ESD Superintendent Update
Some thoughts for the starting school year
Hello Families,
As we enter the second month of school, I see our students successfully making the transition from summer to the classroom. During our school site visits, I have enjoyed seeing students actively engaged in their learning, collaboratively working together, and building a positive school community. I appreciate the parent volunteers on campus supporting students and school programs and the families joining together for community-building family nights. While in the classroom, I see evidence of our teachers building positive learning environments, assessing student needs, strengthening math foundations, and promoting literacy development.
We have some upcoming activities over the next few months. Please add these dates to your calendar!
September 9
Monday is our district's Professional Learning Day for educators and a non-student day for our schools.
September 16
Monday is our districtwide Disaster Drill to review and practice our protocols for student safety and an all-school minimum day.September 23-29
Family Conference Week for families to partner with their child's teacher to learn more about their child's education and consider areas of strength and actions for success. This is also our districtwide LCAP Survey Administration week for students, staff, and families.
October 7
Monday is a student recess day - no school.
Together, let’s make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Charlayne Sprague
Superintendent
On Monday, September 16, the district will conduct a comprehensive safety drill and training exercise at all seventeen schools and the District Education Center. The simulated disaster scenario provides staff and students a valuable opportunity to promote our district’s earthquake and fire preparedness. During the drill, each school will have a unique emergency scenario. School leaders will oversee the process of relocating students to secure areas, organizing search and rescue operations, setting up first aid stations, and relaying updates on school conditions to the district operations center.
If possible, please avoid visiting school offices in the morning on Monday, September 16.
If your child needs to be picked up at that time, please plan to add a few extra minutes to your trip.
As you may have heard, California state legislators recently passed a bill requiring school districts to ban or restrict student smartphone use on campuses during school hours. Assembly Bill 3216, renamed the Phone-Free School Act, requires that every school district, charter school and county office of education develop a policy limiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026. This bill is currently waiting on the governor's signature.
The Etiwanda School District already enforces a policy that prohibits cell phone and smartwatch use during the school day. If students bring these devices to school, they must remain inside their backpacks during the school day. Cell phones may not be used during recess or lunch. Students must wait until they are outside the school gates to use these devices. If students use these devices during the school day, they will face the consequences outlined in their school's discipline plan.
We will be closely monitoring the development of this legislation to determine its potential implications for our school district.
With the increasing popularity of electric bikes (e-bikes) and scooters (e-scooters) among our students, there is a growing need for safety awareness. To promote the safety of all our students and all local commuters, we want to remind our families and students that sharing the road with cars requires heightened vigilance and adherence to traffic rules.
Please review these important safety reminders with your child if they use an e-bike or scooter for their commute:
Obey Traffic Laws: E-bikes and scooters must adhere to all traffic regulations.
- Follow the rules of the road. Traffic lights, signs, and signals apply to all road users, including bicycles and scooters.
- Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks and crosswalks. In most cases, e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed to be ridden on city sidewalks.
- Always ride in the same direction of traffic.
Ensure Visibility: Equip e-bikes and e-scooters with adequate lights and reflectors to enhance visibility. Consider adding reflective striping to helmets and backpacks.
Exercise Caution: Remind your child to stay aware of their surroundings, give way to pedestrians and vehicles, and remain alert while riding.
By following these guidelines, we can work together to create a safer environment for all our students. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring their safety.
We are excited to share with you that the Etiwanda School District plans to introduce digital literacy lessons as part of our library curriculum for students in grades 4-8. In today’s digital world, it is more important than ever to equip our students with the skills they need to navigate online spaces responsibly and safely.
Lessons are designed to support development in areas such as managing an online presence, protecting privacy, and understanding the impact of digital communication.
We invite families to review these lessons prior to the beginning of instruction which will take place in October. A copy of these lessons is available in your school’s office and at the District Education Center located at 6061 East Ave., Etiwanda. Families can provide feedback on the lessons between now and September 20, 2024.
If you are interested in parent resources on the safe use of technology in positive and powerful ways, Common Sense Education (button below) provides resources for families with children in grades K-12 and covers all curriculum topics in English and Spanish.
Every year from September 15 to October 15, we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month. This vibrant celebration recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. With a rich tapestry of traditions, stories, and achievements, Hispanic Americans have greatly influenced our nation's narrative. From arts to sciences, politics to business, their impact is felt across all sectors. This month, let's celebrate the diversity and strength that Hispanic culture brings to America's tapestry.
Job Postings for Etiwanda School District
- Child Care Assistants - range of hours available.
- Instructional Aide Hiring Pool - once you're in the pool, you are eligible when positions open throughout the year.
- Behavior Intervention Paraprofessional - must possess Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification or provide proof of active course work, to obtain certification; and be current on CPI certification.
