Building Successful Futures
January 2015
LUSD Prepared to Launch Measure T Improvement Projects 

Following voters' November approval of our bond measure to modernize LUSD schools and facilities, the District is taking the next steps to begin the bond sales process so the work to create a 21st century learning environment for students can begin. At the February board meeting, the District's bond consultant will provide an explanation of the bond sale process to the public. We are also preparing to hire an architect to develop a facilities master plan for the modernization projects and are forming a district facilities committee to provide input on the plan. Subcommittees will be formed along the way, bringing in appropriate staff and community members with specific knowledge to advise on the development of individual projects.

 

Another important task required by law is the formation of a Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee. The committee ensures that all expenditures of projects and use of bond revenues are in compliance with appropriate laws. The committee, comprised of at least 7 members, is required by Education Code and board policy to have members represent specific roles in the community including a business representative, member of a bonafide taxpayer organization, a senior citizen actively involved in a senior organization, a parent of a student attending a district school, and a parent who is actively involved in an organization supporting the District. Other community-at-large positions are available on the committee for residents who may not fit the required categories. We are actively recruiting committee members, and interested individuals may request an application from the District Office or the district website. In the future, employees and community members will be able to monitor the progress of Measure T school improvement projects by visiting a designated page on our website.  

                                              

Anti-Bullying Program Coming to Terrace Middle School
Building a caring community in our school district is important to our staff and students. As a part of our on-going efforts to do this, Terrace Middle School will be bringing a new program to our students.  This program is put on by Rachel's Challenge, a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating safe, connected school environments where learning and teaching are maximized. The organization was founded by the family of Rachel Scott who was one of the victims of the Columbine School tragedy. 

 

All students will attend an assembly during the morning hours on February 17th. There will be one presentation for 4th-6th graders and a different one for 7th-8th graders. During the afternoon 100 students will receive further training in how to help turn school into a more caring place.  Then, from 6:00-7:00 pm in the chorus room, parents will be invited to learn how they can support the program at home.  

The Terrace staff is excited to bring Rachel's Challenge to our school community. They hope that the program inspires student clubs to keep the message going throughout the years. Parents and community members will be asked in the future to support these on-going efforts.  

                     
Harvest of the Month Continues

The Harvest of the Month program was rolled out at the Lakeport Elementary School last year by Dana Kent ,a Registered Dietitian, and her assistant, Kevin Hicks, from the Lake County Health Services Department. Every month they visit the elementary school and teach the students about a new fruit or vegetable. Their goal is to have the children eat more produce, ideally half their plate filled with fruits and vegetables.

 

Dana and Kevin provide an interactive presentation that takes the kids through the life cycle of the produce being highlighted. They start from seed and describe the elements and time needed for the fruit or vegetable to become ripe to eat. At the end the students are able to taste test the fruit or vegetable. Throughout the same month the LUSD food services staff highlights the produce by serving it in dishes or on the salad bar.

 

Research has shown that the more children are exposed to a new food, the more likely they will eat it.  One of Dana's goals is to support locally grown fruits and vegetables. She has used walnuts from Lake County Walnuts, turnips and radishes from Jim Leonardis, pears from Blazing Star and next month's featured food will be  locally grown beets. The program is funded by a USDA SNAP-ED grant. For more information go to  www.harvestofthemonth.com. 

 

Community Forum on School Safety Held

In an effort to address concerns of parents and community members about the bomb threat hoax that occurred last week, the District and Lakeport Police Department hosted a community forum on January 22nd. The forum, attended by approximately seventy individuals, was intended to provide an overview of the district's safety plan, address questions about the incident and offer attendees an opportunity to give input about school safety. The forum resulted in parents having a better understanding of how various incidents are assessed by law enforcement, in partnership with the superintendent, to determine the safest course of action when a threat occurs. Members of the audience gave several suggestions that will help improve communication and reduce uncertainty among district employees, students and parents if a future incident occurs.
In Gratitude
Lakeport Unified School District is grateful for the support of our community and parent organizations! 

The Lakeport Elementary School PTO and LEEF contributed a total of $1,059 towards the  purchase of new permanent trash receptacles that will be installed on the elementary school playground. 

Konocti Vista Casino contributed $1,000 to support math and science programs at Terrace Middle School.

The Habematolel Pomo Tribe of Upper Lake contributed $250 to support the boys
basketball program at Terrace Middle School.   

 
The Clear Lake High School Sports Foundation Receives Recognition from Board of Education  
The Clear Lake High School Sports Foundation board members  were recognized at the January Board meeting. These individuals have provided exceptional and inspiring leadership while generating financial support of district sports teams through the sponsorship of successful fundraising events.   
Pictured from left to right are school Board president Phil Kirby, foundation board members Casey Dye, Tina Daskom, Jennifer Taylor, Derek Butcher, and high school principal Steve Gentry.  Kneeling front is Jason Soderquist.  

Lakeport Unified School District | 707-262-3000 |  
[email protected] | http://www.lakeport.k12.ca.us