January - February 2019 Newsletter

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 1

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

FOLLOW US January brings hope for new
beginnings, new goals and new
AND GIVE US A LIKE! achievements. This is true for
SCESD as we conducted our mid-
@SalinasCitySD year review, celebrated the rec-
ognition of many of our schools
Jan - Feb DISTRICT NEWSLETTER as Bright Spots and attended the
share out of Professional Learn-
YEAR: 2019 | ISSUE: 21 ing Networks for Roosevelt and
University Park.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The mid-year review process was
Professional Development ............ 4 instituted over the last three years
Virginia Garza-Núñez for principals to share their action
Lead Learner Award Winner ......... 6 plans for student improvement.
Katie Turner Using a fishbowl protocol, each
Pearl Award Winner........................... 7 principal reports on 1-2 high
MaryAnn Stoopes leverage activities that are showing promising results. This process allows for other leaders to
Lasso Award Winner.......................... 8 learn what is working well and to provide constructive feedback to challenge each other to con-
Testing and SIS .................................. 9 tinue moving their schools to greater levels of success.
Junior Achievement ....................... 11
Curriculum & Instruction ............. 13 At the Bright Futures annual Bright Spots event, nine SCESD schools were recognized for
Culture & Climate............................ 14 outstanding achievement in ELA with English Learners, socio economically disadvantaged and
School Improvement & English Only subgroups. Our schools stood out as Super Bright Spots for their ELA gains of
Parent Involvement......................... 15 10% (a 3+ year trend) and exceeded growth in our county by 10% and 5% in the state. Several
Special Education ........................... 16 schools (bolded) were highlighted as Super Duper Bright Spots for over 20% growth. Kudos to El
Migrant ............................................... 16 Gabilan, Kammann, Laurel Wood, Lincoln, Loma Vista, Monterey Park, Natividad, Roosevelt, Sher-
Maintenance & Operations ........ 17 wood, and University Park. A special shout out was given to Roosevelt for a 35% growth rate for
State Preschool ................................ 18 all grades in reading and writing. They are also out-pacing the state by 11% and the County by
Bright Futures ................................... 19 19%. Our schools are proof that improvement is possible, that all kids can learn and that disparity
Transportation ................................. 20 gaps can be closed.
Food Services ................................... 22
Technology & Innovation ............ 23 As we are faced with budget reductions, I am appreciative of all those who are participating on
Family Resource Center ............... 24 the Budget Learning Team. This team, led by our Assistant Superintendent of Business Sara Pe-
Pink Shirt Day .................................. 26 rez, designed an inclusive process to engage our stakeholders through this difficult situation. The
Social Medias ................................... 27 team will provide us with budget reduction recommendations that will allow us to remain fiscally
solvent for the next three years.

Amidst challenges we face each day, I am still inspired by the actions and results of our hard
working employees who make sure our students arrive at school on time, who make sure our
students receive healthy food choices so they are ready to learn and to our teachers/support staff
who come prepared to provide our students with the best opportunities to excel in learning.

Lastly, I am inspired by our students, whom never cease to amaze me. Recently, two Sherwood
students who spoke to an audience of business leaders, shared their future dreams to become
teachers. I believe they are inspired by the rich learning environment they experience each day,
and believe they too, can be a direct influence to future generations. Thank you for all you do to
make SCESD shine.

MarthaMartinez

Superintendent

ON THE COVER BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kathryn Francisco Stephen Art
Ramirez Javier Kim Galimba
Virginia Garza-Núñez Amy Estrada
Ish Trusee Area 3 Trusee Area 5 Trusee Area 1
Director of Assessment and Accountability Trusee Area 2
and Lead Learner Award Winner Trusee Area 4

Read her interview on Page 6

2 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 21

SCESD STEAM Academy is a comprehensive program for students to re-
cover excused and unexcused absences. This program is tailored to reflect
the curriculum that is offered during the regular school week. We want stu-
dents to learn and enjoy their time while they participate, which is why our
STEAM Academy is fun, interactive and challenging. Utilizing our STEM
curriculum, students will be presented with Science, Technology, Engineer-
ing, Arts and Math-based learning, in an interdisciplinary and
applied approach.

For more information about our STEAM Academy,
visit www.salinascityesd.org/steamacademy

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 3

ED SERVICES BY LORI SANDERS

PROFESSIONAL Salinas City Elementary School District 
DEVELOPMENT/
MEETING 840 South Main Street • Salinas • California • 93901• (831) 753-5600
DATES/ TIMES
February - March 2019
February & March
2019 Schedule Professional Development Dates/Times

PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS PD DAYS Date/Times Location Topic Who Should Attend

Feb 4  Natividad   Maximizing Math Instruction:  K - 6 
3:30 - 5:00  Increasing Student Engagement 

and Exploring Small Groups 

Feb. 5   Sherwood  Reading Comprehension and  2 - 6 
3:30 - 5:00  Writing Scaffolds for ALL 

Struggling Learners Through 
Benchmark Steps to Advance  

Feb. 6  Board Room  Tier 1 1.3 Expectations  ISF Network Leads 
3:30 - 5:00  DO 

Feb. 7  Board Room  The 44 Sounds of the English  Paraeducators 
1:00-2:15  DO  Language 

Feb. 11  Los Padres  Playworks   Playworks Paras 
8:30 - 3:00  D. Vaughn  Junior Coach Program 

MPR 

Feb. 11  Various  Certificated  All Certificated 
8:00 - 3:00  Staff Development Day 

Feb. 11  DIAS  Inhaler/Nebulizer Treatments  Health Aides 
8:30 - 12:30  Rm 25  Homeless Students   LVNs 

Salinas City Elementary School District Feb. 12 
Board Room  PBIS 2.1 Supervision  Network A Leads 

3:30 - 5:00  DO 
840 South Main Street • Salinas • California • 93901• (831) 753-5600

Feb. 13  Board Room  PBIS 2.1 Supervision  Network B Leads 

3:30 - 5:00  DO 

Feb. 20  Sherwood   Supporting Students with  Gen Ed Teachers 
3:30 - 5:00  Rm 48  Disabilities in the General   
Date/Times Location
EducatioTnopCilcassroom  Who Shou ld Attend

Feb. 28  IMC  Summation for Kinder:   Paraeducators 
1:00-2:15  Conference  Addition and Subtraction  (Kinder) 

Room 

March 6  Board Room  PBIS 2.1 Supervision  ISF Network Leads 
3:30 - 5:00  DO 

March 7  Basement  Rewards  GLRT 
8:30 - 1:00  Conference  Building PBIS Training  DIAS Staff 
Room DO 
March 7 
1:45 - 2:45  DIAS 

March 8  Basement     
8:30 - 2:30  Conference  System 44  Group A  
Room DO 
March 11  System 44  Group B  
8:30 - 2:30  Basement 
Conference  Tier 2 MCOE Training 4  Network A Leads 
March 12  Room DO 
3:30 - 5:00  Tier 2 MCOE Training 4  Network B Leads 
Board Room   
March 13  DO  Paraeducators 
3:30 - 5:00  Phonics For Reading R​ evisited  (GE and SpEd) 
Board Room  Paraeducators 
March 14  DO  High-Frequency Word​ Practice 
1:00-2:15  (Kinder) 
Board Room 
March 21  DO 
1:00-2:15 
Board Room 
DO 

4 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 21

ED SERVICES

FEBRUARY 11 IS CERT. PD DAY

O ur 3rd-6th grade teachers and RSP teachers will
score their students’ ELA ICAs, and TK-2 will
attend workshops at Boronda Meadows. (RSP
teachers will work with the grade level team with
the largest number of 3rd-6th grade students on

their caseload). See below for the profession-
al development activities scheduled for other
groups.

Please note: In the afternoons all certificated
staff will have 2 hours to meet as grade level or
job alike teams for instructional planning.

CERTIFICATED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (*) Updated

AUDIENCE L O C AT I O N TIME TOPIC

TK-2 BME: Various 8:00-3:00pm Workshop Sessions & Grade Level
Classrooms 8:00-3:00pm Instructional Planning
3rd-6th Teachers Home Schools 8:00-3:00pm
and RSP ICA Scoring and Grade Level
Preschool BME Room 1 8:00-3:00pm Instructional Planning

SpED: BME MPR A Quality Matters:
K-2 SDC and - Classroom Environment
All Mod/Severe - Language Modeling
Psychologists - Instructional Planning
SLPs
- Instruction Using the Universal Design for
Learning Framework

- Mental Health and Mindfulness
- Homeless Student Needs

CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ten month employees will be compensated at their regular rate of pay

AUDIENCE L O C AT I O N TIME TOPIC

Health Aides & LVNs DIAS: Room 25 8:30-12:30pm - Inhaler/Nubulizer Protocols
- Homeless Student Needs

Playworks Paras D. Vaughn MPR 8:30-3:00pm Junior Coach Program

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 5

LEAD LEARNER AWARD WINNER

Administ rator University, I decided to come back home and teach in the
very same district that contributed in making me into the
VIRGINIA long life learner that I am.

GARZA-NÚÑEZ What keeps you motivated and inspired
on a daily basis?
We are entering part 2 of our 3-part series highlighting our
Welcome Back Breakfast Employee Award Winner from the I do what I love because I love what I do! I’ve had the
2017-18 school year. blessing over the past twenty-four years to live this saying
We asked our award winners questions to describe what by passionately serving the students, families, and educa-
thier award means to them and what advice would they give tors of the SCESD. What keeps me motivated is knowing
to new educators beginning their journey. that whatever position I have held (Teacher, Vice-Principal,
For our first interview of the year, we spoke with Lead Principal, and currently Director) has been critically im-
Learner Award Winner, Virginia Garza-Núñez. portant in providing the best education that we can give
our students. I love visiting our schools and especially
What’s your title and site location? meeting with our students because I see myself in them. I
do not take for granted how my work has the capability to
Director of Assessment and Accountability, District Office help better their lives. I try to instill in my sons all the time
that we have been placed in this world to serve others so
How many years of teaching/experience? my conviction is to lead by example.

24 years What does your award mean to you?

What brought you to Salinas City I am truly humbled in receiving this award because I work
Elementary School District? with so many outstanding educators. This award just rein-
forces my commitment and dedication to our amazing dis-
I was born and raised in Salinas. I’m also proud to be a trict. My team members inspire me on a daily basis to be
product of SCESD, in that I attended Soberanes and Nativi- the best that I can be. I am grateful for my SCESD family.
dad Elementary Schools. After graduating from Pepperdine Additionally, I love learning and learning truly is a lifelong
endeavor. To be a lead learner means that I get to share
much of the knowledge and learning that I have partaken

in throughout my career in a collaborative manner.

What is the most gratifying thing
about your job?

One of the most gratifying things about my job is building
positive relationships, especially with the students and par-
ents that we serve. It is so rewarding to reunite with one
of your former students and find out how successful they
have become. More satisfying is hearing from them how
much of a difference I made in their lives. I wholehearted-
ly believe in our district and am so proud to share that my
two sons are also products of SCESD.

Any advice for new educators?

I believe that in order for us to be successful in our craft,
we need to truly get to know our students. When I go
back to my childhood, the teachers that I remember the
most are the ones that really took the time to get to know
me, my struggles, and pushed me to be the best that I
could be. Children don’t really care how much you know
until they know how much you care.

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PEARL AWARD WINNER

Certificated

KATIE
TURNER

For our second interview, we spoke with Pearl Award inspired me to apply. I hope to make a difference in the
Winner, Katie Turner. lives of the learners in our district, especially those impact-
ed by hardships.
What’s your title and school location?
What keeps you motivated and inspired
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, District Office on a daily basis?

How many years of teaching/experience? I am motivated daily by the learners that we work with.
Their progress and successes fill me with joy and their
10 years challenges inspire me to be better, more creative, and to
keep trying.
What brought you to Salinas City
Elementary School District? What does your award mean to you?

Before joining SCESD, my experience had primarily been work- I feel that this award is a reflection of my fabulous team
ing with learners on the autism spectrum, and related disabil- of behavior intervention specialists (Behavior Jedis) that
ities, in the Central Valley. I have also always been passionate show up to work every day with a smile, positive atti-
about working with at-risk youth and implementing preventa- tude, and desire to change lives, despite working with
tive programming. The opportunity to work in a PBIS school some of the toughest behaviors. They are incredible!
district, with a variety of kiddos and a strong support team,
What is the most gratifying thing
about your job?

The best thing ever is when the data shows that a learner
has made progress and no longer needs our support and/
or graduates from our program.

Any advice for new educators?

Some sayings that we have in our team are:
- “Ocean breath” = We say this whenever things get
really tough and we need to take a break.
- “Q-TIP” = Quit Taking It Personally. Kids that need the
most love, ask for it in the most unloving ways.
- “Pull the thread” = Things aren’t always as they seem.

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LASSO AWARD WINNER

MClassAified RYANN What keeps you motivated and inspired
STOOPES on a daily basis?

For our third and final interview for Part 2 of a 3-part I enjoy my job and the challenges. I enjoy working with
series, we spoke with Lasso Award Winner, MaryAnn my coworkers. I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to
Stoopes. build connections with students and their parents.

What’s your title and school location? What does your award mean to you?

Typist Clerk II, University Park I appreciate the award and I am honored to have been
chosen. It is a great reminder for me to stay positive
How many years have you been with the and give my best effort every day. I would also like to
District Office? share my award with my wonderful colleagues Sandra
and Margaret.
15 years
What is the most gratifying thing
What brought you to Salinas City about your job?
Elementary School District?
I like being part of the school community and part of an
My children attended University Park School when they were awesome team that works so well together.
in elementary school, so I got involved initially by volunteer-
ing. I was encouraged by the office staff during that time to Any advice for new categorical analyst
apply to various positions. or people starting for the District?
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Reach out to fellow staff members for help when you
need it. We are all here to support each other and we’ve
all been in the position of needing help.

ASSESSMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY

BY VIRGINIA GARZA NUNEZ

GREETINGS FROM THE

TESTING & SIS DEPARTMENT

GLRT VISITATIONS:

Thank you to all of the grade levels that I’ve had a pleasure of visiting to observe the Data Teams process! As a friendly
reminder the purpose is to 1) serve as a coach to site admin, 2) see first-hand what is working well, and 3) observe the
use of data to identify student-learning needs to provide differentiated instruction.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENTS FOR
CALIFORNIA (ELPAC) SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (SA)

The ELPAC window opens on February 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019. The district has hired ELPAC testers to administer
the one-on-one components. The group testing is to be administered by the designated ELD classroom teach-
er. Please note that we will initiate with our sixth graders in efforts to receive ELPAC scores before the endo of
the year and push for one last window of reclassification before their transition to the middle school. Calendar/
schedule to be forthcoming from your site Vice-Principal and will vary from site to site.

Vice-Principals were trained in administering the ELPAC group testing on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Vice Princi-
pals in turn will be training their site designated ELD teachers in the following weeks.

GRADE 5 PFT (PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST):

If you haven’t done so already, 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 closes on May 24, 2019.

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 9

ASSESSMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY

ELA ICA ADMINISTRATION WINDOW JAN 28, - FEB. 8, 2019:

Please make sure to administer both parts of the ELA Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA), the Computer Based
Test (CBT) and the Performance Task (PT) in order to receive a student score.

Time will be allocated on the Feb. 11, 2019 Professional Development Day for grade levels to calibrate and com-
plete the hand scoring items.
The calibration process makes scoring student work more consistent among a group of educators and more
aligned to the standards upon which the rubrics and scoring criteria are based. Not only does this process bring
greater accuracy and reliability in scoring, it also helps deepen educators’ understanding of expectations for stu-
dent work expressed in the rubrics.

ADA (AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE):

The district’s ADA average for Months 1-5 was 96.03% and 96.14% including Saturday attendance recovery (AARC). Joyful
to share that year to date our attendance rates are higher to last year! Congratulations to the school sites that met the State
ADA goal of 97%. Please continue to communicate to parents and students the importance of making every day count!

10 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 21

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

FOUR STUDENT LEADERS
SPEAK AT SPANISH BAY

ERIKA T he program, Junior Achievement, came to Sherwood this past fall. Junior
TUMMINELLI Achievement is a program that is dedicated to providing students with
knowledge and skills that are needed for economic success, and gives stu-
VICE-PRINCIPAL dents ways to make smart academic and economic choices.
SHERWOOD ELEMENTARY
When Junior Achievement came to Sherwood our 4th-6th grade students were taught
about economic empowerment, personal finances and how to prepare for their future.
Having Junior Achievement at our school allowed our students to understand how to
budget wisely, save for college, and gave them resources and tools that will help them
in the future. We look forward to having Junior Achievement come back in the Spring
to teach and empower our primary grade students.

Four of our student leaders were invited to speak at the Junior Achievement Monterey
Business Hall of Fame this past week. The students shared their experience with JA,
what they learned about, and how it impacted them.

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 11

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT - SIXTH GRADE STUDENTS

Melissa Zavala Demberlyn Santos Jasmine Gutierrez Emily Zavala

How did it feel to be part of the Junior Achievement What do you want to be when you grow up?
Monterey Business Hall of Fame? Melissa: I want to be a teacher
Demberlyn: I want to be a teacher so I can help others
Melissa: It was a one and a lifetime opportunity
Jasmine: I want to be a lawyer or a veterinarian
Demberlyn: It was great to be there because it gave us opportuni- Emily: I want to be a doctor so I can help others when they are sick
ty to speak up for our school
How can this opportunity help you reach your goals
Jasmine: It was a great experience because we got to speak in in life?
front of leaders in our community Melissa: It helped me reach my goals by showing me how to em-
power others and inspire other people
Emily: It felt good because now we are more prepared for public Demberlyn: It helped me learn how to speak in front of hundreds
speaking opportunities of people without getting shy
Jasmine: It showed me how powerful Junior Achievement is and
What was your most memorable experience from the impact it has in our schools.
that day? Emily: Helped me learn how to be a public speaker and share my
experiences with others.
Melissa: The most memorable thing was to see how many people
are working with Junior Achievement and students

Demberlyn: It was memorable to meet different people from many
different companies

Jasmine: The most memorable thing was how many people do-
nated money to Junior Achievement

Emily: It was memorable to see how JA helps students and our
community

What is your top goal for you in the next 5 years?
Melissa: I see myself studying and being empowered to change
the world

Demberlyn: I see myself in school and working to save for college

Jasmine: I see myself preparing for my future and saving money
for life

Emily: Working hard and inspiring others

12 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 21

BY RON DILLENDER CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

DUAL IMMERSION

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

O ur Dual Immersion program continues to grow and
the window for submitting applications for incoming
TK and Kinder students for the Dual Immersion pro-
grams at Boronda DIAS, Boronda Meadows, Lincoln,
and Los Padres has already opened! If you know parents, neigh-
bors, or others who are interested, encourage them to apply. To
apply for the program, parents need to fill out an application for
Dual Immersion that can be found in any school office in the dis-
trict. They then need to attend an informational meeting about
the program and turn in the application before 4:00 on March 29.
More information about the application process, meeting dates,
and times can be found on the district website at: salinascityesd.
org following the “Dual Immersion” button on the left.

ENGLISH LEARNER MASTER PLAN:

A big shout out to the teachers, parents, classified staff, and Task Force has met to look at the current plan, compare it with
administrators who have been working hard on the English the English Learner Roadmap created by the California Dept.
Learner Task Force to revise our plan for English Learner of Education, collect feedback from other stakeholders, make
success. With the changes coming from Prop 58, the state’s suggestions for revisions, and then modify the plan for the
emphasis on world languages and new tools available to sup- Board’s approval. Although there has already been a great
port teaching and learning, the time to build on the hard work deal of work completed, there is more to do and your partici-
completed by so many dedicated stakeholders working on the pation is appreciated. Come join us!
English Learner Master Plan is needed. The English Learner

OUR UPCOMING TASK FORCE MEETINGS ARE:

Date: Time: Location:

February 14, 2019 3:30 - 5:00 PM Mission Park School
March 26, 2019 3:30 - 5:00 PM University Park School
April 23, 2019 3:30 - 5:00 PM D.O. Board Room

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

We continue to offer support and training in the areas of Math- to attend, please remove your name from the OMS registration
ematics, Small-Group Differentiated Instruction, and Designat- as soon as possible so someone waiting can receive the notifi-
ed ELD. Thank you again to our talented team of Academic cation to attend. For those that have attended a session, keep
Coaches who have completed another round of professional your eyes open for a follow up survey in a few weeks to see
development sessions based on these topics and feedback how much impact the session you attended has on instruction.
from our Certificated Staff. For almost every session there was Please be honest so we can make our next round of offerings
a wait list. If you have registered for a session and are not able starting at the end of March even better.

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 13

CULTURE & CLIMATE BY RAFAEL ZAVALA

KICKING IT
INTO HIGH GEAR

I n February and March sites will examine and discuss PBIS Tier 1: 1.1 Settings 1.2 Opportunity
high leverage best practices in classroom supervision. Classroom Practice
The 4th Disruption reminds us how important these Disruption 4: Disruption 3:
conversations are to building collective efficacy and DISRUPTING Professional Commitment
our own self-efficacy. Challenging ourselves to model learn- POVERTY accountability to equity
ing (“taking a learning stance”), might require us to “push, for learning Disruption 5:
pull, or nudge” our own thinking, even with something as The courage
ordinary as classroom supervision. and will to act

BUILDING A CLIMATE OF SAFETY

After four days of PBIS training, the Transportation Department unveiled it’s 3

District wide Bus Expectations. They are proud to share their expectations with us:

B: Be Respectful
U: Use Inside Voices
S: Safety First

In February we will be visiting sites to introduce and practice with students the
new Bus Expectations. By March we will be releasing new bus discipline forms.
This process will be concrete in April when we bring to our Board a new board
policy on transportation that is aligned to these new changes. Let’s give the
Transportation Department a major shout out!!!

We wanted to acknowledge Kammann Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary
for having the largest decrease in Suspensions. AMAZING JOB, Kammann!!

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Welcome SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT &

NEW PARENT INVOLVEMENT
FACE
BY ELIZABETH LOPEZ
AT
SCESD PARENT INSTITUTE

FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

Jim Guss P arent Institute for Quality Education,
also known as PIQE, creates partner-
Executive Assistant ships between parents, students, and
to the Superintendent
educators to further students’ academic
Jim grew up in Lemoore in
California’s Central Valley achievement. PIQE’s mission is to further students’ CORE VALUES
and graduated high school in
1983. In 1985, Jim joined the academic achievement by creating powerful part- Empowerment for change
Navy and served his country Give families the tools and knowl-
for 6.5 years as both a Cryp- nerships between parents, students, and educators edge to effectively impact their
tologist and Legalman. Jim children’s educational success.
and his family lived in Florida in an effort to transform every child’s education-
for 30 years. In Florida, Jim Knowledge is power
was the Executive Secretary al environment at home and in school. PIQE, Informed families can improve
to the President/CEO of their children’s future.
VyStar Credit Union. Jim which launched in California in 1987, was built on
returned to California in 2013 Taking responsibility
and worked at the Santa the belief that parents are a child’s first teacher, Everyone doing their part to
Cruz County Office of Edu- ensure student success.
cation where he served the and schools can’t do it alone. PIQE is a 9 week
County Superintendent of Respect for the family
Schools for four years as his program that recruits approximately 30 parents to Honoring and valuing parental
Executive Assistant. participation and perspectives.
participate from schools with the highest needs.
Jim and his wife Deneen live
in Salinas and have 3 great This year, participating schools include Loma Vista,
(grown) kids and one over-
ly-loved dog - Lucy. Kammann, Roosevelt, and Natividad.

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 15

SPECIAL EDUCATION

BY PETRA MARTINEZ-DIAZ

AROUND SPED
T his year we have some new additions to our Salinas City Elementary School
District, Special Education Family. We feel fortunate these awesome individ- Please help us welcome:
uals were able to join the Salinas City Elementary Community.

Brienne Barrows Gallardo who Nichole Smith who joined us Stefanie Flax who joined One additional stroke of luck was
joined us as a Pre-School Special in the position of School Psycholo- us as a pre-school Special that we were able to secure Sean
Education Teacher, opening up a gist for the Pre-School Assessment
new class at Boronda Meadows. Education Teacher at Stickles as a K-1st Special Day
Team at Boronda DIA. Sherwood Elementary. Class teacher at University Park.

MIGRANT BY MARY PRITCHARD

Migrant Parent Meeting at Sherwood I n Migrant Education we are starting out 2019 with many programs for the
families of our students. On Saturday February 2, families will attend the La
Familia Conference presented by Region XVI. The following Saturday Febru-
ary 9, we will be hosting our Migrant Spring Parent Conference from 8:00 am
to 12:30 pm.

We offer parents twice-weekly En-
glish as Second Language classes.
We also have weekly learning
packets that families of our mi-
grant 3-5 year olds pick to support
their children in being prepared
for kindergarten. In addition,
our “Abriendo Puertas/Opening
Doors” parent leadership and ad-
vocacy program is offered weekly
on Tuesday evenings. On Thursday evenings, families of many of our 3-5 year olds
participate in our “Mundo de Lenguage/World of Language” program which is a
fourteen week program that supports families in learning strategies to support their
children’s language development and to creating intentional learning opportunities
for their children at home.

16 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 21

BY DARREN FORT MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

MAINTENANCE & OPS

HIGHLIGHT BIG PROJECTS

The district’s maintenance and operations departments are
focused on supporting the district’s instructional platforms

— every department, classroom and student!

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR
CURRENT ACTIVITIES ARE:

Safety: pursuing the following projects to be completed over the upcom-
# ONE: Our collective number one focus is to ensure the safe- ing summer break along with several others:
ty of our 8,500+ students, 800+ staff and innumerable visitors.
Perimeter security cameras, campus check-in procedures, fire and - Pulverize and replace the asphalt on Lincoln’s playgrounds and
earthquake drills and School Site Safety Plans require everyone’s parking area. Including a parking lot expansion on Maple Street.
attention. Our safety meetings are scheduled on the fourth
Wednesday of each month. All sites have completed - Modernization / Remodel of the Office at Lincoln School.
their site plans/annexes to the district plan. Next we’ll sched-
ule ALICE Active Shooter/Intruder training for all who have not - Update of the aged Fire Alarm system at Sherwood School.
already attended this 4-hour training. Kudos to Kelly Hendrix and
Jose Fausto who have presented the training to almost everyone! - Modernization / Remodel of the Office at Sherwood School.

Maintenance: - Several other projects are also in the final planning stages.
The Maintenance Teams are working efficiently to keep our build-
ings and grounds in the best repair possible. The Maintenance Operations:
staff appreciates the school sites use of the SchoolDude software A big shout out to our professional custodial staff – they work
system. This product assists everyone in scheduling, tracking and hard to clean up during the day, keep the vegetation around the
completing work. buildings under control and ensure your night crew accomplishes
the important work of cleaning classrooms and restrooms and
Big Projects Coming: our security cameras. They have also been advised of their roll in
Our district recently sold $20 Million of General Obligation bonds keeping our campuses secure by removing any element that is
that were authorized by voter approval in 2008, when voters ap- holding our perimeter security gates open.
proved $80 Million in Bond authority. The District is currently

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 17

STATE PRESCHOOL

BY DENISE NOEL

STATE PRESCHOOL

IMPROVES QUALITY FOR STUDENTS

The State Preschool program has been participating in What is Quality Matters
Quality Matters of Monterey County since the spring of 2018. Monterey County?
Eight State Preschool and one migrant preschool classroom
will be recognized on Monday, February 11th at our SCESD Quality Matters Monterey County is a quality
District Board Meeting. We will be celebrating improvements rating and improvement system (QRIS), an
in the quality of our program over the course of this school initiative designed to support child care pro-
year. This year, our State Preschool program has been able grams and preschools to provide the highest
to provide additional screenings for children entering our quality early learning experiences possible
programs. We have been able to upgrade furniture in our for children birth through age 5. For Monte-
classrooms and attend additional trainings provided through rey County, specifically, the QRIS is a system
Quality Matters. that is built to empower educators, parents,
and community members–all with the goal of
Our teaching staff and Program Coordinator have benefited setting children up for success.
from having a coach that spends time each month in our
classrooms, then provides feedback back to our staff. These
additions and upgrades support our goal of providing the
highest quality services to our students and families.

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BRIGHT FUTURES

Bright Futures

Bright Spot Celebration

Ten school sites from Salinas City Elementary School
District were honored during California State University
Monterey Bay’s Bright Futures: Bright Spots Celebration.
Schools across the County who demonstrated expo-
nential growth in categories related to Early Childhood,
Equity, Math, Language, Literacy, and many more, were
recognized in a wonderful and inspirational event.
Congratulations to the following schools:

* Not Pictured: Roosevelt Elementary and Lincoln Elementary

Kammann Elementary Natividad Elementary Loma Vista Elementary

Laurel Wood Elementary University Park Elementary Sherwood Elementary

Monterey Park Elementary El Gabilan Elementary
ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 19

TRANSPORTATION

BY RICK ENRIQUEZ

TRANSPORTATION
FOCUSES ON PBIS

T he transportation staff would like to
thank Rafael Zavala, Becky Nelson and
Katie Turner for their excellent PBIS
training! Drivers participated and came

up with the soon to be implemented

standards for School Bus Safety. This will include

Loading, Unloading, riding practices and Positive

Behavior. Stay tuned!

Please Welcome Marili Hernandez,
Transportation Operations Secretary!

She started with the district in 2003 as a bus
driver. Over the years, she progressed into one of
the best drivers on staff. Her eagerness to learn
more about the clerical and business side of the
transportation industry set her up for the position
she holds now. We are very proud of her!

202|0J|AJNAUNAURAYR-FYE-FBERBURAURAYRDYIDSTISRTICRTICNTENWEWSLSELTETTETRER| I|SSISUSEU2E121

Clean, Green buses are coming!

We recently submitted a grant to receive
electric buses to replace our old, diesel
and gas buses. Our Transportation de-
partment enjoyed an orientation to these
recently, getting to touch and feel the bus,
drive it and ride in it. All were “wowed” by
how quiet it is.”

ISSUISES2U1E 2| 1JA|NJUAANRUYA-FREYB-FREUBARRUYADRIYSTDRISICTTRINCETWNSELWESTLTEETRT|E2R1| 21

FOOD SERVICES

BY CARLOS MURTA

NEW FOOD TRUCK
GETTING READY FOR THE STREETS

O ur Food Service department gets
their new delivery truck!
This new addtion will bring our current fleet of
trucks to five and will bring our Food Services
department into compliance with State emis-
sions requirements. Next stages include get-
ting the truck wrapped with SCESD graphics
and adding a lift to the back of the truck.

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TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

BY MONIKA MACIAS

INNOVATING

FOR 21ST CENTURY TEACHING & LEARNING

s teachers we are continually wrestling with the THE GOALS ARE TO MODEL:
age-old question, “What’s the best way for my - How is Multimedia considered “Show What You Know”?
students to experience and understand this con- - How to set the conditions for Show What You Know via
tent?” That question must inherently focus on
students owning their learning. If we ex- multimedia?
pect better student learning outcomes, - Set the conditions for the 4Cs: critical
we must discard the question, “What’s thinking, communication, collaboration,
the best way for me to teach (deliver) this and creativity.
lesson so they get it?” Instead, let’s set up - Make connections to Benchmark and
opportunities for students to Show What Science themes
You Know. - Can student multimedia artifacts be
entered into the District STEAM
Ever wish you could be a fly on the wall Showcase?
in another classroom where that was hap-
pening? Well, now you can be there in (the answer is Yes!)
person!
8:30-9:00am - No students. Teacher dis-
Come to a professional development cussion, questions, and Session Overview
opportunity on Saturday, Feb.23, 9am - 9:00-11:00am - Live session with students
12pm, Los Padres School to watch a LIVE 11:00-12:00pm - No students. Teacher
classroom experience with REAL, LIVE students. debrief and discussion session.

Watch your email for more details and the registration link.

ISSUE 21 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | 23

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

BY CHERYL CAMANY

FOOD BANK EXECUTIVES FACILITATE MONTHLY NUTRITIONAL SNACKS CLASS AT FRC

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FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

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Salinas City Elementary School District celebrates

FEBRUARY 27, 2019

Anti-Bullying Day is a day when people wear mainly a pink shirt to
symbolise a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada.

Kindness Week: February 25 - March 1st
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“STUDENTS ARE THE
FOCUS OF OUR WORK”

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