FBUSD Staff Blog 1.20.23

 

FBMS Choir  performing on Thursday

FBHS Interact Club Members presenting at the Rotary Club meeting

FBUSD Mission

FBUSD delivers exceptional, engaging, equitable,

and collaborative learning opportunities for all students.

FBUSD Vision Every student receives engaging and challenging learning experiences to reach their greatest potential and thrive in a diverse global society.

News, Notes & Reminders...

• Thank you to everyone who participated in the Random Acts of Kindness. I feel fortunate to work among such caring people. I have included some of the nominations below as a celebration of the kindness in our district. 
• I wanted to nominate Kirsten Cesario for the random acts of kindness. When Mark was leaving, Kirsten put together a card for Mark. This week, she put together a card and basket of goodies from her farm for a coworker who recently lost his son. She is always going above and beyond to bring cheer to everyone at the school and recognize them. I hope to have the presence she has on campus someday!
• Jodie Schmid, daily I see her go above and beyond for our students. She is kind, strong, supportive and has lots of patience.  She is truly a blessing and we are so lucky to have her as a part of our Redwood family.
• I would like to nominate Jessica Melcher for the random act of kindness! We have a third grade teacher who is out sick this week, and she stepped up and took her yard duty spot for the week! We are so thankful to have her on our team!
• I nominate Nancy Rogers! She has found so many awesome resources to help teach our students geography and has shared every one of them with me.  My students have been so interested and excited to learn about the world!
• I would like to nominate 3rd grade teacher, Nancy Rogers. She often takes a moment to acknowledge when a student in another class is having a rough time (in the hall or playground). The other day, she approached a student that was not in her class, kneeled down to get on their level, and asked them why they were crying. She then took some deep breaths with the student to help them regulate. Later, she walked the student to her teacher for additional support. Nancy stands out in this way and sets an example of kindness that is not limited to just her students. 
• Juanita Mee- She is always thinking about ways to connect people, and before the first day of school, she had an idea to make a "Kindness Rocks" rock for every staff member at FBMS. She had help painting them, but she organized and implemented it so that everyone would start the year off with a drop of happiness in their mailbox. She even included new teachers and ensured there were enough "extras' in case anyone was missed. She also included support staff, custodians, and the cafeteria crew. She really understands how important all of our roles are here at school and wants to foster a positive culture for us and our students.
• LeeAnn Gibson: I met LeeAnn over the summer because we attended the MTSS conference. I believe she works at Dana Gray. When I met her, she was hand-crocheting little creatures for her future students. At our beginning-of-year meetings, I witnessed her giving some handmade headbands to some of the other teachers and administrators. They were so moved by her kindness, and she just said, "I love making them for people!" She is very generous and spreads joy.
• Jocelyn Sugrue: Frequently makes special, fancy treats for all to enjoy. She goes out of her way to make them special and lovely, and it is always such a nice surprise to have extra love waiting in the staffroom.
• Tonya Miller (at Redwood) delivered a gift to my classroom that was left in the staff room before winter break (I missed it since I was out sick before break). The gift was from someone else so I really appreciate Tonya going out of her way to make sure the gift finally made its way to me.
• I would like to nominate Leti Ramirez. She often brings members of our staff Starbucks drinks "just because."
• Last Friday, I witnessed two teachers giving each other a hug in the parking lot after a long week of school.
• I nominate Kylie Galliani as a staff member who shows kindness very often. She will go out of her way to provide resources for staff members including slides with schedules that you can use, laminated group role cards, or templates for homeroom activities. She advocates for our staff whenever we need clarification. Overall, I appreciate the kindness that she shows this campus. 
• I would like to nominate Sonya Shaffer for the Random Act of Kindness.  She had come to the library for a quick break from her duties in Van Wormers class.  Several students had just left, but did not clean up after themselves.  Sonya saw I was busy and proceeded to straighten up the chairs, trash etc. before she sat down for her own break.  She always has time for a friendly hello to students and staff, and is very willing to assist anyone needing help. She randomly helped me out that day and I am thankful she is a part of this campus.
• I would like to nominate Issa Hernandez.  On multiple occasions she has brought treats and coffee to us ladies in the front office for absolutely no reason at all other than being extremely thoughtful.  
• I would love to nominate Ashton Pollack. He goes above and beyond for staff, students and families. One area specifically is that he is always the first to share his own staff and substitutes when he knows his colleagues are in need of extra support with students.
• I nominate Val Escher to win your generous award for kindness. I love her sweet way with children and adults, her smile, and her continuous radiance of cheer and positive feelings! She also makes the entire Redwood campus coffee every morning and works from early until the end of Kudos, and then volunteers at church sometimes as well. What a dear and sweet gift she is to our community!
• Tonya Miller regularly lends a hand, and is always willing to pitch in to help students and staff alike. She sees a need and addresses it, whether it's doing crossing duty, assisting a student struggling with the transition from parent to school, or providing an encouraging word in the hallway. She goes above and beyond for our site, and for our people. 
• Sierra Knox is a Resource TA in Melissa Taylor's classroom at FBHS.  When it comes to Sierra, there isn't just one act of kindness...she lives and breathes and exudes kindness. From how she picks students up on her way to school in the morning to how she brings in fresh cut flowers for coworkers (for people going through a rough time or celebrating a special occasion or even just because) to how she makes hot chocolate and tea for students so they start their day warm, everything Sierra does is filled with kindness. Sierra is always bringing a smile and a helping hand with her wherever she goes. She has a way of sharing her supportive joy and unobtrusive compassion as she helps everyone around her. Ms. Knox is often the first person to greet a new sub or staff member, she offers them help if they need it and if not she makes sure they know where to get help or just a cup of coffee from a classroom nearby. She moves seamlessly from classroom to classroom helping as much or as little as a teacher would like. Between classes and during breaks she checks in on staff and students and teachers alike. Sierra's welcoming smile and gentle support along with her numerous acts of kindness daily are priceless and, though there are some who may not realize it, her dedication makes everyone's day easier and more enjoyable here at FBHS. Sierra is truly amazing. 
• Lee Ann Burkwall is very often doing random acts of kindness.  She goes out of her way to create lessons and supports for teachers here at Redwood that really are supportive.  If you need something, she is gracious and helpful in finding solutions whenever possible.
• Cassandra Robbers took her lunch break to help me give a reward to a student on my caseload. 

• As a part of the process to plan for next school year, Joe will be stopping in staff meetings at each school. There will also be two education partners (staff, parents, students, community member) meetings. A virtual meeting will be held on January 31 at 4:30. An in person meeting will be held on February 2 at 5:30 in the FBHS Library. 
• The following links are some literacy resources that may be of use for staff supporting our students in reading.        Getting Reading Right             Got a Minute Learning Series 
• An online store has been setup to order FBUSD clothing. The store can be found here. If you order, the item will be shipped directly to you. 
• COVID Vaccines/Boosters are available at the Mendocino Coast Clinic from 2:00-5:00 PM on Tuesdays. More information can be found here.
• Testing is available at the District Office from 7:30-8:30 AM and 3:15-4:15 PM each day. 

• HR Notes from Suzie

• Do you know someone who would like to become a substitute teacher? The basic skills test requirement is being waived for 2023. This makes it easier to get a substitute credential. Contact Suzie if you need more information.

• W-2 tax forms will be mailed to the address on file. Please make sure Human Resources has your correct address. 

• Intent to Return forms were sent out. Please complete the form by February 1. 

• EL Notes from Tina

• I am making another plug for Ellevation's Professional Learning Modules. They are very informative and include several hands-on strategies--and you get DCEC credit ! There are 27 modules so far, covering topics such as: Developing Academic Language; Deepening Comprehension; Strengthening Writing and Speaking Skills; and Supporting Newcomers. https://app.ellevationeducation.com/

• A link to a very important and informative article on the unique needs of English Learners when it comes to reading instruction:  https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-science-of-reading-and-english-language-learners-what-the-research-says/2022/04 Here's an excerpt:
  "The panel’s report, published in 2006, found that a lot of what works for kids whose first language is English is also effective for kids who speak a different language at home. Instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension—the five components of reading studied in the National Reading Panel a few years earlier—all had “clear benefits” for ELLs.
  But the literature also showed that instruction was most effective when it was tailored to ELLs’ specific needs and unique founts of knowledge. And crucially, kids learning English needed more instruction in oral English proficiency than their peers: things like vocabulary knowledge, listening comprehension, and syntax."

• 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline has gone active nationwide. Anyone can call or text 988 to be connected with a mental health counselor trained to support crisis intervention for substance abuse, suicide, or other mental health needs. You can find out more about the Lifeline at this link. 
• FBUSD Vacancies:  All internal job postings can now be found on the FBUSD Employee Resource webpage.  Click here to check out this resource.
• FBUSD Rental List can be found here.

• January 23- ELAC/DELAC Meeting 
• January 28- Board Equity Workshop
• January 31- Virtual LCAP Education Partners Meeting
• February 2- College and Career Apparel Day
• February 2- 100th Day of School
• February 2- In Person LCAP Education Partners Meeting
• February 9- FBUSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

• Absence Request/Verification Form (Sub line 707-962-7368)
• AQI in Fort Bragg
• CDPH Guidance for K-12 Schools
• FBUSD Employee Handbook
• FBUSD Employee Payroll Portal
• FBUSD Salary Schedules
• MCOE Air Quality Guidelines for Schools
• QR code for a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record
• Bilingual Family Liaison referral form
• Submit an IT ticket
• Submit a ticket with the maintenance department
• FBUSD Employee Resource webpage
• DCEC folder
• DCEC Book List