ALVORD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

A national conversation about mental health has taken center stage in education in the aftermath of COVID as school districts have taken measures to increase student support services in response to the mental health crisis among youth. We have added a variety of mental health professionals to our Pupil Support Services (PSS) department. They function to directly support students and schools. Find more information about our support services on our PSS landing page here.

Mental health problems typically become evident when individuals are between 12 and 25 years of age. Experts in adolescent mental health estimate about 20% of adolescents are affected. About half the time symptoms appear before the age of 14. Experts also estimate that 70–80% of those affected do not receive adequate mental healthcare. Often, a combination of mental ill-health challenges and difficult life events lead to young people considering suicide. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been accessed over 23 million times since it became available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Suicide Prevention Awareness is a movement by mental health professionals and others to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention. There are actions that can promote healing and give a person hope. Challenging the stigma associated with mental health challenges takes understanding, education and a closer look at our own attitudes toward mental health. Fear and misunderstanding often lead to prejudice and discrimination which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and shame in those struggling to cope with their mental health challenges. It's a primary barrier to diagnosis and treatment. Please see the poster below with detailed information to help parents support their children and others too. Download the poster as a pdf here.

When students are mentally and physically well they are able to fully access all of the wonderful opportunities and experiences available to them in Alvord schools. Our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is designed to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students to achieve at the highest level.

MTSS is a structured process that provides academic and socio-emotional support for all students, but particularly students who may be struggling emotionally or behaviorally. As outlined in the State of California's education priorities, specifically, Priority 7: Course Access, all students must be provided the opportunity to complete a broad course of study ensuring that they benefit fully from public education, historically among the nation’s most challenging civil rights issues. MTSS is a means to that noble end.

A high school diploma must be more than a document commemorating a right of passage. It must represent a rigorous education that prepares students for college and/or career. For students who enter the workforce after high school, whether by choice or necessity, the value of a diploma is especially important since it may mark the point that their formal education ends.

We live in a S.T.E.M. world. Our students need to be prepared to enter a highly competitive global workforce. A living wage in California is four to six times the current minimum wage, and even more depending on the size of the family. Providing our students with all of the support they need to succeed in a rigorous and equitable course of study starts with identifying our students' needs and systematically addressing those needs with expertise, high expectations, patience, and compassion.

• Demonstrate a positive attitude about education.
• Stay connected with your children's schools through Aeries, Parent Square, and school events.
• Monitor your children's television, video game, and Internet use.
• Encourage your children to read.
• Talk with your children.
• Encourage your children to dream big and challenge themselves.
• Encourage your children to communicate with their teachers.
• Encourage your children to use the library.
• Encourage your children to be responsible, work independently, and do their homework.
• Encourage participation in sports, arts, clubs, and other extra curriculum opportunities.
• Extend learning for your children through our after school programs.

SCHOOL SAFETY PLANS

PBIS (Positive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is an evidence-based framework that we use in all of our schools. It's designed to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. PBIS is in the first tier of our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). It's part of every school's safety plan and approved by its School Site Council.

On behalf of the Board of Education, thank you in advance for taking the time to learn about all of the programs and practices we utilize to provide your children with a first class and high quality educational experience revolving around the concept of the whole child. We are committed to provide equitable opportunities for all students.

Thank you for choosing Alvord as your education partner. We strive to be our best, so that your children can be their best.

In partnership,

Allan Mucerino

MR. ROBERT D. SCHWANDT
President
Trustee Area 4

McAuliffe K-5

Orrenmaa K-5

Stokoe K-5

Arizona 6-8

Alvord High 11-12

Hillcrest 9-12

MRS. CAROLYN M. WILSON

Vice President

Lake Hills K-5

Promenade K-5

Villegas 6-8

District Office

MS. GEORGINA RAMIREZ

Clerk
Trustee Area 1

RMK K-5

Twinhill K-5

Valley View K-5

Loma Vista 6-8

MS. LIZETH VEGA
Member
Trustee Area 2

Arlanza K-5

La Granada K-5

Terrace K-5

Norte Vista 9-12

Alternative Ed Center

Keller Administration Site

Child Nutrition Services

MRS. JULIE A. MORENO

Member

Trustee Area 3

Collett K-5

Foothill K-5

Myra Linn K-5

Wells 6-8

La Sierra 9-12

Sign Up for Weekly Notifications in Aeries & Follow Your Student's Progress

Visit the Aeries Parent Portal frequently to check on assignments and grades. You can also sign up to receive a weekly notice in Aeries for a quick summary of the grade book, missing assignments, attendance for the week. Here's how to sign up:

• Login to Aeries Parent Portal
• Click on the down arrow on the top right corner after your email address
• Select “Parent Notification Preferences”

• Check the box next to “Receive Weekly Progress Email”
• Select the day and time for notification
• Click “Save”

Alvord provides an extension of the school day and school year through its Expanded Learning Program. The focus is on academic, artistic, social, emotional, and physical development for students in elementary and middle school, including middle school sports. The program does not replicate learning activities that take place during the regular school day. Instead, it builds upon them. The program is offered everyday after school, as well as intercession, including summer and extended breaks for holidays. Learn more about it here. Or call (951) 358-1682, Monday - Friday, 9:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Did you know we offer a full year of middle school sports? We kick off the program with Track and Field just a few days after the school year begins. Specific information regarding clinic and team tryouts will be distributed by each individual middle school site. The link to register to participate in any our middle school sports programs will be sent via Parent Square next week once our registration website goes live. All interested students will need to register and students trying out for any of our competitive teams will need to provide a sports clearance physical form completed by a medical doctor prior to their tryout. Forms can be obtained in the main office of any of our middle schools. Soccer follows the Track & Field season. Other sports include volleyball, flag-football, basketball and pep squad. Make sure your child is registered to participate. The website link is coming soon!

Parent Square is a safe and secure platform for school-to-home and home-to-school communication. All of our schools rely on it to keep parents informed. Instead of a one-way communication tool, Parent Square provides two-way communication. But to fully utilize the two-way feature of Parent Square, you have to activate your account. Sign in here and activate the two-way tool.

Date: September 16

Hours: 10am to 2pm

Location: Cal Poly Campus outside of the Bronco Center

Learn how to navigate through the college process for students and parents. There will be food, festivities, education, a STEAM Pavilion, a Health and Wellness Pavilion, and more. It's fun for the entire family. Watch the 2-minute video below to learn more about the event.

Email: AUSD@alvordschools.org
Website: https://www.alvordschools.org
Location: 9 Kpc Parkway, Corona, CA 92879, USA
Phone: (951) 509-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/alvordunified
Twitter: @AlvordUnified
Instagram: alvordunified