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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | April Grapevine, Part 1
Shared by Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
April has been filled with student showcases and capstone educational experiences unique to Livermore. Kelly Bowers Superintendent was also extremely proud to share the recent recognitions that our students and schools have received. From National Merit finalists, Livermore-Granada Olympian Finalists and One Water Award winners to U.S. and California Green Ribbon School and California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) Awards.
Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent:
“It fills me with pride to know that the dedication, creativity, and excellence that I witness every day in our schools is being recognized by others in our community, region, State and Nation.”
Youth in Government activities
Earlier in April, I was shadowed by Youth in Government students, participated in mock interviews with YouthBuild students and was delighted to be a guest panelist reviewer for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Personal Project presentations. I came away so impressed by the preparedness, maturity, poise, and focus of our scholars. I also had the honor of co-emceeing two Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF) sponsored Make Time for Music performances, featuring our middle and high school orchestras and bands. These events not only demonstrated the incredible depth and strength of our District’s music programs, but served as a reminder of the power of music to change our energy and lift our spirits even as we deal with life’s daily challenges.
Ag Day!
We also had the exciting return of Ag Day! Despite the rain (and even a little hail) our third graders’ spirits were not dampened, and they were able to fully engage in hands-on, outdoor learning about all things agriculture! This event is uniquely Livermore and provided our students with the opportunity to learn about the rich heritage and continued importance of agriculture in our community. The photos included in this month’s Grapevine illustrate the fun and engagement of outdoor learning!
Events like Ag Day and Make Time for Music would not be possible without the support of volunteers in our community. Volunteers and community partners are so valuable to our student experience, broadening students’ educational opportunities and strengthening their connections to our community.
Volunteer Appreciation
At the April 19, 2022 Board Meeting, our Board of Education unanimously passed a Resolution in recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Week to acknowledge and appreciate the important role volunteers play at our schools and in our District. Please join us in recognizing all of our many volunteers – parents, parent leaders, chaperones, coaches, industry and civic leaders, and mentors, who do so much for our students and schools and help us build and strengthen our community. A special shout-out is in order to our all-volunteer LVEF for its generous support all year long and to our Parent Club Information Council reps as they serve as liaisons to each site’s parent group. We love our volunteers! Their countless contributions are absolutely priceless, and we are so thankful for them.
I look forward to the continued activity and excitement we have ahead of us! May promises to be a whirlwind of a month where we will continue to come together in myriad ways to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students.
Warm Regards,
Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | March Grapevine, Part 4
Shared by Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent reminds parents to take advantage of the resources available through and recommended by Livermore Schools.
Math Mindset – Math is FUN with DreamBox
DreamBox is a digital math program with rigorous and interactive lessons. It was built by educators with student engagement as a top priority. DreamBox gives students a personalized experience by adjusting in-the-moment based on how students are solving problems. The goal of DreamBox’s lessons and adaptivity is to help build student confidence and a love of learning math. It is recommended that students complete at least five lessons a week.
Students can access DreamBox through their Clever portal. All students, grades TK to eight, have access to the program. Students may receive DreamBox assignments from their classroom teacher; however students can participate in the program on their own as well. More information for parents is available at dreambox.com.
Many parents have asked for help in monitoring their child’s progress in DreamBox. You can do this by creating a Family Dashboard.
To create a Family Dashboard:
Have your child sign in to their DreamBox account through the Clever Portal.
Find the link at the bottom of the page to set up the family dashboard. If you have more than one child please sign up separately for each child. When completed, they will all be together on your Family Dashboard. https://www.dreambox.com/at-home
Math Mindset is contributed by members of our Curriculum Department.
Livermore Learns – Resources
According to Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent, Livermore Learns is our District’s parent education program designed to educate, inform and engage parents and guardians as they support their children throughout their education. If you missed any of our parent webinars, we invite you to visit our Livermore Learns web page to find links to past video presentations, presentation slides, and parent tips.
Nurse’s Station – The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a critical and sometimes under-appreciated aspect of a child’s well-being that can have significant effects on their academics, behavior, and emotional health. All children need adequate sleep to help them stay alert, active, and engaged throughout their school day. Proper sleep is associated with better health, attention, learning, memory and quality of life, making it a critical performance enhancer. Conversely, a lack of sleep is associated with deficits in these capacities as well as adverse physical health. A tired child may not be able to concentrate on their schoolwork and could show increased anxiety and irritability when studying and playing. Both the number of hours and quality of sleep are important factors in a child’s health.
When evaluating your child’s quality of sleep, ask yourself the following:
Is it hard to wake my child in the morning?
Does my child have difficulty focusing during the day?
Has my child dozed off during the day?
What is the recommended amount of sleep for children?
Children from 4-7 years need 11-12 hours of sleep every day. Children from 7-9 years need 10-11 hours of sleep every day. Children from 9-12 years need 9-10 hours of sleep every day.
What are some suggestions for creating good sleep habits?
Establish and maintain a regular bedtime as much as possible. If your child has trouble falling asleep, suggest reading a book (or read to them), or listening to some quiet music when getting into bed. This may help your child to unwind and relax. Avoid screen use in the hour before bedtime. This includes mobile phones, tablets, computer screens and TV. Encourage reading or quiet play instead. Limit and monitor violent content at any time of day. This can affect sleep regardless of the time and length of use. Encourage your child to connect with friends during the day rather than late in the evening. Consider establishing a location outside the bedroom to house mobile phones and other electronic devices overnight.
Remember, adequate rest is just as essential to your child’s good health as diet, exercise, and dental/medical care. For more information and videos on the topic, visit our District’s mental health protective factor webpage on sleep.
Nurse’s Station is contributed by our LVJUSD School Nurses.
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | March Grapevine, Part 3
Shared by Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
March was chocked full of activities.
LVJUSD Student Advances to State Spelling Bee Competition
Congratulations to Sheehan Krishna, an 8th grade student from Joe Michell TK-8 who finished 2nd in the Alameda County Spelling Bee Middle School competition held on March 12, 2022! Sheehan will move on to the State competition which will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the San Joaquin County Office of Education in Stockton. While only the top two finishers in the elementary and middle school competitions advanced to State, Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent is proud to announce that LVJUSD had two additional students place in the top four including Isaac Yee (4th place) from Mendenhall Middle School and Isabela Jerosin Raja (3rd place) from Smith Elementary School. Congratulations to all of our top spellers!
Photo credit: Alameda County Office of Education
Second from left – Sheehan Krishna; Fourth from left – Isaac Yee
Our District elementary and middle school Spelling Bee finalists were recognized at our March 1, 2022 Board Meeting.
Livermore High Teachers Participate in Carbon Cleanup Pilot
Livermore High School science teacher, Joey Rodriguez, along with fellow teachers, Karen Fletcher and Dorothy Morallos, are part of Livermore Lab Foundation’s (LLF) carbon educator cohort that are testing out a new “Carbon Cleanup Initiative” educational tool kit for use in high school classrooms. Developed by LLF with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and colleagues in the San Joaquin County Office of STEM Education, the tool kit contains a series of supplemental learning modules on climate change, carbon neutrality, and carbon dioxide removal solutions. It is the first of its kind in California, if not the United States. Joey Rodriguez has implemented the program in his classroom stating,
“The interactive curriculum keeps the students engaged by allowing them the chance to learn how climate change is affecting the Livermore community and the rest of the region using real-world applications and examples.”
Board Recognition – Marylin Avenue Elementary School
Principal Dayna Taylor recognized two important members of her team: Mariana Fregoso, Food Pantry Coordinator and Yard Duty Supervisor, and Raquel Barker, Community Liaison. Marianna works tirelessly with local supermarkets, businesses and the Alameda County Food Bank to ensure Marylin families have the basic necessities to be healthy and happy in these uncertain times. Raquel spends time in the Parent Center, talking and developing relationships with students and families. She greets them by name and keeps them connected to the school, social services, vaccination Board Recognitions – March 15, 2022 opportunities, and Marylin’s Coordination of Services Team (COST) to help support students’ academic and social-emotional progress which contributes to their overall success.
Board Recognition – Croce Elementary
Principal Marni Angelo recognized her talented and hard working office staff. Executive Assistant Marilyn Burns Attendance Coordinator Kimberly Day and Office Specialist Tanya Mares create a welcoming environment as they serve Croce families with professionalism, patience, humor and a smile each day. The impact they continually have on families, students and staff will last a lifetime.
Pictured Left to Right: Marni Angelo, Marilyn Burns, Tanya Mares and Kimberly Day
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | March Grapevine, Part 2
Shared by Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
There was a lot going on in March for science and history!
Science Odyssey Highlights Students’ Love of Science in Livermore
More than 350 Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) students participated in this year’s Science Odyssey. Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent notes that it is a long-standing tradition in our District, Science Odyssey provides students with the opportunity to express their passion for science through the research, design, and presentation of science, engineering, computer science, behavioral science, and math and data analysis projects.
“Science Odyssey serves as an annual reminder of how much both our students and community love and value science. Our elementary science program is instrumental in shaping our students’ first impressions of science, providing them with hands-on laboratory experiences that inspire a continued love of science and engineering as they progress through middle and high school.”
– Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Photo credit: LVJUSD
Students received Science Odyssey Award certificates at the March 15, 2022 Board Meeting
2022 Science Odyssey award winners
Congratulations to all our 2022 Science Odyssey award winners and participants. Thank you to our community partners for your sponsorship and project evaluation support: Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Sandia National Laboratories, the City of Livermore Water Resources Division, Zone 7 Water Agency, Quest Science Center, Westec, AAUW, and Form Factor.
Mendenhall Students Win National History Day Awards at County Competition
Eight Mendenhall Middle School student projects were selected as Champion award winners at the 2022 Alameda County National History Day (NHD) competition held virtually on March 12. All eight projects, based on this year’s NHD theme, “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences” were submitted by students from Ms. Robbie See’s and Ms. Kyra Pervere’s eighth grade honors history classes. All eight projects will advance to the State National History Day competition taking place May 6 – May 8 in Rocklin, California.
“We are especially proud of this year’s students for acting on judges’ suggestions from the school competition and improving their projects before the County competition. Students are now researching additional sources and making revisions before State competition deadlines in April. Lots of learning is happening right now!”
– Ms. See.
Image credit: LVJUSD Mendenhall NHS Award Winners. Front Row (left to right): Amelia Vo, Charlie Hertz, Ena Lim, Eva Kaye, Rowan Weiss. Middle Row (left to right): Omar Doutriaux, Isaac Yee, Steven Hsueh, Emma Buban, Freyjaa Kirti, Michela Whetstone. Back Row (left to right):Vinh Nguyen, Emith Ekanayake, Saket Bhanvadia, Chase Lewis, Daniel Booth.
About National History Day
National History Day is a year-long educational program that encourages students to explore local, state, national and world history. Students select a historical topic related to an annual theme, conduct extensive research, analyze and interpret their findings, draw conclusions about their topics’ significance in history, and create final projects that present their work. Projects can be entered into a series of competitions, from the local to the national level, where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators. Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent shares that participating in the NHD competition continues to be an annual tradition at Mendenhall, providing students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of history.
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | March Grapevine, Part 1
Shared by Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
This month, we celebrate one of the highlights of education – the joy of reading. March includes National Read Across America Day, an annual celebration of students, teachers, parents, and community members coming together to read with one another and celebrate the joy of reading. Our schools have embraced the excitement and engagement that Read Across America Day brings by welcoming our Board members, District leaders, and community members to share their favorite books with our students throughout the month. I had the great pleasure of reading to students in Mrs. Rosendin’s third grade class at Marylin Avenue Elementary. Watching the students’ engagement and connection as I read reminded me of the power of reading. Reading provides us all with a chance to immerse ourselves in wonder, imagination and possibility. As many in our community will be enjoying Spring Break next week, I encourage you to make time to pick up a book – hardcover, softcover, or digital – and immerse yourself in the written word.
– Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Experiencing stories
One of my favorite quotes about reading is by C.S. Lewis, who reminds us,
“We read to know we are not alone.”
We share this world and its experiences with one another. We walk this journey with one another. Reading lets us step into another individual’s shoes, and, for a moment, step out of ourselves. That experience broadens our understanding of humanity and develops empathy. The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism was this year’s book selection for the March 2022 Livermore Reads Together program from our Livermore Public Library. This book could not be a better example of storytelling that gives voice to the experiences of others. If you have yet to read it, consider adding it to your booklist!
Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent with students from Mrs. Rosendin’s third-grade class at Marylin Avenue Elementary.
Sharing the journey
As our students continue their journey through the Choose Love social-emotional curriculum, they are learning the power of compassion in action. I am proud to say that, district-wide, we are cultivating a culture of caring, teaching students to develop empathy for their classmates and the larger community we call home.
Building relationships
The importance of human interaction and relationships is at the core of education, something we have even greater appreciation for after two years in a pandemic. Daily, our educators, administrators, and support staff at all levels, make a personal connection with each student, valuing each individual’s life and aspirations. The relationships forged between students and teachers, coaches, and counselors can be lifelong. I salute our staff for their dedication to our students. And I thank our families and community for their ongoing investment in the lives and success of our children.
Warm Regards,
Dr Kelly Bowers Superintendent
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Livermore Schools Grapevine
Kelly Bowers Superintendent Message
Kelly Bowers Superintendent shares this message about Livermore Schools in Livermore CA
Dear Livermore Community,
As we look forward to a Winter Break that will include more togetherness and tradition with our loved ones than we were able to enjoy last year, I am filled with gratitude for the ways in which we have been able to restore many of the traditions and educational experiences for our students so far this year.
We feel fortunate that we continue to progress, closing out 2021 with volunteers in our classrooms, music and drama performances in our theaters, on and off campus field trips, and the building and rebuilding of community through parent-teacher organization events at our schools. We know that these experiences, together with the essential in-person learning in our classrooms, are the necessary ingredients for a holistic learning experience for our students at Livermore Schools
This road hasn’t been easy. Our patience and resolve have been tested, and retested, as we continue to live in and adapt to a COVID-19 world. And while the practice and pace for progress may feel too slow at times, I take comfort in the fact that we continue to take steps forward, not back. As you gather with loved ones and relish in festivities for the holidays, I hope you enjoy yourselves and remain vigilant. Nothing would bring more joy to us all than to start 2022 in an even better place than we left 2021. Let’s make sure that, together, we continue to keep moving forward!
And despite myriad challenges and some unknowns, we have so much to look forward to in the new year. A new year brings new beginnings, renewed opportunities and fresh experiences. In LVJUSD that translates to new and strengthened partnerships in support of our schools, new construction on our sites, renewed commitment to our mission, and the conscious creation of memorable and meaningful teaching and learning experiences for each and every child entrusted to us. As I look ahead, I can’t help but be optimistic and excited about what is in store for us and I am reminded of this famous quote by Edith Lovejoy Pierce:
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
With that in mind, let’s pause to appreciate how far we have come as a District and a community during these trying times. Let’s acknowledge that we still have a ways to go, but that there is increasing light as we ebb closer to the end of the pandemic tunnel. Let’s do our best to stay on the same page, as we know we are stronger when we are in alignment and together. And most importantly, in my “book,” let’s embrace every opportunity and chance we are given to collaborate and come together in support of our most precious resource – our children, our young people, our future.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season!
With gratitude,
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Pictured above: Kelly Bowers Superintendent with Livermore City Manager Marc Roberts in the press booth announcing the Livermore Sights & Sounds Parade featuring many of our LVJUSD students!
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | COVID-19 update and Latest Alameda County Health Order
This Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce video was shared by Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
Alameda County Health Officer, Dr. Nicholas Moss, returns with an update on COVID-19 and the latest Alameda County Health Order.
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Message of Appreciation to the Hindu Community
As shared by Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
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Good morning! I’m Dr. Kelly Bowers Superintendent of schools for the Livermore Valley Joint Unified school district and it’s my honor and privilege to accept a donation today from the Hindu community and cultural center on behalf of our board of trustees and 13 500 students K through 12.
I just want to express to you how extremely grateful we are for your support and your generosity, not only this year but in so many years past. You have become an amazing community partner and our students benefit directly from your donation. They also benefit indirectly by your financial support for so many other grantees who serve our families in other important ways. Today I’m reminded of a famous Hindi quote by Swami Vivekananda. The great secret of the true success of true happiness is this. The man or woman who asked for no return, the perfectly unselfish person is the most successful. You are that definition of success. You are all so unselfish and you give so freely from your hearts to help so many in our community, and particularly our young people.
The impact you make is unmeasurable. It’s even more meaningful and impactful this year. This most challenging year of living and working and learning in the midst of a global pandemic. It means more because it’s been such a struggle. You make our community stronger and better by all that you contribute each and every day in so many ways, and for that, I and our entire school district thank you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Superintendent Kelly Bowers’ Keynote to Livermore Girl Scouts on Peacebuilding 2021
Shared by Kelly Bowers Superintendent.
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Greetings I’m Dr. Kelly Bowers Superintendent of schools for the Livermore valley joint unified school district. It’s my honor to speak to you all virtually as we come together in the worldwide sisterhood of girl guiding and girl scouting to commemorate world thinking day 2021.
What an incredible force of girl power and voice you represent. Girl Scouts are 10 million strong globally representing 150 countries and there are about 600 of you strong just here in Livermore and today, world thinking day gives us and gives you the opportunity to activate your minds to critically think and speak out; and best of all take direct action on issues that affect young women everywhere.
This year’s international theme is peacebuilding. How fitting but what exactly is peace? Well, let’s first define it. Peace is more than just the absence of war it means dignity safety security and well-being for all. Peace does not mean the absence of conflict. Conflict is actually a natural part of life. We know differences will always exist, but it’s how we deal with those differences that make the difference between violence and peace because violence is about power over and peace is about empowerment with, and you as young women in girl scouting, you can, through your individual and your collective empowerment, bring about a more peaceful world; and peace comes about in different parts and stages of our lives.
It can be very personal. It can range from just being happy and comfortable in and with ourselves. What some describe as being truly at peace with oneself or it can be seen in the smiling faces of our loved ones. This can give us a sense of inner harmony and peace it can also involve actual conflict resolution within a troubled group or struggling community or on an even grander scale.
It can be ending violence and harmful practices around the world. As a peacebuilder, you can tackle divisive issues you can have an impact on your friend, group, your class, your school, your community, and yes, the world. But let’s not fool ourselves because peace doesn’t just happen. It doesn’t just happen to you. It must be consciously cultivated and constantly nurtured peacemaking and peacebuilding take vision, commitment, focus, intentional work, and it also takes compromise and give and take.
If you can imagine it, a more peaceful world, then you can make it happen if you can dream it and believe it. Then you can do it. There are no limitations to what you can accomplish if you set your mind and your heart to it, but like any builder, a peacebuilder must first start by laying a strong foundation and then building upon it over time; and that’s the beauty in the promise of peace.
Peacemaking and peacebuilding mean solving reconciling working through and embracing life’s differences through peaceful means. If you can fix problems through peaceful means, constructive and civil dialogue, education and knowledge and humane ways, and respectful interactions, then you really can bring about peace. I think it was John F. Kennedy that said it best. Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, and quietly building new structures.
But peacebuilding is also about dealing with the underlying reasons why people fight and it’s also supporting people to manage their differences and their conflicts in a non-violent way. We’ve all had friends and people we know that don’t get it. They think that the only way to get through a problem is through more problematic behavior and that’s where we need to change the mindset and the action in this day and age. When the news and the social media and the politicians are polarizing, and the narratives are divisive, it’s so discouraging.
There’s infighting and hostility and mistrust and it’s really difficult to not only imagine getting to a peaceful or neutral ground. But peace can be achieved through mutual understanding and respect. Nelson Mandela once said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, then you have to work with your enemy until he becomes your partner;” and that’s what’s so special about Girl Scouts. You work with and for everyone, you collaborate with others. You partner, you’re inclusive instead of exclusive, and you by doing that are true role models for peacebuilding and that’s why it’s more important than ever to develop positive personal and group relationships across different races, different beliefs, different cultures, and socioeconomics.
Understanding first why people are different and why that’s valuable and important will help us all grow and learn. So peace comes about from being able to contribute the best we have and all that we are toward creating a world that actually supports everyone at the same time. It’s also about securing a brave safe space for others to contribute the best they have and to become all they are to make room for all even and especially those who are different.
You ladies have inherited a world unfortunately that has far too much strife, angst, unrest, and violence. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed more than anything in peaceful change for the good. He recognized that non-violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time. He recognized that we had to overcome oppression and violence, but without actually resorting to oppression and violence. So he rejected revenge, aggression, retaliation, and violence, in favor of love acceptance, and peace.
Let’s commit to all. Do the same so when we could choose anger, let’s choose calm; when we could choose violence and fighting, let’s choose peace. Because yes it is a choice and you have the choice and the power to make it a reality today. I stand before you and I’m so proud of you. All that you’ve accomplished and all that you will achieve in the future. I can hardly wait to see what a positive difference each and every one of you will make in our world. I will sit back in awe, in amazement as your biggest cheerleader and fan.
What I admire about Girl Scouts is that you actually have it all figured out. You realized a long time ago, probably about a hundred years ago, that alone you can make a difference; but together you can change and impact the world, and you’ve also learned to stand up for what’s right and correct. So wherever you are in this virtual platform, could you please just stand up for a moment with me, please. Stand with your families, stand with your troop leaders, stand with each other, and realize that you’re standing strong. You’re standing up and you’re standing up together for peacebuilding. The future is so bright because you will be part of the building. It starts with building peace and it starts with you now. I have every confidence that together you will build a better more peaceful world, and I and the rest of the world thank you for doing your part.
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Character Education Curriculum | Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Character Education Curriculum by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
I am fortunate to have my days brightened by emails sent by parents and guardians in our district who wish to express their gratitude for the outstanding service of our students and staff members.
Many emails share anecdotes of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by those who are part of the LVJUSD community. I am reminded that our character education curriculum produces young citizens who behave so well in public that observers compliment our work. I am happy to hear from families sitting together on our new high school stadium bleachers, celebrating generations of involvement in Livermore Schools and proud to be part of a community that supports education by funding new facilities. I am humbled when I hear from a single parent whose day was made brighter knowing that her child’s teacher went the extra mile, and that our district leadership values and nurtures the connection between family and school.
I am grateful to serve as the superintendent of our district.
As our students and staff continue to learn from the Choose Love social emotional curriculum, they focus, this month, on gratitude. As we anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday in a few short weeks, I encourage families to share their gratitudes – about school, about community, and about each other. Engaging in this practice can actually lead to a more positive outlook on all aspects of our lives.
With gratitude
Kelly Bowers, ED.D. Superintendent of Schools
Choosing Love: Our Schools Express Gratitude
Gratitude in the Choose Love curriculum is centered around mindful thankfulness – the process of intentionally seeking out reasons to be thankful – and developing the ability to be thankful even in the face of life’s challenges. All who are connected with our district are learning to be mindful of moments that warrant gratitude. These are some examples shared by our principals:
“Every Friday afternoon, Miss Albornoz and her students participate in Appreciation Circle, in which her class appreciates those that helped get us through our work week. Whether by a helping hand or kind words, we take time to appreciate forgiveness, courage, gratitude, and compassion. We are grateful for our close-knit community that supports one another.” – Lawrence Elementary Principal Kristie Starkovich
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the district staff. Special thanks to the Maintenance, Operations and Facilities Team. We cannot say thanks enough for the hard work, dedication, supportive and caring school district. We wish everyone the happiest of holidays
“At East Avenue, we are grateful for those in our special education department who have worked tirelessly this year to create individualized programs for students that meet their needs. They routinely think outside the box to deliver quality curriculum to students at a variety of levels. More importantly, they recognize students’ progress and growth throughout the year. Every day, at every turn, they are working with students and families to give them what they need, and I couldn’t be more proud.” – East Avenue Middle School Principal Mistee Guzman
“There are so many things for which I am grateful, but I would say I am very grateful for working with amazing staff and teachers who are dedicated to the success of children and each other. I am so grateful that they are willing to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone to make a positive difference.” – Arroyo Seco Elementary Principal Gatee Esmat
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Character Education Livermore | Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Character Education Livermore by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
Our trustees unanimously approved a resolution designating October as Character Education Month. Throughout our district, we are offering a strong curriculum to teach and nurture our students’ development as caring, resilient, healthy learners who are fully equipped to succeed academically and as community members. In addition to the character education programs we have used for many years, we are very pleased to share our district-wide Framework for Success that will fully support students in our schools. The framework provides academic support, behavioral learning and support, and social emotional learning (SEL).
Last month in this newsletter, I introduced Choose Love, our social emotional curriculum. I encourage you to talk with your children about what courage means to them, and to you.
As we work through the Choose Love program together, I anticipate that we will all grow stronger and more connected.
With gratitude,
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Choosing Love & Learning Courage
Our students and staff are learning to Choose Love each day. This month, many students are starting the process by learning and practicing courage – in interactions with each other and in the classroom.
At Smith Elementary School, Principal Joe Meunier, along with Smith’s student council, organized an assembly to explore the value of courage. He reminded students that their school mascot is named Courage the Cougar, and that to have pride in being a Smith Cougar or celebrating school spirit means recognizing and practicing courage. “You don’t need to always show courage in a big way,” he told his students. “You can show courage in a little way, too.” He pointed to examples of courage in such everyday instances as meeting new people, trying something different, and having the courage to try and to learn from mistakes. One or two students from each class were nominated by their teachers for displaying examples of courage, and will be invited to have lunch with the principal. Before sending students off to class, Meunier encouraged them all to, “take a chance, and stand up for something or someone.”
Granada High School’s Robin Taggart has created a Choose Love wall in her classroom – a collage of pictures and quotes provided by her students about what the character values mean to them. In her 10th and 12th grade English classes she is applying the Choose Love curriculum to her lessons, encouraging her students to identify courage in the novels they read. Her class noted that main characters often display courage in standing up for others or for what they believe. They found that a theme of many novels has been appreciating different perspectives – something they related to the goal of empathy in the Choose Love movement, as well as a quality of literature in general.
Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Character Education Livermore | Kelly Bowers Superintendent published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Character Education Livermore | Kelly Bowers Superintendent published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Refrain from Vaping | Public Health Advisory Lung Illness
Refrain from Vaping | Public Health Advisory Lung Illness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2019
PH19-023
CONTACT: Corey Egel | 916.440.7259 | [email protected]
California Department of Public Health Issues Public Health Advisory Urging Everyone to Refrain from Vaping Health Advisory Warns About Imminent Public Health Risks
Download – Public Health Advisory: Vaping Related Lung Illness
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health advisory today urging everyone to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current investigations are complete. The health advisory follows an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week to confront the growing youth epidemic and health risks linked to vaping.
As of September 24, 2019, CDPH has received reports that 90 people in California who have a history of vaping were hospitalized for severe breathing problems and lung damage, and two people have died. Across the U.S., there are more than 500 reports of lung damage associated with vaping across 38 states and 1 U.S. territory, and more reports are coming in nearly every day.
“We are seeing something that we have not seen before,” said Dr. Charity Dean, Acting State Public Health Officer. “There are numerous unknown factors at this time, and due to the uncertainty of the exact cause, it is our recommendation that consumers refrain from vaping until the investigation has concluded.”
CDPH, along with other states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local health departments, and healthcare providers are working hard to investigate what is in the vape materials that is making people sick.
Although CDPH regulates manufacturers of cannabis vaping products to ensure they are as safe as possible for those who choose to vape, CDPH warns that all individuals put themselves at risk any time they inhale a foreign substance into their lungs. The risk of vaping for any individual may include serious illness and death. “Vaping is not just a concern for youth; the vaping cases under investigation affect youth and adults alike,” said Dr. Dean.
If you experience difficulty breathing after vaping, contact your doctor immediately. You may also experience other symptoms including: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. If this happens to you, do not discard any used vaping cartridges you might have, as CDPH is interested in testing the remaining substance in used cartridges. Those cartridges are being collected by local health departments and sent to CDPH labs for analysis.
In California, licensed cannabis retailers are required to sell products obtained from a licensed cannabis manufacturer that have been tested by a licensed laboratory. Cannabis products sold by licensed sources are tested for a variety of chemicals, pesticides, microbial impurities, and heavy metals. Illegal cannabis dispensaries sell unregulated and untested cannabis products and absolutely should not be used.
CDC continues to warn that any tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. Furthermore, use of cannabis and tobacco products remains especially unsafe for youth, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The Governor’s executive order directed CDPH to launch a $20 million statewide digital and social media public awareness campaign to educate youth, young adults and parents about the health risks associated with vaping nicotine and cannabis products. CDPH is also tasked with developing recommendations to reduce smoking among young adults and teens by establishing warning signs with health risks where vaping products are sold and on product advertisements.
For more information on the risks of vaping and today’s health advisory, read “Vaping Related Lung Illness: A Summary of the Public Health Risks and Recommendations for the Public.”
For audio click here.
Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Refrain from Vaping | Public Health Advisory Lung Illness published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Refrain from Vaping | Public Health Advisory Lung Illness published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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The Joy of Reading | Kelly Bowers Superintendent
The Joy of Reading by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
This month we celebrate one of the highlights of education – the joy of reading. Today, students throughout our district will listen to favorite books read by their principals, by Board members, our District leaders, and by City oreading. I encourage you all to pick up a book – hardcover, softcover, or digital – and immerse yourself in the written word.
One of my favorite quotes about reading is by C.S. Lewis, who reminds us, “We read to know we are not alone.” We share this world and its experiences with one another. We walk this journey with one another. Reading lets us step into another individual’s shoes, and, for a moment, step out of ourselves. That experience broadens our understanding of humanity and develops empathy. As our students continue their journey through the Choose Love social emotional curriculum, they are learning the power of compassion in action. I am proud to say that, district-wide, we are cultivating a culture of caring, teaching students to develop empathy for their classmates and community.
The importance of human interaction and relationships is at the core of education. Daily, our educators make a personal connection with each student, valuing each individual’s life and aspirations. The relationships forged between students and teachers, coaches, and counselors can be
lifelong. I salute our staff for their dedication to our students. And I thank our families and community for their ongoing investment in the lives and success of our children.
Warm Regards,
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
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Our Board Takes a Stand Against Vaping
TUPE peer educator Dario Stewart, one of the presenters to the Board from Granada High, shakes hands with Board Clerk Chuck Rogge
During the Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Board Meeting, our trustees voted unanimously to pass and adopt Resolution 033-18/19, the Student Health Initiative: In Support of Tobacco-free and Vaping-free Schools and Communities. At the meeting, trustees heard from our students and community members of the widespread dangers that vaping devices and ents and families of the dangers of vaping; they call on the community to refrain from marketing and sales of
Read about our Board hearing from the community and adopting the Resolution.
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LVJUSD Celebrates Read Across America Day
Junction Avenue K-8 celebrates Read Across America Day 2018
Today our schools celebrate Read Across America Day with guest readers, costumes, and love for our favorite books. Students have dressed as their favorite book characters, or celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with parties and even a helping of green eggs and ham. Our community loves to read, and we love to share the books that made an impact on us. We hope to continue to ignite a passion for reading in our students and throughout our community.
Spotlight on Our Schools Christensen Middle School
The Science Olympiad Club is in its second year at Christensen Middle School (CMS). Members of this club participate in tournaments in which several schools participate and compete in 23 team events. These events include hands-on group work in various disciplines, such as earth science, chemistry, biology, physics, mechanical engineering, and technology.
This year, 35 students are on Christensen’s team and have participated in the competitions, led by CMS STEM Teacher Drew Kirian. Kirian’s efforts to bring the Science Olympiad to the school last year have resulted in a tremendous opportunity for students and families to engage in the sciences. So far, Kirian and his Club have participated in six invitational tournaments – including one hosted at Christensen – and are headed to the Regional Tournament this Saturday, March 2nd, at CSU East Bay in Hayward.
The tournament held at Christensen this year nearly doubled in size, from 12 teams participating last year to 23.
Established in 1985, the Science Olympiad program has involved schools from every state in the U.S. Kirian worked to bring the program to Christensen to increase interest in STEM-related
interest participate in STEM activities. The competition brings students together, making connections in their school and with like-minded students, from communities near and far.
Students participating in the Science Olympiad Tournament held at Christensen Middle School
Joe Michell K-8
A substantial piece of what makes Joe Michell K-8 an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School is its focus on teaching students to recognize their connection and responsibility to the greater world around them. In that spirit, seven students from Joe Michell – along with two students from Granada High (also an IB School) and one from Amador – are traveling to Germany where they will live with a host family, shadow German students as they attend school, and tour the historic cities of Berlin and Heidelberg.
This cultural exchange program is built under the auspices of the German Fulbright Kommission and, through the directorship of Joe Michell Principal, Dr. Laura Lembo, and Vice Principal Risha Krishna, represents a valuable experience in intercultural understanding and ambassadorship for all involved. The connections made during this trip foster a broader sense of community, both among the peers they will travel alongside, and with those whose country they visit.
The trip to Germany will go beyond the classroom to give students an entirely new perspective from which to consider their role in the world. “To stand on a historic piece of land, and understand the challenges and triumphs that physical space has experienced, is unforgettable,” said Vice Principal Risha Krishna, a former Fulbright traveler herself. “We hope they will be enriched with lessons of compassion, empathy, and cultural understanding. They will carry these lessons throughout their lives.”
On February 2nd, participants of the exchange and families gathered at one student’s home for a potluck, where everyone could meet and learn about the program. It was also a time to begin developing the bond that will unite the travelers in their journey abroad, where they will learn a great deal about each other and themselves as they are immersed in a new cultural point of view. Krishna, along with Joe Michell teachers Mary Fielding and Kate Malson, will chaperone the trip. In April 2020, students from Germany will, in turn, visit Livermore.
Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ The Joy of Reading | Kelly Bowers Superintendent published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ The Joy of Reading | Kelly Bowers Superintendent published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Choose Love Learning | Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Choose Love Learning by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
I am excited for what this coming year will bring for our students, staff, and community. We are in the midst of our Choose Love learning, and I am heartened to see that across our district the concepts of gratitude, courage, forgiveness, and compassion in action are becoming daily practices.
As we look ahead to January 21st, when we remember and honor the contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we can see that Dr. King, too, shared the value of choosing love. Facing great challenges, Dr. King concluded, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” I am reminded that he also taught us, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.” As our students learn about forgiveness at school, the Choose Love curriculum now has a family and community component that encourages all of us to follow the practices that can make our world a better place.
While the winter weather may keep us indoors, let’s use the time together to share our dreams, listen to one another’s hopes, and work and play together to turn those dreams into realities. I will always remember my dad’s adage: “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” As this new year begins, let’s “dream big” and set some goals that challenge our intellect, build our skill sets, and strengthen our relationships with family, friends, and community.
Warm Regards,
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
The Power of a Word
One way to begin setting goals is to choose a dejourney.
You’re invited to share your guiding word for 2019. Please visit our Livermore Schools Facebook page, and post your word. Next month, we will share our community’s words. Let’s see how, together, our words can empower us to be our best.
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Choose Love at Home
As our students are learning to choose love this year in their classrooms, families are invited to participate in the Choose Love at Home program. Designed to support and complement what students are learning, the At Home program involves parents, guardians, and other family members in this evidence-based social emotional learning program.
There are many creative ways to integrate the Choose Love coursework into your home with your family. The makes you feel to let go of the negative and focus on the positive.
You can begin the program here, on the Choose Love website.
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Schools Honored for Healthy Choices
Junction Avenue K-8 and Marylin Avenue Elementary schools were recognized with the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) Award for working to promote healthy school environments. To qualify for the award, the schools met various criteria related to nutrition and physical activities. Our Campus Catering department, school staff, students, and parent groups collaborated to update menus with healthy selections and to incorporate physical exercise into activities throughout the day.
The events held to commemorate the schools’ achievements included a special recognition by Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty’s o
Read more about the awards and events at Marylin and Junction.
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Solar Panels Installed in LVJUSD Schools
Our district held a “Solarbration” at Livermore High School to commemorate the completion of solar panel array installations in
The solar project is funded by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SunPower – which designed, built, owns and operates the solar array equipment at each site, selling the energy produced by the systems to the District at a
Read more about our district’s solar panels.
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Construction Connection
The LVJUSD Bond Program Department has been hard at work, completing important projects throughout our district, including stadium renovations at our high schools and new playgrounds at our elementary schools.
The playground project is in its
Read more about our schools’ new playgrounds.
Students at Granada High School put together a short video detailing the many completed and ongoing projects around our schools. This video project was developed through collaboration between our Bond department and GHS video production students, and was produced and edited by student Eva Salazar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLWv4XOHb5o
For more information about these and other projects, visit the LVJUSD Bond Program webpage.
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Attention to Attendance
After a well-deserved, extended holiday break, students and families are returning to their typical school schedule. As always, regular attendance is crucial to student success. As the return to school this time of year coincides with
Your child will be best equipped to learn and thrive in school when he or she is healthy. It is our goal to follow safe health practices at school to ensure optimal health for all students and staff.
The best way to prevent spreading the
See LVJUSD’s Flu Season Reminders and Preventive Measures. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.
Congratulations to Joe Michell K-8 and Christensen Middle School for having the highest attendance rates during the fourth month of the school year!
Contact your school for site-speci
Resources for attendance improvement from the California Department of Education
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LVJUSD Board of Education
We are pleased to acknowledge our newly composed Board of Trustees, as the new year brings with it a new governing body for LVJUSD. During the December 11th Regular Board Meeting, Livermore Mayor John Marchand installed newly elected Board member Emily Prusso and reelected Board members Craig Bueno and Anne White. The Board then voted for president and clerk, reelecting trustees Craig Bueno and Chuck Rogge, respectively, to those key leadership positions. These trustees, along with incumbent Chris Wenzel, will continue their sterling work for our schools, students, and community. We welcome Trustee Emily Prusso, and the rest of our Board, to their new term!
Trustees Chris Wenzel, Anne White, Emily Prusso, Clerk Chuck Rogge, and President Craig Bueno
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Board Recognitions Lawrence Elementary School Lead Custodian
Our Board recognized Lawrence Elementary’s Lead Custodian Mary Hutchens for her dedication to her school and its students. Hutchens was commended for her ability to address the school’s needs as
well as her tireless attention to students.
Principal Kristie Starkovich and Mary Hutchens
LVJUSD National Merit Scholar Semifinalists & Commended Students
Out of the 1.6 million entrants in the National Merit Scholarship Program, about 50,000 students nationwide qualify as either Commended Students or Semi
Granada and Livermore High School National Merit Semi
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Spotlight on Our Schools Lawrence Elementary School
Lawrence Elementary has been recognized as a Leader in Me School. Leader in Me is a program, based on Stephen Covey’s bestselling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, that empowers long-term student success by tapping into students’ internal motivations and unique talents. By addressing all areas of student development, the Leader in Me program provides principles to incorporate education in student health, engagement, responsibility, and caring for others.
Students learn to become leaders through discovering and developing their personal gifts. Students at Lawrence quickly understand the bene
Classrooms throughout the school have developed mission statements, identifying techniques and strategies to stay proactive, work together, and show respect. Students at Lawrence are practicing greeting guests with a handshake and eye contact, recognizing priorities in their activities to “put ship skills to their home setting, as well.
Students engaging in Leader in Me activities in class.
We rotate spotlighted schools so that each of our 19 schools will be featured throughout the year. Each month, we share a short article about the schools that were recently recognized at a School Board meeting.
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Livermore Generosity | Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Livermore Generosity by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
At this time of year, I am particularly grateful for the generosity I see in our schools, our parent/guardian groups, and among our community partners. December is a time of warmth between neighbors, even as the temperature outside drops; it is a time in which we are reminded of the needs of many in our community. I applaud the widespread spirit of giving that brightens winter days for our students and families.
This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of co-announcing with Livermore Police Chief Michael Harris at the annual Livermore Downtown Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade. What fun to celebrate the talents of many of our student groups! I am so proud to be part of the lives of our children and part of the fabric of our community.
Thank you for all you do throughout the year to support education. I hope everyone enjoys time with family and friends as we ring in the new year, 2019!
Happy Holidays! Warm Regards, Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Our Generous Community
Elementary students are the grateful recipients of grants recently awarded through the Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF). The Foundation facilitated the disbursement of funds provided by the Choices for Children Education Foundation (CCEF), with the intention that the money support projects and programs for elementary school students. Principals at each school site with students in grades TK – 5, submitted grant proposals designed to support art, music, remediation, language, and library and/or classroom technology in their schools.
We are so grateful for the ongoing support from our community and from LVEF, which continually keeps our students’ needs at the forefront of its mission and ensures equitable distribution of donated resources to all of our schools.
Spotlight on Our Schools East Avenue Middle School
The East Avenue Jazz Band began in 2014, under the guidance of Matt Finders. A professional musician and East Avenue alumnus, Matt’s career led him to New York and Los Angeles, and enabled him to work with The Tonight Show ensemble. As a student at East Avenue, Matt was able to realize his love of music, and he hoped to instill a love of music for all the kids in the Jazz Band at his former school.
Students come to Jazz Band with at least one year’s experience of playing any instrument. The enrichment program was created to expose students to jazz, build their con
Members of the Jazz Band perform two lunchtime concerts at East Avenue, a concert at the Bothwell Arts Center along with Element 116 – also founded and directed by Mr. Finders – and the Livermore High School Jazz Band. They also perform at East Avenue’s Winter and Spring concerts, and the school’s Tacos & Tasting event at Retzlaff Vineyards. Our talented Jazz Band students are always fan favorites at any event or venue where they perform.
Smith Elementary School
The students of Estelle Coffeen’s fourth grade class took the stage last Friday to perform a student- friendly version of Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love for Smith Elementary students, teachers, and parents/guardians in a morning assembly. Professional opera performers shared the stage with Coffeen’s class as part of Opera a la Carte – a program from the San Francisco Opera Guild, which brings abridged versions of famous operas to schools.
Coffeen’s students auditioned in class for on-stage parts, with everyone who was not in an on-stage role singing in the chorus. Students learned their lines and the lyrics to their songs. The class took time to practice together before Friday, when they met the professional opera performers and quickly rehearsed on the stage for the
This was Ms. Coffeen’s fourteenth year participating in the program, and she continues to be impressed by the quick turnaround between students auditioning and learning their parts, and performing for a school-wide assembly. She appreciates the conrates courage, expressive imagination, and school spirit all at once.
We rotate spotlighted schools so that each of our 19 schools will be featured throughout the year. Each month, we share a short article about the schools that were recently recognized at a School Board meeting.
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Livermore Showcase Season | Kelly Bowers Superintendent
Showcase season by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
As we return from Spring Break, we enter the “showcase season” – a time when our students demonstrate their progress in their learning. We celebrate the excellence in each of our schools this spring as we enjoy performances by student musicians and actors, cheer on student athletes, and applaud the many academic successes attained by our students. Several of our schools and District programs have received local, regional, and State recognition for their outstanding work!
This time of year also brings the opportunity for students throughout our district to show they have mastered their grade level standards during this 2018-19 school year. The State of California provides several assessments that measure our students’ academic growth. Students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 will take English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, and Science tests.
I am proud of the teaching and learning that takes place in our classrooms each day. While we know that learning is evident through many facets of our students’ growth, we also recognize that tests provide an additional, uniform way to measure and celebrate success. I encourage our students to do their best on these important indicators that show their individual growth as well as the growth of our entire district. It is their opportunity to share and show their learning, and shine!
Thank you to all who contribute to our award-winning schools. In addition to the dedication of our district staff members, we know that parents, guardians, families, and our community all contribute to the achievement of our students. Thank you to our own Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF) for its ongoing, generous support of our programs! I look forward to seeing many of you later this month at LVEF’s annual fundraiser as our staff members join the hilarious Harlem Wizards on the basketball court for a fun-
Each day in our classrooms is a new experience and a gift for our future. Thank you for your part in raising our next generation.
Warm Regards,
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
LVJUSD Schools Honored in the CA School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony 2019
Representatives of CSRP Award-winning schools Altamont Creek Elementary and Livermore High, with Superintendent Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. (center), LVJUSD Board President Craig Bueno, and Board Clerk Chuck Rogge (right)
On April 5th, two of our schools – Livermore High and Altamont Creek Elementary – were honored at the California School Recognition Program (CSRP) Awards Ceremony for their exemplary achievements leading to their winning a CA Distinguished School Award and CA Green Ribbon School Award, respectively. We take great pride in all of our schools. These statewide recognitions validating their efforts are a testament to the dedication of our teachers, principals, and staff as they provide our students with a quality education.
Livermore High School – California Distinguished School
Our district’s oldest campus was named a 2019 California Distinguished School for its outstanding work in promoting exceptional student performance and minimizing the achievement gap. Its unique programs help it stand out and provide opportunities for every student to succeed in a variety of career and educational science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), local industry connections, and sustainable environmental practices.
The award represents the collective effort of our current administration and staff at Livermore High, as well as the ongoing support of its alumni, local community, and all those committed to providing partnerships and resources that encourage the best from every LHS Cowboy.
Read more about Livermore High School’s CA Distinguished School Award.
Altamont Creek Elementary – California Green Ribbon School
For its ongoing commitment to innovative, forward-thinking green initiatives, Altamont was named a 2019 California Green Ribbon School Silver Award Honoree. This achievement represents a coordinated effort across three “pillars” – based on the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools criteria – to reduce environmental impact and costs; to improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and to provide effective environmental and sustainability education.
Altamont is the
Read more about Altamont Creek Elementary’s CA Green Ribbon Award.
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Alameda County Recognitions
Alameda County held a trio of academic competitions during the month of March in which LVJUSD students competed among their peers throughout the County in various scholarly subjects.
On March 2nd, students from Mendenhall Middle School presented projects in the 2019 Alameda County History Day competition. This year’s theme was “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Mendenhall students devote signiss nearly every junior level category. Congratulations to these students!
Junior Group Performance
Jamestown: How Tobacco Brought Triumph to a Town of Tragedy, London Moody and Carly Noland
Junior Group Website
Helen Keller: Bringing Light from a Dark World, Ria Maria Mathew and Tanisha Deka The Second Yosemite: Hetch-Hetchy and the Raker Act, Yoav Feigenbaum and John Viri Harriet Tubman: From Slavery to Savior, Ian Quindipan and Sairag Maram
Junior Historical Paper
The Economic, Social and Political Impact of the Cotton Economy; Jack Hseih
Dorothea Dix: The Triumphant Reformer Who Advocated for a Tragic Minority, Chantel Muhammad A Tragedy of Engineering; A Triumph of Humanity: The 1906 Earthquake, Kelsey Hertz
Junior Individual Documentary
William Still and the Underground Railroad, Ava Lewis
Junior Individual Exhibit
The Louisiana Purchase, Hayden Borg The Radium Girls, Taylor Jackson
Junior Individual Performance
Edison vs. Tesla: A Shocking Rivalry, Owen Fidler
Junior Individual Website
The Election of 1912 and Woodrow Wilson, Nevanmee Kurulugama The Black Panther Party, Katie Fenner
The Marquis de Lafayette, Tommy Huff
The Mock Trial club at Granada High School (GHS) participated in the county-wide Philip A. Harley Mock Trial Competition – a criminal trial competition that seeks to enhance understanding of the judicial system and the processes that contribute to a just society. Students study a hypothetical case, conducting research and receiving coaching by volunteer attorneys to prepare for the trial. GHS students were honored across several categories for demonstrating outstanding work during the trial.
For Outstanding Pre-Trial Motion for the Prosecution, Nick Puso earned 2nd place; Jordan Garland placed 1st for Outstanding Witness for the Prosecution; Amanda Ong came in 2nd for Outstanding Bailiff; and Christine Liu earned a “Team Spirit” Award for GHS.
Christensen Middle School 8th grader Roya Rashidchi took 3rd place in the Alameda County Spelling Bee on March 16 – a phenomenal achievement, as she competed against the top spellers county-wide. She was honored for her accomplishment and distinction for placing at the impressive level of competition. LVJUSD was proud to be represented so well by every one of its spellers who participated in the event.
Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Livermore Showcase Season | Kelly Bowers Superintendent published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Livermore Showcase Season | Kelly Bowers Superintendent published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Charter School Oversight
WHEN CHARTER OVERSIGHT BECOMES CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Schools and Craig Bueno, Board President – Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
John R. Yeh, Partner of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
About Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
City of Livermore, Alameda County: Home to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, thriving wine region
LVJUSD – Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
Nearly 14,000 students, transitional kindergarten thru 12th grade
9 elementary campuses
2 K-8 schools
3 middle schools
2 comprehensive high schools
2 alternative schools, International Baccalaureate Programmes, Green Engineering Academy, Dual Immersion Program and Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) pathways
About LVJUSD
The Origin of the Charter Schools
LVJUSD closed 2 open-boundary magnet schools in early 2000’s
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
LVCS (K-8) charter granted by SBE in 2005 after rejection by LVJUSD, County Board
LVCP (9-12) granted by SBE in 2010
District assumed authorizer status over LVCS in 2012,
LVCP in 2014
LVCS and LVCP operated by Tri-Valley Learning Corporation (TVLC), a Charter Management Organization
The Origin of the Charter Schools
“The closure of two District schools in 2004, and subsequent formation of LVCS as an SBE-authorized charter school, was a divisive event for the Livermore community …. While oversight of LVCS will require hard work by both parties, local authorization of the charter school would be the first step towards the long-term goal of bringing the TVLC charter schools and the District back together as a unified community. The District is committed to carrying out its charter authorizer obligations in a fair manner that protects and promotes the interests of all students.”
(The District’s Board Report, November 12, 2012)
Initial Successes
Successful renewal of parcel tax
Voluntary inclusion of charter schools in parcel tax
revenues
Shared community events (e.g., Math Counts, educator awards, Ag (Agriculture) Day, athletic league competitions, STEAMFEST)
The Unraveling – the Allegations
Operation of an unlawful foreign exchange program enrolling students from China and charging tuition
Bullying, intimidating, and involuntarily transporting Chinese foreign exchange students to Stockton to enroll them in another school
Principal charged with alleged failure to report child abuse when a TVLC employee used a chokehold on a foreign exchange student as a means of forcing submission, to which the employee subsequently pled no contest
Incurring nearly $60 million in public facilities funding even though charter schools were obtaining facilities from the District at a below-market rate
Setting up shell corporations through which to funnel public education funds for the establishment and operation of private schools.
The Unraveling – the Allegations
Failing to make payroll, causing problems for teachers with their STRS reporting
Failing to pay debts to vendors and employees
Failing to submit audit report for two consecutive fiscal years
Filing for bankruptcy
Losing WASC accreditation for its high school, LVCP, which harmed the college admissions prospects of its students
Allegations that Principal changed student grades without teacher consent, just to boost the charter school’s graduation rates
LVJUSD issued 22 Notices of Concern or Notices of Violation to LVCS/LVCP over a two-year period (2015-2017)
OVERSIGHT CHALLENGES
Financial Overleveraging
California Statewide Communities Development Authority (2015) $24,710,000: sublease of high school site to LVCP (shared with private school)
California State Finance Authority (2012) $27,500,000: facilities for LVCS
LVCS/LVCP peak enrollment at the time: approximately 1,600 students
Charter schools were occupying District facilities at the time
Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) AB 139 Extraordinary Audit
Charter Schools’ Lack of Financial Sustainability
Charter schools’ failure to pay their financial obligations • Over 1,000 creditors in bankruptcy
Failure to make payroll
Delay in paying teacher and staff salaries • Delay in making STRS contributions
Mid-Year teacher layoffs
Disruption to student education
Disruption to maintenance and cleanliness of school sites
Loss of accreditation threatened college prospects
In the meantime, opening of private school on same site as LVCP with public bond financing
OVERSIGHT ABOVE AND BEYOND
District Measures
Absorbed approximately 500 new students at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year
Absorbed approximately 700 students during 2016-2017 school year
Enrolled an additional 125+ at the start of 2017-2018
District Measures
Rancho Las Positas School opened a satellite site mid- year on an available site
High school and middle school students absorbed into District schools
District Director of Student Services named Principal
Requirements:
Preparation of site
Hiring of teachers
Fielding enrollment inquiries
All while educating nearly 14,000 LVJUSD students
District Measures
Monday June 5, 2017: TVLC announces in Bankruptcy Court that it only has $10,000 in operating funds and must close at the end of the day
District subsidizes final payroll period for LVCS and LVCP teachers to allow students to complete their examinations and experience their last day of school
District Measures
LVJUSD works with neighboring districts to re- accommodate charter schools’ non-District students
Community-based process for selecting satellite school’s new name: Parents, teachers, staff, students
Board approved
Lawrence Elementary School on June 13, 2017
TVLC Conversion from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Former TVLC employees still trying to resolve payroll issues
LESSONS LEARNED
Assembly Education Committee
The Need for Reform
Governance: charter school boards select their own members; they are not elected or selected by the public
Lack of accountability to public
Ed. Code section 47604 allows a charter school to incorporate as a nonprofit public benefit corporation
Charter schools claim right to use more lenient corporate standards regarding conflict of interest, transparency
Lack of legal prohibitions against transferring public education funds to corporate entities beyond the reach of public scrutiny
Barriers to Reform
When charter schools resist oversight and accountability
Barriers to Reform – The Education Code?
The Charter Schools Act – Education Code section 47601
“[S]chools that operate independently from the existing school district structure”
“Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods.”
The Charter Schools Act – Education Code section 47601
“A charter school shall comply with this part and all of the provisions set forth in
its charter, but is otherwise exempt from the laws governing school districts …”
Under “animating principles” of the CSA, application of criminal statutes regarding embezzlement of public funds to charter school operators sends “the unmistakable accompanying message that education should purely be left to the district bureaucrats, [running] directly counter to the express goals of the Charter Schools Act …” (People v. Selivanov et al. (2016) 5 Cal.App.5th) (CCSA amicus brief))
“Subjecting innovative, creative charter school leaders … to criminal prosecution for their risk-taking and operational experimentation is completely inimical to the stated purposes of the Charter Schools Act …” (People v. Selivanov et al. (2016) 5 Cal.App.5th) (CCSA amicus brief))
The Need for Reform
Authorizer authority and remedies
Authorizers don’t have the legal ability directly to prohibit fiscal
mismanagement or compel sound fiscal practices
The only enforcement mechanism provided in the Education Code is revocation
Charter school is provided due process and an opportunity to remedy the violation
Revocation of the charter results in closure of the school
Impact on students, parents, teachers, staff
Impact of Ed. Code section 47607©(2) – academic performance
Many revocation proceedings result in legal challenges
Charter schools cite flexibility, independence, to oppose revocation
The Need for Reform
Same rules for public funding and transparency
Brown Act, Conflict of Interest Rules, California Public Records Act
All public education funding must be subject to public budgeting process
No transfers to “off the book” private entities
Mechanism for Fiscal Mismanagement
AB 1200 State
Trustee/Receivership
Parallel version of State
Administrator for charter schools committing financial misconduct
It Takes a Village – Interested Agencies
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
Alameda County Office of Education
California Department of Education
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
City of Livermore
Livermore Police Department
Child Protective Services
Alameda County District Attorney’s Office
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT)
Office of Congressman Eric Swalwell
Office of Assemblymember Catherine Baker
Office of Senator Steve Glazer
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (TVLC Foreign Exchange Program)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Securities and Exchange Commission
United States Bankruptcy Trustee
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Best Oversight Practices
Review carefully all charter school budgets and interim reports
Scrutinize all transfers of public education funding for non- educational purposes or to outside entities – what is charter school getting in return?
Ask for budget(s) of Charter Management Organization
Scrutinize all real estate transactions and contracts
Determine whether they seem extraneous to the charter school’s educational mission
Look for interested party transactions
Monitor all governing board actions
Review of agendas and minutes, as needed
Attend charter school board meetings, if needed
Best Oversight Practices
Prepare for the unanticipated
Are the authorizer and charter school prepared for interruption in or cessation of operations?
Monitor capacity at all District school sites
Monitor classroom staffing ratios
Assess local labor market and ability to adjust staffing mid-year
Evaluate timing of ADA reporting periods and apportionment schedule
P-1 and P-2 reporting cycles mean that ADA will not be immediately generated for new students; District costs are fixed
Ensure that the District’s enrollment system is prepared for mid-year assignment activity
Pain, and Recovery
Best Oversight Practices – Superintendent
Document all concerns, communications and findings
Be transparent to the public as to the District’s actions and the
rationale for them
Avoid divisive language, terminology or actions
“Charter Families” v. “District Families”
Strive for unified community – build trust and relationships
Keep your board updated and advised of all possible options
and outcomes
Keep open line of communication with charter school’s leaders
Seek assistance of outside agencies
All decisions should be made in the best interests of children
BestOversightPractices- Board Members
Anticipate external pressure
Community members, parents, teachers, fellow elected officials,
lobbyists, advocates
Keep focused on the right path, and the right destination
Follow proper legal procedures and criteria to ensure due process • Keep methods and objectives well-defined
Support your staff as they conduct their front-line oversight duties
Maintain relationships with the charter school’s board members
Be transparent to the public as to the District’s actions and the
rationale for them
All decisions should be made in the best interests of children
Fight the Good Fight
Thank you for attending!
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Craig Bueno, Board President Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
John R. Yeh, Partner Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Charter School Oversight published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/ Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Charter School Oversight published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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