families join the team and learn Hands Only CPR through Finn’s Mission.

Floyd M. Stork Elementary School

From Principal Val Bires:

Rain or shine, our volunteer Watch Dogs help our school with morning arrival EVERY morning! Guiding cars into the main driveway, opening car doors, and keeping our drop off moving swiftly and safely, are just a few of their objectives. We are so blessed to have their help and support. Thank you to our faithful and dedicated Watch Dogs! 

Our fabulous second grade Superstars and Student Senate reps presented at the Board Meeting this week. We are so proud of our Student Senate leaders for speaking in front of the Board. Our stellar second graders sang their hearts out as they showcased our new Stork spirit song! Way to go, Superstars!