Schools

Pacifica School District Supe Discusses Open Houses, Concerts and the State Budget

Check out her message to Patch readers for April.

The month of April will have a majority of the schools opening their doors to the community to showcase the accomplishments by our students over the year. Additionally, the schools’ music programs will be performing their spring concerts throughout the month.  I hope that everyone will be able to attend these events and experience the wonderful work and talents of the staff and students. Saving Pacifica Schools (SPS) will also be present at each of the Open Houses to share information regarding the State Budget and the effect on the District.  Please check the District Master Calendar for site specific times and dates.

In addition to these wonderful events, our teachers and Carline Sinkler, Professional Learning Facilitator, have been busy scoring the MARS tasks, the district-wide assessment used to review/monitor student progress in mathematics in grades 2-8.  The data will inform us as to the strengths of our students and areas needing support.  I am hearing great feedback to the value of our teachers scoring.  The reflections are rich in how the teachers can modify instruction to develop the mathematical concepts for their students.  We are also very fortunate to have the participation of teachers from Oceana and Terra Nova high schools in assisting our scoring for our 8th grade tasks.  This support exemplifies how we continue to look for ways to articulate with JUHSD to ensure a seamless progression to the high school.

JUHSD has been visiting our K-8 and middle school sites to inform and schedule students for the upcoming year.  The two districts are very sensitive to ensuring the students have a positive transition.  Thus, two specific areas we pay particular attention to is the placement in mathematics and schedules for students who have individual plans.  Should a family have concerns, please contact the site principal as to the status of one’s child.

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Special congratulations to Ocean Shore and Ingrid B. Lacy for their selection for the San Mateo County School Boards Association J. Russell Kent Exemplary Program Award. Ocean Shore is selected for their Celebrate Diversity Day, a program developed by the school Diversity Leadership Group of Laura Shain, Alice Garibaldi, and Catherine Mehrling.  The program explores and affirms similarities and differences within their diverse school community and the world today with the intent to promote understanding and moral decision-making to create a school environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all.  Ingrid B. Lacy is selected for the school Advisory Program that is coordinated by Meghan Blackman, school counselor and Kristi Eifert and Allen Seul, physical education and health teachers.  This program illustrates the school’s dedication to educating the whole child by focusing on character traits that will assist students reach their academic, behavioral, and social goals in high school and beyond.

We continue to monitor the direction of the State in relation to the budget.  Currently, the option of getting the tax extension on the ballot has passed.  However, Governor Brown has stated a determination to get a tax extension option out to the voters in some form.  Again, SPS will be providing information at the various open houses. One will see the extent to which the cuts have been deep for public education and the importance of the fiscal support of the community.  The Parcel Tax supports our school programs by supporting teacher salaries, keeping our class sizes down, the professional learning facilitators to lead us in developing and implementing strong instructional programs and practices, and the school counselors who help us support our students in their social and emotional development as exhibited in our two programs being honored by the Kent Awards.  The foundations, PEF and RSMF, have provided us with the opportunity to strengthen our instructional programs and practices.  We are extremely fortunate and appreciative. 

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lastly, have a wonderful Spring Break!  Please take the time to relax, enjoy, and be with family. 

--Superintendent Wendy Tukloff


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