SBCUSD Connect Newsletter - November 10, 2023

In the Spotlight SBCUSD Class of 2023 Earned More Than $9 Million in Scholarships: Many Scholarships Are Exclusively Available to SBCUSD Graduates By Mauricio Arellano Superintendent As San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) Superintendent, I am in a constant state of awe that I have found myself in the same place where my educational journey began as a student, and later as a teacher, then a principal, and later as a director. Reflecting on my own experience, it was SBCUSD teachers who saw that a kid from San Bernardino had brilliance and could shine, and I believe our teachers are uncovering the brilliance in our students day in and day out. If I would have been able to tell my younger self about all the places I would go, I don’t think I would have believed any of it back then. Despite my own reluctance to believe in myself, I hope that this isn’t the case for the students in our District today. My hope is that our students dare to dream and do the impossible simply because they can. One of our District priorities is to help our students unlock their potential and ensure that once they graduate, they can successfully enter college or career. One of the lesser-known ways that SBCUSD supports students is through its efforts to help graduates find scholarships to help fund their post-high school educational dreams. As a student, I was fortunate enough to receive a multitude of scholarships, which helped me afford college. In part due to two non-profit organizations that coordinate and fund scholarships specifically for SBCUSD students—the San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association and the Making Hope Happen Foundation—and dedicated Scholarship Counselors at each high school, SBCUSD provides a huge advantage to our graduates compared to many other California schools, including local charter and private schools, by offering more than 375 scholarships exclusively for SBCUSD graduates and assistance in helping students apply for other, non-exclusive scholarships and grants. According to ThinkImpact and Education Data Initiative, only about 7% of students will receive a college/post-secondary education scholarship or grant. Of those, 16% will receive a state-funded scholarship/grant and 27% will receive federal aid in the form of a Pell Grant. Only about 3% of public school students receive private scholarships, usually averaging about $3,463. Compare that to the 1,351 SBCUSD Class of 2023 May/June graduates who collectively earned more than $9 million in scholarships and grants, including military enlistment bonuses. That equated to just over 42% of all SBCUSD May/June 2023 graduates, including adult graduates of Inland Career Education Center (ICEC) and continuation high school graduates from San Andreas and Sierra High Schools. And in case you thought that $9 million was just a fluke, you would be wrong. I was pleased to learn that SBCUSD’s Class of 2022 and Class of 2021 each earned more than $11 million in scholarships and grants. Indian Springs High School’s 334 graduates from the Class of 2023 earned the most scholarship dollars this past school year. Graduates earned a total of $1,850,882 in scholarships and grants, which includes military scholarships and enlistment bonuses. The oldest SBCUSD high school and my alma mater—San Bernardino High School—graduated 291 students who earned the second-highest total of scholarship and grant dollars of any SBCUSD school at $1,601,214. A full 100% of Middle College High School’s 48 graduates earned scholarships totaling $810,000. Cajon High School’s 613 Class of 2023 graduates, which also included International Baccalaureate (IB) students, earned $804,811 in scholarships and grants. Another SBCUSD IB school, Arroyo Valley High School, proudly graduated 665 students who pulled in a total $1,302,000 in scholarships and grants. Of Pacific High School’s 202 Class of 2023 graduates, 77% received a combined total of $1,285,969 in scholarships and grants. Almost 75% of San Gorgonio High School’s Class of 2023 secured $1,500,000 in scholarships and grants, including $450,2000 from an Air Force Academy scholarship and enlistment bonuses. SBCUSD’s continuation high schools also boasted scholarship and grant recipients, with 20 San Andreas High School and 24 Sierra High School graduates in the Class of 2023 earning $24,525 and $20,925, respectively. Eight of ICEC’s 179 adult high school diploma and GED graduates earned a combined $13,354 in scholarships and grants. San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association’s 87 donors were responsible for awarding 248 scholarships to SBCUSD’s Class of 2023 totaling $261,705. SBCUSD graduates are exclusively eligible to receive these scholarships. Each scholarship has unique requirements, but because there are so many different scholarships, the odds are that most graduates will qualify for at least one if not more. And new scholarships are constantly being established through the Association. The Making Hope Happen Foundation, a non-profit supporting the District’s educational mission, awarded $3,000 mentor-supported college scholarships to 128 SBCUSD graduates this  year, for a total of $384,000. What makes these scholarships unique is that in addition to money, scholarship recipients are paired with a mentor, who is an upperclassman in college and also an SBCUSD alum, to help guide them through the college experience, helping them register for classes and navigate this new phase of their lives. The bottom line is that San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) graduates are almost six times more likely to be awarded scholarships and grants for post-secondary education, and the average amount they receive is almost double the average across the nation. And it’s not too late for local high school students to take advantage of these resources by enrolling in SBCUSD via the District’s enrollment web page at or by calling (909) 889-7576. For more information or to donate to the Making Hope Happen Foundation, visit https://makinghope.org/ or contact CEO Niki Dettman at (909) 245-1452 or niki.dettman@makinghope.org . To create your own scholarship or donate to one of the many existing Association-managed scholarships, contact the San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association at sbcsa@sbcusd.k12.ca.us or call (909) 381-1250. Future in Focus Quick tips, brief updates, and reminders about what’s coming up to help families, employees, and our community make the most of our schools. All Schools and Offices Closed Friday SBCUSD schools and offices are closed November 10 for the Veterans Day holiday. Marching Band Showcase is Monday The SBCUSD Marching Band Showcase is set to light up the Valley College stadium with an unforgettable display of musical talent on Monday, November 13 at 7 p.m. The Showcase is an annual tradition that brings together talented middle and high school musicians from across the District, showcasing their hard work, dedication and exceptional skills in a vibrant and high-energy performance. It serves as a celebration of students’ commitment to music education and the incredible talent within our community, said Scott Nelson, who coordinates Visual and Performing Arts for the District. “These talented performers have spent countless hours rehearsing, perfecting their routines and honing their musical abilities under the guidance of their dedicated instructors,” Nelson said. “By attending the showcase, you are showing your appreciation for the fine arts and nurturing the growth of these aspiring musicians, inspiring them to reach new heights of musical excellence.” A special appearance by the Riverside Community College Marching Tigers will be part of the event. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with captivating musical arrangements, intricate choreography, and visually stunning performances that reflect the creativity and passion of these student musicians. San Bernardino Turkey Trot SBCUSD employees and students can start a new tradition on Thanksgiving Day with the San Bernardino Family Fun Run 8th Annual Turkey Trot. The 10K walk/run kicks off at 7 a.m. and the 5K starts at 7:20 a.m. on Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, at San Bernardino International Airport. Prices range from $45 for the virtual walk/run to $20 for the Youth 5K. All fitness levels are welcome, and all participants will receive a finisher medal. Register at www.sbturkeytrot.com . Contact Felicia Alexander at sbturkeytrot@gmail.com or (949) 878-8571 for more information. Board of Education Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:30 p.m. Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room 777 North F Street San Bernardino Watch live on YouTube Link to Agenda Food Distributions Pure Land Foundation Saturday, November 11 9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Pacific High School 1020 Pacific Street, San Bernardino Saturday, November 18   9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Arroyo Valley High School 1881 West Baseline Street, San Bernardino Tzu Chi Foundation Sunday, November 19 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (or until supplies last) Board of Education Building 777 North F Street, San Bernardino Need ParentSquare Support? Join the Family Engagement Department to learn more about ParentSquare on Thursday, November 16 virtually or in person at Cajon High School between 2:30-4 p.m. This session will guide participants through the simple process of setting up and using ParentSquare, the District’s communication platform. Participants should bring a smart device to the training. Devices will also be available for use during the session. Register at https://sbcusd.info/parentsquare . Weekly Bulletin Each Monday morning, SBCUSD publishes the Weekly Bulletin through ParentSquare, where we share a collection of events to keep you connected to SBCUSD and the community. Check out the Weekly Bulletin Mondays at 11 a.m. Highlights of the Week Highlights of key news from the week that will help you stay in the know. Paw Print Award Winner Congratulations to Scott Smith, recipient of the Paw Prints Award, which recognizes CSUSB alumni who have shown exemplary accomplishments that reflect the spirit of their academic college. Smith is being recognized for his leadership and influence on students and fellow teachers in the field of physical education.For more than 25 years, Smith has been a high school physical education (PE) teacher in SBCUSD and has spearheaded several groundbreaking programs that have revolutionized high school physical education in the District. In 2020, after more than 20 years at Arroyo Valley High School, he was named PE program specialist in the Secondary Education Department, serving as the lead for all PE programs Districtwide. The alumni awardees will be honored at a dinner and ceremony on Feb. 16 at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union. SBCUSD in the News San Bernardino City Unified School District invites families to explore Native American culture at series of events Produced and Distributed by the SBCUSD Communications/Community Relations Department

Saturday, Nov 11 2023

SBCUSD Connect Newsletter - November 3, 2023

In the Spotlight Cajon High’s Jayden Daniels Emerges as Heisman Trophy Contender, Hometown Cheers Him On San Bernardino is buzzing with excitement as Cajon High School graduate and Louisiana State University (LSU) quarterback Jayden Daniels has emerged as a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious award. Daniels, a 2019 graduate, is headed into a key game Saturday against the University of Alabama that could clinch the deal for the hometown hero.  Billed as one of the best players in college football, Daniels is rewriting the record books and has been skyrocketing up the Heisman Trophy odds board, with many football analysts thinking he is squarely in the conversation to win the award. With his exceptional skills on the field and humble demeanor off it, Daniels is drawing immense pride from his supportive hometown, said Cajon High Athletic Director Rich Imbriani, who has known Daniels and his parents since mom and dad were Cowboys themselves. “We were already beaming because he’s having such a great season since transferring to LSU,” Imbriani said. “Now that he’s the talk of America, he has given San Bernardino a much-needed boost of enthusiasm and hope, symbolizing that dreams can indeed come true regardless of where you come from.” Daniels’ journey to Heisman-worthy status has been nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in San Bernardino, he honed his football talents at Cajon High School, where he consistently showcased his exceptional skill.  After high school graduation, Daniels committed to Arizona State University, where he quickly made an impact as a freshman. Now in his junior year at LSU, Daniels, 22, has taken his game to new heights. His stellar statistics speak volumes about his talent, having thrown for thousands of yards and consistently finding the end zone through both passing and rushing touchdowns. What sets Daniels apart is not just his athletic prowess, but also his character and humility, Imbriani said. Despite his success and growing national recognition, the young quarterback remains grounded, always acknowledging the support he receives from his family, coaches, teammates, and the entire San Bernardino community.  It is this humble nature that endears him to his hometown, where residents have rallied behind their local hero. Daniels’ success has not only instilled pride but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes in the area. With just a month before the Dec. 10 Heisman Trophy Gala, all eyes will be on Daniels, eagerly watching his every move on the field. Whether or not he ultimately wins the coveted Heisman Trophy, his journey has already made an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the people of San Bernardino. In their eyes, he is a true champion, an embodiment of perseverance, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of their beloved city. “San Bernardino stands united, cheering on Jayden as he continues to make history,” Imbriani said. “No matter what the future holds, he has already proven himself to be an extraordinary athlete and an exceptional individual, carving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.” Future in Focus Quick tips, brief updates, and reminders about what’s coming up to help families, employees, and our community make the most of our schools. Veterans Day Closure All District schools and offices will be closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day.  SBCUSD Connect  Will Undergo Changes Our weekly newsletter  SBCUSD Connect , will be undergoing changes in the new year.  Come January 2024, Connect will be published on ParentSquare monthly, continuing to bring families and employees interesting stories and pertinent information about SBCUSD.  Food Distributions Pure Land Foundation Saturday, November 11  9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Pacific High School 1020 Pacific Street, San Bernardino  Saturday, November 18   9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Arroyo Valley High School 1881 West Baseline Street, San Bernardino  Thanksgiving Recess All SBCUSD schools will be closed November 20-24 for the Thanksgiving break.  Weekly Bulletin Each Monday morning, SBCUSD publishes the Weekly Bulletin through ParentSquare, where we share a collection of events to keep you connected to SBCUSD and the community. Check out the Weekly Bulletin Mondays at 11 a.m. Highlights of the Week Highlights of key news from the week that will help you stay in the know. SBCUSD Students Honored for Receiving California Seal of Biliteracy The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools honored close to 180 SBCUSD seniors on November 1 for receiving the prestigious California Seal of Biliteracy. This recognition highlights their dedication and proficiency in speaking more than one language, opening doors to a multitude of advantages. SBCUSD Celebrates Native American Heritage Month In 1990, Congress recognized November as National Native American Heritage Month. American Indians and Alaska Natives are honored for their rich and varied cultures, traditions, history and societal contributions. We encourage you to celebrate with us throughout November by checking out our  social media for posts about interesting people and places that have shaped Native American history. This is our opportunity to increase our knowledge of the challenges faced by Native Americans as well as their culture.  Spooktacular Halloween Fun From adorable witches and wizards to fearless superheroes, students across San Bernardino and Highland unveiled their bewitching charm and creativity for Halloween. SBCUSD in the News SBCUSD Hosts Series of Free Native American Family Culture Nights SBCUSD Class Of 2023 Earned More Than $9 Million In Scholarships Produced and Distributed by the SBCUSD Communications/Community Relations Department

Friday, Nov 03 2023

SBCUSD Connect Newsletter - October 20, 2023

In the Spotlight SBCUSD Honors Pure Land Foundation A local nonprofit that feeds thousands of San Bernardino and Highland families each year is the recipient of the Board of Education’s Outstanding Community Partner Award for October.  The Pure Land Foundation, which operates monthly mobile food pantries at Arroyo Valley and Pacific High Schools, has distributed more than 550,000 pounds of food to more than 12,000 local families this year alone.  In an effort to alleviate hunger and address food insecurity prevalent in the community, the Pure Land Foundation has made significant strides in providing nutritious food through its monthly mobile food pantry. Thousands of pounds of fresh food and vegetables have been distributed throughout the community, bringing hope and sustenance to deserving families. The Pure Land Foundation recognizes the importance of ensuring access to healthy food for individuals and families facing economic challenges, said Chief Executive Officer Michale Tsai. Equipped with a fleet of dedicated volunteers who wear purple vests, the mobile food pantry has become a lifeline for many in the community.  Pure Land is hosting a food distribution this Saturday and details are below. Future in Focus Quick tips, brief updates, and reminders about what’s coming up to help families, employees, and our community make the most of our schools. Free Sports Physicals for Student Athletes The District and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) are teaming up to offer free sports physicals for student athletes with the first clinic taking place this Saturday, Oct. 21 at Anderson School.  Recognizing the importance of regular physical examinations in preventing potential injuries and health risks, SBCUSD has taken a proactive approach by eliminating financial barriers that may hinder student athletes from obtaining these vital assessments. By making sports physicals more accessible, the District is not only fostering inclusivity but also prioritizing the overall health of its student population. Both middle school and high school students participating in any sports activity within the District can undergo medical evaluations at no cost and no insurance is required. Sports physicals are important for identifying any underlying health conditions that could impact an athlete's performance or increase the risk of injury. To ensure maximum convenience and accessibility, SBCUSD plans on hosting multiple clinics staffed with licensed medical professionals.  For more information on scheduling free sports physicals, scan the QR code or visit http://bit.ly/3PTWeHB . Food Distributions Pure Land Foundation Saturday, October 21  9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Arroyo Valley High School 1881 West Baseline Street, San Bernardino Tzu Chi Foundation  Sunday, October 22, 2023 9 - 11 a.m. (or until supplies last) SBCUSD Board of Education Building 777 North F Street, San Bernardino Monday, October 23, 2023 9:30 - 11 a.m. (or until supplies last) Cathedral of Praise International Ministries 3030 North Del Rosa Ave., San Bernardino  Special Education College & Career Fair is Almost Here The District is proud to announce its Special Education College and Career Readiness Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 4 at San Bernardino Valley College.  This fair will create an inclusive platform for students with diverse abilities to explore various academic and vocational opportunities, empowering them to confidently navigate the transition from school to college or career. This readiness fair will offer students a unique opportunity to gather vital information, enabling them to expand their understanding of potential post-secondary options and gain insight into the skills required for success in their chosen fields. Attendees can look forward to interactive workshops, informational booths, a campus tour and hands-on activities tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of students with special education requirements. Register  here . Veterans Day Holiday is Coming Up SBCUSD schools are closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. Weekly Bulletin Each Monday morning, SBCUSD publishes the Weekly Bulletin through ParentSquare, where we share a collection of events to keep you connected to SBCUSD and the community. Check out the Weekly Bulletin Mondays at 11 a.m. Highlights of the Week Highlights of key news from the week that will help you stay in the know. Brick Blast Event Draws Crowds to Cal State Campus Hundreds of District students and their families enjoyed a day of creativity, building and fun at the EXL Brick Blast held October 14 at Cal State San Bernardino. Hosted for the second year by the CAPS Expanded Learning Department, the event brought the community together in a unique and engaging way, allowing children and families to unleash their imagination and bond over their shared love of plastic construction toy blocks. From building challenges to interactive games and activities, the event offered something for everyone, even a walk of pain station with a carpet designed to recreate the cringe and pain of stepping on a little plastic brick.  Record Number of District Schools Earn PBIS Awards The California PBIS Coalition honored 55 San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) sites for successfully developing systems to create welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive. The Board of Education recognized the award-winning schools with a special reception on October 17.  A total of 16 SBCUSD schools earned a gold award for their implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) systems. An additional 32 schools received a silver award, and 7 received a bronze award. “Whenever our schools are recognized at the state level, it’s certainly a reason to celebrate, but when the majority of our schools are honored for creating nurturing learning environments where all children feel safe and a part of the school community, it inspires an immense pride for the District as a whole,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “We are creating optimal conditions for learning and academic risk-taking, which are key ingredients for academic excellence.” Arroyo Valley High Fairfax Elementary Hillside Demonstration School Holcomb Elementary Lincoln Elementary Palm Avenue Elementary Urbita Elementary Arrowview Elementary Barton Elementary Belvedere Elementary Bing Wong Elementary Bonnie Oehl Elementary Bradley Elementary Chavez Child Development Cole Elementary Cypress Elementary Davidson Elementary Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy Henry Elementary Emmerton Elementary Brown Elementary Golden Valley Middle School Gomez Elementary Lytle Creek Elementary Marshall Elementary Monterey Elementary Muscoy Elementary North Park Elementary North Verdemont Elementary Paakuma’ K–8 School Parkside Elementary Rio Vista Elementary San Gorgonio High Serrano Middle School Thompson Elementary Warm Springs Elementary Curtis Middle School Wilson Elementary Alessandro Elementary Anton Elementary Arrowhead Elementary Cajon High Indian Springs High Hunt Elementary Jones Elementary Kendall-Harmon Complex Kimbark Elementary Lankershim Elementary Newmark Elementary Pacific High Riley College Prep Rodriguez PREP Academy Roosevelt Elementary San Andreas High School Board Vice President Honored for Long-Standing Commitment to the Community  The Board of Education honored Vice President Danny Tillman at its meeting on Oct. 18 for his long-standing service to the children and families of San Bernardino and Highland.  Tillman, who has served on the Board of Education for 28 years, was also recently acknowledged by the nonprofit organization 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire. A graduate of San Bernardino High School, he has been an unwavering advocate for education, working tirelessly to ensure that every student in SBCUSD receives the best possible opportunities. America’s Healthiest School The Board of Education honored Sierra High School on Oct. 17 for being selected as one of  America's Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Sierra, a continuation high school serving students who are behind in high school credits or who may need a flexible educational environment because they are employed or fulfilling family obligations, was selected for the honor because of its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families. Sierra is one of 781 schools across the U.S. honored this school year. We’re Hiring Parents for Paid Positions SBCUSD is looking for people who want to work as paid substitute parent volunteer workers in San Bernardino and Highland schools. This unique, part-time opportunity involves working closely with families, making a positive impact on their lives while receiving hourly compensation. Substitute parent volunteer workers earn $17.11 an hour and play a crucial role in supporting families in various ways, fostering a nurturing environment that enhances students’ academic achievements and overall well-being. The District is seeking to fill 35 vacancies because the goal is to have a substitute parent volunteer worker, also known as a parent liaison, at every District school, said Dr. Beatriz Gonzalez, director of Family Engagement.  “One of the most significant benefits of becoming a substitute parent volunteer worker is the chance to collaborate with parents and families, providing them with the support they need to help their children succeed in school,” Gonzalez said. “You may find yourself supporting families by attending parent-teacher conferences, assisting with homework, organizing workshops, and providing guidance on effective parenting strategies.” SBCUSD encourages individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply, as diversity enhances the range of support available to families. To learn more about the screening and application process, click  here or call (909) 880-4057. Community Schools Survey for Families and Partners  Students, families, and members of the community are invited to take a survey about our schools. The 10-minute survey is an opportunity to share what you like, don't like, and what you wish to see differently at your child’s school. Responses will help determine if schools are eligible to apply for a grant to transform the campus into a community school. Community schools provide services and support that fit each neighborhood's needs. The survey window closes on Sunday. If you have a child attending middle school or high school, please encourage them to take the survey, too! Click  HERE  to complete the survey. Student/Parent Handbook Now Online The 2023-2024 SBCUSD Student/Parent  Handbook is available online and families may also access it through the Aeries Parent Portal. The handbook is a guide to our District’s policies, guidelines, and procedures. Produced and Distributed by the SBCUSD Communications/Community Relations Department

Friday, Oct 20 2023

SBCUSD Connect Newsletter - October 13, 2023

In the Spotlight San Bernardino City Unified Chef Alonso Honors Mother's Legacy Through Scratch-Made School Meals   A Prestigious Fellowship from the Chef Ann Foundation Means More Students Will Eat Hearty Meals with Fresh, Local Ingredients Chef Alonso Alonso still remembers the first home cooked meal his late mother taught him to make. He can still hear the chuckles when his mom, Maria, realized the then 9-year-old Alonso had forgotten to drain water from the pasta and the mac and cheese turned into orange soup nobody would touch. The culinary maestro has come a long way since that fateful day in Maria’s kitchen, yet he has never forgotten the love and patience of his quintessential Mexican mother, who lived for the opportunity to make elaborate, home-cooked meals for Alonso and his eight siblings. These days, as the primary chef in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Alonso draws on his mother’s legacy to craft diverse recipes that appeal to the more than 46,000 students in California’s eighth-largest school district. “My mother is still my inspiration,” Alonso said. “She poured her heart and soul into making the most delicious meals for our family and her ingredients were always fresh. Everything was always made from scratch with so much love.” A prestigious, yearlong fellowship from the Chef Ann Foundation has taken Alonso’s love for cooking scratch meals to the next level, allowing him to reimagine cafeteria menus and slowly replace pre packaged frozen food with recipes like the Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich and tangy coleslaw that is all the rage in middle school and high school cafeterias across the District. Korean corn dip has also made special appearances in District kitchens and authentic Salvadorean pupusas are not far behind. The fellowship’s mission is to bring more scratch cooking to school cafeterias. Participants of the yearlong program, named the Healthy School Food Pathway (HSFP) Fellowship, learn the ins and outs of preparing scratch-made meals through culinary training, a conference, a capstone project and more. Renowned for its mission to ensure that every child has access to fresh, healthy, and delicious food at school, the foundation’s fellowship program recognizes chefs who exemplify this vision and have demonstrated a profound dedication to transforming school meals into nutritious and flavorful experiences. Through his fellowship, Chef Alonso hopes to inspire Nutrition Services employees in the San Bernardino City Unified School District and beyond to prioritize scratch cooking as a means of fostering healthier eating habits among students. For Alonso, this involves developing recipes and then creating instructional videos that are deployed monthly to school kitchens across the District. Alonso believes that by exposing children to fresh, flavorful meals made from scratch, he can positively impact their overall well-being and instill lifelong healthy eating habits. Alonso, who has worked for SBCUSD for nine years and was promoted to chef in 2019, understands the importance of fostering a connection between food and culture. Through his inventive recipes, he strives to introduce students to new flavors and culinary traditions, broadening their horizons and encouraging them to embrace the diverse world of cuisine. Nutrition Services Director Adriane Robles, who encouraged Alonso to apply for the fellowship, acknowledges the invaluable contribution he has made to the District’s food services. “Chef Alonso’s talent and passion are evident in every meal he creates,” Robles said. “He has not only elevated our school meals but also inspired our students to appreciate the joy and flavors that food can bring.” With the Chef Ann Foundation backing his efforts, Chef Alonso plans to expand upon the scratch cooking initiatives already in place, incorporating even more seasonal and local ingredients to create new recipes. For Alonso, his homemade recipes are a way to bring food equity to students, some of whom are homeless and count on school meals for nourishment.   “Serving students healthy, delicious, nutritious, scratch-made meals is my daily goal,” Alonso said. “In that sense, I’m like my mom, I’m a home cook just trying to get our kids to eat.” Future in Focus Quick tips, brief updates, and reminders about what’s coming up to help families, employees, and our community make the most of our schools. Upcoming Family Culture Nights Thursday, October 19, 2023 6 to 8 p.m. Professional Development Center 2nd Floor Room A 4030 Georgia Blvd. San Bernardino, CA 92407 Board of Education Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:30 p.m. Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room 777 North F Street San Bernardino Watch live on YouTube Food Distributions Pure Land Foundation Saturday, October 14 9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Pacific High School 1020 Pacific Street, San Bernardino Saturday, October 21 9 a.m. - 12 noon (or until supplies last) Arroyo Valley High School 1881 West Baseline Street, San Bernardino Tzu Chi Foundation Sunday, October 22, 2023 9 - 11 a.m. (or until supplies last) SBCUSD Board of Education Building 777 North F Street, San Bernardino Monday, October 23, 2023 9:30 - 11 a.m. (or until supplies last) Cathedral of Praise International Ministries 3030 North Del Rosa Ave., San Bernardino Tzu Chi Foundation  Every Friday in October 8 - 9:30 a.m. (or until supplies last) 1455 East Third Street, San Bernardino SBCUSD to Participate in Great California ShakeOut On Oct. 19, students, teachers and all SBCUSD staff members, as well as school visitors, will participate in the Great California ShakeOut. Every year, Californians practice earthquake safety like drop, cover and hold on the third Thursday of October. This year’s Great California ShakeOut is Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. To learn more about SBCUSD’s efforts to maintain safe campuses and prepare for natural disasters, visit https://www.sbcusd.com/departments/business-services-division/safety . Weekly Bulletin Each Monday morning, SBCUSD publishes the Weekly Bulletin through ParentSquare, where we share a collection of events to keep you connected to SBCUSD and the community. Check out the Weekly Bulletin Mondays at 11 a.m. Board of Education Meeting Pure Land FoundationFood Distributions Highlights of the Week Highlights of key news from the week that will help you stay in the know. District Hosts Grab & Go Breakfast for School Administrators Superintendent Mauricio Arellano and his Executive Cabinet expressed gratitude to principals and vice principals with a Grab & Go Breakfast held on Oct. 12 at three District locations as part of Week of the School Administrator. By celebrating their many contributions to the students of San Bernardino and Highland, SBCUSD demonstrated its commitment to acknowledging the significant impact that school administrators have on the success of the District's educational mission. Community Schools Survey for Families and Partners Students, families, and members of the community are invited to take a survey about our schools. The 10-minute survey is an opportunity to share what you like, don't like, and what you wish to see differently at your child’s school. Responses will help determine if schools are eligible to apply for a grant to transform the campus into a community school. Community schools provide services and support that fit each neighborhood's needs. The survey window closes on Oct. 22. If you have a child attending middle school or high school, please encourage them to take the survey, too! Click HERE to complete the survey . Free English Classes Free English classes are available at Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m. Free childcare is also available. For more information, please contact Jesus Galdamez at jesus.galdamez@sbcusd.k12.ca.us or (909) 881-8280. Income Survey for New Students The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and other school funding programs require income data for students attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. Completed income surveys will help your school site maximize its funding and support our students’ academic achievement. All new students to SBCUSD must complete an income survey for the 2023-2024 school year.  Your assistance is needed to ensure all surveys are completed through the ParentSquare portal by October 31, 2023. SBCUSD in the News World Teachers’ Day: CSUSB alumnus and middle school demonstration teacher is passionate about the ‘art of teaching’ Swans Club will present three debutantes at ball in San Bernardino Produced and Distributed by the SBCUSD Communications/Community Relations Department

Friday, Oct 13 2023

Admin Email: 2023 Amazon & DonorsChoose Funding Oppo...

San Bernardino City Unified School District September 11, 2023 Attention SBCUSD Principals and Teachers: SBCUSD is excited to announce a limited, funding opportunity for classroom teachers provided by Amazon, in partnership with DonorsChoose through September 30. Funds can be used for a variety of classroom-based projects and materials including, but not limited to, paper, 3D printers, science kits, and art supplies. Your Principal/Site Leader must approve your project proposal prior to your submission. These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be allocated very quickly. This opportunity will close once all funds are claimed. Qualifying projects under $800 will be immediately funded, if approved. Teachers who submit multiple projects can only receive up to a maximum of $3,000 in matching funds across all of their submitted projects. Projects in excess of $800 will need to have other non-partner funding sources to bridge the gap between the Amazon/DonorsChoose donation and the total project cost. (Non-partner funding must be made through DonorsChoose in order to receive the $800 in Amazon/DonorChoose funding.) If you have a special project in mind, please take advantage of this chance to benefit from the generosity of our partners. Last year, more than 100 SBCUSD teacher projects received funding to support classroom-based learning all across the District. Kindly note, teachers who receive funding for their projects will be required to participate in the District’s appreciation campaign once the projects have been funded. For questions, please refer to the flyer or contact Kenneth Martinez in the Communications & Community Engagement Department at (909) 381-1294 or  kenneth.martinez@sbcusd.k12.ca.us for assistance. Respectfully,  Kenneth Martinez Produced and Distributed by the SBCUSD Communications/Community Relations Department

Monday, Sep 11 2023