SCESD - November 2016 District Newsletter

ISSUE 6 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 1

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE

“Embrace the seasons and the cycles
of life; there is magic in change.”

As educators we can relate to this quote by B. Ware, as I know each day will be different.
Though I come prepared for the week before me with schedules and plans in placed, some
days begin with new, unforeseen challenges. However, most of my workdays offer the oppor-
tunity for me to see and hear about the incredible teaching and learning experiences that are
happening at our schools.
As Superintendent, I was able to visit all our schools several times since the beginning of our
school year. Wonderful things are happening each day at every school and within the many de-
partments that support our district. Some visits were for viewing specific events in classrooms,
surprise announcements by outside groups to highlight outstanding teachers or programs,
unannounced celebrations for administrators and/or time spent over lunch conversing with staff
about their current successes and challenges. Most importantly throughout my visitations, I met
students who are excited about learning and energized about their newly acquired knowledge,
skills and concepts. I have been inspired by the outstanding work of our teachers who are help-
ing students to think critically, solve problems, and work in teams.
This month we have launched a whole new re-brand of the District. From our website, to our
new Social Media presence, we have centered our attention to a consistent branding message,
which is being shared across all outlets of communication. The following list are some of
changes that have taken place in the last month:
• Established a District Facebook page
• Fine-tuned our Twitter page
• Created an Instagram
• Developed Google+
• Live-Streamed the October 10th Board of Education meeting
Our goal is to increase all modes of communication while looking to strengthen the relationship
between our District and families. These digital strategies allow us to inform our school commu-
nity of the many great activities and events happening throughout the district in real time.
This has been possible due to the efforts of our newly hired Communication and Public Relation
Officer, Richard Gebin. Salinas City Elementary School District is moving towards the future with
the latest digital and social media strategies that reinforce the overall message of the District.

2 DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 6

WELCOME GOLDEN BELL RECIPIENTS
NEW
FACE 1 of 9
AT
SCESD programs in the
United States

Ingrid Hermann (TOP) Mrs. Baloca’s students show off their projects of the sun during class.
(RIGHT) Mr. Galindo and his students go outside for a lesson at El Gabilan.
Administrator
NASA Saturday Academy
School Culture and Climate
BY LORI SANDERS
My name is Ingrid Hermann and am embark- The NASA Saturday Academy is in full gear. Over 400 students are partici-
ing on my first year with with the SCESD. I am pating in our fall session. Students from Kindergarten through 6th grade at
amazed how my life has come full circle serving Loma Vista, El Gabilan, Natividad and Kammann are receiving instruction in
the district that grew me from kindergarten to STEM through a NASA designed curriculum rich with hands-on activities. The
third grade at Soberones (before it became a program is 8 weeks long ending with a Family Cafe, a celebration with students
housing track) to Natividad Elementary during showcasing their projects and sharing their learning.
4th - 6th grade. Walking the many halls of our
district schools has been a walk down memory FALL SESSION - PARTICIPATING SCHOOLSSCHOOLS
lane! No longer a student, I serve in the capacity
of Administrator of School Climate and Culture LOMA VISTA EL GABILAN
overseeing the wonderful district initiatives that
serve to support our students social-emotional NATIVIDAD KAMMANN
growth and well-being.
This is my 17th year serving in public education. Here is a schedule of our upcoming NASA Academies:
I come from the secondary education world
having taught English at both the middle school WINTER SESSIONS SPRING SESSIONS
level and high school level. I have also served as Jan 14 - March 4 March 18 - May 20
a site intervention specialist, ELL teacher, and Boronda Meadows Los Padres
my last stop as an assistant principal at Everett Boronda DIA Sherwood
Alvarez High School here in Salinas. However, Laurel Wood Lincoln Roosevelt
the work I am doing here is my passion. Finding University Park
ways to support our students in building the Misson Park ISSUE 6 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 3
skills needed to navigate not only school but life Monterey Park
is important. Our 21st century learners need
to learn more than academics; they need to
learn behavioral norms that exist in our adult
communities, environments, and work spaces.
Learning how to be respectful, responsible, safe,
and a positive contributor in many environ-
ments is a basic expectation and the more our
students can engage in these opportunities and
experiences, the more successful they will be in
navigating the rough road that adulthood can
bring.
I am excited to be here and looking forward
to seeing the continued growth that is already
occurring. Working with PBIS leads and site
teams and administrators has been an exciting
and informative experience. I am amazed that
so many educators are involved in this work that
helps support the growth of the whole child,
and I honor you for all you do for students.
Together we can continue to create the best
experiences for our students!

ED SERVICES WELCOME
Salinas City Elementary School District
NEW
Professional Development/840 South Main Street, Salinas California 93901-* (831) 753-5600 FACE
Meeting Dates/Times AT
SCESD
October PanrodfeNsosivoenmabl DereO2vct0eolb1oe6rpanmSdcNehnoevted/mMubeleer 2es0t1i6ng Dates/Times
Richard Gebin
Date/Times Location Topic Who Should Attend
Communications &
October 1 Mission Park Language Arts Pilot Piloting Teachers Public Relations Officer
Training
Richard Gebin is a Communications
October 4 District Office Module B Induction Coaches guru, graphic designer and market-
4:00-5:00 PM Board Room ing specialist with over 13 years of
Communications/Public Relations
October 5 District Office REWARDS Cadre REWARDS experience, along with web master
3:30-5:00 PM Basement Conference Collaboration Intervention Teachers and digital advertising manage-
Room ment, and with over 45 published
books and special tab publications.
October 10 School Sites Data Teams: Planning Certificated Staff
8:00 AM-3:00 PM Intentional Rick is a graduate from Cal State
Standards-Based - University Monterey Bay with a
Instruction Bachelors of Arts degree in Human
Communications with an emphasis
October 10 Los Padres Inclusive Practices SpEd Certificated Staff in Pre-Law studies.
8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Before coming to SCESD, he had
October 10 District Office Procedures and Best Substitute Teachers been with the Monterey Herald for
8:00 AM-3:00 PM Board Room Practices the past 4 years and is very excited
about his entrance to the Education
October 10 Kammann Staff Olweus Program Classified Staff for sector. When Richard is not in front
8:00 - 11:30 AM Lounge Introduction Olweus Schools of his computer, he loves to spend
time with his family, take hiking
October 10 Boronda DIA Mandated Health Aides trips, watch some good football and
8:00 - 11:30 AM Documentation cheer on his San Francisco Giants,
Golden State Warriors, and yes, the
October 10 Boronda Meadows Managing Behavior Instructional Aides 49ers.
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Library

October 10 FRC Accessing Community Parent Coordinators
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sherwood School Resources

October 10 Boronda Meadows Playworks Introduction HASAs

9:00 AM -S12a:0l0iPnMas CMPiRtBy Elementary School District
October 10 Boronda Meadows Playworks Playground HASAs
1:00 - 4:00 PM840 South MMPaRinBStreet, Salinas CalFifaocrinliitaati9o3n901-* (831) 753-5600

October 11 Bardin PD Center PBIS Tier II Laurel Wood Tier II
D8:a3t0e/ATiMme-s3:00 PM LAoUcSatDion Topic WTehaomShould Attend

October 11 District Office S44 Cadre S44 Intervention
3:30 - 5:00 PM Basement Conference Collaboration Teachers
Room

October 18 District Office PBIS Tier III Site Tier III Teams &
8:30 - 3:00 PM Board Room School Psychologists

October 20 Monterey Marriott CABE Conference AP Teachers & Parents
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

October 22 District Office Intern Boot Camp Instructional Strategies
Board Room to Meet the Needs of
ELs

October 25 Kammann Tech Tuesday: Teachers
iPads for K/1
ChromeBooks for 2-6

October 29 Boronda Meadows Rule of 3 Teachers at Roos,
BME, Los Padres &
Nat.

November 1 District Office Dual Immersion Best DI Teachers & Admin
3:15 - 6:15 PM Board Room Practices

November 2 District Office REWARDS Cadre REWARDS
3:30 - 5:00 PM Basement Conference Collaboration Intervention Teachers
Room

November 4 North Salinas HS PBIS Tier 3 Training Mission Park
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

November 5 District Office Intern Boot Camp: Interns
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Board Room Report Cards and
Parent Conference

November 8 District Office PBIS Tier 1 Training Boronda DIA, Lincoln
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Board Room and El Gab

November 8 District Office S44 Cadre S44 Intervention
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Basement Conference Collaboration Teachers
Room

November 29 Mission Park Tech Tuesday: Teachers
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM iPads for K/1
ChromeBooks for 2-6

4 DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 6

ED SERVICES / PSA

Program Improvement
and Categorical Programs

BY HILDA HUERTA
Loaves, Fishes, and Computers, a local non-
profit, is providing Digital Literacy Skills Train-
ing along with technical assistance to support
SCESD parents by providing them with access
to digital literacy instruction.
There will be eight sessions offered and each
cohort will have 18 participants who will
attend five sessions.
Parents from all 14 schools will have the op-
portunity to participate in this pilot project to
promote the success of our students as 21st
Century learners. The first cohort of parents
had their first training at Lincoln School. On
October 12th, a new cohort started at Boron-
da Meadows School.

The scoop SCEEF

on SCEEF ISSUE 6 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 5

BY MARGARET D’ARRIGO-MARTIN
The Foundation will be providing bus transportation and
tickets for our district’s 4th graders to attend The Nutcracker
this year in Monday, November 28th for either the 9:30 or
11:00 am show. Please let all of your students know about the
event-it’s a spectacular opportunity to see a performing arts
show in our community.

The Foundation President, Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin is
stepping down from her role. Her twins boys moved to San
Benancio Middle School for 6th grade. She’ll be actively in-
volved with WUSD activities very soon.

If you know of someone who would like to join the
Foundation board, please let Margaret know at
[email protected]. Have a Fantastic year!!

Thank you for all your support!!

ED SERVICES / PSA TESTING

GTreesetitningg&s from the
SIS Department

BY VIRGINIA GARZA-NUNEZ

NEW
The California Science Test (CAST)

The California Science Test (CAST) is the successor to the California Standards Test (CST) for Science, therefore the CST Sci-
ence will no longer be administered. The CAST is an online test based on the California Next Generation Science Standards
(CA NGSS). All local educational agencies (LEAs) with eligible students in grades five will administer a pilot CAST or one
for the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) in the spring, March 20, 2017. The CAST pilot uses the current California
Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) test delivery system and will only be administered online.
Students will not receive scores for the pilot test; however, student participation data will be collected and reported for
accountability.

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

The ELPAC will be the successor to the California English Development Tests (CELDT). The California Department of Education
(CDE) is transitioning from the CLEDT to the ELPAC by 2018. The ELPAC will be aligned with the 2012 California English Language
Development Standards. The field tests are a great opportunity for LEA’s to participate in administration and scoring training,
get a “first look” at the new ELPAC, and provide essential feedback on the new assessment. The ELPAC is a paper-pencil test with
four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The field tests will not provide student scores or reports to the LEA. Our
LEA has been selected to participate in the field tests. The CDE will identify schools and grade spans to participate.

Summative Assessment Field Test Window Initial Assessment Field Test Window
March 6-April 14, 2017 August 28-September 22, 2017

6 DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 6

ED SERVICES / PSA TESTING

CAASPP-Smarter Balanced News

The 2016–17 interim assessments are now available on the CAASPP portal. In order to administer the ICAs or IABs every teach-
er will need to complete the security affidavit. We are currently in the process of uploading users to the CAASPP secure portal.

Please be on look for an email from CAASPP- DoNotReply <[email protected]>. This email will provide you with your user

account, which includes access to the Test Administrator Interface. Any questions please contact Roxanne Lepper 782-2263.

ICAs (Interim Comprehensive Assessments) IABs (Interim Assessment Blocks)
ELA/Literacy, Math, & Performance Tasks ELA/Literacy & Math
Look and feel like the summative Smarter Shorter and more focused on specific content.
Balanced Assessments. The ICA score report The IAB score report provides only a level of Be-
provides an overall scale score, an achievement low, At/Near, or Above Standard for each Block
level, and claim level information. (No overall scale score and no achievement level
for IAB.)

ADA (Average Daily Attendance)

Most excellent start of the year! The district’s ADA for Month 1 was 96.95%. Please communicate to parents and students the
importance of making everyday count! Congratulations to the school sites that met the State ADA goal of 97%

ISSUE 6 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 7

HUMAN RESOURCES WELCOME

NEWS from the NEW
FACE
Human Resources Department AT
SCESD
BY DR. BEATRIZ CHAIDEZ
Santiago Gaitan
Substitute Teachers Offered Training
Positive Behavior
Over 35 substitute teachers attended a professional development Intervention Support Coach
training on Monday, October 10th hosted by the Human Resources
Department. Topics covered were Family Resource Services, Mr. Gaitan is excited to join the
Playworks, Math Strategies, Restorative Justice Practice, and Salinas City Elementary School
instructional strategies for English language learners. A future District community. Santiago is
training regarding the instructional practices/strategies for special looking forward to helping students,
needs students in the works! families and schools in his new role
as a Positive Behavior Intervention
103 Classified Vacancies Support Coach.

The HR department posted 103 classified employee vacancies. Santiago graduated from San Jose
The vacancies include: State University with a Bachelors in
Campus supervisors, health aides, instructional aides, Special Edu- Communication Studies and a
cation Instructional Aides, Breakfast monitors, and custodians. Masters in Counseling Education
with a Pupil Personnel Services
SCESD Website - Careers Page credential.

We have developed a Career page online which will serve as a Outside of school Santiago is
digital hubspot for all position openings, as well as grant opportu- passionate about community
nities. You can access the page at www.salinascityesd.org/careers. service, watching sports and
We will begin posting more job openings as we build this spending time with his family.
new system. As a former collegiate athlete,
Santiago often participates in city
leagues and other sport activities.

8 DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 6

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

My passion is giving
the best I can to help
my community
improve its’ quality.

MEET OUR INTERN

from the Family Resource Center

NAME I am an extroverted person, and it fulfills my heart with happiness when I help
others that surround me. My passion is giving the best I can to help my communities
Ignacio improve its’ quality. One of the most vulnerable populations is homeless families
that negatively impact communities that surround me. A human being should have
Rocha Alvarez Jr. the basic needs of water, food and a shelter for a living. Growing up and being
raised homeless, there were times I didn’t have the bare essentials. This personal
SCHOOL experience triggered me to serve Salinas City Elementary School District (SCESD) -
Family Resource Center (FRC).
CSUMB They serve homeless families, and with my childhood experiences, that has inspired
me to serve this population. It is shocking that SCESD serves 35% of homeless
MAJOR families. Many of them live in cars, hotels, or as multiple families living under dou-
Collaborative Health bled-up situations, shelters, parks, and abandoned buildings. Being a Social Worker
and Human Services for homeless families gives me the opportunity to provide information, referrals and
programs they can receive to assist their needs and impact their lives positively.
When one faces economic hardships like homelessness, one of the things one needs
is someone to listen to who feels, cares and loves. For that reason, I deeply respect
their beliefs, culture backgrounds, privacy, dignity and value they have as a “whole”.
My main focus is to be a useful resource for homeless families and provide hope for
homeless children to thrive in life and education.

ISSUE 6 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 9

COMMUNICATIONS

THE FUTURE
OF THE DISTRICT

BY RICHARD GEBIN

With mobile devices expanding the way we communicate and interact, it is critical
for us to stay up-to-date with all the current digital trends to ensure we build a

strong digital footprint and serve as a reliable resource for the families we serve.

Please help us grow our Social Media by visiting the links below and Like, Follow,

Subscribe and if you can, tell your friends and family and share the page.
Together we can really start to build our social presence.

Search: www.facebook.com/salinascitysd www.instagram.com/salinascitysd www.twitter.com/salinascitysd
Salinas City Elementary School District

10 DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 6

“STUDENTS ARE THE
FOCUS OF OUR WORK”

ISSUE 6 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 11