Website Under Construction!
This is the first in a series of monthly columns to share what’s happenings at Kelseyville Unified School District. Let me start by saying how excited we are to have students back in school. Our administrators, teachers and staff are committed to making sure that every student feels safe and welcome in our schools. At KVUSD, we care about kids.
SUPPORT FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENT
Truth is, some students like school and some don’t. Some enjoy being involved in extracurricular activities, while others have part-time jobs or family responsibilities to attend to. Whether students like sports, leadership, music, career/technical education, FFA, theater, academic clubs or other endeavors, we want to support them. Our goal is not to squeeze students into a one-size-fits-all box, but rather to offer a huge variety of activities, electives and support, so students can discover their passions and reach their potential.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
But we can’t do that if they don’t come to school. Research shows what common sense has already told us: kids who miss a lot of school often struggle. Missing 10 percent of school days, just 2 days each month, is considered “chronic absenteeism” and it can put kids at risk of academic failure. It all starts in Kindergarten.
A seven-year study followed a cohort of students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Students who were chronically absent in kindergarten did not perform as well as their classmates. (http://ridatahub.org/datastories/chronic-absenteeism-in-kindergarten)
- They scored roughly 20 percentage points lower in reading
- They scored 25 percentage points lower in math
- They were twice as likely to be retained in grade
- They were more than twice as likely to be suspended by the end of 7th grade
- They were likely to continue being chronically absent
Setting good attendance habits in the first years of school has an enormously positive impact—in school and in life. When students attend school daily, they form good habits. They can keep up with class material and get the support they need—academically and socially. We have great teachers and counselors ready to help students in whatever way they need. If you’re a parent who is struggling to get your child to school regularly, reach out to your child’s school. We may be able to help. Also, if you need care for your elementary student after school, be sure to ask about our ASES program.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL
In addition to a great education, students now get free meals at school—both breakfast and lunch. Every student, regardless of their family’s income level, is welcome to eat free of charge. All we need is for KVUSD families to complete the LCFF form that was sent home with students.
STAYING UP-TO-DATE WITH KVUSD
This year, we’re putting extra effort into updating our website and Facebook pages with school activities and events. We know parents and community members who would like to participate in school activities, attend events and/or volunteer need time to plan. Check out our district website at www.kusd.lake.k12.ca.us.
NEW ADMINISTRATORS
Finally, to kick off this year, I’d like to introduce our new administrators. Mike and Scott are KVUSD veterans and Noah is new to our district, but not new to education. We’re excited to welcome them to their new positions.
Kelseyville High School Principal – Mike Jones
Kelseyville High School Vice Principal – Scott Conrad
Mountain Vista Middle School Vice Principal – Noah Gomez