CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
NEWSLETTER - February 2022
Superintendent's Message: Technology Planning for Innovation
“Does the rhino like to be scratched behind his ears?” A student asked that question during a series of lessons, presented via Zoom by the San Diego Zoo Careers in Conservancy, to Sarah Rines’ 7th grade science class at Calavera Hills Middle School. The trainer and keeper were right there with the big animals, so the students got a virtual experience with the rhinos, and could interact directly with the trainer.
In a similar way, Juli Bachman’s Biomedical Science pathway students at Sage Creek High School met with Dr. Sharon Derrick, a forensic anthropologist at Texas A&M. And Carlsbad Village Academy students took part in the Southwest Carpenters Training Fund LIVE virtual site tour to learn about careers and apprenticeship programs. Other students participated in a Nobel Women in STEM event, with panelists from Thermo Fisher presenting career information. Students also are learning from digital virtual field trips to a farm and from virtual guest speakers including scientists, astronauts, and even software engineers presenting an hour of code.
Virtual field trips. Synchronous and asynchronous learning. Video conferencing. These are all “just in time” technologies. In February 2020 we would never have envisioned the explosion in instructional technology that we see today. Has it been challenging? Absolutely. Necessary? No question. But, if Necessity is the Mother of Invention, few instances in our lifetimes have highlighted that notion so clearly. Some of these new technologies will enhance our students’ instructional experience for years to come. And, once again, we are fortunate that we live here in Carlsbad, a community that embraces the latest technologies and supports our students to be the best they can be.
Spotlight on Schools:
Kelly Elementary School
Kelly Cougars Have Heart!
American Red Cross Healthy Heart Challenge
The Kelly Elementary School Cougars are participating in the American Red Cross Healthy Heart Challenge to build up their physical and emotional wellness. The Kids Heart Challenge event kicked off on Friday, February 11, with a virtual assembly featuring information about healthy hearts and "special" hearts that need extra help. For three weeks, students will focus on how to be heart healthy. They will also be fundraising to support the work of the American Red Cross.
Students are learning about heart-healthy habits such as drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods. They are finding out why it is important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day and to limit sugary drinks.
The Challenge also features fun and engaging physical activity breaks in order to “Get Hearts Pumping!” to teach students the value of regular exercise to maintain a healthy heart.
Students are also learning about the harmful effects of activities such as vaping and tobacco use, and about the positive ways that students can Boost their Brains.
Measure HH Renovations
It’s move-in time! Beautiful new furniture, funded through Kelly’s Measure HH modernization project, has arrived and is now installed in Kelly’s newly renovated library and STEAM Lab. Students are reading, creating, building, and learning in their new facilities. Kelly Elementary is another step closer to completing all of its facility updates and renovations. Students, teachers, and staff are enjoying their new learning spaces.
Poinsettia Elementary School
The Poinsettia Panthers
It’s Spirit Month at Poinsettia Elementary School. If you found yourself on campus on a Friday you might observe some particular craziness. It might be Crazy Hair Day, Crazy Socks Day, or Sports Day. You might even see students in their pajamas!
This is all because the Poinsettia Panthers have a “work hard, play hard” attitude. Although the students always make learning a priority, they also believe it is important to make time for silliness too. The school boasts a rigorous curriculum to prepare its students with the skills they will need for a successful future: being an effective communicator and collaborator, a lifelong learner, a critical thinker, a college and career ready scholar, an ethical and responsible citizen, and a self-directed individual as envisioned in Carlsbad Unified’s Graduate Profile.
There’s always something going on around campus. The school recently hosted a bountiful food drive to help those in need in the community. The Lego robotics teams keep students building, coding, and learning. Students celebrated the Great Kindness Challenge Week with fun, thoughtful activities and acts of generosity. That comes easy for the Panthers, because they believe in doing their best every day. They strive to be kind, to be responsible, and to follow the Golden Rule.
A learning community, with a proper balance of instructional excellence and time for play – that’s Poinsettia Elementary School.
Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL)
SOCAL is a collaborative program between education and industry created by Tri-City Medical Center, the San Diego North Economic Development Council and Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista Chambers of Commerce. The vision is to give middle school, high school, post-secondary students and transitioning adults an opportunity to gain insights into career pathways, while allowing businesses and local organizations to participate in these students’ career exploration.
Learn more at the link below!
To the Mountaintop Podcast
The podcasts were funded by National University, CEI, Cloudcast Media and the Lucky Duck Foundation, and are intended for use with all of San Diego County's schools, parents, teachers, and students.
CUSD Showcase: Choose Your Path
Board Meeting Wrap Up - February 16, 2022
- Census 2020 and Trustee Area Redistricting: Resolution No. 28-2122 Adopting a Map of Trustees Areas - Approved
- 2022-23 LCAP Timelines for Stakeholder Engagement and Stakeholder Survey - Approved
- Nutrition Services Update - Information/Discussion
- Annual Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2020-21 - Approved
- Measure HH Bond Program Monthly Update - Information/Discussion
- Resolution No. 29-2122 Continuing Board of Trustees Approval to Hold Virtual Meetings Pursuant to AB 361 and to approve resuming in-person Board meetings beginning March 1, 2022 - Approved.
More information, including slide decks and copies of approved resolutions, can be found here or by clicking the button below.
Would you like to receive an email when a Board Meeting Agenda is posted?
Click here to be added to our email distribution list.
By completing and submitting this form, you request to be added to the Carlsbad Unified School District email distribution list for notification of agenda postings of the Carlsbad Unified School District Regular and Special Meetings of the Board of Trustees. Your email will not be shared and will remain private.
Please be aware that any request form received after the public posting of an agenda, will result in your email being added to the notification distribution of the next scheduled meeting. Please remember to check your spam folder for notifications. You may request to be removed from the notification list at any time by emailing anne.garcia@carlsbadusd.net.
Stay Connected with ParentSquare
Click here to learn more on our website, and/or follow the steps below to get started!
Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlsbadUnifiedSchools
Twitter: @CarlsbadUSD