REPORTING ON THE FIRST TEACHER COLLABORATION DAY

As our school site communities are well aware, the first of four teacher collaboration days took place on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. The day was extremely productive for both the teaching staff and classified support personnel. Teachers met by grade levels, common subject, or even by vertical (multiple grade levels in sequence) teams to work on projects or activities directly related to improving the delivery of instruction to students.

The outcomes were impressive. Using student achievement data that was analyzed and reviewed at the opening teacher meetings in August, teaching teams completed work products, such as:

• revised instructional calendars designed to better meet student needs;
• developed essential lesson plans or projects to target the student learning gaps which were indicated by the student achievement data;
• created or adjusted assessments (tests or activities that measure student learning) based upon the strengths and growth areas indicated in the performance data;
• learned new instructional strategies in workshops lead by teacher experts;
• other best practices in teaching, learning and instructional design.

The clerical and support staff attended training sessions provided by District vendors on work place safety and risk management, as well as "in-house" workshops on special education, advancing technology skills, and building development assets (positive and supportive relationships) with students.

Work products from all of these activities were submitted at the day's end to the site principals. Teachers also refined their plans for the activities and projects which will be undertaken at the next collaboration day on October 19, 2011. On behalf of the entire La Canada Unified School District Staff, I would like to acknowledge the efforts and partnership of our parent community in making arrangements on the calendar for this pupil free day. The work being done is critical to refining instructional practices to meet our common goal of providing the best possible education to the students of La Canada Unified School District.

Wendy Sinnette

Superintendent

La Canada Unified School District

LA CANADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEETING -  THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 7PM    

At the upcoming meeting of the La Canada Unified School District Governing Board, on Tuesday, September 27, the following items of interest are on the agenda:

• A complete report on the District's 2011 STAR Test and API scores;
• A discussion of future projects which will be funded by remaining bond dollars;
• A presentation on "Bio-Tech Boot Camp" - a 2011 summer program at La Canada High School.

Wendy Sinnette

Superintendent

La Canada Unified School District

Thank you to all who turned in your pledge cards at Back to School Night! Your continued support plays a huge role in the continuing success of our schools.  For those of you who still have your pledge cards, you may turn them in at the Foundation office 4490 Cornishon Avenue, Rm. 211.  Alternatively, you can make a donation on line by going to www.lcfef.org/donate or by calling the Foundation office at 818-952-4268.  Remember, it's up to us!

PCR students are invited back for another fun, yet challenging session with the Palm Crest Chess Team! The Fall 2011 session will be 11 Tuesdays of instruction, play, and fun. Highlights of this semester's program include entertaining lessons from Coach Jay's upcoming illustrated instructional chess book "Burning Pants, Fried Liver, and Other Weird Chess Stories", video lesson production by each individual student, ladder competition, and incentives to play and complete lesson books. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays on the PCR campus. Students in Kindergarten - 3rd grade come from 2:55-4:05pm, with 4-6th graders invited to stay an extra 30 minutes, until 4:35pm. The cost of the class is $119. There are sibling discounts (2 kids for $199, 3 for $259). You can register online at www.cycl.org, or email coachjay@cycl.org with 1) Player Name, 2) Grade, 3) Teacher, 4) D.O.B., 5) Parent Name, 6) Phone number, 7) preferred email, 8) Pick-up, Walk, or CEC. You can also call to register (661) 288-1705. You can pay online with a credit card or send a check on the first day payable to CYCL.

 Volleyball after school enrichment starts September 12 for boys and girls ages 7-12.  Please click here to see informational flyer and registration form.