SLCUSD Family Communication

I’ve been writing regular messages to families and employees since March of 2020. While initially beginning as weekly updates during the COVID shutdowns, we’ve transitioned to bimonthly communications sharing highlights from the School Board meetings, events happening across the district, and celebrating successes in the classroom and beyond.  Though I’ve received positive feedback on these communications, I believe we can do a better job of communicating with our families, staff, and broader community. Over the summer, my team brainstormed ways to improve engagement and awareness with our families and staff using different modes of communication. One in particular stood out. As I prepare for work in the early morning hours, I listen to a podcast that gives me an overview of the day’s biggest news stories across the world. What if we were able to produce a short podcast - the length of the average commute - that provides details on a variety of programs that showcase some of the creative and great things we’re doing in San Luis Coastal?  I’m pleased to share our inaugural episode of “ Inside Your Schools ”.  For our Spanish speaking families, a translator created closed captioning for the video version of this podcast which can be found here .  Join us for an educational journey into things like innovation, artificial intelligence, empowering student voice, career technical education, school facilities, youth athletics, school nutrition, safe sports policies, and more. Tune in each month and learn more about innovative programs in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District and how they are impacting learning and wellness for our students. NASA is Calling! NASA is calling on middle and high school students to join the third NASA TechRise Student Challenge, which invites student teams to submit science and technology experiment ideas to fly on a rocket-powered lander or high-altitude balloon in the third TechRise Student Challenge. Students in sixth to 12th grades attending a U.S. public, private, or charter school – including those in U.S. territories – are challenged to team up with their schoolmates to design an experiment under the guidance of an educator. Administered by Future Engineers, the challenge offers participants hands-on insight into the payload design and suborbital flight test process, with the goal of inspiring a deeper understanding of space exploration, Earth observation, coding, electronics, and the value of test data. Teams should submit their experiment ideas by the challenge deadline on October 20th, 2023.   A total of 60 winning teams will be selected to build their proposed experiment. Each winning team will receive $1,500 to build their experiment, a flight box in which to build it, and an assigned spot to test their experiment on a NASA-sponsored rocket-powered lander or high-altitude balloon flight. Winning teams will also receive technical support from Future Engineers advisors, who will help students learn the skills needed to turn their experiment idea into reality. No experience is necessary to join the NASA TechRise Challenge!   To learn more about this exciting opportunity and how to get involved as a student, educator, or judge, visit the NASA TechRise Student Challenge page.  Future Engineers :: NASA TechRise Challenge  For more information, register for our virtual field trip here -    See NASA TechRise 2023-24 Virtual Field Trip at Future Engineers Events

Friday, Sep 29 2023

SLCUSD Family Communication

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we celebrate the rich tapestry of our diverse school community, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and honor National Hispanic American Heritage Month. From September 15th to October 15th, we have the privilege of recognizing and appreciating the significant achievements of Hispanic Americans in our district, our schools, and our nation. Their invaluable contributions in various fields, such as art, science, literature, politics, and more, have greatly influenced our society's fabric. During this month, let us take the opportunity to learn more about the cultures, histories, traditions, and achievements of Hispanic Americans. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their contributions, we create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural competency. As families and staff, you play a vital role in supporting and inspiring our students to embrace the diverse perspectives and experiences that Hispanic Americans bring to our classrooms. I encourage you to engage in conversations with your children and students about the importance of respect, empathy, and appreciation for all cultures. Last spring, I shared a video with you created by San Luis Obispo High School Student Senators who wanted to  spotlight the Latino/Hispanic culture . Some notable examples of  influential Hispanic Americans  are: Rita Moreno, Cesar Chavez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Roberto Clemente, Julia Alvarez, Jennifer Lopez, Silvia Rivera, Ellen Ochoa, Sonia Sotomayor, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to name only a few. My personal challenge to you is to explore some of these incredible Americans and learn more about them.  Together, let's strive to create an educational community where every student feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. By celebrating National Hispanic American Heritage Month, we reinforce our commitment to building a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. A recent  KSBY story  featured our very own Baywood Elementary Dual Language Immersion program. We have embraced the importance of cultural competency and, in particular, honoring bilingualism as a gift in the 21st century. Thank you for your continued support in fostering an environment that embraces diversity and promotes cultural understanding. Your engagement and dedication are instrumental in ensuring the success of our students and our school community. El más cálido saludo ,  Eric EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Athletics for Achievement We are excited to announce that our Athletics for Achievement program has officially launched! Our first fall practice was held on Tuesday, September 19 th  and we have over 350 fifth and sixth graders that have committed to our fall season participating in an array of sports including co-ed cross country, girls volleyball, and boys soccer. We are fortunate to have five Athletic Liaisons and 25 Head Coaches supporting this season, as well as our volunteers including 30 Cal Poly College Corps Fellows and 20 high school students acting as referees and supporting coaches.  The program’s first Fall Competition will be held next Friday, September 29 th  with warm-ups starting at 3:30 p.m. and games held from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Game day sites will vary and can be found on your school’s website. The overall goal of the Athletics for Achievement program is to connect students to their school and the SLCUSD community focusing on developing leadership skills through teamwork and collaboration. This program could not have been made possible without the support of our principals, teachers, and parents - thank you all! M orro Bay High School Presents! Morro Bay High School’s drama program is excited to announce their fall production of Alice in Wonderland. For more information and to purchase tickets,  click here . In addition, they’re hosting a Mad Tea Party on Saturday, October 14 and Saturday, October 21 for young patrons with treats, photo opportunities, and time with the characters. For tickets,  click here . Summer Experience 2023 Celebrations Our SLCUSD Summer Experience 2023 program was a hit again this year!  Here are some quick facts about our program: 1924 students (1st-12th graders) enrolled which is 26% of our district 20 different academic and enrichment classes were offered our 1st-8th grade students 580 courses were completed for credit by our high schoolers 5 different school sites hosted our FREE 6 week (30 day) program (1st-8th grade) 232 staff members were hired to make a difference with kids 330 students were provided before and after school child care for FREE 550 students rode the bus to and from school 57,000 + school meals were served for FREE  Along with these statistics, there were countless smiles and moments of inspiration experienced by our students and staff.  If you’d like to learn more, please click on the link  HERE  to access the presentation shared at our most recent school board meeting.    Consider becoming a part of our Summer Experience 2024 team.  You can make a positive difference for kids, find inspiration in t Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP) San Luis Coastal applied for and received  the SBHIP state grant . This funding will expand mental health services to our 9th through 12th grade students. This funding supported the hiring of a full time SEL Counselor at both Morro Bay High School and San Luis Obispo High School whose focus will be on supporting the social-emotional needs of our students.  They will guide the development of Wellness Centers in each of our comprehensive high schools, the implementation of a universal SEL screener, and work collaboratively with community resources that support youth mental health. In addition, the grant will fund mental health training for all staff, and includes the development of a sustainability plan for continued mental health funding support across all of our schools. SBHIP is a component of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, which is a five-year, $4.7 billion state initiative aimed at meeting kids where they are at, literally - school - in order to provide greater access to mental health support. 9/11 Ceremony  The city memorial observing the events of 9/11 took place on Monday with contributions from the city, members of our community, and our own SLCUSD students and staff. Fire Chief Todd Tuggle, Police Chief Rick Scott and Dr. Eric Prater contributed to the ceremony with words of recognition. Fifth grade students from the city elementary schools collaborated to complete a commemorative 9/11 art project that was displayed during the event. 8th grade Laguna Middle School student, Kailey Reynolds, read her winning poem, and Senior Boys State Winner, Camilo Baltodano, read a commemorative speech. To conclude the event, a combination of Laguna and SLO High School choir members performed “America the Beautiful.” The event was well attended by members of the community honoring our first responders and the memory of 9/11.  Suicide Prevention Week Activities and Start with Hello Week      September 11-15th was  Suicide Prevention Week  nationwide and our two comprehensive high schools marked the week with several activities for students to elect to participate in.  SLO High School  had morning grounding activities each day where students chose a coping strategy or relationship that keeps them grounded and connected.  Morro Bay High  had daily tabling activities such as identifying grounding words to put on rocks, along with handing out words of affirmation bracelets to the student body. Both schools offered resource information from various community agencies. In addition both schools are offering mental wellness workshops each day this week hosted by our County Behavioral Health clinicians on topics such as  Mindfulness ,  Strategies for Reducing Stress  and  Healthy Relationships .  This week, September 18-22nd is Start with Hello Week, a program through the Sandy Hook Promise organization, that promotes empathy through empowering students to end social isolation. Elementary schools throughout the district participated in “Say Hey!” days where students wore name tags and practiced saying hello to one another using their names, to “Sit with Someone New” lunches where students were encouraged to make a new friend, or connect with someone they don’t know. The Start with Hello program promotes three simple steps to end social isolation, “Look for Someone Alone” “Reach Out and Help” “Start with Hello!”. BUSINESS SERVICES Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Measure D   We are nearing completion of our Measure D Bond Construction. At MBHS, the last two projects include the parking lot in front of the pool (October completion) and the C Building (which includes the ASB room, library, and classrooms (December completion).  At SLOHS, the new main 100 Building is now complete and the site is moving into the new library and career center. The last project is to finish the central quad area landscaping and new ADA pathways,  along with repaving the road around the back of campus. We will have a Measure D completion celebration at both sites in the coming months and provide the public an opportunity to see our two new incredible comprehensive high schools that they paid to modernize. Measure C Architectural planning is well underway at our elementary schools, middle schools, and continuation high school. Phase 1 projects at the elementary sites focus on TK/Kindergarten classrooms, along with roofs, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), new campuswide fire alarms, and restroom modernization.  At the middle schools, we are starting with exteriors, roofs, and HVAC, as well as main restrooms throughout the campuses. Lastly, Pacific Beach High School will be a completely new campus. We are putting together updates for our Measure C webpage with the schematic designs and Phase 1 plans. 

Friday, Sep 22 2023

SLCUSD Family Communication

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent While presenting school highlights at the Board meeting on Tuesday, San Luis Obispo High School Principal Rollin Dickinson, shared a quote that he’d discussed with his staff at the start of the school year as part of a bigger conversation around school culture. “There are things you might want to be more of. More open. More honest. More true. More authentic. More free. More connected. More intentional. More purposeful. Those are all expressions of your enough-ness. They aren’t about changing yourself, they’re about being yourself. You were enough before, you are enough now, and you will continue to be enough as you become more. And believing that, when the world keeps whispering otherwise, is brave. ” - Melissa Camara Wilkins This quote resonated with me. We can all benefit from hearing this message many times and in different ways. Recognizing your “enough-ness” in the mirror, with your friends and loved ones, with your children, your parents, and neighbors - makes us more humane, more authentic and real. Ms. Wilkins added another layer to this idea: bravery. Suggesting that we are brave to be our authentic selves in the face of the whispering world of negativity and “not enough-ness” reinforces my belief that we have something at stake as parents and educators: to model for others that we are continuously working to become the best versions of ourselves each day - and it’s perfectly acceptable to be who we are. Additionally, it’s a reminder to meet people where they are and accept that they too are enough. As I walk through our campuses at the start of this school year, I can’t help but be impressed with what I see. Students are surrounded by adults that care for them and have taken the extra-steps to ensure each child feels connected and valued. High expectations for our students and ourselves, coupled with a deepening sense that what we do matters beyond the classroom walls is what gets us up in the morning. I am proud of our teachers, support staff, administrators, and family partners who have committed themselves to our school community. We see you. We appreciate you.  And, you’re enough. On another note, I want to make sure you are aware of a new parent tool in San Luis Coastal:  Family Guides . This is a wonderful and concise way to better understand what your child is expected to “know and be able to do” by the end of any grade level throughout the K-12 continuum. Please take some time and check it out. I think you’ll find it helpful as you support your child’s learning and partner with our teachers.  Coming Soon! San Luis Coastal is trying something new this year to help parents and staff learn more about particular programs and celebrating our students. It is a podcast called, In Your Schools. We hope to offer one podcast per month that we believe you will find interesting. Expect the inaugural episode this month. Have a great weekend. Eric EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 9/11 Ceremony 2023 Each year SLCUSD collaborates with the City of SLO to plan a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.  This year, the event theme is “strength”.  At the elementary level, 5th graders from SLO city sites collaborate to complete a commemorative 9/11 art project. The completed project will be displayed during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the San Luis Obispo Fire Station #1 on Santa Barbara Avenue.  In addition to the elementary art project, Laguna Middle School conducts a yearly poetry contest with 8th grade students. The winner of this year’s contest will read their winning poem at the event. A performance by the SLO High School choir will round out the ceremony.    This year, the 9/11 Memorial will be held from 8:00-9:30 am on Monday, September 11.  Due to the district's Late Start Monday, we invite students to attend with their families, but the schools will not organize student attendance or transportation.  Family Guides Over 50 years of research links the various roles that families play in a child’s education—as supporters of learning, encouragers of grit and determination, models of lifelong learning, and advocates of proper programming and placements for their child. We want to partner with you to ensure success for your children in school.  We have developed Family Guides for each grade level which outlines the most important learning outcomes for the year. They also contain follow up questions and activities you can do with your child. Please take a moment to review the Family Guides on our website  here . If you have any questions, ask your child’s teacher or principal for more information.  Back to School Events Over the past three weeks, every elementary school has held a “Back to School” evening event.  Principals led a welcome and family overview prior to families having time to visit their child’s classroom, meet teachers and staff, and ask any questions they might have. Through these events, families were able to gain a sense of the community their child is a part of every day and connect with those who care for their child. California Assessment of Student Performance and Assessment (CAASPP) The  preliminary results  of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress were shared at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday evening. These computer adaptive assessments are given each Spring to 3-8 grade students in our elementary and middle schools along with our 11 th  grade students in our 3 comprehensive high schools. Elementary and Secondary Directors Stephanie Shepherd and Leslie O’Connor, celebrated the work of our staff, students and parents as we transitioned out of the COVID pandemic.  Highlights included: Overall District made statistically significant growth (5% +) in ELA, Math, and Science Districtwide socio-economically disadvantaged (SED), English Learners (EL), and Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) students made statistically more growth compared to Non-SED students in English Language Arts. Districtwide Socio Economically Disadvantaged students statistically outgrew Non-Socio Economically Disadvantaged students in math Growth over majority of school sites  13/15 in ELA 13/15 in Math 10/15 in Science Significant growth (5%+) by school site 9/15 in ELA 9/15 in Math 10/15 in Science Areas for Focus centered around: Instructional coherence between curriculum programs and state assessment system: K-5 Language Arts Adoption. Accelerate student learning to reach pre-COVID performance levels at all school sites with a focus on first best instruction. Support continued interventions at elementary, middle, and high schools. Address achievement gaps between Non-SED and other subgroup populations Once the final CAASPP results are officially released by the California Department of Education (CDE) we will present them to our Board of Trustees. Adult School: Parent Participation, Preschool, and New Classes Two weeks ago, Parent Participation teachers were busy at our SLO and MB sites getting the classrooms and playground ready to welcome a new generation of families. Former Adult School director Sally Ames joined teachers to lend a hand, and we had help from Joe Sanchez and his SLOHS Woodshop class who spent two days sanding, staining and painting. It takes a village! Classes officially began on Monday, 8/28, and we are delighted to have full enrollment in over 90% of our course offerings. Close to 300 families with kids from 0-5 will be enjoying a parenting class with their little ones this semester, including four full classes from 4-6 PM designed for working parents. With the support of credentialed teachers, adults learn tools for their parenting toolbox, build vital social connections, strengthen their knowledge of child development, and join their kids in the positive power of play. What a lovely introduction to SLCUSD! Our two Co-op Preschool classes (3 Year Olds in SLO and 3 & 4 Year Olds in Morro Bay) enjoyed their first day on Tuesday, September 5 th . Teachers, students, and caregivers alike are excited to begin another fantastic school year with our wonderful teachers Lisa Lafaille and Liz Wilson. Adult School is excited to bring back an assortment of Bread Baking classes offered by Sheila McMann of House of Bread during the month of September.  These classes range from Sourdough, Artisan Breads, Flatbreads, and other great choices.  Each class is three hours long and includes  mixing, kneading, baking, take home recipes, and breads made by your own two hands!  House of Bread is offering these classes for nine students in the new location on Farmhouse Lane, near the SLO Airport.  If you are interested in registering  click here.    Our Computer Basics class formerly known as Digital Literacy is starting on September 13 th  and will be held on Wednesdays weekly from 6-8 PM.  This class is offered free to the public to teach basic computer and internet skills.  Computer Basics offers two teachers and student aides to help one on one with students. Elementary Athletics for Achievement San Luis Coastal's Elementary Athletics for Achievement program is once again offering free athletic opportunities for all 5 th  and 6 th  grade students at all ten elementary school sites. Over 300 students have signed up to compete in the Fall sports programs which include coed Cross Country, Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball . The Fall season will begin with the first practice on Tuesday, September 19 and the first competition will be on Friday September 29 th  . Schedule information will be available soon on the district website by clicking  HERE .  If you would like to sign up your student for the Winter and Spring season sports, please visit the "Athletics" tab on your school's website for sign up and schedule information!  San Luis Coastal Education Foundation The Education Foundation shared an update at the school board’s Tuesday night meeting celebrating 5 years of partnership with the district and community. Some highlights included a review of the programs that were developed and launched since 2019, including the iINNOVATE Initiative, NextGen Scholars, Athletics for Achievement, Equity in Outdoor Science Camp, K12 Teacher Grants and the donation of six new pianos (including grand and baby grand pianos!) to our middle and high schools. The Foundation is also celebrating hitting the $3 million mark in donations raised and pledged. What an amazing community we have supporting our schools! BUSINESS SERVICES Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Safety Fencing The Board of Education approved a bid for the completion of safety fencing at our remaining unfinished sites. You will see this work begin soon. The schools include: Elementary Schools C.L. Smith - playground/fields area Los Ranchos - side and back of campus  Sinsheimer - field area and side of campus Teach - perimeter of campus Middle Schools Laguna - entire perimeter of campus Los Osos - entire perimeter of campus There is still some replacement fencing to be completed, such as the front of Del Mar Elementary School, that will occur with the campus modernization. These areas have ADA accessibility issues that will be corrected with construction. Without the support of our community with Measure C, we would not have been able to make these safety improvements. Thank you!

Friday, Sep 08 2023

SLCUSD School Board Agenda

Regular Board Meeting Agenda Tuesday, September 5, 2023 ******************************************** CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION - 6:00 p.m. ******************************************** VIA Teleconference & District Office Complex 1500 Lizzie Street - Room J2 San Luis Obispo, CA AND REMOTELY FROM 1278 First Street Los Osos, CA 93402 ******************************************* Zoom link will be available on the day of the meeting. *******************************************

Friday, Sep 01 2023

Staff Payment Options When Dining With Food & Nutrit...

Hello SLCUSD Staff, We hope you are off to a fabulous start! Thank you for all you do for our students across the 15 school sites and our District offices! We appreciate you <3 Many have asked how to dine at our cafes as a SLCUSD staff member.  An adult breakfast is $3.50 and an adult lunch is $5.00.  Please join us for meals during student scheduled nutrition & lunch bell times. To avoid lines, the end of service is recommended for staff meals.    Here are two payment options for you... 1. Pay by Check at any SLCUSD School Site Cafeteria -  Make checks payable to "SLCUSD Food & Nutrition Services." 2. Pay by Credit Card -   Login to  MySchoolBucks.com and create a "Student" account. The only information you will need is your 6 digit employee ID number and your home school site. No need to enter birthday information.  *Please note, if you work at multiple school sites or at the District offices, your home school site will be Laguna Middle School. Please allow 24-48 hours for check and credit card payments to be deposited into your account.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cash and/or are unable to carry negative balances.  For more information, please contact our office at 805-549-1234 or slcusdfood@slcusd.org .

Tuesday, Aug 22 2023

SLCUSD Family Communication

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent I hope this message finds you all in good spirits. As we gear up for another incredible school year, I can't help but get excited about the thrill that comes with the first day of school. You know that feeling – the mix of nervousness and excitement as your kids step foot into a brand-new adventure. I've seen it time and time again, and I assure you, it never gets old. Monarch Grove’s Principal Salcido decided to try jumping rope during the morning break, Morro Bay High School’s leaders greeted students with a smile along with some really cool music. One of the most beautiful aspects of the school journey is the chance to make new friends. Those friendships that start in the hallways, during lunch breaks, and on the playground – they have a way of shaping the entire school experience. It's about building connections that go beyond just the academic; it's about creating bonds that can last a lifetime. And speaking of bonds, I truly believe in the magic that happens when a school, its dedicated staff, and your families come together. It's like a puzzle where every piece is vital. The teachers, the administrators, and all the incredible support staff – they're here because they believe in the potential of your children. And together, we can achieve remarkable things. Every lesson, every project, every moment spent in the classroom is an opportunity for your kids to dive into the wonders and joy of learning. It's like unwrapping a gift, unveiling the mysteries of the world one layer at a time. But here's the real magic – the amazing possibilities that arise from our partnership.  When we join forces – the school, you, and your children – we create a dynamic that propels learning to new heights. It's not just about attending meetings or events; it's about genuinely engaging in your child's education journey. Together, we become a force that paves the way for extraordinary growth. And as we navigate this journey, let's not forget that it's not only about academic excellence. It's also about learning how to become the best versions of ourselves. Every challenge, every triumph, they all contribute to the growth of character and resilience. Through the ups and downs, your children will learn valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. So, here's to a fantastic school year filled with first-day jitters, budding friendships, eye-opening discoveries, and the unwavering commitment to collaboration. Let's embark on this journey together, with open hearts and a shared vision, to ensure that your children not only learn but also thrive, becoming the remarkable individuals we know they can be. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your dedication. Here's to an amazing year ahead! Warm regards, Eric Prater EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Welcome to the School Year 2023-2024 I am so pleased to welcome you and your family to the 2023-24 school year! We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure your children can achieve their highest potential. We want to come together to live our guiding principles of “all means all, high expectations, respect and integrity, culture of safety, continuous improvement, collaboration and civil discourse.”  We recognize that in order to be successful in school, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for student success.  You can be a partner by ensuring your child 1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience 2) Reads daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills 3) Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life.  Please consider volunteering at your school and joining the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation. We want to partner with you so do reach out with your questions and ideas. I feel privileged to be a part of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District and I hope you do too. Thank you for your support and look forward to meeting you.  Secondary Back to School Week Update Each of the secondary site leaders were busy this week leading their staff through their professional development days. Sites shared their agendas with each other and focused on the importance of first best instruction with staff. Other key areas of focus included supplemental instructional materials, sexual harassment prevention, and the importance of setting clear expectations with students and staff. Teachers were on site working on Wednesday, preparing their classrooms and getting ready for the first day of school on Thursday. ISLA Directors are meeting with sites to review expectations for Back To School Nights, which begin as early as this week and next. We look forward to seeing many parents and community members enjoying our Back To School Nights in the coming weeks. Consolidated Application for 2023-24 On Tuesday evening, the Board approved the school district's Consolidated Application for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Board's approval of this document allows SLCUSD to submit an application to access federal Title I, Title II, Title III and Title IV dollars. Below is a brief explanation of each title funding category:   Title I dollars focus on improving achievement for students who are socio-economically disadvantaged, usually through professional development and instruction, as well as promoting parent involvement and engagement. Title II money provides supplemental funding to help support effective instruction and the effectiveness of school staff, including teachers, principals, and other school leaders.  Title III dollars in SLCUSD are focused on English Learners (ELs); we do not qualify for Title III Immigrant funds. These funds will be used for professional development, program activities, and community engagement in order to allow our English learners to achieve proficiency levels defined by the state.   Title IV funds are intended to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, improve school conditions for student learning, and improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.    This application also includes accountability for how the district Title funds were expended in previous years, specifically fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23.  International History Olympiad Last spring, the Board of Trustees honored Bishop’s Peak student Augustine Wang-Zhao for his incredible accomplishments at the California Regional History Bee and the National History Bee in Washington, D.C. At the time, he was fundraising for the International History Olympiad in Rome. Augustine and his family were able to attend the competition and he won a silver medal in the hexathlon and placed fifth for the International History Bowl in the elementary division. Congratulations to Augustine! Summer Professional Development Secondary teachers participated in a variety of enriching professional development opportunities over the summer. Teachers reported that the professional development helped them to prepare for teaching subjects next year and gave them the opportunity to collaborate with other district colleagues and with teachers from across the state as well. Clarity:  Both elementary and secondary teachers continued to work with Dr. Michael McDowell around teaching for transfer and teaching students how to apply their learning across situations and disciplines. Over 90 teachers from SLCUSD and Atascadero Unified attended the 3 day event. SLCUSD secondary administrators and Instructional Cabinet Teams also collaborated with Dr. McDowell. Site-Based PD:  A number of secondary sites also hosted site-based professional development including Dual Immersion Science (LAMS), ELA Curriculum (LAMS), ELD Training and Collaboration (LAMS, LOMS, SLOHS & MBHS), and Engineering (LAMS).  AVID:  A group of AVID teachers, counselors, and other secondary teachers also attended the AVID Summer Institute in San Diego to learn about implementing AVID strategies in the classroom, counseling, and academic language and literacy.  Advanced Placement:  Teachers new to teaching AP courses attended AP Summer Institutes across California in the following subject areas: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP English Literature & Composition, AP World History, AP Spanish Language and Literature, and AP Studio Art: 2D Art and Design.  Ethnic Studies : The cohort of secondary teachers partnering with Cal Poly’s Ethnic Studies department completed the Asian American Studies for K-12 Educators course at the end of June and will complete the African American Studies for K-12 Educators course by the end of August. Back to School Events Hawthorne, Sinsheimer and C.L. Smith held their Back to School events this past week, prior to the first day of school.  Each site had a fantastic turnout from families.  Principals led a family overview prior to families having non-structured time with staff to find their child's assigned classroom, meet the teachers, and ask any questions they might have--all before the start of school.  A strong sense of welcome and belonging was felt, and the events did a great deal to calm the nerves of students (and families!) around new teachers, classmates, and room location.  Summer Professional Development Training In preparation for the upcoming school year, SLCUSD teachers were invited to participate in the following trainings: BeGLAD Training:  Be GLAD  is a national organization that provides training to promote language acquisition, high academic achievement, and 21st century skills. This training was completed by our growing transitional kindergarten team, as well as our English Learner Specialists.   DLI Curriculum Training/Planning Days:  T eachers from Baywood and Pacheco came together for training on their new Language Arts program. Supportive parts of this program are the biliteracy planners which support teachers in planning how English and Spanish develop together and separately, the ELD program, and having all of the resources in Spanish.  Into Literature  Training:  6th grade city ELA teachers came together to learn from the publisher about the new ELA program  Into Reading . Teachers learned about the program components and worked on planning the first unit with the assessment they will use to measure student progress.  Social Studies Alive!:  K-5 teachers were invited to the Bishop's Peak campus to be trained in our newly adopted History-Social Science Curriculum, Social Studies Alive! published by TCI. Teachers had the opportunity to experience a lesson immersion from the publisher in the morning and engage in cross-district grade-level planning during the afternoon. The focus was on planning a civics unit with a connection to opportunities for hands-on transfer experiences. BUSINESS SERVICES Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Food & Nutrition Services Update Food & Nutrition Services is excited to welcome back students & staff to the new school year! Program Updates can be found  HERE.  Our summer edition of  GUSTO  (our department magazine) is also available! Meals remain  FREE  for  ALL  students this school year!  Safety Information and Resources Over the past four years we have used the “Safe and Sound Schools” focus to create a comprehensive safety plan for San Luis Coastal Unified School District.  We also designed a new  safety page  on the website to share these plans and resources with our students, staff, parents, and community. The page includes links to the district and site level emergency plans, the federally approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, the new Health and Wellbeing Plan which was developed with input from our counselors and school psychologists, and links to resources from counseling to suicide prevention. The website also includes links to the work our Student Senators have completed as well as student survey results. Last year, schools focused on lockdown and intruder drills. This year the focus will be training on major evacuations and reunification of students with their families in an emergency. The key to all of these plans is really found in the “See Something, Say Something” section, which includes anonymous “Bully” and “Concern” buttons. We rely on our students, staff, parents and community to let us know if they see anything that is concerning. We follow up on all communications.

Friday, Aug 18 2023

Food & Nutrition Services - Important Updates for 20...

  We are thrilled to welcome your student to campus dining and look forward to having them enjoy FREE school breakfast and FREE school lunch daily for the 2023-24 school year.  We have a growing team of culinary professionals ready to serve up delicious and fresh meals at school for all SLCUSD students at all 15 school sites.  We serve a variety of options daily for all students, including vegetarian choices.  We're proud to partner with over 30 local farms and food businesses to serve up healthy and tasty real school food! Important Program Updates!! * No Meal Applications This Year! *With Universal Free Meals - Students are able to get one FREE Breakfast and one FREE Lunch Daily *Middle & High School Students Only -- Breakfast Before the Bell or Breakfast at Nutrition Break    *Student 6 Digit ID/Student Photo ID Needed at the Point of Sale for Students in Grades 4 - 12 *No Student ID Needed for Grades TK - 3 MENUS can be found at https://schools.mealviewer.com/district/sanluiscoastalusd WELLNESS Resources can be found at http://www.slcusd.org/departments.food-services CELEBRATIONS - Contact us for FREE student catering options (field trips, class parties & more!) Have a Student with SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, etc.)? Have your Child's Physician Fill out the SLCUSD Meal Accommodation Form at   https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1682024567/slcusdorg/tkyb8yek87nqndugozcz/CNP-925MedicalStatement.pdf (English) or https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1631908835/slcusdorg/vnso8vbxkmsb74uhhy7s/MealAccommodationForm_Sp.pdf (Spanish) Find out more about SLCUSD Food & Nutrition Services at https://www.slcusd.org/departments/food-services or our Silver Eat Real Certification at https://eatreal.org/slcusd-eat-real-certified/   Stay in touch with SLCUSD Food & Nutrition Services at 805-549-1234 or slcusdfood@slcusd.org or follow us on Instagram @slcusdfood

Monday, Aug 14 2023

SLCUSD Board Meeting Agenda

Regular Board Meeting Agenda Tuesday, August 15, 2023 ****************************** ************** CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION - 6:00 p.m. ****************************** ************** VIA Teleconference & District Office Complex 1500 Lizzie Street - Room J2 San Luis Obispo, CA AND REMOTELY FROM 1278 First Street Los Osos, CA 93402 & 6 Trans Am Plaza Drive Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 ****************************** ************* Zoom link will be available on the day of the meeting. ****************************** *************

Friday, Aug 11 2023

Superintendent Safety Message

Dear San Luis Coastal Staff and Families, Everyone at San Luis Coastal Unified School District is thrilled about the start of a new school year.  As we begin the school year, I want to reach out to provide a helpful, quick guide on how our students, staff, and parents/guardians can work with the District to keep our schools safe. Members of the school community can easily  report issues  through our "Concern" and "Bully" buttons on our website. These can be submitted anonymously and are reinforced via parent newsletters and safety talks at schools. Students can also report any concern directly to any staff member, who are trained to involve administration when appropriate. Our motto, "See Something, Say Something," underscores the importance of active vigilance, often leading to timely interventions based on anonymous tips.   Upon receiving a tip, our team will act swiftly to investigate and our administrators are trained to interview staff and students about the concerns. However, due to the nature of the report, this may legally require disclosure to parents, law enforcement, and other appropriate agencies.  Our website's  Safety Page  hosts an array of plans and policies which can provide more detail about these processes, including when other agencies get involved. The Safety Page contains links to our Emergency Operations Plan, Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and School Site Safety Plan template, which are reviewed with staff and students, and then approved by the school site councils and the Board of Education. At the outset of each school year, administrators communicate our safety policies and procedures to all staff and students, encouraging everyone to report concerns or incidents. We've been gratified by the positive response to these safety efforts from our community, which has enabled us to address issues promptly.  However, we also want to take this time to ask parents and guardians to discuss the See Something, Say Something motto with their students and how important it is to be honest, truthful, and forthcoming when they see something that isn’t right to help us ensure safety for all.  Simply posting a concern on social media or gossiping about a concern with peers isn't the same as reporting to staff and won't result in a better outcome. Thank you for your support as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District and we look forward to a safe and exciting start to the school year.  Sincerely, Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent

Friday, Aug 11 2023

Family Guides

Dear SLCUSD Families, Parents and caregivers want their children to succeed in school— to be engaged and excited about learning; to build strong relationships with their teachers and peers; and to learn each year the knowledge and skills they need to be successful academically. But it is not always easy for parents and caregivers to figure out what children should know and be able to do by the end of each grade— and how to discuss these topics with their children and teachers. So, as we prepare for the start of the 2023-2024 school year, we are excited to share documents with you that will help strengthen our partnership together. These documents are called “Family Guides” and have been created by SLCUSD staff to take the mystery out, and provide parents and caregivers with the information and tools they need to support their children academically in literacy, math, science, and social science, which are the building block subjects for everything else. With these Guides, families can engage more deeply in their children’s education, advocate for them, and build partnerships with their teachers — thus developing the strong bond between students, families, and teachers that ensures kids thrive.   In addition to the electronic copies shared with you at the bottom of this message, teachers will be sending home a grade level paper copy of the Family Guide with your child on the first day of school, so please be on the lookout for this. Our hope is that you will use this information in our Family Guides to not only support the learning journey of your child, but enhance the conversations with your child’s teachers moving forward.  Please click on the grade-level(s) your child or children are entering this school year to access that grade’s Family Guide: Transitional Kindergarten  (TK) Kindergarten First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade High School  (9th-12th Grades) We value you as an important partner in your child’s education. We look forward to an amazing 2023-2024 school year! 

Wednesday, Aug 09 2023