Character Education Curriculum | Kelly Bowers Superintendent

Character Education Curriculum by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

I am fortunate to have my days brightened by emails sent by parents and guardians in our district who wish to express their gratitude for the outstanding service of our students and staff members.

Many emails share anecdotes of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by those who are part of the LVJUSD community. I am reminded that our character education curriculum produces young citizens who behave so well in public that observers compliment our work. I am happy to hear from families sitting together on our new high school stadium bleachers, celebrating generations of involvement in Livermore Schools and proud to be part of a community that supports education by funding new facilities. I am humbled when I hear from a single parent whose day was made brighter knowing that her child’s teacher went the extra mile, and that our district leadership values and nurtures the connection between family and school.

I am grateful to serve as the superintendent of our district.

As our students and staff continue to learn from the Choose Love social emotional curriculum, they focus, this month, on gratitude. As we anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday in a few short weeks, I encourage families to share their gratitudes – about school, about community, and about each other. Engaging in this practice can actually lead to a more positive outlook on all aspects of our lives.

With gratitude

Kelly Bowers, ED.D. Superintendent of Schools

Choosing Love: Our Schools Express Gratitude

Gratitude in the Choose Love curriculum is centered around mindful thankfulness – the process of intentionally seeking out reasons to be thankful – and developing the ability to be thankful even in the face of life’s challenges. All who are connected with our district are learning to be mindful of moments that warrant gratitude. These are some examples shared by our principals:

“Every Friday afternoon, Miss Albornoz and her students participate in Appreciation Circle, in which her class appreciates those that helped get us through our work week. Whether by a helping hand or kind words, we take time to appreciate forgiveness, courage, gratitude, and compassion. We are grateful for our close-knit community that supports one another.” – Lawrence Elementary Principal Kristie Starkovich

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the district staff. Special thanks to the Maintenance, Operations and Facilities Team. We cannot say thanks enough for the hard work, dedication, supportive and caring school district. We wish everyone the happiest of holidays

“At East Avenue, we are grateful for those in our special education department who have worked tirelessly this year to create individualized programs for students that meet their needs. They routinely think outside the box to deliver quality curriculum to students at a variety of levels. More importantly, they recognize students’ progress and growth throughout the year. Every day, at every turn, they are working with students and families to give them what they need, and I couldn’t be more proud.” – East Avenue Middle School Principal Mistee Guzman

“There are so many things for which I am grateful, but I would say I am very grateful for working with amazing staff and teachers who are dedicated to the success of children and each other. I am so grateful that they are willing to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone to make a positive difference.” – Arroyo Seco Elementary Principal Gatee Esmat

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Character Education Livermore | Kelly Bowers Superintendent

Character Education Livermore by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

Our trustees unanimously approved a resolution designating October as Character Education Month. Throughout our district, we are offering a strong curriculum to teach and nurture our students’ development as caring, resilient, healthy learners who are fully equipped to succeed academically and as community members. In addition to the character education programs we have used for many years, we are very pleased to share our district-wide Framework for Success that will fully support students in our schools. The framework provides academic support, behavioral learning and support, and social emotional learning (SEL).

Last month in this newsletter, I introduced Choose Love, our social emotional curriculum. I encourage you to talk with your children about what courage means to them, and to you.

As we work through the Choose Love program together, I anticipate that we will all grow stronger and more connected.

With gratitude,

Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Choosing Love & Learning Courage

Our students and staff are learning to Choose Love each day. This month, many students are starting the process by learning and practicing courage – in interactions with each other and in the classroom.

At Smith Elementary School, Principal Joe Meunier, along with Smith’s student council, organized an assembly to explore the value of courage. He reminded students that their school mascot is named Courage the Cougar, and that to have pride in being a Smith Cougar or celebrating school spirit means recognizing and practicing courage. “You don’t need to always show courage in a big way,” he told his students. “You can show courage in a little way, too.” He pointed to examples of courage in such everyday instances as meeting new people, trying something different, and having the courage to try and to learn from mistakes. One or two students from each class were nominated by their teachers for displaying examples of courage, and will be invited to have lunch with the principal. Before sending students off to class, Meunier encouraged them all to, “take a chance, and stand up for something or someone.”

Granada High School’s Robin Taggart has created a Choose Love wall in her classroom – a collage of pictures and quotes provided by her students about what the character values mean to them. In her 10th and 12th grade English classes she is applying the Choose Love curriculum to her lessons, encouraging her students to identify courage in the novels they read. Her class noted that main characters often display courage in standing up for others or for what they believe. They found that a theme of many novels has been appreciating different perspectives – something they related to the goal of empathy in the Choose Love movement, as well as a quality of literature in general.

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Refrain from Vaping | Public Health Advisory Lung Illness

Refrain from Vaping | Public Health Advisory Lung Illness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2019

PH19-023

CONTACT: Corey Egel | 916.440.7259 | CDPHpress@cdph.ca.gov

California Department of Public Health Issues Public Health Advisory
Urging Everyone to Refrain from Vaping
Health Advisory Warns About Imminent Public Health Risks

Download – Public Health Advisory: Vaping Related Lung Illness

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health advisory today urging everyone to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current investigations are complete. The health advisory follows an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week to confront the growing youth epidemic and health risks linked to vaping.

As of September 24, 2019, CDPH has received reports that 90 people in California who have a history of vaping were hospitalized for severe breathing problems and lung damage, and two people have died. Across the U.S., there are more than 500 reports of lung damage associated with vaping across 38 states and 1 U.S. territory, and more reports are coming in nearly every day.

“We are seeing something that we have not seen before,” said Dr. Charity Dean, Acting State Public Health Officer. “There are numerous unknown factors at this time, and due to the uncertainty of the exact cause, it is our recommendation that consumers refrain from vaping until the investigation has concluded.”

CDPH, along with other states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local health departments, and healthcare providers are working hard to investigate what is in the vape materials that is making people sick.

Although CDPH regulates manufacturers of cannabis vaping products to ensure they are as safe as possible for those who choose to vape, CDPH warns that all individuals put themselves at risk any time they inhale a foreign substance into their lungs. The risk of vaping for any individual may include serious illness and death. “Vaping is not just a concern for youth; the vaping cases under investigation affect youth and adults alike,” said Dr. Dean.

If you experience difficulty breathing after vaping, contact your doctor immediately. You may also experience other symptoms including: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. If this happens to you, do not discard any used vaping cartridges you might have, as CDPH is interested in testing the remaining substance in used cartridges. Those cartridges are being collected by local health departments and sent to CDPH labs for analysis.

In California, licensed cannabis retailers are required to sell products obtained from a licensed cannabis manufacturer that have been tested by a licensed laboratory. Cannabis products sold by licensed sources are tested for a variety of chemicals, pesticides, microbial impurities, and heavy metals. Illegal cannabis dispensaries sell unregulated and untested cannabis products and absolutely should not be used.

CDC continues to warn that any tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. Furthermore, use of cannabis and tobacco products remains especially unsafe for youth, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The Governor’s executive order directed CDPH to launch a $20 million statewide digital and social media public awareness campaign to educate youth, young adults and parents about the health risks associated with vaping nicotine and cannabis products. CDPH is also tasked with developing recommendations to reduce smoking among young adults and teens by establishing warning signs with health risks where vaping products are sold and on product advertisements.

For more information on the risks of vaping and today’s health advisory, read “Vaping Related Lung Illness: A Summary of the Public Health Risks and Recommendations for the Public.”

For audio click here.

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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The Joy of Reading | Kelly Bowers Superintendent

The Joy of Reading by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

This month we celebrate one of the highlights of education – the joy of reading. Today, students throughout our district will listen to favorite books read by their principals, by Board members, our District leaders, and by City oreading. I encourage you all to pick up a book – hardcover, softcover, or digital – and immerse yourself in the written word.

One of my favorite quotes about reading is by C.S. Lewis, who reminds us, “We read to know we are not alone.” We share this world and its experiences with one another. We walk this journey with one another. Reading lets us step into another individual’s shoes, and, for a moment, step out of ourselves. That experience broadens our understanding of humanity and develops empathy. As our students continue their journey through the Choose Love social emotional curriculum, they are learning the power of compassion in action. I am proud to say that, district-wide, we are cultivating a culture of caring, teaching students to develop empathy for their classmates and community.

The importance of human interaction and relationships is at the core of education. Daily, our educators make a personal connection with each student, valuing each individual’s life and aspirations. The relationships forged between students and teachers, coaches, and counselors can be

lifelong. I salute our staff for their dedication to our students. And I thank our families and community for their ongoing investment in the lives and success of our children.

Warm Regards,

Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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Our Board Takes a Stand Against Vaping

TUPE peer educator Dario Stewart, one of the presenters to the Board from Granada High, shakes hands with Board Clerk Chuck Rogge

During the Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Board Meeting, our trustees voted unanimously to pass and adopt Resolution 033-18/19, the Student Health Initiative: In Support of Tobacco-free and Vaping-free Schools and Communities. At the meeting, trustees heard from our students and community members of the widespread dangers that vaping devices and ents and families of the dangers of vaping; they call on the community to refrain from marketing and sales of

Read about our Board hearing from the community and adopting the Resolution.

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LVJUSD Celebrates Read Across America Day

Junction Avenue K-8 celebrates Read Across America Day 2018

Today our schools celebrate Read Across America Day with guest readers, costumes, and love for our favorite books. Students have dressed as their favorite book characters, or celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with parties and even a helping of green eggs and ham. Our community loves to read, and we love to share the books that made an impact on us. We hope to continue to ignite a passion for reading in our students and throughout our community.

Spotlight on Our Schools Christensen Middle School

The Science Olympiad Club is in its second year at Christensen Middle School (CMS). Members of this club participate in tournaments in which several schools participate and compete in 23 team events. These events include hands-on group work in various disciplines, such as earth science, chemistry, biology, physics, mechanical engineering, and technology.

This year, 35 students are on Christensen’s team and have participated in the competitions, led by CMS STEM Teacher Drew Kirian. Kirian’s efforts to bring the Science Olympiad to the school last year have resulted in a tremendous opportunity for students and families to engage in the sciences. So far, Kirian and his Club have participated in six invitational tournaments – including one hosted at Christensen – and are headed to the Regional Tournament this Saturday, March 2nd, at CSU East Bay in Hayward.

The tournament held at Christensen this year nearly doubled in size, from 12 teams participating last year to 23.

Established in 1985, the Science Olympiad program has involved schools from every state in the U.S. Kirian worked to bring the program to Christensen to increase interest in STEM-related

interest participate in STEM activities. The competition brings students together, making connections in their school and with like-minded students, from communities near and far.

Students participating in the Science Olympiad Tournament held at Christensen Middle School

Joe Michell K-8

A substantial piece of what makes Joe Michell K-8 an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School is its focus on teaching students to recognize their connection and responsibility to the greater world around them. In that spirit, seven students from Joe Michell – along with two students from Granada High (also an IB School) and one from Amador – are traveling to Germany where they will live with a host family, shadow German students as they attend school, and tour the historic cities of Berlin and Heidelberg.

This cultural exchange program is built under the auspices of the German Fulbright Kommission and, through the directorship of Joe Michell Principal, Dr. Laura Lembo, and Vice Principal Risha Krishna, represents a valuable experience in intercultural understanding and ambassadorship for all involved. The connections made during this trip foster a broader sense of community, both among the peers they will travel alongside, and with those whose country they visit.

The trip to Germany will go beyond the classroom to give students an entirely new perspective from which to consider their role in the world. “To stand on a historic piece of land, and understand the challenges and triumphs that physical space has experienced, is unforgettable,” said Vice Principal Risha Krishna, a former Fulbright traveler herself. “We hope they will be enriched with lessons of compassion, empathy, and cultural understanding. They will carry these lessons throughout their lives.”

On February 2nd, participants of the exchange and families gathered at one student’s home for a potluck, where everyone could meet and learn about the program. It was also a time to begin developing the bond that will unite the travelers in their journey abroad, where they will learn a great deal about each other and themselves as they are immersed in a new cultural point of view. Krishna, along with Joe Michell teachers Mary Fielding and Kate Malson, will chaperone the trip. In April 2020, students from Germany will, in turn, visit Livermore.

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Choose Love Learning | Kelly Bowers Superintendent

Choose Love Learning by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

I am excited for what this coming year will bring for our students, staff, and community. We are in the midst of our Choose Love learning, and I am heartened to see that across our district the concepts of gratitude, courage, forgiveness, and compassion in action are becoming daily practices.

As we look ahead to January 21st, when we remember and honor the contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we can see that Dr. King, too, shared the value of choosing love. Facing great challenges, Dr. King concluded, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” I am reminded that he also taught us, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.” As our students learn about forgiveness at school, the Choose Love curriculum now has a family and community component that encourages all of us to follow the practices that can make our world a better place.

While the winter weather may keep us indoors, let’s use the time together to share our dreams, listen to one another’s hopes, and work and play together to turn those dreams into realities. I will always remember my dad’s adage: “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” As this new year begins, let’s “dream big” and set some goals that challenge our intellect, build our skill sets, and strengthen our relationships with family, friends, and community.

Warm Regards,

Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

The Power of a Word

One way to begin setting goals is to choose a dejourney.

You’re invited to share your guiding word for 2019. Please visit our Livermore Schools Facebook page, and post your word. Next month, we will share our community’s words. Let’s see how, together, our words can empower us to be our best.

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Choose Love at Home

As our students are learning to choose love this year in their classrooms, families are invited to participate in the Choose Love at Home program. Designed to support and complement what students are learning, the At Home program involves parents, guardians, and other family members in this evidence-based social emotional learning program.

There are many creative ways to integrate the Choose Love coursework into your home with your family. The  makes you feel to let go of the negative and focus on the positive.

You can begin the program here, on the Choose Love website.

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Schools Honored for Healthy Choices

Junction Avenue K-8 and Marylin Avenue Elementary schools were recognized with the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) Award for working to promote healthy school environments. To qualify for the award, the schools met various criteria related to nutrition and physical activities. Our Campus Catering department, school staff, students, and parent groups collaborated to update menus with healthy selections and to incorporate physical exercise into activities throughout the day.

The events held to commemorate the schools’ achievements included a special recognition by Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty’s o

Read more about the awards and events at Marylin and Junction.

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Solar Panels Installed in LVJUSD Schools

Our district held a “Solarbration” at Livermore High School to commemorate the completion of solar panel array installations in

The solar project is funded by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SunPower – which designed, built, owns and operates the solar array equipment at each site, selling the energy produced by the systems to the District at a

Read more about our district’s solar panels.

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Construction Connection

The LVJUSD Bond Program Department has been hard at work, completing important projects throughout our district, including stadium renovations at our high schools and new playgrounds at our elementary schools.

The playground project is in its

Read more about our schools’ new playgrounds.

Students at Granada High School put together a short video detailing the many completed and ongoing projects around our schools. This video project was developed through collaboration between our Bond department and GHS video production students, and was produced and edited by student Eva Salazar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLWv4XOHb5o

For more information about these and other projects, visit the LVJUSD Bond Program webpage.

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Attention to Attendance

After a well-deserved, extended holiday break, students and families are returning to their typical school schedule. As always, regular attendance is crucial to student success. As the return to school this time of year coincides with

Your child will be best equipped to learn and thrive in school when he or she is healthy. It is our goal to follow safe health practices at school to ensure optimal health for all students and staff.

The best way to prevent spreading the

See LVJUSD’s Flu Season Reminders and Preventive Measures. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.

Congratulations to Joe Michell K-8 and Christensen Middle School for having the highest attendance rates during the fourth month of the school year!

Contact your school for site-speci

Resources for attendance improvement from the California Department of Education

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LVJUSD Board of Education

We are pleased to acknowledge our newly composed Board of Trustees, as the new year brings with it a new governing body for LVJUSD. During the December 11th Regular Board Meeting, Livermore Mayor John Marchand installed newly elected Board member Emily Prusso and reelected Board members Craig Bueno and Anne White. The Board then voted for president and clerk, reelecting trustees Craig Bueno and Chuck Rogge, respectively, to those key leadership positions. These trustees, along with incumbent Chris Wenzel, will continue their sterling work for our schools, students, and community. We welcome Trustee Emily Prusso, and the rest of our Board, to their new term!

Trustees Chris Wenzel, Anne White, Emily Prusso, Clerk Chuck Rogge, and President Craig Bueno

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Board Recognitions Lawrence Elementary School Lead Custodian

Our Board recognized Lawrence Elementary’s Lead Custodian Mary Hutchens for her dedication to her school and its students. Hutchens was commended for her ability to address the school’s needs as

well as her tireless attention to students.

Principal Kristie Starkovich and Mary Hutchens

LVJUSD National Merit Scholar Semifinalists & Commended Students

Out of the 1.6 million entrants in the National Merit Scholarship Program, about 50,000 students nationwide qualify as either Commended Students or Semi

Granada and Livermore High School National Merit Semi

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Spotlight on Our Schools Lawrence Elementary School

Lawrence Elementary has been recognized as a Leader in Me School. Leader in Me is a program, based on Stephen Covey’s bestselling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, that empowers long-term student success by tapping into students’ internal motivations and unique talents. By addressing all areas of student development, the Leader in Me program provides principles to incorporate education in student health, engagement, responsibility, and caring for others.

Students learn to become leaders through discovering and developing their personal gifts. Students at Lawrence quickly understand the bene

Classrooms throughout the school have developed mission statements, identifying techniques and strategies to stay proactive, work together, and show respect. Students at Lawrence are practicing greeting guests with a handshake and eye contact, recognizing priorities in their activities to “put ship skills to their home setting, as well.

Students engaging in Leader in Me activities in class.

We rotate spotlighted schools so that each of our 19 schools will be featured throughout the year. Each month, we share a short article about the schools that were recently recognized at a School Board meeting.

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Livermore Generosity | Kelly Bowers Superintendent

Livermore Generosity by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

At this time of year, I am particularly grateful for the generosity I see in our schools, our parent/guardian groups, and among our community partners. December is a time of warmth between neighbors, even as the temperature outside drops; it is a time in which we are reminded of the needs of many in our community. I applaud the widespread spirit of giving that brightens winter days for our students and families.

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of co-announcing with Livermore Police Chief Michael Harris at the annual Livermore Downtown Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade. What fun to celebrate the talents of many of our student groups! I am so proud to be part of the lives of our children and part of the fabric of our community.

Thank you for all you do throughout the year to support education. I hope everyone enjoys time with family and friends as we ring in the new year, 2019!

Happy Holidays! Warm Regards, Kelly Bowers, Ed.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Our Generous Community

Elementary students are the grateful recipients of grants recently awarded through the Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF). The Foundation facilitated the disbursement of funds provided by the Choices for Children Education Foundation (CCEF), with the intention that the money support projects and programs for elementary school students. Principals at each school site with students in grades TK – 5, submitted grant proposals designed to support art, music, remediation, language, and library and/or classroom technology in their schools.

We are so grateful for the ongoing support from our community and from LVEF, which continually keeps our students’ needs at the forefront of its mission and ensures equitable distribution of donated resources to all of our schools.

Spotlight on Our Schools East Avenue Middle School

The East Avenue Jazz Band began in 2014, under the guidance of Matt Finders. A professional musician and East Avenue alumnus, Matt’s career led him to New York and Los Angeles, and enabled him to work with The Tonight Show ensemble. As a student at East Avenue, Matt was able to realize his love of music, and he hoped to instill a love of music for all the kids in the Jazz Band at his former school.

Students come to Jazz Band with at least one year’s experience of playing any instrument. The enrichment program was created to expose students to jazz, build their con

Members of the Jazz Band perform two lunchtime concerts at East Avenue, a concert at the Bothwell Arts Center along with Element 116 – also founded and directed by Mr. Finders – and the Livermore High School Jazz Band. They also perform at East Avenue’s Winter and Spring concerts, and the school’s Tacos & Tasting event at Retzlaff Vineyards. Our talented Jazz Band students are always fan favorites at any event or venue where they perform.

Smith Elementary School

The students of Estelle Coffeen’s fourth grade class took the stage last Friday to perform a student- friendly version of Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love for Smith Elementary students, teachers, and parents/guardians in a morning assembly. Professional opera performers shared the stage with Coffeen’s class as part of Opera a la Carte – a program from the San Francisco Opera Guild, which brings abridged versions of famous operas to schools.

Coffeen’s students auditioned in class for on-stage parts, with everyone who was not in an on-stage role singing in the chorus. Students learned their lines and the lyrics to their songs. The class took time to practice together before Friday, when they met the professional opera performers and quickly rehearsed on the stage for the

This was Ms. Coffeen’s fourteenth year participating in the program, and she continues to be impressed by the quick turnaround between students auditioning and learning their parts, and performing for a school-wide assembly. She appreciates the conrates courage, expressive imagination, and school spirit all at once.

We rotate spotlighted schools so that each of our 19 schools will be featured throughout the year. Each month, we share a short article about the schools that were recently recognized at a School Board meeting.

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Livermore Showcase Season | Kelly Bowers Superintendent

Showcase season by Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

As we return from Spring Break, we enter the “showcase season” – a time when our students demonstrate their progress in their learning. We celebrate the excellence in each of our schools this spring as we enjoy performances by student musicians and actors, cheer on student athletes, and applaud the many academic successes attained by our students. Several of our schools and District programs have received local, regional, and State recognition for their outstanding work!

This time of year also brings the opportunity for students throughout our district to show they have mastered their grade level standards during this 2018-19 school year. The State of California provides several assessments that measure our students’ academic growth. Students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 will take English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, and Science tests.

I am proud of the teaching and learning that takes place in our classrooms each day. While we know that learning is evident through many facets of our students’ growth, we also recognize that tests provide an additional, uniform way to measure and celebrate success. I encourage our students to do their best on these important indicators that show their individual growth as well as the growth of our entire district. It is their opportunity to share and show their learning, and shine!

Thank you to all who contribute to our award-winning schools. In addition to the dedication of our district staff members, we know that parents, guardians, families, and our community all contribute to the achievement of our students. Thank you to our own Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF) for its ongoing, generous support of our programs! I look forward to seeing many of you later this month at LVEF’s annual fundraiser as our staff members join the hilarious Harlem Wizards on the basketball court for a fun-

Each day in our classrooms is a new experience and a gift for our future. Thank you for your part in raising our next generation.

Warm Regards,

Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

LVJUSD Schools Honored in the CA School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony 2019

Representatives of CSRP Award-winning schools Altamont Creek Elementary and Livermore High, with Superintendent Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. (center), LVJUSD Board President Craig Bueno, and Board Clerk Chuck Rogge (right)

On April 5th, two of our schools – Livermore High and Altamont Creek Elementary – were honored at the California School Recognition Program (CSRP) Awards Ceremony for their exemplary achievements leading to their winning a CA Distinguished School Award and CA Green Ribbon School Award, respectively. We take great pride in all of our schools. These statewide recognitions validating their efforts are a testament to the dedication of our teachers, principals, and staff as they provide our students with a quality education.

Livermore High School – California Distinguished School

Our district’s oldest campus was named a 2019 California Distinguished School for its outstanding work in promoting exceptional student performance and minimizing the achievement gap. Its unique programs help it stand out and provide opportunities for every student to succeed in a variety of career and educational science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), local industry connections, and sustainable environmental practices.

The award represents the collective effort of our current administration and staff at Livermore High, as well as the ongoing support of its alumni, local community, and all those committed to providing partnerships and resources that encourage the best from every LHS Cowboy.

Read more about Livermore High School’s CA Distinguished School Award.

Altamont Creek Elementary – California Green Ribbon School

For its ongoing commitment to innovative, forward-thinking green initiatives, Altamont was named a 2019 California Green Ribbon School Silver Award Honoree. This achievement represents a coordinated effort across three “pillars” – based on the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools criteria – to reduce environmental impact and costs; to improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and to provide effective environmental and sustainability education.

Altamont is the

Read more about Altamont Creek Elementary’s CA Green Ribbon Award.

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Alameda County Recognitions

Alameda County held a trio of academic competitions during the month of March in which LVJUSD students competed among their peers throughout the County in various scholarly subjects.

On March 2nd, students from Mendenhall Middle School presented projects in the 2019 Alameda County History Day competition. This year’s theme was “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Mendenhall students devote signiss nearly every junior level category. Congratulations to these students!

Junior Group Performance

Jamestown: How Tobacco Brought Triumph to a Town of Tragedy, London Moody and Carly Noland

Junior Group Website

Helen Keller: Bringing Light from a Dark World, Ria Maria Mathew and Tanisha Deka The Second Yosemite: Hetch-Hetchy and the Raker Act, Yoav Feigenbaum and John Viri Harriet Tubman: From Slavery to Savior, Ian Quindipan and Sairag Maram

Junior Historical Paper

The Economic, Social and Political Impact of the Cotton Economy; Jack Hseih

Dorothea Dix: The Triumphant Reformer Who Advocated for a Tragic Minority, Chantel Muhammad A Tragedy of Engineering; A Triumph of Humanity: The 1906 Earthquake, Kelsey Hertz

Junior Individual Documentary

William Still and the Underground Railroad, Ava Lewis

Junior Individual Exhibit

The Louisiana Purchase, Hayden Borg The Radium Girls, Taylor Jackson

Junior Individual Performance

Edison vs. Tesla: A Shocking Rivalry, Owen Fidler

Junior Individual Website

The Election of 1912 and Woodrow Wilson, Nevanmee Kurulugama The Black Panther Party, Katie Fenner

The Marquis de Lafayette, Tommy Huff

The Mock Trial club at Granada High School (GHS) participated in the county-wide Philip A. Harley Mock Trial Competition – a criminal trial competition that seeks to enhance understanding of the judicial system and the processes that contribute to a just society. Students study a hypothetical case, conducting research and receiving coaching by volunteer attorneys to prepare for the trial. GHS students were honored across several categories for demonstrating outstanding work during the trial.

For Outstanding Pre-Trial Motion for the Prosecution, Nick Puso earned 2nd place; Jordan Garland placed 1st for Outstanding Witness for the Prosecution; Amanda Ong came in 2nd for Outstanding Bailiff; and Christine Liu earned a “Team Spirit” Award for GHS.

Christensen Middle School 8th grader Roya Rashidchi took 3rd place in the Alameda County Spelling Bee on March 16 – a phenomenal achievement, as she competed against the top spellers county-wide. She was honored for her accomplishment and distinction for placing at the impressive level of competition. LVJUSD was proud to be represented so well by every one of its spellers who participated in the event.

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
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Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Charter School Oversight

WHEN CHARTER OVERSIGHT BECOMES CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Schools and Craig Bueno, Board President – Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

John R. Yeh, Partner of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

About Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

• City of Livermore, Alameda County: Home to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, thriving wine region
• LVJUSD – Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
• Nearly 14,000 students, transitional kindergarten thru 12th grade
• 9 elementary campuses
• 2 K-8 schools
• 3 middle schools
• 2 comprehensive high schools
• 2 alternative schools, International Baccalaureate Programmes, Green Engineering Academy, Dual Immersion Program and Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) pathways

About LVJUSD

The Origin of the Charter Schools

• • LVJUSD closed 2 open-boundary magnet schools in early 2000’s

  • Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

• LVCS (K-8) charter granted by SBE in 2005 after rejection by LVJUSD, County Board
• LVCP (9-12) granted by SBE in 2010
• District assumed authorizer status over LVCS in 2012,

LVCP in 2014

• LVCS and LVCP operated by Tri-Valley Learning Corporation (TVLC), a Charter Management Organization

The Origin of the Charter Schools

• “The closure of two District schools in 2004, and subsequent formation of LVCS as an SBE-authorized charter school, was a divisive event for the Livermore community …. While oversight of LVCS will require hard work by both parties, local authorization of the charter school would be the first step towards the long-term goal of bringing the TVLC charter schools and the District back together as a unified community. The District is committed to carrying out its charter authorizer obligations in a fair manner that protects and promotes the interests of all students.”

(The District’s Board Report, November 12, 2012)

Initial Successes

• Successful renewal of parcel tax
• Voluntary inclusion of charter schools in parcel tax

revenues

• Shared community events (e.g., Math Counts, educator awards, Ag (Agriculture) Day, athletic league competitions, STEAMFEST)

The Unraveling – the Allegations

• Operation of an unlawful foreign exchange program enrolling students from China and charging tuition
• Bullying, intimidating, and involuntarily transporting Chinese foreign exchange students to Stockton to enroll them in another school
• Principal charged with alleged failure to report child abuse when a TVLC employee used a chokehold on a foreign exchange student as a means of forcing submission, to which the employee subsequently pled no contest
• Incurring nearly $60 million in public facilities funding even though charter schools were obtaining facilities from the District at a below-market rate
• Setting up shell corporations through which to funnel public education funds for the establishment and operation of private schools.

The Unraveling – the Allegations

• Failing to make payroll, causing problems for teachers with their STRS reporting
• Failing to pay debts to vendors and employees
• Failing to submit audit report for two consecutive fiscal years
• Filing for bankruptcy
• Losing WASC accreditation for its high school, LVCP, which harmed the college admissions prospects of its students
• Allegations that Principal changed student grades without teacher consent, just to boost the charter school’s graduation rates
• LVJUSD issued 22 Notices of Concern or Notices of Violation to LVCS/LVCP over a two-year period (2015-2017)

OVERSIGHT CHALLENGES

Financial Overleveraging

• California Statewide Communities Development Authority (2015) $24,710,000: sublease of high school site to LVCP (shared with private school)
• California State Finance Authority (2012) $27,500,000: facilities for LVCS
• LVCS/LVCP peak enrollment at the time: approximately 1,600 students
• Charter schools were occupying District facilities at the time

Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) AB 139 Extraordinary Audit

Charter Schools’ Lack of Financial Sustainability

• Charter schools’ failure to pay their financial obligations • Over 1,000 creditors in bankruptcy
• Failure to make payroll
• Delay in paying teacher and staff salaries • Delay in making STRS contributions
• Mid-Year teacher layoffs
• Disruption to student education
• Disruption to maintenance and cleanliness of school sites
• Loss of accreditation threatened college prospects
• In the meantime, opening of private school on same site as LVCP with public bond financing

OVERSIGHT ABOVE AND BEYOND

District Measures

• Absorbed approximately 500 new students at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year
• Absorbed approximately 700 students during 2016-2017 school year
• Enrolled an additional 125+ at the start of 2017-2018

District Measures

• Rancho Las Positas School opened a satellite site mid- year on an available site
• High school and middle school students absorbed into District schools
• District Director of Student Services named Principal
• Requirements:
• Preparation of site
• Hiring of teachers
• Fielding enrollment inquiries
• All while educating nearly 14,000 LVJUSD students

District Measures

• Monday June 5, 2017: TVLC announces in Bankruptcy Court that it only has $10,000 in operating funds and must close at the end of the day
• District subsidizes final payroll period for LVCS and LVCP teachers to allow students to complete their examinations and experience their last day of school

District Measures

• LVJUSD works with neighboring districts to re- accommodate charter schools’ non-District students
• Community-based process for selecting satellite school’s new name: Parents, teachers, staff, students
• Board approved

Lawrence Elementary School on June 13, 2017

• TVLC Conversion from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
• Former TVLC employees still trying to resolve payroll issues

LESSONS LEARNED

Assembly Education Committee

The Need for Reform

• Governance: charter school boards select their own members; they are not elected or selected by the public
• Lack of accountability to public
• Ed. Code section 47604 allows a charter school to incorporate as a nonprofit public benefit corporation
• Charter schools claim right to use more lenient corporate standards regarding conflict of interest, transparency
• Lack of legal prohibitions against transferring public education funds to corporate entities beyond the reach of public scrutiny

Barriers to Reform

When charter schools resist oversight and accountability

Barriers to Reform – The Education Code?

• The Charter Schools Act – Education Code section 47601
• “[S]chools that operate independently from the existing school district structure”
• “Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods.”
• The Charter Schools Act – Education Code section 47601
• “A charter school shall comply with this part and all of the provisions set forth in

its charter, but is otherwise exempt from the laws governing school districts …”

• Under “animating principles” of the CSA, application of criminal statutes regarding embezzlement of public funds to charter school operators sends “the unmistakable accompanying message that education should purely be left to the district bureaucrats, [running] directly counter to the express goals of the Charter Schools Act …” (People v. Selivanov et al. (2016) 5 Cal.App.5th) (CCSA amicus brief))
• “Subjecting innovative, creative charter school leaders … to criminal prosecution for their risk-taking and operational experimentation is completely inimical to the stated purposes of the Charter Schools Act …” (People v. Selivanov et al. (2016) 5 Cal.App.5th) (CCSA amicus brief))

The Need for Reform

• Authorizer authority and remedies
• Authorizers don’t have the legal ability directly to prohibit fiscal

mismanagement or compel sound fiscal practices

• The only enforcement mechanism provided in the Education Code is revocation
• Charter school is provided due process and an opportunity to remedy the violation
• Revocation of the charter results in closure of the school
• Impact on students, parents, teachers, staff
• Impact of Ed. Code section 47607©(2) – academic performance
• Many revocation proceedings result in legal challenges
• Charter schools cite flexibility, independence, to oppose revocation

The Need for Reform

• Same rules for public funding and transparency
• Brown Act, Conflict of Interest Rules, California Public Records Act
• All public education funding must be subject to public budgeting process
• No transfers to “off the book” private entities
• Mechanism for Fiscal Mismanagement
• AB 1200 State

Trustee/Receivership

• Parallel version of State

Administrator for charter schools committing financial misconduct

It Takes a Village – Interested Agencies

• Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
• Alameda County Office of Education
• California Department of Education
• State Superintendent of Public Instruction
• California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• City of Livermore
• Livermore Police Department
• Child Protective Services
• Alameda County District Attorney’s Office
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT)
• Office of Congressman Eric Swalwell
• Office of Assemblymember Catherine Baker
• Office of Senator Steve Glazer
• Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco
• United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (TVLC Foreign Exchange Program)
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice
• Securities and Exchange Commission
• United States Bankruptcy Trustee
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

Best Oversight Practices

• Review carefully all charter school budgets and interim reports
• Scrutinize all transfers of public education funding for non- educational purposes or to outside entities – what is charter school getting in return?
• Ask for budget(s) of Charter Management Organization
• Scrutinize all real estate transactions and contracts
• Determine whether they seem extraneous to the charter school’s educational mission
• Look for interested party transactions
• Monitor all governing board actions
• Review of agendas and minutes, as needed
• Attend charter school board meetings, if needed

Best Oversight Practices

• Prepare for the unanticipated
• Are the authorizer and charter school prepared for interruption in or cessation of operations?
• Monitor capacity at all District school sites
• Monitor classroom staffing ratios
• Assess local labor market and ability to adjust staffing mid-year
• Evaluate timing of ADA reporting periods and apportionment schedule
• P-1 and P-2 reporting cycles mean that ADA will not be immediately generated for new students; District costs are fixed
• Ensure that the District’s enrollment system is prepared for mid-year assignment activity

Pain, and Recovery

Best Oversight Practices – Superintendent

• Document all concerns, communications and findings
• Be transparent to the public as to the District’s actions and the

rationale for them

• Avoid divisive language, terminology or actions
• “Charter Families” v. “District Families”
• Strive for unified community – build trust and relationships
• Keep your board updated and advised of all possible options

and outcomes

• Keep open line of communication with charter school’s leaders
• Seek assistance of outside agencies
• All decisions should be made in the best interests of children

BestOversightPractices- Board Members

• Anticipate external pressure
• Community members, parents, teachers, fellow elected officials,

lobbyists, advocates

• Keep focused on the right path, and the right destination
• Follow proper legal procedures and criteria to ensure due process • Keep methods and objectives well-defined
• Support your staff as they conduct their front-line oversight duties
• Maintain relationships with the charter school’s board members
• Be transparent to the public as to the District’s actions and the

rationale for them

• All decisions should be made in the best interests of children

Fight the Good Fight

Thank you for attending!

Kelly Bowers, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Craig Bueno, Board President Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

John R. Yeh, Partner Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
Kelly Bowers Superintendent | Charter School Oversight published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

Kelly Bower motivate, to work with others to achieve a common...

Cal State East Bay on Instagram: “Cal State East Bay will honor its four new Distinguished Alumni Award recipients at a gala tonight as part of Forever Pioneer Weekend.

Cal State East Bay on Instagram: “Cal State East Bay will honor its four new Distinguished Alumni Award recipients at a gala tonight as part of Forever Pioneer Weekend.:

Alameda County District Attorney; Gaylord “Glenn” Henry (BS ‘66 Mathematics; MS ‘67 Mathematics), founder and president of Centaur Technologies; Atul Dhablania (MBA '02), vice president of Hardware Engineering and Worldwide Operations for Dell SonicWALL; and Kelly Bowers (MS '02, Educational Leadership), superintendent of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District.

Cal State East Bay on Instagram: “Cal State East Bay will honor its four new Distinguished Alumni Award recipients at a gala tonight as part of Forever Pioneer Weekend. published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

A Study of School Board & Superintendent Relations: Strategies for Building Trust in the Mistrustful Context of K-12 Public Education

A Study of School Board & Superintendent Relations: Strategies for Building Trust in the Mistrustful Context of K-12 Public Education:

In this case study, I examined the conflict-ridden relationship dynamic and tense micropolitical climate inherited by two superintendents and boards, within a general context of distrust directed toward public education and elected officials, which is further exacerbated by negative interactions with their immediate predecessors. Using Bryk and Schneider’s (2002) concept of relational trust which was developed in other public school system settings, as an ideal measure, I was able to gather evidence of substantive change in the tenor and positive quality of the board/superintendent relationship over time

A Study of School Board & Superintendent Relations: Strategies for Building Trust in the Mistrustful Context of K-12 Public Education published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

Tri-Valley: Suburban poverty target of groups effort launched

Tri-Valley: Suburban poverty target of groups effort launched:

Nearly 10,000 households in the area, representing about 26,000 people, struggle meeting their basic needs, according to Alameda County Health Services. And the numbers are growing, analysts say, jumping by more than 50 percent in the last decade.

Tri-Valley: Suburban poverty target of groups effort launched published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

Education Award | Kelly Bowers Livermore

Superintendent Kelly Bowers Livermore CA, LVJUSD Honored with Outstanding Service to Education Award

July 20, 2018 – Livermore, CA – Kelly Bowers, Ed.D.,

Superintendent of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) since 2010, has received the Phi Delta Kappa 2017-18 Outstanding Service to Education award in recognition of her leadership. Kelly Bowers was nominated by Dick Stark, Treasurer of the Cal State East Bay– Diablo Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK). She accepted her award at the Chapter’s Annual Awards Dinner on June 1, 2018, at the Brass Door in San Ramon. PDK is an international organization that focuses on leadership, research, and service in education.

Stark has known Kelly Bowers Livermore for many years, since she was a new teacher at Barnard White Middle School in Union City. Bowers taught core subjects in grades 7 and 8, and Stark taught industrial arts and computers. Kelly Bowers was a teacher there for several years before moving on to other teaching and teacher-leader assignments, serving as a middle school principal, followed by district-level positions. She earned her Administrative Credential and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Cal State East Bay, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley.

Stark said, “She was one of the best young teachers I’ve ever had a chance to work with. I knew she was bound for leadership. She had all the attributes needed – organizational skills, classroom management, common sense, and more.”

Stark was impressed with how well Kelly Bowers handled the unanticipated closure of the charter schools in Livermore, and the sudden need to accommodate and welcome nearly 1,200 additional students into the LVJUSD public schools, which required the opening of a new school, Lawrence Elementary, midyear. Bowers works closely with her employees, the community, industry partners, and the Board of Trustees to create a nurturing environment where students will graduate with the skills needed to contribute and thrive in a changing world. The Chapter Board agreed that Bowers deserved its Outstanding Service to Education award for Leadership this year.

A passion for education and supporting youth runs in the family. Bowers’ son was a past winner of this Chapter’s Scholarship for Prospective Educators. He is a high school basketball coach and also works in child welfare, with families, schools, and the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) – a community-based program – to help at-risk youth stay in school, attend classes regularly, and graduate.

Congratulations to the Bowers family!

ABOUT LIVERMORE VALLEY JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District or LVJUSD is an award-winning district that serves more than 13,900 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade at nine elementary campuses, two K-8 schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, and two alternative schools. The LVJUSD features International Baccalaureate Programs and a STEM pathway, TK-12. The mission of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is to ensure each student will graduate with the skills needed to contribute and thrive in a changing world. For more information about the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, please visit https://www.livermoreschools.org/

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:

School Board President Craig Bueno, BuenoForSchools@gmail.com (925) 918-7345 Director of Community Engagement Philomena Rambo, prambo@lvjusd.org (925) 960-2917

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
Education Award | Kelly Bowers Livermore published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

June 2019 Grapevine | Kelly Bowers Superintendent Livermore

June 2019 Grapevine | Kelly Bowers Superintendent Livermore Valley Unified School District

Kelly Bowers Superintendent’s Message June 2019 Grapevine
Dear Livermore Community,
This week, we celebrate the academic growth and success of our students as they complete the 2018-
19 year, well prepared to move on to their next level of learning. Over 1,000 high school seniors will
move the tassels on their graduation caps to the left, indicating that they have completed this
significant chapter of their education and are truly ready to contribute and thrive as members of our
community. Please join me in congratulating our accomplished students!

Our June celebrations reflect years of dedicated work by teachers, staff members, and community
partners. These milestones are also a tribute to the families and friends who support our students
throughout their lives. I want to extend my congratulations to our students, especially, for their
perseverance and resilience as they commit to grow as scholars, as community members, and as
individuals.
As we anticipate the days of summer ahead, I encourage you all to read! Our Livermore Library
Summer Reading Game, “It’s Showtime,” invites readers of all ages to have some fun with favorite and
new authors. Summer is also a time to pursue our interests – I encourage our students, especially, to
volunteer in our community this summer, engaging in work that they enjoy while improving the quality
of life for others.
Thank you, all, for another successful year! I look forward to seeing you in August!
Congratulations to the Class of 2019
With Gratitude,
Kelly Bowers, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Source: https://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/
June 2019 Grapevine | Kelly Bowers Superintendent Livermore published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

Innovation Trivalley Leadership group

Innovation Trivalley Leadership group:

Dr. Kelly Bowers is committed to leveraging her doctoral studies and pivotal educational leadership role in order to act as a change agent and make her mark on public education for the betterment of students, teachers and families residing in the larger Bay Area, Tri-Valley region and Livermore community she calls home.

Innovation Trivalley Leadership group published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

Kelly Bowers Livermore | DreamMakers

Kelly Bowers Livermore | DreamMakers:

Kelly Bowers superintendent has extensive professional experience as an educator: thirteen years as an elementary, middle, and high school teacher in both urban and suburban settings, as well as nineteen years of site and district level administrative experience.

Kelly Bowers Livermore | DreamMakers published first on http://kellybowerssuperintendent.com/

Rose Cain

Hi I am Rose Cain.I am a Contract administrator in Central Hardware around Central Hardware.