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Board Bulletin for September 8, 2021, Regular Meeting
Board Meeting on September 8, 2021 Highlights from the Meeting Back to School! Principals’ reports on the 2021-22 School Opening On behalf of all of the principals, Katie Zimmer, Principal, Solana Vista School, expressed her gratitude for the support received from the district office staff, including Instructional Services, Technology, Human Resources, Business Services, Child Nutrition, and Maintenance and Operations, to successfully open schools. Each principal shared specific highlights about their 2021-22 school year opening. Solana Vista School : The Solana Vista Waves are home, and they are thrilled with their beautiful new campus, its natural light, media center, STREAM Lab, and playgrounds. “The Waves are Better Together!” Solana Santa Fe School: Matthew Frumovitz, Principal, commended all who participated in the herculean effort to get schools open this year. Solana Santa Fe is busy with its own modernization project, including a retaining wall, that will transform the campus. Flexibility is the name of the game, and social emotional support is key. Solana Santa Fe is experiencing an increase in students from Solana Highlands. With 310 students, the school is building for the future. “Our students' joy brings us joy!” Solana Ranch School: Jerry Jones, Principal, and Jen Price, Assistant Principal, welcomed 542 students back to school. Their theme is “Leaders find their own paths,” and a Leadership Assembly featured impressive speeches. The Hawk reading challenge is encouraging students to read 20 minutes every day, and a World of Work program is helping students to learn their strengths as they relate to future careers. Hawk Pride! Solana Pacific School : Elisa Fregoso, Principal, says that teachers and staff are the best of the best. This year’s theme, “SP Ohana— A family,” celebrates the successes of students with the support of PTO partnerships, volunteers, donations, and spirit wear. A school-wide assembly welcomed the 475 Sandpipers. Student leaders will be planning activities around “The 8 Habits,” guiding all staff, teachers, and students to “find their voice, and share their ideas.” “Social-emotional is at the forefront of all we do.” Solana Highlands School : Lindsey Conley, Principal, is a newcomer to the District, but already feels a strong connection to her new Dolphin community of 332 students. Fourth graders are back on campus as the school begins to return to a K-6 school. The newly formed 4th grade student council is busy engaging students around the campus. An ice cream truck visited the neighborhood to welcome students back to school. “Students love the Discovery Lab!” Skyline School : Ms. Kim Pinkerton, Principal, welcomed 442 4th-6th graders and Global Education students. The Otters appreciate their PTA and Foundation for mini-grants to support Discovery Lab classrooms. Students learned more about their classmates by reading Alma and How She Got her Name, and used the story to create student artwork to display around campus. “The well-being of students above all.” Child Development Center: Ms. Jennifer Orr, Director, has seen excited students returning to school all across the District. The 18-month-old children are having their first school experience. There are 114 children in preschool and pre-K, 431 students in before- and after-school care, 900 in enrichment classes, and 50 students in Band. Carmel Creek School and ImmersiveEDU: Ms. Angela Tremble, Principal and John Galipault, Assistant Principal, have 356 students at Carmel Creek and 67 at ImmersivEDU, which is now housed in a physical location. The Cougars are preparing live broadcasts on the CC News Network. The first show, starring CC students, is on Positive Behavior Expectations. Students are learning their new routines with a growth mindset jar and rocks with positive messages. Board Directions and Actions Update on the 2021-22 School Year Fingertip Facts 2793 Students attending school in person 68 ImmersivEDU students 477 employees 139 teachers 4 Special Day Class teachers 40 Discovery Lab teachers 31 classified support positions are open, which is more than normal. COVID Report: 3 adults and 14 students have had confirmed cases through September 7. Ventilation update Healthy indoor air quality has always been important in our schools, and now health and safety mitigation measures have brought the discussion of our ventilation systems to the forefront. Maintenance and Operations will work with a consultant to begin an independent evaluation process of our schools to assess and recommend options for increasing the ventilation measures.. Preliminary findings will be reported to the Board in two weeks. Live-Streaming of Board Meetings One positive regarding the pandemic has been increased involvement and attendance at school board meetings. The Board and staff appreciate and value the participation of our community during our virtual Board meetings. As of Wednesday, September 8, the Executive Order permitting school board meetings through video conferencing measures was set to expire September 30, 2021. It now appears that this order will be extended through January 31, 2022. Based on this new information, the proposed pilot of a live-streaming system for the Special Board meeting on September 23, 2021 will be postponed. The District will be prepared to return to in-person meetings and fulfill open meeting requirements, commonly known as the Brown Act--as well as provide continued opportunities for our staff and community to participate electronically--when that time comes. Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Update Staff reported that no substantial changes have been made to the LCAP, but some language has been clarified and refined at the recommendation of the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). The SDCOE has officially approved and submitted SBSD’s LCAP to the California Department of Education. Sufficiency of Instructional Materials for 2021-22 The Board held a public hearing and adopted an annually-required resolution certifying that every pupil in each school in the District has, or will have, sufficient content standards-aligned textbooks or instructional materials, or both, in each subject consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum framework adopted by the state board, including instructional materials for English-learners. Approval of a Donation from Solana Beach Schools Foundation The Board accepted a generous donation from the Solana Beach Schools Foundation to the Solana Beach School District in the amount of $52,707.70 for the 4th quarter 2020-21. The donation will supplement the cost of providing science, technology, research, engineering, arts, math (STREAM), and PE Discovery Labs. Unaudited actuals The Board approved and certified the District’s 20-21 Unaudited Financial Report. Upcoming Board Meeting Join Us Again! The Solana Beach School District is currently hosting all Board meetings via Zoom video conferencing. Join us with the link on our website. Next Regular Board Meeting Scheduled for October 14, 2021, 6:30 p.m. Follow Us! #SBSDEDU
Saturday, Sep 11 2021
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New! Unforgettable: A Year to Remember Student Art E...
July 1, 2021 Dear Solana Beach School District Families, I am excited to announce that the Unforgettable: A Year to Remember Student Art Extravaganza virtual art gallery is now available for viewing on the SBSD website. The artwork you will see brings together the many unique perspectives of our students from one of the most unforgettable school years of our lifetimes. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! View the Student Art Extravaganza Sincerely, Jodee Brentlinger, Superintendent Follow Solana Beach School District all summer on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
Friday, Jul 02 2021
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SBSD End-of-Year Communication to Families from Supe...
June 8, 2021 Dear Solana Beach School District Families, It is with great pleasure that I share a communication with you much different than previous ones. For the past 15 months, I have written weekly and sometimes monthly messages to you sharing new and ever-changing health guidelines, policies, testing dates, and more. Today, it is my absolute delight to write to you with nothing but positive student and school news as we look to summer break and the 2021-22 school year. Summer Read Alouds I am excited to continue my Superintendent’s Read Alouds this summer! This past year, I have read 51 stories to our K-6 students. Your child can continue to join me in June, July, and August for stories, fun, and social connection. Students will use their regular school sign-in (studentname@sbsd.net) to access the summer read alouds. Additionally, I would love to hear from students about their summer activities. Your child is welcomed and encouraged to email or mail me a brief message. Send emails to jodeebrentlinger@sbsd.net or mail a postcard or letter to Solana Beach School District, Attn: Superintendent Brentlinger, 309 N Rios, Solana Beach, CA 92075. End-of-Year Art Extravaganza In celebration of our unique experiences and triumphs over the past year, my office distributed blank art canvases to students and staff throughout the District to encourage artistic voice and creativity. We are planning to exhibit these masterpieces in an End-of-Year Virtual Art Extravaganza . Please check your Parent Square messages and the District website for the virtual exhibit link during the week of June 28 - July 2, 2021. An SBSD Video Forever Memorializing Reimagined School During A Pandemic As I visited classrooms all year, both Online and Onsite Scholars, I spoke with students about what they would remember about “reimagined school in a pandemic.” Since this experience will forever be etched in our history and that of future generations, staff and students helped memorialize this “Unforgettable: A Year to Remember.” This video will forever capture the heart and spirit of our students and staff as well as be a first-hand document for generations to come. View the Video Fall Information Planning ahead? Please remember that our school offices will close beginning Monday, June 21, 2021, and reopen on July 26. I will prepare my annual Superintendent’s Welcome Back Communication to Families during the week of August 2-6, so keep an eye out for my message through ParentSquare. Finally, we will welcome back all students (both in-person and online) for the first day of school on Monday, August 16. I am beyond proud of your children and our employees. Together, we made it through an abruptly reimagined school year that was uncertain, challenging, and full of uniquely different rewards in every way possible. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning and for your continued participation and collaboration. I wish you good health and some time for fun and relaxation this summer. Sincerely, Jodee Brentlinger, Superintendent Summer Board Meetings: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021, Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting/Budget Workshop 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 12, 2021, Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting
Tuesday, Jun 08 2021
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SBSD Board Bulletin for May 20, 2021
Board Meeting on May 20, 2021 (Photo: Solana Beach School District Board of Education Members, Solana Pacific Art Instructor Sheri Burkhart and student artists, Maya Krishnan, Kenzo Karres and Cici Mei) This year, 10 Solana Pacific School and Online Scholar students had their art submissions accepted as part of a San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) exhibit, “Young Art 2021: My World, Our Planet.” The environmentally-themed artwork from these students in grades 4-6 was selected by the SDMA for its exhibit in Balboa Park. Solana Pacific Art Instructor, Sheri Burkhart, is to be commended for her efforts working with the students of Solana Pacific and the Online Scholars to achieve such incredible recognition by the SDMA. The District is thrilled to recognize the following students: 4th grade SBSD Onsite Scholars - Sierra Liu, Kai Shaprut, Katelyn Zeng 5th grade Onsite Scholars - Gabriela Morillo Dal Piccol, Pela Hadley, Mia Lopez 6th grade Onsite Scholars - Kenzo Karres, Cici Mei 6th grade Online Scholars - Maya Krishnan, Purvi Jain Highlights from the Meeting Teaching and Learning The English Language Arts/English Language Development adoption process began prior to the pandemic and resumed this past fall. Two curriculum resources are being piloted to ensure our instructional materials are current, relevant, and accurate in representing our diverse student community, as well as guided by state and local board policies: 1) Benchmark Advance and 2) Wonders for grades K-5, and StudySync for grade 6. Staff, families, and community members not involved in the pilot program have been invited to independently review the curriculum materials and provide feedback. A recommendation will be made to the Board at a June meeting for final selection. Separately and in preparation for the new English Language Arts adoption, the Board voted to approve the staff’s recommendation to sell the excess Treasures English/Language arts textbooks, workbooks, and teacher materials. In the event there is no value to sell the materials, the materials will be donated or recycled. Any monies received from the sale will be used to purchase future state-adopted materials for the District. Materials to be sold, donated, or recycled are valued at less than $2,500.00. Board Directions and Actions Board of Education Accepts Donation from Solana Vista School’s PTA The Solana Beach Solana Vista Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) donated $1,513.60 to the Solana Beach School District. The Board voted to accept the donated monies, which will help fund student learning. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Policy Presented in First Reading Board members were presented with the first reading of Board Policy (BP) 0415 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As background, on June 25, 2020, the Board adopted Resolution 060520 Affirming Commitment to Fight Against Institutional Racism. SBSD does not currently have a diversity policy. Following the adoption of the June resolution, an Institutional Racism Advisory Group was formed involving staff, administrators, parents, and community members. Subgroups were formed from this group to begin further work on facilitating difficult conversations, policy, and curriculum. All groups have met multiple times over the course of the 2020-21 school year. Staff proposes a broad community engagement timeline that extends into fall 2021 regarding this topic. A space for supporting important and healthy conversations on this subject matter is necessary in order to make long-term, thoughtful decisions. The desired outcome is valuing diversity through measures that promote solidarity and unity, where each individual and/or group are treated with dignity and respect. Board Appoints New Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee Members Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC) members are appointed by the Board of Education in SBSD to monitor bond expenditures associated with Measure JJ, which was passed by voters under the rules of Proposition 39 in November 2016. The Board appointed the following ICOC applicants for a two-year term through the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years: Laurel Graziano, Community business representative Jerry Suppa, Community at-large representative Lauren Hay, Community at-large representative Jill MacDonald, Senior community representative District’s 2021 Inspiration Award Student Recipients Recognized This Year During Virtual School Events The Board of Education congratulated all student recipients of the 2021 Inspiration Awards, and virtual recognition events are being held at each school. Please see below for this year's awardees: Carmel Creek School Kindergarten: Eva Moscol - Fellowship First Grade: Alexandra Klekota - Effort Second Grade: Tallulah Dunbar - Effort Third Grade: Avery Rice - Effort Online Scholars Kindergarten: Cole Federoff - Self Improvement First Grade: Seungyeon Jang - Effort Second Grade: Jacob Perez - Academic Improvement Third Grade: Nabil Zabihi - Courage Fourth Grade: Maria Paraskevopoulos - Effort Fifth Grade: Livia Li - Leadership Sixth Grade: Trey Riddle - Leadership Skyline School Second Grade: Katherine "Kate" Hurst - Leadership Fourth Grade: Karla Gonzales - Effort Fifth Grade: Luke Hoff - Academic Improvement Sixth Grade: Dominik Mendoza Linares - Effort Solana Highlands School Kindergarten: Seoyoon "Yuna" Kim - Effort First Grade: Lalita Seetharaman - Leadership Second Grade: Grace Hammond - Effort Third Grade: Shervin Saeidi - Self Improvement Solana Pacific School Fourth Grade: Haidar Abu-Jaber - Effort Fifth Grade: Brandon Sykes - Leadership Sixth Grade: Addison Accetta - Effort Solana Ranch School Kindergarten: Grace Kalasho - Fellowship First Grade: Lachlan Rossettie - Fellowship Second Grade: Xian Wildie - Effort Third Grade: Liam Gelberg - Effort Fourth Grade: Cade Velazquez - Self Improvement Fifth Grade: Yunus Qadiri - Effort Sixth Grade: Yasmin Dowlat - Fellowship Solana Santa Fe School Kindergarten: Octavio Cervantes Nunez - Effort First Grade: Eva Carranza - Effort Second Grade: Monte Abu-Zahrah - Effort Third Grade: Liam Dawson - Effort Fourth Grade: Blake Campbell - Effort Fifth Grade: Marcus Veenstra - Courage Sixth Grade: Christian Chu - Leadership Solana Vista School Kindergarten: Etienne Levanetz - Fellowship First Grade: Arshan Emrani - Effort Second Grade: Finley Ross - Effort Third Grade: Keegan Moran - Leadership Upcoming Board Meeting Join Us Again! The Solana Beach School District is currently hosting all Board meetings via Zoom video conferencing. Join us using the link below: SBSD Board meeting link Special Board Meeting May 27, 2021, 2:00 p.m. Next Regular Board Meeting June 17, 2021, 6:30 p.m. A Spanish translation prepared by District staff will soon be available on our website. La traducción al español estará disponible próximamente en nuestro sitio web. A Chinese translation prepared by District staff will soon be available on our website. 我们即将在学区网站上提供中文的翻译版本 Follow Us! #SBSDEDU
Wednesday, May 26 2021
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Just Added! Follow-up SBSD ImmersiveEDU Family Infor...
May 13, 2021 Dear Solana Beach School District Families, We were pleased by the terrific attendance at our first ImmersiveEDU Family Information Night on Zoom earlier this week. In order to provide families with further information and answer specific questions, Solana Beach School District will host a follow-up ImmersiveEDU Informational Meeting on Zoom from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18 . At this meeting, we will present further information that will include sample schedules of what ImmersiveEDU could look like in practice (please note actual schedules are not yet determined) . Additionally, we will post ImmersiveEDU Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website using this ImmersiveEDU link on Monday. If you were unable to join us on May 11, please view the recording of the initial informational meeting prior to attending the follow-up meeting on May 18. The first meeting recording is now available on the ImmersiveEDU link . The May 18 recording will be posted at or before 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 19. We understand you are making important decisions for the 2021-22 school year during this next week, May 14-21, and we are proud to be able to offer all students two outstanding teaching and learning models. Topic: ImmersiveEDU Follow-up Parent Info. Meeting Time: May 18, 2021 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://sbsd.zoom.us/j/2152150659 Meeting ID: 215 215 0659 Sincerely, Sabrina Lee Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services
Friday, May 14 2021