Dear VCUSD family and friends,

We're thrilled to present our inaugural monthly newsletter, aiming to foster a stronger sense of community and keep you informed about the exciting happenings across the district.

As we embarked on this school year, I communicated a clear vision to our dedicated educators and staff: our primary focus would be enhancing literacy for all our students and bolstering attendance.

We recognize the critical importance of early literacy; studies have shown that students who cannot read proficiently by the third grade often face academic and lifetime challenges. To bridge this gap, we have taken decisive action. Over the summer, we gathered top-tier literacy trainers to equip our educators with the best tools and strategies. I've witnessed firsthand the positive impact of this initiative during my classroom visits.

In addition to literacy, we are equally committed to improving attendance. The research underscores that missing just 10 percent of school days, approximately two days each month, can significantly hinder a student's ability to develop proficient reading skills. Conversely, students with a consistent attendance record of at most nine days missed annually tend to remain engaged, excel academically, and stay on the path toward graduation. Regular attendance is a cornerstone of academic success, and it's vital for the entire community's prosperity. When our students regularly attend school, our entire community thrives.

As we approach the Thanksgiving, I wish you a joyful and heartwarming holiday. I eagerly anticipate our next connection in the coming month.

Warm regards,

William Spalding

Superintendent

Vallejo City Unified School District

The Vallejo City Unified School District, in collaboration with the Vallejo Teaching Artists, is broadening its commitment to arts education within our schools. During the initial semester, students from Federal Terrace, Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy, and Steffan Manor, spanning second and fifth grades, will engage in a comprehensive 10 to 15-week program centered around world music and its integration with various art forms. This semester-long endeavor will culminate in a special presentation showcasing the students' creative achievements.

Looking ahead, we aspire to extend this program to an additional six schools in the subsequent semester of the academic year.

Strategic Plan Mapping--Pillar 1: Equitable Opportunities, Equitable Outcomes; Pillar 2: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments; Pillar 3: Vibrant Culture of Teaching and Learning; Pillar 4: Community-Centered Education.

Vallejo High School's senior quarterback, Jasier Smith, was honored as the Northern California Offensive Player of the Week by Cal-Hi Sports. In a remarkable performance during the recent game against St. Patrick-St Vincent, Smith set a new single-game record by throwing eight touchdown passes, contributing significantly to the Redhawks' narrow 56-54 victory. Smith's exceptional night saw him complete 21 out of 36 pass attempts for 365 yards, with two of his six scoring passes occurring in the first half. In the current season, Smith has achieved impressive stats, having passed for 1,640 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Looking ahead, the Tri-County Athletic League, Stone Division, Champion Redhawks (7-3), will be hosting Del Norte High School (6-3), in the quarterfinals of the 2023 North Coast Section Football Championships, on Friday, Nov. 10, for a 7 p.m. matchup. The winner of Friday's game will play the winner of the No. 2 Acalanes vs No. 7 Mt. Diablo in the semifinals the following week.

Strategic Plan Mapping--Pillar 1: Equitable Opportunities, Equitable Outcomes; Pillar 2: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments.

Recently, a graduate of Jesse Bethel High School's Law Academy, first-year law student Ashley Menguito, was featured on a UC Davis School of Law's social media page.

Ashley, who attended Jesse Bethel High School's Law Academy in Vallejo through the California Leadership-Access-Workforce (Cal LAW) Pathways program, broke new ground in her family as the first to venture into college and law school. The academy equipped Ashley with a foundational understanding of the legal field, hands-on experience, and invaluable mentors. Through engaging in mock trials and embarking on field trips to the state Capitol, she gained a vivid understanding of the legal process, setting the stage for her pursuit of a career in law.

Ashley relishes her time at the UC Davis Law School, finding it a nurturing environment that prioritizes student success. She commends the approachability and friendliness of the faculty and professors, emphasizing her ability to approach them with questions comfortably. Ashley also appreciates the abundance of extracurricular activities that expose students to various facets of the law.

Strategic Plan Mapping--Pillar 1: Equitable Opportunities, Equitable Outcomes; Pillar 2: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments; Pillar 3: Vibrant Culture of Teaching and Learning; Pillar 4: Community-Centered Education.

Did you know that VCUSD has an anonymous community tip line? Anyone can report bullying, concern for self or others, discrimination or harassment, employee misconduct, physical and or/sexual abuse, threats to a school or student, and vandalism. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via any of our schools or district website. Find the link at the bottom of every school and district website under "We Tip."

We are always looking for highly-qualified staff and teachers to join our community. VCUSD has full-time and part-time positions, with flexible hours and excellent benefits for those who are eligible. We are urgently hiring bus drivers. If you know of someone who would make an excellent driver, please share!

Searching for a rewarding full-time position that offers the flexibility to prioritize your family's needs? Join the Vallejo City Unified School District as a bus driver today! Previous experience is not required. Enjoy the convenience of split shifts, enabling you to attend to errands during the day. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive compensation, retirement options, and health insurance. Plus, relish weekends, holidays, and summers off. Don't miss this opportunity – apply now!

Check out the full list of employment opportunities on our website.

Strategic Plan Mapping--Pillar 3: Vibrant Culture of Teaching and Learning.

Do you know a VCUSD teacher, staff, or student who deserves a "high five?" This person could have been helpful when working with a family, a student who is excelling in the classroom, or a staffer who helped a child having a hard day. Whatever it is, we want to celebrate them! Fill out our nomination form and see if your nominee is mentioned on social media or the VCUSD Insider newsletter!

Strategic Plan Mapping--Pillar 2: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, Pillar 3: Vibrant Culture of Teaching and Learning, Pillar 4: Community-Centered Education.

This month is full of breaks as we get closer to the winter holidays. Remember that the North West Evaluation Association (NWEA) testing period for grades 2 through 12 will commence on November 27 and conclude on December 15. To find the specific dates, please get in touch with your child's school.

For more information, please visit the District calendar.

Follow Us on Social Media!

Facebook @vcusd

Instagram @vcusd1

Have a story idea for the VCUSD Insider Newsletter? Share it with us!

665 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 | 707-556-8921 | www.vcusd.org

© Vallejo City Unified School District, 2023. All Rights Reserved