May 5, 2023 - Board Briefs and Updates

Board Briefs and Updates, May 5
May 5, 2023

Dear FCUSD Community: Please see today’s Board Briefs and Updates. Highlights include:

• Special presentations
• Budget updates
• Sports and Cultural Celebrations
• Upcoming parent information night to support mental wellness

The Board Meeting commenced with the Posting of Colors and flag salute led by Cordova High School's Air Force JROTC Color Guard. We captured the moment HERE.

Theodore Judah Elementary highlighted

Staff and students shared proud moments and innovative learning experiences at Theodore Judah Elementary such as their on-campus broadcast studio, their library which houses a multitude of diverse books, and calming spaces in each classroom.

See TJE staff’s presentation by clicking HERE.

Recognition of Cheryl Gleason, Art Director and Curator - Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (MACC)

Our community is greatly enriched by the dedication of Cheryl Gleason to the arts in our community and bringing enhanced art experiences to the students of FCUSD.

Cheryl Gleason has served as the founding Art Director and Curator of the Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (MACC) since it opened in February of 2018. Cheryl has focused the MACC on supporting local art, history, culture, as well as national and international exhibits on relevant social justice issues. To date, and due to Ms. Gleason’s leadership, there has been over $12,000 donated in art supplies to the teachers within the Rancho Cordova city limits. 

Ms. Gleason was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Board and Superintendent which we captured in a photo HERE.

National Board Certified Teachers recognized

National Board Certification  (NBCT) is the most respected and rigorous professional certification available in education. FCUSD currently has 25 teachers with active certifications and leads the region in National Board Certified Teachers.  FCUSD proudly supports its teachers through the National Board Certification process, including an ongoing stipend for NBCTs.  

At last night’s Board Meeting, NCBT teachers were honored and shared details of the certification process.

To learn more about the NBCT process and our teachers’ participation, please visit the presentation deck HERE

Budget update for 2023-24

The development of the annual District budget is an important process to ensure resources are allocated toward the central mission and goals of the District. Faced with limited resources and increasing expectations for student achievement, the District has established budget guidelines to support the educational goals and long-term financial stability of the District.

Please click on the links for the 2023-24 Budget Guidelines and Budget Allocation to learn more.

School and District updates

Upcoming family night to support mental health

May is Mental Health Month and FCUSD is partnering with JJ’s Hello Foundation to show the documentary, What I Wish My Parents Knew to parents/caregivers/guardians and staff on 

• When: Monday, May 15 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Place: ESC (District Office), 1965 Birkmont Drive, Rancho Cordova, 95742
• Pizza dinner included! Families are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for pizza before the film. 

It is up to parents' discretion if they want their pre-teens or adolescents to attend this film viewing with them.

This documentary focuses on suicide prevention by raising the awareness of parents and other caring adults about the mental health needs of youth. The film features several teenagers sharing their personal struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts and how they sought help to strengthen their resilience and mental health. 

Registration is through the QR code on the attached flyer or by emailing Kate Hazarian at khazarian@fcusd.org. Mental health professionals will be on hand, as well as community resource providers.   Registration Flyer English   Registration Flyer Spanish

SAB International night

Dozens of students and families gathered together for the inaugural FCUSD Student Advisory Board (SAB) International Night at Cordova High School last week to celebrate our diverse FCUSD community. Students took center stage for performances that included singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments; many dressed in their cultural attire, as their families, friends and FCUSD staff cheered them on. Cultural exhibits were on display for all to engage and celebrate the cultural richness of FCUSD. 

See a gallery of pictures on our Facebook page HERE.

In the Loop with the Supt

Spend a few minutes watching highlights of student activities this year, in our classrooms and on our campuses, and a preview of future plans! Visit this edition of In the Loop with the Supt! Superintendent Koligian will give you a virtual tour of FCUSD.

Click here to watch In the Loop with the Supt!

Elementary Track Meet

Over 400 elementary students from all 21 elementary schools came to Vista del Lago on Wednesday to enjoy friendly track and field events such as running races, long jump and shot put. Our elementary track meet has been a tradition for many years and has sparked enthusiasm of track and field for countless students. See pictures from the event HERE.

Kids Day in the Park

Thousands of families were all aboard the 33rd Annual Kids Day in the Park event at Hagan Community Park over the weekend. FCUSD schools, programs and departments were present at the train-themed event organized by the Cordova Community Council. The theme was put to good use by team FCUSD, with train-inspired activities and games for families to enjoy. Attendees learned about our mental health services, early childhood education, alternative learning options, TK opportunities, and student support services offered at FCUSD. Plus children got free health screenings, and from our partners, books from Kiwanis and plush toys from Blessings in a Backpack!

See a gallery of pictures from the day HERE.