Danish Computer Science Educators Visit Los Altos School District

As a model for schools around the world, Los Altos School District (LASD) has hosted many international visitors interested in learning more about the district’s successful academic programs.  Last week, Danish educators from University College Copenhagen and VIA University College came to LASD to learn about the district’s Computer Science program. To implement Computer Science programs in schools and universities nationwide by 2021, the Danish team is creating grade-appropriate curriculum and teacher training modules to improve digital literacy and technology understanding among both students and teachers.

"Because we are pioneers in Computer Science education, our experience in overcoming many of the same challenges they face in Denmark will help them implement a successful national program,” said Sandra McGonagle, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

For example, McGonagle explained that the district’s Computer Science curriculum is designed to meet every child at their level, inspire them and support them in understanding concepts in computer science. LASD invests resources in training its faculty and developing custom curriculum with the inclusion of a Computer Science Integration Specialist.

In a presentation to the Danish group, LASD’s Computer Science Integration Specialist Sheena Vaidyanathan introduced the LASD program and helped answer several questions about implementing a similar program in Denmark.  “It’s important to consider the best ways to teach Computer Science and how to integrate it into the core curriculum. Designing effective curriculum requires understanding how to engage students with projects that are open to allow creativity and also have clear expectations on student learning,” Vaidyanathan explained.  

While many American school districts have added Computer Science programs during the last 3 years, LASD began its computer science program in 2009.  “We were early adopters of Computer Science curriculum because coding teaches students problem solving,” explained Vaidyanathan. “It’s a way of thinking that can help students learn everything else.”

“Computer Science for All” is the philosophy that guides the program at LASD.  “We integrate Computer Science throughout the core program at every grade level.  We also provide opportunities for all students to create personally relevant projects using their computer science skills to make art, animation or stories and games,” explains Vaidyanathan.   The LASD Computer Science curriculum includes group projects where possible to encourage students to build larger projects while learning collaboration skills.

"As students learn Computer Science, they understand the relevance of the STEM fields in today's world. They also build critical thinking skills and use their creativity,” said Vaidyanathan.

For more information on University College Copenhagen and Via University College, visit www.kp.dk/international  For more information on LASD’s innovative Computer Science program, visit http://www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/District/Portal/Computer-Science.

####

Bullis Charter School Requests Closure of Egan Junior High

On November 1, 2018 Los Altos School District (LASD) received a formal request for facilities for the 2019-20 school year from the Bullis Charter School (BCS).  

In its facilities request, BCS demands that LASD close its top-ranked Egan Junior High School and turn over the entire campus to BCS for the charter school’s exclusive use beginning in the upcoming 2019-20 school year.  The Egan campus is currently shared between the Egan and Bullis Charter schools. BCS does not state where LASD should place the nearly 600 junior high school students who would be evicted imminently from the Egan campus or denied the ability to enroll in junior high there.

Click here to read the full press release.

September 10 Board of Trustees Meeting Focuses on
Community Feedback Regarding the 10th School Site
 

At its September 10 meeting, the Los Altos Board of Trustees heard two presentations regarding community input for the proposed new 10th school site.  The district houses 10 schools on 9 sites and thousands of new homes are slated for construction in the next 10 years in the area.
 
Since 2012, LASD has engaged with its community to obtain feedback on how best to allocate LASD’s school facilities to meet the needs of all students who enroll in a public school within the LASD.  Community task forces, committees and public forums have consistently urged the district to seek a new school site to help meet those needs.  For a complete history of the process and community feedback, please click here.
 
LASD now has a strong prospect of obtaining a school site in the North of El Camino area through a unique collaboration with the City of Mountain View.  The district thus invited community feedback on how best to utilize this potential 10th school site.
 
ThoughtExchange Report
The district hosted an online community forum with ThoughtExchange in June 2018, in which over 1,000 local residents provided their perspectives regarding the 10th site.  To boost participation, the district advertised the ThoughtExchange forum to the community through local newspapers, social media and a mailer.  Additionally, the district invited parents and staff to participate through emails.  ThoughtExchange provided its analysis of the community’s feedback in a presentation to the board.
 
Site Advisory Task Force Report
Manny Barbara from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group--the Site Advisory Task Force Facilitator--presented a summary report of the Site Advisory Task Force’s work. The Task Force comprised a diverse group of residents and school district staff volunteers who thoroughly analyzed issues and community perspectives regarding the new school site.  After months of deliberation, the majority members of the Task Force recommended placing the Bullis Charter School at the new 10th site.  The second-choice option was to place a neighborhood LASD school on the 10th site.  View the presentation and the report here.
 
“With varying perspectives and interests in our community, the educational program and student attendance for the 10th site is an exciting, but complex issue.  We thank the community for providing us valuable insight and feedback through the Task Force, ThoughtExchange and all of the committees, task forces and community forums over the past six years.  The Board of Trustees now has the difficult job of taking years of community input on this issue and determining a solution that prioritizes top-quality education for local public school students,” stated Superintendent Jeffrey Baier.
 
Please join us at our upcoming Board meetings on September 24 and October 8, when we will continue to discuss the 10th site.  If you have questions or comments, please email trustees@lasdschools.org.

Have you thought about being a Substitute teacher?

Substitute Teacher Training - September 27th 9am-12pm
No Cost $$

The Silicon Valley economy is doing well and unemployment is quite low.  For LASD, this means fewer people interested in substitute teaching.  We are looking for parents who would be interested in helping our schools by becoming a substitute teacher.  We realize this may initially sound a bit unnerving, but it is actually a wonderful way to learn more about the learning of our students. You can choose your schedule, working as often or as little as you would like as well as at the schools of your choosing.  We conducted this training in 2017 and had terrific feedback and results with our new substitutes.  We could really use your help, so please consider the opportunity.

If you would consider joining our substitute teaching pool, we are offering a free mini-training hosted by our Human Resource & Curriculum Departments. Mark your calendars for Thursday,September 27th from 9am-12pm.  For more information click the link here and/ or contact Erin Green, Director of Student and Staff Services egreen@lasdschools.

Substitute Boot Camp 2018!

Dear LASD families,
Welcome to the start of another fantastic school year!  I look forward to greeting your children this week as they reconnect with friends and meet new teachers.  The LASD team of teachers, principals and staff is thrilled to embark on a new, year-long journey of learning with your kids.  We have hired some incredible new teachers to guide them on that journey.  We also welcome new principals at Springer, Almond, Oak and Loyola.

Summer Literacy Training for Teachers
One reason our students excel is that LASD is committed to ensuring our teachers use the most innovative and effective teaching methods.  Over the summer, teachers were busy with many hours of professional learning in the area of literacy education. Literacy is more than just knowing how to read and write.  It is the ability to identify, understand, create and communicate in all subject areas.  Our teachers learned to approach literacy instruction student-by-student to assess progress, provide additional support and present new challenges.
 
Educational Collaboration
LASD students excel due to supportive learning communities with a collaborative team of professional teachers, educational coaches and committed principals. To this end, our teachers will continue to meet weekly this year to collaborate, design curriculum, evaluate student progress and ensure your child learns the necessary concepts for success.
 
Partnering with Our Families
The strong partnerships we build with parents are key to providing a world-class education for every child.  Your child’s teacher, principal and I encourage you to communicate with us as often as you like if you have questions, concerns, or exciting stories to share about what your child’s learning.  To kick off the year and continue building our partnership, please join us at your child’s school for Back-to-School Night.  Please check your school’s website for information.
 
A Note on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
You may have noticed a little construction over the summer in our parking lots. LASD received a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to fund Electric Vehicle charging stations in conjunction with our parking lot to promote emissions free transportation for a better environment.  During the school day, the parking spaces are available for electric and conventional vehicles alike.  After school hours, the community may use the spaces for a nominal cost, providing funds that will support our educational programs.
 
10th Site Update
The 10th Site Task Force will hold its fourth meeting on Monday, August 27, at 5:00pm in the District Office iLearn Studio (201 Covington Road, Los Altos).  The task force is charged with understanding and analyzing the myriad issues and factors that must be considered to determine how the district can best use the 10th site.  Its work shall culminate in a report to the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees outlining robust data and its analysis of the educational and community benefits of each potential option along with recommendations.  The meeting is open to the public and community input will be taken at the beginning of the meeting.  If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to share your point of view, email me with your comments at jbaier@lasdschools.org.

Click the links below to read the full articles recently published in the Los Altos Town Crier:

• LASD's new camp aims to improve reading skills for kids who fell behind during the school year
• LASD teachers become students for summer writing workshop

10th Site Progress:  Another Step Towards Resolving School Overcrowding
June 27, 2018

Last night the Mountain View City Council voted to continue its collaboration with the Los Altos School District to create a public school and park in the San Antonio Precise Plan Area, an area of the City where there is a great need for both. The Council vote allows the district to pursue a new school site at California and Showers Drive, which is currently owned by Federal Realty, while keeping in place a collaborative agreement that will reduce the cost of the property by ten of millions of dollars.

The Los Altos School District’s acquisition of a 10th site is first and foremost about protecting excellent educational opportunities for all current and future local students. We at the Los Altos School district are working side-by-side with the property owners to reach an agreement to secure the site as soon as possible to protect our small-school model, which we believe is key to student success.  This would be a huge victory and win-win solution for LASD and the City of Mountain View.

Since 2012, LASD has been engaged in a community process to find a solution to address school overcrowding.  The district houses 10 schools on nine sites.  Current enrollment exceeds 5,000 students—including Bullis Charter School—a level last reached in the 1970s when the district had 12 schools.  Community task forces, committees and public forums have consistently urged the district to seek a new school site.
 
LASD previously identified the Old Mill/Safeway site as its preference, but attempts to negotiate with the landowner proved fruitless.  While both sites meet the district’s criteria for a new school and were among the sites recommended by the community-led LASD 10th Site Committee, the Federal site is the most viable option for a negotiated sale.

The Federal site would provide a larger school and park for students and residents than Safeway/Old Mill.  At 9.65 acres, the Federal site would accommodate the district’s needs to reduce overcrowding and prepare for future enrollment. Due to a requirement to provide parkland in the City of Mountain View for its development project on another site, Greystar developers will also purchase an additional 2 acres from Federal Realty to create a park for the City of Mountain View. By locating these 2 acres adjacent to the new school’s playfields, the city would gain a large park in the neighborhood, where open space is scarce.

A negotiated sale will save both time and money by avoiding a formal eminent domain process to the benefit all local students, taxpayers and community members. We are working alongside Federal Realty, Greystar and the City of Mountain View through a constructive negotiation to purchase the site at a fair and reasonable price.  The savings on the purchase of land will mean more of our Measure N bond funds can be used for school construction and projects at existing school sites.

Students Reflect on Their Success at Egan’s Viking Showcase

At the end of each school year, Egan’s 8th grade graduates have an opportunity to reflect on their successes, opportunities for growth and goals for their high school education.

For the Viking Showcase, students prepare a presentation that they share with Los Altos School District parent and community volunteers.  Weeks of reflection allows them to take a deep dive into their educational experiences and determine how they will communicate these elements to adults in a formal setting.

“This day came about because we believe reflection is key to solidifying learning,” explained Egan English teacher, Karen Kehlet. “Through the process of preparing for the Viking Showcase, students become more aware of all they have accomplished, they see their personal as well as academic growth, and they identify areas for continued focus in high school.”

Long term and reflective experiences like this prepare students to be successful with more challenging projects as they enter high school.  

Students find the experience both challenging and rewarding.  One student explained, “I learned that from 7th grade to 8th grade I changed for the better.  The summer between 7th and 8th grade, I reflected on my year and realized that I had to work harder to improve my grades.  In 8th grade, I made sure focus on the courses that gave me the most trouble and by the end of the year, those courses were my best.”  

Another student shared that the Viking Showcase reminded her of photography class and was “like a pause button for life.”  She explained, “taking a look at my ‘picture’ of 7th and 8th grades showed me how much I’ve changed and all the different paths I can take moving into high school.”  

“In preparing for the showcase, I realize I’ve had good days and bad days,” another student shared. “I’m glad I got to experience the bad days because they’ve helped me become the person I am today.”

Viking Showcase would not be possible without the overwhelming number of hours contributed by our parent and community volunteers, or without the support of the entire Egan Junior High School staff. This year’s PTA Chairs—Gayle Mujica, Natasha Stirrup and Alice Cox—worked tirelessly for this wonderful event.  

Thank you to all who volunteered to support our students’ education.

On May 23, students at Blach and Egan Junior High Schools elected their new student councils.  After poring over campaign posters and listening to student speeches, incoming 7th graders and next year’s 8th grade students voted for their new President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
     
Students take their responsibilities seriously.  They carefully craft their speeches to ensure they convey their vision for the school.  Candidates also explain this vision to gather petition signatures from at least 35 students to prove they are qualified to run for their chosen elected office.  
 
Student Council collaborates and represents student voice with teachers, parents and administrators to understand deeply and shape the operations of the school. For example, the Blach Student Council’s mission is to become a positive, compassionate community that will foster an inclusive environment.  The Council aims to help students learn about their society and develop the fundamental skills necessary for a successful life to be thoroughly prepared for high school and beyond.
 
Student government fosters communication, planning and organizational skills, in addition to offering students the responsibility to take on and finish their own projects to benefit their peers. It is often their first glimpse into the complexities of policy development, which helps students understand multiple perspectives and the art of compromise.
 
“Student government serves to empower student voices and encourage contributions to the school community, allowing them to play an active role in shaping their own learning environment.  Egan is most successful when all partners—including our students—have played an active role in the operations of our school,” said Egan Assistant Principal, Coni Cullimore.
 
“Student Council is about student empowerment as they weigh in on changes that impact their education.  Including students in our school operations and policy is essential to their development as young adults.  All students benefit by either serving in student government or voting to choose their representation,” said Blach Student Council Advisor, Trisha Mackenzie.
 
Student Council members appoint Commissioners to take on specific areas of focus to foster an inclusive and welcoming school environment.  Commissions include Philanthropy and Goodwill, Inclusion, Student Wellness and Ambassadors to incoming 7th grade students and their families.  
 
Students are excited to make a difference at Egan and Blach next year.  They feel it’s an honor to be elected to represent their schools.  They look forward to leading and becoming role models for the new 7th grade class.

Los Altos School District, ForeFront Power, Sunworks and TerraVerde Energy celebrated the completion of solar canopy systems across the District's nine schools at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Oak School on May 24.  At the time of the ceremony, the 1.4-megawatt (MW) solar project had already produced an energy savings of just over $25,000 for the district.  It is expected that LASD will save $175,000 annually, and up to $2.7 million in the first 10 years.

Click here to read the full press release about solar energy at LASD.