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October 2024 Newsletter
Newsletter October 2024 Superintendent's Message Hello SRCS Community! As we transition into the fall season, the crisp air and changing leaves remind us that the holiday season is right around the corner. It’s a time filled with celebration, reflection, and an opportunity to connect with one another. Fall is my favorite season!! This October, we are thrilled to celebrate a momentous occasion—Santa Rosa High School’s 150th anniversary! For a century and a half, this beloved institution has been a cornerstone of education in our community, nurturing generations of students and fostering excellence both inside and outside the classroom. We are incredibly proud of this milestone and look forward to honoring Santa Rosa High's rich history this month. With the school year well underway, this is also an ideal time to check in with your students. Whether it’s asking them about how they are feeling, how they are managing their schoolwork, a or simply what they need to thrive, these conversations are invaluable. By fostering open communication, we can ensure that every student feels supported, heard, and motivated to succeed. Your partnership is key in helping us create a nurturing environment where all students can flourish. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our schools and our students. I look forward to all the wonderful events and celebrations ahead. In community, Dr. Daisy Morales Superintendent Safety Focus In our continued commitment to safety and proactive planning, we have developed a comprehensive school safety framework and are currently creating content for staff training and public information. It's crucial to remember that safety is a shared responsibility. Our framework is founded on the principles of embracing, engaging, and empowering our community, as ensuring the safety of our students—both in and out of school—requires a collective effort from all of us. We welcome input from all of you as we work to continue developing our framework. On September 17, our entire district leadership team—consisting of approximately 100 employees, including principals, vice principals, assistant principals, executive directors, directors, and assistant superintendents—received training on the new Sonoma County Essential Five Emergency Responses and the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS). The training was conducted using a trainer-of-trainers model. Our first full-day professional learning session is on November 1 and will be dedicated to safety training. All staff will receive instruction on the Essential Five, the Incident Command System (ICS), and how ICS will be implemented at their respective schools. Introducing the New Student Safety & Parent Notification Page At SRCS, student safety is our top priority, and we are dedicated to creating a secure learning environment for all. We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Student Safety & Parent Notification page on the SRCS website. This page provides important information about the recently adopted Sonoma County Essential Five emergency response protocol, detailing the key steps our schools will follow in any emergency situation. You’ll also find our comprehensive parent notification procedures, ensuring families are kept informed and connected in real time. Visit the page to learn more about our unwavering commitment to keeping our schools safe. Reminder: No School Friday, November 1 - Professional Development Day Congratulations Jen Uken! Congratulations to Jen Uken of Albert F. Biella Elementary for being named Teacher of the Year for Sonoma County! Jen was honored by the Sonoma County Office of Education with a reception on September 18. Many of her colleagues were present to celebrate her achievement. We are incredibly proud to have her represent Santa Rosa City Schools as the outstanding educator she is. Please join us in celebrating Jen and her amazing contributions to our school and community! Open Enrollment (Intra-district transfer) for 2025-26 Most students attend their neighborhood school and build friendships and community there. Some students have reasons to request another school. Open Enrollment is the time to make that request for the next school year (2025-26). The application period is NOW OPEN through November 15. Online Applications can be found on the district website and must be completed online during that window. Families who need assistance can come to the Wellness and Engagement office at 110 Stony Point Road, Suite 105. School capacities may restrict availability. See the SRCS district website for more information on Open Enrollment, also known as an intra-district transfer. Charter School Lottery Families interested in enrolling their children in one of our district's charter schools can submit applications from October 1 through November 15. The public lottery will be held on December 12 to determine student placement. After the lottery, school sites will reach out to families to confirm whether a spot has been reserved for their student or if they have been placed on a waiting list. Click here to apply for the lottery. Superintendent Cafecitos Join us for our next Superintendent Cafecitos at Slater Middle School on Friday, October 11! Superintendent Cafecitos will be taking place monthly at different schools throughout the district (except for December), offering a wonderful opportunity to meet our Superintendent, ask questions, and connect with fellow community members. Complimentary refreshments will be provided, and the meeting will be conducted in both Spanish and English. We hope to see you there! Details about November’s Cafecito will be released soon. Santa Rosa Halloween Bash - Oct. 26 Santa Rosa's Violence Prevention Partnership and Recreation & Parks are co-hosting the 4th annual Trunk or Treat at Finley Community Park! When: Saturday, October 26 Time: 4:00 - 6:30pm Where: Finley Community Park The event is FREE to attend! Be sure to stop by the SRCS table—we can't wait to see you there! Community Parent Night - Oct. 16 Are you looking to support your student more effectively? Mark your calendars for the Multilingual Services Department Community Parent Night on October 16th! Together, we can achieve success. Stay tuned for more details—this is an event you won’t want to miss! When: Wednesday, October 16 Time: 5:00 - 8:00pm Where: Albert F. Biella Elementary Calling All Volunteers, Consultants/Contractors, and Student Teachers! We are excited to welcome you to our school community. To get started, all necessary forms will be provided through the Be A Mentor website. Please ensure that you complete these forms to facilitate your participation. Additionally, fingerprinting is required. You can schedule your fingerprinting appointment by emailing fingerprinting@srcs.k12.ca.us. Thank you for your dedication and support! Helpful Website Links Technology Help SRCS Schools Aeries Parent Portal Info Santa Rosa City Schools | 707-890-3800 | srcschools.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! @SRCSchools #SRCSHeartsAndMinds #WeAreSRCS
Tuesday, Oct 08 2024
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September 2024 Newsletter
Newsletter September 2024 Superintendent's Message Hello SRCS Community! It's that exciting time of year—our Back to School Nights are in full swing! Our principals and teachers are brimming with energy as they work hard to create vibrant, engaging, and empowering environments for our students. We’re so proud of the strong start we’ve had and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things this year will bring! I also have something special to share—our first Superintendent Cafecitos of the year is happening at Biella Elementary! I warmly invite you to join me for a meet and greet, ask any questions you have, and enjoy some delicious refreshments. The meeting will be in both Spanish and English, so everyone is welcome. Let’s come together as a community and kick off this year with great conversations and connections! In community, Dr. Daisy Morales Superintendent Facilities Update: Progress Across SRCS Our Facilities Department has been hard at work improving our schools! Key projects for 2023-2024 include remodeling restrooms at several high schools, upgrading roofing and HVAC systems, and refreshing gym floors. We’ve also begun exterior painting at multiple sites to keep our campuses looking their best. Looking ahead to 2024-2025, we’re excited about the ongoing construction of a new two-story building at Montgomery High School and the relocation of our District Office. We’re also designing new pilot classrooms for elementary and high schools, as well as planning for all-access restrooms and transitional kindergarten classrooms. These efforts are part of our commitment to creating safe, modern, and welcoming spaces for our students and staff. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a better future together! Click here to view the facilities presentation that took place during the August 28 board meeting. Superintendent Cafecitos Join us for our first District Cafecitos of the year at Biella Elementary on Thursday, September 19! Superintendent Cafecitos will be taking place monthly at different schools throughout the district (except for December), offering a wonderful opportunity to meet our Superintendent, ask questions, and connect with fellow community members. Complimentary refreshments will be provided, and the meeting will be conducted in both Spanish and English. We hope to see you there! Details about October’s Cafecito will be released soon. Charter School Lottery Families interested in enrolling their children in one of our district's charter schools can submit applications from October 1 through November 15. The public lottery will be held on December 12 to determine student placement. After the lottery, school sites will reach out to families to confirm whether a spot has been reserved for their student or if they have been placed on a waiting list. Open Enrollment (Intra-district transfer) for 2025-26 Most students attend their neighborhood school and build friendships and community there. Some students have reasons to request another school. "Open Enrollment," from Oct. 1 - Nov. 15, 2024, is the time to make that request for the next school year (2025-26). Online Applications can be found on the district website and must be completed online during that window. Families who need assistance can come to the Wellness and Engagement office at 110 Stony Point Road, Suite 105. School capacities may restrict availability. See the SRCS district website for more information on Open Enrollment, also known as an intra-district transfer. South Park Day & Night Festival - Sept. 14 Come celebrate community and fun at the Vince Harper's South Park Day & Night Festival on Saturday, September 14, from 2pm - 6pm at MLK Jr. Park (1671 Hendley Street, Santa Rosa, CA). Enjoy an afternoon of free music, food, entertainment, and activities for the kids. Stay for a special movie screening at 7:30pm. Be sure to stop by the SRCS table—we can't wait to see you there! Calling All Volunteers, Consultants/Contractors, and Student Teachers! We are excited to welcome you to our school community. To get started, all necessary forms will be provided through the Be A Mentor website. Please ensure that you complete these forms to facilitate your participation. Additionally, fingerprinting is required. You can schedule your fingerprinting appointment by emailing fingerprinting@srcs.k12.ca.us. Thank you for your dedication and support! Community Parent Night - Oct. 16 Are you looking to support your student more effectively? Mark your calendars for the Multilingual Services Department Community Parent Night on October 16th! Together, we can achieve success. Stay tuned for more details—this is an event you won’t want to miss! Helpful Website Links Technology Help SRCS Schools Aeries Parent Portal Info Santa Rosa City Schools | 707-890-3800 | srcschools.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! @SRCSchools #SRCSHeartsAndMinds #WeAreSRCS
Tuesday, Sep 10 2024
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Important Update to SRCS Information Handbook
Dear SRCS Families, We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to inform you that we’ve made some important revisions to our SRCS Information Handbook since its initial publication. Your access to the most up-to-date information is essential, so we encourage you to review these changes: Page 24: Added contact information for the Plan 504 Coordinator. Page 46: Updated language regarding the physical examination requirement. Page 100: Added contact information for the Human Resources Administrative Assistant. Page 100: Included new language in the Professional Qualifications of Teachers, Instructional Assistants, and Aides notice. The updated handbook is available here and can also be found on our website. We appreciate your attention to these updates and your continued partnership in supporting our students. Warm regards, Santa Rosa City Schools
Wednesday, Aug 21 2024
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Listening and Learning Survey
Dear SRCS Community, As we start the new school year, I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and insights on your experience with the district by completing this brief survey by August 30 . Your feedback is invaluable and will help us grow together as a community. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you all soon. Working together, Dr. Daisy Morales Superintendent
Thursday, Aug 15 2024
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August 2024 Newsletter
August 2024 Superintendent's Message Hello SRCS Community! We are excited to launch the 2024-2025 school year! It’s going to be a fabulous year as we work together to Embrace, Engage, and Empower our students, staff, parents, and community members. As part of my listening tour, I continue to hear from various stakeholders about the great things our district is doing, as well as the challenges we face. We will brainstorm ways to address these challenges together. It’s been amazing to meet so many of our staff who are dedicated, committed, and passionate about serving our students and community. #SRCSfabulousteam Focus for the Year I am listening to what the words—Embrace, Engage, Empower—mean to our community and how we can operationalize them so they are "Lived Out Loud" at all of our schools and departments every day. We are focusing on living these values out loud to ensure a sense of belonging in all our schools. A sense of belonging is directly linked to higher-order thinking and student success. Please keep this vision in mind as we work together throughout the year . Communication We are working diligently to improve our internal and external communication. Please be sure you are using ParentSquare and checking your email regularly. In the next couple of weeks, we will be sharing a communication protocol with all staff to help us communicate more effectively and efficiently with each other. I wholeheartedly believe #ittakesavillage to educate our students. It is only by working together that we will ensure success for all students. As you see me around our schools, please introduce yourself. I want to get to know all of you. Have a wonderful first day of school and a fabulous year! Dr. Daisy Morales Superintendent New Information Handbook The Information Handbook has been completed for the 2024-2025 school year. We encourage families to read through this handbook to stay informed about our school district. In this year’s handbook families will find information about the following: Safe Schools and Discipline Health and Wellness Attendance and Enrollment Forms to Sign and Return Parent & Guardian Rights Access to Student information Course of Study and Curriculum English Learners Graduation and Promotion Every Student Succeeds Act School Site Information Special Education You can access the handbook on our website in English | in Spanish . Please Complete Parent Portal Updates Our student information system, Aeries, has a parent portal. Parents and guardians can view their student’s grades, attendance, and complete annual updates using the portal. At this time of year, parents are asked to use the portal to provide annual updates. These updates include: Address confirmation Student medical information updates 2024-25 Information Handbook acknowledgments Income survey completion The confidential income survey (no verification required) replaces Free/Reduced meal applications which qualify our school for additional State and Federal money. Please access the Aeries Parent Portal as soon as possible to complete the Data Confirmation questions for your student: https://www.srcschools.org/aeries . If you need assistance accessing the Aeries parent portal, please try the following help documents: Create my Aeries parent portal account Completing Data Confirmations on a Computer Completing Data Confirmations on a Cell Phone Save the date: Parents Back-to-School Night We are pleased to announce this year’s Back-to-School Night schedule. Our schools look forward to hosting parents at their school sites. Please add the dates to your calendar: Elementary - Thursday, Sept. 5 Middle School - Thursday, Sept. 12 High School - Thursday, Sept. 19 Free school meals for all students Thanks to Assembly Bill 130, the state has established the California Universal Meals Program which will provide free breakfast and lunch for all students in the 2024-25 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 school funding form at https://www.srcschools.org/families/school-funding-form 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 Open Enrollment (Intra-district transfer) for the 2025-26 School Year Most students attend their neighborhood school and build friendships and community there. Some students have reasons to request another school. "Open Enrollment," from Oct. 1 - Nov. 15, 2024, is the time to make that request for the next school year (2025-26). Applications must be completed online during that window. Families who need assistance can come to the Wellness and Engagement office at 110 Stony Point Road, Suite 105 . School capacities may restrict availability. See the SRCS district website for more information on Open Enrollment, also known as an intra-district transfer. Charter School Lottery Application Window for the 2025-26 School Year We are excited to announce that the charter school lottery application window for the 2025-26 school year will take place from October 1 - November 15, 2024 . This year, the application period has been moved from winter to fall to better align with the district's open enrollment period. Application forms for each school site will be available starting at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, October 1. Be sure to mark your calendars and apply within the new timeframe! SonomaFi - WiFi Hotspots SRCS families that are in need of a WiFi Hotspot can check one out from their local library branch ! SonomaFi is a free WiFi hotspot Sonoma County Library lends to patrons 13 and over, all you need is your library card. Click here to learn more about the program. Helpful website links Technology help School contact information Meal Information Mental Health Resources ParentSquare Information Santa Rosa City Schools | 707-890-3800 | srcschools.org Follow us on social media! @SRCSchools #SRCSHeartsAndMinds #WeAreSRCS
Wednesday, Aug 14 2024
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Time to Complete Your Data Confirmation
Dear Santa Rosa City Schools Families, As the new school year approaches, it’s time to complete the annual parent Data Confirmation process. This step is crucial to ensure all contact information, including emergency contacts, is accurate and up-to-date. Accurate information is vital for effective communication, especially in emergencies. Steps to Complete Parent/Guardian Data Confirmation: Log into the Aeries Parent Portal. Review and confirm all contact information. Update any incorrect or outdated information. Please note that Aeries is currently addressing a bug that requires parents to refresh the system after making changes and saving their contact information. Remember to refresh to ensure any changes are saved. Your prompt attention to this task helps us reach you swiftly in case of emergencies or important updates about your child. If you need access to a computer, the Internet, or assistance completing this update, please contact your child’s school. Thank you, and welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Best regards, Santa Rosa City Schools
Friday, Aug 09 2024
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A Warm Welcome from Your New Superintendent
Dear SRCS Community, I am honored and privileged to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of our district. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their unwavering support and deep commitment to our students and staff. I am truly excited to join the Santa Rosa City Schools family and community! I am immensely thankful to outgoing Superintendent Trunnell for her collaborative efforts in ensuring a smooth transition. As I embark on this journey, I am dedicated to building relationships, which I believe are at the heart of everything we do. My entry plan, " Listening, Learning, and Leading ," reflects my core values and emphasizes the importance of establishing key connections within my first 100 days as Superintendent. This plan outlines specific actions to help me better understand Santa Rosa City Schools. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse communities and learned that for our District to thrive, it must reflect a wide range of viewpoints and cultures. The activities in the entry plan focus on listening, understanding, and learning from the Board of Trustees, District staff, schools, and the community. Active listening is crucial to building strong relationships, which are essential for my success as Superintendent. Together, while listening, learning, and leading, we will work with the Board to develop a solid governance team. Your input and perspectives will help shape our plan to best serve our students. I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful community, serving students and families whose stories resonate with my own. Having moved to California from Puerto Rico around the age of 7, I initially struggled with language barriers and connecting with peers and teachers. My parents soon found a school with a bilingual program, where a dedicated teacher used Spanish to teach me English and made an incredible connection with my entire family. This experience profoundly influenced my desire to become a teacher and ensure that every student feels seen and known in the classroom. My educational journey, from instructional aide to teacher at various levels, and through numerous administrative positions, has always been centered on developing meaningful relationships with students, positively impacting their academic achievement and future success. You will often hear me say, “It takes a team to educate a child.” That team includes teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, and community partners. Together, we must ensure our students succeed not only academically but also emotionally and mentally. On a personal note, I am the proud mother of two wonderful adult children. My eldest, Kayla, is married to Allen, and they have blessed me with a beautiful grandbaby, Aldea. My youngest, Joshua, works as a marketing manager in San Jose. They are my pride and joy. My roles as a mother and now a grandmother have deepened my sense of responsibility to meet the diverse needs of our students and to provide opportunities within our schools that will prepare them for future success. My own children’s school experiences and their different learning styles have further fueled my passion for ensuring that students receive the differentiated instruction they need. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and starting the 2024-2025 school year with hope, anticipation, and joy. As a team, we will Embrace, Engage, and Empower all our students. I will be setting up “Cafecito with the Superintendent” to provide opportunities for conversation and dialogue with families and community partners. Dates and locations will be shared in future communications. As we start the new school year, I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and insights on your experience with the district by completing this brief survey by August 30 . Your feedback is invaluable and will help us grow together as a community. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you all soon. Working together, Dr. Daisy Morales Superintendent
Thursday, Jul 18 2024
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Welcome to Our New Website!
Dear SRCS Community, We are excited to share that our new website has officially launched! 🎉 We hope you find it more user-friendly, visually appealing, and a helpful resource for all your needs. As with any new website, there may be a few kinks to work out, and we kindly ask for your patience and grace during this transition period. Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we strive to make our website the best it can be. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a wonderful summer! Warm regards, Vanessa Wedderburn Public Information Officer Santa Rosa City Schools
Tuesday, Jul 02 2024
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Join the School Consolidation Advisory Committee
Dear SRCS Community, We are reaching out to invite you to participate in a meaningful and impactful opportunity within Santa Rosa City Schools. We are forming a School Consolidation Advisory Committee, and we need dedicated community members like you to help shape the future of our district. Join the School Consolidation Advisory Committee The purpose of this Committee is to review and analyze our school sites to determine which might be closed or consolidated. This is a significant responsibility, and we are looking for highly qualified, capable, and committed individuals to be part of this process. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students and community. Who We Need We aim to include a broad cross-section of our community, ensuring diverse representation and comprehensive input. We are seeking individuals from the following groups: Various ethnic, age, and socioeconomic demographics within the district The business community, such as store owners, managers, or supervisors Landowners or renters, with a preference for representatives of neighborhood associations Teachers and administrators Parents of students Experts in environmental impact, legal contracts, building codes, and land use planning Meeting Schedule The Committee will meet from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office in the Training Room (110 Stony Point Rd, Suite 210, Santa Rosa, CA 95401). Here are the scheduled dates: August 19, 2024 - First meeting (organizational meeting) September 9, 2024 - Second meeting October 7, 2024 - Third meeting October 28, 2024 - Fourth meeting November 18, 2024 – Fifth meeting December 16, 2024 – Sixth meeting January 27, 2025 - Final meeting February 3, 2025 – Alternate meeting date (if necessary) We anticipate presenting the Committee's report to the Board on February 12, 2025, with further discussion on February 26, 2025. How to Apply If you are interested in serving on the School Consolidation Advisory Committee, please submit your application by Friday, August 2, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available in both English and Spanish. Members of the Committee will serve on a voluntary basis. The District Administration will recommend committee members to the Board for approval on August 14, 2024. This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on our schools. We warmly encourage you to apply and join us in this important endeavor. Together, we can make thoughtful and informed decisions for the benefit of our students and community. For more information and to access the application, please visit the SRCS School Consolidation Advisory Committee website . With gratitude, Lisa August Associate Superintendent, Business Services
Friday, Jun 28 2024
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Santa Rosa City Schools Announces Dr. Daisy Morales ...
Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) is pleased to announce that after a comprehensive search process that involved extensive community input through surveys and a diverse interview panel that included parents from within the district, the Board of Education is set to vote on approving the contract for the district’s next superintendent. Dr. Daisy Morales has been selected to lead SRCS, bringing a wealth of experience from her current role as Superintendent of Live Oak Elementary School District. Dr. Morales’ employment with SRCS will commence on July 1. Board President Omar Medina expressed his enthusiasm about the selection, stating, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Daisy Morales as the new Superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools. Her broad experience and her bilingual and bicultural background reflect the diversity of our student body. Dr. Morales’ enthusiasm and dedication to transformative education are clear, and we are confident she is ready to take on the challenges ahead. Her energy and vision for equitable access and student engagement align with ours, and we look forward to achieving significant progress together under her leadership.” Dr. Morales believes in building trust, fostering collaboration, and providing clear, transparent communication to shift the climate and culture of organizations. Her strategies have transformative results, focusing on building capacity, coaching others, and encouraging people to develop their leadership potential by leveraging their strengths. Dr. Morales holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish with a minor in business administration and a Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Multi-Subject Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) Credential from San Jose State University. She earned her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from UMass Global with a focus on engaging human resources in change processes to achieve transformational educational reform. Her extensive teaching experience includes second/third grade combination classes, fifth grade, seventh grade history, and various levels of high school Spanish. As an administrator, she has served in various capacities including Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Curriculum and Accreditation Coordinator, English Language Development Coordinator, Vice-Principal, Principal, and Director of English Language Learner Services and Migrant Education. The SRCS Board is expected to confirm an offer of employment to Dr. Morales at its June 26, 2024, regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Saturday, Jun 22 2024