Perris Union High School District Newsletter THE “SUPES” ON…... October 2014 BOARD OF TRUSTEES William F. Hulstrom Superintendent’s Message The following is an excerpt of the speech I gave on August 5, 2014 to all employees. As a series of snapshots of our accomplishments in 2013-14, it bears repeating: So, let’s start off by talking about our District-wide accomplishments for 2013-14…they are numerous, and in advance I want you to know this list is not exhaustive, so if I leave some off the list that you feel should be on the list I apologize in advance. President Joan D. Cooley Vice President David G. Nelissen Clerk Edward Agundez Member Carolyn A. Twyman Member DID YOU KNOW Did you know staff has access to emergency information and updates? Staff Hotline for Emergency Announcements and Updates: (951) 92-ALERT (922-5378) (Please note this line is not monitored) Emergency updates on website: www.puhsd.org/emergency/info INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Superintendent’s Message 1 Educational Services 2-3 Business Services 3-4 Human Resources 4 Smarter Balanced Assessments, otherwise known as CAST, with ongoing professional development was not a top-down initiative. Rather it was a collaborative effort from classroom teachers, our support staff in technology, with input and support from Administration. We were also fortunate to have the full support of our Governing Board, and it started more than five years ago. Last school year, was our initial year in implementing Common Core in English Language Arts and Mathematics. As with Scholar+, the experts are our own classroom teachers working in conjunction with Educational SerAs a District last year, we put vices to design and implement 10,000 Chromebooks in the Common Core lessons, units, and hands of our students to take to formative assessments. school and bring home at night and on the weekends, becoming Last school year for the second the first District in California to roll year in a row, the Perris Union -out such an ambitious plan. High School District had the highAlong with that, every classroom est percentage of English Learnteacher was offered an iPad or ers scoring Early Advanced or other suitable technology to assist Advanced on the CELDT in Riverthem in implementing Common side County. I thank our staff for Core. No one is saying that the making a concerted effort to help best technology in the hands of our English Learners become students and teachers is the only proficient in reading, writing, lisanswer to better prepare our stu- tening, and speaking. dents for college and the world of work. Yet, with 73 percent of our Officially 73 percent of our stustudents and their families below dents are receiving free breakfast/ the poverty level and a great per- lunch. That percentage has centage just above that line, it grown sharply since the Great makes me proud that our students Recession. However, it has also are using the same tools they will grown because our Nutrition Seruse whether in college, the mili- vices Department is working so tary, or world of work. hard to make certain every eligible student is identified and fed. Let me be clear…rolling out We actually believe the real numScholar+ with Common Core, ber is closer to 80 percent, so all AVID instructional strategies, and of us have our work cut out to by Dr. Jonathan L. Greenberg identify these students and families who qualify. As a District, we are very proud of where we are going with Career Technology Education. Many of you know that our two Agriculture/ FFA Programs are some of the largest programs of their kind in both California and the rest of the country. At last count, Perris High School’s Agriculture Program is the sixth highest in terms of students enrolled in America, with Heritage High School now up to eighth. Meanwhile, Project Lead the Way is taking off at all our schools. Also, quietly behind the scenes, we are growing our Parent University Program. In that program parents are learning what they can do to support their middle and high school students. Session topics include proper nutrition, exercise, and technology including how to navigate both Infinite Campus and Haiku, the learning management system used by teachers and students. Opportunities for acceleration and credit recovery were offered this summer on a large scale. We had 230 students complete many A-G courses, getting a stepahead with credit advancement. A+ credit recovery had an average of 289 students who took the opportunity to ‘eradicate’ failing courses, with a total of 854 courses recovered. Over 300 students entering 9th grade participated in summer bridge offerings, getting a head start in math and health courses. Page 2 Educational Services The Perris Union High School District is an exceptional district. Tremendous endeavors in the past year produced tremendous accomplishments as our instructional teams designed units of study and assessments, technology for students, and staff generated new insights and instructional creativity aligned to Common Core State Standards. PUHSD has truly become a leader in educational excellence and all staff, students, parents, and administration deserve to take a bow. by Marcy Savage, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services Parent and Community Outreach Response to Intervention (RTI) We are very pleased to announce that Perris Union High School District will be entering into Year 2 of our partnership with the City of Perris’ Live Well Campaign for Champions for Change. Five schools have been selected to participate in the Champions for Change (PHS, HHS, PLHS, Academy, and CMI), a continuing program to help Perris residents eat well, get fit, and live healthier, happier lives. The 2014-15 program features free workout sessions, healthy cooking classes, and more family-friendly community events. Look for a schedule of events on the district website. All school sites are working in cooperation with the Special Education Site Leadership teams to create Response to Intervention (RTI). Response to Intervention is a 3-tiered approach to supporting student needs. By incorporating Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS), many staff members work together to provide Level 1 support to students. Our District Intervention Support (DIS) counselor and various non-profit community support agencies provide Level 2 support while our ERMHS therapists provide Level 3 support. Meetings are being held to discuss ways to offer supports to students who are experiencing academic and behavioral challenges. The intent of RTI is to support more students in being successful in school and reduce the number of dropouts and suspensions at each school site. Dr. Pedro Noguera RIGOR + A-G= FUN!!! We are now in the year of implementation, requiring all of us to blend our efforts and provide the best ever for our students. We hit the ground running with a grand opening to the school year. Dr. Pedro Noguera, dynamic scholar, speaker, and expert on educational issues and change opened our professional development with steps to achieve excellence for all. He emphasized that we have to do things differently. We must be committed to building relationships, committed to know our students, and committed to give them a chance to learn and demonstrate their mastery. Emphasis was made to identify and eliminate practices that contribute to student failure, therefore, we cannot afford to let failure become the norm. Shared leadership must reign for all of us where we are all voices for healthy public education. He further emphasized that together, we must face the hurdles in providing equal education to all and unveil the solutions to overcome them. Together, we must be committed to cultivate talent in all students and make a difference. The 2014-15 school year opened with a full slate of courses for students of all abilities. In addition to the core subject of Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Physical Education, we continue to offer an impressive array of courses in the Visual and Performing Arts, World Languages, Career Technical Education, Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, Agriculture, and Project Lead the Way (PLTW). From an academic standpoint, the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in both Language Arts and Math is well under way, with other content areas making tremendous strides as well. Our teachers have extended enormous hours of hard work and brilliance as they design units of study and assessments, promoting effective instruction and learning. Great things are happening throughout our District. This summer we sent seven teachers to intense professional development training for Project Lead The Way that included: Gateway To Technology, Principles of BioMedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Design & Development, and Digital Electronics. Teachers returned exhausted, excited, and enthused. The intensity and rigor of these courses is simply unmatched. Our teachers spent numerous hours on homework and projects to prepare for the class and even longer nights to complete assignments. If you think students get tired of doing homework ask any of them who attended the training and they will tell you, it was intense! Declining Suspension Rates for Violence In reviewing Perris Union High School District’s suspension data for last semester, incidents which involved violence on our campuses has declined significantly, in comparison to previous semesters during the past three years. Correspondingly, the California Department of Education (CDE) released data which reveals that suspension rates have been on a decline in California over the past two years. In their briefing, CDE reports that suspensions are down 14% across the state, and expulsions are down 12% for the 2011-12 and 2012 -13 school year. This report concludes that schools across the state are taking more proactive measures in order to reduce suspension rates. Infinite Campus Students who take PLTW courses have an understanding of how education is relevant to their lives and future careers and they get excited. PLTW offers a different approach to learning and teaching. Through activity, project, and problem-based curriculum, PLTW gives students a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning. For teachers, the engaging, rigorous professional development model provides tools to empower students and transform the classroom into a collaboration space where content comes to life (from PLTW mission statement). We look forward to helping shape the lives and futures of our students and influencing their post-secondary decisions. PLTW provides opportunities to develop highly transferable skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, which are relevant for any coursework or career. Infinite Campus has gone through some drastic changes for teachers, and while there have been growing pains, everyone is to be commended for their efforts with the new grade book (and instruction) layout. Special THANKS to the Tech TOSAs for being receptive and helpful to everyone! Over the last few weeks much feedback from teachers on how the new Campus Instruction could be improved has been shared and please, “KEEP IT COMING!” Feel free to email suggestions or concerns to [email protected]. We continually submit feedback from our teaching staff to IC Support in the interest of improving your experience with the program. Page 3 More from Educational Services… Special Programs Dual Enrollment  Congratulations to Heritage High School and Perris High School for receiving the 21st. Century Assets Grant, as they were awarded over $295,000/year for five years. This is a stateadministered, federally funded program to establish or expand before-and after-school programs that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities and supportive services that help them meet state and local standards in core content areas. Perris UHSD is in its second year of Dual enrollment offerings, in which qualified high school students earn college and high school credit while meeting graduation requirements. Dual enrollment creates access for high school students participating in postsecondary education opportunities and the benefits of Dual Enrollment include:   Business Services Welcome back! The 2014-15 school year is certainly off to a great start! With so many new staff members over the last few years, including new staff members within Business Services, I thought the start of the school year would be a good opportunity to introduce (or reintroduce) those of us that serve within Business Services, and the functions we serve to support you. The primary purpose of the Business Services division is to support and facilitate the educational process by providing clean, safe and well maintained facilities, technology support, financial services, safety programs, operational support services, student transportation and food services. Within the Business Services division, we strive to administer the various resources entrusted to the school district in the most efficient and innovative manner possible. Fiscal Services Chris Rabing, formerly an Assistant Principal at Heritage High School became the district’s Director of Fiscal Services on July 1st. Chris and his Department are responsible for the accounting of finances, student attendance, payroll, and associated student body funds of the school district, as well as building and monitoring the District’s budget. Chris, with his instructional background, brings a wealth of knowledge to Fiscal Services and Business Services as a whole as we strive to support school sites and the District’s educational programs. Purchasing In March, the District welcomed Nick Newkirk to our team as the District’s Purchasing Agent. The Purchasing Department processes all purchase orders and contracts for the District. Nick works with vendors on a routine basis to negotiate contracts and obtain the best possible prices and services for our school sites. Purchasing is also responsible Reduces college costs for students and families. Reduces the length of time it takes for students to obtain their academic and/or career goals. PUHSD earned over 284 credits and a significant cost savings to students and their families for the 2013 Fall Dual Enrollment Program. Increase college credits awarded to high school students. by Candace Reines, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services for receiving, warehousing, asset management, and records retention. Nick takes his obligation to our community very seriously in obtaining maximum value and providing reliable resources. Risk Management Under the direction of Judy Miller, Director of Risk Management and Environmental Safety, the Risk Management Department is committed to providing a safe environment for students and staff. Risk Management is also responsible for managing employee health benefits, employee safety, health programs and training, workers compensation, property and liability exposures, student accident insurance, environmental concerns, emergency preparedness, and the District’s energy management program. In August, Crystal Guimond, previously my Administrative Assistant, was promoted to Supervisor of Risk Management, a position funded by safety credits earned as a result of our innovative safety programs. Technology The Technology Department is dedicated to support the District’s instructional programs and operational needs. They are responsible for network services, hardware, software applications, and support of all computers and technology tools within the District. However, given that technology is highly integrated into daily instruction with the District’s Scholar+ 1:1 Program, the Technology Department also supports the shift in teaching and learning to prepare students with digital literacy and technology skills. It is a main priority of the Technology Department to ensure students receive frequent and appropriate access to technology that allows them to learn, analyze, research and create. As such, the Technology Department has two dynamic, multifaceted leaders. Joe Williams, formerly a Technology Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), academic coach and English teacher became the District’s Director of Technology in January 2014. Having an instructional leader at the head of Technology is what we refer to as flipping the Technology Department. This allows for instruction to be the primary focus and ensures technology enhances the delivery of instruction. Joe’s right-hand, a Perris High School graduate, Shane Pinnell, was promoted to Supervisor of Information Technology in May. In addition, the District has four full-time Technology TOSA’s, and CMI has one, each with the responsibility to work with teachers and students on a daily basis to provide technology integration support. Facilities Services Facilities Services is comprised of maintenance and operations as well as facilities planning and construction. Heading up Facilities Services is Art Fritz, Director of Facilities Services. Art, along with Mike Eisenhauer, Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations and the plant supervisors at each of the three high schools provide for clean, safe and wellmaintained schools. They are responsible for the planning and implementation of long range and preventative maintenance, performing grounds upkeep, and providing training and supervision for custodial work within the District. Being a member of the Perris community, Art strongly believes that students, parents, District staff, and the community should take pride in each and every one of our school sites. Given the size and scope of our facilities construction projects, Hector Gonzalez was promoted from Facilities Project Manager to Director of Facilities in March and is responsible for facilities and planning within our District. This encompasses a wide scope of functions including planning, zoning and design/ engineering, implementing new construction and modernization projects, and implementation of the overall District Facilities Master Plan. Currently Hector is administering nearly $73 million in facilities construction projects, including the final phase at Pinacate Middle School, closing out Phase 1 and beginning Phase 2 at Perris High School, closing out the STEM building at Heritage High School, as well as managing the planning for our new middle and high schools. Page 4 More from Business Services…. Nutrition Services Kim Marksbury joined the District last December as the Director of Nutrition Services. Kim is responsible for the breakfast, lunch and snack programs at all of our school sites. The Nutrition Services Department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to students' health, well-being and their ability to learn. They support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices. Meals, foods and beverages sold or served at our schools are required to meet state and federal regulations which are based on the USDA Dietary Guide- lines. Kim and his team strive to provide our students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students. Transportation The Business Services division is responsible to oversee transportation services which are contracted through Hemet Unified School District. This includes not only home-toschool transportation, but also transportation for special education to non-district run programs as well as for field trips, school activities and athletic events. Front Office Last, but certainly not least, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest member of the Business Services division, Anna Fetzner. Many of you know Anna as she has worked as a secretary at Pinacate Middle School, a school secretary at both The Academy and Paloma Valley High School, and most recently as the certificated personnel technician in Human Resources. Anna began as the Administrative Assistant in Business Services last month, and like all of us in Business Services, is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact any one of us as we are always glad to help! Human Resources by Tonya Davis, Executive Director, Human Resources It is an exciting time to be a classified staff member in the Perris Union High School District. The District has offered more professional development growth opportunities targeted toward classified employees than ever. The 2014-15 school year will be dedicated to a special project we are calling CSI: Perris. The Clerical Support Initiative (CSI) project will focus on providing workshops and training for many of our clerical staff on the subjects of customer service, teamwork, active listening, technical skills and time management strategies. Lori Ortell, Executive Assistant and I are working closely with our Administrative Assistant Team (Robin Burns and Mayra Chavez—Human Resources, Anna Fetzner - Business Services, Christine Harris - Educational Services and Sara Rico - Superintendents Office) to ensure that our clerical support team has the tools to support the Administrative and Certificated staff in their mission to implementation Common Core and Instructional Technology.  Human Resources As this is the October Edition of “Supe’s On”, I would like to update you on the many changes that have taken place in the past year. While the majority of our hiring, particularly for certificated staffing, takes place during the summer, I wanted to share with you what has taken place this past year with regard to positions being filled, some by folks new to our district, and many filled by current employees through promotion. Since Fall of 2013 we have: As part of the changes mentioned in the paragraph above discussing new hires and promotions, we in the Human Resources Department are in the process of undergoing some changes to our Department as both of our Personnel Technicians have been promoted to Administrative Assistants, one within our Department and one who has moved to the Business Department. As many of you know already, Ms. Mayra Chavez, was promoted to Administrative Assistant under the direction of Ms. Tonya Davis, Executive Director of Human Resources. A familiar face to those who know the California Military Institute; Mr. Juno Fernandez, who has served as the Principal’s Secretary for the past few years will replace Mayra. Ms. Anna Fetzner will serve as the Administrative Assistant to Ms. Candace Reines, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. We are very proud of both Mayra and Anna as their promotions are well deserved. While we are sad to lose Anna from the department, we are happy to recognize and welcome her replacement, Ms. Debra Medina, who comes to us from the Human Resources Department in the Fallbrook Elementary District.   Please be sure to congratulate Anna, Mayra, and Juno on their promotions, and be sure to welcome and introduce yourself to Debra as you come by the office or communicate with her by phone or email. by Steve Swartz, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources First of all, on behalf of the Human Resources Department, welcome to the 2014-15 School Year!    Hired 54 new, highly qualified teachers and counselors Hired 5 Teacher on Special Assignment Technology Coaches as part of a well-rounded professional development and teacher support program Hired 1 Teacher on Special Assignment Mathematics Coach Hired 38 new classified staff in a variety of positions 18 Certificated Administrative positions were filled this year, 15 of which were promotions filled with current certificated management or PSEA bargaining unit members  13 Classified Management positions were filled this year, 9 of which were in house promotions Hired 4 Educationally Related Mental Health Services Therapists With regards to negotiations, a 3-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached with CSEA with a number of concerns regarding contract language addressed and clarified. A 2-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached with PSEA with both sides commenting that the process was very cooperative and collaborative. Continuous participation in the Perris Relationship Council (PRC) and miniPRC meetings, along with Site Relationship Council (SRC) meetings, have generated phone calls and informal conversations evidencing significant progress toward what is becoming a consistently collaborative relationship; one characterized by resolution being the norm, with grievances being the exception. In addition, this year witnessed the creation of the initial Collective Bargaining Agreement with the California Military Institute Teacher’s Association, a 3-Year Agreement characterized by a very collaborative process. As always, we in the Human Resources Department want to be just that to you; both Human and a Resource to you. Never hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance to you in any capacity. Have a great year!