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Heat Advisory Update
Santa Barbara Unified Families, National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts continue to issue a heat advisory for Thursday and Friday this week. As shared on Tuesday, Santa Barbara Unified adjusts operations based on forecasts from the NWS Heat Risk website. As of Wednesday afternoon, the forecast for Thursday and Friday continues to be listed as “moderate,” which allows for a regular school day with limits to the duration and intensity of physical activity. Staff are also expected to monitor the well-being of everyone on campus closely. We will continue to closely monitor NWS forecasts as this develops and will make changes as necessary. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions we have been receiving: How does the school determine when to modify activities due to heat? District staff regularly assess weather conditions using tools like the National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk charts. Activities are modified based on the heat and humidity levels, with specific actions taken according to the NWS HeatRisk category (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Magenta). What modifications are made to classrooms to minimize heat illness? For non-air-conditioned classrooms, the following modifications are implemented: Maximizing ventilation and air circulation by adjusting windows, doors, casements, and blinds. Using electric fans to bring in fresh air while ensuring they meet safety standards. Relocating classes to cooler parts of the building or rotating them to air-conditioned spaces. Establishing cooling stations in shaded outdoor areas or large, cooler rooms where students and staff can take breaks. How are physical activities adjusted during high heat? Physical activities are modified based on the heat risk level: Water is made available at all times, and personal water containers are encouraged. Programs are adjusted to use cooler morning hours for physical activity. Duration, intensity, and type of exercise are modified to reduce heat strain. Rest periods are provided, and activities are followed by proper cool-downs. Close monitoring of students, especially those with health issues, is implemented. What should be done if a student begins to show signs of heat illness? If a student shows early signs of heat illness: Move them to a designated “cool room” with maximum coolness. Provide hydration and allow them to rest until they feel better. Monitor symptoms closely, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve. How does the school handle outdoor athletics and other activities during extreme heat? During extreme heat: Outdoor activities are postponed, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedules may be adjusted to a minimum day or early release to avoid peak heat times. Activities are either rescheduled to cooler parts of the day or moved indoors. What is the NWS HeatRisk chart and how does it affect school decisions? The NWS HeatRisk chart categorizes the severity of heat and its potential impact on health. The chart is used by schools to determine appropriate actions based on temperature, humidity, and the overall heat risk level: Green (Normal): Regular school day with no special modifications. Yellow (Minor Heat Risk): Increase hydration and ensure measures are in place to stay cool. Orange (Moderate Heat Risk): Modify or limit physical activities and closely monitor students. Red (Major Heat Risk): Limit outdoor activities, consider schedule changes, and avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours. Magenta (Extreme Heat Risk): Consider early release or minimum day, postpone outdoor activities, and avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. How are parents, students, and staff informed about heat-related measures? Parents and students are informed through various communication channels, including: School newsletters Emails Direct communication from teachers Announcements during school assemblies This ensures that everyone is aware of the precautions and actions being taken to prevent heat illness. What should parents do to prepare their children for school on extremely hot days? Parents should: Dress their children in lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Ensure they bring a water bottle that can be refilled throughout the day. Apply sunscreen if outdoor exposure is expected. Educate their children on the importance of staying hydrated and taking breaks when feeling hot. If you have any questions, please contact your school administrators.
Thursday, Sep 05 2024
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Heat Advisory Announced for Later This Week
Santa Barbara Unified Families, The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for this Thursday and Friday in the Santa Barbara area. With this announcement, we want to let you know of the precautions being taken to protect the health and safety of our community. The District has protocols in place to adjust operations based on the NWS Heat Risk website. This plan was created in conjunction with guidance from local, state, and federal guidelines. As of right now, the NWS forecasts the weather to be moderate, which allows for a regular school day with limits to the duration and intensity of physical activity. Staff are also expected to monitor the well-being of everyone on campus closely. We have had questions about whether minimum days would be scheduled like in previous years. At this time, schools will continue to be kept open based on the guidelines designed to help determine which actions to take during hot days and heat waves. These decisions are made based on the forecast and only when the weather is expected to be extreme. Again, NWS forecasts the heat will be moderate as of Tuesday. We will continue to closely monitor NWS forecasts as this develops and will make changes as necessary. More information will be communicated to our community throughout the week. If you have any questions, please contact your school administrators.
Wednesday, Sep 04 2024
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Opening Peabody Stadium at Santa Barbara HS
Dear Santa Barbara Unified School District Families: We are happy to let you know that Peabody Stadium at Santa Barbara HS campus will be open to the community every Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM, starting August 25th. We invite our neighbors to come out and enjoy Peabody Stadium with friends and families. Please help us to maintain Peabody Stadium as a safe and clean space for our students and our community. We ask that you follow the following rules: No food or drink on the track (Water is OK) Don’t litter Honor our wheel free zone (strollers are OK) Please leave your dogs at home Monitor the safety of your children at all times
Thursday, Aug 22 2024
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Family Newsletter: New Bus Service Information
SB Unified Updates Family Newsletter August 18, 2024 New Bus Service Information Thank you for filling out the required information for students who are taking the yellow bus to Adams, Roosevelt, Monroe, and Washington, and the Goleta North students who are in the Dos Pueblos and El Capitan areas. We are excited for Zum, our new transportation company, to continue the service that STA provided for many years to students. We have also added a new route for Goleta Valley Junior High students in the zero period, and continue to provide buses for students who require transportation as part of the IEP. Please be on the lookout for a welcome letter from Zum that will show you how to download the app to be able to track the bus. A separate letter will come to you regarding the route information for your student (s). RFID cards will be delivered to school campuses the second week of school for students riding the ZUM bus. If you have not yet signed your student up for the Zum bus, they can still ride it. The driver will verify a student is on the right bus let the school know that they need to sign up. If your student is in Junior High or High School and does not have transportation requirements on their IEP, transportation is through the City MTD bus. Bus passes may be purchased at the school office. Link to the MTD routes: https://sbmtd.gov/routes/booster-services/ Off and Away As a reminder, Santa Barbara Unified has an Off and Away Policy in learning zones throughout the District. This practice was started two years ago to ensure students focus on classroom learning and create a uniform policy throughout the District. If you have questions about the policy or implementation, please contact your principal. Gov. Gavin Newsom Applauds SB Unified Leadership in Effort to Restrict Cell Phone Usage California Governor Gavin Newsom commended Santa Barbara Unified School District for its leadership in restricting campus cell phone usage. The statement was made Tuesday in a letter sent to school districts urging them to restrict smartphone use in classrooms as the new academic year begins. “Schools and districts, including Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno, have seen positive impacts of limiting smartphones on campus, with some reporting higher test scores, grades, and student engagement, and less bullying and damage to school facilities,” wrote Governor Newsom. Some teachers use cell phone hotels for their restrictions, while others have students put cell phones in their backpacks when they enter the classroom, and others use pouches. SB Unified created the “Off and Away” policy three years ago in partnership with the Santa Barbara Teachers Association. It was born out of discussions about the impact of cell phone use on instruction, student engagement, and classroom management. In preparation for the new school year, principals throughout Santa Barbara Unified are communicating with their families to share policies and expectations for students. ParentSquare Reminders Communications from Santa Barbara Unified schools and the District Office are primarily sent through ParentSquare. Whether you are new to the platform or are a returning family, we have several tips to help you optimize your experience on it. To Update Account Settings, click your name at the top-right and select My Account. From there, you can edit several features, including contact information, language settings, and notifications. If you want to change how often you receive messages, click Notification Settings and select whether you want to receive all messages instantly or collected into a once-a-day message called a “digest”. You can also modify whether you receive messages via email, text, or app. To read more about modifying account settings, visit the ParentSquare website. Online Safety Hub for Families The Santa Barbara Unified Online Safety Hub provides valuable information and tools to help families navigate the digital world safely. Key Features Educational Resources: Articles and guides on various online safety topics. Parental Control Guides: Tips on setting up parental controls on personal devices. Cyberbullying Prevention: Strategies and resources to prevent and address cyberbullying. Privacy Protection: Information on how to protect your child’s privacy online. Visit the Online Safety Hub to explore these resources and more!
Monday, Aug 19 2024
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Welcome to the 24-25 School Year
Dear Families, As we begin a new school year, I am delighted to welcome you and your family back to the 2024-2025 school year. The start of a new academic year is always filled with anticipation and excitement, and this year is no exception. Our commitment to your child’s success and well-being is stronger than ever. The past year brought challenges that tested us all, but it also presented opportunities for growth and reflection. As we move forward, I want to assure you that we are dedicated to improving our school community by fostering stronger relationships, enhancing communication, ensuring our learning spaces are phone-free zones, and aligning our work with the core values of love, justice, and humanity. Our Commitments for the Year Ahead: Building Strong Relationships: We recognize the importance of trust and collaboration between families and our school staff. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Open Communication: To ensure that all voices are heard, we will continue to provide regular opportunities for feedback through surveys and open channels of communication. Transparency and honesty will be the cornerstone of our interactions, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with us. Supporting Our Students: Every child brings unique experiences and strengths to our school. We are here to support them, no matter the challenges they face. Our team is dedicated to helping each student thrive, academically and personally, by providing the resources and encouragement they need. Creating a Positive School Culture: We are committed to fostering a school culture that is rooted in empathy, respect, and mutual understanding. Our goal is to create a joyful and engaging learning environment where students love to learn and where staff are motivated to give their best. Aligning Our Work with Core Values: Inspired by the work of our Ethnic Studies teachers, we aim to ground all our efforts in the values of love, justice, and humanity. These values guide us in our mission to deliver the power of public education and ensure that it fulfills its promise to every child. As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to stay engaged with our school community. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our students, and we are better when we work together as one SBUnified team. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. You can email me at askthesuperintendent@sbunified.org . We are here to listen and support you and your child every step of the way. Let’s make this school year one of progress, growth, and memorable achievements. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. With gratitude, Dr. Hilda Maldonado Superintendent
Saturday, Aug 17 2024
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Community Invited to Santa Barbara Unified Hiring Fair
Santa Barbara Unified is inviting community members to help fulfill the Power of Public Education by learning about careers at an upcoming job fair. SB Unified Hiring Fair Saturday, August 10, 2024 1-4 p.m. Santa Barbara Unified District Office 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Interview panels will be onsite to help streamline the hiring process for these positions. The career fair is focusing on two of SB Unified’s greatest positions of need- Paraeducators (pay scale: $18.75-$24.50 Per Hour) and Bilingual Curriculum Specialists (pay scale:$29.69-$32.34 Per Hour) . Paraeducators play key roles in the District, providing support for students both inside and outside the classroom. Curriculum Specialists provide specific support services to students individually or in small groups in reading and phonics. To learn more about vacant job openings at Santa Barbara Unified, visit our careers webpage .
Tuesday, Aug 06 2024
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SBUSD & CSEA Make Significant Progress on Reclassifi...
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WENDY SIMS-MOTEN, PRESIDENT GABE ESCOBEDO, VICE PRESIDENT WILLIAM BANNING, CLERK ROSE MUÑOZ SUNITA BEALL Main Office 720 Santa Barbara Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: 805. 963.4338 │ TDD: 805.963.7734 DR. HILDA MALDONADO Superintendent May 15, 2024 SBUSD AND CSEA MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON RECLASSIFICATION PROCESS LANGUAGE Introduction This is Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) ninth Negotiations Update for successor contract negotiations between the District and the California School Employee Association (CSEA). The District will distribute the Negotiations Update after meetings with CSEA to inform our community on the progress of negotiations. SBUSD & CSEA Make Significant Progress on Reclassification Process Language After the previous sessions of our Interest Based Bargaining Process, CSEA presented a new reclassification counterproposal based on that negotiation. Additionally, SB Unified presented a criteria rubric and decision tree. After these items were exchanged, SB Unified used feedback received during Wednesday’s session to create a clean proposal that meets the mutual interests expressed by both sides. More discussions will be held at the next bargaining session. Next Steps: The next negotiation session is May 20th. Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources Kim Hernandez, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Services Tara Wise, Classified Personnel Manager
Thursday, May 16 2024
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