Castlemont News

This week in the library, we read the book Say Something by Peggy Moss. In Say Something, the narrator sees and hears teasing, put-downs, pushing, excluding and other forms of bullying behaviors at her school. Because she’s confused about what to do, she doesn’t do anything at first. However, her responses change as she gains understanding and empathy.

The book’s message to say something is a call to action for all of us to move from the passive role of bystander to the positive, active role of UP-stander. We discussed our power to become UP-standers who support and include every student at our school so that everyone belongs and feels safe.

Here are some of the ways to be an UP-stander that we discussed:

• Refuse to join in with bullying behaviors.
• Use positive peer influence to help friends "do the right thing".
• Say or do something when someone needs help. (Just standing next to someone will make him/her feel better!)
• Help all kids join the fun. Invite someone new to play!
• Help friends find positive things to do and say.
• Laughing and joking with friends is fun, but laughing at a friend can hurt.
• Help kids "save face' when they are in a tough spot. Help them get away and be safe.
• Always get an adult if there is violence or a weapon!

We hope you will talk with your child tonight about being an UP-stander. To reinforce the message at home:

• Talk about ways that each family member is an UP-stander at home!
• Review the Bully Triangle with your family.
• Role-play different scenarios to practice UP-stander behaviors, words you can say, and actions to take if someone needs your help.
• Review ways to be a bucket filler and swim free of bully behaviors.

Please join Eric Brown for Coffee With The Principal at 8:30 on Friday, January 11. This is an opportunity to learn what is going on around campus and ask any general questions you may have. 

State’s updated accountability charts offer simpler view of complex data.

This month, the California Department of Education released the second edition of the state’s School Dashboard, the two-year-old accountability tool for measuring local schools and districts across a number of indicators. This 2018 version contains two new data points and improved graphics for easier viewing.

"The color-based charts provide an easier way to see students progress through multiple measures, such as academics, school climate, and parent engagement," said Shelly Viramontez, Superintendent of Campbell Union School District (CUSD). "We’re committed to preparing our TK-8 students for their 21st century workplace and, as it evolves, this tool will offer a way to gauge progress and measure effectiveness."

Before viewing dashboards for CUSD schools, please note:

• The Local Indicator Data on each school’s dashboard is not specific to that school but represents the entire district.
  
• There is no district-wide dashboard. The district-level dashboard is represented by CUSD’s one non-charter school in 2018 report: Campbell Middle School. For the 2019 report, Rosemary Elementary school will represent the district as the district’s non-charter school.
  

Visit Your School’s Dashboard https://www.caschooldashboard.org/#/Home

Three trustees begin new terms. Board sets schedule for next year.

Each December, the Campbell Union School District Governing Board holds an Organizational Meeting at which they welcome incoming trustees, elect officers, assign subcommittees, and set the meeting schedule for the coming calendar year. Pictured above are (l to r) Chris Miller; Danielle M.S. Cohen; Pablo A. Beltran (Clerk); Richard H. Nguyen (Vice President); Michael L. Snyder (President). 

At left, Superintendent Viramontez administered the Oath of Office to three trustees who began new terms: returning trustees (l to r) Richard H. Nguyen and Danielle M.S. Cohen, and newly elected member Chris Miller.

The Board and staff also recognized retiring board member Thomas M. Gemetti for his six years of service, which included serving as Clerk, Vice President and President.

Campbell Union School District is governed by five elected trustees who serve four-year terms. Governing Board members ensure that the policies, funding priorities and personnel are in place to provide an education beyond the expected to our more than 7500 preschool-through-eighth-grade students. More information about the Governing Board is online.