Dear CSUS Parents and Caregivers,
I am pleased to report that our school year has unfolded very well. I have been incredibly impressed by what I have been able to observe in classrooms. Some really powerful teaching and learning experiences are occurring and scholars are engaged and collaborative.
The first few days of school scholars spent much of their time in Advisories with three to four adults learning the procedures and protocols of the school, engaging in community building activities, touring the building, attending school-wide and grade-level Community Meetings and defining the attributes of “What does it mean to be a scholar?”
All 15 advisories contributed to the development of the “I Am A Scholar” contract. The following final draft was presented and accepted by scholar representatives our September 7 Community Meeting. The attributes are posted throughout the school and we will highlight one attribute each month at a school-wide community meeting.
Social Justice - I stand up for the rights of others and work against all forms of bigotry in our community.
Curiosity - I am engaged in my learning and seek new discoveries from teachers, scholars and through my own mindfulness.
Honor - I show respect and appreciation for CSUS, myself and others.
Originality - I encourage individuality and uniqueness in myself and others.
Leadership - I encourage and support others to be their best selves while leading by example.
Academic Excellence - I use the Powerful Practices to support my learning and my success in all subjects.
Resilience - When faced with challenges I work harder and smarter until I complete the task.
Back to School Night / Block Party | September 27 | 5:30-8PM
The results of the Panorama family survey highlighted the challenge of attending numerous monthly school events at school. Mindful of this, we administered a quick survey in the summer asking CSUS caregivers asking if we should combine two of our annual fall events, Back to School Night and the Block Party. The overwhelming % of respondents preferred holding both events on the same evening.
On September 27th CSUS will present its first Back to School Night / Block Party for scholars, caregivers and families. The event is as follow:
5:30PM – Introduction of TEAM CSUS, Grade level Curriculum and Program Review, Aspen Support
6:30 - 8PM – Cookout, Block party with games, music and community partnership and school program display tables.
Please join us for this important evening and help us determine if this should be an annual combined event. Please
RSVP by Sept. 21st so that we may prepare accordingly for the cookout.
Listening Conferences
Each school year we hold Listening Conferences to provide CSUS staff the opportunity to listen and learn from the scholar and family about the scholar’s strengths, challenges and goals for the year. These conferences also afford an opportunity for the adults to develop and sustain partnerships on behalf of the scholar. This year the dates are October 1, 2, 3, and 5. Your child’s homeroom advisor will be in touch with available times.
Diversity Dialogues
CSUS unveiled its Diversity Dialogues Series in October of 2016. The series is an opportunity for adult members of the CSUS community to come together and discuss issues that are relevant to the diverse culture of the school and wider community. The series has highlighted issues related to race, immigration, and special education. The series has featured Dr. Cornel West, authors Debby Irving and Dan Frio and CSUS alumni.
The first session of this year’s series,
Partnering for Scholar Success will be held on Thurs. Oct 25 from 6 - 8PM. As always, the evening will begin with a buffet dinner from 6 – 6:30PM. From 6:30 - 8PM we will have a presentation and dialogue on the results of last spring’s Panorama Family survey and how it may inform next steps at CSUS. If you plan to attend, please
RSVP so we may plan the meal accordingly. We hope you can join us but remember this is an adults-only event. If you need childcare at the school that night, please indicate that in your RSVP.
We will update you throughout the year with details of all upcoming events and the many other exciting activities and initiatives happening this year.
On behalf of TEAM CSUS, thank you for choosing CSUS! We are humbled that you have entrusted us with your child’s education. We are aware that you have choices and we are pleased that you chose us. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any CSUS staff member if you have any questions or concerns.
Peace,
Manuel J. Fernandez
Head of School