SCESD - April 2017 District Newsletter

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 1

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE

Spring has sprung bringing an end to an unpredictable storm season as the second trimester
winds to a close with parent conferences in full swing.

This month’s newsletter features three more outstanding employees who exemplify leadership
and professionalism in the different roles they serve. Their stories speak loudly to their
passion and dedication to our students. Enjoy learning more about Jeremy Galimba our
Global Innovation Awardee, Jennifer Zanzot our Lead Learner and our Building Blocks winner,
Alice Trevino.

Martha Martinez, Another feature in our newsletter are volunteers from each of our schools who were honored
Superintendent at the March Board meeting for giving unselfishly their time and resources to support our staff
and students. Collins English Dictionary defines volunteerism as the principle of donating time
TABLE OF CONTENTS and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather
than for any financial reward. We are grateful for our volunteers’ gift of time and talent to
Professional Development ................ 3 create better learning environments at all of our schools. While each volunteer’s contribution
Jennifer Zanzot may differ, the commonality among our volunteers is that they brighten the lives of our staff
Lead Learner Award ............................ 4 and students each day.
Jeremy Galimba
Global Innovation Award .................. 5 A special shout out to our Special Education folks for their work on a Co-Teaching Model and
Alice Trevino to our Board Certified Behavior Analysts on their 2nd training session for Behavior Intervention
Building Blocks Award ....................... 6 Specialists. Both of these efforts illuminate new possibilities that will enhance successful learn-
Volunteer Recognitions ...................... 8 ing experiences for one of our most at risk student groups.
Professional Development
Opportunities ....................................... 14 Lastly one of SCESD’s proudest initiatives is our PBIS and Anti-Bullying
SPED ....................................................... 15 efforts. It is amazing to see each school’s approach that accentuate pos-
The Importance of PBIS ................... 18 itive behavior and the creativity of classroom art portraying attributes of
New Teacher Boot Camp .................. 19 Anti-Bullying. Our culminating event, SCESD’s March Against Bullying,
Business News .................................... 20 will take place on May 4th at Salinas High School. A group of intermedi-
MOTS ..................................................... 21 ate students from each of our schools will gather in the gym for a rally
News from HR ..................................... 22 Against Bullying. This will be the first time our students come together
Transporation News ......................... 24 as one SCESD group and join forces with one of our local high schools
Maintenance News ........................... 25 to take a stand against bullying. We are so excited to have our local
Family Resource Center ................... 26 high school students host us as we celebrate our yearlong PBIS efforts.
Around The District .................... 27-28
My hope is that everyone has some time to enjoy the outdoors and your family during our
Spring Break. I look forward to visiting schools throughout the month of May to talk to our
students and staff about their accomplishments this year.

Warmest Regards,

ON THE COVER

Jeremy Galimba,

Teacher at El Gabilan Elem.
and Global Innovation
Award Winner.
Read story on Page 5

2 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

Professional Development/ ED SERVICES
MeeStaliinnags CDitay tEelesm/eTntaimry Secshool District 
PARAEDUCATORS
April / Ma8y402S0ou1th7MSacinhSetrdeeut,lSeaslinas California 93901* (831) 753-5600
Did you wonder why
BY LORI SANDEPrRofSessional Development/Meeting Dates/Times some very important
Paraeducators were
April/May 2017 missing from March 14th
through March 16th?
Date/Times Location Topic Who Should Attend
Boronda Meadows Rule of 3 BME, LP, Nat, & Roos They were in Ontario, California,
April 1 attending the Paraeducator Con-
8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Sherwood Elementary Parent Coordinator Site Parent ference. The conference educat-
Meeting Coordinators ed eight of our Paraeducators
April 4 SCESD Basement PBIS Site Lead Site Leads on “How to deal with Difficult
1:30-3:30 p.m. Conference Room Meeting District Team Behaviors,” “Maximizing Student
SCESD Board Room PBIS District Engagement,” “Social Media and
April 4 Leadership Team Instructional Assistants Cyberbullying,” and how to be an
3:30-5:00 p.m. SCESD Basement Meeting effective “Wingman” to name a
Conference Room Intervention TK-2 Grade Teachers few. In addition to the time spent
April 5 Instructional Assistant Site Leads in the workshops, our paraeduca-
3:30-5:30 p.m. SCESD Basement Cadre 3-6 Grade Teachers tors spent time collaborating with
Conference Room Units of Study Interns and PIPs colleagues from all over Califor-
April 6 SCESD Basement nia, as well as, with one another.
1:00-2:20 p.m. Conference Room PBIS Meeting They discussed how they can col-
SCESD Basement laborate with certificated staff to
April 18-19 Conference Room Units of Study better serve our students’ needs.
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SCESD Board Room If you get a chance to speak with
Boot Camp these fantastic professionals, ask
April 18 them directly about the unique
3:30-5:00 p.m. Location Topic Who Should Attend learning experience they had.
PBIS Meeting Site Leads
April 20-21 SCESD Basement
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Conference Room PBIS Meeting District Team

April 29 SCESD Board Room
8:30 a.m.-12:00
SCESD Basement Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistants
Date/Times Conference Room Cadre System 44 Teachers

May 2 SCESD Basement System 44
3:30-5:00 p.m. Conference Room
Boot Camp Interns & PIPs
May 3 SCESD Board Room
3:30-5:30 p.m.

May 4
1:00-2:20 p.m.

May 9
3:30-5:00 p.m.

May 13

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 3

2016/2017 AWARD WINNERS

PART 2 OF A 3-PART SERIES

ADMINISTRATOR

We are entering part 2 of our de-escalate, or when I help a
3-part series highlighting our teacher change their relation-
Employee Award Winners from ship with a difficult student,
2016/17. I’m hopeful that I’m making a
difference.

We asked our award winners What does your award
questions to describe what mean to you?
this awards means to them

and what advice would they I was so touched that my
give to new educators efforts are recognized. I enjoy
beginning their journey. learning new ways to mo-

For our first interview, tivate, teach, and challenge
we spoke with Lead myself and my coworkers, but
Learner Award Winner, keeping up with technology
Jennifer Zanzot. and project based learning,

and truly preparing students

What’s your title and for a world I can barely imag-
school location? ine is difficult. I appreciate the
followers who have helped me
Principal, become a better leader.
Mission Park

Elementary JENNIFER ZANZOT What is the most
gratifying thing
How many years of LEAD LEARNER AWARD about your job?
teaching?
What really gratifies me as a
30 years
Principal is knowing that I can

make a difference for many

What brought you to Salinas City students and families as I support both classified and
Elementary School District? certificated staff in the very hard work we do each day. I
know we can make our schools better for our students if
I wanted to get experience before applying to the we work together.

Department of Defense school system. I put down

roots quickly, realized that I was lucky to have Any advice for new educators?

landed in the Salinas Elementary School District, and Know that teaching is hard, but your success and that

never left. of your students depends on your ability to build and

maintain relationships.

What keeps you motivated and inspired
on a dialy basis?

When students greet me with a hug or a smile
or a sparkle in their eyes, I’m glad I do what I do.
When I win the battle and help a struggling student

44 AFPERBIRLUDAISRTYRDICISTTNREICWTSNLEEWTTSELRET|TEISRSU|EIS9SUE 8

2016/2017 AWARD WINNERS

PART 2 OF A 3-PART SERIES

CERTIFICATED

For our second inteview, What does your award
we visited El Gabilan mean to you?
and spoke with Global
Innovation Award Winner, As an educator who is continuous-
Jeremy Galimba ly inspired and influenced by my
fellow colleagues, I am honored

What’s your title and to be acknowledged as a global
school location? innovator within this district. Having
this platform only increases my
Teacher, SCESD motivation to pour back into the
El Gabilan Elementary

lives of the students and teachers I

How many years am privileged to work with.

of teaching? What is the most
gratifying thing
I’ve been a classroom about your job?
teacher for 13 years, which is
enough time to forget how The most gratifying thing about
long you’ve been a teacher.

my job is connecting with other

What brought Jeremy Galimba passionate educators to accomplish
you to Salinas City a shared dream that would never
Elementary School GLOBAL INNOVATION AWARD be possible on our own. Watching
District? students thrive in a “High Five”
environment of citizenship, com-
Being born and raised in munication, collaboration, critical
Salinas, I have a deep-rooted thinking, and creativity is a huge
investment in this community. source of personal and professional
Working at SCESD has provid- satisfaction.
ed me with the opportunity to

make a lasting positive impact

on my hometown. In my opinion, it takes more Any advice for new educators?
courage to bloom where you are planted than to
gloom where you’re not. Don’t be afraid to fail. It will free you to discover inno-
vations that you would have never explored otherwise.

Remember that lifelong learners are constantly growing;

What keeps you motivated and inspired and if you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Surround
on a dialy basis? yourself with likeminded leaders who will focus on build-
ing the future rather than preserving the past.
I find that I am most motivated by the unique

privilege I have to inspire the students and teachers

around me to be lifelong learners who serve others

with their talents. When I remind myself that making

progress is more of a process than an event, it helps

me find and celebrate the small inspirations that

take place every day.

ISSUEIS8SU|EF9EB|RAUPARRIYL DDIISSTTRRIICCTT NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR 55

2016/2017 AWARD WINNERS

PART 2 OF A 3-PART SERIES

CLASSIFIED

For our last interview in What does your award
Series 2 of our 3-part series, mean to you?
we spoke with Building
Blocks Award Winner, I appreciate this award! It
Alice Trevino. says that what I believe in,
what I strive every day to do
What’s your title and is acknowledged by others
school location? that feel the same way about
education.
Instructional Aid,
Laurel Wood Elementary What is the most grati-
fying thing about your
How many years of job?
classified?
The most gratifying thing
16 years about my job is knowing that
I made a difference in a child’s
What brought you to life. I give children the tools so
Salinas City they can be successful. When
Elementary School I see them days, months or
District? years down the road and they
thank me for helping them
My children attending the old learn how to read or do math
or even a life skill, it makes me
Boronda School and volun- smile!

teering in their classrooms Any advice for new
educators?
brought me to SCESD. When I Alice Trevino
volunteered, I saw all students Remember when you were
on a daily basis and I liked BUILDING BLOCKS AWARD the student and how you felt.
helping them achieve their Learn to read their faces and
their body language so you
goals for the day. When my can adjust the way you teach.
Most of all be patient, repeat
children moved on, the suggestion came up to con- things as needed, and smile.

tinue what I was doing, but this time as an employee.

What keeps you motivated and inspired
on a dialy basis?

The students keep me motivated and inspired on a
daily basis especially when I see their faces light up
when they get it!

66 FAEPBRRILUDAIRSYTRDIICSTTRNIECWT NSLEEWTSTLEERTT| EIRSSU| EIS9SUE 8

SAVE THE DATEE A R L Y A N N O U N C E M E N T

LOCATION: SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL

BETWEEN 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

PLAN AHEAD. | GET INVOLVED. | MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

MARCHS A L I N A S C I T Y E L E M E N T A R Y S C H O O L D I S T R I C T ’ S

AGAINST BULLYING

MAY 4, 2017

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 7

Sally Pruneda is recognized
by Principal Linda Barrera for
her selfless volunteer work she
provides to Roosevelt.

88 AAPPRRIILL DDIISSTTRRIICCTT NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR || IISSSSUUEE 99

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Recognitions

During our February 27th Board of Education Meeting,
SCESD Administrators recognize and thank our volunteers

Hilary Fish

Boronda DIAS
Hilary Fish volunteer at Boronda Dual Immersion Acade-
my is a member of the PTO. She has made herself available
to support the site and has been instrumental in getting
the news out to the community that the school was being
re-opened and she did it with enthusiasm and passion.

Carol Young
Boronda Meadows

Carol Young at Boronda Meadows is a retired
Elementary & High School Teacher. Every Thursday
she volunteers in a 1st grade classroom and supports

students in the area of Reading and Math passion.

A HUGE THANK YOU !

Congratulations to our recognized volunteers and a big thank you to the rest of our

Salinas City Elementary School District volunteers, who day in and day out, give back

to our community and who take every opportunity to help make a direct impact in our

young students’ lives. Thank you for everything you all do! CONTINUE TO THE NPEAXGTEPA1G0E

ISISSSUUEE99 || AAPPRRILILDDISISTTRRICICTTNNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR 99

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Maria Mendoza

El Gabilan

Maria Mendoza volunteer at El Gabilan is a wonderful asset to
the El Gabilan community. She volunteers at our school every
day in so many different ways. She helps the custodian sweep
during lunch, she helps supervisors sit children down at their
assigned tables, helps the office with several tasks- including
cutting visitor stickers, passes out fliers to parents before and
after school and is always willing to help with anything that
is needed. She is a happy person and greets everyone with a
warm smile.

Alheli (Lee) Curry
Kammann

Alheli (Lee) Curry parent of Kammann
School has put in countless hours in our

library and is an amazing person.

Margaret Sirtak

Laurel Wood

Margaret Sirtak at Laurel Wood, a retired teacher
volunteers in classrooms 6-10 hours a week for the
last 5 years.

10 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Molly Weaver
Lincoln

Molly Weaver, has volunteered in son’s kindergarten
classroom at Lincoln School every Wednesday for
the start of the year. She works with small groups

of students during the day. She is a scientist and has
taught a Science unit on Push and Pull. Our Kinder
students have had wonderful experiences working
with Mrs. Weaver.

Veronica Zenteno

Loma Vista

Veronica Zenteno, parent of Loma Vista,
volunteered to coordinate the Just Run
program for the school site.

Favian Tapia
Los Padres

Favian Tapia, student at Los Padres has been
recognized for being instrumental in

establishing, organizing and running the Los
Padres Panther Store.

CONTINUE TO THE NPEAXGT PEA1G2E

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 11

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Darlene Clevenger

Mission Park

Darlene Clevenger at Mission Park volunteers daily in a 2nd
grade classroom and can often be seen doing fluency assess-
ments, working with students to finish assignments, correcting
student work, and helping teach and guide challenging but ca-
pable students so they can achieve at optimal levels. The stu-
dents know and love “Mema” as we call her because she helps
and supports them in so many ways.

Lisa Watson
Monterey Park

Lisa Watson attended Monterey Park as a student and now volunteers
each day. Lisa can be found in the classroom each day assisting students

individually and working in small groups using the Phonics for Reading
program. At recess, she hosts the Accelerated Reader Club, for students

wishing to read or take quizzes. She assists with organizing our yearly
science camp program for our sixth graders. Lisa also helps out with our
school’s PTO by attending meetings and helping with the library’s book

Fairs. As a Monterey Park neighbor, Lisa keeps a watchful eye on the
school during the weekend and alerts the school principal if she sees any-
thing suspicious. Lisa has a big heart and she is definitely a strong partner

in helping Monterey Park school in building a community of learners.

Karla Vasquez

Natividad

Karla Vasquez honored volunteer at Natividad is a parent of
a first grade student and is a PTO member who is on campus
6 to 7 hours per day planning monthly activities for students,
teachers and parents and helping out around the school. She
also helps in classrooms or the school office and helps run
the student store every Friday.

12 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Sally Pruneda
Roosevelt

Sally Pruneda is a retired teacher who returns to share her time
and talent at Roosevelt Elementary where she spent her entire
career as a teacher. Mrs. Pruneda not only is an on-call substi-
tute, she visits every Thursday to provide lunch for our staff and
community members on campus. Mrs. Pruneda has provided a
variety of healthy homemade meals at a very affordable price.
She is meticulous at sharing her menu a day or 2 prior. She gives
back the proceeds to school needs. In the past, she has helped
6th grade students attend Science camp. For the last two years
she has providing $100 worth of children’s books to every class-

room teacher to add to their classroom libraries.

Bobbie Epps

Sherwood

Bobbie Epps has been a volunteer at Sherwood
for the past 3 years. She comes in on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. On Tuesdays after school she
runs a arts and craft program and on Thursdays
(All Day) she helps 6th grade teachers with their
prep. and also reads to our students.

Bridget Cotton
University Park

Bridget Cotton of University Park is an amazing
volunteer. She is a parent who is part of Univer-
sity Park’s PTO Executive Board. She coordinates
the Book Fairs and Fundraisers along with other

parent events. She supports all teachers and
classrooms in any endeavor that is needed.

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 13

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Professional Development Opportunities

BY RON DILLENDER
Happy March everyone! The year continues to fly by
and it is wonderful to have the chance to visit schools
and classrooms. Thank you for working every day to
make a difference in the lives of so many.

Upcoming Professional
Development Opportunities

This summer teached will again have the opportunity
to participate in numerous professional development
opportunities. The Benchmark Advance/Adelante
adoption will be the main emphasis, but there will
be other opportunities as well. Below is the tentative
schedule we have for our June PD Days. Teachers will
be compensated at their per diem rate of pay.

We plan to offer an optional condensed two day version of our Benchmark trainings before school starts in August, as
well as a one day overview on a teacher Staff Development Day for those who do not attend a summer Benchmark train-
ing. More information with sign ups, locations and times will be coming soon.
14 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

WELCOME SPED
NEW
FACE Special Education
AT
SCESD BY DR. JAN HAMILTON

Diana Romirez The district’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCAB’s) Allison
Gribben, Joshua Kayne, and Katie Turner are about to embark
District Translator on training the 2nd cohort of Behavior Intervention Specialists
(BIS) for the district. The BIS initiative is providing school sites
I am thrilled to join the Educational support with the implementation of positive behavior practices
Services Department at the District for student success.
Office. I have worked for our district
for three years and I am extremely The Special Education Department was recently provided with
grateful for the experience I have an overview of the “Co-Teaching That Works,” and institute that
gained through my different roles. I members attended in January. Kara Lowney, Special Education
am very pleased to use both lan- Academic Coach, and Alicia Granberg, Resource Specialist, at-
guages to provide resources for our tendees at the conference, presented to the department. A Pow-
diverse community. erPoint presentation on the co-teaching model was shared along
with the best research-based practices. Dr. Jan Hamilton, Direc-
My fields of expertise include tor of Special Education, conveyed next steps in this transforma-
Human Development Studies and tion initiative. At the end of March Dr. Hamilton, Kara Lowney
Drafting Technology. In my spare and Alicia Granberg will be presenting to site administrators the
time I enjoy going to see live music, essential components of inclusion and the co-teaching model. It
hiking in Big Sur and the Santa Cruz is anticipated that an inclusion model will be adopted as a pilot
mountains, and serving at Compass for the 2017/2018 school year.
Church as co-commander of Biblical
Studies for children.

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 15

ED SERVICES / PSA TESTING

Greetings from the
Testing & SIS Department

BY VIRGINIA GARZA-NUNEZ

UPCOMING STATE TESTING:

- Grade 3 – 6 CAASP-Smarter Balance, CAA (CA Alternative Assess.),
CAST (CA Science Test) Assessment Window: April 3 – May 19, 2017

- Grade 5 PFT (Physical Fitness Test): Please have your students start practicing on their

mile walk/jog/run, push-ups, sit-ups, etc., at least six weeks prior to testing in order to be compliant
with the PFT (Physical Fitness Test) recommendation. PFT administration window, May 16-20, 2017.

ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for
California) Field Testing:

Thank you to all of our wonderful 3rd - 6th grade teachers for administering the ELA ICAs. Overall our
administration and completion rates are in the mid 90’s! It’s been wonderful to hear how the scoring of the
ICAs has benefited our students and teachers: The rich conversations, new understandings of the response
requirements, and the grade level calibration of student scores. The next vital step is using our results to
inform instruction.

16 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

ED SERVICES / PSA TESTING

ELA ICA (interim

Comprehensive

Assess.) Completion Rates

Thank you to all of our wonderful
3rd – 6th grade teachers for ad-
ministering the ELA ICAs. Overall
our administration and completion
rates are in the mid 90’s! It’s been
wonderful to hear how the scoring
of the ICAs has benefited our stu-
dents and teachers: The rich con-
versations, new understandings of
the response requirements, and the
grade level calibration of student
scores. The next vital step is using
our results to inform instruction.

ADA (Average Daily Attendance)

The district’s ADA for Month 7 was 94.04%. Please continue to communicate to parents and students the
importance of making everyday count!

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 17

SCHOOL, CLIMATE AND CULTURE

The Importance

of the Positive Behavior

Intervention and Support Framework (PBIS)

BY INGRID HERMANN

One of the major goals of the PBIS framework is to Students receiving Tier 3 intervention are still bound
reduce problem behaviors that affect student learn- to the Tier 1 school-wide expectations, teachings,
ing outcomes. Through the use of targeted behavior and reinforcements as well as acknowledgement sys-
lessons students learn what behavior is expected tems. However, the goal of Tier 3 interventions is to
and what will be reinforced. Approximately 80% of reduce the severity of behaviors as well as to prevent
the student population will be successful with Tier 1 the triggering of behaviors that can be intense or
prevention practices. dangerous for a student. Often these are more long-
term interventions for individual students.
Students who struggle with behavior often need
additional support. This is approximately 15% of the Schools must remember that while there are stu-
student population. Tier 2 interventions help student dents who display Tier 2 or Tier 3 behaviors, they are
develop social skills, improve their academics, receive not Tier 2 or Tier 3 students. Schools who are iden-
positive 1-on-1 attention from an adult, and support tified as being in Tier 2 or Tier 3 indicates they have
for any crisis or trauma they face. Tier 2 interven- systems to ensure students are connected to Tier 2
tions should be explored first to determine if a given and Tier 3 interventions. All schools are considered
intervention meets a student’s specific need. If the PBIS schools: They have structures in place to sup-
intervention does not provide the level of support port all students to help them succeed behaviorally
the student needs, they will likely need a Tier 3 inter- as well as academically.
vention support.

18 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

WELCOME NEW TEACHER SUPPORT
NEW
FACE Boot Camp offers interns
AT opportunities for growth
SCESD
BY SOPHIA WITTING AND ERIKA TUMMINELLI

Mary Brock The New Teachers’ Boot Camps offer interns an opportunity to
learn about core curriculum and collaborate around strategies to
Benefits Secretary best help their students. This year interns have received training
in a variety of topics: classroom management, common core math
Mary was born and raised in the and writing, close reading, as well as social and emotional learning
Salinas Valley. She is a graduate of skills.
Laurel Wood Elementary, Washing-
ton Middle, and North Salinas High In March new teachers came together to review and talk with new
Schools. She went on to receive teacher support coaches, Erika Tumminelli and Sophia Witting, on
her BA in History at San Diego State parent conferences and report cards. With the help of their men-
University. Mary has spent the last tors, coaches, and these professional developments, we are proud
5 years supervising college students of the amazing learning opportunities our interns are providing
in Housing and Dining Services at their students!
Oregon State University and West-
ern Washington University. ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 19

Mary’s husband served in the US
Navy for 10 years, which enabled
her to live and travel all over the
United States. From the Midwest,
to the East Coast, to the Pacific
Northwest, she has seen quite a bit,
but as Dorothy from the Wizard of
Oz famously said, “there’s no place
like home”. She is happy to be back
home in Monterey County.

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT WELCOME
NEW
D10id9yo5u-reBceiavenyodur1t0ax9fo5rm-sC? FACE
AT
BY LONA CHRISTENSEN SCESD

1095-B Denise Noel

1095-C Preschool Coordinator
Denise Noel is the Preschool Coordinator
Last year was the first time employers were required to inform for Salinas City Elementary School District
both employees and the IRS about which months their staff had she has held this position since February
health insurance. The Affordable Health Care Act (A.C.A.) moni- 21, 2017. She has 25 years of experi-
tors permanent, full time employees of six hours or more per day ence working with toddler and Preschool
to ensure they are covered with medical insurance through their children mainly in Head Start and State of
employer. California funded programs.
For the year 2015, just one Form 1095 was sent out in March 2016 She has worked for Tulare County Head
with data for the employee and all dependents on their insurance Start Program, Cal State Monterey Bay
plan. For year 2016, two forms were mailed by March 2, 2017. Child Development Center, Carmel Adult
Salinas City Elementary School District sent Form 1095-C with School as the Co-oP Director at Tularci-
just the employee information. MCSIG sent Form 1095-B for the tos Elementary, Monterey Adult School
dependents. and recently Santa Clara County Office of
You do not need these forms to file your taxes but it is important Education.
that your IRS filing matches the months of coverage and depen- Denise earned B.A and M.A degrees from
dents included on your plans since the IRS will compare them at Pacific Oaks College, earning her M.A in
some point in time. 2010. Denise is a PITC (program for Infant
We had several forms returned to SCESD because the addresses and Toddler Caregivers) trainer, she is also a
were not correct. If you did not receive your forms or have a ques- certified observer for CLASS (classroom as-
tion about them, please contact either Lona Christensen, Director sessment scoring system) for toddlers and
of Fiscal Services at 784-2226 or the Benefits Office at 784-2218. preschool aged children. One of Denise’s
passions is enhancing preschool outdoor
20 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9 environments to provide children with op-
portunities to experience nature and learn
in an outdoor classroom.
She enjoys hiking in the Monterey and bay
areas, biking with her family (husband and
two teen age boys) and hanging out at the
Monterey Bay aquarium. She is also learn-
ing to care for the garden and fruit trees
(orange, avocado, lemon and peach trees)
she inherited when she recently purchased
a home in Salinas.

MOTS

Maintenance, Operations,

Transportation, Safety, & Food Service

BY TERRY RYAN

The district’s maintenance, operations, transportation and food service
departments are focused on supporting the district’s instructional
platforms—each department, classroom, and student!

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR CURRENT ACTIVITIES ARE:
SAFETY: # ONE:

Our collective focus is to ensure the safety of our 9,000+ students, 800+ staff and innumerable visitors. School Site
perimeter security is everyone’s business! Please keep the gates closed and remember that only one vehicle should go
through vehicle gates. Do not try to “slide through” on someone else’s card swipe- gates bite! Campus check-in pro-
cedures, fire and earthquake drills and School Site Safety Plans require everyone’s attention. Our safety meetings are
scheduled-so Safety Committee members should check their e-mail!
SAFETY: # TWO:
The district’s safety committee worked diligently to better understand options for district emergency communications
and had recent actual experiences (the power outage, various student medical emergencies and use as a basis for
evaluation of options. Applications that reside on employee cell phones, CrisisManager and CrisisGo, were discussed
as possible solutions for 2 way group and individual communication during emergencies. And please remember, since
all sites approved their Comprehensive School Site Safety plans, now the site responsibility is to “drill, baby, drill” so that
everyone, including after school/Saturday school is aware of our well planned emergency response protocols.
FOOD SERVICE:
Carlos Murta and his crew of outstanding Food Service Workers are in the midst of planning for summer feeding pro-

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ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 21

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MOTS

grams in our school communities – an effort that pays off knowing that anyone under the age of 18 who is hungry
can receive lunch through our federally funded summer meals program. And to make sure we are offering the best
school lunches, within budgetary constraints, for our students and staff, the Food Service Department continues to
gather feedback from our school sites regarding the quality of our meals. Finally, to enhance our breakfast program,
we are exploring program opportunities in a collaboration with the Alisal Elementary School District.
MAINTENANCE:

The Maintenance Teams are working efficiently to keep our buildings and grounds in the best repair possible. The
Maintenance staff appreciates the school sites use of the SCHOOL DUDE software because this product assists every-
one in scheduling and completing work. In addition, using the SHOOL DUDE system provides the district administra-
tion with valuable performance metrics.
As most employees and parents know, on February 17, 2017 the District endured a huge storm that toppled sev-
eral trees and many fences. A direct impact on several of our schools and our administrative facilities was the loss
of electrical power: classrooms, toilet rooms and kitchens were cold and dark while our food service freezers and
refrigerators were at risk of becoming too warm—quite the paradox! In addition, the significant rainfall pushed our
storm drains and storm water pumps to their limits. Without fail, the Maintenance Department aggressively pursued
emergency solutions to these problemas and today stand ever vigilant to the needs of our Students, Staff, and Parents
because students are the focus of our work!
OPERATIONS:
A big shout out to our professional custodial staff – they work hard to clean up during the day, keep the vegetation
around the buildings under control and ensure your night crew accomplishes the important work of cleaning class-
rooms and restrooms and our security camera lens. They have also been advised of their roll in keeping our campus-
es secure by removing any element that is holding our perimeter security gates open and keeping cobwebs off the
lenses of our security cameras.

TRANSPORTATION:
SCESD’s 28 bus drivers, are doing the critical work of safely delivering about 800 students to school and back home
everyday – and then they do all of the field trips in between—please make sure all of the field trip requests are filed in
a timely manner!!

NOTICE:

"Your Business Department attended the Governor's Budget Workshop on January 17 to learn about the budget that Governor Brown released on January 10. In a snapshot,
monthly revenues have been consistently lower than projected. This will cause our current year revenue to be slightly reduced and also projects that revenue for the next year
will be about $2 million below their earlier projection. As this happens CALPERS and CALSTRS rates paid by the district will continue to rise."

22 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

HUMAN RESOURCES

News from the
HR department

BY DR. BEATRIZ CHAIDEZ

The administration of Salinas City Elementary School In addition, for teachers hired since July 1, 2007 the
District and the leadership of SETC reached a side tentative agreement reads:
letter agreement on years of service that was ratified
by the Board of Trustees on February 27th. “Bargaining unit members who are jointly deter-
mined to have had six (6) years or more of qualifying
The side letter states: and verified teaching experience upon the date of
initial hire will be placed at the step she/he would
“Effective the 2017-2018 school year, have been placed at, up to step 16, including credit
incoming bargaining unit members for years served since date of hire in the SCESD. The
initially hired by the District on or employee’s salary placement under this provision will
after July 1, 2017, will be placed on be effective July 1, 2017.”
the salary schedule based upon one
(1) step for each year of public or Current bargaining unit members affected by the
accredited private elementary school agreement will be notified by the Human Resources
teaching experience up to a maximum department by mid May to begin the verification
total of fifteen (15) years prior service of years of service process and make the necessary
credit.” salary adjustments for 2017-18 school year.

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 23

TRANSPORTATION

Transporation News

BY RICK ENRIQUEZ

On March 20, 2017 the department transported all 5th
grade students to a Monterey Co. Symphony Performance
at the John Steinbeck Institute of Arts & Culture. These
types of events require an enormous amount of patience
from our schools! Due to all schools attending at the same
time!
Field Trips, Field Trips, Field Trips!! Please contact us as
soon as possible, dates are very limited!
We are gaining ground on the hiring School Bus Drivers!!
Our training program has resulted in the hiring of two driv-
ers and have 4 drivers currently enrolled in our program.
This will greatly help us with our future transportation
needs. Even with these potential prospects we still need
more drivers! If you know of anyone interested, please
send them my way!
Thank you!

24 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance News

BY DARREN FORT

The Maintenance Teams are working efficiently to keep
our buildings and grounds in the best repair
possible. The Maintenance staff appreciates the school
sites use of the SCHOOL DUDE software because this
product assists everyone in scheduling and completing
work.
As you are aware, on February 17, 2017 the District
endured a huge storm that toppled several trees and
fences. It knocked the power out at several sites and
pushed our storm drains and pumps to their limits. The
Maintenance Department stands ever vigilant to the
needs of our Students, Staff, and Parents. The Students
are the focus of our work.

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 25

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Family Resource Center

hosts Science Day with Santa Catalina School

BY CHERYL CAMANY

26 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Sherwood Hall

MONTEREY SYMPHONY
PERFORMS FOR SCESD 5TH GRADERS
ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 27

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Students from Mission Park Elementary showcase
their St. Patty’s Day pride!

March 17

ST. PATRICKS DAY

Students across the District celebrated St. Patricks Day

28 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 89

STAY INFORMED, EVEN ON THE GO.
www.salinascityesd.org

ISSUE 9 | APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 29

“STUDENTS ARE THE
FOCUS OF OUR WORK”

30 APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 9