As I mentioned in my recents messages, we are in the process of developing a robust summer intervention and engagement program for our students at all grade levels. We would like your input to assist us in creating our programs to meet the needs of our students. We will be sending out surveys at various times throughout the remainder of the school year to collect your feedback. Elementary and middle school families will receive a survey on Monday from your principals. Please take a few minutes to provide us with some preliminary information. High school students will soon be meeting with their counselors to choose courses for next year and receive applications for the credit recovery summer program. Our high schools will also design a summer program to provide support and engagement in addition to the credit recovery program.
We are also gathering your family's and our student's input on our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). We have launched a Thought Exchange to collect thoughts and opinions on our plan, which is updated annually. Find the Thought Exchange link here. It's anonymous and does not require a log in. Thank you in advance for providing us your thoughts.
It's time to nominate our incredible students for Riverside’s annual 25 Most Remarkable Teens awards. The event is organized by the Riverside Youth Council. Awards are given by the Youth Council, Mayor, and City Council to celebrate high school students’ various accomplishments. To be nominated, a teen should excel in one or a combination of these areas: academics, visual & performing arts, athletics, community involvement, leadership, courage to overcome, or any other remarkable trait(s) that deserve recognition. Nominees must be in grades 8 to 12 and live in the city of Riverside. Learn more about it and nominate your teen here.
AUSD has partnered with Riverside City College and Norco College to offer a variety of college courses starting this Spring at no cost to students through a unique College & Career Pathway program. See more information in News section below under College & Career. Contact your counselor or visit our web site here for more details.
The Great Kindness Challenge is this week. Many of our schools are participating. This year's theme is "Kindness Unites." The healing and unifying power of kindness cannot be underestimated. Even the smallest and most random acts of kindness make a difference in the lives of our children and our society as we confront bullying, hate, bigotry, and racism. Let's make kindness the norm.
This week's Parent Engagement Office presents Supporting Elementary Students' Learning in English Language and Mathematics, featuring the extraordinary Dr. Sharon Bennett from McAuliffe Elementary School. The virtual workshop is this Wednesday, January 27. English Language Arts is from 4-5 pm and Mathematics is from 5-6 pm. Participate via Zoom or watch on our YouTube channel. Details below in the News section under Parent Engagement.
On behalf of the Board of Education, please continue to reach out to us if you're experiencing food or home insecurity, physical or mental health challenges, or any other adverse condition that your children and family are experiencing. Email our Student Services department here or call (951) 509-5139, Monday - Friday, from 7:30am - 4:30pm. We are here to serve you.
In closing, we learned that a member of our Alvord family lost their third immediate family member to COVID this past week. Our hearts and prayers go out to her and her family. Many of us can count family members and friends among the 2,777 people in Riverside, the 417,000 people in the United States, or the two million people across our borders and around the world who have lost their lives to COVID. Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost a loved one.
Let's stay strong. Together we can end this horrific pandemic.
Stay healthy. Stay positive.
In partnership,
Allan Mucerino
