PUSD NEWS AWS
PUSD NEWS January 2016
P l a ce rv i l le Un i on S c ho o l D is t r ic t
Volume 2, Issue 1
Placerville Community Passes Measure B Inside this issue: Good Deeds
2
Moving and Shaking 2 Making Connections
2
Good Deeds Cont.
3
Moving and Shaking 3 Cont. Making Connections Cont.
3
PUSD Spotlight
4
Upcoming Events
January 18th MLK Holiday
January 20th Board Meeting
February 12-15 Presidents Weekend
February 17th Board Meeting
February 25-26 P/T Conferences
March 5th Odyssey of the Mind Competition
March 9th Canal Street Band Festival March 21-28 Spring Break
Placerville students are excited for the influx of technology in their classrooms because of the passage of Measure B.
Placerville Union School District would like to thank the Placerville community for the passage of Measure B. With the passage of Measure B, PUSD will be able to provide technology into the hands of our students and teachers for the next 16 years. Infrastructure will be updated throughout the district to help with the implementation of our 1 to 1 initiative. Over the next few months servers and switches will be updated. Wireless will be installed and upgraded throughout all the sites and a guest wireless system will be realized.
PUSD has been working for the past few years on upgrading the technology in all classrooms and providing integrated lessons to enhance the learning that is taking place in all classrooms. With the passage of Measure B, PUSD will be able to accelerate our implementation and is planning on having devices in the hands of both students and teachers by the start of the 2016-17 school year. Teachers will be trained on how to best implement the technology in the classroom. This training will be provided by consultants that will be brought in as well as experts that are already members of the PUSD staff. We also will have the opportunity to visit some schools that have already implemented a 1 to 1 initiative. This is an exciting time at PUSD. We are grateful for the trust that the Placerville community has given us. Part of the Bond process is the implementation of a Bond Oversight Committee. If you are interested in serving please contact the District Office at 530-622-7216, ext. 2236.
NCLB is now ESSA On December 10, 2015 a new federal law was implemented that gives direction to education throughout the country. For the past 14 years schools throughout the country have worked under the law titled “No Child left be-
hind” the new law is entitled “Every Student Succeeds Act.” ESSA transfers much of the decision making authority back to the State and Local leaders. This goes hand in hand with the direction California has gone
over the past few years with the new Local Control Funding Formula and the Local Control Accountability Plan. You may review our LCAP on the PUSD webpage or pick up a copy at the District Office.
PUSD News
Page 2
Edwin Markham Middle School Making Connections The first semester of the year is just ending and already we have a large number of students involved in extra-curricular activities. We know that one of the secrets to success at the middle school level is student involvement. Students who are engaged in school outside of the classroom are more likely to be engaged in the classroom. We have
“PE has been shown to have positive impacts on academics and student performance”
a lot of opportunities for our students to be engaged in our campus.
even met during the summer in anticipation of this region-wide competition.
A great way to reach students and keep them engaged is through one of the many club activities that we offer. Our Robotics Club is meeting twice a week as they get ready to compete in the First Lego League competition held at Intel in Folsom next month. Students
Our Kiwanis-affiliated Builders Club has already had several meetings to discuss the different service projects that are upcoming. They worked in conjunction with our Garden Club to put in a Saturday of work on our campus garden.
Markham students participating in the Robotics competition.
Moving and Shaking Sierra Elementary and Schnell Elementary Schools received a great gift this year! The district made the investment to hire a physical education teacher for the elementary school sites. For years we have known the benefits of
physical activities, but in the past several years with budget cuts and reduced funding, many elementary districts had to cut the position for PE teachers at the elementary sites. This became the job of classroom teachers
who had limited training in physical education instruction. The students at Sierra and Schnell are now reaping the rewards of a more pure physical education class with a teacher credentialed in PE instruction.
Good Deeds are Rewarded at Schnell School New this year at Schnell Elementary School is the Bobcat Bazaar. This celebration is unique to Schnell School where educators engage students and promote good behavior through an innovative currency system called Bobcat Bonuses. Throughout the day, students earn Bobcat Bonuses on slips of paper from teachers and staff for displaying the core values of the school; showing respect, making good decisions, solving problems and keeping hands off. Students redeem Bobcat Bonuses for prizes like popcorn, shave ice, pretzels, chips, cookies and candies at the Bobcat Bazaar, held on the last Friday of every month. “Our Parent Teacher Committee consists of many dedicated individuals who raise all the money to make this happen for our school, and our Fifth Grade Student Council assists in the actual activities,” Principal Paturel noted. “When a student does something good, the teacher or staff notate the student’s action and place the name on the Bobcat Bonus before giving it to them.”
Volume 2, Issue 1
Page 3
Cont. Making Connections Even though it is the end of the growing season, our Garden Club has been getting the space spruced up and ready for some winter crops. A very popular club is our Drama Club, which provides an outlet for students to not only act, but to have an important supporting role in set design and production. Students put on one-act plays at our Winter Arts Festival, as well as put together a full play production in the spring. In addition, our Odyssey of the Mind team has formed. Students work in teams to participate in different problem-solving competitions, ranging from building mechanical devices to interpreting different literary works. Markham students performing in the winter production of “Eggheads”.
Our ability to offer so many opportunities for our students is due in part to funding through Wells Fargo and their generous contributions. Between all our different clubs, as well as our sports program, we are confident that every student will find their place at Edwin Markham Middle School. Our staff works hard at filling the various needs of our student body. With the opportunity for students to find an interest group and get involved, we know we can help every student be successful.
Cont. Moving and Shaking Here are some of the many benefits children receive from a quality PE program: improved physical fitness, motor skill development, self-discipline, strengthened peer relationships, improved team work strategies, and re-
duced stress. PE has also been shown to have positive impacts on academics and student performance. So, this is a win-win. Our students learn motor skills, build cardio capacity and develop healthy habits while they also increase
“
their ability to focus on classroom instruction.
Cont. Good Deeds
Student Council serves shaved ice to students.
Students visit the Bobcat Bazaar one grade level at a time, while parent volunteers and student council members help prepare and distribute the prizes. Teachers accompany their classes and connect with other students and parents. “The event is a fantastic incentive program that focuses individuals on a goal, and that truly makes a difference with behavior,” first grade teacher Judy Webb expressed. Prize costs are different per item, so students strengthen mathematics skills and learn about the concept of money management while having fun. “The students really like it and get excited when the Bobcat Bazaar comes around,” fifth grade Associated Student Body President Ryan Sampson explains. “My favorite is the shave ice.” Fifth grade student council member Samantha described how this concept originally came to life. “My sister originally had the idea, and I thought it was good. I took it to the Parent Teacher Committee and they helped us do all this.”
P l a ce rv il l e U n i o n S c h o o l Di s t r i ct 1032 Thompson Way Placerville CA, 95667
Phone Number (530) 622-7216 Fax Number (530) 622-0336 Superintendent — Eric Bonniksen
HIGH EXPECTATIONS + STRONG SCHOOLS = BRIGHT FUTURES Web Site www.pusdk8.us Also like us on Facebook
Employee Spotlight
Janice Sutherland TK teacher at Schnell School
I am very excited to have Janice Sutherland be our Spotlight Employee this issue. Janice has been working for the Placerville Union School District since 1981. Her strong leadership has helped Placerville School District be on the forefront of many initiatives most notably Transitional Kindergarten. Janice helped Placerville establish one of the first PreK classes prior to the start of the 2006 school year. Her class was one of the models for the Transitional Kindergarten movement throughout the State.
Janice stated that her favorite thing about teaching has always been the children. “I have always loved the little ones.” The one thing that has changed the most over the past 34 years is the increased academic emphasis first grade standards are now in Kindergarten. According to Janice the most important thing that has not changed are the teachers. They always impress with their deep love of Children. Placerville School District is very fortunate to have amazing teachers like Janice throughout the District.
P l a ce rv i l le Un i on S c ho o l D is t r ic t
Volume 2, Issue 1
Placerville Community Passes Measure B Inside this issue: Good Deeds
2
Moving and Shaking 2 Making Connections
2
Good Deeds Cont.
3
Moving and Shaking 3 Cont. Making Connections Cont.
3
PUSD Spotlight
4
Upcoming Events
January 18th MLK Holiday
January 20th Board Meeting
February 12-15 Presidents Weekend
February 17th Board Meeting
February 25-26 P/T Conferences
March 5th Odyssey of the Mind Competition
March 9th Canal Street Band Festival March 21-28 Spring Break
Placerville students are excited for the influx of technology in their classrooms because of the passage of Measure B.
Placerville Union School District would like to thank the Placerville community for the passage of Measure B. With the passage of Measure B, PUSD will be able to provide technology into the hands of our students and teachers for the next 16 years. Infrastructure will be updated throughout the district to help with the implementation of our 1 to 1 initiative. Over the next few months servers and switches will be updated. Wireless will be installed and upgraded throughout all the sites and a guest wireless system will be realized.
PUSD has been working for the past few years on upgrading the technology in all classrooms and providing integrated lessons to enhance the learning that is taking place in all classrooms. With the passage of Measure B, PUSD will be able to accelerate our implementation and is planning on having devices in the hands of both students and teachers by the start of the 2016-17 school year. Teachers will be trained on how to best implement the technology in the classroom. This training will be provided by consultants that will be brought in as well as experts that are already members of the PUSD staff. We also will have the opportunity to visit some schools that have already implemented a 1 to 1 initiative. This is an exciting time at PUSD. We are grateful for the trust that the Placerville community has given us. Part of the Bond process is the implementation of a Bond Oversight Committee. If you are interested in serving please contact the District Office at 530-622-7216, ext. 2236.
NCLB is now ESSA On December 10, 2015 a new federal law was implemented that gives direction to education throughout the country. For the past 14 years schools throughout the country have worked under the law titled “No Child left be-
hind” the new law is entitled “Every Student Succeeds Act.” ESSA transfers much of the decision making authority back to the State and Local leaders. This goes hand in hand with the direction California has gone
over the past few years with the new Local Control Funding Formula and the Local Control Accountability Plan. You may review our LCAP on the PUSD webpage or pick up a copy at the District Office.
PUSD News
Page 2
Edwin Markham Middle School Making Connections The first semester of the year is just ending and already we have a large number of students involved in extra-curricular activities. We know that one of the secrets to success at the middle school level is student involvement. Students who are engaged in school outside of the classroom are more likely to be engaged in the classroom. We have
“PE has been shown to have positive impacts on academics and student performance”
a lot of opportunities for our students to be engaged in our campus.
even met during the summer in anticipation of this region-wide competition.
A great way to reach students and keep them engaged is through one of the many club activities that we offer. Our Robotics Club is meeting twice a week as they get ready to compete in the First Lego League competition held at Intel in Folsom next month. Students
Our Kiwanis-affiliated Builders Club has already had several meetings to discuss the different service projects that are upcoming. They worked in conjunction with our Garden Club to put in a Saturday of work on our campus garden.
Markham students participating in the Robotics competition.
Moving and Shaking Sierra Elementary and Schnell Elementary Schools received a great gift this year! The district made the investment to hire a physical education teacher for the elementary school sites. For years we have known the benefits of
physical activities, but in the past several years with budget cuts and reduced funding, many elementary districts had to cut the position for PE teachers at the elementary sites. This became the job of classroom teachers
who had limited training in physical education instruction. The students at Sierra and Schnell are now reaping the rewards of a more pure physical education class with a teacher credentialed in PE instruction.
Good Deeds are Rewarded at Schnell School New this year at Schnell Elementary School is the Bobcat Bazaar. This celebration is unique to Schnell School where educators engage students and promote good behavior through an innovative currency system called Bobcat Bonuses. Throughout the day, students earn Bobcat Bonuses on slips of paper from teachers and staff for displaying the core values of the school; showing respect, making good decisions, solving problems and keeping hands off. Students redeem Bobcat Bonuses for prizes like popcorn, shave ice, pretzels, chips, cookies and candies at the Bobcat Bazaar, held on the last Friday of every month. “Our Parent Teacher Committee consists of many dedicated individuals who raise all the money to make this happen for our school, and our Fifth Grade Student Council assists in the actual activities,” Principal Paturel noted. “When a student does something good, the teacher or staff notate the student’s action and place the name on the Bobcat Bonus before giving it to them.”
Volume 2, Issue 1
Page 3
Cont. Making Connections Even though it is the end of the growing season, our Garden Club has been getting the space spruced up and ready for some winter crops. A very popular club is our Drama Club, which provides an outlet for students to not only act, but to have an important supporting role in set design and production. Students put on one-act plays at our Winter Arts Festival, as well as put together a full play production in the spring. In addition, our Odyssey of the Mind team has formed. Students work in teams to participate in different problem-solving competitions, ranging from building mechanical devices to interpreting different literary works. Markham students performing in the winter production of “Eggheads”.
Our ability to offer so many opportunities for our students is due in part to funding through Wells Fargo and their generous contributions. Between all our different clubs, as well as our sports program, we are confident that every student will find their place at Edwin Markham Middle School. Our staff works hard at filling the various needs of our student body. With the opportunity for students to find an interest group and get involved, we know we can help every student be successful.
Cont. Moving and Shaking Here are some of the many benefits children receive from a quality PE program: improved physical fitness, motor skill development, self-discipline, strengthened peer relationships, improved team work strategies, and re-
duced stress. PE has also been shown to have positive impacts on academics and student performance. So, this is a win-win. Our students learn motor skills, build cardio capacity and develop healthy habits while they also increase
“
their ability to focus on classroom instruction.
Cont. Good Deeds
Student Council serves shaved ice to students.
Students visit the Bobcat Bazaar one grade level at a time, while parent volunteers and student council members help prepare and distribute the prizes. Teachers accompany their classes and connect with other students and parents. “The event is a fantastic incentive program that focuses individuals on a goal, and that truly makes a difference with behavior,” first grade teacher Judy Webb expressed. Prize costs are different per item, so students strengthen mathematics skills and learn about the concept of money management while having fun. “The students really like it and get excited when the Bobcat Bazaar comes around,” fifth grade Associated Student Body President Ryan Sampson explains. “My favorite is the shave ice.” Fifth grade student council member Samantha described how this concept originally came to life. “My sister originally had the idea, and I thought it was good. I took it to the Parent Teacher Committee and they helped us do all this.”
P l a ce rv il l e U n i o n S c h o o l Di s t r i ct 1032 Thompson Way Placerville CA, 95667
Phone Number (530) 622-7216 Fax Number (530) 622-0336 Superintendent — Eric Bonniksen
HIGH EXPECTATIONS + STRONG SCHOOLS = BRIGHT FUTURES Web Site www.pusdk8.us Also like us on Facebook
Employee Spotlight
Janice Sutherland TK teacher at Schnell School
I am very excited to have Janice Sutherland be our Spotlight Employee this issue. Janice has been working for the Placerville Union School District since 1981. Her strong leadership has helped Placerville School District be on the forefront of many initiatives most notably Transitional Kindergarten. Janice helped Placerville establish one of the first PreK classes prior to the start of the 2006 school year. Her class was one of the models for the Transitional Kindergarten movement throughout the State.
Janice stated that her favorite thing about teaching has always been the children. “I have always loved the little ones.” The one thing that has changed the most over the past 34 years is the increased academic emphasis first grade standards are now in Kindergarten. According to Janice the most important thing that has not changed are the teachers. They always impress with their deep love of Children. Placerville School District is very fortunate to have amazing teachers like Janice throughout the District.
