Jensen Ranch
October 14, 2019
Jensen Jaguar Families!
Happy Fall! Thank you for everyone's flexibility last week with the PG&E power shutdown. We realize the inconvenience that the sudden change in schedule caused for your family. As a staff, we were so thankful to see your children back on campus on Friday!
Jensen Ranch staff presented to the CVUSD School Board last Thursday night on the benefits of using flexible seating in the classroom. Many of Jensen teachers are using a variety of flexible seating options in the classroom. Some of the options students are using include yoga balls, wobble stools, short stools, tall stools, standing work tables, carpet cushions, small couches, floor desks, among others. We are still in the beginning stages of using Flexible Seating figuring out what works best for our students. We still have desks and tables, but we are being more creative with our workspace and are learning to be “flexible” in our thinking about what a classroom looks like when it working best for our learners. At the board presentation, we also recognized Jensen's Outstanding Student Mairen McNeill and Outstanding Volunteer Christine Chan, both of whom were selected by the Jensen staff for embodying what it means to be a Jensen Jaguar!
A reminder that we have our October PTA meeting tomorrow night from 7-8 p.m. in the library and childcare will be available in the MPR. I encourage you to not only attend our PTA meetings but to become a voting member as well. Becoming a member allows you to vote on the funding of programs and activities that support our school.
This is a busy week at school with our upcoming Student Council Elections on Wednesday for our 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students. Classrooms will then elect classroom representatives on Thursday. Thursday we will also have our Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill, adrill that is held up and down the west coast of North America. Throughout the year we will be practicing safety drills to ensure our students know what to do in the case of an emergency. On Friday, we will have our annual Green Schools 4R's assembly to kick off our Green School activities for the year. The 4 R's stand for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot and are part of our CVSAN Green School's program. In the next week, we will also be recruiting our Green School monitors who will help out at either snack recess or lunchtime to ensure we are following the recycling guidelines.
Some Updates/Reminders:
- Tues., 10/15 PTA Meeting 7-8 p.m.
- Wed., 10/16 Student Council Speeches (8:30-10:30 a.m.)
- Wed., 10/16 School Site Council
- Th., 10/17 The Great Shakeout Drill
- Fri., 10/18 Spirit Day-Hats and Class Colors, 4R's Assembly & PTA Walkathon
- Tues., 10/22 Make-Up Picture Day
- Fri., 10/25 PTA Halloween Carnival
- Th., 10/31 Halloween-students may dress-up following the guidelines below.
- Fri., 11/1 Dia de los Muertos Activities
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
Marin McNeill was recognized as Jensen's Outstanding Student and Mrs. Christine Chan was recognized as our Outstanding Volunteer at last Thursday's School Board Meeting.
5th grader Marin M. and Jensen staff members Mrs. Reneau, Mrs. Hawkins, Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Farquhar model the use of flexible seating at our school board presentation.
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. Since this is a major change in practice, we need to teach expectations just like we would for any other new activity. The guidelines will be posted around the school and will be shared in the Round-Up all month long. We are not planning a parade but will be playing some fun Halloween tunes during recess for the students.
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?
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
Measure G Playground Updates
Playground
Our main playground opened on Tuesday afternoon and it was quite a sight to behold! Our students are so happy to have the updated play structure area open again and it is helping everyone to spread out across the playground. We will still be doing some work around the backend of the play structure to level and compact the dirt, but for now, the students are enjoying the new features and the turf.
Solar Panels are In Our Future
Discussions are underway regarding the best location for the solar panels that will be installed at Jensen in 2020. The original location was to place the panels in the staff parking lot. We are currently reviewing the option of placing the solar panels along the outer edges of our playground where it might also serve as a shade structure. More updates to come!
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.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 begins national recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. As with the recognition of all groups, we will take some time to recognize the culture, history, and contributions of Latinos today and throughout history. Hispanic Heritage Month is the period to recognize the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic Americans and Latinos from across the globe. Thank you to our staff, students, and families as they participate in activities to build awareness within our school community.
As October comes to a close, we are going to be learning about El Dia de los Muertos, which some students may be familiar with from the animated movie Coco. We will be hosting our first Jensen Ranch ofrenda. In honor of El Dia de los Muertos, many families make an ofrenda (altar) in their homes on a table or shelves to pay tribute to their loved ones who have passed on. The ofrenda is to celebrate life and is a collection of treasures, pictures, food, special items and candles to remind the families of their loved ones. The alters are for remembering, not worshipping and are often lined with bright tissue paper, ornately cut into different scenes (papel picado). One special flower that has been present at Day of the Dead celebrations since the Aztec time are marigolds (cempasúchil), whose smell is thought to awaken the spirits and guide them back home. other symbols that are important are the Monarch Butterfly and the Sugar Skulls (Calaveras de azúcar). If you are interested in supporting these school activities, let Principal MacLean know.
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.
Guatemala Presentation-Rm. 7
Guatemala Presentation-Rm. 7
Guatemala Presentation-Rm. 7
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.
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,
Come join us for several special PTA events this month!
- Tues., 10/15 PTA Meeting 7-8 p.m. in the library. Childcare is available.
- Fri., 10/18 PTA Walkathon from 12-3
- Fri., 10/25 PTA Halloween Fall Festival
- Keep a lookout for our PTA Movie Night Flyer. We are hosting the movie "Coco" on Nov. 1 in honor of Dia de los Muertos. Space is limited.
The Halloween Fall Festival is seeking donations of individually wrapped pieces of candy (Halloween candy) that will be available at the festival. You can drop off the candy at the office. Thank You! -Amanda Carey (Fall Festival Coordinator)
For questions email jensenranchpta@yahoo.com
JRE PTA Board 2019-2020
The Walkathon is Coming!! 10/18
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
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
Tues., 10/15 PTA Meeting 7-8 p.m., library, childcare available
Wed., 10/16 Student Council Elections
Wed., 10/16 School Site Council
Th., 10/17 The Great Shake-Out
Fri., 10/18 Green Schools Assembly (MPR)
Fri., 10/18 Spirit Day-Hat Day and Class Color Day
Fri., 10/18 PTA Walkathon afterschool
Tues.,10/22 Make-Up Picture Day
Th., 10/24 Guide Dogs for the Blind-individual class visits (40 min.)
Fri., 10/25 PTA Fall Halloween Carnival
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