FJUHSD December Newsletter: Dear FJUHSD Family

December 1, 2023 | Issue 27

"FJUHSD is the Place to be Engaged, Supported, Successful, and Safe!"

Upcoming Board of Trustees Meetings

Link to Board Meeting Recordings

Link to District Calendar

12/22 No School - Semester Records Day

Mental Health Resources

Dear FJUHSD Staff, Students, and Community,

As we dive into the holiday season, it's the perfect time to reflect on the incredible community we've built together at FJUHSD. This month, our theme resonates louder than ever: "FJUHSD is the Place to be Engaged, Supported, Successful, and Safe!"

Engaged: Here at FJUHSD, we believe in active participation and the power of involvement. Whether it's in the classroom, on the field, or within our vibrant clubs and activities, find your passion and engage with it wholeheartedly.

Supported: We are more than just a school district; we are a family. FJUHSD is your support system, ready to guide you through challenges and celebrate your triumphs.

Successful: Success takes many forms, and at FJUHSD, we're committed to helping you define and achieve yours. With quality education, dedicated mentors, and a wealth of resources, your path to success begins right here.

Safe: Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. FJUHSD is a place where you can learn, grow, and thrive in a secure environment. We are dedicated to creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and protected.

We hope you are able to take a moment to cherish the warmth of family and friends and have a restful break. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we would like to wish all of our students, families, and employees a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Be sure to check out our student and staff accomplishments along with our helpful tips and resources!

Steve McLaughlin, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Table of Contents

Be Sure to Open the Message to Read the Entire Newsletter

Tips for the Holidays

10 Tips provided by Mental Health Association NSW

Administrative Services

Board Meeting Highlights

This month the Board celebrated our student Simon Scholars. Simon Scholars is a unique scholarship program that begins at the end of a student’s sophomore year in high school and continues through the completion of college. FJUHSD is the place to be succesful!

Minutes from the meetings of the Board of Trustees can be found on our website.

Shout Outs

Thank You FJUHSD Technology Team

We would like to thank each member of the FJUHSD Technology Team for their outstanding work and unwavering dedication in serving our school district. Their commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in maintaining and advancing our technological infrastructure do not go unnoticed.

The team's hard work ensures that our students and educators have access to a seamless and innovative learning environment, and their contributions play a crucial role in the success of our district. Thank you for your professionalism, expertise, and the significant impact each and every one of you make each day.

2024 Teacher of the Year Banquet

Congratulations to our incredible teachers of the year, Mr. Fritter from La Habra High School and Mr. Kirkpatrick, from Troy High School. We had a wonderful celebration at the Disneyland Hotel in their honor!

Way to go LHHS and SHHS!

TRHS student aced the ACT test!

Congratulations to junior Alice Yoon for earning the highest possible score of 36 on the ACT exam! On average, only one-quarter of 1% of all ACT test takers earn a 36, placing Alice in a truly elite category. What a tremendous accomplishment!

In addition, 36 FJUHSD students earned scores that placed them in the top 10 percent of all ACT test-takers nationwide. Click on the recent article published by OCDE Newsroom.

La Vista/La Sierra High Schools Honored with a 2023 Golden Bell

La Vista/La Sierra High Schools’ Academy course is designed to promote student growth by teaching necessary organizational, communication, and emotional skills in order to become college and career ready. The course focuses on three key areas: relationships, routines, and resilience.

The academy places significant emphasis on getting to know students individually and assisting them in connecting with their peers.

Students who are enrolled in the program experience safe and supportive environments where educators provide clear and focused directions, model expectations and assist students in establishing study routines and accessing support resources.

Congratulations LV/LSHS!

Awareness Days

FJUHSD recognizes the following

Awareness Days

for the month of December.

National Special Education Day (12/2)

Computer Science Education Week (12/4-12/10)

Hanukkah Begins (12/7 -12/15)

Christmas (12/25)

Kwanzaa Begins(12/26)

Technology Services

TECH TIP OF THE MONTH

The FJUHSD Technology Department is here to help!

The FJUHSD Technology Services Department supports technology for students, teachers, and staff to promote and monitor educational growth at a high standard of excellence. We are committed to providing up-to-date technology while providing a high level of customer service.

Visit our Technology Page for helpful information

and technology support.

Education/Assessment Services

FJUHSD is the Place to be Engaged!

Congratulations to our schools on this recognition and their extraordinary work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success!

2023 College Board Advanced Placement® Program School Honor Roll. College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP) School Honor Roll, which replaces the previous AP District Honor Roll, offers schools recognition across four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Schools on the AP School Honor Roll may also earn the AP Access Award, honoring schools that demonstrate a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework.

National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month

Read About the Mental Health Services Available provided by Care Solace for a Stress-Free Family Holiday.

Business Services

Donations Given to the District in Support of Our Students

At the Board meeting on November 14, 2023, the following donations were accepted on behalf of the Board.

The Los Angeles Chargers chose Kevin Oberlander as the Orange County High School Coach of the Week. In honor of Coach Oberlander, they donated $1,000 in support of the Sonora High School football program.
Bokki Min CPA, APC donated $100 in support of Mr. Stephen Flores' Adult Transition class at La Sierra High School.
Orange County Farm Bureau donated $8,000 in support of the agriculture program at Sonora High School.
Falcon Academy PTA donated $90 in support of the agriculture program at Sonora High School.
Ms. Jeanne J. Sievers donated $150 in support of the agriculture program at Sonora High School.
Fullerton Union High School PTSA donated $100 in support of the "Wall of Fame" at Fullerton Union High School.

Thank you all for your generous donations!

Facilities & Construction Updates

La Habra High School Science Classroom

The La Habra High School science classrooms modernization is nearly complete. A total of five science classrooms were renovated in the 100 and 120 buildings. The upgrades included new windows, laboratory grade casework including demonstration tables, new floors, and classroom path upgrades. These upgrades will meet classrooms safety regulations.

Troy High School New Classroom Building Project

The new Troy High School classroom building project is moving along nicely. The underground stormwater chamber and storm drain lines have been completed. The soil for the new building pad has been completed and the installation of underground utilities has also been completed. Currently, the construction team is prepping the space for the concrete footings and the slab for the new classroom building which will include eight classrooms.

Fullerton Union High School Pool Modernization

The Fullerton Union High School pool replacement project began in August 2023. The project includes the removal of the old pool and the building of a new 32-meter x 25-yard pool with all new mechanical support, athletic equipment, a new Colorado timing system, new showers, and a new concession space. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024.

Human Resources

Excellence Among Us

As every District staff member should know, the work of our custodial services are vitally important to each of our abilities to serve the needs of the students, parents, staff, and community members we support on a daily basis. The District Education Center (EC), which houses Administrative Services, Business Services, Education and Assessment Services, Human Resources, and the office of the Superintendent, is supported by the exemplary and solitary efforts of Custodial and Grounds Worker Mr. Gilbert Calderon.

Mr. Calderon is the sole person responsible for cleaning and maintaining the EC on a daily basis, and without Gilbert’s daily support and tireless effort, the plethora of ongoing events and activities that are held at the EC could not occur or would be significantly and adversely hampered. It is Gilbert who works behind the scenes to set up and break down the rooms of the EC for all of our professional development training, interviews, negotiations, Curriculum Committee and Administrative meetings, PTSA and community meetings, monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees, the District’s annual flu shot clinics, and even to serve as a voting center during state and national elections. Often, these events occur in quick succession, requiring Gilbert to quickly break down one event and set it up in time for another event.

While Gilbert’s job is often stressful, he is consistently amiable and always supports those he serves with professionalism and a smile. Gilbert is the embodiment of customer service, which is why he is so appreciated by those who see the consistent level of excellence he brings to his work at the Education Center.

Thank you, Gilbert. You truly represent the excellence amongst us.

APPLY HERE!

Resources

_{Suicide Prevention Lifeline}

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.