Superintendent's Friday Update
December 10, 2021
Hello Alta Loma School District,

It's finally beginning to feel like the seasons are changing! Temperatures have dropped, we've had some rain, and there is a bit of holiday magic in the air. The joy during Ms. Giron's TK Holiday Sing Along at Jasper Elementary School this morning was tremendous!
As we head full speed into the final week before Winter Break, our school sites are bustling with a combination of festivities and important learning. In addition to those updates below, we're also sharing some timely information coming from multiple departments here at the District Support Center:

Child Care During Winter Break
 
The Alta Loma School District offers a robust before and after school child care program. Did you know that this program continues during holiday periods? 

Over Thanksgiving break we served approximately seventy students, providing fun, educational and structured activities that were collaboratively designed by our Child Care Coordinators. Some of the things students report having enjoyed most were making "pumpkin slime," playing The Gratitude Game, and also an adventurous scavenger hunt.
The great news is that we are able to continue providing this opportunity to our families over the Winter Break as well from December 20-22 and December 27-30. Parents can choose to use this service for a minimal fee of $18 per day on regularly attended days and $35 per day for any additional days. The days will once again be filled with crafts, creative play, and fun time with friends. If you are interested in adding these days to your family’s holiday fun, simply log into your ELEYO account and sign up. Registration closes December 13th and space is filling fast. 
School Safety - A New TikTok Challenge

In September we shared that we would continue to communicate with families any upcoming challenges that surface on social media. Recently, a new TikTok challenge has been brought to our attention. This social media challenge is spreading quickly and impacting the safety of students in the hallways. The challenge is called the “NO BUDGE” challenge. To participate in this challenge students ask a friend to record them as they walk through a crowded hallway in the opposite direction of others. The student then walks in a straight line with the intent to purposely bump into others. This is obviously a safety concern, and there is potential to invoke anger from others who are bumped into.

We appreciate the open dialogue that you have with your student regarding the appropriate use of social media and behavior while at school. With one week left we encourage your student to finish the year strong. 
Statement Regarding the Appointment of Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Chris Deegan:

In information below related to upcoming Board Meeting items, you'll note that on December 15, we will be acknowledging the impending retirement and honoring the tremendous contributions of our Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Lori Thompson.

It's important to share with you the next steps in this transition. So with pleasure, I share that after an extensive search and an extremely thorough hiring process, we have found our incoming Associate Superintendent of Educational Services right here in Alta Loma!
 
At the December 8, 2021 Special Board Meeting, Trustees took action to appoint Mr. Chris Deegan as Associate Superintendent of Educational Services effective January 1, 2022. This appointment is pending formal approval of Mr. Deegan’s contract on December 15, 2021 at the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. 
 
With recognition of many professional accomplishments, including his data-driven decision making and collaborative leadership style, Mr. Deegan was welcomed into the Alta Loma School District as Principal of Carnelian Elementary in 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Deegan spent ten years as an administrator in the Covina-Valley Unified School District, where he also began his teaching career, serving Grades 4-6 at elementary and middle school sites.
 
Mr. Deegan is an exemplary leader who successfully led Carnelian Elementary through the pandemic times. Remaining focused on a nurturing climate and culture, positive connections and first best instructional practices, he earned the trust and respect of his staff, administrative peers and community. Mr. Deegan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from Oregon State University (1997) and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Cal Poly Pomona (2007). He has continued to build his knowledge and expertise in teaching and learning, engaging in the Association of California School Administrators’ (ACSA) Curriculum and Instructional Leaders Academy, Leading-Edge Administrators Academy, and the Principal's Academy. 
 
As Mr. Deegan himself has stated, "The Alta Loma School District has a reputation for not only putting the right people on the right bus, but putting the right people in the right seat on the right bus." With Chris Deegan in the driver’s seat of Educational Services, I am confident that ALSD will continue to rise above as a leader of school districts throughout the state. 
 
We look forward to welcoming Mr. Chris Deegan to his new role. As he works closely with our esteemed retiring Associate Superintendent Lori Thompson, we anticipate a smooth transition of ongoing work into his very capable hands. A rigorous recruiting process for the Carnelian Elementary Principal position will begin immediately. Mr. Chris Deegan will continue to support Carnelian students, staff and parents as we prepare for the next incredible educator who will have the good fortune of leading our Cardinal Community in the new year. This will include input or "Needs Assessment" sessions to be conducted by our Assistant Superintendent Donna Carlson and our Human Resources staff. Carnelian students, staff and community should look for information on that soon.
If you are looking for something fun to do tomorrow morning, Rancho Cucamonga Police Department is hosting "Coffee with a Cop" at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf located in Victoria Gardens, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate and get to know the men and women of The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead,

Karen Hendricks
Superintendent

Board of Trustees Meeting
  • Wednesday, December 15 - This Board of Trustees Regular Meeting will begin at 5PM for a Board Information/Discussion Session to review the Board's experience at the CSBA Annual Education Conference. Open Session will begin at the regular time of 6PM. The Board of Trustees return to Closed Session at the conclusion of the Open Session Meeting as is usual for the agenda.
The meeting will be held at the District Support Center (DSC), located at 9390 Base Line Road, Alta Loma. The Agenda and materials can be found at: https://ca02000904.schoolwires.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=60&dataid=12472&FileName=Brd%20MtgAg%2012-15-21.pdf

For your convenience, below is a list of some of the Regular Open Session Agenda Items
  • Annual Organizational Meeting of Board Officers
  • Presentations on important topics, including:
  • Recognition of Caryn Payzant for outstanding service as Board of Trustees President 2021
  • AALRR - Legal Counsel Mark Thompson provides information related to Trustee Areas: 2020 Census and Redistricting, as well as current COVID-19 guidance and updates
  • Trustee Reports
  • Staff Reports, including Child Care Winter Break Schedule
  • General Functions (of the Board of Trustees)
  • Resolution 11-03-21 District Statement Concerning COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: This Resolution was brought for consideration by the Board of Trustees on November 3, 2021. At that meeting, it was decided that the Resolution would be brought back to the next Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 15, 2021. This provided additional time for community members to review the Resolution, for Trustees to gather additional information during this fluid time, and for the Superintendent to receive feedback. The Resolution, if passed, will be sent to the Governor and the State Assembly and Senate representatives for the District.  
  • Curriculum and Instruction:
  • Educator Effectiveness Block Grant
  • Business and Financial Procedures:
  • 2020-2021 First Interim Financial Report
The District’s First Interim Report is to report actual activity in the current fiscal year for the period of July 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021, 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 certifications are classified as positive, qualified and negative. A positive certification means the District is able to meet its financial obligations in the current and two subsequent fiscal years. A qualified certification is when a district is able to meet its financial obligations in the current fiscal year, but unable to meet obligations in the two subsequent fiscal years. A negative certification means a district is unable to meet the financial obligations in the current year and subsequent fiscal years. 

The Alta Loma School District will be presenting its First Interim Report to the Board of Trustees with a Positive certification, meaning the District is able to meet its financial obligation in the current year and two subsequent fiscal years. The First Interim Report will be presented at the December 15 Board of Trustees meeting. 
  • Human Resources:
  • Contract for new Associate Superintendent of Educational Services
  • Trustees will accept the Request for Retirement from Mrs. Loren (Lori) Thompson, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, and honor her tremendous contributions to ALSD

The Board of Trustees welcomes comments from visitors, employees, employee groups, parent organizations and students. Prior to addressing the Board, please complete the comment form located at the west entrance and give it to the Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant. The Board has set aside 45 minutes for the Public Comment section allowing a maximum of five minutes per individual. The public comment period is the opportunity for the public to address the Board on (1) items on the public session agenda; (2) items on the closed session agenda; and (3) other topics within the jurisdiction of the Board. In accordance with the Brown Act, the Board will limit any responses to public comment to brief statements, referral to staff or referral to a future Board agenda.

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.

  • Wednesday, December 15 - Board of Trustees Meeting, 5:00 pm Board Information/Discussion Session, 6:00 pm Regular Meeting at the District Office
  • Friday, December 17 - Modified Day for Grades 1-8
  • Monday, December 20 - Friday, December 31 - Christmas Holidays/Winter Recess
  • Thursday, December 23 - Friday, December 24 - District Office Closed
  • Friday, December 31 - District Office Closed
  • Monday, January 3 - Students Return
Great Things Happening At Our Schools
From Principal Chris Deegan:
We could not have been more pleased to celebrate learning, achievement, and strong character traits at this month’s Flag Assembly. This was the first Flag Assembly that we were able to hold in person in 20 months! These events create special childhood memories for our outstanding students, and we are grateful to be able to have family and friends on campus to help us celebrate. It was an honor to have Mr. Spezialy back on campus to lead us all in “Be Safe! Be Kind! Be Proud!” and to have our PTA recognize students for their work in the PTA Reflections Art Contest. We are super proud of all of our College Bound Cardinals!  
From Principal Andrew Carter:
In our GATE program here at Deer Canyon, we have an amazing program. Thanks to Mrs. Reyes, who consistently comes up with engaging ways to push student’s thinking and creativity, our program extends and enriches student learning. Recently, the students in our GATE program created The Living Wax Museum of Innovators. Students that participated were asked to research an innovator, create a display poster and dress up in a replica outfit. Many of our classes visited the The Living Wax Museum of Innovators and if they pressed the button on a wall next to the inventor, the person came alive and told a story about their lives and innovations. It was more than engaging, it was creative, fun, and extremely educational. Our students did an incredible job and the museum was sold out that day! 
From Principal Curtis Quanstrom:
Mrs. Dischiavi, the chorus teacher, has been providing virtual instructional videos since the beginning of the year for the students at Jasper Elementary. Mrs. Guerrero, Mrs. Weischedel, and Mrs. Maloney’s second graders have been working hard to prepare for a virtual holiday performance. These students love to sing. It is only fitting that they are learning Let Love Light the Way to spread cheer for the holiday season. 
From Principal Val Bires:
Hermosa’s amazing fourth graders brought their California Mission projects to school this week to share with their peers in class. Not only did they have a choice on how to display their mission, they researched and wrote an essay on their selected mission. Some students selected creating a Powerpoint, designing artwork or building a replica. We are proud of their hard work, creativity and efforts! Way to go to our fourth grade Huskies! 
From Principal Guadalupe Berzunza:
Stork Superstars are fortunate to have the support of our Child Care program. They have been working with our students on Holiday crafts and decorating our classrooms. We are grateful for the partnership and for the support they give us. As we prepare for the holidays, our Kindergarten team is teaching our students about traditions and celebrations of Christmas around the world. Our students learned about Diwali which is celebrated in India and how they welcome their guests with a colorful Rangoli. Stork Superstars want to wish each and everyone of you a safe and Happy Holiday Season.
From Principal Kristy Johnson:
We held our 1st Trimester Awards assemblies to honor our Grizzlies for their achievements during the first trimester of school. The ceremonies took place in our lunch shelter and we were fortunate to have so many families and friends join us for this big celebration! We are so thankful for the support of our VGS community.   
From Principal Michele Rachielles:
ALJH Recognized Honor Roll students and PTSA celebrated Straight A students. We are so proud of our high academic achievers! They CRUSHED it! 
Soccer season has started! Our teams are doing great out on the fields. All four teams are making great plays while working together to dominate. 
From Principal Sandy Rose:
Aristotle once said, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” We were so proud to recognize our outstanding Vikings who exemplified excellence at our Trimester 1 Awards Ceremony. Students were recognized for Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0 grade point average or higher) and for a Purple Reign Award based on overall performance, participation, and effort in PE. We are incredibly proud of our Vikings!
From Principal Dolly Bentley:
This month, Alta Loma Elementary had the great honor of celebrating the amazing achievements of our 4th and 5th grade students at the Honor Roll Assemblies. It was wonderful acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and the incredible efforts our students are making to achieve good grades and find success! We are also thankful for all of the parents and families who joined us on that day. It is truly your partnership that is contributing to the success of our students!  
From Principal Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins:
What a great turnout Banyan had with parents and community to celebrate the achievements of 4th through 6th grade Bulldog students for the first Trimester! We honored 151 students! Parents were elated to be able to observe their children being recognized for their academic integrity and citizenship. Banyan had a full house filled with joy and ended with a celebratory round of applause. Congratulations to all of our award recipients! Go Bulldogs!! You Rock!!
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.

As of the date of this communication, the Governor, the Legislature, and the CDPH have not adopted any order or statute that would implement a vaccine mandate for students in K-12 schools. At this time, we do not know if, or how, a vaccine mandate consistent with the Governor’s October 1 press conference will be implemented. 

Policies related to this matter would be set at the state level, not at the county or local level. If you'd 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/.

For updated COVID-19 information, please visit our COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES tab on our website under the ABOUT tab.