LUSD Winter Newsletter

Building Successful Futures

December 2015

Student Use of Technology Expanded

The district's recent purchase of over 500 new computers has greatly increased students' use of technology in the classrooms. Our schools purchased a combination of Macbooks, iMACs, iPads, and Chromebooks that students can access in either the computer labs or on mobile carts.

LUSD's infrastructure was also upgraded with the recent expansion of the district's Internet connection. Technology Coordinator, Aaron Desselle and LCOE's Blaze King, were instrumental in getting our former 100MB connection moved to a new 1GB connection. This should alleviate the congestion that comes with having close to 1000 devices connected to the network at the same time. In addition, Aaron established more wireless access points on the high school campus to accommodate the new devices and the simultaneous use of smart phones.

The combination of purchasing new devices and upgrading our district's network this year has allowed teachers and students to more effectively use technology to enhance classroom instruction and utilize online assessments. This has all been possible thanks to the passage of Measure T by the voters in our community and the Local Control Funding Formula that has provided increased state funds to our district.

Teachers Participate in Assessment Training

A team of LUSD teachers and administrators participated in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) training on Saturday, December 5th. Presenter Rick Croom, a 38 year veteren teacher who has ten years of experience using MAP in his classroom, helped the staff learn how to apply the reports that are available from the assessments. Teachers will now be able to utilize the interim assessment results to measure each student's academic growth and to guide classroom instruction.

Winter Break!

Just a reminder that school sites will be closed for winter break from Monday, December 21st through Friday, January 1st. The district office will remain open for the winter break, but will close for Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends!

Middle School Donates Funds

Terrace School student representatives from the Student Council and the Rotary Junior Interact Club presented over $2,300.00 to club president Jennifer Strong as a donation to the Rotary Valley Fire Relief Fund. A great example of Terrace Viking generosity and community spirit!

School Board Recognizes Parent Volunteer

The LUSD Board of Trustees recognized parent Cristen Baker at their December 10th meeting. Cristen has been volunteering on a regular basis at Lakeport Elementary School for the last 3 1/2 years. Besides being a faithful volunteer in the classrooms, she is overseeing the box top collection, she brings treats for the staff, and she donates items regularly to the school. Parents like this, help to make Lakeport Elementary School a warm and caring place for both students and staff. Thank you, Cristen!

Measure T Bond Update

On October 29th at a special meeting, the LUSD School Board approved the district's Master Facilities Plan as presented by TLCD Architects. Over the next two years, Phase I of the bond projects will consist of:

1) Remodeling the former CLHS auto shop classroom into a central kitchen for the district. The food services area will include both indoor and outdoor eating facilities

for students and a culinary arts classroom.

2) Constructing a new Terrace School library/learning center and central quad area.

3) Purchasing new classroom furnishings and instructional technology for Lakeport

Elementary School classrooms.

4) Providing accessibility to the Terrace School upper playground.

Individual committees will be established to give input on the design of each of the projects. The committees will include staff and students who are most familiar with the particular facility that is being modernized or constructed. Once the projects have been designed by TLCD Architects, they will be submitted to the Department of State Architecture (DSA) for approval and then construction can begin. The public can continue to stay informed about the progress of the bond projects by accessing the Measure T Bond webpage on the district website.

Take a SEAT with the Hero Project!

The Lake County Hero Project is challenging all families to Take a SEAT (sit, eat and talk) around the family dinner table this holiday season. Eat at least 3 family meals together each week throughout the month of December and win a free pizza to a local restaurant. Parents of children aged 0-8 may register for the free program, participate in the bi-monthly challenges and win free prizes. The Take a SEAT Challenge ends on December 31. Register and accept the challenge at www.lakecountyheroproject.com.

The Hero Project is on a mission to ensure that every child under age 8 in Lake County has an adult hero in their life. Launched in 2014, the Hero Project continues to build excitement and energy as it spreads the message of hope and possibility. The program showcases real-life Lake County families that are making a difference in their children's lives. To date, over 1600 parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have joined the free program.

Accept the Take a SEAT Challenge today. Join the program and accept the challenge at www.lakecountyheroproject.com. Contact Annie Mills at amills@lakecountyheroproject.com or by calling 707-262-4134.

In Gratitude

Thank you to the following individuals and organizations:

* Terrace Middle School PTO for their donation of $1,200.00 toward the purchase of

stage curtains for the MAC

* Terrace Middle School Drama Club for their donation of $1,526.15 toward the

purchase of stage curtains for the MAC

* DonorsChoose.org for their donation of iPads and plastic cases to Megan Casey-

Buffalo's classroom at Lakeport Elementary School in the amount of $868.75

* DonorsChoose.org for an additional donation to Lakeport Elementary School of

tablets and a printer in the amount of $914.20

* Lake County Wine Alliance for their donation in the amount of $6,000.00 to Clear

Lake High School to be used for the visual and performing arts programs.

*Our thanks go out to all the staff and students who donated to the annual Christmas for Kids program

LUSD Now Has a Facebook Page!

Click this link to visit our Facebook page

Lakeport Unified School District Facebook Page

Lakeport Unified School District | 707-262-3000 |
tcarley@lakeport.k12.ca.us | http://www.lakeport.k12.ca.us