The Superintendent’s Update May 26, 2011

NEWS FROM KELLY As we head into the final day of the 2010-2011 school year, I would again like to take this opportunity to thank the CUSD teachers and staff for yet another year of outstanding service to our students and our community. While we faced our share of challenges, we came through them in a positive manner and we never let those challenges impact the education of our students, our #1 priority. Throughout this last week of school, we will graduate over 800 students. Each of you had a role in the success of at least one or more of these graduates—you taught them at one of our twenty-two schools, drove them to school, fed them while at school, helped to provide them a clean and safe environment in which to learn, counseled them, nursed them, assisted them and their family in the office…the list goes on and on. However, were it not for our outstanding staff and their dedication to education, many of these students would not be graduating. Kudos to you, CUSD staff, as well as to our amazing students, families, and community! I would like to mention what I am sure are just a few of the awards CUSD staff and community members have received during the last month of school. I am aware that by mentioning some, there will undoubtedly be some I inadvertently forget to mention or of which I am just not yet aware. PLEASE be sure to call or email any special recognitions or awards I have missed and I will include them in the welcome back to school Superintendent’s Update.

CUTA Teachers of the Year: Congratulations to Patty Moriarty and Lark Vickers on being selected as the CUTA Teachers of the Year. Patty Moriarty was chosen as 2010-2011 Secondary Outstanding Teacher of the Year. She has spent all 15 years in CUSD at Fair View High School. As evidenced at the 2011 Senior Awards Luncheon where she was inducted into the Fair View High School Hall of Fame, Patty is much loved and respected by staff, students and the community. Lark Vickers of Chapman Elementary School chosen as 2010-2011 Elementary Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Lark has worked for 15 years in CUSD. She began teaching in 1995 at Emma Wilson before spending 12 years at Parkview Elementary. Lark has spent the last two years at Chapman teaching second grade, where she does an excellent job teaching reading and is loved for the crafts projects she does with her students.

Masonic Teacher and Staff Member of the Year: Chico's Leland Stanford Masonic Lodge honored several teachers and classified employees of the Chico and Durham Unified School Districts during a ceremony held on May 19. They are, from Chico: Eileen Kessler, Molly Barnum, Dave Barnum, Gerald Joiner and Patricia Bigler; and from Durham: Allison Brigham and Elaine Voris. Eileen Kessler began her career in CUSD in 1988 at Hooker Oak School. In 2000, she transferred to McManus where she has been a teacher and community leader for the past 11 years. Molly Barnum began her career in CUSD as a Kindergarten teacher at Jay Partridge Elementary. With the closing of Jay Partridge in 2005, Molly moved to McManus where she has provided positive energy and much laughter for students and staff. Dave Barnum began his career in CUSD as a 5th grade teacher at Citrus Elementary in 1983. He transferred to Sierra View Elementary the next year, and has remained there for the last 26 years. He is truly an institution himself at Sierra View and will be missed tremendously by that community. Although not new to Career Technical Education or teaching, Gerald Joiner is the relative newcomer to CUSD. He began as a welding teacher at Pleasant Valley High School in 2007. He has since built the program into an award winning state and

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nationally recognized program. Pat Bigler works at the District Office as the Coordinator of Student Information where she maintains, coordinates and monitors all data related to educational programs and student data, including Aeries and CALPADS. Prior to her 2009 promotion to Coordinator of Student Information, Pat spent over 31 years as the district’s Attendance Technician. She is the student data knowledge bank of the district. Sadly, all four of the CUSD recipients are retiring this year, leaving some very big shoes to fill! Congratulations to all five of the Masonic Educators of the Year and we hope you stay in touch with us while you are enjoying your much deserved retirement.

Hank Marsh Award Winner Farshad Azad: For the past 13 years, the Chico Education Hall of Fame has honored a community member who has provided outstanding service and commitment to area schools with the Hank Marsh Award. While the Chico Education Hall of Fame is no longer in existence, CUSD and the Board of Education felt it important to continue to recognize those who give so graciously to our area schools. CUSD was honored to recognize Master Farshad Azad at the May 18 CUSD Board meeting as the 2011 recipient of the Hank Marsh Award. Congratulations and thank you Master Farshad Azad!

Superintendent’s Award for May, 2011: The Superintendent’s Award for May 2011 was awarded to Marlene Hiese by retiring Director of Alternative Education, Mr. Bernard Vigallon. Marlene, a CAL Fire Battalion Chief, has provided outstanding service to the students at Fair View High School as well as other Alternative Education programs through the program, FAST Camp. This program provides fire training for students, and in many cases ends up in job placement. Thank you Mr. Vigallon for sharing Ms. Hiese’s extraordinary volunteerism and thank you Ms. Hiese for sharing so generously of yourself with our students and our District.

Butte County ROP Teachers of the Year: CUSD and BCOE ROP Career Technical Education programs continue to win awards as they demonstrate excellence in education! Gary Loustale at Chico High (Computer Repair, Networking Technology and Computer Programming) and Cat Hooper at Fair View (Chef Prep/Restaurant Occupations) both received the 2010/11 Outstanding ROP Teacher Awards. Jerry Joiner, who is retiring at the end of the year from PVHS, received the CAROCP (California Association of Regional Occupational Centers & Programs) Butte County ROP Teacher of the Year award. Additionally, one of CHS Architecture teacher Mike Bruggeman’s students, Caleb Alldrin, was recognized as an Outstanding ROP Student. Even in these difficult times, CUSD and BCOE ROP programs exhibit outstanding teamwork that has proven to make a difference for our students. Congrats to CUSD’s Career Technical Education and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) teachers and thank you to our Butte County Office of Education ROP coordinator Paul Watters!

The California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Educator of the Year: The California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) has named Pleasant Valley High School teacher Priscilla Burns as the 2011 California ProStart Educator of the Year. Burns will be recognized at a National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Education Excellence Awards Luncheon, as well as its Salute to Excellence awards dinner in Chicago, in conjunction with the National Restaurant

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Association Show. Burns was selected from outstanding educators across the state based on the award criteria, such as working closely with members of the restaurant and foodservice industry, proven enhancements of the program and success motivating students and display of special involvement and the highest level of dedication to the ProStart program. Burns has garnered exceptional support from the Chico restaurant community, securing 29 internship sites for students this year. With more than 100 students in her 14-year-old career and technical education pathway, Burns relies primarily on state and federal grants, along with a busy student-run catering business, which provides students with a comprehensive foundational understanding of the business side of the hospitality industry. Burns studied education, culinary arts and home economics at California State University, Chico. A culinary educator for 28 years, Burns has taught at Pleasant Valley since 1997 and has been awarded many honors, including Chico Unified Teacher of the Year and California Teacher of the Year.

And finally, I’d like to end the year on a positive note that will hopefully let us all enjoy the summer as we look forward to a more stable 2011-2012 School Year. Thanks to improvements in the overall state economy (tax revenues and income tax receipts are up), it now looks as though our District may finally look forward to some fiscal stability. While we are still deficit spending, we appear to have leveled off in our declining enrollment. If this trend holds, it will help to offset some of our deficit spending, further stabilizing our District budget. THANK YOU CUSD for your sacrifices and ―we can do this‖ spirit as we went through what I hope to be the worst of the worse in our state’s history of funding for education. It is my sincere hope that we will soon be able to look at building programs instead of reducing budgets. I recognize the sacrifices every employee made in order to get our district through the fiscal crisis of the past four years, and commend all of you for your perseverance and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done for our students. I would also like to thank our Board of Education, who made some very difficult decisions in order to keep this District alive during the most difficult of financial times. 2011 Back To School Dates: In the past, there have been two work days prior to the start of the student school year. The first day has been a district-wide staff development day and the second a site contractual workday. However, as part of the contract agreement, the district-wide staff development workday has been designated as a furlough day, and thus eliminated as a work day for 2011-2012. The first contractual day for CUTA staff is the site workday, Tuesday, August 9, 2011. The first day of classes for students is Wednesday, August 10, 2011. For members of the Chico Unified Management Team (CUMA), the 2011-2012 Administrative Advance will occur on August 1, 2011. NEWS FROM EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Athletic Accountability Plan: At the May 18, 2011, CUSD Board Meeting, the CUSD Board unanimously approved the Athletic Accountability Plan, ending months of concern regarding the future of interscholastic athletics at Chico High and Pleasant Valley High Schools. A copy of the plan can be found on our website at: http://www.chicousd.org/Departments/Superintendents-Office/HOT-TOPICS/index.html. Categorical Programs and Grants Update Elementary Opportunity Program: The elementary opportunity program had a very successful first six months, and will be offered again for the 2011-12 year. A big thank you to the following dedicated staff members for helping to build and support the program: Sheri Zeno, Brian Kehoe, Marisol Morales, Norelia Caldera, Laura Fitzpatrick, Frances Stallman, Dolores Herrera, and Ted Sullivan.

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Grant Submissions: The CUSD submitted two grants:

Middle Grades Career Technical Education and Career Pathways Program: This state grant would

provide $150,000 to establish an eighth grade Digital Media and Design elective, which would introduce

students to career pathways within the Information Technology and Arts, Media and Entertainment industry

sectors. If funded, the course would be developed by counselors and teachers from each of the seven

secondary schools, and would be piloted at Bidwell in spring 2012. A second version of the course, which

would be held outside the traditional school day, would also be developed and piloted in spring 2012.

Depending on the success of the pilot, the course would be offered at Marsh in fall 2012, and at Chico Junior

in 2012 or 2013.

Carol White Physical Education Program: This federal grant would provide fitness and nutrition education

in the after school programs at nine sites: Fair View, Bidwell, Chico Junior, McManus, Citrus, Chapman,

Parkview, Rosedale, and Neal Dow. CUSD would partner with the Department of Public Health and CAVE in

this project; we hope to include the City of Chico as a partner as well.

Targeted Case Managers: Targeted Case Manager (TCM) Teacher Support Coordinators (Sheri Zeno, Terri Quinto, and Andrea Moseley) had their monthly meeting on May 10 to calendar activities for parents during the coming year. The group was pleased to learn that the district’s Parents as Teachers grant (through First Five) was extended for another year, allowing TCMs funded through that grant to continue to support parents and families. Preschool Options: There will be several opportunities in the 2011-12 academic year for preschool students to be served at our campuses.

Through a collaboration with Head Start, the district will be able to operate preschools in the existing Head

Start facilities at Rosedale and at Chapman. Margie Taresh and Jennifer Cariss will begin meeting next week

to plan assessment, curriculum, and transition to kindergarten for preschool students.

The district is also planning an all-day preschool at Parkview, slated to begin August 2011 pending licensing

approval.

CUSD Chinese Language and Culture Program: The Chico State campus newsletter printed a short article about the Chinese language and culture program at the following: http://www.csuchico.edu/inside/current-issue/china.shtml Standardized Testing & Reporting (STAR) Testing: STAR testing is the books for 2011! We shipped back over 300 boxes and 4 tons of state testing materials to the state testing vendor for scoring and inventory. Results will be reported in August. A sincere thank you to all students, teachers, administrators, clerical staff, psychologists, warehouse personnel, delivery drivers and everyone else who helped make this complex event happen this year. A special thank you to our 2010-2011 Star Site Coordinators: Andrea Moseley; Charlotte Mallory; Cindy Engberg; Claudia de la Torre; Damon Whittaker; David Hanley; David Murgia; Debbie Aldred; Diane Slater; Doneld Williams; Eileen Kessler; Ellen Johnson; Erica Sheridan; Glenn Pulliam; Karen Zoller; Kelly Ruley; Kendra Coupe; Larry Spini; Lori Castaldo; Marilyn Rees; Mary Alldrin; Michelle A. Krause; Mike Allen; Pedro Caldera; Peg C. Johnson; Pene Luchessa; Sandra Martin; Sharon Brown; Sonya Steadman; Sue Hegedus. Finally, thank you to Jennifer Bevers and Louise Workman for their efforts as part of the testing office team. Learning By Doing Workshop: Teams of teachers and administrators from each CUSD school attended the fifth of a five-part workshop series, Learning By Doing, on May 4 at the Chico Masonic Hall. School leadership teams

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continued to work on improving student learning by focusing deeply on using student results data, specific student achievement goals and collaborative teams to improve instruction. Thanks to all teachers and administrators who participated as a site leadership team member this year! Thank you to the Butte County Office of Education team for helping design and coordinate this workshop series. California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE): The final administration of the high school exit exam was held May 10th and May 11th, 2011 for grade 10 make-ups and grade 12 students who have not yet passed. The exit exam is required of all grade 10 students and is a requirement for graduation. CAHSEE Test Dates for 2011-2012: July 26, 27; October 4, 5; November 1, 2; February 7, 8; March 13, 14; May 8, 9. State Physical Fitness Testing (PFT): In California, a physical fitness test is required to be administered in the spring to students in grades 5, 7, and 9. The test results are being compiled at the district office and shipped for scanning. We should have results in June. Thank you to all teachers of PE in grades 5, 7 & 9! School Administrator’s Leadership Institute: On Monday, May 16, twelve CUSD administrators participated in the 5th workshop of a year-long series offered in the evenings by Butte County Office of Education. These interactive workshops have focused on concepts such as assessment, using data, and professional learning communities. 2010 Base Academic Performance Index (API) Report: The 2010 Base Academic Performance Index (API) Report represents the jumping-off point where, based on last year's testing results, schools are given a number of points by which they must grow (growth targets ) in order to satisfy the requirements of our state accountability system. The 2010 Base API reports, school rankings, and growth targets, are posted on the CDE Academic Performance Index Web page at: Academic Performance Index (API). Assessment Group to Reinvent itself: After six years, the Assessment Professional Learning Team, a volunteer group of high school teachers, administrators and classified staff with a passion for improving student learning through assessment, had their final meeting. The group wishes to continue to seek ways to improve assessment and teaching, but are ready to reinvent themselves with a new approach. Some group members have changed over the years, but the focus on discussing better ways to assess, teach and promote deep learning has been constant. Thanks to those who attended in 2011-2012: Brian Boyer; Charlie Copeland; Christine Callas; Cindy Triffo; Connie Chrysler; Dan Sours; Danielle Alexich; Deanna Holen; Debbie Travers; Eric Nilsson; Mike Morris; Jennifer Bevers; John Klein; John Shepherd; Julie Rix; Liz Metzger; Machell Tucker; Marcelle Gregoire; Michelle Martin; Mike Morris; Ray Barber; Tom George. A deep debt of gratitude to Marcelle Gregoire and Connie Chrysler-Anderson who have organized and led this team through regular meetings for the past six years!

WASC Recognizes Inspire School of the Arts and Sciences: After completing a written self-study review as well as hosting an on-site visit from the Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC), Inspire School of the Arts and Sciences was granted their initial accreditation term, which will run through June 30, 2012. Congratulations to Inspire! Save-the-Date Movers and Shakers: Michele Buran, MA, Physical Activity Specialist, Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion, CSU Chico is putting on a free physical activity training on June 16 in Chico. The location and agenda will be out very soon.

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Alternative Education (FVHS/AFC/CAL/Oakdale) Enrollment:

School ENROLLMENT

7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Total

Fair View 18 41 75 80 214 + 30 concurrent

AFC 9 19 26 32 19 12 117 + 30 concurrent

CAL 14 15 29

Oakdale 8 15 7 3 11 13 57 + 5 concurrent

Suspensions/Expulsions: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total

Susp 5 34 53 43 61 80 123 98 144 95 126 72 64 998

5-day 31 49 40 47 32 29 228

PendE 5

Exp 1 58

NEWS FROM BUSINESS SERVICES Facilities: On April 7, 2011, the CUSD Facilities Department began circulating a Request for Qualifications for the Measure A – Phase 3 Projects. Our intent is to select two Contractors in this process; one Contractor for the Chico High School Field House and Dining Facility Project and one Contractor for the Pleasant Valley High School New Classroom Building Project. Both of these projects are in the design development stage at this point in time. By bringing the Contractor’s on to the design team at this stage of the process the District will benefit from collaborative teamwork and pre-construction services such as constructability reviews, value engineering suggestions and budget analysis. On May 5, 2011, we received sixteen (16) impressive qualification statements in response to our request. The selection committee comprised of Jann Reed, Kathleen Kaiser, Rick Houston (BCBOE), Maureen Fitzgerald and Michael Weissenborn met on May 10, 2011, to evaluate the statements and proceeded to select seven (7) Contractors to advance to the interview stage of the process. Those contractors are: Broward Builders, Clark & Sullivan, Modern Building, Otto, Roebbelen, Sundt and Turner. The interviews are scheduled to be held on June 2, 2011, and the committee will present their recommendations to the Board of Education on June 15, 2011.

“Let’s Move” in School Campaign:

In support of the Let's Move in School Campaign, a national initiative started by Michelle Obama designed to increase physical activity, Beyonce Knowles released a video called ―Move Your Body‖ across the country encouraging students to exercise. The clip takes place in what appears to be a normal school cafeteria, until a flash mob starts and Beyonce Knowles marches in the room rocking curly hair, a white off the shoulder top, denim shorts, and green knee-highs. Chico Junior High School showed their support for the Let’s Move! Campaign by performing their version of the

―Move Your Body‖ video on Tuesday, May 3 at 10:42 a.m. at Chico Junior High School, 280 Memorial Way. Research states that 60 minutes of physical activity a day is important for student health and academic performance. The Let's Move in School Campaign provides a unified message along with tools and resources to implement a comprehensive school physical activity program. These "active outlets" include morning announcements, classroom activity breaks, integration of activity into classroom lessons, recess, activity clubs, walk to school programs, and intramural and interscholastic sports. Let’s send a giant shout out to Chad Allen and Kris Foster along with all the Chico Jr. High Staff for making this wonderful event a success! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC3gPG6_vTw

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NEWS FROM HUMAN RESOURCES CSEA, Chapter 110 Negotiations: The teams met on Friday, May 6. Most of this session was spent dealing with potential modifications to the order in which open positions are offered to existing employees. Conceptual agreement was reached. The parties will work on developing draft language that will be presented at the next bargaining session. There was also discussion about modifications to language dealing with the use of personal necessity days. Chico Unified Teachers’ Association (CUTA) Negotiations: The teams met on Tuesday, May 10 regarding the changes to the Red Plan (medical insurance) that were implemented by the JPA. No resolution was reached and the teams agreed to meet again on Thursday, June 9. Chico Sunrise Rotary Career Day: The Chico Sunrise Rotary Club conducted its annual Career Day on Tuesday, May 3 at Chico High. This event provides high school students with an opportunity to speak with someone who is actually working in a career that they might be interested in pursuing. This year some of the presenters from fields such as solar energy, construction, law, forensic pathology, dentistry, television news, funeral services and chiropractic. At the end of the event the students were treated to pizza. Several prizes were given out including gift certificates to Best Buy, iTunes and 2 iPods.

Classified Human Resources: Cal PERS recently sent information discussing timelines to consider when considering retirement. Please consider these ―steps‖ prior to retirement and make sure that you contact the payroll and classified human resources department for appropriate internal documents and for any support you need when considering retirement. The information below is from the Spring 2011 School Members Edition of the CalPERS publication ―Perspective‖...

Retiring this year? If so, be sure to submit your Service Retirement Election Application to CalPERS 90 days before your desired retirement date. The transition from employment to retirement is a journey of sequential steps – steps you take in order, allowing the right amount of time so that you can retire on your desired retirement date.

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Steps to take prior to your retirement date: Obtain a retirement benefit estimate at www.calpers.ca.gov and schedule a retirement class.

Timeline: 6 months prior to retiring Make an appointment with CalPERS if you need assistance with your retirement paperwork.

Timeline: 5 months prior to retiring Have your employer complete the employer certification portion of your service retirement

application. Timeline: 4 months prior to retiring Complete your Direct Deposit Authorization form. Timeline: 90 days prior to retiring Submit your Service Retirement Application. Timeline: 90 days prior to retiring

You can find this Retirement Planning Checklist and the necessary forms on the CalPERS website at www.calpers.ca.gov

NEWS FROM SCHOOL SITES Golden State Seal Merit Diploma: It is a pleasure to announce that the numbers of students meeting the state criteria for the GOLDEN STATE SEAL MERIT DIPLOMA at both CHS and PVHS has increased this year. In the class of 2011: there are 79 seniors at CHS who meet the criteria for Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas (up from 69 students last year!) and there are 80 seniors at PVHS who meet the criteria for Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas (up from 74 students last year)! To qualify for the GSSMD, students must be receiving a high school diploma and must have earned a scaled score of 370 or above on six qualifying California Standards Tests, which are administered under California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program.

California Dream Week: The sponsors of the first annual California Dream Week event did an awesome job and gave away a lot of money in scholarships to students. Chico High ROP CAD drafting student Matt Hutter won 1st place and a $1,000 scholarship for his Architectural Design. His work is on display at Zucchini and Vine and will be entered into competition at Cal Expo with other Chico High projects. Congratulations to Drafting Instructor Mike Bruggeman on yet another successful competition!!! Inspire students Giovanni Lopez-Quesada and Lyle Hayden won first prize for product and received $500 each. They designed and submitted plans for a battery that recharges when it is shaken and is built with all recyclable parts.

CHS Band Concert: The Chico High Band presented the Big Band and the Silver Screen Concert at the Laxon Auditorium on Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 pm. The concert featured music from the big band era and the movies. The music was pleasant and toe tapping and Todd Filpula did a great job with the introduction of each song. Science Partnership: On May 5 students from Parkview Elementary School visited Sal Reyna’s and Brad Gripenstraw science classrooms at Chico High School as part of the ―Teach to Learn‖ grant. The fifth grade classes of Julie Nilsson and Deidra Cross participated in a hand-on Science lab with high school students. Highlights included: exploring real pig organs including a heart and lung, lung capacity, vocal cords and how they work, effects of tobacco use on the mouth and much more. Great job Parkview and Chico High School students!

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Congratulations to CHS AP Students and AP Teachers: The recent upward trend in students enrolled in Advance Placement Courses at CHS will continue next year even though overall enrollment at the school has declined by about 100 total students for 2011-12 school year. The number in the parenthesis is the total number of AP courses enrolled in for that year. Last year they had a total pass rate of 71.7%. The recent AP European History class the board approved last year has grown from about 60 students this year to 105 for next year. Kudos to CHS for promoting a culture of high academic achievement.

2006-07 (321)

2007-08 (328)

2008-09 (360)

2009-10 (467)

2010-11 (677)

2011-12 (735) CHS Pumped Up Their Tires and Checked Their Gears for Bike Week from May 16-20: For the last three years, CHS staff has won the "Best District Participation Award; they had more staff ride their bikes to school than any other school staff in the district! For the fourth year in a row, Chico High Staff won the district Bike Week contest for best participation and enthusiasm!!! By their actions, they modeled the importance of being physically active, living healthy lifestyles as well as being environmentally sensitive. They are part of a national effort to encourage students and staff to try bike commuting for the first time or re-inspire veteran riders. This event is to promote healthy living, a smoke free environment and to have fun!!! CHS staff who rode their bike to school last week, saw a table with balloons set up in front of the school. At the table, there were bike stickers, pins and healthy strawberry "taste testings." During bike week, they had a "Secondhand Smoke Awareness Campaign" where Chico High Students had a chance to win a new bike. Interested students submitted artwork in the forms of slogans, poems, drawings or photographs to Sue Baber. Students who submitted art work on the dangers of secondhand smoke received a ticket to be entered in a free drawing for the bike. Over 50 Chico High School students submitted outstanding artwork on the dangers of secondhand smoke. Kenny Rosecrance was the very grateful winner of the new bike.

A big thank you to: Pete Hollingsworth and Karen Goodwin for organizing this great Chico biking event again; the three very enthusiastic student government students who helped to organize and run the Chico

High bike week events: Kelsey Mundy, Kendall Howell and Harrison Power; Carol Welty and the SCNAC program for providing honey roasted sunflower seeds, locally grown

strawberries and healthy strawberry smoothies to our students and staff bikers; and Sue Baber for coordinating!!

Congratulations to the following staff members who were part of the winning team: Reg Govan, Karen Armstrong, Bill Ward, Robin Carriere, Kim Marshall, Sue Boyer, Bruce Dillman, Zack Kincheloe, John Klein, Abe Simmons, Joe Asnault, Cindy Cox, Alain Millon, Kevin Girt, Walter Newman, Kim Dixon, Diane Kennedy, Cindy Triffo, Dianne Regh, Mike Allen, Jill Vanderheiden, Peg Johnson and Angie Ayers.

Artwork for a Healthy Lifestyle: The seven winning posters are outstanding, and all of the Chico High artists are winners. There were 187 students and staff who voted for their top three. A big thank you to the library staff and NAC

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students for their support and participation in the process. The winning posters will be displayed at the district office and Grilla Bites during the summer months. Congratulation to the following Very Talented Students…

First Place: Maddie Sullivan-Hames

Second Place: Nimai Buroz

Third Place: Hannah Ehrlich

Honorable Mention: Cole Baker, Emma Blankenship, Mali Jones and Zach Nielson

PVHS/CHS/BCOE Staff and Interesting Colleagues: The following businesses that have taken the time to act as mentors and partners with ROP Culinary II. Please thank them (if you know one of these business partners) for their willingness to have students and show them patronage. All of these students are on ―community classroom‖ contracts for eight hours a week. The students are doing a fabulous job and have impressed many of the business mentors. Many of these students are on their way to payroll contracts for the summer. Students are working a variety of positions at each property. Front of house positions include host, wait staff, bussing and expedite. Back of house includes pantry, prep, scullery, cold pantry, hot line and shadowing the management. Most students have been at their jobsites since April. Each student has a training plan and weekly schedule. Many students worked Mothers Day! That was an eye opener for many. Some are successfully transitioning to payroll, if appropriate.

Business Partner Student Placement Business Partner Student Placement

5th Street Steakhouse Tanner Hord Opt for Fit Kids Melissa Goings Angelo’s Cucina Trinacria Karli Dominguez Panighetti Amber Herrod Cabana Café Lindsey Hersh Pelican’s Roost Dalton Whitworth Cocodines Sehyung Park Pita Pit Tyler Iacuessa Cold Stone Creamery Sophia Villegas Pluto’s Alfred Wall Country Waffle Natasha Gwathney Raley’s East Ave. Naomi Helton Farm Starm Maci Briggs Red Tavern Mack Johnston Fast Eddie Sandwiches Chandler Pickering Riverside Kayla van Lann Gooney Bird Tiffany Robbins Safeway on East Ave Dillon Oberman Grilla Bites Will Dickinson Scrambles Alyssa Sherlock Left Coast Pizza Micheal Arney Sicilian Café Casey Dunn Leon’s Bistro Arielle Danan The Courtyard Zack Rubino Mims Bakery Abbey Skillcorn Upper Crust Kelly Carey Nash’s Alyssa Barker

PVHS Chair Project: Students in Susan Christensen’s beginning sculpture classes at Pleasant Valley High School painted primary chairs in the style of different artists. After researching their artists, they made a presentation to an elementary class about the artist, and gave the chair to the class. Approximately sixty students worked on the project, and made their presentations to over 750 elementary students. The project was made possible by a mini-grant from ―Arts For All‖. Arts For All is a group of visual and performing arts boosters for the CUSD. They support quality, accessible and equitable arts education. Members include community volunteers, CUSD staff and parents. For membership information contact Kim Kurnizki (530) 343-1462 or Pennie Baxter at pbaxter@chicousd.org. Donations can be made to NVCF/Arts For All, through the North Valley Community Foundation. - Susan Christensen, PVHS

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BIG News from Industrial Technologies & Video Production at PVHS and Butte County ROP at the California STATE LEVEL: Pleasant Valley High School and Butte County ROP Industrial Technologies students were joined by Mr. Peck's PV and ROP Television Video Production students for the SkillsUSA California State Competition held on Thursday April 28 - Sunday May 1 in San Diego, CA. Students competed in the Welding Skills, Power Equipment Technology, CNC Machining, Building Construction-Teamworks and Television Video Production contests. Of the 25 Students that had invested in themselves by qualifying at the regional level, five were medal winners from PV at the state level; two have qualified to represent Pleasant Valley High School and Butte County ROP and compete at the National Competition in Kansas City, KS, in June 2011. Thank you to the eleven parents who also made the long drive or flight south to help transport and support their students with us at State Competition. This year’s competitors and contests are as follows:

Kiefer Nelson Power Equipment Technology GOLD Medal Winner

Jordan Weber CNC Milling GOLD Medal Winner

Andrew Lake Television Video Production SILVER Medal Winner

Victoria Soto Television Video Production SILVER Medal Winner

Cody Gubbels Gas Metal Arc Welding SILVER Medal Winner

Gino Manicci Gas Metal Arc Welding Patrick O’Keefe Television Video Production

Scott White Oxygen-Acetylene Welding Emma Parsons Television Video Production

Shelby Pickard Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Kevin Wheeler Building Construction-Teamworks

Angel Saenz Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Jessica Sannar Building Construction-Teamworks

Jake Price Shielded Metal Arc Welding Will Christiansen Building Construction-Teamworks

Shane McIntosh Shielded Metal Arc Welding Alina Steadman Building Construction-Teamworks

Brad Coupe Combo Welding Trent Wesley Building Construction-Teamworks

Skyler Marolla Welding Fabrication Jacob Chaffin Building Construction-Teamworks

Taylor Baird Welding Fabrication Elvis Douglas Building Construction-Teamworks

Tanner Roggero Welding Fabrication Ethan Young Building Construction-Teamworks

All of our students should be commended for their desire to compete and proudly represent their school at the STATE level, as the level of competition is fierce and medals don’t come easy. A special ―Thank You‖ to Shawn Meeder, who has returned to the SkillsUSA organization to be the Power Equipment Technology contest coordinator at the Regional and California State Skills contests. - Jerry Joiner, Mike Peck, and Matt Joiner

Solar Panels: Below a picture of PVHS students installing the solar panel project on the PVHS campus.

Thank You Shasta PTO: Thank You to the Shasta PTO for donating $5,000 to fund the NEW A. R. Reading program. The Shasta PTO also donated $700 for a new laser printer ($700) in the computer lab, $1,000 for a shed for the science equipment and $260 to support Mr. Hulley and the next Shasta musical, Aladdin. Finally, they donated

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over $1000 from the raffle that they organized on Grandparents day to the Learning Center. THANK YOU SHASTA PTO!!! Inspire Interact Club’s Duck and Dine: This event was a lot of fun – great tri-tip lunch, well organized and for an excellent cause. Interact clubs from Inspire, PVHS, Durham, CHS and Paradise were all represented and helped with the event. Inspire’s Interact Club was the lead coordinator of the event and did a wonderful job. Many families in the Dominican Republic will benefit from the new water filters they will receive as a result of this effort. Students Jarred Morales-McKenzie, Che Morrow, Crystal Lake, Giovanni Lopez-Quesada, Maddison Heffley, Anna Firth, Gabriella Rubio and Haley Shadwick should be recognized for all their hard work. A special thanks also goes to Rose Krepelka for advising the club this year. Fundraiser for AFC Scholarship: Mr. Vigallon’s last carwash fundraiser was held on Saturday, May 14, 9:30am-1:30pm at 290 East Ave. Donations went to the AFC Scholarship Fund for previous AFC students who are graduating CUSD. We will all miss you Mr. Vig—so don’t be a stranger! Special Olympics: MJHS participated in the Butte County Track Special Olympics Games held at CSU, Chico on Friday, May 6. Approximately 50 CJSF volunteers were chosen to be a coach or buddy for the special athletes. The Coaches attended several training sessions with their MJHS special buddy to prepare them for the events. Buddies cheered on the athletes throughout the event day. This was a heartwarming day filled with smiles and enthusiasm as every athlete became a ―winner‖.

Rosedale Celebration of Cultures (Celebración de cultura): Rosedale Two Way Immersion School celebrated their annual Celebration of Cultures (Celebración de cultura) on May 5. The front area of the school was festive and lively; it was a wonderful family evening highlighting music, songs, poetry, and dances from around the world. Every class from every grade performed an act and every parent was beaming! Students also wowed everyone with a beautiful presentation from the after school strings class featuring violins and cellos. The after school Ballet Folklórico closed the night with five groups of children from kindergarten to fourth grade dancing traditional Mexican dances. Many of our parents helped support the yummy food booths! Rosedale students, teachers and staff, and parents are fabulous! Grandparents Day at Shasta: On Friday, May 6, Shasta School held its 39th annual Grandparents, Friends and Family Day. We had a fantastic day with over 1,800 people in attendance. This year’s theme was ―This Is My Country‖. After a full range of activities and events the day was capped off with an All School Sing honoring Our Country. There was hardly a dry eye after the flag waving finale honoring all veterans in attendance that remained

The Superintendent’s Update Page 13 of 15

standing during the song. Jim Book was an honored guest. Jim graduated from Shasta School 71 years ago! I think it was the best Grandparents Day ever.

Bidwell Angels Host Appreciation Tea at Citrus School: Citrus School teachers were honored at an Appreciation Tea put on by the Bidwell Angels this past Thursday. The setting for the afternoon was the beautiful Wear home, set out among the walnut trees. We were treated to delicious finger sandwiches, a multitude of homemade sweet treats, chocolate covered strawberries, tea and hand-squeezed lemonade. Being able to sit with each other in fellowship and fun over a cup of tea reminded all of us once again that it takes the commitment of many people working and caring together for our children to do the tremendous work we do. Citrus School is so fortunate for our partnership with Bidwell Presbyterian. They continue to be a blessing to us, every day in so many ways. CUSD IN THE NEWS

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The Superintendent’s Update Page 14 of 15

PRESS RELEASE Neal Dow Elementary School

NAMED TO NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL PROGRAM Neal Dow’s accomplishments factored into selection;

Involvement expected to further accelerate academic achievement May 13, 2011, Chico, CA – Neal Dow has been recently named as a Lighthouse Candidate School, an opportunity that only a handful of carefully selected schools nationwide have been awarded by Renaissance Learning. As a Lighthouse Candidate School, Neal Dow, will participate in a three-year process that will involve the implementation of several initiatives such as: enabling one-to-one computing access for every student, setting individualized student goals in the critical skills of reading, math, and writing, providing on-the-job professional development for teachers, and enhancing parental and community involvement in the school. Once Neal Dow completes the three-year program, it will become an official Lighthouse School that other can observe to develop their programs. Neal Dow was selected for the program on the basis of its strong, effective leadership, dedicated teachers and high levels of parental involvement. Renaissance Learning’s Lighthouse School’s program was designed to help school achieve significant academic growth in all subjects for all students, as well as improve qualitative measures, such as school climate, teacher satisfaction, parent support, community engagement and college-and-career-readiness. ―Neal Dow was chosen for the Lighthouse Schools program because we recognize the effort its leadership, teachers, students, and community have put into reaching their achievements thus far.‖ said Carolyn Denny, Vice President of School Improvement Programs at Renaissance Learning. ―It’s factors like these that will make their addition to the Lighthouse Schools Program beneficial to all involved.‖ ―We’re confident that participating in the Lighthouse Schools program will only take our success to a higher level, while allowing the Chico community and parents to play a greater role,‖ said Marilyn Rees. ―Our teachers are very excited about the program but our students will benefit the most – as a result of our involvement in the Lighthouse Program, they’re going to be more engaged in reading, math and writing than ever before.‖ In addition, Neal Dow’s participation in the program will include Mrs. Rees’s attendance at a principal forum this June that will provide ongoing leadership training and the opportunity to exchange ideas with and learn from other Lighthouse Schools. She will also attend a one-week training scheduled this July in Texas with lead teacher, Anne McLean. For more that 25 years, Renaissance Learning has been helping schools nationwide boost academic achievement through innovative software that assesses, motivates, manages and accelerates learning by focusing students on practicing vital skills. After the initial startup, Neal Dow plans to share their programs with schools that might be interested in a new and exciting ways to teach and reach students.

The Superintendent’s Update Page 15 of 15

The Fair View Community hosted the Board Workshop meeting held at the FVHS campus in the multi-purpose room. Delicious appetizers were served by the Fair View Culinary Arts students as Board Members and guests arrived. Two tours of the Alternative Education campus were provided by Principal Vigallon and David McKay during which teachers and students presented information highlighting key areas of their programs. When people returned to the multi-purpose room a student panel consisting of FVHS students Sierra Gonzalez, Jenny Souriya, David Holley, Karysa Cox and Isaac Munoz presented information about how they arrived on the alternative education campus, their experiences and addressed questions from the Board, CUSD Administration, and the audience. Principal Vigallon then presented information on the past, present, and future of CUSD Alternative Education.

Panthers storm way to title; hurdlers are bigChico High Girls Hurdlers EAL North Championships Report – Friday, May 13 at Pleasant Valley

from Coach Sheley

Maddie Sullivan-Hames won the EAL North championship in the 100-meter hurdles thanks to her 17.52-second performance.

What an amazing team performance at the league championships! After our dual meet streak was broken April 6 with a two-point loss to PV, we came back to take our 11th league championship in the last 12 years. We scored 156 points, followed by PV in second with 126 points,

and down the line with the rest of the schools. This also boosts the girls track championships to a total of 27, which is – by far – the highest number of

any sports team in the history of Chico High School. The varsity hurdlers scored 42 team points (almost 30 per-

cent of the total) with some great performances. In the 100-meter race, we took four of the six scoring places and

could have taken five but were limited by league rules on our entries.

Maddie Sullivan-Hames took first (17.52) and also a third in the high jump event. Stephanie Allen (third, 17.78), Julia Thomas (fourth, 17.82) and Alicia Scott (fifth, 18.51) made it a Red & Gold fin-ish. Julia also ran a leg on the fourth-place 4x100 relay team.

Later in the meet we came back to take four of the six scoring places in the 300m hurdle race. Amy Bower (52.14) led the 3-4-5-6 Panthers finish. Alicia Scott (fourth, 53.09), Stephanie Allen (fifth, 53.25) and Kallan Berglund (sixth, 54.43) rounded out the scoring.

The JV team finished 4th with 66 points. Jo Jo Myre took fourth in the 100m hurdles (18.43), followed by Mirra Still-man (seventh, 18.56) and Sydney Flau (eighth, 18.86).

We did not score in the long hurdle race so have to do some work there for next year. From here the competition gets tougher as we move on to the Large School Championships at Enterprise High School on Friday, May

20. All the above varsity hurdlers have qualified for that meet along with Jo Jo Myre in the JVs. From that meet only the top four move on to the Northern Section Championships at West Valley on May 27.

Kallan BerglundJo Jo Myre

Mirra Stillman

Alicia Scott Stephanie Allen

Amy BowerSydney Flau Julia Thomas

CUSD Nutrition Services Professionals - the Miracle Workers in School Cafeterias

Our Child Nutrition Professionals throughout the district are miracle workers at working with complex nutrition regulations

and strict food safety requirements, school nutrition professionals have their plates full, yet every school day they provide

healthy meals to more than 9,000 children across the district every school day.

These ladies and gentlemen must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure

safe and healthy meals are available in their school. They must meet all the requirements of the federal and state

regulations; effectively efficiently follow complex regulations such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Principles

and at all times ensure the lunches they serve provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein,

Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron and calcium, among other standards. All of this must be achieved within the framework of a

budget that leaves little more than $1 to purchase food for each meal.

In most of our cafeterias, school nutrition employees move hundreds of students through the lunch line with only a few

seconds to ensure each tray contains the required components of a reimbursable meal, assist students with food allergies,

ring up each meal, provide change and offer a gentle smile.

In the face of these challenges, child nutrition professionals use their creativity to make the cafeteria a fun and welcoming

place all year long and perform their jobs each day because they care passionately about the children they serve.

Here are some examples of our Child Nutrition Professionals:

This newsletter is provided as a wellness resource by CUSD’s School Nutrition Program & Wellness Committee

This newsletter is provided as a wellness resource by CUSD’s School Nutrition Program & Wellness Committee