Biweeky Newsletter
Issue #13- March 2021
In This Issue:
A Message from Our Community of Schools AdministratorDigital Citizenship Spotlight-Safe PasswordsInstruction and Technology CornerMoving Beyond SpecialExploring Parent PortalHome Learning EnvironmentCommunity Building with Restorative PracticesOur Life in the SunshineCOS Photo HighlightsCalendar/Upcoming EventsResources and LinksContact Us
A Message from Mr. Rome
Dear Sun Valley Community,
March is turning out to be a very important month in the effort to reopen schools. On March 1st, educators became eligible to receive COVID vaccinations and LAUSD opened several vaccination sites for school staff. Vaccinating staff will allow schools to open and students to return to campus in the near future.
I am also happy to report that UTLA and LAUSD are finalizing their negotiations and we expect to have details about schedules and procedures around reopening available within the week. Schools will be offering a hybrid program on campus with a reduced number of students to maintain social distancing and a fully remote option. We will be holding a town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 17 at 6PM to share more information with families. Be on the lookout for a survey that will be sent to all families that will allow you to choose the option that you would like your child to participate in.
This has been a challenging year, but it really seems like there is a light at the end of the tunnel and schools will be able to resume in-person instruction soon.
Thank you for your patience,
John Rome
Sun Valley Community of Schools Administrator
Focus on distance learning
Is your child struggling with distance learning?
Is your child resisting doing schoolwork? Parents. check out these practical tips from a mother and educator.
Is your older child (grade 4 or higher) struggling with distance learning. This video highlights the four areas of organization, location, handling distractions, and keeping up your motivation. Watch it with her/him.
Instruction and technology corner
March is Women's History Month commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Below are some resource to encourage conversations with your child.
Parents guide in the sunshine
Age: 13 and over
Subjects: Math (Pre-algebra through calculus), science (biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science), and college counseling
The Los Angeles Public Library offers many online tools and resources for all LAUSD students in grades K-12. Resources are all free.
Live one-to-one Online Tutoring to help with school work. Available every day 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Students will have access to check out 3 physical books at participating locations and 15 e-books by using their Student Success Card online. Students can access additional resources online from videos, e-magazines to connecting with a librarian. If you never received your card or you lost your Student Success Card please go to the link below and request a new card today.
https://www.lapl.org/studentsuccess
Need more information please click on the video link below.
MEND Programs Client Flyer 2021 -updated 1.12.pdf Our Place in the sun
Celebrating the Sun Valley COS Special Programs
Canterbury Gifted Magnet (1).mp4Canterbury Elementary/Magnet School
Did you know that our own Canterbury Elementary boasts some incredible specialized programs? Programs include:
A gifted magnet program;
A strong emphasis on math, science, and technology including computer labs and a robotics program;
A strong focus on music instruction including a music room, orchestra room, guitars in the classroom, and ukulele instruction;
A resident artist and art room; and
Extra fun activities like STEAM night, astronomy night and field trips
Community Building
Using Restorative Practices
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Operating at peak performance entails living a balanced life. Being in a state of wellness requires multiple areas of your life to function in harmony if you are truly able to support your loved ones. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. It impacts every facet of our lives.
The eights dimensions of wellness include: occupational, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, physical, social, and intellectual. Each one is interconnected to our health. Please watch the video to find out areas where you might improve your wellness and operate at peak performance.
Our Life in the Sunshine!
Profiles of Arleta, Pacoima, and Sun Valley Community Members
Ms. Wendy Baragan - Teacher
Meet Wendy Baragan, 5th grade teacher at Vena Avenue Gifted Magnet. Ms. Baragan has been at Vena for four years and has taught in the District for thirteen years, teaching grades Kindergarten through 5th in the process. According to Wendy, the thing that makes Vena a gem is that there is a family atmosphere with high expectations and wonderful students. She is most proud of teaching students from diverse backgrounds and feels that she has learned as much from her students as she has taught them.
Fun Fact: Ms. Baragan enjoys camping at Yosemite National Park with her family at least twice a year.
Community of Schools Photo Highlights
Sarah Coughlin ES, @DIYgirls!
Scroll through to see Sun Valley COS photo highlights!
Calendar/Upcoming Events
Are you a "Super Parent" or community member who is very involved in your school community? The El Nido Best Start program is looking for parents to be trained as "promotores" in order to advocate for their child(ren) and their community.
English proficiency is not required to partcipate in this programs- classes to be conducted in Spanish.
Coming soon our March Town Hall~
Revised March Eng_ThFlyer.pdfRevised March Span_ThFlyer.pdfThe Sharing Brings Hope Campaign is a way for LAUSD students, families, and employees to support 11 organizations who give back to their community in many ways.
Its mission is to provide funding for programs that assist in meeting the health, social, environmental, and educational needs of the communities that LAUSD serves.
2021 Campaign Window
February 8, 2021 - April 9, 2021
Essay and Visual Arts Scholarships to Raise Awareness of the Armenian Genocide
Scholarships of $1,000, $750, and $500
Submission deadline for both contest is Friday April 9, 2021.
Click here for press release from the California Department of Education. Click on the banner for details as well as historical context.
Parent Workshops:
(click on the images for details)
LCAP Study Group- English
LCAP Study Group- Spanish
Family Financial Literacy Event
FFLE_Revised_november_LAUSD_20-21.pdfFamily Financial Literacy Spanish
FFLE_Updated_Nov-Spanish_Flyer.pdfParent Special Education Workshop
LDNE-SPED_Parent_Workshop_Series_Flyer_-_Spring_2021_English.pdfValley College Assistance Workshop
LAVC_Outreach_Flyer (1).pdfTaller para padres de educación especial
LDNE-SPED_Parent_Workshop_Series_Flyer_-_Spring_2021_Spanish.pdfSpring Title 1 Conference English
Multilingual & Multicultural Education Workshop (English)
Conferencia De Primavera Del TiTulo I
Departamento De Educacion Multilingue Y Multicultural
Resources and Links
LAUSD COVID tests are free, convenient, and easy to schedule. We have a testing center at Pacoima Middle School. You may use other LAUSD testing sites as well.
Use the button below to schedule a test or call (213) 443-1300.
More information- English
More Information- Spanish
Grab and Go Meal Centers
Open 7-10 am M-F.
Tutoring Resources
Age: 13 and over
Subjects: Math (Pre-algebra through calculus), science (biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science), and college counseling
Mental Health Resources
LAUSD Mental Health Hotline
TRiEE_Consultation_Line_Flyer_Final_-_11_23 (1).pdfMental Health Support for Little Ones
DIY Ways to Meet a Child's Sensory Needs at Home
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted students’ day-to-day routines, but it has created particular disruption for students with special needs, sensory processing disorders, and kids who have experienced trauma who rely on the structure of school to stay grounded. Creating an at-home sensory space and sensory tools that resemble the supports students received in school can help kids during this transition, easing them out of a meltdown or giving them a much-needed break before one begins.
Please take some time to read and review this article from Edutopia.com to learn more and to find ways to create these supports in your own home.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/diy-ways-meet-childs-sensory-needs-home
A Sunny SOundtrack
Just for fun click on the sun...
Our Sun Valley COS Schools
Click on the image to go to the school website.
Sun Valley Complex
Coughlin Elementary
Fernangeles Elementary
Vinedale College Prep Academy (K-8 Span)
Maclay Middle School
Sun Valley Magnet (6-12 Span)
Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (6-12 Span)
Polytechnic Complex
Arminta Early Ed Center
Arminta Elementary
Glenwood Elementary
Korenstien Elementary
Roscoe Elementary
Saticoy Elementary
Strathern Elementary
Byrd Middle School
Lewis High School
Polytechnic High School
Lowman Spec. Ed. Center and CTC
Arleta Complex
Beachy Elementary
CanterburyElementary
Sharp Elementary
Vena Elementary
Pacoima Middle School
Arleta High School
Our community of schools staff
Contact us
John Rome- Community of Schools Administrator
Seth Avery- Lead Director
Our office is located at 8501 Arleta Avenue, Sun Valley CA 91352 on the campus of Byrd Middle School (at the Local District Northeast office.)
You can contact us by calling the Local District Northeast switchboard at (818) 252-5400.
You can email us at SunValleyCOS@lausd.net