Recap of MDUSD's Superintendent PAC meeting

Thank you to Sherry Whitmarsh for providing the following recap of the meeting last night:

Here are my notes.  Please feel free to ask my about any questions.  I've also attached the handout that was given about school closure data.  There is one mistake.  Criteria #4 - substitute facility for family . Here is link to file.
 
Assessments
The Curriculum Associates assessment is being used at all of the elementary schools and four middle schools with another middle school expressing interest.  The assessment is a tool for teachers to gauge how the students are progressing toward mastering the state standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math.  The assessment is giving three times a year with an option to do a fourth assessment at the end of the year.  The end of the year assessment is more like the test because it shows which how the students have done for all of the standards.  It is more like the STAR but gives immediate feedback to the teacher instead of waiting all summer for the results.  By using a standard assessment between all schools, feeder pattern schools as well as the district can look at the trends that are developing and set specific goals to help students master the standards.
 
For each assessment cycle, the teachers take thirty minutes each day for three – four days for ELA and then another thirty minutes each day for three or four days for Math.  For the first and second grade many schools have resources that are bubbling in the scantron.  In first grade the teacher reads the entire assessment to the students.  
 
The district is having data sessions with teachers to assist them in understanding how the data can be used to help them modify their lesson plan.  For those students who have mastered certain standards the teachers will look at how to enrich their learning.  For those who have not mastered a standard that has been taught, the teachers look at what needs to be reviewed and strategies for teaching it.   

Different schools are using different strategies.  One school has created academies that will work with the students at the different learning levels, other schools develop small groups and divide the groups between the teachers, and others are working within their own classroom.
 
In schools were the assessment has been given in previous years, teachers discussed how they meet to share the results of the assessment.  Teachers who students have mastered areas of the assessment can do professional training with the other teachers to demonstrate how the standard was taught.

Examples of the results of the assessments were shown.  Sample letters that could be sent home to parents about the assessment were also shared.  The letters allow parents to see how the student is progressing towards the end of year grade level standard.
 
For students who have accommodations, the schools are meeting those.  Examples were presented where resource teachers were bubbling the scantron for students, students were using a typing device to record their answer, and students were verbally saying their answer.
 
Parents were concerned with the assessment creating a heavy focus on ELA and math and not enough time being spent and science and social studies.  The teachers stated that the assessments allowed them to have focus, targeted instruction in ELA and math and actually allowed them to spend more time in science and social studies.  Last year both teachers stated that they were able to get further in science and social studies than in past years.  Curriculum Associates does have assessments for science and social studies but the district is not using those at this point.
 
Does the assessment mean teachers are instructing to the test?  The assessment allows the teachers to focus their assessment on what standards the students have not mastered for the grade level.  It allows them to individualize their teaching based upon where the students are.
 
There were comments about how the assessment make the students feel inadequate, especially the early assessments.  The teachers and principals present stated that it is their responsibility to ensure that students understand that the assessment is a tool to help the teachers know how to target the instruction.  It is not a test to grade the students.  Students become excited about learning and eagerly wait to see how much they have learned from the previous assessment cycle.

The cost of the material is approximately $60,000.
 
School Closures
The demographic study was also discussed.  The attached material was reviewed.  The school closure committee is meeting every week and is preparing to meet present a recommendation in December to the board of education.  The board of education will then have a study session to review the data and ask questions. 
 
The district is looking at saving about $1.5 million from school closures.  The savings is a result in centralized staff – principals, office managers, secretaries, custodians, food services – and not teachers.  Closing an elementary school saves about $300,000 and a middle school saves about $700,000.  Closing a middle school may not save quite as much as thought because a vice principal may be needed at schools that the children are being sent.
 
The school closure committee has reviewed all of the data and divided into groups based upon the eight criteria.  Each group ranked all schools on a scale of 1 – 20 based upon the criteria.  The groups have now reconvened into the large group and the discussions have begun.  These are not easy discussions.

The committee is also looking at how the closures will affect school boundaries and how those may need to be changed.

Remember, you can find committee information, minutes, meeting schedule etc at http://www.mdusd.org/Community/Pages/scac.aspx

MDUSD's Superintendent PAC meeting is tonight

So they rescheduled the Superintendent Parent Advisory Council meeting. Last week it "might have been" a World Series Game, so they changed it to tonight. Weds, November 10th, 7pm AT WILLOW CREEK. All are welcome. I encourage ALL of you to start attending these meetings. If you have a complaint, and I know MANY of you do if I look at the blogs, then why not go to a meeting where you can actually TALK TO the Superintendent and Administrators? Just do it.

I believe one of the items on the agenda is the Curriculum Associates testing that some people have been discussing around the blog-o-sphere locally. Some people feel it's too much testing, too soon. Some feel it is a great way to gauge student progress and to help shape where the teachers may need to spend some more time in their instruction. It can also perhaps help in the differentiation between students who "get it" and those who still need some time. A biggie for administrators it seems is test scores. There appears to be some data to support it does increase the STAR test scores.

Anyway, I saw someone else posted in the comments on another thread that there may be something controversial on the agenda, and I do not believe that to be the case, unless you consider the above, controversial.

The PAC members were polled regarding this change just in case you have some conspiracy theory brewing for this date change. They've said it was a "landslide" decision that wanted this changed, but I do question the attendance tonight due to the 4 day weekend . I guess we'll see.

SUPERINTENDENT’S PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Willow Creek Center
1026 Mohr Lane, Concord

I. Welcome and Introductions

II. Assessment Data

III. Demographics Data

Free vaccine clinic

In these difficult economic times, this represents a $35 savings or more, as well as good health in the future. Promoted by MDUSD nurses and CCHealth Services. :)


Contra Costa Health Services will hold a free one-day, flu vaccination event in nine Contra Costa cities. 
 
The Public Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services plans to hold the free flu clinics from 1:00 to 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 10 to "Vaccinate Contra Costa." Only one vaccine is needed this year to protect against H1N1 and two other flu strains expected to be circulating this year, said Contra Costa Health Services Immunization Coordinator Erika Jenssen. People need this vaccine even if they received seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine last year, and some children will need two doses, she said. 
 
Clinics in our area will be held in Concord (5298 Clayton Road), Martinez (30 Muir Road), Lafayette (952 Moraga Road), and Pittsburg (200 Marina Boulevard). 
 
Flu vaccine is also available from health care providers, local pharmacies, grocery stores, and community clinics. A podcast and video answering commonly asked flu questions is available on the CCHS Web site: cchealth.org/topics/flu/. 
 
To find out more about the flu or to locate a clinic near you, visit cchealth.org/topics/flu/vaccination.php or call the CCHS Health Emergency Information Line at 1-888-959-9911 for information

Drug use on high school campuses

So who thinks drugs aren't a problem in our high schools?

I say they're a huge problem.  Kids that say they not only smell drugs being smoked in corners at school, to shutting down wings because the teachers smell it - is a problem.  I say that kids smoking pot out in the open BEFORE school - is a problem.  I say that kids posting photos of themselves drinking and doing drugs - is a problem.

Now to the facebook issues of posting their photos.  Now, these are photos/statuses I have seen. And I am not "friends" with these kids, which means their profiles are completely public.  I have to ask - parents, when is the last time you looked at your kid's profile?  Ever?  Some kids talk about can't wait to get f&#$ed up this weekend.  Where are we going to get the sh#&?  And guess what folks, these aren't just at one high school.  They're at all of them.  Oh, and guess what more... these are also cheerleaders and kids in sports.  Not just the "thugs" or "trogs" as we used to call them in my day...

So, it's just a question.

In a day that not much gets done around campus because administrators are all so "overwhelmed" with budget cuts and other BS, it seems it's just easier to turn the other way on drugs.  Is it a victimless crime?  No way.  Smoking pot before school can't possibly be good for the attention and care needed later in the school day.  Hearing of middle school kids drinking vodka out of water bottles during PE does not instill too much confidence that today's kids, despite all the education, are any smarter than the kids of yesterday (or my day).

More young people are now in treatment for marijuana dependency than for alcohol or for all other illegal drugs combined.

I know, I know, I'm looking at this TOTALLY differently now that I'm a parent.  But isn't that a normal progression?  I hope so.

And believe, GREAT THINGS HAPPEN at the high schools every single day.  There is no denying there are more good things than bad, BUT I'm not going to be quiet about the bad just because it makes the school look bad.

THE SCHOOLS NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.  They have the power to EXPEL any kid caught with drugs.  They have the power to SEARCH lockers if it smells like POT!  

Parents , you need to be watching homelink.  Are your kids tardy to school each day when you KNOW you dropped them off on time?  Or that they left home early enough?  Are you checking in?  Are there consequences?   Just asking.  Do you know where the local "hang outs" are for the perpetually late? 

So, there, I'm done with my rant.  But there's a story I've been dying to do, but I'm not a reporter and I don't get enough readers to do it justice, so I sent some info to the Mayor of Claycord - hopefully he'll shed the light. 

Parents, what can we do ?  I ASSUME most parents aren't ok with kids smoking dope on school grounds.  So if that's true?  What are we going to do about it?

Our New MDUSD School Board

With 133 of the 197 precincts reporting, it's a close race. So far it is Linda Mayo in the lead, with Cheryl Hansen literally on her heels. Lynne Dennler is starting to pull away ever so slightly from Brian Lawrence.

So if these numbers hold, it will be Mayo, Hansen and Dennler. What do you think?

11:30pm update. Still the same 3 leaders, however, Cheryl Hansen has emerged as the current leader. 165 of the 197 precincts reporting. Its still very close though the three are pulling away.

See www.cocovote.us for up to the minute results.

MDUSD Superintendent Newsletter #6

October 22, 2010
 
Mt. Diablo USD News Update
Where Kids Come First
 
Fifth Annual Day at the Races for Literacy
 
Raising Funds to Raise Readers -- On Saturday, October 30, 2010 the Central Contra Costa Literacy Coalition and The Rotary Club of Concord are working together to benefit the literacy programs in Central Contra Costa County.  The event, scheduled from 8:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m., is being hosted by the Hilton Concord and 100 percent of the $20 entry fee will be donated to fund literacy projects.  The entry fee provides an opportunity to participate in a 1K, 5K or 10K race, and enjoy a spaghetti and meatballs lunch and free concert.  School teams are encouraged to enter to raise funds for their school’s literacy program.  For information about the event call 925-349-2654 or register online at www.theschedule.com .
 
Budget Update
 
Although the State budget restored the $275 per-student reduction from the Governor’s May budget proposal, and we will receive $6 million in new one-time Federal dollars, we are being very cautious about the District’s budget.  In a Los Angeles Times article dated October 10, 2010, by Evan Halper, Mr. Halper asserts that come January, a new governor and a new crop of lawmakers will have to confront the $19 billion deficit that the current governor and legislature failed to address.  Quoting the Los Angeles Times:  
 
The most optimistic projections show that the spending plan Schwarzenegger signed will produce a shortfall of at least $10 billion – more than 11% of state spending – in the next fiscal year.  Many experts predict it will be billions more.  The leaders mostly papered over this year’s gap, punting many tough decisions forward.
 
We have read many analyses of the State budget that reach similar conclusions.  A commensurate 11% reduction to California’s education budget would be approximately $5.5 billion.  This would translate into an additional $20 million reduction to our District budget!  Consequently, there is a high probability of mid-year cuts.  Therefore, it is imprudent to allocate or spend the $6 million in one-time Federal dollars until the new governor’s January budget is released.   We want to ensure that the District has adequate funding in place to prevent mid-year reductions in programs and personnel.
 
 
Shining the Light on Solar
 
Solar Update -- This Tuesday, October 26, 2010 the Board of Education will consider approving the contract with SunPower.  Once the contract is approved, the design and State approval process begins.  Our goal is to break ground in early spring 2011 and have the solar project completed by mid spring 2012.  Once the installation of solar shade projects begins, we will post updates and pictures on the District webpage.
 

Times endorses Hansen, Adams and Larkin, how about you?

Not too much talk about the upcoming board election. Thoughts? Have you seen or attended any candidate forums? Will you attend on the 20th in Pleasant Hill?

Here's the article from the Times: http://www.contracostatimes.com/endorsements/ci_16331765

MDUSD Intradistrict Transfer Procedures 2011-2012

Well, I have to say, nothing frustrates me more than a "time sensitive" issue for many parents in our district, to have ZERO information available online at the district website.  At least I can't find it. Can you?  If you use their drop down menu of "How do I?" or the "Parents" tab on the main page, I get LAST YEARS information but still, no links to forms or their new Q & A.  So I figured I'd help you out.

I've uploaded the information, Q & A and forms you need to apply for a transfer here. 

Important points:

• Intradistrict applications for grades 1-12 are available starting October 1st, and are due on or before January 15, 2011.
• Forms are available at the District Office (Dent Center) at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord
• This year you will have three choices in your transfer designation and therefore, there are three different forms - you need to know which one to use - this is vital.
• Kindergarten students must register at their home school on District Kindergarten registration day, February 1, 2011.  Then, on or after that day, you may request a transfer.  Those requests are due no later than February 26th, 2011.

Three choices this year (each is described in more detail below and the Q&A is available at the link above), be sure you use the right form as which transfer to apply for is important to know:

• School Choice (another MDUSD School) - star at top left of transfer form
• NCLB Transfer (No Child Left Behind) - square box at top left of transfer form
• Open Enrollment (SBX5 4) - diamond box at top left of transfer form

What is the three options?

• School Choice provides parents with an opportunity to apply for another MDUSD school other than their residence school (i.e. you live in Concord, but want to have your child attend a Walnut Creek school)
• NCLB Transfer (No Child Left Behind) provides parents whose student's residence school is identified as "Program Improvement (PI)" to apply for attendance at a non-Program Improvement school (must be on the list below).  Program Improvement (PI) is a formal designation for Title 1 funded schools that do not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years.  The Program Improvement Schools are listed below.
• Open Enrollment SBX5 4 provides parents who student's residence school has been identified as a Persistently Low Achieving school to apply to a school anywhere within or outside the district.  The receiving school must have an API (Academic Performance Index) score that is higher than that of the resident school.  Persistently Low Achieving schools are listed below.

Once assigned to a school per a transfer, can your student be displaced?

• Students on School Choice K-12 transfers can be displaced prior to September 15th of EACH SCHOOL YEAR (my emphasis) by students who reside in the school's attendance area.
• Students on NCLB Transfers can be displaced prior to September 15th of the FIRST school year only by students who reside in the school's attendance area.  After that first year, these students become residents of the school and are not subject to bumping.
• Students on Open Enrollment SBX5 4 transfers can be displaced prior to September 15th of the FIRST school year only, and as with NCLB, become school residents after that first year and are not subject to bumping.

Clear as mud?  An important distinction if you are contemplating between a NCLB and a Open Enrollment SBX5 4 transfer is that TRANSPORTATION IS ONLY PROVIDED for NCLB transfers.  Each of the other options will not provide transportation and parents are responsible for all transportation to/from school.  For NCLB transfers, transportation is provided to /from the home school to the new school.

Another important note.  You can ONLY submit one transfer request.  If a transfer request is denied, you may appeal, but you are assigned back to your home school.  So be careful.

Ok, so which schools are on which list?


NCLB Elementary Schools/Middle Schools and your NCLB school choice options are listed below:

Elementary:
Bel Air
Cambridge
Fair Oaks
Meadow Homes
Rio Vista
Shore Acres
Ygnacio Valley


Your Elementary Options are:  
Ayers
Bancroft
Hidden Valley
Mountain View
Sun Terrace
Westwood
Wren

Middle:
Glenbrook
Oak Grove
Riverview

Your Middle School options are:
Diablo View
Pleasant Hill


Schools eligible for Open Enrollment SBX5 4 (remember you can go to any other school that has a higher API) are as follows:
Bel Air Elementary
Meadow Homes Elementary
Shore Acres Elementary

Glenbrook Middle
Oak Grove Middle
Riverview Middle

Remember, Monte Gardens, Sequoia Elementary and Cornerstone Family School have separate admissions procedures and you should contact those schools directly for admission information and to be put on their waiting lists.

Schools noted as "over enrolled" will not accept transfer requests, those schools in 2010-2011 were/are Meadow Homes Elementary and College Park High School.  Over enrolled designation for this 2011-2012 transfer cycle will be determined by the board this month.

PROCEDURES:

• When more requests are received than there is space available to attend a specific school, the Student Services Office will conduct a public lottery among the applicants to fill any vacancies.  The lottery will be February 11, 2011, parents will be notified by April 15th, 2011 for 6th - 12th grade and August 16th, 2011 for K-5 grades of approval or denial of transfer request (nice bit of notice for those elementary students huh? Not knowing where they'll start school until a week or two before?)

To contact Student Services:  925-688-8000 x 4068.  Felicia Stuckey-Smith (email smithf@mdusd.k12.ca.us) in this department may be able to help you.

At last weeks PAC (Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council), Dr. Lawrence committed that the School Closure committee will either be done by this January 15th date, or will allow more time for those families impacted by any school closures.  Note that the choices under NCLB are several of the most underenrolled schools in our district.  So I have a feeling there will be some stress come January. 

MDUSD Superintendent Newsletter - info about bond sale, sports fundraiser, measure c, solar and more

Mt. Diablo USD News Update

Where Kids Come First

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…

To the Second Annual 5K Run to Benefit MDUSD Sports

Great thanks, in advance, to the United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (“UMDAF”) for hosting the second annual 5K Run and Walk to benefit District high school sports.  Athletics are just one of many victims of the state’s budget cuts.  UMDAF stepped up to the plate to ensure our students are not denied the invaluable experience of team sports.  Studies confirm that students who participate in organized school sports are less likely to experiment with dangerous behaviors, including drugs and alcohol.  Please support UMDAF to achieve their goal of raising $50,000 from this event.

Sunday, October 10

9:00 a.m.

Newhall Park, Concord

Food. Fun. Entertainment.

Support a great cause – support our student athletic programs.  Log on to http://www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org/ to sign up and/or get additional information.

Bond Sale

On September 20, 2010, the District sold the first allotment of the bonds approved by voters under Measure C. The amount of the sale was $110 million, almost a third of the $348 million authorized by Measure C.  The District is pleased to announce that it was able to sell approximately half of the first allotment ($59.5 million), as Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (“CREBs”).  CREBs are very beneficial to the District because most of the interest is paid by the Federal Government.  The interest paid by the District itself is minimal, only about 1.7%. The District was able to qualify for the CREBs program because it applied early, over a year ago. Lower interest costs result in greater energy savings because the bond payoff cost is substantially lessened.

The remaining $50.5 million in bonds were issued as General Obligation bonds.  These bonds have an interest rate of about 5.7% and have a term of 25 years.  If you would like more information about the bonds and the exciting projects they will finance, we invite you to attend the October 12, 2010 Board meeting, where there will be a formal presentation during the Superintendent’s Report. We will keep you regularly informed on project developments as we build a new District!

Measure C Update

The aforementioned $110 million will be used for the following projects:

• District wide solar installation
• District wide technology infrastructure improvements
• Paying off $14 million in Certificates of Participation (“COPs”) and lease purchase payments which will relieve the District of $1.4 million annual debt payments through 2024
• Begin the process of equalizing HVAC enhancements throughout the District

 

Shining the Light on Solar

After a rigorous selection process the District selected SunPower to design and build its solar projects.  SunPower is a local, established and nationally recognized designer and builder of solar power systems. The initial timeline had the Board considering the SunPower contract at its October 12, 2010, meeting.  In order to allow the parties to finalize their discussions, the contract will now be presented at the October 26, 2010 Board meeting.

Pete Pederson, Bond Program Administrator, is visiting each District school site to determine the most appropriate location for each solar facility.  Solar structures can often serve as shade structures and rain covers as well as energy generators. 

 

K to College School Supply Program

The K to College School Supply Program (“SSP”) provides free canvas tote bags filled with school supplies to students who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Their mission is to promote equal access to higher education by ensuring every student has the resources and tools to learn from kindergarten to college.  K to College was founded in 2008 by UC Berkeley students and alumni. K to College's founding members reached out to community leaders experienced with low-income education, including educators, local, state and federal representatives, faith-based leaders, and other education-based nonprofit leaders.  The SSP is funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (“ARRA”) and allocates funds to pay for $70 tote bags for low income students. Every student at the participating schools was given a tote bag containing supplies and a dental kit.  Nearly 10,000 students in the District received tote bags.  For more information:  http://www.k2college.org/home

 

Rising Cost of Health Care to Be Discussed at

October 12 Board Meeting

Mirroring discussions being held by employers throughout the nation, the Board is trying to manage the spiraling cost of health care benefits for all District employees.  Currently, full coverage is provided to administrators, confidential and classified employees.  Several years ago teachers negotiated benefits into their salary schedule and have recently received funding towards medical benefits.  The simultaneous trends of increasing benefit costs and diminishing state education funds forced the District to consider capping its health care contribution.  As discussed in previous Board meetings, if we cannot cap the District’s benefit contribution, we will be forced to implement more layoffs to pay for health care cost increases.  Administrators, supervisors and confidential employees have accepted a benefit cap.

The Kaiser rate for medical insurance increased 6.84% from the 2010 rate and if it remains uncapped, the District will pay $23,027,792 in 2011 and approximately $27,224,287 by 2013.

KTVU Game of the Week: Vote for Clayton Valley vs Concord High

Want to see Clayton Valley vs. Concord High as Game of the Week on KTVU?  Well start voting!

As you can see our local game needs all the help it can get at the moment.

Go to www.KTVU.com now!