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"Shaping the future
through educational excellence"
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Las Virgenes Unified School District
4111 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: 818-880-4000 Fax: 818-880-4200
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LVUSD BOARD OF EDUCATION
Lesli Stein
Vice President
Gordon Whitehead
Clerk
Jill Gaines
Member
Cindy Iser
Member
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ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Daniel Stepenosky
Superintendent
Mary Schillinger
Assistant Superintendent- Education
Dr. Rose Dunn
Assistant Superintendent- Personnel
Karen Kimmel
Assistant Superintendent- Business
Evan Bartelheim
Director of Instruction
Robbie Amodio
Director of Classified Personnel
Jim Klein
Chief Technology Officer
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JOURNEYS STUDENTS AT YERBA BUENA ELEMENTARY
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WILLOW STUDENTS AT WORK
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JOURNEYS STUDENTS AT WHITE OAK
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| CALABASAS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RALLY AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE |
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STUDENTS SUPPORT
MR. LUDMER
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Dear Staff, Students, Parents and Community Members:
Congratulations to Ms. Lesli Stein on her reelection and to Ms. Angela Cutbill and Mr. Dallas Lawrence on their election to the Board of Education. I appreciate their commitment to our School District and its children and look forward to working with them as they begin their terms of office on December 10.
I would also like to thank Ms. Mary Jo Ammon and Mr. Ray Pearl for running for School Board. Mary Jo and Ray are pillars of the community and tremendous supporters of the District.
This fall, we were notified that our Academic Performance Index score rose to 897 placing the District in the top 2% of school districts in California, 21st out of 1000 school districts in the state. This is validation for the hard work of students and staff members as well as the support of our Board of Education, parents and community.
The College Board recently announced that Las Virgenes was named to the 4th Annual Advanced Placement (AP) District Honor Roll for increasing access to AP courses for a broader number of students, while at the same time, improving the rate at which students earned scores of 3 or higher on the exam. Our district was one of only three districts in Los Angeles County to be recognized with this honor. Seventy-nine percent of Las Virgenes students passed the AP exams and the District had a six percent increase in participation of students.
T.H.E. Foundation recently donated $303,000 to increase counseling at the elementary, middle and high schools. Thanks to their tremendous effort and support, the District has been able to return counseling services to our elementary schools and Las Virgenes now has the lowest student to counselor ratio in the region. This year, we lowered our 9th grade English classes from 32:1 to 28:1 in preparation for Common Core and also added a support class at our middle schools.
Staff continues to work diligently in preparation for Common Core and the next generation of assessments, which will be implemented next fall. In the spring, Las Virgenes students will participate in a field test for the exam. Scores will not count for students or be used to determine how well schools are performing.
Instead, the field test will provide the state the opportunity to "test the test" and also offer the District the opportunity to assess infrastructure and devices for the new online assessment format. If you have questions, please visit our district website at www.lvusd.org. The Common Core tab at the top of the page contains the latest information regarding Common Core.
I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Jim Klein, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), to the District's leadership team. With the advent of Common Core and online assessments, the position of CTO is critical to our students' success. Jim comes to the District with a wealth of experience having been the Director of Information Services and Technology for Saugus Union School District for the past 17 years. He has owned his own computer company, and last year, was named as the 2013 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Technology Administrator of the Year for Los Angeles County. Jim is a highly sought after speaker having given keynote lectures across the country at Harvard and the University of California system.
As many of you are aware, Calabasas High School Theater Technical Director and Stage Craft Teacher Brian Ludmer was wounded during the LAX shooting on November 1. Brian has undergone four surgeries to repair the gunshot wound to his leg and was recently released from the hospital. He is doing well; however, he has a long road to recovery. Brian's family lives in Chicago and has been here to provide support. We are thrilled with the progress Brian is making and look forward to his return to the classroom.
I would like to thank the students, staff and community for their support of Brian. On November 5, Calabasas High School students Blake Jesse and Paige Plaskoff organized a rally in support of Brian and an end to gun violence. The outpouring of love and support demonstrated at this event for Brian was overwhelming.
Brian's family has set up a YouCaring website for the latest updates on his condition. Click here to get more information and to support Brian: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-brian-get-back-on-his-feet/102787
This year, I have continued my Student Superintendent Discussion Council meetings with students at Agoura and Calabasas High Schools. I have also begun meeting with middle school students and had a wonderful visit with
A.C. Stelle students on Nov. 7. I value this opportunity to meet with our amazing, talented and dedicated students.
I wish our students, staff, parents and community a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Daniel Stepenosky, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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 REACHING FOR DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE
By Evan Bartelheim, Director of Instruction
What is Depth of Knowledge?
The Smarter Balanced assessments are designed to elicit evidence from students that they are adequately progressing toward college and career readiness. Because the cognitive demands of both college and career require the ability to think critically and problem solve in novel situations, these assessments are intended to measure a student's understanding at a much deeper level than the recently abandoned STAR exams. The assessments use a classification system called Depth of Knowledge as a means of measuring the cognitive demands of questions. LVUSD teachers are becoming familiar with the Depth of Knowledge matrix and using it to assess their own lessons, projects and assessments to ensure that they are aligned with the demands of the standards.
Teachers have long used Bloom's Taxonomy, a classification system that measures the cognitive demands of learning objectives based on the verbs used to describe these outcomes. There are six levels of cognition in the revised taxonomy that increase in cognitive demand. They are: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate and Create. Webb's Depth of Knowledge matrix provides an additional dimension by which to measure learning outcomes, the complexity of the task in which the verb is used.
Depth of Knowledge has four levels. The first level focuses on recall and reproduction of facts and other types of information. The second level focuses on basic skills and concepts that require cognitive processes that extend beyond the recall of information. The third level focuses on strategic thinking and reasoning. The fourth and final level requires extended thinking that includes complex reasoning, planning, development, and cognition that occurs over an extended period of time.
In the Smarter Balanced Assessment, items and tasks must be constructed at various levels of cognitive rigor. The following video provides an example of how the same text can be used to measure an increasingly demanding Depth of Knowledge based on the task presented:
Click here to view a video explanation
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EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARDS
At the Board meeting on November 12, 2013, the District honored the following certificated and classified employees who have provided quality service to our District over the years.
The strength and reputation of the Las Virgenes Unified School District are built upon the talent and dedication of staff, and we congratulate those individuals reaching 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 year milestones in their careers!
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Larry Albitre Nancy Johnson
Diane Alvarez Nancy Kaiser
Jenny Angel Donna Kawakami
Cheryl Argano Joseph Keays
Michelle Armstrong Karen Kimmel
Stacey Beard Gerry Langer
Kerrie Benson Aleta Lee
Mary Bloom Joey Levin
Lauren Burgher Rhonda Litt
Jason Busby Lindy Mucci
Barbara Consolver Eileen Orth
Karen Denove Nelly Paris
Marta Escobar Gretchen Pretelin-Granda
Susan Ettinger Phyllis Rautenberg
Shane Fogel Patricia Roth
Rhea George Pamela Rudy
Bart Goldman Stephanie Shipow
Ruben Gonzalez Razia Sultana
Delia Grigorian Julie Tindall
Sharon Hager Tina Wescott
Rita Hershfeld Victoria Willig
Luis Hurtado Michele Yahr
Connie Hyman Donna Yeary
Linda Jacobs Robbie Zollars
Robbie Jacobs
20 YEARS OF SERVICE 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Susana Baird Leslie Case
Carolyn Barnes Peggy Fogelman
Ann Bornhoeft Craig Hochhaus
Marilyn Fine Cathy Johnson
Deborah Haig Cheryl Krauss
Kathryn Heukrodt Deborah La Chapelle
Linda Jacobsen Mindy Leunis
Ruth Kritz Barbara Lingo
Kenneth Kuratli Gayle Mac Nish
Pamela Mc Donnell Bonny May
Cheryl Miller Diane Mc Evoy
Becky Smith Cynthia Montgomery
Barbara Katz Starr Janice Morales
Dottie Westernoff Kevin Pasky
Kathleen Sternbach
Bethamy West
30 YEARS OF SERVICE
Joe Moreno
Rick Ranney
Bradley Taylor
35 YEARS OF SERVICE
Dennis Ritterbush
40 YEARS OF SERVICE
Deborah Lyon
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LVUSD WELCOMES NEW CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, JIM KLEIN
On November 18, 2013, LVUSD welcomed the newest member of the technology team, Jim Klein. Formerly the Director of Information Services and Technology for Saugus Union SD for 17 years, Jim has tremendous experience as a leader and innovator in ensuring that technology supports the core educational mission.
A computer science major from CSUN, Jim has been recognized as T.H.E. Journal Innovator, Network World All Star, a National School Boards Association "20 to Watch" educator, and most recently, he was named the ACSA Technology Administrator of the Year for LA County. Let's all give Jim a warm LVUSD welcome!
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Willow Journeys Students
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Yerba Buena Journeys Students
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Bay Laurel Journeys Students
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JOURNEYS PROGRAMS ARE THRIVING
When to start children on their educational journey has become a more complex question today. In California, a change in the school starting age and the increasingly academic demands of Kindergarten, leave many parents wondering what their options are. LVUSD offers parents an excellent choice with Journeys, a program for children who may not be age-eligible, socially or academically ready for "regular" Kindergarten.
The Journeys program is offered at every elementary school and provides a standards-aligned curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and paced to meet the individual needs of younger students. Students who turn five between July 1 and August 30 are eligible for Journeys, and for those students whose fifth birthday falls between September 1 and December 2, this is the only public school option now available. Following a year in the Journeys program, most students will enter a traditional Kindergarten program, although some may be ready to move on to first grade.
SENIOR BUTTERCUP ENROLLING NOW
The District is also now offering the opportunity for students who turn 5 after December 2 and prior to February 1, the opportunity to enroll in a satellite of the District's Buttercup preschool program. These children would attend school alongside the Journeys students. These "senior" Buttercup students would have all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of regular Buttercup students including the payment of a monthly $550 tuition. When students turn 5, they will be transferred to the elementary Journeys program. (The final month's tuition would be prorated.) Interested parents can pick up a program registration form at the Buttercup Office located at 6098 Reyes Adobe Rd., Agoura Hills, 91301.
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 A MESSAGE FROM OUR STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES By Ella Queen and Zoe Miller
Hello from the high schools!
We have had a great homecoming season on both the Calabasas and Agoura campuses. We hope everyone who came to the spirited events had a memorable time.
Both Agoura and Calabasas High Schools recently held successful Red Cross blood drives. Students 16 years and older donated blood, knowing that one donation can save up to three lives! Great job, students!
The entire Calabasas community would like to extend our well wishes to Performing Arts Teacher, Mr. Brian Ludmer, and his family during his recovery from the recent LAX shooting. Calabasas students showed support for our beloved teacher during a school rally on November 5. If you would like to donate toward his medical expenses, please visit http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-brian-get-back-on-his-feet/102787.
For more information on upcoming events throughout the year, please visit the corresponding ASB school websites:
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and have a healthy holiday season!
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 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE By Karen Kimmel, Assistant Superintendent of Business The Board of Education has approved a complete revision to Board Policy 3511, Energy and Environmental Resource Management. This new policy is a result of a committee of passionate parents, district staff and Board members who invested their time to support the District's desire to integrate sustainable environmental accountability into all district operations. Not only is this the right thing to do, it is now a state law (Assembly Bill 341) which mandates all businesses, public entities, and multiple family dwellings to have in place a recycling program in order to meet the State's new required goal of 75% diversion of waste from landfills by the year 2020. Board Policy 3511 is a stepping stone to creating a sustainable environment for our educational program. The next step is determining where each school site is starting from on this journey. Some sites (such as Lupin Hill with their "waste-free lunch" campaign, and Mariposa with on-site gardening and composting) are on the right track but will need some evaluation and improvements. The goal is to create consistent environmental efforts throughout all schools. To begin, we are collecting statistics from our waste hauler and site plant managers and have partnered with Santa Monica City College instructors for staff training. Their students will also do a field study at select elementary, middle and high school sites to analyze site waste patterns. Once we have gathered data, we will work with city partners, waste/recycling companies and each school's principal and staff to make improvements to our operations. Our goal is to develop a Resource Management Program which includes: - Strategies for implementing effective and sustainable resource practices
- Exploring renewable and clean energy technologies
- Reducing energy and water consumption
- Minimizing utility costs, reducing the amount of waste of consumable materials
- Encouraging recycling and green procurement practices
- Promoting conservation principles
We will be encouraging cooperation with site principals, plant managers and organized school-site parent/student groups to prioritize stewardship of environmental resources and provide leadership at their respective sites. This will include everyone working together providing instruction for students on the importance of the environment, as well as resources and ideas for staff, parents and the community through e-newsletters and/or the District website encouraging stewardship of the environment. LVUSD is excited to implement Board Policy 3511 and is looking forward to meeting its challenges and the positive effect it will have on our students and schools. |
DISTRICT "FYI"
By Robbie Amodio, Director of Classified Personnel
Employees of the Month
At Las Virgenes Unified, we take great pride in celebrating the amazing men and women who create a stellar learning environment for our students. Each month, we recognize one classified and one certificated person as Employees of the Month. The employees receive special recognition at a Board meeting and are then eligible to be selected as an Employee of the Year.
This year, we have recognized Laila Jafari (September) and Jennifer Klein (October) as
certificated Employees of the Month, and Rachel Lee (September) and
Sherill McMichael (October) as classified Employees of the Month. Congratulations!
Classified Openings
We currently have posted our Director of Accounting position. We also have vacancies for Instructional Assistants - Special Education and classified substitutes. If you know someone who may be interested in applying, please direct him/her to www.edjoin.org or contact the Personnel Department at 818-878-5260 for more information.
Staff Development
Continued staff development ensures that our employees remain ahead of the curve so that they can continue to provide excellence in education to our students.
This year, our classified staff has received additional training in the following areas:
A variety of school district related software skills
First Aid/CPR
Sign language
Playground safety
Assisting classroom teachers in the implementation of the Common Core
How to deal with bullying behavior
Child nutrition
Assistive technology in the classroom
Our teachers received training in many topics including instructional strategies for the Common Core, mathematical practices and literacy for content areas, and writing strategies for opinion and information.
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HERE'S TO A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!
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2013-14 CALENDAR
Nov. 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 23-Jan. 3 - Winter Recess
Jan. 20 - M.L. King, Jr. Day
Feb. 17 - Presidents' Day
Apr. 18 - Local Holiday
Apr. 21-25 - Spring Recess
May 23- Staff Dev. Day
May 26 - Memorial Day
June 11 - Last Day of School
LVUSD 4111 Las Virgenes Road Calabasas, CA 91302
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Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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