Dear MTUESD Community,
As I used to praise kids in my elementary Special Day Class when one of them went above and beyond, “ROCK STAR, DRIVE A CAR!” I have no idea what it means, but they thought it was the ULTIMATE. The volunteerism all over the district this weekend was FANTASTIC. Tami Hildebrand led a team at the Crafty Chicks event at the fair that raised over $2,400 for the COPPEROPOLIS AND MT BOOK PROGRAMS AND PROVIDED INFORMATION TO VOTERS ABOUT MEASURE A. Stop in at the Crafty Chicks store in downtown Angels Camp and say THANK YOU. They didn’t have to do that for our libraries and kids. But they did.
Later that day, Greg and Jana Taylor hosted a beautiful event to provide fellowship and information about Measure A in the Bar 66 area. YAHOO. This is how we build community, this is how we build excellence, this is how we shape our destiny as “The district, not that district”.
In my role providing information related to Measure A, ballots were mailed. If you did not receive one, and you are a registered voter, please contact the Calaveras County Elections Office at 209-754-6376. There is still time to register to vote as well. I would suggest you go down to the election office at 891 Mountain Ranch Road, Building D, San Andreas, CA 95249. ANY RESIDENT CAN VOTE, not just property owners.
I appreciate everyone who has been referring any questions related to Measure A that people have to me. You can give out my cell phone 650-996-3290 for anyone seeking additional information or clarification. The primary question I have been answering relates to the senior citizen exemption. Anyone who is 65 years or older or on disability can apply for an exemption. Nothing needs to be done until after the election and the measure passes. At that point, the district office will have a simple form, and the person will come in and show some form of ID with their date of birth and also a copy of their tax bill will be made so that we have the parcel number. If a person is unable to travel, I will do a home visit. The parcel will then be removed from the tax roll. It's a very simple process, but nothing has to be done until the election has been conducted. If you would like me to speak at an event, please call me at 650-996-3290.
MTUESD kids were all over the place this week and I would like to provide a huge shout out to everyone that made these events happen for kids. Eric Peters supervised the AMA tournament which was very well attended, kids went to the Nature Bowl and to the track meet hosted by Avery Middle School, which is appreciated. Folks, these kinds of events are so special for our students and really are very unique to rural communities. Big city games just don't have the friendship vibe of these kids that have known and done these types of events for years together. It's a great opportunity, and I thank the teachers, staff, and parents for their time. These staff members give up time in their life to make a memory for your kid. It’s COOL.
The elementary playground at MT is open. It was able to be resurfaced after some corrective work. I don't think that the children meant any intentional vandalism. They just didn't follow the rules. I was so happy the contractor was able to keep on the schedule. I realize we have a shade issue at both MT playgrounds. We have ordered additional tables with umbrellas for both the kindergarten playground at Mark Twain and elementary playgrounds at both MT and Copperopolis. This will give kids that need a little break an area to cool off.
Painting was on-going at Mark Twain. We paid to have the little mural in front of the gym redone rather than replaced. When I look at these legacy projects that need refurbishment, like that sign, I think that was a labor of love for somebody in the community and while it cost a little more money to have it hand painted, I think it was fun to keep it. Copper will get an additional refreshing over the Frog Jump break for the gym walls and the classroom ramps. More news to follow. I push REALLY, REALLY HARD BECAUSE OUR KIDS TODAY NEED TO GO TO SCHOOLS THAT LOOK CLEAN AND REFRESHED. I know, I make people CRAZY, but I am SO PROUD OF THE FOLKS IN THE DISTRICT THAT ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN. My late beloved Bob used to say, I had one speed and that was “ON”. We need to be ON for the kids today.
State testing practice has been going very well and I appreciate everyone's participation in it. We have an obligation to our community to accurately report our scores and everyone participating is important for an honest assessment of our school system. These are not used for placement or any other information other than accountability and what we need to do better to make sure kids are learning. It also really drives perception of our school. I know kids don't like it. I don't particularly love it, but part of test taking is part of life. If your kids are going to go into the military, they take a test. If they're going to get a driver’s license, they take a test. If they're going to be a cop or another civil servant, they take a test. We need to build that stamina and show kids that it's OK to persevere and do your best and the results are our reflection of time and effort. Thank you to all the parents and guardians who got their students to school on time and well rested. That makes a huge difference.
OPEN HOUSE AT MT IS TONIGHT! Don’t miss it from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
There are a flurry of events coming up at this time of year. We need to make sure our calendars are synced up. A highlight of the Spring season is the Spring Sing at Copperopolis on May 20 as part of Open House. That is an exciting time for students to share their pride and hard work with our families and we encourage you to invite the whole extended family crowd to come and tour the schools and celebrate your kid.
At the board meeting, we were able to celebrate our Teacher of the Year, Tessa Pyle, and our Classified Employees Making a Difference, Tracy Henry and Nicole Boucke. Every single employee makes a difference every day, but these folks went above and beyond to be recognized by their peers for these honors. Well deserved and we appreciate their service. Tracy and Nicole will be honored in a county-wide ceremony on April 17 (MT families I am sorry to miss your open house, but I just HAVE TO shout out these ladies) and Tessa at the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club on May 1.
Lobbying efforts continue with the state to unrestrict after school funding. We would still have an after-school program. I want to be very clear about that as that is a valuable service, but the funding that is available to that program could support during the day intervention and that is what we are trying to develop is the flexibility to put the money where we need it. I was interviewed for statewide publication, Edsource, and their staff plans to send out the video interview state-wide shortly. We need to get sensible in the State about how we let little communities like ours use our money. I'm not asking the State for more money, I'm asking them to let me use it in the best way possible for kids.
I probably don’t say it enough, but I love and appreciate you, our staff, and our kids. I remember the day I came to the MT cafe at the end of school last year, and I sat in a ratty metal chair outside the old blue paint and the blackened old dedication plaque in front of the cafe. I sat there and looked around, and searched my soul after a long three years of rehab and metamorphosis in Anderson Valley and said to myself “You are sixty years old…Can you do it again, can you dig in with staff, parents, and community and do it again?”
I'M GLAD I SAID “YES”. I’M GLAD YOU SAID “YES”. WE GOT THIS.
Sincerely yours,
Louise Simson, Superintendent
650-996-3290