TTUSD District Update
September 2024
In this Month's Newsletter
A Message from the Superintendent
District Strategic Plan Check-In
Academic Achievement
Family Math Nights Coming Up
Updated Tech Policies | Keeping the Focus on Learning
Experience the Joy of Teaching as a TTUSD Substitute Teacher
Academic Achievement Tip | Love of Reading!
Support Systems
Enhanced Student Chromebook Security and Streamlined Login
New Visitor Management Systems Implemented at All TTUSD School Sites
ALICE | A Proactive Approach to School Safety
September is Attendance Awareness Month
Social Emotional Learning Tip | Self-Awareness: Check-In On Feelings!
Community Connections
Excellence in Education | Support our Students Fundraising Campaign
Don’t Drop the Top Community Sort Day is Coming Up
Dining for Schools Cards are Now Available and Active
Upcoming Important Dates
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear TTUSD Families,
As the crisp autumn air settles over our community, I wish you all a happy fall.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who attended our Back-to-School Nights. It’s a joy to welcome families onto our campuses to build relationships with your child's teacher, class, and school community. These partnerships will collectively create a supportive and nurturing learning environment for our children.
Additionally, I want to recognize our community partners who support us in providing a safe learning environment for students and staff. Two weeks ago, we became aware of a vague threat on social media regarding the Friday night THS football game. We immediately reported it to law enforcement, and after review, they agreed that it was appropriate to move forward with the game.
I want to thank the Truckee Police Department, Nevada County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol for their support during the game. Their presence, along with the extra safety measures implemented by our incredible TTUSD staff, helped ensure a safe and enjoyable event. And congrats to our THS Wolverines for their victory over Spring Creek!
Unfortunately, threats to schools on social media have become a nationwide trend, as reported by KCRA and in a letter from Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica and Sheriff Wayne Woo. While these threats may be vague, we do take them all seriously.
You are also a critical partner in maintaining a safe environment for our students, staff, and community members. Please remind your students of the “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” practice. It’s crucial that our students report any behaviors they witness or hear about that could harm or distress other students or staff members. Our schools remain safe when we are all active participants in maintaining a secure and supportive school environment.
To address concerns about school safety, we're planning a TTUSD Safety Information Night in November, one lakeside and one in Truckee. Join us as we partner with local law enforcement to discuss our school safety plans and offer an opportunity to address any questions you may have. More details will be shared soon.
As we continue this school year together, I'm thrilled to see our families enjoying all our schools' wonderful fall activities. Your support and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. Thank you for being a part of the TTUSD family.
Warm Regards,
Kerstin Kramer
Superintendent Chief Learning Officer
District Strategic Plan Check-In
As the school year begins, our teams are tackling Year 2 action items in our Strategic Plan.
One initiative involves our commitment to the Collective Action of Labor and Management (CALM) committee. This collaborative body includes district leadership, board members, and representatives from the Tahoe Truckee Education Association (TTEA) and California School Employees Association (CSEA). The committee's purpose is to work together to address employee needs, foster open communication, and promote a positive work environment.
Action 2.3.3 calls for implementing CALM-identified actions to address staff morale and well-being. In mid-September, CALM committee members participated in a facilitated training to re-establish their purpose and strengthen collaboration. Skills they learned will be used in bimonthly meetings to ensure compassion and understanding as the group works through important topics.
Additionally, our Superintendent and Executive Cabinet staff visited departments and school sites to gather input on developing an effective districtwide recognition program, an idea inspired by the CALM committee. The valuable feedback will guide the creation of a program that honors our incredible staff throughout the year in a way that means something to them.
Family Math Nights Coming Up
To ensure a smooth transition to our new math curriculums, we’re partnering with Eureka Math2 and Carnegie Math to have representatives onsite in October and November.
Our dedicated math teachers will receive professional development sessions, and families and students are invited to attend Family Math Nights. On these nights, you can learn more about your child’s math curriculum and how to support them through available parent resources. Spanish interpretation services will be provided at the in-person meetings. The exact times and locations will be shared soon!
Can’t attend in person? Don’t worry! The meeting will also be recorded and streamed on TTSUD.org so you can watch when most convenient.
Family Math Night with Eureka Math2
Date: October 30 and November 13, 2024
Who: Families with students in kindergarten - 5th grade
Family Math Night with Carnegie Math
Date: November 7, 2024
Who: Families with students in 6th - 12th grades
Updated Tech Policies | Keeping the Focus on Learning
The California legislature recently passed Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act, which addresses concerns about smartphones' negative impact on student academic performance and mental health. On Monday, Governor Newsom signed that bill into law, which requires all California schools to limit or ban student smartphone use on campus starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
In 2020, the TTUSD board proactively approved a policy restricting cell phones, smartwatches, and other mobile devices during instructional time. At the start of this year, many of our schools rolled out updated site-specific technology policies to further enhance this focus on undistracted learning. Our board will continue to ensure its policy aligns with the new law and will revisit the districtwide policy well before the mandated deadline.
We appreciate your partnership in enforcing these rules, which aim to minimize distractions and create a positive learning environment for all students. If you need to communicate with your child during the school day, please get in touch with the school office, and we’ll relay all messages in a timely manner.
Experience the Joy of Teaching as a TTUSD Substitute Teacher
Join the TTUSD team as a substitute teacher and discover the fulfillment of positively impacting students’ lives. With a bachelor’s degree, you can provide temporary classroom coverage, gain valuable experience in education, and contribute to the success of our students.
Enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment. Learn more and apply today!
Enhanced Student Chromebook Security and Streamlined Login
We're excited to announce a new, secure login process for our TTUSD student Chromebooks. This update offers increased protection for student accounts while simplifying the login experience, especially for our younger learners.
How it Works:
A QR code reader will now appear on the Chromebook login screen.
Younger students will use a secure badge to scan and log in effortlessly.
Older students can click "Enter Google Account Info" and use their Google username and password as usual.
Please rest assured student privacy remains a top priority. The camera is solely used for scanning badges, and no video is ever recorded or sent.
In the coming months, we'll be adding multi-factor authentication to keep student accounts even safer; more information will follow. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact our Chief Technology Officer, Ed Hilton, at ehilton@ttusd.org.
New Visitor Management Systems Implemented at All TTUSD School Sites
We've introduced a visitor management system called VisitU to enhance campus safety and streamline visitor check-in.
When visiting a TTUSD campus, simply scan your driver's license at the front desk. It will verify your identity and check the national offender database. Once approved, you'll receive a QR code sticker to wear during your visit. Please be assured that your information is treated with the utmost confidentiality and will not be shared.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
Easy Check-In: Simply place the back of your driver's license in the designated tray and select the reason for your visit.
QR Code Sticker: A sticker with a QR code will be printed for you to wear during your visit.
Check-Out: When you're ready to leave, scan the QR code at the designated station.
ALICE | A Proactive Approach to School Safety
Student and staff safety is our top priority. That's why we continue to use ALICE TrainingⓇ, a district-wide initiative that equips staff and students with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to potential violent threats.
ALICE is a proactive, options-based strategy that teaches life skills through age-appropriate training. The comprehensive program emphasizes active decision-making and empowers individuals to respond based on their specific situations, comfort, and safety levels.
In June, twenty-eight TTUSD staff members underwent a 2-day in-person ALICE training to become certified trainers, demonstrating our commitment to this vital program.
Preparing our students and staff for potential active shooter situations is crucial. Through annual training sessions and regular drills, we're fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.
September is Attendance Awareness Month
September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we're excited to share that our Here to Succeed attendance campaign efforts are back! You should have recently received a personalized letter emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance to kick off the year.
Building on last year's positive results, we're committed to improving attendance and reducing suspensions. Strong attendance habits and family involvement are key to student success.
To keep you informed, our teams will reach out to families if your child's attendance shows patterns for concern. You'll also receive letters when absences reach certain thresholds.
Let's work together to ensure your child's academic success. Stay engaged in their education and communicate openly with our school team.
Excellence in Education | Support Our Students Fundraising Campaign
Our incredible partners at Excellence in Education recently launched a Support Our Students fundraising campaign to raise $20,000 between September 20th and September 30th to fund even more classroom and district-wide grants directly benefiting TTUSD students. Just last month, they awarded sixty classroom grants, totaling over $190,000, for teachers to enhance classrooms and student learning experiences.
Every donation, big or small, will directly impact our students’ success. Please consider supporting this important campaign if possible. More information can be found at exined.org.
Don’t Drop the Top Community Sort Day is Coming Up
Born from a winning idea in the 2020 EcoChallenge, Don't Drop the Top is a community program led by the Shane McConkey Foundation and Ms. Perkins, a 5th-grade teacher at Truckee Elementary. It collects plastic bottle tops and lids, transforming them into beautiful benches and raised garden beds for Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. Don’t Drop the Top also received sponsorship funds from the North Tahoe Community Alliance.
Calling all community members and TTUSD high school students looking for community service hours!
Join the Shane McConkey Foundation for their third annual Community Sort Day to support this amazing program. Food, snacks, drinks, and prizes will be provided to keep you fueled and engaged.
When: October 5 & 6, 2204 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Truckee Elementary Gymnasium
Last year, 106 volunteers sorted over 1,700 pounds of caps, which turned into 17 stunning benches! Sign up to be part of this fun and impactful event. Organizers will gladly sign community service forms for students interested in logging hours.
RSVP for the event HERE!
Dining for Schools Cards are Now Available and Active
Support education when you purchase a Dining for Schools card!
Enjoy 50% off any individual dinner entrée at participating North Tahoe and Truckee restaurants. Cards can be purchased at exined.org or Mountain Hardware, the Safeway in Kings Beach, or the Save Mart in Truckee.
The non-transferable cards are valid Sunday through Thursday (holidays excluded) from Sept. 22 through Dec. 12, 2024, and March 30 through May 29, 2025. Some restaurants honor the cards during an extended period of Jan.5 through March 27, 2025. Cards may be used unlimited times at any participating restaurant during the valid period. New this year, Wild Pine at Northstar California and Best Pies Pizzeria & Restaurant have been added to the incredible list of participating restaurants.
All proceeds benefit TTUSD classrooms by providing grants for supplemental learning materials such as musical instruments, STEAM supplies, curriculum support, and more.
Upcoming Important Dates
September 27 | Glenshire Elementary Eagle Walk
October 1 | College & Career Fair at Truckee High School
October 2 | Donner Trail Elementary Yuba River Day
October 4 | Truckee High School Homecoming Football Game
October 13 - 19 | School Administrator Week
October 13 | Truckee Elementary Pumpkin Patch and Kermes
October 16 | North Tahoe School Fall Concert
October 17 | Truckee High School Fall Concert
October 17 | Great California Shakeout - Earthquake Drill
October 18 | Truckee Elementary Walkathon
October 18 | Kings Beach Elementary Walk-a-thon
October 18 | North Tahoe School WalkFest
October 21 - 25 | Conference Week, Minimum Days for Elementary and Middle Schools
October 22 | Measure AA Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting
October 23 | All Schools Minimum Day
October 23 | Tahoe Lake Elementary Go for the Gold Walk-a-thon
October 29 | North Tahoe High School Homecoming Rally
October 30 | Family Math Night with Eureka Math2
November 1 | No School, TTUSD Professional Development Day
November 1 | North Tahoe High School Friday Night Lights Football Game
November 4 - 8 | Special Educator Week
November 7 | Family Math Night with Carnegie Math
November 13 | Family Math Night with Eureka Math2
November 14 | North Tahoe High School Open House
November 15 & 16, 22 & 23 | Truckee High School Fall Play
