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Superintendent's Newsletter September 2024

Posted Date: 9/06/24 (11:05 PM)

MUSD Superintendent's Newsletter
September 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I love u guys foundation Logo
School has been in session for a month and students have settled into their routines. I want to thank all parents and staff throughout the district for helping make the transition from summer to the 2024-25 school year a success.

In light of the recent tragedy in Georgia this week I want to assure parents and guardians that the MUSD is committed to the safety of all staff and students and that each site has safety protocols outlined in their Safety Plans that were reviewed during our Professional Development Days before the start of the year.
The Site Safety Plans can be found on the MUSD Website by clicking on the School Safety Tab.

When looking through the information please note that some information in the plan is not publicized in order to keep students safe in case of an emergency event (ie pick up locations, etc), and that if there were a need for reunification due to an event, we would contact parents at that time as to the location.

The MUSD follows the methods outlined in the Standard Response Protocols found on the "I Luv U Guys" website. All District Administration have been trained by the organization in both response and reunification methodologies. All certificated staff have been trained by Administration. This year, to reinforce the methodologies and help staff to understand the "why" behind them, we will be hosting at training, done by the Foundation, for certificated staff on Oct 14th. Martinez PD, (they originally brought this to the district when the foundation first started), has been invited to attend the training as well.

We will be practicing Table Top reunification exercises with Administration this month.

In response to emails, phone calls and social media postings, I wanted to review the MUSD Emergency Reunification Procedures currently in place. Although this information can be found on the MUSD School Safety page, I have provided a brief summary which can be accessed here.

Sincerely,
Helen Rossi
Superintendent
 
Fentanyl Awareness Presentation
Fentanyl Pills
Once again the MUSD will be hosting a presentation on Fentanyl Awareness. Our presenters, Ryan REzaei, an Assistant United States ATtorney and former narcotics chief with the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Francisco, and Mariella Sandign, coordinator for the Contra Costa County MEDS Coalition will be presenting information on the Fentanyl Crisis, What parents need to know for their children. The presentation is for parents of all grade spans. Due to the graphic content, only high school students will be allowed in when accompanied by a parent. NARCAN will be made available for distribution and training will even on its effective use.

In order to ensure that enough materials are on hand, those wanting to attend are asked to sign up using the link found on this flyer.
District Updates
Black and White photo of students sitting at desks with pen and paper
Academic updates
Elementary:
This school year all elementary schools will be receiving new Social Science Curriculum. My World Interactive, published by Savvas, is a curriculum that engages students in real-world activities and practices of citizenship. Students investigate and collaborate as they explore Social Studies content. This curriculum was piloted and adopted by the MUSD Curriculum Advisory Council at the end of last year.
Secondary:
After piloting several publishers looking for updated high school science curriculum. The following textbooks and their supporting materials were adopted and purchased and will be used in our high school classes beginning this year:
  • McGraw-Hill, Hole’s Anatomy and Physiology
  • McGraw-Hill, California Inspire Biology
  • McGraw-Hill, California Inspire Chemistry
  • Activate Learning, Active Physics
  • McGraw-Hill, Biology AP Edition 
  • McGraw-Hill, Chemistry AP Edition
Depending on when the State Board of Education adopts their list of qualified publishers who meet the new Mathematics Framework, we are hoping to pilot new mathematics materials for the district in the Spring.
Clutter table with multiple laptops
Facilities
The MUSD has experienced a very busy summer in terms of facilities upgrades.
  • The newly renovated MPE will be set to open for students on Wed the 14th, although the project is not quite finished in terms of landscaping and some punch list items.
  • The D building at MJHS has received a new coat of paint, and all classrooms have received new furniture, replacing many of the old and broken pieces that have been used in the district for many years.
  • Security Fencing was installed at all access points at MJHS.
  • All draperies and stage curtains in the auditorium have been replaced!
  • At AHS, the Softball Field is undergoing a transition to artificial turf, and new drainage. This project will allow our softball teams to start and end their season on their own field, as for the past few years they have been displaced due to flooding and drainage issues.
  • Also at AHS, the gym floor was completely redone and improvements were made to the football field team room and restrooms.
  • The AHS Knowles Field Stadium wireless project is now completed, increasing wifi access on the football and baseball fields in order to support our physical education program and communication tools in the press box.
A review of all completed summer projects will be reviewed at the August 26th Board Meeting.
AHS Gym Floor
MJHS Building D
MUSD School Board Moves Forward with Measure O Bond Election!
Measure O on the November 5, 2024 Ballot
The Martinez Unified School District has been providing dedicated and excellent educational services to local students since its formation in 1963. Currently, the District educates approximately 3,772 students at the District's 10 schools. It is through the hard work and dedication of teachers and staff that directly contribute to the education and success of our children.

Our schools are outdated, and upgrades and renovations need to be made. While facilities have been well maintained, old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards. Faced with outdated classrooms and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the District and Board of Trustees decided to place Measure 0, a school improvement General Obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the November 5, 2024, ballot to modernize and renovate our aging schools.

Over the last couple of years, with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and an architect, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made. Specific projects identified include:
  • Modernizing/renovating outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities, in particular at Martinez Junior and Alhambra High Schools
  • Updating classrooms and facilities for the Martinez Adult Education program
  • Replacing/updating outdated security systems including fencing, alarms, and surveillance systems
  • Replacing outdated roofing, electrical, and HVAC systems
  • Replacing portable classrooms with permanent classroom facilities
Click here for information that will assist you in understanding the facts behind the proposed measure and how its passage will affect the District and our community. (FAQ)

Please direct any informational questions to Andy Cannon, CBO, acannon@martinez.k12.ca.us or Helen Rossi, Superintendent, hrossi@martinez.k12.ca.us.
MUSD is Hiring!
Health and Safety icons
The MUSD is in need of a few classified personnel to fill open positions. If you are interested in one or more of these positions, please contact Andrea, our classified Personnel Technician at 925-335-5924.
  • Para Educator C - MJHS (5.5 hours 182 school days)
  • Family Liaison Translator DO, (8 hours per day 182 school days per year)
  • Health Services Clerk (3.5 hours per school day)
  • Track & Field Coach - both Boys & Girls
  • Para Educator substitutes (5.5 hour positions)
  • Cafeteria Substitutes (approximately 3 hours per day depending on site)
  • Custodian Substitutes (8 hour shifts)
  • Track & Field Coach - both Boys & Girls
MUSD District Events and Information
Group of people at a outdoor market
Click here for the current calendar for all school events.

Click here for up to date information on the MUSD School Board members, meeting dates and agendas and minutes.

Click here for easy access to Parent Information on the MUSD website.
Community Businesses Donate School Supplies!
Director of Ed Services Amy Espinoza and Administrative Secretary Amber Fabela working to sort and divide the donated school supplies.
Martinez Refining Company donates over $11,000 in school supplies!
A huge thank you to the MRC, and both past and present employees for their generosity in donating thousands of dollars worth of school supplies. Supplies will be sorted and passed on to every school site.
Supplies and Workers
Walmart Donates over $2500 in school supplies to the MUSD
The Martinez Walmart has donated approximately $2500 in school supplies to MUSD Schools. All supplies will be divided up between sites and delivered next week! The support from the Martinez Community is greatly appreciated by all!
 
Community Flyers
Looking for local and engaging extra curricular activities for your student?
All flyers to be distributed to students are posted here. Flyers are updated by the 1st and 15th of each month, or if possible when received. Only PTA, ASB and school sponsored events will be distributed at the sites for students to take home.