EUSD Newsletter, Nov '22

IN THIS Escalon Unified Vista High School students get hands-on at Trade Career Fair... How growth mindset & grit are encouraged at Van Allen... November 2022: Vol. 10, Issue 3 & College prep, ASB activities in full swing at EHS... Commitments & values key to the EPMS vision... IN THIS Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Collegeville's After School Program gets FIT... ISSUE Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 1 Read More Michelle Grossi, Paraprofessional, and Autumn Skultety, Consulting Teacher, are recognized for their work supporting  EUSD  students... Farmington's teachers share expertise through peer review... Read More TODAY We will serve and connect with all students Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 2 The Collegeville’s After School Program schedule includes time for students to complete homework, work on enrichment activities with a STEAM component, enjoy some free play and spend some time doing physical education (P.E.) The P.E. component of the program is about to get a boost from an organization called the Factory Institute of Training (FIT) which came recommended by the San Joaquin County Office of Education. The FIT program will be providing students with standards-based instruction from staff who are credentialed to teach physical education. Members of the FIT team will be on site Monday through Friday – providing students (of all ages) with opportunities to learn more about various team sports; such as soccer, flag football, basketball, and softball, as well as the chance to participate in individual training activities -- designed to provide students with lifelong healthy skills. Going the Distance... Escalon Unified TODAY Student Services Blast Collegeville's  After School Program gets F I T!   go the distance! figuratively and literally... Back to Page 1 Every elementary school year is a journey with several stages limited to 180 days, three trimesters, and a finite number of instructional minutes. Key factors are time, focus and engagement, organization and planning, and health and attendance. Of all of the things that we teach students, it is difficult to think of concepts that are as important as building resilience / GRIT and learning to develop a GROWTH MINDSET.  People who exhibit a growth mindset: embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as a path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons / inspiration in the success of others. Research has shown that GRIT (defined as passion and persistence in the pursuit of long-term goals) is an important factor related to student engagement and academic success. Students who work hard, but also love what they do, are more likely to overcome barriers and perform better. Studies have shown that individuals with grit are: more capable of self-regulation, possess higher levels of social/emotional intelligence, and are less reliant on external reinforcement as they are intrinsically self-reliant. Grit is associated with higher productivity and increased success. When we intentionally teach students perseverance, they develop growth mindsets and grit more easily. By helping them build a mindset that does not shrink from challenges, while simultaneously teaching them techniques that can be applied to any topic / obstacle – we are setting students up to succeed in a complex world. If attention is turned toward tapping students’ potentials and appreciating students' abilities can be improved through hard work… then students who believe that they can learn more through concerted effort, will perform better. With the limited time that constrains us, it is important to manage the sense of urgency we all feel when considering the range of skills each student must master within that timeframe. If done correctly, the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process is designed to maximize instruction and improve outcomes. If partnered with a focus on developing grit and a growth mindset, PLC can propel our students to heights previously unimaginable. It will take all of us, every single one of us to help our students succeed. We must build trust and invest time into growing a culture of grit and growth mindset within the framework of PLC. We need to actively listen with an open mind, maintain a positive attitude, and work collaboratively if we want our students to   By Principal Julio Zambrano Escalon Unified TODAY By Principal George Megenney & Back to Page 1 College Prep & ASB Events take Center Stage Escalon Unified TODAY Trades Career Fair:  Opening Minds & Opportunities The month of October is always action packed for the Escalon Cougars as college planning and ASB events fill the calendar! The Escalon High School (EHS) guidance counseling team (consisting of Mr. Jimenez, Mrs. Peterson, and Mrs. Strmiska) organized and facilitated multiple college events for our students. Mr. Jimenez took 25 EHS students to the Feria De Educacion Conference at Sacramento State – where students were able to collect information and resources to help them succeed in California’s educational system.   The counseling team coordinated application workshops for Modesto Junior College, the California State Universities and the Universities of California; the team also organized Practice SAT sessions and Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) testing. During the Advisory period, the Peer Intervention Team (PIT) performed a very powerful skit in front of the freshman class… to teach them the importance of making good decisions and building strong character. While the freshmen were watching the skit, the senior class was in the new gym receiving information on caps and gowns from a Jostens’ representative; and the sophomore and junior classes focused on building their resumes on the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) platform. Mrs. Carbajal and the ASB class continued to keep school spirit high with fun activities for our school and community. ASB activities included Red Ribbon Week, Spirit Week, Rival Rally, Halloween Door Decorating Contest, Breast Cancer Awareness, and even our first Trunk or Treat event. October was a great month for the Cougars! We are now looking forward to the festive months of November and December. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Escalon High School! Vista High School students traveled to Stockton, CA for the 17th Annual Construction Trades Career Fair. Students learned about apprenticeships and the Apprentice Pathways offered by different unions. Many of these programs allow students to work in a variety of construction trades while concurrently attending classes that these unions have partnered up with such as Modesto Junior College and San Joaquin Delta College. Students were also presented with the benefits of choosing one of these trades as careers – such as pay increases every six months, medical insurance, pensions, etc. These companies make an effort to give back to their communities – which aligns with our requirement that students must complete community service in order to graduate. Along with the presentation, our students were given an awesome opportunity at hands-on stations. At these stations, many current union workers walked students through how their trades work -- such as masonry, electrical, and heavy equipment… just to name a few. These skilled tradesmen were able to give our students real life experiences and testimonies to their life changing experiences (some started right out of high school while others found this passion as their second career). In the end, our Vista High students left with information, curiosity, hands-on experience, and, most importantly, some potential career pathways to pursue in the future! By Principal Jason Furtado By Principal Gustavo Arzac Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 3 Back to Page 1 Michelle Grossi, Paraprofessional Michelle Grossi joined our Dent Elementary School team in 2017… and for the last five years, she has been a team player through and through. It is impossible to truly capture all that she does on our campus on a daily basis. Her primary focus is serving as the “Keeper of our Yard” as our lead yard duty paraprofessional. Students know that if there is an issue, Mrs. Grossi is their first stop for help. When asked what she enjoys most about her position, Michelle notes that it has to be the people that she gets to work with everyday – and most importantly the KIDS!  “We have amazing kids!” she said. During COVID, Michelle was a key team member in making sure kids received breakfasts, lunches, and additional food to help families survive the pandemic. Recently, Michelle has also served as a district liaison in helping students with bus transportation – escorting them to and from school. She volunteers countless hours in our district working our Escalon High School (EHS) sporting events. Whether it is keeping score, handling tickets, or cheering on our students, Michelle is a devoted member of our community… committed to our kids. Outside of school, Michelle enjoys reading, gardening, baking, and spending time with her husband and family. She has two adult kids of her own; her oldest daughter Kasandra is 27 and lives in Waterford, CA with her husband Ryan. Her son, Steven is 22 and currently lives in Pleasant Hill, CA; he is training to become a Deputy Sheriff with the Contra Costa Sheriff's Department. Michelle’s dedication, communication, and commitment to our school, staff, and students are all reasons to celebrate her boundless contributions to our district. Thank you Michelle for all that you do for our kids! We also celebrate our Spotlight Staff on our Facebook Page, check it out to leave them a message about how they've positively affected your life. Special thanks to Cindy Sipes for photography. Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 4 Gateway is privileged to have Autumn Skultety as part of our team. Autumn is one of those special individuals who prefers to keep a low profile while concurrently doing amazing things. After leaving the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Independent Study program, Autumn joined Gateway for the 2020-21 school year. Focusing primarily on our middle/high school programs, Autumn has worked extensively with her team to develop a comprehensive and thorough secondary program. Autumn works directly with our local colleges in coordinating our Dual Enrollment Program which allows our students to experience college – and earn college and high school credits concurrently. As a WASC accredited program, Autumn has helped Gateway facilitate a more cohesive process for maintaining the high school course catalog; and ensuring courses are properly identified / coded in accordance with UC a-g requirements. She spearheaded our new hybrid 7-8 Social Science/Science classes that were introduced this year; classes that combine site based and virtual learning experiences for our middle school students… giving them the best of both worlds. Autumn was instrumental in creating the Gateway Curriculum Website giving web access to families and streamlining the curriculum ordering process. As a member of the school’s outreach team – the 3A’s (April, April and Autumn) – she not only created another webpage, but has been invaluable in creating extracurricular learning experiences for our students. Autumn lives with her three sons, Quest, and the twins, Ace and Rhett, as well as her "furbaby" Oakley. She has a wry wit, keen sense of humor and enjoys life to the fullest. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, going on adventures with her boys, and checking things off her bucket list!    Text STAFF SPOTLIGHT Inspiring Students Surprised by Their Teachers Escalon Unified TODAY Autumn Skultety, Consulting Teacher Escalon Unified TODAY Superintendent Chavez dropped into Mrs. Diaz’s class to admire the students' work. Escalon Unified TODAY We must look at El Portal’s collective commitments to accomplish our vision. These are the core values we know are essential for student success: Collaboration Celebration Guaranteed Curriculum Formative Assessments  Our staff and students have taken on this commitment in various ways. Collaboration: The teaching staff, and administration, attended over the summer a Professional Learning Community (PLC) conference in Sacramento, learning about collaboration and the importance of a student-guaranteed curriculum. Teachers met on minimum days in collaborative teams to review student data. EPMS students enjoy their version of the collaboration. El Portal Concert Band and Choir is an excellent representation of a collaborative culture. Celebration: EPMS students shared their talents with teachers and classmates during a recent school-wide talent show. Guaranteed Curriculum: Teachers meet within their academic departments to discuss four main topics. What do we want all students to know and be able to do? How will we know if they learn it? How will we respond when some students do not learn? How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient? Formative Assessment: Formative assessments are when teachers are in their classrooms, examples include: teacher observations of student learning, student-teacher conferencing, questions for understanding, thumbs up/thumbs down, exit and entrance tickets, students using whiteboards, etc. Relationships: EPMS believes strong relationships with teachers and school staff will improve students' level of motivation and promote learning. Students with stronger relationships are more academically engaged, have stronger social skills, and experience positive behavior. Positive Learning Culture: A positive classroom culture is characterized by a non-threatening atmosphere where students feel that they can speak, offer ideas and take risks without fear of reprisal or mockery. Responsibility: EPMS staff and students are responsible for the group's actions -- taking responsibility for each other's successes and failures. Accountability: EPMS staff take responsibility for raising achievement for all students, prompting and supporting improvement where necessary.  Through our collective commitments and core values, we embody a culture of continuous improvement as we prepare all students for a successful future... Relationships Positive Learning Culture Responsibility Accountability Back to Page 1 Asst. Principal Jefferson flipped pancakes for the staff to celebrate a well-done job and gratitude for their hard work and efforts. Through our collective commitments, all students will acquire the academic skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed for future success. El Portal Middle School's Vision:  El Portal Middle School Shares Collective Commitments By Principal Mike Gaston Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 5 Professional Learning Communities P L C In late September, the Farmington Elementary team embarked on an effort to strengthen instruction and share teacher expertise by conducting a series of peer observations coordinated by site administration. The idea was a straightforward one, though dependent on two key factors: Farmington’s small size and the agreement of its teachers. Fortunately, the teaching staff agreed to this little experiment. A schedule was created which brought in two rotating subs, each who would cover a classroom while two teachers observed a third colleague. The first round of classroom visits involved K-2 grades on Monday, September 19th – followed by 3rd - 5th grades on Tuesday 20th. Given that Wednesday the 21st was a PLC collaboration day, teachers then had an opportunity to discuss their observations with one another and share the information they gathered. Administration provided teachers with research on the benefits of peer observation, a form to take notes, and process guidelines: staff met before to talk about specific aspects of instruction that ought to be a focus of attention (daily objectives, transitions, checks for understanding, etc.), and follow up by discussing what was observed… what worked well and what might be improved. Teachers were asked to provide administration with some feedback to be shared. According to Farmington staff, these peer observations provided them with: Opportunities to see different classroom management strategies and expectations for student behaviors Varied lesson pacing – that allowed students to talk to each other about the lesson before sharing to the class Different combinations in student configurations Use of instructional strategies such as brain breaks and Total Physical Respsonse (TPR) Varied use of manipulatives for both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Different methods of structuring routines Samples of student work that provided ideas for future assignments Mindfulness exercises to calm students and Variations in small group organization Mrs. Silva, 4th grade, said this regarding her visit to neighboring Ms. Parrish’s 3rd grade class, “...my biggest takeaway was Michelle’s classroom management. Students always know what is expected of them. She has a calming presence in her room, and even starts the day with meditation. I really loved that she starts with a calm and mindful activity because it sets the tone for the morning.” Although this experiment provided opportunities for teachers to venture out of their classrooms to see their peers in action, Farmington’s small size is also the source of challenges; not the least of which is a lack of grade-level peers for teachers to observe. Some members of the staff, felt that a grade-level peer observation would have been more useful to them. Others suggested that September was too early in the school year to undertake such a project, and that more time was needed to settle into routines. Such critiques are important, as without them -- projects such as this -- cannot improve. As a staff, I believe some valuable lessons were learned. By reflecting on best practices, and areas for improvement, we embody the essence of the PLC, and move forward with the benefit of experience to help make us better. Escalon Unified TODAY By Principal George Megenney Strengthening Instruction Best Practices  through shared peer reviews at Farmington Back to Page 1 Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 6 Coping Skills Defined:  Things we can do in-the-moment, when we are feeling lousy, to help us avoid getting overwhelmed. Also known as something that a person does to get through a stressful situation. Healthy coping strategies may not provide instant gratification, but they lead to long-lasting positive outcomes. Unhealthy coping strategies tend to feel good in the moment but can have long-term, negative consequences. Back to Page 1 Examples of HEALTHY Coping Strategies Title Drug or alcohol use VAPING Overeating Procrastination Sleeping too much or too little Self-harm Aggression Let’s Talk Coping Skills… Did you know suicide is the second leading cause of death among school age youth? Youth who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs and it can often be preventable. Parents, teachers, coaches, and friends are in an important position to pick up on these warning signs and get help. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and there is help available.   Nicotine may give a sense of temporary relief but can lead to long-term cognitive challenges & health complications  After Nicotine peaks it can leave you with feelings of withdrawal - feeling stressed, anxious, irritable, nervous and/or depressed The voice of addiction can leave you feeling like you NEED another hit and can keep users searching for the momentary sense of relief   Exercise Talking about your problem Healthy eating Seeking professional help Relaxation techniques Problem-solving techniques Doing something you enjoy  (ex: drawing, listening to music, etc.)  Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 7 Examples of UNHEALTHY Coping Strategies Mental Health Corner Student Services Blast Escalon Unified TODAY Vaping has up to 100x more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes Did you know that VAPING: Escalon Unified TODAY Key Counseling Reminders EHS In November, the Hearing Van will be visiting all school sites. Each site will release specific dates for the hearing screenings. Please make sure your student is present on screening day. During the week of November 7th-10th, the Escalon Lions Club will be visiting sites to complete Vision Screening. If your student wear glasses, please make sure they wear their glasses to school that week. If your child needs to take medication at school, please complete the Escalon Unified Medication Authorization Form. This form can be found on the district website under Health Services:  Medication Form (English)/ Medication Form (Spanish) Nursing Updates If you know of a student (can be yourself!) that may benefit from a mental health check-in from our EUSD Student Support Services Team, please use the QR to the left. Escalon Unified TODAY All Students: November 4, 2022 is the last day of the first trimester.  It is very important that all students talk to their teachers this month to make sure homework is completed and submitted. Every teacher has tutoring hours available. Students should check-in with teachers if they need extra help. November 4 - November 17 are Parent/Teacher Conferences. Please check our El Portal School site for more information and details. Seniors: Attend CASH for COLLEGE WORKSHOP @EHS – 11/3/22 from 3:30- 6:30 p.m. in Library MJC Application Workshop will be held on 11/29/22 in the EHS Library Check Scholarship boards outside of ASB office CSU and UC Applications deadline is November 30, 2022 Check specific campuses to see if they have extensions All Students: Remember to keep up your grades! Back to Page 1 For Questions:  Department of Student Services, Director of Student Services,  Nelarie Romo  (209) 838-3591 We are here for you... Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 8 El Portal Escalon Unified Contacts Podcast Instagram dates to remember Escalon Unified TODAY, Page 9 School Board Mtg. (7 pm) Early Release - PLC COLLABORATION veteran's day - No school School Board Mtg. (7 pm) early release - Conferences Thanksgiving - no school Early Release - PLC COLLABORATION Escalon Unified TODAY John Largent, President Nicholas Caton, Vice President Kate Powell, Clerk Janai Stanton, Member Richard Thompson, Member Ricardo "Ricky" Chavez, Superintendent Escalon Unified Schools Collegeville Elementary 941-2007 6701 S Jack Tone Rd, Stockton CA 95215 Dent Elementary 838-7031 1998 Yosemite Ave, Escalon CA 95320 El Portal Middle School 838-7095 805 1st Street, Escalon CA 95320 Escalon High School 838-7073 1528 Yosemite Avenue, Escalon CA 95320 Farmington Elementary 886-5344 25233 E Hwy 4, Farmington CA 95230 Van Allen Elementary 838-2931 21051 E. Hwy 120, Escalon CA 95320 Gateway Academy 838-7177 17590 South Van Allen Road, Escalon CA 95320 Vista High School 838-1450 1204 Escalon Avenue, Escalon CA 95320 Escalon Unified TODAY Facebook Board & Superintendent Make sure you don't miss out on any of the great things our students, staff, and community are doing by connecting with us through all of of our communication options. Click on the social icon to go to that platform – and sign up and connect! Main Office Phone 838-3591 Main Office FAX 838-6703 Bus Garage 838-3165 Curriculum Office 838-3591 Maintenance/Operations 838-3165 Food Services 838-3170 Back to Page 1 1: 2: 11: 15: 14 - 17: 21 - 25: 30: