Pacifica School District: Preparing Students for an Evolving World

During the April 17th Board Meeting the Trustees approved two resolutions recognizing both our teachers and classified staff for their commitment to educating our students. May is the month we place focus on our hardworking and passionate staff.  It is through their dedication we are able to provide the strong program that we do. Hats off to PSD classified and certificated teaching staff! In other news:

Congratulations to Ortega K-5 Science Lab Program-Kent Award Recipient! The J. Russell Kent Awards, sponsored by the San Mateo County School Boards Association, are designed to recognize and publicize outstanding programs in San Mateo County public schools. The award program provides an opportunity for districts to share their unique and excellent programs with other educational groups and to learn about other county-wide educational efforts.  Ortega K-5 Science Lab, coordinated by Mary Cheng, Stephanie Trelogan, and Julie Hall, has been selected as a Kent Award recipient!  Way to go Ortega!  

Restructuring in the District Office Beginning July 1, 2013, there will be reassignments and restructuring of the District Office.  Dr. Ray Avila has been appointed to be the Associate Superintendent of Integrated Services and Human Resources.  His role will oversee departments such as special education and student services.  Dr. Avila will move to the District Office, along with Susanne Campos, Administrative Assistant for Special Education.  Although he will continue to oversee Linda Mar Educational Center, Jennifer Gray, Behavior Program Supervisor will assist with day-to-day needs.   Tina Van Raaphorst will be the Director of Special Projects.  Her role will focus in the area of educational services that include technology, assessment, categorical programs, and grants.  Van Raaphorst’s work will be closely aligned with Curriculum and Instruction that the Superintendent will oversee.  

School Climate Survey As our district embraces learning that is rigorous, differentiated, and holistic, we have developed a PSD School Climate Survey to gather information on whether activities implemented are helpful in the development of positive school climates that engage our students in global citizenship as well as to determine best next steps.  Parents, students (grades 4, 6), and staff will be asked to complete the survey during the month of May.  This survey was developed to enhance the information gathered by the State through the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS; grades 5, 7).  

STAR Testing PSD is currently in the midst of taking the STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) exams.  All comprehensive schools are above 800 API and based on the observed great teaching, we are certain to maintain if not continue to make gains. Next year is the last year for STAR, with the SmarterBalanced Assessment replacing the test beginning in 2014-15.   

District Budget All educators in California will be focusing on the Governor’s May Revision of the California Budget, 2013-14.  Currently there is much discussion around the proposed Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) with State Legislators offering other proposals.  The Trustees, along with Cabinet are monitoring the conversations closely. PSD has also been very active in participating in activities such as the Board Member Action Day (BMAD) to speak with our legislative representatives regarding real needs and offering options of thought and actions. Our guiding principle for budget development will be that of a balanced approach of people, operations, and programs.  It is our current understanding, with the passage of Proposition 30, that we can count on at a minimum the same level of funding as this current fiscal year.  

Hats off to the PSD Green Team- SR2S Grant 2013-14:  PSD has been informed that we will receive funding of $48,000 for SR2S next year.  This will enable us to continue our work in safe school drop-off and pick-up practices, encouraging reducing our carbon footprint, and increasing physical activity. Special recognition must go to Christina Rimmer and Gwendolyn Holden, SR2S Coordinators and our Green Team members for all their efforts in coordination.   We have had a very busy month and are developing our plans for 2013-14. PSD is certainly on the move!