After a long Winter Break, it’s time to look forward into this new year. I wish each of you and your families – prosperity, good health and happiness.
Budget
Our district budget concerns continue. State deficits and deferrals make each year more difficult as our total revenues are down 20% from 2007. The governor’s new budget eliminates all state transportation funding for the balance of this year and continuing into next. New ‘Trigger’ language is proposed for 2012-13 that will result in a $4.8 billion reduction should the public not pass the proposed tax initiative. For Saugus that amounts to almost $370 per student reduction in state funding, over $3.7 million additional cuts, a very significant amount. State revenues for the current year are still below projection and this can mean only further sacrifices from public education.
Board Elections
Board elections were held in November. Mrs. Rose Koscielny was elected for another term. Congratulations to Rose K. Mrs. Rose Diaz was not re-elected and Mr. Stephen Winkler will take her seat on the board. For information on our board or to contact them, their biographies and contact information is on the district website, www.saugus.k12.ca.us.
Board Goals
In October, our board approved goals for the 2011-12 year. Beginning in January, all English Learners will receive 30 minutes daily of specially designed English Language Development. Our teachers received extensive professional development to ensure that all children will have success in school. Site staffs are planning specific interventions for all students who need additional assistance in order for them to be more successful in the classroom and on the STAR assessments in May 2012. All our students including our high achieving and gifted and talented students are being challenged with rigorous relevant curriculum that is carefully planned out and delivered by highly-qualified teachers. Teachers are participating in other professional developments to increase their skills in creating step-by-step standards-based lessons and a ‘clean first – teach’ model. Our children are our future and our teachers and staffs are focused on “Academic and Personal Success for All Students”.
California Distinguished School Nominees
It was a hectic fall, but not without great achievements. James Foster, Rio Vista and Tesoro del Valle Elementary Schools were invited to apply for the prestigious California Distinguished School status based on significant subgroup growth on STAR 2011 testing. We are anxiously awaiting confirmation on those nominations.
School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs)
The 2010-11 School Accountability Report Cards for each school site are available for your perusal on the district website. The information is reflective of testing, fiscal, and staffing data. For further information or a hard copy, please contact your school office.
Student Housing 2012-13
The following schools will be closed to transfers and open only to the attendance area (subject to capacity) for the 2012-13 year: Bridgeport, Charles Helmers, Mountainview, North Park, Plum Canyon, Rosedell, Tesoro del Valle and West Creek. The schools open to transfers are: Cedarcreek, Emblem (located at Highlands), James Foster, Highlands, Rio Vista, Santa Clarita and Skyblue Mesa. The Emblem School site will remain closed for the 2012-13 school year due to construction delays, state fiscal crisis and declining enrollment. Emblem students will attend Emblem at Highlands. Detailed information will be shared in the coming weeks in your school bulletins. For more information contact the individual site.
Kindergarten Enrollment 2012-13 and Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Our annual K Round-up occurs from February 27 through March 3. If your child turns five by November 1, (the new California cut-off date), or if your child turns five between November 2 and December 2, please either check the district website for required documents or call your local school office. The governor’s preliminary budget eliminated the funding for Transitional Kindergarten, however, we would like to still enroll your child to keep you updated on what options will be available as we wait for further state direction.
Appreciation
As of January 17, our parents and parent organizations have contributed over $153,000 worth of goods, services and funding to the schools. WOW! These contributions provide so much to the sites. Thank you to our parent groups, our parents, staff and community organizations who give so wonderfully of their time, treasures and talents. Our children are the beneficiaries of your generosity.
Looking Forward
The budget continues to concern us and we will keep you updated as we know more. Your weekly newsletter provides communication about upcoming events and activities. Please contact your child’s teacher or site administrator to clarify information. This is the time of year we see incredible student strides in learning, so once again, please make sure your child is at school each and everyday to gain all the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful.
Thank you for continuing to support your school and all our children as we strive for Extraordinary Excellence Everyday.