Extra Credit January 2025

Happy New Year OUSD,

As we welcome 2025, I am excited about the opportunities ahead. The new year is a time to reflect on past successes and look forward to growth and innovation. I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the determination of our students. Together, we make OUSD an exceptional place for learning and achievement.

This is also an important time for our high school students to plan for the future. Course selection season is upon us, and I am thrilled to share new opportunities available for the 2025-2026 school year. OUSD is broadening our already robust Career Technical Education (CTE) program with exciting new offerings in cybersecurity and biotechnology. These additions will provide students with valuable, hands-on experiences that prepare them for high-demand careers in cutting-edge fields.

Thanks to the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative Grant, OUSD has been awarded $97,467 to enhance our CTE programs. This funding will support career panels, organizational tours for students and educators, and professional development for teachers. Four of our OUSD teachers will soon become certified evaluators of biotechnology microcredentials. This means students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized biotechnology certifications while still in high school, giving them a significant advantage as they enter the workforce.

Additionally, now is a great time for high school students to take advantage of the college for free opportunity by enrolling in one of the MiraCosta College courses offered on our campuses. These dual enrollment classes, taught by college professors, allow students to earn college credits before graduating high school. With 611 students currently participating, this program is an excellent way to jumpstart their higher education journey.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, filled with learning, growth, and success!

There will be no school on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see you back in class on Tuesday!

The Oceanside Unified School District proudly announces that nine of its exceptional staff members have achieved National Board Certification, a distinction that represents the highest standards in teaching. This prestigious certification is designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished educators, fostering ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

National Board Certification is widely regarded as the most respected professional certification available to educators. Achieving this recognition requires teachers to undergo a rigorous, multi-year process that includes demonstrating deep knowledge of their subject matter, designing and implementing effective teaching practices, and providing evidence of their ability to positively impact student learning. It is a testament to their dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in education. The following staff members have earned this distinguished honor:

Felicia Ayala, Foussat Elementary- Generalist/Middle Childhood
Erika Fairweather, South O-School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Karisa Gleason, Foussat Elementary-Generalist/Middle Childhood
Aaron Grable, ECHS- Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence Young Adulthood
Natalie Kutches, Del Rio- School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jeara Romasanta, McAuliffe-School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Emily Shoots, Nichols- School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jack Strosahl, ECHS-Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Carrie Targhetta, ECHS-English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

By achieving National Board Certification, these educators have demonstrated their commitment to elevating the teaching profession and enhancing the learning experience for all students. Their success serves as an inspiration to their colleagues and highlights the outstanding talent within OUSD. There are now more than 40 OUSD staff members who have earned this certification.

For those wishing to apply for an intradistrict transfer for the 2025-2026 school year, open enrollment is underway and runs until 3:30 P.M. on February 28th, 2025.

An intradistrict transfer application is used to request to attend a different school in OUSD other than your school of residence.

If you are currently on an intradistrict transfer and your child will be attending the same school next year, you do not need to reapply. Students entering transitional kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade, must apply or reapply for an intradistrict transfer if they wish to attend any school other than their school of residence.

Applications for an intradistrict transfer are available to complete electronically on the district website’s registration page. Paper applications are available by request only at the ESS office. All applications are viewed based on priority criteria and school capacity. Applications are not viewed nor are decisions made based on when or in what order the application was received. The same consideration is given to all applications turned in between December 9th 2024 and February 28th 2025.

Applications are available at the Educational Support Services Office at 2080 Mission Avenue. For more information, please call (760) 966-7849 or (760) 966-7860.

After successfully piloting a school safety and audio system at two of our schools during the 23-24 school year, at the June 2024 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved installing this system at all OUSD schools.

This enhancement serves as an update to our current bell and intercom system. Each classroom teacher will have a device on a lanyard that amplifies sound throughout the classroom during every lesson. Every student, no matter where they sit, will be able to clearly hear the teacher and information being taught.

Along with audio and video capabilities, the new device incorporates a safety notification button to alert administration and front offices of any emergency situation. In the event of a classroom emergency, the teacher can activate the camera for office staff to view the situation. The device identifies the exact location to initiate school safety protocols. Further, and only in the event of a lockdown or active shooter emergency, the Oceanside Police Department can utilize these same cameras to access views into classrooms and throughout the school.

Thank you for your constant support as we work to provide a safe and modern learning

environment for all!

The OUSD Board of Education has approved an ambitious solar power initiative that will bring clean, renewable energy to district facilities at no cost to the district. This forward-thinking project is being implemented in partnership with Veregy, an energy solutions provider, through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This project, approved at the November 12 board meeting, marks a significant step towards energy efficiency and sustainability for OUSD, with expected annual savings of over $500,000.

The approved project will place solar arrays in parking lots across OUSD’s campuses, generating electricity that will be sold to the district at a fixed, competitive rate. Through the PPA structure, Veregy will cover all costs associated with designing, installing, and maintaining the solar systems, allowing OUSD to benefit from substantial energy savings without upfront financial investment. This initiative supports OUSD’s goal of reducing energy usage and creating a more efficient, environmentally responsible footprint for district facilities.

“This partnership with Veregy represents OUSD’s commitment to sustainable, fiscally responsible energy solutions that directly benefit our schools and community,” said OUSD Superintendent Dr. Julie Vitale.

Under the PPAs, the district anticipates that the costs from the agreements will be substantially lower than what it would otherwise incur for traditional energy expenses, in accordance with Government Code section 4217.10 requirements.

Thank you, parents and guardians, for doing such a great job during this transition! We could not have done it without your support. The change to viewing progress reports and report cards online through the Aeries Parent Portal went smoothly, and we’re thrilled to offer this convenient and efficient way to access your child’s academic updates.

If you have not seen your child’s report card yet, simply log on to your Aeries Parent Portal online, click on "Grades," then "Report Card History" to view your child's report card, or log into your Aeries Portal app and click on "Report Cards."

The holiday spirit was alive and well as 22 OUSD families were honored at the 9th annual Holiday of Hope event at Oceanside High School before the winter recess.

OHS was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with snow, festive decorations, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Families gathered to enjoy an evening filled with joy and generosity, hosted by Transformational Consulting in partnership with several community organizations.

The highlight of the night came when each family was presented with a $500 gift card and bags filled with holiday presents. The gift cards served as a meaningful gesture to help ease financial pressures during the holiday season.

The event’s success was made possible by the support of local partners, including the city of Oceanside Housing Department, Dr. Bronner’s Soap, Guahan Grill, McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream, Oceanside Fire Department, and many more. Their collective efforts ensured that each family left with lasting memories and a little extra cheer.

For many in attendance, the Holiday of Hope exemplified the power of community and compassion. This year’s event distributed a total of $11,000 in gift cards alongside countless smiles, continuing a beloved tradition of giving back to OUSD families during the holiday season.

Oceanside is home to the Michelin Star restaurant Valle, which opened their doors to some of our students for a unique experience. It's this week's Oside USD in One Minute. Watch it in Spanish.

Email: feedback@oside.us
Website: www.oside.us
Location: 2111 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058, USA
Phone: 760-966-4000