Jensen Ranch
October 25, 2019
Jensen Jaguar Families!
I'm sending our Round-Up out early just in case we have a power outage this weekend!
If you've had a chance to check your emails, you've likely seen the message from Superintendent Ahmadi regarding the 48-hour PG&E notice that the district received regarding a potential power shutdown in Castro Valley this weekend. Palomares Hills and Jensen Ranch Elementary Schools are in the zones of the potential outage. If the power does go out up in Palomares Hills this weekend, we will have to be on call with the understanding that Jensen will not reopen without the all-clear from PGE and the school district.
Thank you to our PTA and Amanda Carey for hosting our annual Halloween Fall Festival and for everyone's participation and for braving the warm temperatures. It was a fun afternoon of games and yummy treats! The children were so excited to wear their costumes.
Next week, we will be doing some pre Dia de los Muertos activities for students who are interested during our recess times. On Friday, Nov. 1 we will have our Dia de los Muertos ofrenda where students and families are welcome to share a picture or photo of a loved one (person or pet). The ofrenda is used to remember those who have passed. So long as we remember, they are not forgotten. More information can be found below.
Some Updates/Reminders:
- 10/28 Green School Monitor Training for Grades 2-5
- 10-28 thru 11/1 Dia de los Muertos recess activities
- Th., 10/31 Halloween-students may dress-up following the guidelines below.
- Fri., 11/1 Dia de los Muertos Activities
- Fri., 11/1 Battle of the Books Permission Slips are due (Gr. 3, 4, 5)
- Fri., 11/8 End of Tri. 1
- Wed., 11/13 and Th., 11/14 Early Release Days for Report Cards
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
Public Safety Power Shutoff Advisory: Email sent on 10/24/19
Dear CVUSD Families:
Today, October 24th, CVUSD received a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) advisory due to expected gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk. We were notified that PG&E may need to turn off the power for public safety in approximately 36 to 48 hours (Saturday, October 26th) at Chabot, Jensen Ranch, Palomares, and Proctor Elementary Schools, Canyon Middle School and Redwood High School.
PG&E has indicated it will provide notice 48 hours in advance of a planned power shutoff, when possible. Such a notice will trigger the activation of the District three-phased response plan. During this response, you can expect email, voice message, and text message communications through our SchoolMessenger contact system. If you have not yet signed up for SchoolMessenger Text Messages, please do so by texting “Y” to 67587
PHASE 1: 48 HOURS PRIOR TO PLANNED POWER SHUTOFF: Early warning that PG&E has given 48-hour notification of a possible power shutoff and that we are monitoring the situation. Under most circumstances, CVUSD will not initiate the closure of schools or offices based upon the 48-hour notification. At this point, please plan for school to continue as scheduled.
PHASE 2: 24 HOURS PRIOR TO PLANNED POWER SHUTOFF: You will receive an update informing you if the power shutoff has been cancelled/postponed or if it is still scheduled. If the power shutoff is still scheduled, you will be informed no later than 7 p.m. if we are planning to close schools the next day.
PHASE 3: DURING PLANNED POWER SHUTOFF: You will receive daily updates until the power is switched back on and school is back in session and offices are back to business-as-usual. You will also be able to find updates at www.cv.k12.ca.us
POWER OUTAGE RESOURCES
At CVUSD, we believe that planning ahead is the best safeguard. With this in mind, we have provided more information and resources below to help you and your family prepare for an extended power outage.
- Make sure you can receive updated information from PG&E by updating your contact information at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts.
- Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your family’s needs when the power goes out.
- Review the supplies that are available in your household in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water stored to meet your family’s basic needs for at least a few days.
- Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
- Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
- Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
Regards,
Parvin Ahmadi
Superintendent
JAM
Thank you to our amazing JAM docents Tracy Choy and Nedda Misherghi who led fantastic workshops this week! A big thank you as well to Ember Tom who developed and updated our JAM curriculum with a focus on equity! It was wonderful for our children to see themselves in these lessons!
The Artists
Tracing Their Dancers
Personal Touch
New! Students Can Wear Costumes on Halloween
Students are permitted to wear their Halloween costumes to school this year on Th., October 31. Attached are the guidelines for costumes. The best way to ensure this is a successful day is to take some time to review the guidelines with your child.
Students cannot wear a mask that covers his/her face. No play or fake weapons. The costume must be practical and comfortable for the student to wear all day at school for all activities. The costume must be elementary age-appropriate. Please read the guidelines with your child.
Remember to Plan ahead:
What am I going to wear?
- Is it safe?
- Is it appropriate for Jensen Ranch Elementary School?
- Does my costume follow the school rules and the PAW Pledge?
Dia de los Muertos Activities
In Spanish, The Day of the Dead is El Dia de los Muertos. It sounds like a scary day. But, it’s actually just the opposite! It is a day to celebrate our ancestors and loved ones who have come before us who have passed on. Dia de los Muertos combines an ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with a Spanish holiday that was brought to Mexico by Spanish invaders in the early 1500’s. The holiday is celebrated mostly on November 1st and 2nd and it is thought of like a family reunion! A reunion to honor your ancestors and loved ones. The Day of the Dead is a joyful time that helps people remember and celebrate the memories of our ancestors.
Join us next week for some fun activities in Room 9! We are going to be making colorful bracelets, paper flowers, coloring sugar skulls, bookmarks, and will have a place to draw pictures of your loved ones while listening to music. We will ask our students to share their beautiful work to help decorate our ofrenda, a table set up for us to remember our loved ones. Activities will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
For those who would like to participate, students, staff and families are welcome to bring in a small picture of a loved one (human or pet) who has passed to remember on our ofrenda. We look forward to sharing this special celebration with you next week! Stop by Room 9 to participate and we encourage classes and families to stop by to see our Jensen ofrenda as well!
National Geographic Kids: Day of the Dead
Dia de los Muertos-Film School Short
One of the best ways to learn about Dia de los Muertos is to attend one of our local festivals! Here are two that are located in Oakland that are worth a visit.
November is Indigenous People Heritage Month
During November, we will be recognizing Indigenous Heritage Month, still widely known as Native American Month. This is a time to honor the indigenous peoples of the earth and the nations' first peoples, who inhabited the land prior to the United States becoming a nation.
Castro Valley Unified School District serves students with indigenous heritage and honors the cultures and backgrounds that students and families offer the rich fabric of a learning environment. Therefore, if any of our Jensen family members would like to share your Indigenous culture with us at school, we welcome your involvement! Please reach out to your child's teacher or Principal MacLean.
Public Charge Rule
On August 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security amended federal regulations known as the public charge rule. The changes to the existing rule, effective October 15, 2019, will make it more difficult to apply for permanent residency or earn a visa if an applicant is dependent on government aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, housing assistance, and Medicaid.
It is important to know that the Child Nutrition Programs are not public benefits. Please continue to complete meal applications and alternative meal forms.
Seeking Additional Jensen Representatives for CVUSD Committees
At Jensen Ranch and CVUSD, we have a number of opportunities for parents to get involved and have an impact by providing input on district policies and practices. Each school sends representatives to these meetings, and in past years, Jensen has had limited representation. Let’s change that! If you’re interested, please contact Principal MacLean with your name and the committee that you are interested in. Thank you to our parents who are currently serving on site and district level committees!
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC):
- The District has established a functioning District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) to advise on programs and services for all EL students in the district. Responsibilities and roles are similar to the ELAC but on a larger level.
- Time & Place: 6:15-7:30 p.m. @ Canyon Middle School Library
- Meeting Dates: 9/18 (@ DO), 10/9, 1/8, 3/11, 6/10 (@ DO)
Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Committee: Rep. Venkatesh Mysore
- The LCAP is a tool for local educational agencies to set goals, plan actions, and leverage resources to meet those goals to improve student outcomes. It is detailed and specific with concrete action plans and outcomes. This committee will provide assistance in the creation of our next LCAP.
- Time & Place: 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ the District Office
- Meeting Dates: 10/22, 12/4, 2/11, 4/2
Strategic Planning Committee:
- The CVUSD Strategic Plan is a document that sets the direction, goals, and mission of the district. This committee will discuss our progress towards this vision.
- Time & Place: 4:00-5:30 p.m. @ Castro Valley High School
- Meeting Dates: 9/24, 11/20, 2/5, 4/29
Equity Task Force:
- Equity is a priority of CVUSD. We regularly reflect on the impact of our actions and take steps to ensure all students receive the supports they require to be successful. This committee will discuss concepts of equity and what the district is doing/can do in the future to best support our diverse population.
- Time & Place: 3:45-5:15 p.m. @ Castro Valley High School
- Meeting Dates: 10/16, 1/15, 3/18, 5/13
Second Step
As part of our PBIS supports, Castro Valley elementary schools use the Second Step program to address:
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Bully Prevention
Child Protection
Second Step is a program rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to encourage children to thrive. More than just a classroom curriculum, Second Step’s holistic approach helps create a more empathetic society by providing education professionals, families, and the larger community with tools to enable them to take an active role in the social-emotional growth and safety of today’s children.
You are encouraged to access the Second Step document below for more information on the ongoing lessons and to support your child's learning at home!
Independent Study
Please click the link to review the updated CVUSD board policy on independent study.
- Independent studies must be 5 days and no more than 10 days.
- No Independent Studies are granted during the first 10 days of the school year.
- No Independent Studies are granted for the last 15 days of the school year.
- A minimum of 10 days prior notice is required to request an Independent Study. An Independent Study form must be completed no less than 10 days prior to the requested Independent Study.
- Students granted Independent Study will be expected to complete daily written assignments in all subject areas which are due the first school day following the end of the contract.
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,
Walk-a-Thon
A BIG thank you to all families and all volunteers especially the middle schoolers that helped make the Walk-aThon a success. A thank you to our food vendor Los Pericos Taqueria, Cargill Food Distribution and CV School of Music for their generous donations. And of course to the students of Jensen for their participation. Pledge donations are due on November 1. You can still contribute on pledgestar.com/jensenranch Thanks, Christine Chan (Walk-a-Thon)
For questions email jensenranchpta@yahoo.com
JRE PTA Board 2019-2020
Battle of the Books 2020!
Dear 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade Families,
We are very pleased to announce that our yearly Battle of the Books will happen on April 3rd, 2020. All students received a handout with more information as well as permissions slips last Friday. Permission slips are due Friday, November 1st, 2019.
By launching Battle of the Books now, we are making sure students have enough time to read books and get ready for the battle. Please encourage your child to participate. This is a great program that our school is doing to support reading inside and outside the classroom as well as have fun with it.
Jensen PTA Good Eggs Fundraiser
A new fall fundraiser is coming to JRE beginning October 1st! For the first time, our school is partnering with Good Eggs, an online grocery marketplace, that delivers fresh local produce, school lunch, dinner essentials, and much more, right to your doorstep! JRE will even earn 5% back on every order placed in the months of October and November! There are also bonuses for new families who sign up! Visit schools.goodeggs.com today and enter our school code: jensen2019
Shop now, shop often, and please share Good Eggs with your friends and family!
Become a PTA Member!
Become a voting member of the Jensen PTA! The cost is $20 per person and your membership affords you the right to vote on critical programs and events run by the PTA at our association meetings. PTA members can also serve as program chairs and board members.
https://jointotem.com/ca/castro-valley/jensen-ranch-pta/join/register
Jensen Ranch Yearbooks On Sale
Castro Valley United Against Hate November Activities
Please click the link below for information on ways your child can get involved in the poetry-art slam. We will be holding our Jensen Ranch Kindness Week Nov. 4-8th. Activities will go towards a Jensen Ranch contribution to the CV Community Alliance's Poetry-Art Slam event later this November. If you have any ideas or activities, please feel free to share with Ms. MacLean!
Poetry Art Slam
Wednesday 11/20 6-8PM
@ The Small Town Society
Click HERE for Flyer with projects our students may be interested in.
For more information on the CV Community Alliance Click Here.
Castro Valley Educational Foundation Dynamic Dinner
The annual CVEF Dynamic Dinner Dance will be held on November 8, 2019 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Castro Valley Masonic Center, located at 4521 Crow Canyon Road in Castro Valley. The theme this year is Bollywood. There will be a buffet Indian dinner by Aroma, no host bar, music by DJ Billy Bradford, Henna Tattoos by Henna Happens, a photo booth by Charlie Moehle, and a Bollywood dance performance. The fun evening will include dancing, a silent auction and a live auction featuring cakes and cupcakes from Jenn’s Cupcakes and Disneyland tickets, among other exciting items. All proceeds from this event go directly to fund the CVEF School Grants Program. Please join us to support Castro Valley schools! Please purchase tickets before November 1st at www.cvef.org/dynamic-dance
Potential Parcel Tax Measure
Click Here to Access the CVUSD Local Funding Page for More Information
High-Quality Education
Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) provides an excellent education that prepares students to graduate ready for competitive colleges and 21st-century careers. This is possible thanks to strong academic programs, excellent teachers, high-performing students and a supportive community.
Planning for the Future
As we look to the future, we know we cannot rely on the state to provide the level of funding our schools need. Our District is among the lowest funded in Alameda County and has already made $1.8 million in ongoing cuts in the past two years. Additionally, the Bay Area is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and many of our teachers live right here in Castro Valley. By retaining and attracting the highest quality teachers, we can improve student achievement and continue providing an excellent education to students.
Potential Local Funding Measure
To provide dedicated funding for our schools to support programs and teachers, the Castro Valley Unified School District Board of Education is considering placing a local parcel tax measure on an upcoming ballot. Although no final decisions have been made, a measure may cost $96 per parcel per year and generate $1.5 million annually for six years.
Funds from a measure could:
- Retain and attract highly qualified teachers
- Preserve strong academic programs in reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts and math
- Prepare students for college and careers
- Support the health and well-being of all students
- Keep schools clean and well-maintained
Fiscal Accountability Provisions of Potential Local Measure
- All revenue from the measure would be spent right here in our District to support local schools and could not be taken away by the State
- A citizens’ oversight committee and annual audits would ensure that all funds are spent as promised
- No funds could go to administrator salaries
- Seniors would be eligible for an exemption from the cost
Mark Your Calendars!
2019-2020
Th., 10/31 Halloween-Students & Staff may dress-up following the guidelines
Fri., 11/1 Principal's Coffee & Tea 8:30-9:30 a.m. MPR
Fri., 11/1 Dia de los Muertos Activity
Fri., 11/1 PTA Movie Night-Coco
Fri., 11/8 Last Day of 1st Trimester
Fri., 11/11 No School-Veterans Day
11/13-11/14 Early Release Days for Report Cards (Kinder @ Noon, 1st-5th @ 1:50 p.m.)
Tues., 11/19 PTA Meeting 7-8 p.m., library, childcare available
Fri., 11/22 1st Trimester Report Cards Sent Home
11/25-11/29 No School-Thanksgiving Break
12/23-1/3 No School-Winter Break
Early Release Fridays @ Noon for all students each Friday!
Check the online school calendar for updates by going to the Jensen Ranch school website.
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