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

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

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

New ImmersiveEDU Video Link and Family Information M...

May 10, 2021 To Our Solana Beach School District Families, You may have read that SBSD is launching a new alternative online learning program, ImmersiveEDU, for the 2021-22 school year. To help interested families learn more about the program, we have created this informational ImmersiveEDU video . We are also hosting a “Family Information Night” via Zoom tomorrow, May 11, at 5:00 p.m. ImmersiveEDU will offer students a more flexible environment, including virtual and optional in-person learning settings. Students will be engaged in inquiry-based teaching and learning and real-world applications through project-based learning. Additionally, students will have the choice to engage in activities in which they can focus on their own passions; driving their own learning. All SBSD families interested in learning more about ImmersiveEDU can view the video using the link above and join the Zoom meeting shown below on Tuesday, May 11, at 5:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting https://sbsd.zoom.us/j/2152150659 Meeting ID: 215 215 0659 I hope you will join us to learn more about this exciting new learning opportunity in 2021-22! Sincerely, Jodee Brentlinger, Superintendent

Monday, May 10 2021

SBSD Announces ImmersiveEDU Family Information Night...

Dear Solana Beach School District Families, The Solana Beach School District announces the launch of ImmersiveEDU, where teaching and learning is reimagined. A “Family Information Night” via Zoom is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11, to share details about the new educational opportunity for the 2021-22 school year. In a flexible environment, including virtual and optional in-person learning settings, ImmersiveEDU students will be engaged in inquiry-based teaching and learning and real-world applications through project-based learning. These experiences will include local and global partnerships and stem from a culturally responsive lens of teaching and learning. The program offers enrichment clusters where students have the choice to engage in learning activities, including learning other languages and/or participating in projects where students can focus on their own passions; driving their own learning. ImmersiveEDU students will not only have opportunities to participate in learning experiences based on interests, they will also engage actively in the process of learning. This component will include a focus on exhibiting learning; an opportunity for students to discuss key learning experiences, in addition to presenting on their final products. ImmersiveEDU students will have optional in-person academic and social opportunities to expand and foster all aspects of learning. I invite all SBSD families interested in learning more about ImmersiveEDU to join the Zoom meeting shown below on Tuesday, May 11, at 5:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting https://sbsd.zoom.us/j/2152150659 Meeting ID: 215 215 0659 One tap mobile +16699009128,,2152150659# US (San Jose) +13462487799,,2152150659# US (Houston) Sincerely, Jodee Brentlinger, Superintendent

Friday, May 07 2021

New Communication to Families! 2021-22 Instructional...

May 3, 2021 Dear Solana Beach School District Families, As we look forward to returning to five days of weekly instruction during the 2021-22 school year, we remain committed to maximizing teaching and learning for the benefit of our students. Providing our students the ability to do and be their best academically and socially remains in the forefront in all we do. In order to support this commitment, the Solana Beach School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve staff recommendation of an instructional schedule for the 2021-22 school year that includes an early release day. Please find information regarding 2021-22 Early Release Wednesdays below: All SBSD students will receive the same number of weekly instructional minutes, which surpasses required annual instructional minutes per California Education Code.  Designed to advance student progress, the early release days will allow instructional teams to maximize cross-collaboration with specialists and other SBSD sites, providing dedicated time for grade-level teams. Schools will maintain instructional schedules that support increased continuity for students and staff while decreasing the need for substitutes. Students will continue to eat lunch at school five days a week. Wednesdays are early release days and do not follow a minimum day schedule. School start/end times and Bell Schedules will be finalized and shared with parents on or before June 11, 2021. To support our families who may need child care on Early Release Wednesdays, we are exploring additional activities and parent-led clubs, including options with our Child Development Center (CDC). Parents may elect to sign up for CDC Early Release Wednesday care beginning later this month. Additional enrichment and club options will be finalized and announced to families by the end of June. We look forward to increasing our ability to focus on the unique needs of our students using the Early Release Wednesday schedule, while maintaining the instructional minutes our students have enjoyed in prior years. Students will directly benefit from the professional collaboration opportunities this affords our instructional teams. The focus on student academic, social-emotional, and physical well-being continue to be our top priorities. Sincerely, Jodee Brentlinger, Superintendent Upcoming Board of Education Meeting May 20, 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

Tuesday, May 04 2021