BUSD Community Connections |
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Our monthly newsletter is a great way to learn about the latest news at Berryessa Union School District. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates and visit our website for calendar and meeting information.
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Message from the Superintendent |
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Dear Berryessa Community,
As you are aware, last Friday, October 1, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced California will soon require all public school staff and students ages 12 to 17 who are participating in in-person instruction receive a COVID-19 vaccine, pending FDA approval. This week, we learned the estimated timeframe for this health regulation will most likely be July 1, 2022. Medical, religious, and personal belief exemptions are referenced, and will be discussed at length at the state level as they engage in their rule-making process. We are still awaiting further details regarding the implementation process of this new state regulation and will keep you informed.
Vaccination Eligibility, Ages 5-11
Our priority remains to be keeping our staff and students healthy and safe, and as such, we will continue to follow any California Department Public Health (CDPH) guidelines and public health orders, as mandated by the State. In addition, vaccine eligibility for our students ages 5-11 is expected to be announced by the end of this month. We are already in partnership with local providers and ready to offer student vaccination clinics for those interested this fall. As we learn more information from CDPH or the Governor's Office, we will be sure to share those details with you.
COVID-19 Testing
In the meantime, we are pleased to share that we have received a grant from CDPH to offer free weekly on-site COVID-19 testing for our staff and students. Through this grant opportunity, we have been partnered with Primary Health as our local testing provider. A team of clinicians will be assigned to provide rapid antigen and PCR testing to our students beginning Monday, October 18, 2021 from 8 am - 4 pm. To get started, click HERE to register. You only need to register once and each time you test to participate. This consent will also allow students to be tested on-site if they are identified as a close contact when they have been exposed to a positive case on campus.
Here is some basic information about the testing program:
- Testing is not required for our students, but highly encouraged.
- This program has two different types of testing: BinaxNOW (rapid antigen tests with results in under 30-minutes) and PCR tests (results in 48-72 hours).
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Pre-registration is required and collects necessary information and parent consent.
- All questions included in registration are required for California State public health reporting. Please note this program is free for all participants.
- Tests are self-administered under the direction of the clinician.
- Information and test results are only shared with the testing site, lab partners and local/state health departments. It is not used for any other purposes.
- All results are shared electronically with the contact information provided by you during registration.
If you need assistance with registration or have questions about the CA Rapid Antigen Testing Program, you can contact a call center representative Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm PST at 650-275-5419. In addition, an FAQ sheet regarding this optional program can be found here. Additional details regarding your school’s testing schedule will be sent to you by your school principal next week.
We look forward to offering these COVID mitigation services to our Berryessa community!
With BUSD pride,
Dr. Roxane Fuentes
Superintendent
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Saving Lives Through Suicide Prevention |
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Here is an important message from Dr. Roxane Fuentes: |
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October is a month committed to keeping hope alive and reminding our community of critical initiatives related to suicide prevention. Life challenges and anxiety can negatively affect mental health, but please know that there are resources available to attend to the wellness needs of our community.
At BUSD, our students have the opportunity to connect with social workers, school psychologists and counselors. We are proud of our Health and Wellness Initiative that provides mental health strategies to help our students learn stress-eliminating skills and coping methods. As part of this initiative, we offer Care Solace, an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge line meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services.
Please click here to access Care Solace.
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Celebrating National Custodial Worker's Day |
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We have so much appreciation for our Custodial team members! They keep our schools well-maintained, clean and safe. At BUSD, we thank them for the critical work they have performed, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. They have helped ensure that the return of students to in-person learning occurs in a safe environment. Your dedication is valued! Thank you for all you do for BUSD!
Please watch the following video
for a special message to our Custodial team!
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Congratulations, Sierramont
Cross Country Team!
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Despite starting the season late and working through new COVID protocols, our Sierramont cross country team was able to capture their 6th North Division Championship title. On top of that, they qualified for the Section Final in Gilroy where they beat out more than 20 teams to get second place. The 8th grade girls also were able to win a trophy for first place in their group.
The power of teamwork, grit, and the right mindset prevailed. Congratulations to our students, coaches, parents and community! Bravo!
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Measure A: Renewing Local School Parcel Tax |
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On November 2, 2021, voters will decide the future possible renewal of Measure A; whether they want to renew, without increasing taxes, expiring BUSD local elementary and middle school funding that cannot be taken by the State.
These funds help our district maintain core academic programs in science, technology, math, reading and writing; attract and retain quality teachers; provide learning technology and keep school libraries open.
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If approved by voters, the Berryessa Union School District Quality Education Measure A would renew its existing $79 annual parcel tax, providing $1,800,000 annually for 8 years, with citizen oversight, senior exemptions, no funds for administrator salaries, and all funds staying local.
Since 2008, BUSD elementary and middle schools have relied on locally controlled parcel tax funding to help maintain quality education for local students, challenging them to excel academically and preparing them for high school and 21st-century careers. This funding is soon set to expire, which could result in teacher layoffs and the elimination of some academic programs. You can make your voice be heard, through civic engagement and participating by casting your vote.
To learn more about Measure A, please click here.
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Working at BUSD: Join us! |
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We are hiring, and we want you to consider joining our BUSD team! Our dedicated staff works with responsibility and efficiency to uphold the values of the district, in a positive environment where students’ academic excellence and social emotional experiences are a priority every day.
Learn more about the open positions at BUSD through our listings on EdJoin.org.
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Do you have questions about the start of the new school year? Here is a great resource:
You can now mark your calendar with all school holidays, breaks and more:
Do you know someone who still needs to enroll? Visit our website to get them started:
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For Translation Assistance |
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For translation assistance, please call one of our District hotlines below:
Chinese, 408-923-1901
Spanish, 408-923-1902
Vietnamese, 408-923-1903
請利用校區熱線電話
408-923-1901
會有人與您聯繫,為您翻譯資料上的重要內容
Si desea más información en español, por favor llame a la línea de asistencia en español al 1-408-923-1902 y alguien le llamará para darle un resumen de este documento.
Xin gọi số hotline của khu học tại 1-408-923-1903 và sẽ có người giúp quí vị để hiểu những điều cốt yếu của văn kiện.
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Berryessa Union School District
(408) 923-1800
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