November 2021

GATE Update

Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) provides support for gifted and talented (GATE) students through differentiated instruction. We believe that differentiated instruction not only serves the needs of our exceptional students, but also enhances the entire educational program for all students. In February of 2020, funding for the CogAT testing was cut as part of the budget savings. While the CogAT testing has been the primary means of qualifying students for GATE identification we are now in the process of identifying an alternative way of identifying students. There will not be a test for GATE eligibility given this year. We are currently revising the GATE identification process and handbook. FUSD will have an update by Spring 2022.

During the 2021/2022 school year, we will continue to identify 5th and 6th grade students who were not identified in an earlier grade. These students may be considered for GATE identification through the professional judgement process. Teachers and/or parents may nominate a student. A completed nomination form must be submitted by the teacher or parent to the school Principal by December 11, 2021. Principals will set up meetings with the teacher, student, and parent to discuss the student’s eligibility for GATE identification. In June 2022, parents, teachers, and students who applied for professional judgement will be informed of their child’s GATE eligibility.

Infinite Campus Parent Portal

Many of you have been using the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to access important information on your student(s). Since the initial implementation of the portal in February 2021, additional information is now available. For those of you who have students in elementary school, Demographic data, Attendance, Schedules, Calendar dates, and the Message Center, which includes Announcements and Inbox notifications are available. For those of you with a student(s) in middle school, junior high, and high school there is additional information available including Assignments, Grades, Service Learning Hours, an Unofficial Transcript, and more. New Feature: The district is enabling Push Notifications the week of September 27th for parents who use the mobile app. Parents can control which notifications they want to receive and the frequency. Options are available for Assignments, Grades, and Attendance. To assist in navigating the portal and editing your settings, the district has created an Infinite Campus web page with some frequently asked questions and a document called “Campus Parent Portal Instructions.pdf”, which is a comprehensive set of instructions for navigating the parent portal. Elementary students will have a smaller subset of features as mentioned above so you will want to review just those features. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, you can email portalsupport@fusdk12.net.

Lost and Found

We have collected many lost sweatshirts, jackets, and other articles of clothing. If you have noticed that your child has a missing article of clothing, please have them check our lost and found in the gym at lunch time. All unclaimed items will be donated prior to Thanksgiving break.

MSJE's English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Volunteer needed! We are still looking for a parent of an English Learner to serve on the District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC) and the MSJE English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC). DELAC provides a forum for parents/guardians of English Learners to advise, assist and provide recommendations to District administration and the Board of Education for the continuing improvement of programs, services, and policies for English Learners and their families.

DELAC MEETINGS 2021-2022: All meetings will be held at 6:00 PM in the CMR at 4210 Technology Drive, unless otherwise noted: October 25, 2021, December 6, 2021, March 7, 2022, May 2, 2022

MSJE ELAC: The ELAC meetings will be held virtually (3rd Wednesdays of September, October, February, March, and April, 3:00 to 4:00 PM). At ELAC meetings, you would share DELAC information with our School Site Council which is made up of staff and other parents.

Please contact Katy Carter kcarter@fusdk12.net if you are interested.

Counselor's Corner

November is a great month to focus on practicing gratitude. There are many health and wellness benefits associated with expressing gratitude. These benefits include increased happiness, improved relationships, sleep, and self-esteem. This month, students will be encouraged to show appreciation for the things they are grateful for.

For the months of November and December, students will focus on the character trait of “CITIZENSHIP.” At school, it is important that students work together to make a positive impact in their classroom, school and community. At home, we encourage families to engage in conversations regarding the importance of being a good citizen and how that contributes to our global community. Here is a list of books available at our school library that you could read with your child.

Additionally, I’d like to share some resources with you highlighted below:

Returning to School After COVID Parent Support Group

Online Community Tutoring Support

November 2nd Supporting Child Anxiety

November 8th Parent Workshop

Best Regards,

Ko Vue

kvue@fusdk12.net

MSJE Community

Paperless fliers for community events, programs, and resources can be found at https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/all/schools/51584 . To sign up for automatic notifications, go to www.peachjar.com and click on 'Sign Up'.

Remember to also check MSJE's School Website for updates and information.