December Edition

December Edition

As we wind down these last few days of 2016, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the many wonderful experiences you have had this year.  Take time to recall the difference you have made in the lives of others - both students and adults.  You give of yourself each and every day, so during this holiday time, give back to yourself.  Do something just for you to renew and refresh.  Enjoy your time off, sleep in, have fun, see mindless movies and be with those who bring you the most joy!!

Staff Wellness

In keeping with our commitment to "put your own oxygen mask on first," we are seeking input from you to determine areas of focus to support our staff.  We are working with Kaiser's Community Services group on this survey and as an incentive for completing the survey, they will draw names and provide prizes to some who have completed the survey.  Please note, the survey may be completed anonymously, however if you wish to participate in the drawing, you must provide identifiable information.  Thank you for completing the survey below.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2959732/Campbell-Unified-School-District 

Debbie Baccino

Sending a Fond Farewell

Campbell is sending a fond farewell to Special Education Director, Debbie Baccino and Castlemont fourth grade teacher, Sue Dietrich.  Both are retiring, with their last official work day being December 16.  Debbie began as the Director in CUSD in 2012.  Sue began in CUSD in 1979 and has provided 37 years of service and support to students and families!! Castlemont has hired, Shannon (Seeley) McGowan who will begin teaching after break.  Debbie's replacement has been identified and we are in the hiring process, but because we are in discussion with her current district regarding a transition, we will not be releasing her information until this process is concluded.  Debbie has agreed to help out with the transition after she returns from South America welcoming the birth of her second grand baby and until she moves to Indiana at the end of February.  We were blessed to have these wonderful, caring educators in our midst.  We wish them well as they take on the next phase of their lives.

Sue with her friends and colleagues
Rachel Ruggiero, Kris Darragh, Sue and Stephanie Lykam

Central Kitchen Delivers Quality Meals

One year ago, CUSD celebrated the grand opening of its Central Kitchen.

Employees of the Child Nutrition Department are working to deliver fresh, made-from-scratch meals to students each and every day

Meet CUSD's Chef

Meet Sarah Smart, the chef behind the quality meals coming from our

Central Kitchen.  Since early last year, she has been bringing her expertise to our students' meals.  Sarah attended the California Culinary Academy, where she specialized her craft as a pastry chef.  She was also the resident chef at Sur la Table in Los Gatos, where she managed and taught their cooking classes. She has worked in many restaurants and even owned her own ice cream company,  Rockets Ship Ice Cream. She is passionate about farm to table cooking, which is influenced by her background as a vegan chef. She is even a sommelier!  A skill we will not be leveraging in our district program.  Sarah says she is excited to be part of making a difference for our students by providing them with nutritious and scrumptious meals to fuel their bodies and brains.

In-House Catering for School and District Events

CUSD's Central Kitchen will begin event catering in mid-January. Staff will be able to go to the district website’s Food Services page and place catering orders for meetings and events.

Menu items will include:

Sandwich platters, salads, fruit & vegetable platters, desserts, drinks, and more!  Watch for more information in the new year!

 Village teacher, Michele Goetowski was honored as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom.”  She received a surprise presentation from the 49ers on December 5. Parent, Gigi Griffin nominated Michele because she, “celebrates the process, not the product of learning.   Student effort and success is validated through descriptive feedback, conferencing times, sharing opportunities, student-led classroom meetings, and publishing parties, where children can demonstrate their knowledge through project-based learning.”

Goetowski is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2016 NFL season. She received a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, she received tickets and was recognized at a special pre-game experience before the 49er vs. Jets game on December 11.

NAACP Honors One of Our Own

April Mouton - Freedom Fighter

For the many who know our Administrator of Equity, April Mouton, you know her unwavering commitment to all students, particularly to those who have traditionally not had equitable access and opportunity.  This has been a core underpinning of her work since she began with the district in 2002.  April's work is being recognized beyond our district.   The Silicon Valley NAACP has selected her to receive the Freedom Fighter Award.  She will be honored at a VIP event on April 2

Safety First

In an effort to continue to keep our worksites safe, our District Safety Committee has recently provided new step ladders to all work spaces (classrooms, offices, etc.) in the district.  Step it up safely!