Jensen Ranch
June 7, 2020
Dear Jensen Families,
I am writing at a time of outrage in our nation regarding the lack of value placed on human life and the age-old problems of inequalities that have yet to be resolved. The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other countless acts have highlighted the ongoing trauma and system of inequity and racism in our world. This week I have been very heavy-hearted, yet I am very conscious that my ability to say that shows my own white privilege. But, I am here to listen, grow and I want to be a better ally and stand in unity to make this world a better place.
Some people struggle with the statement, “Black Lives Matter” and counter with “All Lives Matter.” There is no doubt that all lives do matter, but that leads to the assumption that all things are equal and just in our world. If we take an honest look around we know that is not the truth or reality in our country, our world, even here in the Bay Area. Black people are systematically denied opportunities, targeted and treated unfairly solely based upon the color of their skin. Saying “All Lives Matter” misses the mark completely. If all lives truly mattered, then there would not be an outcry of injustice and a demand for fairness.
Jensen is a place for everyone. We value our community members and stand in solidarity with our community against hate. There are difficult and seemingly impossible conversations we must have with our children, family members, and friends and colleagues. It’s important that we truly listen, learn and find our role in effecting positive change so that when Castro Valley says “All means All” it really means that we are doing all in our power to ensure that any obstacle or injustice that stands in the way of true equality for our students is dismantled. Our district has been committed to equity work, but I will say unequivocally, that there is renewed passion and clarity in why the work of ensuring an equitable educational system that supports and values the diversity of all our learners is so vital. As site leaders, we have been engaging in webinars and having candid conversations reaffirming our commitment to one another, our students, and our families. We will continue to examine our systems and practices and focus on the work ahead. And we will, no doubt, need your support.
I want to share how proud I am of the youth in our town as well as across the country as they stand tall, leading with their voices and acts of peaceful protest to transform our world into a better place. Our youth are resourceful, savvy, and thoughtful. These young people are showing that every person, no matter how young, can make a difference. This is an easy time to turn inward, not knowing what to say or having the privilege of not feeling the impact of racial injustice. But, that will not allow us to do the work that needs to be done to create the world we want for ourselves, our children, and those yet to come. In order for all lives to matter, Black lives have to matter. My hope is that this renewed commitment to true justice and equity can be ingrained in every heart and mind and that it will stretch beyond the comfort of Palomares Hills and our small town to our neighboring communities that face inequalities on a daily basis.
Here are some resources that may help you to engage in meaningful and courageous conversations with your children. I will also be updating resources on our school website throughout the summer.
How to Talk to Kids About Racism and Racial Violence
Thinking about Social Justice through Crafts and Conversation
60+ Resources for Talking to Kids About Racism
Whatever resources you choose to use to discuss race, racism, systematic injustice, and resistance with your children, it’s important that you center the conversations on kindness, hope, and action.
In Partnership,
Lisa MacLean, Principal
Summer Break is Here-What's Next?
I know many of you are anxious to prepare for next school year in terms of what the school program will look like and what childcare options will be available. Our school district is working on several possible scenarios and we will use the most current health and safety guidelines provided by the CDC, the state health department and the department of education as well as input from the Alameda County Health officials to guide our decision making.
Thank you to those of you who provided feedback in last week's survey from the district regarding plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Your feedback along with the staff survey feedback received the week prior, as well as health and safety guidelines put forth and the overall fiscal impacts will guide our plans for the next school year. All recommendations will be presented to our CVUSD Board of Education later in June and a decision will be made regarding what the start of the 20-21 school year will look like early in July. While restrictions are beginning to relax, we are aware of the need to prepare for a resurgence of COVID-19 as we return to school and again later in the fall and therefore are planning for a variety of scenarios for the start of 20-21.
Once we have confirmation of the accepted plan to start the next school year, I will hold a virtual Principal's Coffee to allow for conversation and discussion. I will likely hold additional virtual meetings as we move through the summer to ensure there are multiple times that people can join in the conversation.
The next Jensen Round-Up will come out on Sunday, June 28th. It will contain information on our August registration and any available updates that can be provided.
Returning Chromebooks
Families may keep the Chromebook during the summer. Current K-4th graders may keep their Chromebook and return during our walk-through registration (if we have one) or during the first week of school. Current 5th graders may keep their Chromebooks over the summer and will be asked to return the Chromebooks to school during the last week of July so that they can be cleaned and prepared for redistribution. More specific directions will be provided towards the end of July.
Please save the following links:
School Website https://jensenranch.cv.k12.ca.us/
Jensen PTA Website http://jensenranchpta.us/
Facebook @lisamacleanprincipal and @JensenRanchPTA
Twitter @JensenJaguars
In Partnership-
Ms. MacLean, Principal
June is Pride Month
In Castro Valley “All Means All.” June is recognized by the CVUSD and our Board of Education as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. You will see the rainbow flag flying in our community, at our schools and in our facilities to show that we are allies. Jensen supports kindness and respect to all each and every day. We welcome diversity and stand against hate!
CVUSD Board Resolution Adopted May 14, 2020Presidential Proclamation(May 31, 2011)-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month
Click Here for Informative Links
Summer Counseling Resources
Additional Counseling Resources
Click Here for the latest SF Bay Area Covid-19 Mass Resource List
(Food, Housing, Health, Mental Health, Human Services etc).
Parenting Stress Helpline - 800-829-3777
In crisis? Call 1800-309-2131 (24 Hr Crisis support line)
Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line - For anxious students. A crisis counselor will respond.
TEXT: "Home" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/
Activities and Resources for Students and Families
- Kids for Peace website -valuable activities that allow us to better connect with our families and our communities.
- Create CA -Excellent resource for finding a creative outlet for your whole family, reduce stress and make learning more engaging.
- Eureka Math Instructional Videos - By now you are probably losing your mind trying to teach Common Core math. This resource to building your "new" math knowledge! Duane Habecker from Pleasanton is an amazing math teacher and resource to help you navigate Eureka Math. You can select by grade level, module and lesson. You’ll even find help for your middle schooler! Bookmark this resource!
- Free Math Worksheets -If you're looking for a review of math skills, this is a helpful resource organized by grade level and concept.
- NASA Kids Club - STEM games grades PreK-4
- NASA STEM Engagement - Experiments, Space photos, games, etc.
- Brain Pop - Resources across the content areas
- Cursive Practice Worksheets - Help your child practice their cursive with these printable worksheets.
- Virtual Tours/Field Trips
Jensen Ranch Distance Learning/Remote Instruction Resource Page
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration Information
General Enrollment Information
Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is now open. If you have any new neighbors with school-age children, please make sure they begin the online enrollment process through AIR. This will notify CVUSD office staff to reach out to enroll the student.
CVUSD Board Recognized Months
September: Attendance Awareness Month
Sept./Oct.: Hispanic Heritage Month
November: Indigenous People/Native American Heritage MonthFebruary: African-American History Month
March: National Women’s History Month
May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
June: Pride Month
Year-Round: Character Ed, School Safety, Bully Awareness, Arts Education
We support and encourage all students and families in the sharing of their cultural heritage with the Jensen community. Please communicate with your child's teacher or the principal if you have something you would like to contribute.
Battle of the Books: 2020-2021
Jensen Families,
We are hopeful that we will be able to hold our Battle of the Books program next school in all its glory! So here are the grade-level lists in case you want to get started reading this summer!
Jensen Ranch PTA Updates
Hello Jensen Jaguar Families,
Stay tuned for information later this summer regarding August registration.
Your 2020-2021 PTA Boar Members:
Marina Lyubimov-President
Aileen Milliken-Vice President
Sindy Lin-Anaya-Secretary
Manju Ram-Treasurer
Sunita Fernandes-Financial Secretary
Michelle Lim-Historian
For questions email jensenranchpta@yahoo.com
Mark Your Calendars!
2020-2021
Please check our Google calendar link below for the most up to date calendar information. We hope to see you soon.
Check the online school calendar for updates by going to the Jensen Ranch school website.
CVUSD Child Nutrition
MySchool Bucks Add money to child's nutrition account and monitor purchases
MySchoolApps Apply for Free or Reduced student lunches (annual application)
Menus Sign-up for monthly meal menu updates; Find info on menu/meal app information
Meal Plan Accommodation Info/Forms If your child has special medical dietary needs
About Us
Secretary Jeanine Disher
Attendance Yasmin Habib
Email: lmaclean@cv.k12.ca.us
Website: https://jensenranch.cv.k12.ca.us/
Location: 20001 Carson Lane, Castro Valley, CA, USA
Phone: (510) 537-6365
Facebook: facebook.com/lisamacleanprincipal/
Twitter: @JensenJaguars