ESD Superintendent Update

Hello Families,

As the first trimester draws to a close, we are genuinely excited about the strides we've made. As we visit school sites and walk through classrooms, I see our teachers integrating instructional strategies and resources drawn from their collaborative planning efforts and our professional development training that enhance student learning in math and literacy.

The September family-teacher conference week provided a timely opportunity for teachers and families to continue to build a collaborative partnership and share insights into student’s academic progress and areas of strength and need. A strong home-school connection continues to be key to high achievement in our schools and contributes to the positive attitude about learning among students.

Also, the recently held Districtwide Disaster Drill provided our educational community with an important opportunity to practice disaster response and promote our overall preparedness. I want to express my appreciation to students, staff, and families for their participation in this important annual event.

Upcoming events to include on your calendar:

Saturday, October 12

Star Wars Reads Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Rancho Cucamonga

Friday, October 25

First Trimester Ends - Report Cards are available by Friday, November 1.

Sunday, November 3

End of daylight saving time and clocks turn back one hour.

Monday, November 11

Veterans Day - No School/Holiday

Saturday, November 16

E3 School Spirit Fun Run at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga. Sign up here!

When families and schools work together, students are more successful. As we transition into the second trimester of the school year, I look forward to even greater levels of student success.

Charlayne Sprague

Superintendent

Congratulations to the newest Etiwanda School District schools earning high levels of recognition for their comprehensive implementation of the Positive Behavior and Intervention Support (PBIS) system. California schools may be awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze level recognition.

2024 Gold Recognition

C.P. Lightfoot Elementary School

Heritage Intermediate School

2024 Silver Recognition

Grapeland Elementary School

Summit Intermediate School

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In the Etiwanda School District, we recognize that families want their children to be cared for and valued, as well as educated. Our district's mission has always been to ensure that "students achieve academic excellence and develop respect for self and others."

Administrators and teachers work together to foster a school climate that encourages kindness and regard for others and promotes these three positive expectations for behavior: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.

Recently, there has been an increase in social media threats reported across the state, including some directed at schools in the Etiwanda School District and neighboring districts. In all cases, law enforcement was notified, and a thorough investigation was conducted to keep our schools safe.

We understand that social media posts and rumors can create fear and anxiety, and we recognize the emotional toll this can take on students and families. Sometimes, when families or students see what they perceive as a threat posted online, they may share it with others instead of reporting it directly to school officials or law enforcement.

We kindly ask everyone to Report, Not Repost. If you come across any concerning information, please share it directly with your school principal or law enforcement. The Etiwanda School District is fully committed to the safety of our students, and all reported threats will be thoroughly investigated. Anyone found responsible for sending threatening messages or deliberately sharing posts to cause fear or panic will face school disciplinary actions and potential criminal charges.

If a threat is made to your child's school, we will inform all families at that school of the threat and the results of the school investigation. Please know that whether a threat is genuine or a hoax, there will be serious consequences for those making it.

Working together as one community, we can all help keep our schools safe. We need you to partner with us and talk with your children about how the things they say, text, post, or re-post online can impact others, like yelling "fire" in a theater. Saying or threatening violence that is not real will have severe consequences.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. And as always, if you see something, say something.

Would you like a weekly update on your child's progress and grades? The Aeries Parent Portal offers a parent notification feature that sends weekly updates on your child's grades directly to your email inbox. These notifications include a summary of recent assignment and test scores, missing assignments, and current overall class performance. This tool provides consistent communication between teachers, families, and students, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Simple Steps to Turn on the Parent Notification Feature:

1. Log into Aeries.
2. In the right-hand corner, click on Account Preferences.
3. Select Parent Notification Preferences.
4. Select your preferred day of the week and time to receive the weekly update.
5. Click on "Save."

The West End SELPA is offering all parents a parenting workshop designed to equip families with practical strategies for supporting children's behavior and academic success. Families will explore root causes of common behavioral challenges, develop structured routines that promote success, and create expectations for promoting healthy online habits and digital safety. All classes meet virtually once a week for six weeks on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Register now - registration deadline is October 8.

The Etiwanda Intermediate School Student Services team hosts a Community Closet, serving students and families that attend Etiwanda Intermediate and feeder elementary schools, Terra Vista, Windrows, Grapeland, and Perdew Elementary.

Families are invited to schedule an appointment to shop in the Community Closet. Shopping opportunities are available once a month, and students must be accompanied by an adult. There is no cost for the clothing selected during the shopping; however, students and families are limited to one bag of clothing per shopping event.

Join us for Star Wars Reads Day on Saturday, October 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

You're invited to come as you are or dress in your favorite Star Wars character and join the Etiwanda library staff in the ever so popular Star Wars Read Day. Families can participate in a host of activities, including the Star Wars Amazing Race, a Lego building contest, costume contest, cupcake decorating, or puzzle station explorations. Special guests included the 501st Legion. Organized by our librarians and library clerks, this annual event raises funds to support Etiwanda School District libraries.

Get ready for a spirited activity that’s perfect for the whole family! Join us for the Etiwanda Excellence in Education (E3) Foundation 2K/5K Spirit Run, happening Saturday, November 16, at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga.

Check out current part-time positions and job openings in the Etiwanda School District.

**Employees serving in our afterschool child care program are eligible for free afterschool child care during employment hours.

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