Superintendent's Friday Update
|
|
Hello Alta Loma School District,
The Alta Loma School District Board of Trustees is accepting applications to fill the vacancy for the remaining term of the Trustee Area 5 seat, vacated by the recent retirement of Trustee Caryn Payzant.
All candidate applications for this position must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. ALSD Trustees Brad Buller, Rebecca Davies, Jessica Martinez and Sandie Oerly will interview candidates on February 16, 2022, candidates will be contacted with a specific time.
|
Please see below for our Top Three Updates for the week:
- Online TK, K & New Student Registration
- LCAP Survey
- World Read Aloud Day
You'll also find a list of important upcoming dates, and a snapshot of just SOME of the great things happening here in our ALSD schools!
|
|
Online TK, K & New Student Registration |
|
Tuesday, February 1st, is opening day for TK/K and new student registration for the 2022-23 school year. We are excited to announce all registration will move to an online platform. We ask that our current ALSD families help us spread the word to our friends and neighbors in our community who may have little ones at home that are ready to start in Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten. We are appreciative of your support.
Below is the Transitional Kindergarten information presentation, please share this with families that may not receive our communications regarding our outstanding Transitional Kindergarten program. This TK informational presentation can also be accessed on any of our school websites or by visiting our ALSD website at https://www.alsd.k12.ca.us/.
|
|
Local Control & Accountability Plan
We would like to express our gratitude to our wonderful ALSD community for taking the time to provide valuable feedback and input on our recent Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey. We are happy to say that the number of respondents from this survey is approximately three times as large as our previous survey from the spring of 2021. Our participants are also more diverse, representing a composition of respondents that is closely aligned to our District’s demographics. We value clear communication with our students, parents and guardians, staff and faculty. Thank you to over 3,000 of you who gave the time and consideration to thoughtfully respond to these important questions. The following chart indicates the makeup of our respondents.
|
|
We are looking forward to meeting with our LCAP Advisory Committee members on February 9th, our DELAC on February 10th, and our TIDE on February 17th. We just recently met with our Curriculum Council on January 20th and our Superintendent’s Parent Leader Group on January 26th. In addition to the valuable information we get from our above-mentioned surveys, these various groups are other examples of educational partnerships in ALSD, and they assist us in gathering valuable community input. We are looking forward to sharing a snapshot of where we are with our Local Control & Accountability Plan with our Supplement to the Annual Update to the 2021-22 LCAP and the LCAP Mid-Year Update during the month of February. |
|
|
|
World Read Aloud Day is February 2, 2022
Grab a book and read with us!
From LitWorld: "Join millions around the globe as we celebrate the power of reading aloud with the thirteenth annual World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, February 2, 2022!
Check out the Activity Hub at
You'll see that Victoria Groves Preppy K students were enjoying read aloud time this week too.
I'm looking forward to being in Ms. Knickerbocker's second grade class at Stork on Wednesday! Thank you for the invitation to come read aloud with you.
|
|
My best to you,
Karen Hendricks
Superintendent
|
|
Board of Trustees Meeting
- Wednesday, February 2, 2022 - The Board of Trustees Regular Meeting will begin at 5PM for Closed Session. Trustees will move into Open Session at 6PM.
For your convenience, below is a list of some of the Regular Open Session Agenda Items
- Recognitions and Presentations: Newly appointed Director of Fiscal Services, Ryan Peterson, and incoming Carnelian Principal, Autumn Williams, will be introduced to the community. In addition, District Safety Director, Brian Salsgiver, and Global CTI representatives will lead a mass notification system presentation.
- Board members will report on items related to their roles in the District.
- Staff will provide reports on matters of special interest or importance, including the District LCAP and LCAP Supplement, the January 24 Professional Learning Day, and the Transitional Kindergarten Information Presentation. The Trustee Appointment Process will be reviewed and a COVID update will also be shared.
- During the Board Information / Discussion item, Budget Update, and initial overview of the Governor's Budget Proposal will be shared.
- Tuesday, February 1, 2022: Kindergarten Registration Begins
-
Tuesday, February 1, 2022: Application Window for Intra and Inter-District Transfers Opens (reminder all current 6th grade and TK students must reapply due to change in school site)
- Wednesday, February 2, 2022: World Read Aloud Day
- Monday, February 14: President Lincoln's Birthday - School Holiday
- Monday, February 21: Presidents' Day Holiday
- Friday, February 25: End of Trimester II
|
|
Great Things Happening At Our Schools |
|
From Principal Kristy Johnson:
|
|
Our first graders celebrated being at school for 101 days! Our students participated in activities throughout the day learning about the number 101. They made Doggie headbands with 101 sports, played Race to 101, and all wrote about being 101 years old. What a fun-filled day learning about the 101st day of school!
Monday was a day off for students, but our dedicated teachers and staff members were on campus participating in staff development. The iReady team worked with teachers on the new program that is being piloted at Victoria Groves. Teachers were able to learn about the many components the program offers and review reports and take an in-depth look at student data.
|
|
From Principals Michele Rachielles & Sandy Rose:
|
|
Monday’s professional development day started with a bang for Vineyard and Alta Loma Junior High staff members!
Mrs. Rose and Ms. Rachielles’ welcome was interrupted by two full drumlines. Former VJH and ALJH students flooded the amphitheater drumming and cheering on the teaching and support staff members from both schools.
The rousing entrance was followed by a dozen speeches by alumni from both junior highs. The high school students reflected on how junior high set them up for success, how the staff members made them feel important and known, and how they appreciated the dedication and commitment of teachers, especially during the pandemic. There were hugs and high fives when the staff and students gathered for group photos. It was incredible to see our past students, and it was truly inspiring to hear what junior high meant to them.
|
|
From Principal Dolly Bentley:
|
|
Alta Loma Elementary celebrated the 100th Day of School last week. Students and teachers dressed up to make the celebration fun. Students participated in many activities in their classrooms to count and recognize 100! It was a fun day for all!
|
|
On Monday, our teachers and classified staff participated in a Professional Development Day. Classified staff joined the Umbuntu Summit and our Certificated staff worked on PBIS, data, and received training on recognizing trauma. Alta Loma Elementary is doing great work to ensure our students are valued, encouraged and learning! |
|
From Principal Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins:
|
|
Banyan celebrated the 100th day of school as a tribute to centenarians. Students and staff, dressed in attire that celebrated aging in style and being MORE than half-way done with the school year. Students created art, read stories, and sung songs about the number 100.
A huge “Thank you” goes out to our community for helping our Bulldogs honor the number 100, and also, each other’s unique talents and abilities. Banyan loved the creativity and improvisation that graced our campus!
|
|
On Monday, our dedicated Banyan staff enjoyed opportunities to learn about equitable practices and deep learning through collaboration. Classified staff learned how pivotal their roles are on campus and provide a partnership of success to our students. Certificated staff enjoyed opportunities to have meaningful data-driven discussions about student progress and end of year goals. It’s a great year to be a Bulldog! #BulldogStrong |
|
From Interim Principal Sue Geddes:
|
|
The Carnelian first grade teachers were “spotted” celebrating the 101th day of school. Teachers and students dressed in amazing dalmatian costumes depicting “101 Dalmatians.” Fun activities were planned throughout the day revolving around the numeral 101. We appreciate our first graders and teaching team bringing such fun to learning…you are SPOT ON! |
|
We had a ton of fun celebrating our 100th day of school last Friday! Students dressed up as centenarians as we celebrated their dedication and commitment to school this year! We love watching our Eagles grow as they try, fail, make mistakes, persevere, and learn throughout the entire process.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. put it, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Their successes and even their disappointments may be fleeting, but the lessons they learn will stay with them for a lifetime. Here at Deer Canyon, we want to encourage lifelong learning and we continue to support all our Eagles on their educational journey.
|
|
On Monday, our staff had a professional development day to continue learning and growing in our own practices. I cannot begin to share with you how completely dedicated our staff is to serving our students and community with the very best educational experience. It is fun to be a part of this learning community. With all the important topics we discussed, we had some fun, too. Teachers created a video modeling our SOAR expectations on campus and showed students good choices vs. poor choices all while having a good time!
Professional, dedicated, caring, and fun, this is Deer Canyon. #EaglePRIDE
|
|
From Principal Curtis Quanstrom:
|
|
It is official that our students are 100 days smarter! Our Champions celebrated this milestone on Friday by dressing up as centenarians. Even some of the teachers joined in on the fun.
To say we are proud to have celebrated this milestone with our students is an understatement. They have shown such growth, strength, endurance, and pride as Champions this year.
|
|
From Principal Val Bires:
|
|
Hermosa celebrated the 100th day of school last week on Friday! It is a Husky tradition in our primary classes to celebrate it in grand style. Students brought in 100 items to share like beans, Legos, cereal, marshmallows, etc. With many hands-on activities planned for students to engage in on this special day, students loved the cross-curricular learning experience. |
|
From Principal Guadalupe Berzunza:
|
|
Stork Superstars celebrated the 100th Day of School last week. Students and teachers dressed as centenarians to make the celebration fun. Our Student Senate greeted the students and parents as they arrived at school. Led by Ms. Nicole May, our Student Senate shared their energy and positive thoughts with all of our students, staff, parents and community members. Students participated in many activities in their classrooms to count and recognize that they are all 100 days smarter! It was a fun day for all! |
|
On Monday, our teachers and classified staff participated in a Professional Development Day. Classified staff joined the Umbuntu Summit and our Certificated staff worked with our Site Technology Leaders to prepare for our upcoming testing, as well as training on recognizing trauma. Stork is doing great work to ensure our students feel valued, encouraged and are ready to learn. |
|
Ongoing Updates from Your COVID-19 Safety and Information Team:
You may be aware that on January 24, 2022, Senator Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) announced he is introducing a bill that would add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required vaccines for student enrollment in public school. Pan's bill SB 871 would not permit a personal or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. It would only allow for medical exemptions, as is the case for all other required vaccines currently in place. It would take effect January 1, 2023 and not require full FDA approval.
Pan's bill will be controversial, and it is believed that there will be significant challenges to getting it passed. If a version of the bill eventually becomes law, it is possible that it will be heavily amended. As you can see, there is likely to be a long road ahead for this bill.
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/.
As a reminder: on January 12, 2022 the Governor's Office shared updated COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools that includes updated recommendations for the management of students exposed to COVID-19 in a K-12 setting. The Alta Loma School District continues to follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) K-12 guidance. This guidance allows for us to follow the Group Tracing Approach. When a positive individual is identified in the classroom families will receive a Classroom Notification letter and should follow the guidance outlined in the letter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
