Jensen Ranch
April 4, 2020
Jensen Jaguar Families,
MATERIALS PICK-UP
Did you miss last Friday's instructional materials pick-up? Please stop by the MPR on Tues., 4/7 from 4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Spring Break is April 13-17
Another week has passed and our new norm is settling in. We learned some sad news this past week that our schools in Castro Valley will remain closed for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. We are all adjusting to a digital life where we are spending more time than we like on our devices Zooming, attending Google Hangouts meetings, learning how to log in to Google Classroom and a variety of other digital resources. It's important for all of us to take time away from our work (school work, business work) and be present with one another and find time to appreciate the world around us. Take a walk, play a game together, do an art project together. You will both feel more refreshed!
These are unprecedented times that will be recorded in the history books. A valuable experience is for your child to document their experiences in a daily written or video journal. We have to do things differently and creatively during these times and your children can learn so much by being apart of these experiences. The learning your children do during this time out of the classroom can be unconventional and meaningful. Each week I will highlight some resources that can be found in our Distance Learning page on our Jensen website. If you find additional, useful resources, feel free to send me an email.
Share a Photo or Two Along the Way: Share a photo with your teacher or with me! If you want to share pictures of your children working, learning, creating and exploring from home, please feel free to send me or your teacher a picture. If you want it to be just a person share, that is wonderful. If you want to share with our school community, I can share on my work Facebook page, the Jensen Twitter feed, school newsletter and website! If we can't be together, we can still be connected! Let us know your sharing preferences and those will be honored.
Please click here for the new locations, dates and times CVUSD Free Grab and Go Meals
I miss seeing your children each and every day. Thank you again to those of you who have shared your pictures and videos with me and your teachers. We love staying connected to you even though we physically can't be together!
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
Return Completed Student Work This Week on Thursday and Friday-See Schedule
Turn in completed student work this week. Please make sure your child has written their name on their work. Turn in work in the gallon plastic bag or folder provided. If no bag or folder was given to your child, please paperclip completed work together or you can place in a gallon plastic bag.
Your teacher will provide specific instructions on the materials to be returned later this week:
Th., 4/9 Grade 4-5 Distance Learning Classwork Return Date
Fri., 4/10 K-2 Distance Learning Classwork Return Date
At this time, 3rd grade is not requesting work to be returned.
Check with your teacher for any further questions.
Drop off in teacher boxes outside MPR between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Distance Learning
- Families are not being asked to replicate the classroom at home.
- Administrators are not asking teachers to replicate their classroom instruction online.
- Do the best you can. Every family has varying levels of support and a variety of situations that impact helping your children with distance learning.
Take These Steps for Success:
- Have you and your child created a daily schedule? This is important during this time.
- Do you have a designated area for your child to work each day on classwork?
- Please make sure your child is logging in and checking in with their teachers each day. This will help your child know what the teacher's expectations are for the day and helps students stay connected to their classmates.
- Minimize and monitor screen time each day.
- Get outside and play or take a walk. It will do everyone some good!
- If your child is unwell and not able to participate, please communicate with your child's teacher so that they are aware.
The Jensen staff understands and respects that all of our families are in a different place and have different abilities to support their children with distance learning. Some of you may be completely overwhelmed and others of you are wanting more and more to do! Our staff is developing their resources for distance learning to make meaningful learning opportunities for our students while we are apart. Many of our teachers are now at home with their own children so they sympathize with the complexities that are now part of our daily lives during this shelter-in-place.
Distance learning instruction works differently for different students. Some students move quickly through the materials, others pace themselves with a daily schedule and others need more prompting. Please know your child's teacher has provided work for your child that they are familiar with and there are many things they should be able to do. We understand that some families can sit and monitor their children while other families are not able to do so. We know our new normal has put a huge stress on many families. Do what you can to support your children, but it's also ok to just stop and enjoy being together by taking a walk, doing a puzzle, or cooking together. These all provide opportunities to build valuable skills that are part of our day to day lives.
Teachers are learning and experimenting with new technologies; some are more comfortable with this than others. While we expect instruction, checks for understanding, and general check-ins, we don’t expect teachers to use specific platforms and/or technologies, or expect teachers to provide virtual instruction that mirrors what would happen in the classroom.
I have created a new page "Distance Learning/Remote Instruction" on our Jensen website as a resource for you and our students. It gives an overview of daily planning for a student, resources from our music, science and PE staff and a wealth of resources to help you through a math lesson or provide extension activities for your children. I'll continue to add to the page so please keep checking back! Click here for Distance Learning/Remote Instruction"
Being Online/Know What Your Students are Doing: It's important to supervise students when they work online. It's very easy for students to get off task and distracted using Google Meet-Up or other online communication tools. While staying connected is good, students should be using school communication platforms to work with their school mates and not friends from other schools during instructional time. Here is a video that can provide a reminder about online etiquette otherwise known as "netiquette". BrainPop: Digital Etiquette-Netiquette
My Child Won't Do Their Schoolwork at Home!
At school, students have a clear daily schedule and they are used to having clear cut expectations and don't earn coveted free-choice time and Chromebook time until an expected amount of classwork is completed. Students also have jobs and responsibilities in their classroom to contribute to the overall wellbeing of the class community. What expectations have you set for your children regarding learning at home?
Here are some basic tips:
- What motivates your child? Set some immediate rewards when your child demonstrates the expected behaviors you want to see. Have your child brainstorm some rewards. You might have to help get them started with some ideas/options that are acceptable to you.
- Avoid long-range rewards at the start. Your child needs to see themselves as successful so have the reward be something short term (play outside, play a video, play with the dog, watch a movie together) and avoid long-range goals like going to Disneyland or earning a new XBox. If the goal is not immediately achievable, then the child figures "what's the use." Long-range goals work once a child knows how to work for and earn short term goals.
- Set the expectation: First you do this, then you do this.
- If you tell your child they are to work for 15-30 minutes before taking a break, but they waste the first 10-20 minutes by fighting, arguing or ignoring you, then remind them that the time doesn't count until they begin to work. ( a timer is useful here)
- Does your child have daily responsibilities, chores? This is a very good time to put some basic daily expectations in place. At school, students have to keep their workspace clean: they clean-up after lunch and snack, hang-up jackets, and put classroom tools and equipment away. They love to help the teacher pass out materials and other coveted jobs. Make it fun, make it a game (set to music). But be consistent and be prepared to teach/model for your child what you want them to do!
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
Let's Make Good Choices When We're Online!
Friday Flag on the Green!
Jaguars Share Their Distance Learning Activities
Appreciating Family Members
Material Pick-Up
Material Pick-Up
Thank You Jensen Staff!
Mindful Fridays
Thank you for your continued support and flexibility during our time in Distance Learning. As we push ourselves to try new techniques and technologies, it’s important to remember that when we attempt things for the first time, discomfort and mistakes are inevitable. To learn and grow, it’s important to embrace this discomfort, and give ourselves some grace. Jensen Ranch and CVUSD staff are truly living into this mindset and have taken some time to reflect on how things have been going this past week, taking parent and student feedback into consideration. We’ve been refining our practice to ensure a positive and effective distance learning environment, and the district elementary team has come up with the idea of ‘Mindful Fridays’.
‘Mindful Fridays’ are a way to ensure teachers continue to have dedicated time for collaborative reflection, planning, and problem-solving. Every Friday beginning at noon, teachers will go ‘offline’ for instructional support and spend the afternoon ‘online’ with their grade level colleagues. They’ll share practices, plan curriculum, and support each other in their learnings. You will still be able to send emails, but they will not be able to respond at this time, and you may not hear back until Monday.
We also realize the challenges facing our families in balancing family and work obligations in addition to the new Distance Learning structure. ‘Mindful Fridays’ provides a time for students and families to be able to “breathe” and take some time to slow down. Teachers will be adjusting their lesson plans for Fridays making it more of a review day. We encourage you to use the time after 12 pm on Fridays for students to “catch up” on any unfinished work and/or spend some family time and enjoy being a kid.
As we move forward in this work, don’t forget that…
Our school calendar also reflects two no school days this coming week due to Staff Development and the observance of Cesar Chavez Day. Students have these days off, and teachers will be providing work for only three days next week.
Our school website has a new webpage with Distance Learning information where you can find any and all information and resources related to distance learning.
Teachers are learning and experimenting with new technologies; some are more comfortable with this than others. While we expect instruction, checks for understanding, and general check-ins, we don’t expect teachers to use specific platforms and/or technologies, or expect teachers to provide virtual instruction that mirrors what would happen in the classroom.
Staff ‘on-call’ hours are 8:00 to 3:00 M-Th and 8:00-12:00 F. Questions, etc.. can be submitted whenever you have them, but you may not hear from the teachers outside of these times.
Many of our staff members are facing the same daily challenges - working remotely and supporting their child or children with their Distance Learning assignments. Thank you for your understanding and support as our staff is navigating this journey with you.
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration Information
General Enrollment Information
TK and Kindergarten Enrollment Begins -Open Now
New 1st-12th Student Enrollment Opens Tuesday, 3/17/20 - Now Open!
Are You Moving? Not Planning to Return to Jensen for 2020-2021?
Corona Virus Information from Alameda County Health
Click here to access the CVUSD information page on COVID-19/Corona virus.
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.
Jensen Ranch PTA Updates
Dear Jensen Ranch Families,
Family Dance Refunds
During these difficult times, the PTA had to make difficult decisions and unfortunately, our Family Dance has been canceled for this year. For those of you who paid for their tickets, your have two options: 1) you can either choose to donate your money to Jensen Ranch (which will go to next year's Family Dance) or 2) request a full refund.
To process a refund, please email Manju, PTA Treasurer, at jensenpta.treasurer@gmail.com.
All refund requests must be submitted before May 3rd.
We Need You for Jensen's 2020-2021 PTA Board!
It's time to elect a new PTA Board for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year! All positions are currently open. In order for the PTA to exist, there needs to be a President, Secretary and Treasurer. Please read through the position descriptions/responsibilities below and consider volunteering your time. If you have any questions, please direct them to any of the current Board members, or email to jensenranchpta@yahoo.com, or to our Nominating Committee: Andrea Giannecchini andrea689g@gmail.com.
TBD-Elections will be held at the April PTA Meeting on Tues. 4/21, 7:00pm.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Stay Well. Stay Home.
Your Jensen Ranch PTA Board
Marina Lyubimov
PTA President
President (can have co-Presidents): necessary position
One-year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 5 hours per month
Presides at all meetings of the PTA Executive Board and the PTA General Membership Serves as the Executive Officer for the PTA
Acts as the liaison with the Administration to present parent wishes and concerns and reports back to parents through PTA process
Helps with and provides oversight for PTA committees
Helps as needed with school and PTA events, i.e. registration, etc
Vice President:
One-year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 3 hours per month
Acts as assistant to the President and shall preside in he/her absence
Updates marquee
Helps with and provides oversight for PTA committees
Helps as needed with the school and PTA events, i.e. registration, etc
Secretary: necessary position
One-year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 4 hours per month
Documents PTA board and general meeting minutes, posts accordingly
Other duties as requested by President or Vice President
Helps as needed with school and PTA events, ie registration, etc.
Financial Secretary:
One-year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 4 hours per month. Collect cash and checks from various PTA events. Sign for and confirm the amount received. Keep excel spreadsheet of checks collected and make a deposit with Bank of the West. Report amount deposited to Treasurer and indicate the correct income category. Also attends PTA meetings.
Treasurer: necessary position
One year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 2 hours per week
Writing of checks and handles all bookkeeping and financial reporting. Also making sure that expenses come under budget.
Attends PTA meetings, presents budget and balance finances throughout the school year. Knowledge of Quicken (accounting software) a plus but not required
Coordinates or partners for semiannual audit activities and tax preparation and filing
Parliamentarian:
One year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 1 hour per month - or less.
Review By-Laws annually with the board and submit updates through Peralta and the California State PTA every three years
Historian:
One year commitment/2 year maximum. Averages 2 hours per week
Manages/oversees external communications (eg. PTA Liaisons, newsletters)
Assist President in preparing the annual report required by the California State PTA
For questions email jensenranchpta@yahoo.com
JRE PTA Board 2019-2020
Mark Your Calendars!
2019-2020
We are currently on suspension of in-school instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19/coronavirus. Please check our Google calendar link below for the most up to date calendar information. We hope to see you soon.
4/13 - 4/17 No School - Spring Break
Tues., 4/7 2nd Chance Materials Pick-Up from 4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the MPR
Th., 4/9 Grade 4-5 Distance Learning Classwork Return Date (drop off in teacher at MPR)
Fri., 4/10 K-2 Distance Learning Classwork Return Date (drop off in teacher at MPR)
Kindergarten Orientation TBD in May-Online Presentation
End of Year Celebrations TBD
Early Release Fridays @ Noon for all students each Friday!
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