TTUSD District Update

• Community Resources and Supports During Winter Break

• Fostering a Culture of Respect Through Restorative Practices

• Transportation Tips

• Social Emotional Learning Tip | Practice Self-Love with Positive Affirmations

• TTUSD Employees Shine at Community Awards

• Lights, Camera, Action! Tahoe Truckee Media in the Spotlight

• Truckee High Students Shine at FuturePreneurs Pitch Showcase!

• Upcoming Important Dates

Dear TTUSD Families,

As the holiday season and winter break approaches, I want to extend my warmest wishes for happiness, peace, and cherished moments to you and your loved ones and share some exciting news highlighting our deep commitment to the incredible people who make TTUSD such a special place. I'm delighted to announce that we have reached agreements with our employee unions, the Tahoe Truckee Education Association (TTEA), and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) in this year’s negotiation process.

These agreements are a testament to the collaborative spirit and mutual respect we share with our dedicated employees. They represent a significant step in our ongoing efforts to attract, retain, and value the contributions of every individual who supports our students.

Each employee, from classroom teachers to bus drivers and custodians to office staff, plays a vital role in creating a nurturing learning environment. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, passion, and commitment.

As we look forward to the new year, I am optimistic about TTUSD's future. With our employees' continued dedication, our families' support, and our students' enthusiasm, we are confident that TTUSD will continue to be a community of learners where curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning flourish.

Thank you for being an integral part of the TTUSD family. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and magical holiday season.

Warm Regards,

Kerstin Kramer

Superintendent Chief Learning Officer

We're thrilled to share that TTUSD is a statewide environmental and climate action leader! At the 2024 Green CA Schools and Higher Education Summit, the inaugural CA Statewide TK-12 School District Environmental and Climate Action Scorecard was released, and TTUSD scored an impressive 13.5 out of 20, exceeding the statewide average of 6.

This first-of-its-kind scorecard measures sustainability efforts in schools across California, helping to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Our high score reflects our commitment to building a strong foundation in environmental sustainability, which is essential for creating an impactful learning experience that prioritizes our natural environment, environmental literacy, and outdoor education.

As stated in our strategic plan, priority 3.3 focuses on expanding community partnerships to support student learning and expand opportunities for community-based educational partnerships, immersion in our natural environment, internships, and outdoor education in the area. Additionally, action item 3.3.2 focuses on collaborating on workgroup-identified challenges to expand outdoor education opportunities for all students, with attention to reducing logistical challenges and supporting teachers and school sites. Here's what our work group has been tackling so far:

• Developing an environmental literacy and outdoor education curriculum that aligns with state standards

• Building and expanding partnerships with community organizations focused on environmental advocacy

• Exploring innovative approaches and launching prototypes like the Tahoe Lab and Outdoor School

• Focusing on green schoolyards

We look forward to updating our families and community members on continued progress throughout the year. We're proud of our progress, but we're not stopping here! This is an ongoing journey, and we're committed to continuous improvement in environmental sustainability.

We invite you to watch Chief Technology Officer Mr. Ed Hilton, present this exciting information to our Board of Trustees at the November 20, 2024 board meeting.

The California School Dashboard, a key tool in California's school accountability system, was recently released for the 2023-24 school year. This user-friendly online resource provides valuable insights into our school's performance, helping us identify areas of strength and areas for growth. The state provides a toolkit for families with tips on reading the dashboard, which we invite you to check out.

The Dashboard measures our progress in key areas like academics, attendance, English Learner (EL) progress, college and career readiness, and graduation rates, using a color-coded system (red to blue) to indicate our performance level. We are proud of our achievements and remain committed to continuous improvement.

Here are a few highlights:

• English Language Arts: We increased by 4.4 points and are now 19.1 points above state standards!

• English Learner (EL) Progress: We saw a 12% districtwide increase due to 59% of our designated EL students making progress year over year.

• Chronic Absenteeism: Our chronic absenteeism rates declined by 10.6%, moving us into the high-performance category.

This year's Dashboard also highlights opportunities to improve our graduation rate and college/career readiness. To address these, we will expand summer credit recovery options and strengthen support for our SED, SPED, and EL students.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible special education team at TTUSD! At a recent Board meeting, trustees recognized December 2nd as National Special Education Day and December 2-6, 2024, as Special Educator Appreciation Week. This recognition coincides with the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures inclusive education for all.

The education of all children in an inclusive environment is vital to the success of our students and community. We are incredibly fortunate to have over 56 credentialed special education staff and 56 dedicated instructional assistants who exemplify this commitment. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure that every student, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. They partner with families and teachers to provide our students with the tools they need to thrive, including:

• Developing and implementing individualized education plans to address each student's unique needs.

• Building strong partnerships: Collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure student success.

• Creating supportive environments to address students' academic, social, behavioral, and physical needs.

We thank our Special Education Teachers, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational & Physical Therapists, and School Psychologists for partnering with families and the community to provide a seamless support system for our students. We appreciate you!

Please join us in thanking our extraordinary special education heroes for their outstanding work!

Truckee High's La Raza Club, an inspiring student group focused on celebrating and sharing Hispanic heritage and culture, recently embarked on a day trip to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)!

During the Nevadabound Tour, fourteen students experienced college life firsthand with a comprehensive campus tour that included dorm visits, dining hall experiences, and informative sessions on various academic programs. From medicine to engineering, liberal arts to business, and more, students explored exciting possibilities for their future.

The trip sparked a lot of enthusiasm, with many students expressing interest in applying to UNR! This invaluable experience allowed students to envision their next steps after high school and gain valuable insights into higher education.

Navigating the holiday season can be challenging, especially for students and families facing various pressures. Over winter break, support and resources that some of our students rely on will not be available through the school district; however, it's important to remember resources are available within our region through many of our community partners.

By dialing 211, you’ll have access to a Tahoe Truckee 211 regional operator who can connect you with an array of helpful health and community resources - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service links you to county, hospital, and local Tahoe Truckee agency services to address your family's needs.

The Sierra Community House can provide free food, emergency shelter, and family advocacy and support services. For immediate help, call their 24-hour helpline at 1-800-736-1060.

And for those grappling with mental health challenges or having thoughts of suicide, Tahoe Lifeline offers critical resources. Text or call 988 for immediate assistance.

For additional information, you can also look at this Support & Resources flyer created by the wellness team at Truckee High School.

Reaching out is a sign of strength. Caring hands are ready and willing to offer assistance. Let's make this holiday season a time of connection, understanding, and mutual support for everyone in our community.

At TTUSD, we believe in creating a safe and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. That's why we're committed to using restorative practices to address conflict and build strong relationships within our school community. All TTUSD administrators have been trained in restorative practices, and these practices are used at all school sites.

Restorative practices move away from traditional punitive approaches to discipline. Instead, they focus on repairing harm, strengthening connections, and giving equal attention to community safety, victims' needs, and the growth of those who have caused harm. This approach recognizes everyone has the right to learn and work in a safe and respectful environment.

Restorative practices help individuals regulate their behaviors and take responsibility for their actions. They guide those who have caused harm to understand their impact and take shared responsibility for repairing relationships.

How Restorative Practices Benefit Our Schools:

• Stronger Relationships & Community: Restorative circles provide a safe space for students and educators to connect, share experiences, and build trust.

• Essential Life Skills: Students learn to regulate their emotions, take responsibility for their actions, and resolve conflicts constructively.

• Improved School Climate: Restorative practices contribute to a more positive and supportive school environment by fostering positive relationships and addressing harm.

• Enhanced Academic Success: Students who feel safe and connected can better focus on learning and achieve their full potential.

Through restorative practices, we empower our students to become responsible and compassionate members of our school community and beyond.

Hop on board with our new Transportation Tips! We'll share monthly reminders to help ensure a positive and safe experience for all bus riders. Review these tips with your students and help us keep our buses running smoothly.

The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District is bursting with pride over the recent recognition of several outstanding employees for their outstanding contributions to our Tahoe Truckee community.

Barbara Kane, Coordinator of Translations and Bilingual Services, received the prestigious Chris Ballin Award from the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT). This award recognizes individuals who advocate for cultural competency, equality, and social justice. For 17 years, Barbara has exemplified TTUSD's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring Spanish-speaking families feel welcomed and supported.

Monse Torres, STEPP Family Advocate, received the CCTT Public Service Award of Excellence. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to serve the community. Monse is a valued member of the Early Learning Team through a partnership with KidzCommunity-Placer Community Action Council. Her collaborative spirit and dedication make a difference in the lives of underserved families, teen parents, and children with special needs. She helps families navigate support systems, set goals, and develop parenting and life skills.

Cindy Maciel, Early Learning Program Coordinator, received the 2024 Juniper Award for Community Impact from the Jeff Hamilton Legacy Fund. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Cindy's leadership has positively impacted countless families through programs like STEPP, Truckee Preschool, and the Kings Beach Family Room.

Congratulations to Barbara, Monse, and Cindy! TTUSD is immensely proud and grateful for their dedication to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for all.

Did you know that TTUSD is home to Tahoe Truckee Media (TTM), our local public access television station? You can find TTM's educational programming on Channel 6 and Channel 106 (HD), and public affairs programming on Channel 18 and Channel 118 (HD) on Optimum Cable. This valuable community resource also broadcasts online, reaching 14,000 regional homes!

TTM partners with various organizations to provide a wide range of programming, including:

• TTUSD Board Meetings: Watch live or on-demand on Channel 6 or 106 to stay informed about the decisions that shape our schools.

• Live broadcasts and streaming of high school athletic events: Cheer on your favorite teams even if you can't be there in person!

• Coverage of local government meetings: Be in the know about the decisions that affect our community, from Town Council meetings to the Airport and Hospital Districts.

• Public service announcements (PSAs) created with local non-profits: Learn about important issues and initiatives.

TTM also provides students hands-on media experience through the THS media club and journalism class. Check out the most recent episode of TNT News.

Tune in to Tahoe Truckee Media this holiday season to enjoy festive concerts, stay connected with our schools and local government, and learn about community organizations! Or stream TTM anytime, anywhere!

Twenty Truckee High students recently wowed the community with their entrepreneurial spirit at the inaugural FuturePreneurs Pitch Week showcase created by the Sierra Business Council and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce. These teens spent a week with local business mentors developing full-fledged business plans, complete with operational research, marketing strategies, and multi-year budgets! Innovative ideas included a female-focused gym, a college application app, a mobile sushi food truck, a tech solutions company for nonprofits, a food waste solution for unused food from vacation rentals, and a fast ski rental service.

With so much talent on display, it was a nail-biter for the judges and attendees. But in the end, these innovative teams took home the top prizes:

• 1st Place ($500): EmpowHER, a female-focused gym (Jessica Wurzelbacher, Hattie Kaplan, Melanie Marquez Cruz)

• 2nd Place ($250): Grad Grind, a college application app (Anthony Garcia-Ramirez, Estefanía Gaitan Meza, Valentina Vasquez, Iratze Aguilar Solorio)

• People's Choice ($500): Second Serving, collecting unused food from vacation rentals for local food banks (Jazmine Sanchez-Valdez, Lily Fay, Olive Masterson, Litzy Payan)

Congratulations to all the students, mentors, and judges who made this event a resounding success! We're incredibly proud of these future business leaders and grateful for the collaborative business community providing invaluable opportunities for our students.

December 23 - January 3 | No School, Winter Break

January 2025 | School Board Appreciation

January 20 | No School, Martin Luther King Day

January 22 | Minimum Day for North Tahoe High School

January 23 & 24 | Minimum Day for Middle & High Schools

February 3-7 | National School Counseling Week

February 4 | Trucke High School 11th Grade Parent & Student Night

February 5 | Minimum Day for All TTUSD Schools

February 13 | THS Spring Back to School Night

February 17 & 18 | No School, President’s Day & Lincoln’s Birthday (Observed)

February 25 | Truckee High School 8th Grade Parent Night

February 27 | Tahoe Lake Elementary TK/K Preview Night

March 4 | Truckee Elementary School TK/K Preview Night

March 5 | Minimum Day for All TTUSD Schools

March 6 | Donner Trail Elementary TK/K Preview Night

March 18 | Measure AA Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting

March 20 | Glenshire Elementary School TK/K Preview Night

March 20 | Donner Trail Elementary Open House

March 26 | Minimum Day for All Middle Schools

March 27 | Alder Creek Middle School Zone Concert