GunnTogether Times, January 11
Principal Stratton's Newsletter
Thank you to the PTSA and Classes of 2020 and 2021 for donating funds to purchase the new marquee!
Las Posadas
The Gunn Library Transformed
Gunn Admin and SaFe Specialists
Potluck!
In This Issue . . .
- Construction Update
- COVID Update
- Alternate Schedules
- Attendance Intervention
- Counseling & Wellness
- Communicating
- Upcoming Events
- Testing Updates
- Senior Donations
- Crisis Mental Health Resource
- Gunn Foundation
- PTSA
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Athletics
Dear Titan Families,
Gunn students and staff charged onto campus, this first week of school, accompanied by wind and rain, and the ubiquitous sounds of construction. 2023 does strike me as a transformational year for our community. We have collectively moved through some incredibly challenging times in the past couple of years, and we have proven that when we partner together in the service of our students, we not only overcome barriers, but we improve upon past practices, and find new and more effective ways of doing things. Truly, the Titan community feels stronger, smarter, and more focused than ever on providing our students with the highest quality education, that includes a strong foundation in social-emotional learning.
This issue of GunnTogether Times has lots of great resources and information highlighting some of the great things happening in the coming weeks on campus. We welcome your attendance to all of the exciting events happening this Spring. As you drive past the school, or into our parking lot, pause to notice our new marquee! We will be use the marquee to remind you of opportunities that are here at Gunn, for you to enjoy.
In the Spirit of GunnTogether,
Wendy Stratton, Principal
Construction Update & Fencing Expansion
- The rain impacted the demolition timeline, so some of demo work will continue into our first weeks back.
- The fence in the front of the school has been extended out to the street curb, so that gas and fire water lines can be installed in that area. Once those lines are installed, we hope to pour back some temporary asphalt walkway and reopen the sidewalk by Spring Break. The remainder of the site demo will take place this summer. Signage has been erected to direct people around the construction area. See photos below. Please use an alternative route to your destination and do not walk in the roadway. See map below.
- Weather permitting, demolition will continue through this week. When demo is done, plumbing and electrical underground work will ensue. Unfortunately, weather doesn’t look great for this week either, so we can anticipate the possibility of some delays.
COVID update
No Symptoms:
· Remain in school (and participate in extracurricular activities).
· Test on day 3-5 from exposure
· If test is negative on day 3-5, no additional testing is needed and the school should be notified of the negative test
· If test is positive, the student should isolate and the school should be notified of the positive test
· Public Health also strongly recommends wearing a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings and when near those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease
Symptoms:
· Isolate at home; test immediately and test again on day 3-5 from exposure
· If test is negative on day 3-5, no additional testing is needed and the school should be notified of the negative test
· Student may return to school once they have been fever-free for 24 hours and all other symptoms have improved
· If test is positive, the student should isolate and the school should be notified of the positive test
COVID-19 Testing Option:
COVID-19 testing is available for students and staff Monday-Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm at the Cubberley Community Clinic. The clinic is located in an exterior room near the walkway between the theater and the auditorium, coming from the Cubberley south entrance. For information on how to register, or to find testing schedules and locations, please visit our webpage at https://www.pausd.org/return-to-campus/covid-clinic.
In addition, we have provided Over the Counter (OTC) test kits for students and staff. They have been delivered and can be picked up from your school's main office. Please note that per Cal OSHA, all employees must now provide a date and time stamped photo of their test results when using OTC tests. Photos must be shared with an immediate supervisor.
Alternate Schedules
2022-23 Alternate Schedules Linked here.
ATTENDANCE INTERVENTION
Attendance continues to be one of PAUSD's goals for the 2022 - 2023 school year. Healthy attendance is the key to student success as well as graduation, and even college and career readiness.
At Gunn High School this school year, and throughout PAUSD, we will continue our intervention in order to support each student's healthy attendance. At the 6th - 12th grade level, 1 truancy event will represent 4 unexcused period absences (the equivalent of 1 full day, when classes are averaged throughout the week). Intervention responses will look like:
- 3 Truancy Events (12 unexcused period absences or the equivalent of 3 full days) = A call home from your student's counselor or case manager, as well as a formal notification of truancy via mail (Truancy Letter #1)
- 6 Truancy Events (24 unexcused period absences or the equivalent of 6 full days) = An in-person meeting with your student's counselor, case manager (if applicable) and Assistant Principal Carlomagno, as well as a formal notification of truancy via mail (Truancy Letter #2)
- 9 Truancy Events (36 unexcused period absences or the equivalent of 9 full days) = Referral to the District Office's SARB (School Attendance Review Board), as well as a formal notification of truancy via mail (Truancy Letter #3)
In addition to these formal intervention processes, parents and guardians may also receive timely outreach from our Attendance Clerks regarding any absences that are occurring in the middle of the day.
Updated Attendance Processes (Previously shared on ParentSquare)
Please note: Beginning September 1, 2022 the attendance office will be enforcing the 72 hour rule.
- Parents/guardians have 72 hours to excuse a previous absence. (After 72 hours, documentation is required)
- Prior Approval Forms for upcoming/scheduled absences must be turned in 72 hours prior to the absence. Prior Approval Forms can be used for court appearances, consulate appointments, outside sporting competitions and other special circumstances. Additionally they must be completed for the 5 college visitation days allotted to seniors and second semester juniors. Family vacations or other similar personal absences do not fall into this category.
Approval is to the administrator’s discretion. The form does not need to be filled out for health appointments or illnesses.
Counseling & Wellness
Here is this Week's Titan Talk. with updates on SELF, Guidance, College & Career and Wellness departments.
Communicating
Communications Platforms at Gunn: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YIa_8e9P7vFHl71NaDzVBr7jhq3KrWGV/view
Communications from Gunn PTSA
How does Gunn PTSA communicate (electronically) with families?
- Konstella (Parent online directory & grade level parent networks): Gunn families who opted to receive PTA emails during registration will receive Konstella communications
- Gunn Connection (eNews) - Sign-up here
- Gunn PTSA Website
- Gunn High School Parent Community - Facebook page
Konstella
Gunn PTSA is using Konstella for our electronic Parent Directory, Grade level parent network, community messaging, event information and volunteer sign-ups. When registering your student this year on Infinite Campus, you indicated your communications preference to be included in emails from the PTSA or in the school Directory. PAUSD will only give us your information if you answered "YES", and you will be included in Konstella, and start receiving messages from PTSA. You can also register on Konstella - email vpcommunications@gunnpta.org with your preferred email address and name/grade of your student.
PAUSD is a member of commonsense.org Connected Schools. The Common Sense Connected School's member hub is updated weekly. The "hub" contains resources, tips, and events for educators and families to help guide students in navigating the digital age. Here is a short two-minute "how-to use the hub" video. Parents can sign up here for the Common Sense newsletter to receive ongoing, age-specific recommendations and advice on the latest movies, TV shows, books, apps, and more.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 12
- Site Council (4:30pm in K8)
Jan. 16
- MLK Holiday
Jan. 17-20
- Regular Schedules
Jan. 18
- PTSA Meeting (8:30am)
- Multicultural Parent Night (6-8pm in Library, see flyer above)
Jan. 20-22
- Game of Throws free juggling festival in Bow Gym (Jan. 20: 5-10pm, Jan. 21: 9-6pm with Spangenberg show 7-9pm, Jan. 22: 9-5pm) https://sites.google.com/view/palyjuggling/
Jan. 24
- Percussion Ensemble Concert (7:30 in Spangenberg)
Jan. 25
- 8th Grade Parent Orientation (6:30-8 in Spangenberg)
Jan. 27
- Lunar New Year Staff Luncheon (11:45-1:30 in Acorn Lounge)
- Orchestra Winter Concert (7:30 in Spangenberg)
Join Us at the Game of Throws!
Detailed information about the festival can be found at:
Website
https://sites.google.com/view/palyjuggling/
Facebook Event
https://facebook.com/events/s/game-of-throws-juggling-flow-f/711736043636412/
Main Contact
Matt Hall at mhall@pausd.org or 650-279-5334
Testing Updates
Please visit the Gunn Testing Webpage to see the latest information about testing. Gunn will update the testing page frequently as the testing dates approach. Use the Let's Talk feature on the left side of the webpage to ask any testing-related questions.
Senior Donations Request
Donations needed for Senior events scholarships
The end of senior year is a milestone for our senior students! We will have end of year events to celebrate. Parents provide end of year event ticket help to students who need it (we don't want to leave anyone out!). We are asking for fully tax deductible donations to help cover this cost. If each family purchasing a ticket were able to also donate $20, all students could celebrate together. Please donate here if you are able. Tickets will go on sale in early February. Questions? gunn.seniorparty@gmail.com.
Donate to support the senior scholarship student yearbook program
Each year, we provide a free yearbook for the senior scholarship students on campus. If you’d like to donate to this program, please visit the Titan Webstore, go to the Club Fundraisers page, and donate to The Olympian. You can donate anonymously if you prefer.
Yearbook questions? Reach out to Kristy Blackburn at kblackburn@pausd.org.
NEW Crisis Mental Health Resource
County of Santa Clara Launches 988 Phone Number Dedicated to Crisis Mental Health and Substance Use Services
The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) has transitioned to the new national three-digit crisis lifeline number, 988. The new number is a more direct and accessible way to get mental health and substance use support in critical times of need. Callers with 408, 650, and 669 area codes can dial 988* and receive compassionate support and connection to local crisis services if they, or a loved one:
- are in mental health or substance use crisis;
- are experiencing mental health distress, including thoughts of suicide; or
- just need to talk.
*Those who have phone area codes other than 408, 650, and 669 can call 800-704-0900, and press 1, to receive the same support in Santa Clara County.
In addition, BHSD is making non-crisis service access easier: Those looking for mental health and substance use treatment services can call one number: 800-704-0900.
Gunn Foundation Needs Your Donation
The Gunn Foundation would like to call upon our community to help students who are experiencing financial hardships to attend colleges that offer them admission.
Every year, Gunn Foundation scholarships help Gunn graduates pay for expenses like tuition and housing deposits, textbooks, fees, and other items not covered by financial aid. Your support - at any amount - will help ensure a big bright future for students in our community.
Last spring, Gunn Foundation granted need-based scholarships to 24 students who are now attending schools across the US. With your help, we can do the same for the Class of 2023!
VOLUNTEERING AT GUNN
TEDx speakers
TEDx Gunn High School is presented February 6 in Spangenberg Theater and we're recruiting speakers and performers. Hundreds of students will attend with over ten distinguished speakers from all walks of life to share ideas worth spreading under the theme "Blossom." We are hoping that speakers with unique journeys will spark dialogue in the Gunn community. Please contribute to speaker nominations by emailing tedx.gunnhs@gmail.com.
Join the Gunn Foundation
We are currently seeking enthusiastic, creative, hard-working candidates to join our dedicated team of volunteer board members. All are encouraged to apply but we have an urgent need for candidates with backgrounds in fundraising, IT, finance/investment planning and web design. We are accepting applications for three-year terms to begin in April 2023. Please click on this link to submit your application 2023-2024 Gunn Foundation Board Application. Applications are due by 5:00 pm on January 15, 2023. For more information about Gunn Foundation, go to www.gunnfound.org or send an email to Judy Lee at info@gunnfound.org with your inquiry.
The Gunn Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides need-based scholarships to college-bound seniors in the Gunn community. Scholarships fund essential expenses --- housing deposits, books, enrollment fees --- often unmet by aid packages.
Your support of the Gunn Foundation shows the scholarship recipients that you believe in them and their potential. Donations are accepted via check or Paypal at www.gunnfound.org/donate. Any amount can make a difference in the college plans and future of a deserving Gunn senior. Please donate today!
Substitute Teachers needed
Do you already have a valid teaching credential or substitute permit?
Due to a combination of factors, our need for substitute teachers at Gunn is greater than ever. We are asking those of you who may already have a valid teaching credential or substitute teaching permit to join our team ASAP. Whether you can offer one day a week or five, the added support would be much appreciated! Please email Lorie Prior (lprior@pausd.org).
Join the PTSA!
Gunn's PTSA wants you to join the team --
Your $8 PTA membership (what a deal!) pays for officer training, advocacy, insurance and operational costs of the Gunn PTSA. By becoming a member, you can join discussions and vote at PTA meetings. It’s easy to join. Go here for more details.
PTSA Leads Needed
There are many opportunities to volunteer at Gunn. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parents, make new friends, and get more involved at the school. PTSA values your contribution and we could not do it without you! Leads and committees are needed to host several events that bring the Gunn High School community together. Please let us know if you can help by signing up here.
Food Containers Wanted
Culinary Arts Classes need take home food containers, especially cup, pint and quart sizes. They may be dropped off at the main office for teacher Cindy Peters. Questions: nhesterman@pausd.org.
Academic Center volunteer needed
Can you help out in the Academic Center 12:00-1:00pm? Enjoy time with Gunn's delightful students and learn about our academic and extracurricular programs. Responsibilities include being the welcoming adult presence in the room, monitoring the automatic textbook check-in system, and overseeing the use of computers and printers. You can volunteer once a week or every other week, and partner with another parent if you'd like. Please email nhesterman@pausd.org.
ELL Language Tutors needed
The PAUSD English Learner Program is currently looking for adult tutors to support elementary students in languages other than English. Potential candidates must care about and enjoy children. The Palo Alto Unified School District English Learner program seeks fluent speakers and writers of Spanish, Farsi, Chinese, and Japanese.
Tutors will support beginning English Learners by helping them understand classroom teacher instruction and the core content. Tutors will be utilized to explain information and translate for the child, and the teacher in the classroom and at parent meetings. Tutors are often used to translate written English into the child’s primary language to support parents who prefer to read in languages other than English.
Tutors are important resources in the English Learner Program because they provide a means of communication between beginning English speaking students, teachers and parents.
Interested applicants should complete the EdJoin Classified application. Please refer to the EdJoin website for further information.
Sports Boosters volunteers
Athletics at Gunn
UPCOMING HOME GAMES:
Basketball: Jan. 17, 18, 21, 26, 27, 28
Soccer: Jan. 25
Wrestling: Jan . 25
Titan Basketball
PiE
PTSA
Gunn Foundation
Henry M. Gunn High School
Email: wstratton@pausd.org
Website: gunn.pausd.org
Location: 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Twitter: @GunnHighPrin