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  • November 2021 Newsletter

    November 2021 Superintendent's Message Happy November!  This month is a time of remembrance and gratitude for Santa Rosa City Schools, including celebrations of Día de los Muertos, honoring military veterans, and giving gratitude for many things going well in our schools.  We are demonstrating a #SRCSGratitudeAttitude!  We are grateful for all of our students and their families, our staff, and community.  Now more than ever, let’s take a moment to pass along positivity to another person, a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor - even if it is a smile!     The legendary Maya Angelou wrote this poem:   “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Anna Trunnell Superintendent #SRCSGratitudeAttitude Our school district recently began using the hashtag #SRCSGratitudeAttitude on social media. We notice, appreciate and share the little and big things that are good in our schools. Some highlights from this month: We are grateful for the cultural traditions in our community (pictured above). Several of our schools participated in events for Día de los Muertos, a holiday that honors loved ones who have passed away. We are also grateful for teamwork and friendship. Many of our students participated in or volunteered at the Special Olympics soccer games (pictured above) at Montgomery High on November 5. Reminder: No School   Thursday, November 11 - Veterans Day November 22 - 26 - Thanksgiving Week Food resources for families  Even when schools are closed during Thanksgiving break and other holidays, there is food available for students and their families. Our partner, Redwood Empire Food Bank, has hundreds of free food distribution sites, including some at our schools. Contact their Food Connections Resource Center at 707-523-7903 (bilingual) or getfood.refb.org to find food distribution near you. Latest COVID-19 updates  Here’s a brief summary of some of the latest COVID-related information: Student Vaccinations: The COVID-19 vaccine is approved for ages 5-11. Sonoma County health officials say families are encouraged to first seek vaccinations from their pediatrician, healthcare provider or local pharmacy. Parent permission will be required for any child to get a vaccine.  Sonoma County - COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids: Frequently Asked Questions Flyer  Health officials say that families that don’t have access to a pediatrician can attend the walk-in clinic at the Roseland Vaccination clinic. They will start having pediatric doses on November 15, and their hours are Tuesday - Saturday,  10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Their address is 779 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. Vaccination clinics will be set up by Sonoma County at designated schools to serve people who do not have convenient or affordable access to healthcare providers. They will be after school or on the weekend. In our district, the clinics will be located at Abraham Lincoln, James Monroe, and Steele Lane Elementary Schools. Priority will be given to students in those schools first. Webinars for parents - Sonoma County Public Health and the Sonoma County Office of Education will be presenting English and Spanish webinars to answer the community’s questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children. Register using the links below. The webinars will also be broadcast live on the County of Sonoma Facebook page   English Q&A Session – Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 5:00 p.m. Registration Link:  https://tinyurl.com/SoCoVaccineQuestions Spanish Q&A Session – Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 5:00 p.m. Registration Link:  https://tinyurl.com/PreguntasSobreVacunas Charla "chat" for parents (in Spanish with English translation)  with the CURA project outreach team and a local health professional. Spanish Charla – Thursday, Nov. 11 at 6:00 p.m. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88921579589 Click here for Sonoma County Vaccine Clinic Information: in English | in Spanish Student Symptomatic Testing at LELA - Coming Soon!  Santa Rosa City Schools and the Sonoma County Dept. of Public Health will be starting free testing of students who have symptoms (feel sick at school) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Lewis Early Learning Academy (LELA) beginning Nov. 15 . For more information: Flyer in English and Spanish We will continue to keep our families and staff informed about COVID updates through ParentSquare messages. Meanwhile, you can find COVID related information for topics such as symptoms, quarantine, testing and vaccine locations, and the COVID Dashboard, on our website at srcschools.org/COVID-19 Additional pay, bonus approved for Substitute (Guest) Teachers   Our Board of Education recently increased long term substitute "guest" teacher pay rates to $150/Half Day and $300/Whole Day, with a $1,500 Longevity Bonus after 40 days. That means there is no better time to become a guest teacher in our schools. Thank you to everyone who came to our recent Guest Teacher Hiring Fair. We are still taking applications!  If you have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college, and you satisfy the state's basic skills requirement, you may be eligible to become a guest teacher. Guest Teacher Amy Martin shared what she likes about working at Santa Rosa City Schools in the video above. For more information, go to srcschools.org/substitute or contact Tammy Affonso at taffonso@srcs.k12.ca.us 8th Graders: Apply now for ArtQuest at Santa Rosa High School ArtQuest is a public school magnet program for the Visual and Performing Arts at Santa Rosa High School. Their mission is to provide an above and beyond experience for students who wish to concentrate on the Arts during their high school years and for whom creativity and artistic expression is of paramount importance.   Interdisciplinary, college-preparatory program Eight Specialty Disciplines Dance, Digital Arts, Instrumental Music, Photography, Theatre Arts, Video Arts, Visual Fine Arts (Spring Showcase examples pictured above), and Vocal Music Project-based learning from industry professionals Two hour specialty classes each day for most specialties Annual theme that links learning to the world around us ArtQuest students go on to pursue successful creative problem solving careers in the Arts and an array of other disciplines The Admissions Process for the 2022-23 school year is now open!  The application deadline is December 9, 2021.   Visit www.artquestonline.org for more information and to begin the application process today!  High school students: extension for Pass/No Pass ends Dec. 1   High School students have until December 1 , 2021 to request that a grade from last year's transcript (2020-21 school year) be changed to Pass/No Pass. State lawmakers allowed the Pass/No Pass changes because of the pandemic's effect on students. An official form to request a grade change is available here:   Pass/No Pass Grade Change Request Form   (due December 1, 2021) More information is available on our website: srcschools.org/AB104 Helpful website links Technology help School contact information   Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCSGratitudeAttitude #SRCStogether

    Tuesday, Nov 09 2021

  • October 2021 Newsletter

    October 2021 Superintendent's Message Our staff, students and families have been dealing with a lot these past couple of years. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives. Sometimes, it can feel like a heavy lift. But even in the midst of all of the requirements, challenges, and extra protocols, there is still much to be grateful for in our schools. As your new superintendent, I have spent the first months of this school year visiting some of the 1,000+ classrooms in our district. When I visited Elsie Allen High, I noticed a planter box near the office that had been "adopted" by some staff and students and made beautiful. It even contained some thoughtfully painted rocks. It is an example of the kind of care and inspiration I have seen throughout the district. We have a lot of good things happening in our schools. This month we will begin encouraging a #SRCSGratitudeAttitude among our students and schools. This doesn't mean that everything at school is perfect. But seeing what is good and expressing gratitude for others has a ripple effect, and will build a stronger and more resilient school community. Anna Trunnell Superintendent Latest COVID-19 updates  Here’s a brief summary of some of the latest COVID-related information: Student Vaccinations: On October 1 Governor Newsom announced a new proposed mandate for students attending in-person school to be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting the term following full FDA approval of the vaccine for their grade span (Grades 7-12 and Grades K-6). This means the COVID-19 vaccine will be among the vaccines, such as vaccines for measles and chickenpox, that are required for in-person school attendance in California schools. Depending on vaccine approval, this would take effect for grades 7-12 first, either January 2022 or June 2022. We will continue to provide updates on this state mandate. Student and Staff Asymptomatic Testing:  Voluntary COVID testing of students and staff without symptoms has been expanded to four days a week at Lewis Early Learning Academy. Without symptoms, many people with COVID-19 infections aren’t even aware they are carriers of the virus.  As a result, they may not be taking the necessary precautions to isolate themselves and protect others. This expanded testing is for students and staff, Monday - Thursday, 2:30-5:00 pm. Registration is required. More information: flyer in English | in Spanish We will continue to keep our families and staff informed about COVID updates through ParentSquare messages. Meanwhile, you can find COVID related information for topics such as symptoms,  quarantine, testing and vaccine locations, and the COVID Dashboard, on our website at srcschools.org/COVID-19 . We're hiring! Additional pay, bonus for Substitute (Guest) Teachers  You can make a difference at our schools! We're hiring substitute teachers, whom we call "guest teachers" because they are welcome guests in our schools. If you have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college, and you satisfy the state's basic skills requirement, you may be eligible to become a guest teacher. Pending school board approval later this month, long term guest teacher pay rates are expected to increase to $150/Half Day, $300/Whole Day, with a $1,500 Longevity Bonus after 40 days. For more information, contact Tammy Affonso at taffonso@srcs.k12.ca.us We'll also be holding a Job Fair for Guest Teacher Positions : Thursday, October 28, 2021 4:00 - 7:00 pm 211 Ridgway Avenue, Santa Rosa If you have been looking for a way to give back to your community, enjoy school-day hours of work, or make a difference for kids -- this is a great opportunity!  Reminder: Provide Esser III Input by Oct. 20   (This message has been previously shared via ParentSquare) The federal government has passed several plans to provide emergency relief money to schools during the pandemic. The money for schools is called Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER for short. The third round of ESSER funds, ESSER III, requires that California school districts complete several steps before receiving this pandemic aid, including getting input from stakeholders about proposed uses for the funds. Here is our Draft ESSER III Expenditure Plan Here is the school board meeting presentation about the plan: ESSER III Presentation Slides Santa Rosa City Schools will be providing two ways for the public to provide input on our draft plan: Send your written thoughts in this  ESSER III Expenditure Plan Feedback Form , by Wednesday, October 20, and/or, Attend one of the ESSER III Forums, Zoom meetings that will be held in English and Spanish: English Forum -  Tuesday Oct. 19, 5:30 - 6:30pm - Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94311413010 Spanish Forum - Tuesday Oct. 19, 6:35 - 7:35pm - Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97255378727 University Center @ Elsie Allen Information Night  8th GRADE FAMILIES: Imagine attending Sonoma State University during high school, with free tuition, free transportation, and priority registration. It’s all part of the University Center @ Elsie Allen High School program. Highlights include: Guaranteed admission to Sonoma State University Annual savings of $10,000 in college tuition and fees Golden Bell Award winning program Transportation to and from SSU provided Priority registration at SSU Access to the library facilities, financial aid services and counseling at SSU There will be a Zoom meeting Information night:  Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 6:00pm.  Zoom link: https://zoom.us/s/94595628636 It's time to confirm your student data in Aeries Our student information system (SIS), Aeries, has a parent portal, so that parents and guardians can view their student’s grades and attendance. At this time of year, parents are also asked to use the Aeries parent portal to confirm their address and their student’s medical information, and acknowledge information shared in the 2021-22 Information Handbook . Starting this week, parents will be asked to answer some “Data Confirmation” questions before entering the portal. This information is needed for each student. Only one parent needs to complete the questions. This year there is a two-question income survey. The information is confidential, and may be used to generate additional funding for your school. If you need assistance with accessing the Aeries parent portal, please contact your school . Open Enrollment (Intra-district transfer) for 2022-23 Most students attend their neighborhood school, and build friendships and community there. Some students have reasons to request another school. "Open Enrollment," from Oct. 20 - Nov. 15, 2021, is the time to make that request for next school year (2022-23). Applications must be completed online during that window. Families who need assistance can come to the S.A.F.E. office at 211 Ridgway Avenue. School capacities may restrict availability. See the SRCS district website for more information on Open Enrollment, also known as an intra-district transfer. Helpful website links Technology help School contact information   Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa

    Tuesday, Oct 19 2021

  • September 2021 Newsletter

    September 2021 Superintendent's Message School is well underway now, and it is clear that students, parents, and staff are working hard to ensure that school is a positive and safe place to learn.  We see students engaging with each other, happy to be on campus for the first time, or returning to a familiar place.  Staff are going above and beyond to provide support as we continue to navigate COVID and the effects on our school systems. Many of those effects are out of our control. What we can control is how we support each other. Overall, I encourage families and staff to focus on the many ways that our school communities are thriving and to keep students at the center of our work.   Anna Trunnell Superintendent Latest COVID-19 updates  On September 22, our Board of Education considered guidance and updates to our COVID-19 Handbook for Students and Families. That Handbook will be edited and made available on our website soon. Thank you to families and staff who provided their input for that meeting by filling out the handbook survey form.  Here’s a brief summary of some of the latest COVID-related information, based on the board meeting, and the latest guidance from state and county health departments: Student Vaccinations: No requirement to be vaccinated to attend in-person school, but students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated when they are eligible. Student Testing:  Our school board is still considering whether or not some nasal swab testing of students without symptoms would be done in our schools in order to catch COVID cases early. Parent permission would be needed. Based on the low rate of spread in our county, this has not been recommended at this time. We will continue to offer voluntary testing of students without symptoms at Lewis Early Learning Academy on Tuesdays and Thursdays (flyer  in English |  in Spanish ) Staff Vaccinations: Staff in school districts are now required by the state and county to be fully vaccinated, or to test for COVID-19 weekly. The requirement includes vendors who work in our schools and offices. Staff Testing: The district will provide the weekly testing required for unvaccinated workers (see above). Volunteers: Because the COVID rates have been low in our schools, we are allowing volunteers once again on school sites. Our Board of Education has required that all volunteers be fully vaccinated. There is no option for weekly testing instead of full vaccination. We will continue to keep our families and staff informed about COVID updates through ParentSquare messages. Meanwhile, you can find COVID related information for topics such as symptoms,  quarantine, testing and vaccine locations, and the COVID Dashboard, on our website at  srcschools.org/COVID-19 . Welcome new vice principals and assistant principals We're excited to welcome new administrators to our district, including some new vice principals and assistant principals at our schools. Read more about them on our website: New SRCS administrators     Mental health resources and suicide prevention September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In the era of COVID-19, as we all try to protect our mental health and cope with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we be there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. There are simple things we can all do to safeguard our mental health, and you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more in this Talk Saves Lives brochure in English / in Spanish . Together, we #KeepGoing. Santa Rosa City Schools is partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention throughout Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness of this important topic. For more information go to afsp.org . 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (en español): 888-628-9454 Text TALK to 741741   Our district’s Integrated Wellness Center also provides free non-crisis counseling for students and their families: use this FORM or call 707-284-8225 for information or an appointment. Staff Resources- SRCS Staff can request support through our STAFF SUPPORT SIGN UP or request psychotherapy through SOS Community Counseling by calling 707-284-3444. Attendance: communication with your school is key this year  Our school board has recognized September as Attendance Awareness Month. During this pandemic, we understand that students might have more absences than usual because of illness or quarantine. The most important thing is that parents keep in touch with their school, and tell them why their student is not at school. But parents should know that half of students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.   Attendance has a proven link to student success. When students miss school, even for an excused absence, they miss a lot of learning. Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school year, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month! Poor attendance can also directly influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade.   Please reach out if your student is having trouble getting to school. We have Family Engagement Facilitators and other resources to help! For more information, visit our website’s Attendance page   Aeries parent portal to view attendance and grades A student information system (SIS) is a school district's main tool to manage student records. We used to use Illuminate Education, but that company no longer supports the SIS that we need. This year, we have moved student records into Aeries SIS.  Like Illuminate, Aeries has a parent portal, so that parents and guardians can view grades and attendance. Parents can learn more about creating a parent portal account on this web page: in English | in Spanish .  Congratulations, Deputy Superintendent Rick Edson Deputy Superintendent Rick Edson, who is also our school district's chief business official, was recently named by the North Bay Business Journal as one the top CFOs of 2021. Each year, the publication recognizes outstanding chief financial officers at companies and organizations in the region. You can read more here: Santa Rosa City Schools chief business officer wins a North Bay CFO Award   Cash for College Nights  Each of our comprehensive high schools is hosting a FREE Cash for College Night to support students with accessing financial aid, which is key to college enrollment. Students and families can receive assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) . More information about exact locations will be shared with students soon, but please use this information to save the date: Santa Rosa City Schools (all high schools welcomed!):  October 5 at 6PM via Zoom (use this:  ZOOM LINK ) Piner High School: October 12 at 6PM, location on campus TBD Elsie Allen High School: October 20 at 6PM, location on campus TBD Santa Rosa High School: October 26 at 6PM, location on campus TBD Montgomery High School: November 2 at 6PM, location on campus TBD Maria Carrillo High School: November 16 at 6PM, location on campus TBD For more on Cash for College 2021, including what parents and students should bring to the events, visit this web page: Cash for College 2021 Join the SRCS Team  We’re hiring! We have part-time, full time and substitute positions available including: Campus Supervisor, Family Engagement Facilitator, Food Service Worker, Instructional Assistant, Senior Secretary. We offer competitive salaries, benefits and have family friendly hours. We have implemented district wide health and safety protocols. To learn more, call Mary Alyce Stephens at 707-890-3800 x80607 or look for jobs on our website:  srcschools.org/jobs Helpful website links Technology help School contact information   Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa

    Monday, Sep 27 2021

  • August 2021 Newsletter

    August 2021 Superintendent's Message Welcome back! Our schools are open full-time and in-person. Even with mask-wearing, the joy of being together is visible on our campuses. We will continue to follow state and local health guidance, while also working to ensure a positive learning environment for all students.  I look forward to supporting our students this year with you. Please stay in touch with your school. If you need assistance, reach out to your school's office staff, teacher, counselor or principal. My welcome video was shared with families last week. If you haven't seen it, you'll find it on our YouTube channel:  English video  |  Spanish video Anna Trunnell Superintendent Welcome new administrators and principals We're excited to welcome new administrators to our district, including some new principals at our schools. Read more about these leaders on our website: New SRCS administrators     COVID-19 case management flowchart   Like other school districts, we manage our response to COVID-19 cases or exposure using guidance from state and county health departments. The steps are noted in a flowchart. We would like our families and staff to be aware of this information, and to know that we follow this guidance to minimize any exposure of COVID at schools.  Link to the chart: COVID Management at School chart Air Quality Advisory Recent wildfires have brought some questions about air quality and how that relates to steps we take at schools to minimize the risk from COVID-19. Our schools follow Air Quality Advisory information that has been recently updated with the latest COVID-19 information. We will use the Air Quality Index measured at  airnow.gov . We have designated staff checking the site throughout the day on days where air quality is a concern.   Air Quality Index (AQI) of 0-100 is good and moderate (Green and Yellow) All activities can continue.  Encouraged ventilation - open doors and windows in classrooms and offices Air purifiers with HEPA filters and HVAC used AQI of 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups (Orange) It’s OK to be active outside, especially for short activities such as recess and physical education.  For longer activities such as athletic practice, take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms and take action as needed. Students with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep their quick-relief medicine handy. Close windows and doors Air purifiers with HEPA filters and HVAC used AQI of 151-200 is unhealthy (Red) For all outdoor activities, take more breaks and do less intense activities. Consider moving longer or more intense activities indoors or rescheduling them to another day or time. Watch for symptoms and take action as needed. Students with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep their quick-relief medicine handy. Close windows and doors Air purifiers with HEPA filters and HVAC used AQI of 201 or higher is very unhealthy or hazardous  (Purple) Cancel all activities or reschedule them to another day. Free school meals for all students  Thanks to funding from the USDA, breakfast and lunch are free for all students in the 2021-22 school year! But your school still needs your help by filling out one of these things at the beginning of the school year: an income survey in the Aeries Parent Portal (just two questions) or a meal application at family.titank12.com The information is confidential. Families that would qualify for free/reduced meals will also qualify for important benefits and resources, such as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) grocery money. These completed forms can also: Secure additional funding to your school to support academic achievement Allow students to qualify for fee waivers for the SAT/ACT Allow for reduced cost for students to take Advanced Placement Exams Help sites qualify for grants that support extracurricular activities You can watch a video about filling out the meal application at srcschools.org/meals . Please call our Child Nutrition Services office with any questions: 707-890-3807   New Student Board Member This year's new student representative on the school board, Georgia Beard, was sworn in at the August 11th Board of Education Zoom meeting (pictured, upper left). Each year, a student is chosen from one of our high schools to sit on the board. The position rotates among the schools. Beard is a senior at Montgomery High. Read more about her on our website: Welcome, Georgia Beard   Save the date: Parents Back to School Zoom Like last year, our upcoming Back-to-School Nights with parents/guardians will be virtual (Zoom) meetings. This isn't ideal, but it will help us keep our school campuses clean and safe for our students and staff. You'll receive more information from your school with the exact time for these evening events and the Zoom links. Please add the dates to your calendar: Elementary - Thursday, Sept. 2 High School - Thursday, Sept. 9 Middle School - Thursday, Sept. 23  Summer expanded learning opportunities After more than a year of distance and/or hybrid learning, our district received grant funding and partnerships that allowed us to expand summer learning opportunities for our students. Our summer programs nearly doubled, from 9 programs in 2019 to 16 programs in 2021. The programs began just after school ended in June and continued until just before school started again. We're grateful to the administrators, teachers and staff who gave their time this summer. This year, we added outdoor environmental education through partnerships with LandPaths and Alliance Redwoods that served students ages 6-18. Through Landpaths, young students went on nature walks and hikes, and learned to observe plant and animal life. At Alliance Redwoods, high school students participated in team building and challenge courses. We also had ten schools choose to create a summer "Jump Start" for the fall, inviting students back for a week or two of math and language arts, along with social-emotional supports and learning. One example, Luther Burbank Elementary's Space-themed Jump Start was featured in this news article . To see more pictures and a list of programs, visit our web page . LELA preschool ribbon cutting  This summer, our district celebrated the remodeling of classrooms and construction of a new playground to create a new preschool site called the Lewis Early Learning Academy (LELA). The school will serve approximately 80 children, ages 0-5, with a variety of learning needs, in partnership with Head Start (through CAP Sonoma) and under the direction of new Principal Janel Plack. For more information on LELA, and contact information for Head Start and North Bay Children's Center preschools that partner with our district, visit this web page: LELA Ribbon Cutting An important reminder to slow down for students Santa Rosa Police Department recently shared a timely reminder to slow down and drive carefully in school zones. Please also stop for school buses that have extended their stop sign and turned on their flashing lights. You can read the tips for back to school driving in this SRPD Press Release . Free Sonoma County Library resources for families Our partners at the Sonoma County Library have asked us to share this information with families: Our community is still in the midst of a challenging time, and Sonoma County Library is here to help with your back-to-school needs. Are you a parent of a school-age child or children? A student yourself? We've put together a list of useful resources for the school year and beyond!   Students of any age can connect with free tutors and more at Tutor.com . BookFlix pairs classic children’s picture books with a related nonfiction eBook. Puzzles, games, and age-appropriate web links allow kids to further explore. Find educational eBooks and eAudiobooks, and stream movies, music, newspapers, and magazines, with eResources like hoopla, the Libby app, OverDrive, and Kanopy. Enjoy children’s and teen collections! National Geographic Kids houses books, videos, magazines, and pictures produced by National Geographic for children. Curious for more? We've barely touched the tip of the iceberg! See the full list  of back-to-school eResources. Helpful website links Technology help School contact information   Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa

    Saturday, Aug 21 2021

  • Reminder - Return to School Community Forum in Spani...

    Return to School Community Forum in Spanish  August 10, 2021 5:30pm - 7:30pm Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98590748282 Please join the Santa Rosa City Schools District as we provide information to our families and community about our plans for returning to school in-person, full-time, five days a week.  In Spanish, with English translation.    All parents and guardians are welcome to attend.

    Tuesday, Aug 10 2021

  • Reminder - Return to School Community Forum on August 4

    Return to School Community Forum August 4, 2021 5:30pm - 7:00pm Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99434120850 Please join the Santa Rosa City Schools District as we provide information to our families and community about our plans for returning to school in-person, full-time, five days a week.  Spanish translation will be available. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend! Also, tonight’s school board meeting did not have a quorum and was canceled. We look forward to our next meeting on August 11. More information: srcschools.org/videoboardmeetings

    Wednesday, Jul 28 2021

  • Fuel your summer fun with free meals, for any child ...

    Meal Bundles 5 days of breakfasts and lunches For anyone ages 0-18 Pickup once a week Pickup meals at any location Groceries from Redwood Empire Food Bank will be available at some locations. Check  getfood.refb.org for information   Mondays Elsie Allen High (599 Bellevue Ave) 11 AM to 1 PM Tuesdays Monroe Elementary (2567 Marlow Rd) 2 PM to 5 PM Wednesdays Lincoln Elementary (850 W 9th St) 11 AM to 1 PM 2 PM to 5 PM Thursdays Cesar Chavez Language Academy (2480 Sebastopol Rd) 10 AM to 12 PM Questions? Call 707-890-3807

    Wednesday, Jun 09 2021

  • June 2021 Newsletter

    June  Superintendent's Message Dear SRCS Families and Staff, This is my final newsletter message as your superintendent, and it is with unconditional and everlasting care that I share some thoughts as I end my journey at Santa Rosa City Schools. During my 8 years at SRCS, I have learned so much, gained so many connections with a vast array of different people from different organizations, and worked together with the most awesome students, staff and families anyone could possibly imagine. Through these relationships, what has been reinforced over the years is the importance of authentic and human connection. When addressing difficult situations and problem solving, the process we go through together is equally as important as the desired outcome. This philosophy has helped lift me throughout my superintendency, facing challenges including millions of dollars of structural deficit in our budget, systems that did not promote equity for our students, labor and management strife during our early years, devastating wildfires and their traumatic effects, and finally this worldwide pandemic. We faced the challenges and have shared positive progress throughout these past years, including: graduation requirements that enable access to future possibilities for every student, ethnic studies requirements that allow all of our students to see themselves in their course of study, and by-district board member elections that call on leaders from every corner of our community. Our school board’s recently adopted Mission, Vision, and Priorities set a direction that is considered forward-thinking and transformative. Our district has finally faced and remedied systems that were treating our students of color differently. We have transformed into a district with multi-tiered systems of support with Collaborative Curriculum Design (CCD), Culturally Responsive, Sustaining and Humanizing (CRSH) curriculum development, restorative practices, and mental health resources that all support the whole child. While I have been the superintendent for nearly 16,000 students, I am also in charge of an organization that employs 1,600 people. I believe that my philosophy around human connection has greatly improved labor and management relations during these past few years. Under-funded by the state, and yet we were still able to improve compensation and bring health care benefits contributions from $0 when I started to $8,300 per employee today, and $11,800 by 2023. Our staff is also supported in a way that values the whole person, with professional development opportunities and access to mental health and emotional support through our Integrated Wellness Center. These are just a few of the accomplishments we have worked together to create. Soon I will pack up my office and load my car, moving on to spend much-needed time with my mother, Mary, who is pictured with me. It will not be the incredible outcomes that I remember most from Santa Rosa City Schools. It will be the time we shared collaborating, creating, and problem solving to build a community of equity-minded, social justice advocates. Together we cherished the process and were happily surprised by unexpected outcomes that support all of our students to a greater degree than we or they could have imagined possible. Take care always, Dr. Diann Kitamura drdiannkitamura@gmail.com Introducing our new superintendent After gathering district and community input, and conducting a nationwide search that included the review of more than 20 applicants, the Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education selected Anna Trunnell as our next superintendent, beginning July 1. Board President Laurie Fong, speaking for the entire Board, stated, “Ms. Trunnell’s wealth of experience in so many educational areas really stood out. She has a love for putting students first, a passion for service, and has been a calm, servant leader for her entire career.” Ms. Trunnell has been Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Santa Rosa City Schools during this school year. Her career in education includes serving as Executive Director of Technology and Curriculum in Stockton Unified School District; as a Director of Curriculum and Professional Learning in Elk Grove Unified School District; as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Washington Unified School District; as a director and principal in the Twin Rivers Unified School District; and as a teacher in the Grant Joint Union High School District. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and a master’s in educational leadership from California State University, Sacramento. President Fong noted that Ms. Trunnell’s leadership goals “are centered around social justice and equity for all students in the district. She is driven to constantly improve relationships and bring people together to improve the lives of students.” Award-winning students and staff  Each of our schools is showcased at a Board of Education meeting once a year. Those schools select an outstanding student, classified employee and certificated (teacher/counselor) employee to honor at the meeting. In May, Cesar Chavez Language Academy, Lawrence Cook Middle School, and Elsie Allen High School presented awards. Visit our Board of Education Awards web page to learn more about the staff and students who were honored. Thank you to Student Board Member Omar Lopez "I'm the first student board member to be sworn in on Zoom," said Omar Lopez, an Elsie Allen High School senior who has spent the past year as the representative student on our Board of Education. Each year, a high school senior joins our school board as the Student Board Member, and this year that position was in the capable hands of Omar Lopez from Elsie Allen High School. Lopez and other school board members attended every meeting via Zoom video conference rather than at City Hall, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a thoughtful board member who contributed the student's perspective to many discussions and who went beyond board meetings to contribute, including serving on a committee evaluating the district's School Resource Officer program. Lopez is bilingual, and you may have heard the public service announcements he recorded on behalf of the district, in Spanish and English, about the 2020 Census and COVID-19. His advice to other students is to stay organized and find a way to keep track of deadlines. "School can be intimidating, but put yourself out there and try to meet new people," he said. Lopez said his favorite subjects were social studies and U.S. government. He is interested in the law and plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College next year. Lopez's civic engagement is far from over. He is currently serving a multi-year term on Santa Rosa's Community Advisory Committee for updating the city's general plan. "I really like Sonoma County and the community and I wanted to stay here a little longer." Congratulations on your graduation, Omar... and thank you for your service to our district! Negotiations update: SRCS reaches agreements with unions We are pleased to announce that Santa Rosa City Schools is nearing the finish line in contract negotiations with our two employee unions. The California School Employees Association Local 75 (CSEA 75), which includes about 600 non-teaching staff, approved a two-year agreement (retroactive 2020-21 and 2021-22) with SRCS that includes these highlights: A 15% salary increase over two years: 7.6% in 2020-21 (retroactive) and 7.4% in 2021-22 An increase in the medical benefits cap of the same percentages Annual stipends for bilingual staff  A COVID-19 Bonus of $1,500 for the 2020-21 school year SRCS and the Santa Rosa Teachers Association (SRTA), the teachers union, reached a three-year tentative agreement and teachers are voting on that agreement through Thursday, June 3. The tentative agreement (for the school years 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24) includes the following highlights: A 15% salary increase over the next three school years (6.5%, 4%, and 4.5%) Total of $5,000 additional health care contribution over the next three years Annual stipend of $1,200 for bilingual teachers (BCLAD/Bilingual Authorization) Thank you to all of the members of the CSEA 75, SRTA and SRCS negotiating teams. Your time and hard work are appreciated! Principal Albavera appointed to police advisory team Elsie Allen High School Principal Gabriel Albavera is among about a dozen residents selected to join the Santa Rosa Police Chief's Community Ambassador Team (C-CAT). The group is designed to facilitate and enhance communication and the relationship between the SRPD and the community. The Team will assist in informing the Police Chief of the broader community’s concerns and views regarding public safety, thus guiding the focus of law enforcement services. There is more information about C-CAT in this link .  "As a community member and a male educator of color, I am honored to be a part of the Chief's Community Ambassador Team," Principal Albavera said. "In these difficult times, I am hoping that my experience brings an understanding of the importance of community involvement with our police department and also helps develop mutual trust, especially in our diverse community. I am also hoping to learn from this experience and share what I learn with our Santa Rosa community." Santa Rosa City Schools saves taxpayer $ with bond refinance For the second time in the past few years, Santa Rosa City Schools has refinanced outstanding general obligation bonds, which will generate a total savings for taxpayers over time of $975,000 on Elementary bonds and $6.93 million for High School bonds. As a result of low interest rates, the Prior Bonds (2011 General Obligation Refunding Bonds and 2013 General Obligation Refunding Bonds in the Elementary District, and 2013 General Obligation Refunding Bonds in the High School District) authorized by voters at previous elections were refunded and acquired at a lower rate (essentially refinanced) in order to lower debt service payments, which will lower property tax payments for property owners. Original bond proceeds were used to construct, upgrade and repair classrooms and expand school facilities. The refunding was authorized by the Santa Rosa City Schools Board at their May 12 meeting. Also in May, Santa Rosa City Schools sold the final bonds in the Measure I and L bond program, authorized by voters in the 2014 election. In total, the bond program will provide $229 million: $175 million for the Santa Rosa High School District from Measure I, and $54 million for the Santa Rosa Elementary School District from Measure L. With warm, safe and dry schools as our continued focus, Summer 2021 bond projects will include: HVAC (Heating and cooling) and roofing at Steele Lane Elementary and Piner High The final phase of Interior Classroom Security Locks installation Completion of electronic marquees at school sites Technology updates School registration continues through the summer Do you have a friend or neighbor with a child who is or is almost 5 years old? Please let them know that we are accepting Kindergarten registration for next school year now. We have one- and two-year programs and many sites offer child care. Our elementary schools: Abraham Lincoln • Albert F. Biella • Brook Hill • Helen Lehman • Hidden Valley • James Monroe • Learning House • Luther Burbank • Proctor Terrace • Steele Lane New students are welcome in other grades, too! To learn more about kindergarten: srcschools.org/kindergarten   To register online for any grade: srcschools.org/register   Need assistance? We are here to help. Call 707-890-3808 (bilingual) Learning House will be K-6, in-person in 2021-22  Learning House is officially the newest school in our school district. On May 12th, our Board of Education approved Learning House as a magnet school and also approved a plan for a five-year rollout. The Learning House will be a Kindergarten through 6th grade in-person school next year, sharing space at Luther Burbank Elementary School. More grades will be added in the following years, with the school eventually serving grades K-12. In Learning House students learn by engaging in real-world projects that are meaningful to them. The school offers project based learning, multi-age classes, community learning, environmental education and social-emotional learning. For more information or to register for Learning House, contact Assistant Principal Lauren Liotta ( lliotta@srcs.k12.ca.us ) or visit their website: srcschools.org/learninghouse LCAP update from our Teaching & Learning Department The District will be bringing forward the new Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals and actions to the June 9th Board meeting. We went from two goals to three goals. The new goals are embedded with the Board’s Mission, Vision and Priorities and also are aligned to our Multi Tiered Systems of Supports. The goals address the whole child. The other exciting news is we get to do one LCAP instead of two. This new LCAP will support all of our students and staff, K-12. 2021 LCAP Goals that are aligned with the Board's Mission Vision and Priorities 1. SRCS educators will provide student-centered teaching and learning opportunities that lead to equitable outcomes for students’ personal and academic success by: increasing programs and services that maximize student learning and agency fostering literacy, inquiry, investigation, collaboration, creativity, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, empathy, civic participation, and cultural consciousness supporting Multilingual Learners and Differently Abled Learners providing resources and educational opportunities to families equitably   2. SRCS commits to developing culturally relevant, humanizing programs and relationships that help ensure each person is safe, engaged, supported, and challenged by: engaging our students’ families and our larger community developing lasting partnerships with our community embracing cultural, linguistic and familial wealth attending to health and well-being through trauma informed care fostering positive, inclusive school cultures  promoting engagement and inclusion   3. SRCS values and supports growth-minded professionals and positive learning environments by: providing educators with current tools and training to support pedagogical leadership and innovation providing educators with time to create communities of practice providing safe and clean schools providing flexible learning environments conducive to teaching and learning Free meals continue through summer! Our school district works with other programs to offer free summer breakfast and lunch to any child or teen, up to age 18. No enrollment, paperwork or ID necessary. Just stop by! We’ll be messaging families more about this on ParentSquare soon. Meanwhile, check our partner Redwood Empire Food Bank’s website getfood.refb.org for information. Also, a quick note about Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) , money for groceries that is available for families that qualify for free/reduced school meals:   The government has said that another round of P-EBT cards will be sent to qualifying families this summer. Cards will be mailed directly to eligible children based on the mailing address on file with their school. If you have questions about your previous P-EBT benefits, call the P-EBT Helpline at (877) 328-9677 .   Helpful website links Technology help School contact information Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa

    Thursday, Jun 03 2021

  • May 2021 Newsletter

    May  Superintendent's Message Our Expanded Learning Plan will go to the Board of Education on May 26. This expenditure plan is required to outline how we will use the funds provided by the state to mitigate some of the effects of the pandemic. Before the plan goes to the Board, we will get feedback from families and educators, through the District Advisory Council (DAC), District English Language Advisory Council (DELAC), our union partners (SRTA and CSEA), and administrators. You may review the Expanded Learning Plan beginning on May 19 on our website . The DELAC and DAC meeting will be held on May 20 at 5:30 pm via Zoom. You may provide your feedback to your School Site representative on the DAC,  your site administrator, or email lcap@srcs.k12.ca.us . Some examples of what we are suggesting for summer include Jump Start summer programs, ideally at all of our schools, planned and staffed by the school site, that allow for sites to think creatively about ways to welcome students back in late July, giving them a jump start on the school year. These unique learning experiences may include a mix of academics, social emotional support and team building while getting reacquainted with school. We have invested in a LandPaths program that brings some of our most vulnerable students into the outdoors for nature-based learning. We are doubling what we typically can offer students in summer, and increasing staff pay for summer to attract educators and staff during a time when many might rather take a well-deserved break. (Please see the Summer Programs Update  article below with links to programs that are still taking applications). In the fall, we want to expand programs that were traditionally at some of our schools into all of our schools. For example, the Boys and Girls Club afterschool programs in our elementary schools. You will be hearing more about expanded learning through the 2021-22 school year and into next summer as well. Take care, Dr. Diann Kitamura April's award-winning students and staff  Each of our schools is showcased at a Board of Education meeting once a year. Those schools select an outstanding student, classified employee and certificated (teacher/counselor) employee to honor at the meeting. In April, Brook Hill Elementary, Herbert Slater MIddle School and Montgomery High School presented awards. Visit our Board of Education Awards web page to learn more about the staff and students who were honored. Special recognitions in the month of May During the month of May, we recognize the professionals named above as well as the rest of our employees for their dedication to our students and families. As a special thank you this year, all of our SRCS employees were provided filter masks from BUFF® , which has a local distribution center in Sonoma County.  Thank you to Lindsey Osborne at BUFF® for helping SRCS provide this gift.  Our district named among best for music education For the second year in a row, Santa Rosa City Schools has been named among the Best Communities for Music Education by NAMM Foundation. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Santa Rosa City Schools is one of only 19 school districts in California to receive this honor in 2021, recognizing outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Even during distance learning, our student musicians, including those in the 4th-6th Grade Music Blitz program, have been invited to continue with their music through video classes. Our music teachers have been working together to create lessons and videos for the students, as well as ways for the students to play along with their peers in pre-recorded performances. We're proud of all of our student musicians, music teachers, and this honor! For a list of the 2021 honorees: https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/bcme-2021-districts SRCS featured on PBS TV   Santa Rosa City Schools recognizes the whole child, providing not just academic learning, but also social emotional learning. All of our schools have social emotional learning and supports. One program that is used in many elementary schools is the Toolbox Project, that builds and strengthens elementary children's inherent capacity for resilience, self-mastery and empathy for self and others. This program, and our district's focus on the importance of social emotional learning, was featured in a May 2021 episode of the PBS show "Inside California Education," in which producers visited a virtual class at Proctor Terrace Elementary. The story originally aired on KVIE-TV in Sacramento on May 5, 2021, and then was shared with other PBS TV stations throughout the state. Click on the video above to watch the story, or click this link to watch the entire social emotional learning episode . Summer Programs update Summer programs are expanding this year, to meet our students' need for expanded learning. The programs will include Project Make, Migrant Education Summer Program, Extended School Year, among others. The following programs have told us there's still time to register: Excel for Youth (current grades 3-7) - Application extended until May 19! A unique summer academic enrichment program through a partnership with Sonoma State University. Students have the option to take engaging hands-on courses. To see what courses are still available and to register, click on this Registration form ( in English | in Spanish ) Descriptions of classes are available in this Catalog ( in English | in Spanish ) Beginning Mariachi Camp (grades 5 and above) - The Mariachi Camp provides instruction in guitar, violin, trumpet and song in the Mariachi style. Apply on the Luther Burbank Center website Acellus Learning Acceleration (students entering grades 7-9) -  Apply by May 21 for the first session. This program reinforces and strengthens math skills and abilities. Students will work through an online program called Acellus, which has recorded instruction, activities, and fully planned out lessons to advance learning. Ninth grade students receive five elective credits upon successful completion. To apply, visit the Acellus Learning Acceleration website High School Credit Recovery  - Summer learning opportunities will also include high school credit recovery for those students who need it, through online courses (Cyber High). Students should have already received an email through ParentSquare. If your student has failed a class and not made it up previously, or thinks they might need to make up credits, they should first check in with their guidance counselor as soon as possible. The student and family should also go to this High School Credit Recovery website and contact the program administrator, Dr. Kimberly Clissold kclissold@srcs.k12.ca.us .   More information is available on our website: srcschools.org/summer . Much of what we are able to offer depends on the availability of teachers. Mental Health Resources will continue into the summer:   Our Integrated Wellness Center (IWC) staff will be available throughout the summer, with mental health and emotional support for staff and families, including students who are participating in summer programs districtwide. If you'd like to schedule an appointment with a school-based therapist, please fill out this form , or call the IWC voicemail and leave a message 707-890-3827. Class of 2021 graduation plans All of our high schools are planning for in-person graduation ceremonies on Friday June 4th for the class of 2021. The amount of guests allowed at the ceremonies will depend on whether Sonoma County is in the orange or the yellow tier of the state’s four-tier COVID-related reopening plan. As of this newsletter's publication date, Sonoma County learned it is still in the orange tier until at least the end of May. It is still possible to be in the yellow tier for graduation. Whichever tier, our schools will ensure that safety protocols and capacity limits adhere to the California Department of Public Health's Graduation Guidance . Seniors and their families will be receiving the most up-to-date information from their schools. Boundaries update After the approval of middle school boundaries in January as part of the consolidation of Cesar Chavez Language Academy (CCLA) and Lawrence Cook Middle School, our Board of Education considered the options for Phase 2, which would include reconvening the committee to review all school boundaries. After further study of the district’s attendance boundaries with the district’s demographer and legal counsel, it was determined that the work that was anticipated to be completed in Phase 2 would not address the Board’s focus on inequities between schools and the specific needs of all students in Santa Rosa City Schools. To this point, the Board approved this Resolution on Diversity and Equity in School (No. 2020/21-72) . While boundaries will not change, future steps include the Board reviewing and analyzing the open enrollment and inter-district transfer policies to address the issue of equitable enrollment at SRCS schools, and developing a focused approach in directing and applying funds appropriately to specific schools that require additional assistance. Proud to earn a "zero" State law requires that K-12 school districts contract for an audit of their books and accounts, including an audit of income and expenditures by source of funds, every year. Our most recent audit, for 2019-20, was performed by Chavan & Associates, LLP, and then submitted to the county superintendent of schools, the CDE, and State Controller's Office on March 31, 2021. It is noteworthy that the 2019-20 Audit had zero findings, exceptions, or other corrective actions. When presented to the Board of Education, several people noted that this is unusual (in a very positive way!). Deputy Superintendent Rick Edson and Executive Director of Fiscal Services Joel Dontos credited system and process improvements over the course of the last four years. They also noted that this is the result of highly coordinated work between multiple departments, school sites, and staff. Thank you to all! Helpful website links Technology help School contact information Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa

    Thursday, May 13 2021

  • April 2021 Newsletter

    April  Superintendent's Message April usually brings thoughts of spring and renewal. This April is particularly uplifting as we are able to welcome back students into our schools for the first in-person classes in more than a year. Hybrid instruction began April 1 for our elementary and special education students. It will begin the week of April 26 for our middle and high school students. Thank you to our staff and families for following safety measures that are now a part of in-person instruction. You can read more about these important measures, and how to do the required Daily Health Screening before coming to school, in our COVID Handbook . That web page also has a copy of the Parent Agreement. Middle and high school parents/guardians will need to complete this agreement in their Parent Portal (in Illuminate Ed) before their students can return to in-person school. About one-quarter of our students have chosen to remain in distance learning during these last weeks of the school year. Thank you to those families for adjusting to new teachers in some cases. We are trying to make the least amount of changes possible while still being able to teach in both hybrid and distance learning models, with a plan to return to schools full time for the 2021-22 school year. Take care, Dr. Diann Kitamura March's award-winning students and staff  Each of our schools is showcased at a Board of Education meeting once a year. Those schools select an outstanding student, classified employee and certificated (teacher/counselor) employee to honor at the meeting. In March, Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts and Santa Rosa French-American Charter School presented awards. Visit our Board of Education Awards web page to learn more about the staff and students who were honored. Asian/Pacific Islander Support  Recent acts of anti-Asian hate are unacceptable, as are any and all acts of racial violence.  We encourage any students in need of support to stay in touch with your counselors and administrators, or any trusted adult on campus. Our Integrated Wellness Center is also available to students and staff.   On April 14, our Board of Education will vote on a resolution supporting people of Asian ancestry and condemning harassment, violence and hatred toward people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. President Laurie Fong would also like to share the following message: To our community, I’m taking a moment of space here to express how much we need each other. I can’t help but respond to recent anti-Asian attacks, anti-Asian discrimination, and also the harassment and violence in our country’s history. As a descendant of Chinese immigrants, I too have felt the sting of being “othered,” and told to go back to where I came from, though fortunately, that experience has been rare. Our job in education is to do our very best to help nurture thinking, independent humans who are empathetic and can navigate in our increasingly diverse communities. Many words, sayings and pearls of wisdom would be appropriate to quote, but the Warriors’ Steph Curry has just put a quote from martial artist Bruce Lee on a commemorative shoe. In cursive script it reads: "Under the heavens, there is but one family.” Steph adds that “We are all different and unique. On purpose. But, we are all human beings on a quest to fulfill our purpose and that energy should be used to uplift and love each other to the fullest.” I love this, and I love that it invites each one of us to help it come true. Laurie Fong President, SRCS Board of Education Our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is convening a parent forum about the return to middle and high schools for hybrid (in-person) learning. The forum will be provided in Spanish, with English translation available. All parents and guardians are welcome! Thursday, April 22 6:00 - 8:00pm Zoom webinar link:   https://zoom.us/j/98975115070 State assessments update  A message from our Teaching & Learning Department: As you may know, each year we are required by the state to test students using the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) statewide assessments in English language arts and math. They are given to students in grades 3-8 and 11. The California State Board of Education recently decided to give school districts the option of using the statewide assessments or to choose district-selected assessments for the 2020-2021 school year. Our district has decided to use Let’s go Learn for grades 3-6, and we will be using a math and English language arts test from our Illuminate system for grades 7, 8 and 11. These options are easier to administer both in-person and remotely for distance learners. We will be working with our staff to find the most appropriate time to test. You will be receiving more information about assessments from your school. Free CareerFest for high school students SRCS High School Students: Want help connecting with local employers, discovering career opportunities, and building a career path? The Sonoma County CareerFest is a great opportunity to discover different careers and explore your passions as it features various industry speakers and hands-on workshops. SRCS College and Career Counselors have been working on this countywide project and will lead workshops within this weeklong event. CareerFest will be held April 19-22 and will feature several 30-minute sessions each day. Registration is required. For a link to register or more information, please visit: ctesonomacounty.org/careerfest Summer Programs We are planning several in-person enrichment programs for this summer, including Project Make (grades 4-7) in June and Excel for Youth (grades 3-7) in July. Summer learning opportunities will also include high school credit recovery through online courses (Cyber High). Staff is being hired right now. Our capacity for students is dependent on how many teachers are available to work. Information from your school about how to sign up for summer programs will be coming in the next couple of weeks. Applications are currently being accepted in a summer program for students who will be in 9th grade next fall (see below). 8th grade students:  Registration is now open for the Mike Hauser Academy, a three-week program that inspires 8th grade students in STEM subjects. Mike Hauser Flyer (English/español) To register, go to MikeHauserAcademy.com Food for all! Free meals at school & free meal bundles Thank you to the Youth Promotores at Latino Service Providers for designing some beautiful flyers to share this important information with our community. Click here to read the flyer: Food for All (English/espñol) PDF Helpful website links Technology help School contact information Meal Information Mental Health Resources Return to School Information/FAQs ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools  |  707-890-3800  |  srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCStogether #madeinsantarosa

    Monday, Apr 12 2021