Cinco de Mayo: Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy |
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Barney Gordon, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services |
As vaccination rates within our Nation and State continue to increase, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued new guidance that supersedes previously shared information; please note, as you make decisions outside of work, that Stanislaus County continues to have high infection rates compared to the rest of our State. We encourage you to read, understand, and follow these updated guidelines in your personal lives so our community, our State, and our Nation can return to re-opening our economy while managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, please note that TUSD must continue to follow additional guidance of the School Reopening In-Person Framework and CalOSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standards (applicable section parsed out below); please note there are no current allowances in CalOSHA guidelines for face-covering requirements to change based on vaccination status.
To synthesize these guidelines as they apply to TUSD employees and students, face coverings are required (regardless of vaccination status) in the following situations (please see the guidelines for specific exceptions):
- Anytime you are inside a TUSD building unless you are alone in a private, fully enclosed office or classroom.
- Anytime you are inside a TUSD building unless you are eating or drinking and able to maintain six feet of separation.
- Anytime you are in a TUSD vehicle with any other individual.
- Anytime you are on TUSD property when outside and not able to maintain six feet of separation. This applies to passing periods, recess, breaks, lunch, work activities, etc. Efforts must be maintained, especially for younger students during recess, to monitor either face covering or social distancing during recess, breaks, passing periods, and lunch.
- In accordance with face-covering requirements of the TUSD Athletics Guidelines.
CalOSHA Requirements for TUSD Employees:
Employers shall provide face coverings and ensure they are worn by employees over the nose and mouth when indoors, when outdoors and less than six feet away from another person, and where required by orders from the CDPH or local health department. Employers shall ensure face coverings are clean and undamaged. Face shields are not a replacement for face coverings, although they may be worn together for additional protection. The following are exceptions to the face coverings requirement:
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When an employee is alone in a room.
- While eating and drinking at the workplace, provided employees are at least six feet apart and outside air supply to the area, if indoors, has been maximized to the extent possible.
- Employees wearing respiratory protection in accordance with section 5144 or other title 8 safety orders.
- Employees who cannot wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or disability, or who are hearing-impaired or communicating with a hearing-impaired person.
- Specific tasks which cannot feasibly be performed with a face covering. This exception is limited to the time period in which such tasks are actually being performed, and the unmasked employee shall be at least six feet away from all other persons unless unmasked employees are tested at least twice weekly for COVID-19.
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CalOSHA Updated Guidelines |
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Marie Russell, Chief Communication Coordinator |
On May 3, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued its COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals who have had a COVID-19 exposure. New CDPH guidelines state that fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed (close contact by definition) do not need to quarantine if they are asymptomatic (without symptoms). Thus, per Executive Order N-84-20, individuals no longer need to be excluded under CalOSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). In light of this information, individuals who are fully vaccinated (14 days past second (2nd) shot to achieve full vaccination status) do not need to quarantine if individuals are asymptomatic. Individuals who are exposed to positive case individuals and are symptomatic will still be required to quarantine.
As such, information on the COVID-19 Employee Report referencing employee vaccination status will need to be accurate in order to provide proper guidance.
To return to work, individuals will be required to send proof of full vaccination (copy of COVID-19 immunization card) to Lisa Alejandre, Risk Management/Leaves Technician at lalejandre@turlock.k12.ca.us or send information via fax to (209) 664-1157.
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THS Science Building Grand Opening |
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Eric Julien, Retired Science Teacher/Department Chair |
Thank you to former Turlock High School Science teacher and department chair Eric Julien for sharing this beautiful, personal history at today’s Grand Opening ceremony and leaving us with such a meaningful memento that students will enjoy viewing for years to come:
Today is a great day for science in Turlock! A little history.
My family history includes dozens of THS graduates from my grandmother’s graduation in around 1913 and will, hopefully, continue with my grandson in 2035. But I’d like to focus on a Turlock High School Chemistry teacher who started teaching in around 1915. Her name was Gertrude Hunt and she married my great-uncle, Dr. Albert Julien. Back then, she would have taught in a classroom at Turlock High School when it was on High Street and South Laurel Street. Chemistry and the other sciences would have been taught in a classroom and that tradition continued until 1962.
After World War II and the Korean Conflict, the world became obsessed with a rift between communist and democratic governments. Both sides realized that science and technology would be the weapons of the future. Funding and research was supplied to educational programs and new, theory-based science and math programs were tested on students from junior high school through college.
Under the guidance of then-Superintendent/Principal of Turlock High School, John Pitman, a stand-alone Science Building, complete with lab classrooms, containing features that could be found in a university lab was constructed. Seventh and Eighth Grade math classes at our junior high schools were taught using SMSG (School Math Study Group - we called it some math, some garbage) number-theory not rote memorization based math, also known as “New Math”. At Turlock High School BSCS (Biological Science Study Group) and ChemStudy were tested.
In 1963, the new Science Building was ready for business. It had three well-outfitted labs where Physics found a home in S1, Chemistry found a home in S2, and Biology/ Physiology found a home in S3. It had ample storage and a library, a seminar room, and prep rooms. It also had a water feature in a courtyard space. The administrators at THS soon learned not to use the water feature as every time they turned it on, it produced soap bubbles that would overflow it and travel out across Berkeley Avenue. Only five years later, we needed to add more lab space. In 1968, an addition of two lecture room/lab rooms were added and they were separated using a folding curtain. The curtain could be opened so two classes could share the lecture room, which was also used as the Turlock High School Board Meeting room. The curtain between the two lab spaces could be opened and the two classes could do a joint laboratory experiment. The Science Building now had five lecture/lab spaces and was state-of-the-art.
Turlock High School’s student population kept growing and 900 square foot classrooms were converted to lab spaces but without the necessary safety, storage, and lab counter space. Technology improved and modern equipment didn’t have the necessary connections, lead pipes were deemed unsafe and hazardous, and lab safety requirements increased without a way to install the proper equipment. While all who worked there were sorry to see it go, it was necessary to take it down to meet today’s needs and standards.
Like my great-aunt Gertrude Julien, I came from San Francisco where I was born while my father was in medical school and I also ended up teaching Chemistry as she did. As a student, I was inspired by my science teachers, Joe Presto and Harry Carlson. They gave life to the Science Building because of their love of science and I know we all miss it. I look at its replacement and it truly is an impressive sight. It’s just as impressive inside with its well-designed, functional classroom/labs. We have inspired science teachers who will use this building as intended and bring it to life. One of the graphics inside caught my attention. It is the depiction of our solar system and it indicates the path of the Voyager I probe that was the first man-made object to leave our solar system. On Voyager I was a record pressed out of gold and it depicted scenes and sounds of life on Earth. Voyager, I was the basis of the rebooting of Star Trek and was featured in the first full-length movie. So, tying into that theme, perhaps our new science building will boldly go where no other science building has gone before.
I want to thank the Turlock Unified School Board for their determination that we needed to provide a modern, well-equipped, and safe lab science experience for our students. Turlock High School has never had a shortage of excellent science students, and likewise, never had a shortage of excellent science teachers.
Three years after I retired, I received an invitation to meet with Superintendent Dana Trevethan. I couldn’t say no to her when she asked me to chair the Proposition N and O Bond Campaigns as it included funding for a new science building and STEM labs and equipment in the District. The District just had to convince the voters to vote Yes on NO. I want to thank the residents of Turlock and our associated school districts as they passed both bonds with more than a 67% Yes vote.
In early planning meetings, the architect informed me that he wanted the new building to be a statement of the Turlock Unified School District that told the public that we are serious about education here. I think this building makes that statement. This building provides student restrooms in the middle of the campus - a much-needed convenience. It also presents a welcoming student body gathering area where meetings and events can be staged.
Many years ago, I received a text from a former student asking me for my home mailing address. It was an odd request but he was a good student so I complied. What arrived about a week later, was a letter containing the signed business card of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who co-discovered the structure of the DNA molecule, Dr. James Watson, of Watson and Crick fame. . Watson included his trademark DNA double helix representation on it. I had it framed and it hung in my classroom until I retired. I would now like to donate it to the Turlock High School Science Department as a “housewarming” gift. Thank you.
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Turlock Regional High School Art Show |
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Marshall Beyer, Coordinator of Educational Technology |
The end of the school year brings on many things. One of those things is clean up and in today's day and age that relates to both the physical and virtual classroom. Having everything cleaned up can really put you in a good mindset heading into summer. In my latest blog this post, we talk about things you can do to ensure that your Google Classroom is in a good state heading into the summer:
- Returning Assignments
- Archiving Classes
- Turning Off Student Posts/Comments
- Organize Google Drive Files
- Optional: Unenroll Students from Class
- Optional: Hide or Delete Classroom Calendars
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Sitara Ali, Ed Tech Coach |
Listening and Literacy Through Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way to ignite the imagination, conversation, and collaboration in your students, or even for yourself for professional development, relaxation, or enjoyment. Podcasts
are such a hit that now, instead of reading different publications, we can listen to the stories through programs like audible!
No matter what your interests, essential standards, or hobbies, there is a myriad of podcasts available to listen to, some even created by our talented High School students! Not only does listening to Podcasts teach us, but it allows our students to use their imagination to make pictures in their minds.
Students can practice hearing versus listening, with a specific focus on surface listening compared to deep listening. Students can practice their listening skills by teaching them how to listen: paying attention, affirmation, summarizing, and asking follow-up questions.
After students listen to a podcast, students can write a summary about it. Teachers can use it for teaching pronouns and reflexive uses. Podcasts can lead to an analysis of persuasive speech,
points of view, or dramatic irony. Use a podcast as a hook for an upcoming topic or lesson.
Students can look at all the discrete parts of information given during a podcast (music, intro, comedy, audience participation through emails, summary in the beginning, etc). There are so
many uses and resources that teachers can bring in. Just remember to preview the podcast prior to letting your class listen!
If you want to learn more about Podcasts and how you can use them in your classroom with your students, Mary Asgill (District Writing Coach) visited Marshall and me on the discussion of Using Podcasts in the Classroom. Tune in at this link to learn more about hearing vs listening, and how we can teach our students to do more! |
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Dr. Jeff Persons, Medeiros Elementary School |
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How long have you worked in TUSD? 20 Years
What is your job title? Assistant Principal at Medeiros Elementary
Where did you work prior to TUSD? I worked as a church administrator
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day? I really enjoy my work with the students, staff, and our families tremendously. It is a great opportunity to assist with the academic and social/emotional needs of our students and to work to help them achieve.
Things you are most proud of? Every day I beam with pride for my family. I also am really proud of the relationships I have built in the schools I have served and feel that my work has really influenced the students, staff, and families in a positive way.
Challenges? The greatest challenge is balancing the time commitments in education and the myriad of responsibilities that come at the same time.
Favorite memory/story? I think the days that our staff worked to land an Army helicopter at the school where I was administrator. The excitement of the children for their school and their country will always be a high point for me.
What are you reading? I’m re-reading Today Matters by John C. Maxwell, and just finished El Paso a novel by Winston Groom.
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV? My family and I are really enjoying “The Chosen” and look forward to each new episode.
Fave movies? The critically acclaimed, So I Married an Axe Murderer with Michael Myers has always been my favorite I’m sorry to say!
Anything surprising we may not know about you? Some may not know I studied for seven years to be a Catholic priest. Celebrating 21 years of marriage and having seven children shows that I chose a different path for my life!
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share? We love our trips in our travel trailer and always look forward to each new adventure!
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Dave Walls, Pitman High School |
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Boys Basketball
This week marked the end of the first round and a beginning of round 2. Boys basketball team ended the first round on a strong note. We finished round 1 with a 4-1 record and a strong commitment from everyone on the team as we outscored Enochs 46-31.
Round 2 begins with a big game against first place Gregori. The first meeting ended with Pitman having only 4 players on the court at the end of the game. The second meeting went back and forth during that game. The game eventually went to overtime with Gregori winning 74-69. The greatest achievement last Friday occurred off the court. Our seniors made a huge commitment to our team by not attending Senior Ditch Day by attending school last Friday. As coaches, our main goal is not winning games, but to watch our young men grow to become productive members of society, supportive sons, who show integrity and empathy to be leaders in our community.
Girls Basketball
The Pride go 1-1 on the week with at 54-27 win at Enochs and a 53-43 loss at Gregori on Friday night. Senior Jessica Smith led the Pride against Enochs with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. On Friday, the Pride were led by Abbie DiGrazia with 12 points. The Pride continue their league schedule next week at Modesto and at home against Downey.
Boys Soccer
On Monday, May 3 The Pride traveled to Modesto High and brought home a 3-2 victory over the Panthers. Seniors Xavier Barajas, Emilio Gonzalez, Jarod Parson (goalkeeper) and sophomore Jonathan Rocha were all key players for the victory. The whole team played an outstanding game. On Thursday Pitman hosted Enochs high school at home with a 12 - 0 victory over the shorthanded Knights. The Pride are coming together and are working harder. We have 2 wins straight. Next game is against Gregory at home. Head Coach Memo Ramirez
Girls Soccer
Pitman Pride girls soccer won their only game this week against Modesto High. The Pride’s Camila Stephens finished the match with 4 goals. Brooke Rose with 3 goals, Saedra Joseph with 2, and Emma Melchor and Hannah Delay both had 1 goal each. The Pride will face Gregori on Monday.
Softball
Pride vs Livingston Wolves
The Pride entered the week 5-0 with a 13 game win streak extending back to the beginning of the 2020 season. It was a close game through the first 3 until the Pride offense jumped on the Wolves for 4 runs in the 3rd and 3 runs in the 4th. The Pride accumulated 14 hits as they went on to a 9-1 victory over Livingston. 3 Stars of the Game: Kai Deleon- 7 IP allowing 1R, Gabby DeLeon- 3-3 with 3 RBI, Kayleen Zayemoureh- 3-4 with 2Dbls 3Runs and 1RBI
Pitman Pride vs Modesto Panthers
Pride once again waited until the 3rd and 4th innings to explode offensively with 5 and 4 runs respectively en route to an 11-0 Run Rule win. It was another solid outing on the mound from Gabby DeLeon. With the win, the Pride stayed in 1st place in league with a 4-0 in CCAL play. 3 Stars of the Game: Gabby DeLeon- 5 IP 2H 8K’s, Kai DeLeon- 3-3 with a Triple, 3Runs and 1RBI, Mady Insell- 2-3 with 3 Runs
Pitman Pride vs Downey Knights
Pride finished off the week against another CCAL foe, the Downey Knights. The Pride scored early and often against the Knights on their way to a 12-1 victory. The Pride scored a run in every inning except the 2nd. Addison Mettler rejoined the lineup after missing 2 games due to injury and finished the game a triple short of hitting for the cycle. 12 Runs were more than enough behind another outstanding performance by Gabby DeLeon in the circle, gave up just 1 unearned run. 3 Stars of the Game: Gabby DeLeon- 7IP 1 unearned Run, 7K’s as well as 2-4 with 2RBI, Addison Mettler- 4-5 Dbl, HR, 4Runs, 5RBI and SB, Kai Deleon- 3-4 with 3Runs, 2 RBI and SB.
Water Polo
On Tuesday Water Polo traveled to Modesto to take on the Panthers. The varsity girls won 11-7. The standout player of the game – senior Joelle Lok. Varsity boys lost 7-9 to Modesto. Collin Silveira (goalie) really stepped up and was one of the leading defenders.
On Thursday Water Polo hosted Gregori in a very intense match. Maddie Ngo and Joelle Lok were defensive standouts for the varsity girls and Maya Russell (goalie) showed great leadership in directing the team. Varsity girls won 9-5 and moved to 5-1 on the season. Varsity boys played hard against Gregori as they continue to grow and fell to the Jaguars 19-7.
Upcoming Pride Athletics 5/10-5/15
Monday 5/10
Girls Soccer @ Gregori - JV @ 3:30PM / Varsity @ 5:00PM
Varsity Baseball @ Downey - 3:30PM
Tuesday 5/11
Boys Soccer vs. Gregori - JV @ 3:30PM / Varsity @ 5:00PM
B-G Water Polo @ Downey / VG-4:30PM / VB-5:30PM
Volleyball @ Downey - JV @ 6:00PM & Varsity @ 7:00PM
Wrestling vs. Downey @ 6:00PM (Scrimmage)
Frosh/JV Baseball vs. Downey@ 3:30PM
Wednesday 5/12
Track & Field vs. Oakdale Dual Meet - 3:30PM / Pitman HS
JV/V Softball vs. Gregori - 3:30PM
Boys Basketball vs. Modesto - JV @ 6:30PM & Varsity @ 8:00PM
Girls Basketball @ Modesto – Varsity (Only) @ 8:00PM
Thursday 5/13
B-G Water Polo @ Enochs JVB-4:30PM / VG-5:30PM / VB-6:30PM
Wrestling vs. Enochs @ 6:00PM (Scrimmage)
Frosh/JV Baseball @ Downey @ 3:30PM
Varsity Baseball vs. Downey @ 3:30PM
Girls Soccer vs. Enochs- JV @ 3:30PM / Varsity @ 5:00PM
Volleyball @ Enochs - JV @ 6:00PM & Varsity @ 7:00PM
Friday 5/14
JV/V Softball @ Turlocl - 3:30PM
Boys Basketball @ Downey - JV @ 6:30PM / Varsity @ 8:00PM
Girls Basketball vs. Downey - JV @ 6:30PM / Varsity @ 8:00PM
Saturday 5/15
Varsity Baseball @ Downey @ 12:00PM
Frosh/JV Baseball vs. Downey @ 12:00PM
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Colin Wenstrand, Turlock High School |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month |
Research shows a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, and anxiety, and depression symptoms. The sensory experience offered by outdoor activities can have a profound impact- for example, calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence have been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, which calms our body's fight-or-flight response. Research has even found this to be true just from listening to nature sounds indoors or watching video of nature settings!
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May the 4th Be With You! Shout out to Crowell Elementary School’s Ashley Starkey and Ashley Hatter for representing Star Wars Day. |
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We were honored to lead a special tour for several retired Bulldog science teachers of the beautiful new Turlock High School science building. Recognize any familiar faces? |
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POW! BAM! ZANG! Who needs a cape when you have an apron? School Lunch Hero Day is May 7 but we’re announcing early! Be sure to give our Child Nutrition heroes a shout out today when you see them at meal distribution! On this day and every day they are the real Incredibles. |
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School Lunch Hero Day is May 7 but we celebrated early today! Congratulations to Director of Child Nutrition Jennifer Lee-Vang on her recognition from “No Kid Hungry California.” Jennifer and the TUSD Child Nutrition team have been on the front lines since March 2020 ensuring no kid goes hungry in TUSD! Thank you for your service! |
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Share Your Awesome!
Marie Russell
Chief Communication Coordinator
mrussell@turlock.k12.ca.us
209.648.0968
@tusd_mrussell
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We would love to have ALL staff help share our TUSD story to the world, but if that is not really your thing, just email Marie Russell for an opt-out form. |
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