The Vine April 20, 2018 From the desk of Superintendent Chris Williams

VAPA All-School Dance Performances This week marked the beginning of our all-school VAPA (visual and performing arts) dance performances. Elementary schools throughout the district welcomed parents and friends to their sites to watch every student in every grade level perform a dance routine. Pat Butler Elementary also had a special performance by their RISE Dance Team. The RISE Dance Team is open to all Bears and practices are held during recess time under the guidance of their dance and PE staff. Pat Butler also combined their dance day with Lunch with your Bear and had nearly 500 attendees!

Also pictured here are students from Winifred Pifer Elementary and Kermit King Elementary. Special thank you to our dance instructors Mrs. Fletcher, Miss Lambert, and Ms. Madrigal!

In the Garden Mrs. Mihelic’s class at The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck planted succulents earlier this week thanks to a donation from Orchard Supply Hardware. The plants were added to the Bauer Garden and students each got to take a plant home. Mrs. Mihelic said that her students had a blast and love their time in the garden!

Georgia Brown Elementary parent and student volunteers worked with First 5 staff to get the Uptown Park garden ready for Dia de los Niños Dia de los Libros (Day of the Child Day of the Books). The event will be held on Sunday, April 29. One Cool Earth will be donating plants for children to plant on that day. This is a community garden, cared for, planted by, and harvested by families throughout the year.

ASES News Students in the ASES (After School Education and Safety) program at Virginia Peterson Elementary and Winifred Pifer Elementary were visited by the Creative Kids Singing Company. The program promotes kindness, respect and tolerance. The students participated with singing, dancing and hand movements.

Attendance Winners

Congratulations to Virginia Peterson Elementary for leading the way with the best attendance percentage for month 8! The Pandas had an attendance percentage of 96.13%. Way to go, Pandas!

Field Trips Winifred Pifer Elementary 5th grade students went on a recent field trip to Barney Schwartz Park to visit the City of Paso Robles Waste Water Treatment. The City of Paso Robles Water Education Program focuses on the story of storm water and what environmental factors contribute to its makeup. Students and staff talked about plant and animal waste and performed chemical tests on the water to measure different levels found at the park.

The Orchestra 2 students from The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck traveled to Cal Poly this this week to see Terrance Simiens in concert. It was a Creole Jazz morning! The Orchestra 1 and Orchestra 2 students are preparing for their May concerts to be held on May 22.

Bearcat Career Expo The 2nd Annual Career Expo at Cuesta's North Campus was held last week and featured 27 local businesses. This event provided our PRHS Bearcats the opportunity to learn about potential careers and what it takes to make those dreams a reality.

PRO Academy The middle school PRO Academy courses at PRISC (our district K-8 Home School Program) are yielding some great results! Riley joined our middle school program earlier this year and has shown some tremendous academic growth. He learned quickly to take advantage of the mobility of the online program and has been able to find learning environments at home that help him feel successful. With a supportive family and his favorite pet, Riley is thriving. His teacher, Mrs. Anderson says, "Riley is taking charge of his own learning, excelling and reaching his amazing potential. The change I have seen in him over the course of this year has been inspiring." Way to go, Riley!

Bobcats ROAR Students at the Arts Academy at Bauer Speck who have earned 4 ROAR (respectful, outstanding, always safe, responsible) tags got the opportunity to sign up to earn their 5th tag. Students can earn their 5th and final tag by performing community service. Students are eager to help on campus and earn that final tag!

Students Learn to Draw Volunteers from Studios on the Park visited and worked with the transitional kindergarten class at Winifred Pifer Elementary. Students worked on a directed drawing lesson. We love our partnership with Studios on the Park!

4A Foundation to Host Fundraiser Join us for the inaugural fundraising dinner & dance supporting the students of Paso Robles! The evening will include a hosted cocktail hour, dinner prepared by our award-winning culinary team, live music, dancing, and a silent auction. Proceeds will go towards teacher grants for classroom supplies and activities as well as projects that support our four pillars of academics, arts, agriculture, and athletics.

Menu includes smoked tri-tip and brown sugar glazed salmon. Wine and beer included in ticket price. Single tickets may be purchased for $75 each or reserved tables of 10 for $700. To purchase tickets online, visit Eventbrite.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the district office.

STEAM STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) lessons are happening throughout PRJUSD! In Mrs. Bivin’s 1st grade classroom at Virginia Peterson Elementary, students have been studying sound waves. The students are connecting science, English Language Arts, and engineering. The engagement has been high as the students are exploring sound. Their experiences support their conceptual understanding of the movement of sound in waves.

Mrs. Miller’s 3rd grade students at Pat Butler Elementary have been studying forces. This week they were engaged with a Lego Racers project. The students worked in pairs to create Lego Cars that would travel fastest (and straightest) down a track. They collected data and then argued from evidence to construct explanations about which factors most strongly influenced the speed. Students discovered that the weight of the racer had an important effect on the speed. In addition, students made important connections to prior engineering lessons.

Kindergarten students in Ms. Usilton’s class at Georgia Brown Elementary have been studying wind energy. The young scholars have been learning and exploring about wind and its energy.

Mrs. Moore’s 5th grade class at Pat Butler Elementary were exploring waves. Students were exposed to a phenomena and then asked driving questions to support further investigation. The students also worked with technology programs that provided valuable simulations on inputs that could change frequency and amplitude.

Virginia Peterson Elementary held its annual STEAM Night earlier this week. Many families attended and loads of educators and high school physics students led engaging activities. There were STEAM challenges and activities throughout the campus to hook the interest of old and young alike! Cal Poly’s Central Coast Science Project brought ten university students to inspire the young scholars. There was a contagious energy on campus and many smiling faces!

Library News Kermit King Elementary Library Technician, Desi De Hoyos, is celebrating National Poetry Month by having students write poems. Students in 2nd grade created acrostic poems using their names, 3rd and 4th grade classes created cinquain poems, and 5th graders made their own “blackout” poems using old books and using a black marker to redact the words they do not want, leaving the words they want in the poem. Kermit King Library is also celebrating School Library Month by having students write what they love about the library. These hearts are displayed in the library windows.

Paso Robles High School Athletes as Readers and Leaders went to Winifred Pifer Elementary this week and read to 1st grade classes.

Paso Robles High School Library created a more student-friendly lounge area. Students have been enjoying the more comfortable seating and particularly enjoy the ottomans on wheels to use as a writing space, seat, or to put their feet up.

SkillsUSA Students to Compete at State The PRHS SkillsUSA students who medaled at the regional contest back in February will be competing this weekend in Ontario for the SkillsUSA California Leadership & Skills Conference. PRHS is sending 72 students who will be participating in 32 different contests with the top competitors moving on to the national conference in Louisville in June. Last year, PRHS sent 13 students to the national contest. Best of luck to all of our competitors and their teachers and advisors!

Elementary Summer Enrichment Applications are now available for K-5 Enrichment Summer Camp and can be picked up at any of our elementary schools. Enrichment Summer Camp will be held at Winifred Pifer Elementary and will run from June 25 - July 19 (Mondays through Thursdays) from 8 AM - 12 PM (except July 4 and 5). Any questions, please call Lauren Handley at 769-1000 ext. 30410 or email LMHandley@pasoschools.org.

One Cool Earth Corner Submitted by: Danica Smith Bees and humans may not appear to have much in common...except for attraction to flowers. Bees search for the sweet desires of nectar, and accidentally pollinate flowers, which helps turn many flowers into delicious fruits and greatly perpetuate a robust food chain. Did humans, however many years ago, originally notice flowers for their beauty? Or was it because they often turn into fruit/food, and paying attention to flowers was a mode of survival? With a more normalized and stable food system, we still have great connection to flowers. We grow them, just to cut them, keep them inside for a week, and then throw them into the trash can. People spend lots of money and time to keep flowers all around for the mere fact that they are beautiful.

During lunchtime garden club this week at Virginia Peterson Elementary, students made herb and flower bouquets. During the 4th grade block, 2 gentlemen came out to the garden and opted to make the bouquets rather than planting in gopher baskets. As they walked around the garden with Miss Danica and reviewed different plants they could harvest, they also had some time to meander on their own. Watching these two young boys walk together, encourage each other to pick this or that for its beauty in such gentle, kind and genuine ways, provided Miss Danica an opportunity to see the glorious power of the garden, of flowers, and of nature as a heart healer, and as a medium for pure connection to each other. When was the last time you took a walk, looked at, or touched the various plants and harvested them! Students had such a great time this week doing that...more to come in the future!

Last Saturday, One Cool Earth hosted the Earth Genius training at Virginia Peterson Elementary. Teachers were introduced to exciting, practical ways to use the garden as a classroom to support Next Generation Science Standards as well as the Environmental Principles. Virginia Peterson has a beautiful school garden and provided a perfect setting for the well-organized workshop. Teachers gleaned many useful ideas to take back to their respective schools. And there is one last chance to sign up for a session! Please see information below:

REMINDER for Springtime Garden-Based Teacher Training! Local nonprofit One Cool Earth is pleased to offer two teacher trainings this spring at a local school garden! Please register soon as space is limited to 12 teachers per training. When? April 28th 10am - 3pm Where? Virginia Peterson Elementary School 2501 Beechwood Drive, Paso Robles Training Content? Did you know that studies have shown that garden-based education improves standardized testing scores in science? Not only that, gardens can increase teachers’ and students' enjoyment and engagement with science topics, bridging textbook concepts with real-world experiences. Gardens also improve student health by familiarizing students with fresh, nutritious foods at a young age. Through a fun, hands-on training that takes place in an actual school garden, teachers will learn how to utilize the garden as a platform for teaching science, as well as supporting student health and wellness. The training will demonstrate specific lessons, providing lesson plans and materials and cover such topics as:

• Teaching without Walls - how to manage students in the outdoors • Tool Tai Chi - garden safety for you and your students • Plant Story Time - learn about native plants through history, biology, ethnobotany • Gardening 101 - get comfortable with the basics of growing your own produce

Perks? The training is voluntary, but includes:

• a stipend for participation ($50) • a project materials kit for your classroom ($25 value) • basic breakfast snacks and a full, garden-based lunch will be provided • Earth Genius garden lesson plans correlated with NGSS standards

How to Register? The registration interest forms are located online here: www.tinyurl.com/Winter2017EarthGenius If you are interested in volunteering in any way, please contact Danica Smith, our FoodCorps AmeriCorps Member at danicas@onecoolearth.org for further opportunities and information. And remember to check out One Cool Earth on Facebook to see when they’ll be hosting community garden workdays at your school: www.facebook.com/onecoolearth or www.onecoolearth.org . From planting to painting signs, there is an activity for everyone.

Employees of the Year The Employee of the Year Reception will be held on Tuesday, May 1, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Pear Valley Winery. The event is open to anyone who would like to come out and support their fellow colleagues or friends. At the Employee of the Year Reception, we will be recognizing all of the site winners for certificated and classified employees. We will also be honoring the top three finalists for managers, rookies, and substitutes. From the names listed below, we will announce the district Certificated Employee of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Substitute of the Year. Congratulations to all of our district finalists: Certificated Employee of the Year Deb Baca – Winifred Pifer Elementary Laurie Dawley – The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck Susan Delgado – Georgia Brown Elementary Jon-Paul Ewing – Paso Robles High School Megan Healy – Lewis Middle School John Hutchings – Flamson Middle School Tina Lessi – Liberty High School Holly Moore – Pat Butler Elementary Michelle Rodriguez – Virginia Peterson Elementary Jessica Shaffer – Kermit King Elementary Classified Employees of the Year Jon Asadoor – Food Services Tracy Cagliero – Georgia Brown Elementary Anthony Cunningham – Liberty High School Keri Folks – District Office Dawn Hawley – Virginia Peterson Elementary Dana Holt – Paso Robles High School Jose Jauregui – Support Services Arnold Kalvans – District Annex Betsy King – Winifred Pifer Elementary Kathryn McClure – The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck Jennifer Miller – Lewis Middle School Daniel Price – Kermit King Elementary Cheri Sheldon – Pat Butler Elementary Manager of the Year Finalists Jennifer Clayton – Paso Robles High School Nate Maas – Liberty High School/Independence High School Carol Stoner – Winifred Pifer Elementary Rookie of the Year Finalists Sabrina Hamilton – Flamson Middle School Bethany Hicks – The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck Eusebio Martinez – Georgia Brown Elementary Substitute of the Year Finalists Stephanie Huerta – Pat Butler Elementary Heather Loughmiller – Virginia Peterson Elementary Michelle Rogers – The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck

Listed below are all the finalists with excerpts pulled from the nomination forms.

Certificated Employee of the Year Finalists Deb Baca 5th Grade Teacher, Winifred Pifer Elementary “Her students are held to high academic standards as she works tirelessly to support their academic growth and critical thinking skills.”

Laurie Dawley 1st Grade Teacher, The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck

“Observing Laurie teach is like watching magic happen. She can turn the most chaotic situation into one of organized learning.”

Susan Delgado 2nd/3rd Grade Combo Teacher, Georgia Brown Elementary “Susan takes the hardest challenges with determination, a positive attitude, and poise. Teaching is her most honorable mission as demonstrated by her high expectations and contagious enthusiasm.”

Jon-Paul Ewing Science Teacher, Paso Robles High School

“Jon-Paul is a master of connecting with students and pushing them to achieve things that they never thought they could. His students appreciate the humor and rigor that come along with his courses.”

Megan Healy Counselor, Lewis Middle School “Megan leads by example and recognizes the value of building strong relationships with students, families, and staff alike.”

John Hutchings Science Teacher, Flamson Middle School

“Not only is he passionate about the subject of science, but he is also passionate in leading students to succeed in all classes, not just his own.”

Tina Lessi Counselor, Liberty High School “Her door is always open to a student in crisis or those in need. She constantly keeps a positive outlook and has a keen sense of humor. She goes above and beyond the call of duty”

Holly Moore 5th Grade Teacher, Pat Butler Elementary

“Holly has high expectations for herself and every student she teaches. Her boundless energy and creativity inspire everyone.”

Michelle Rodriguez 5th Grade Teacher, Virginia Peterson Elementary “Michelle believes in all of her students, especially the students who struggle both academically and behaviorally. Michelle will go to any length to ensure that students in her class have success.”

Jessica Shaffer Kindergarten Teacher, Kermit King Elementary

“Jessica puts students first when faced with any decision and works tirelessly to ensure every student is well-supported, encouraged, and loved."

Classified Employee of the Year Finalists

Jon Asadoor Food Services “Jon will do whatever it takes to be successful. He is willing to fill in anywhere and never complains about working extra hours. He coaches elementary athletics and the kids love him and look up to him.”

Tracy Cagliero Library Technician, Georgia Brown Elementary

“Her stewardship to Georgia Brown and our community, as well as her acts of service, extend beyond library walls as she demonstrates unwavering support toward student success and family engagement.”

Anthony Cunningham Campus Assistant, Liberty High School “Anthony is constantly encouraging and supporting students to make smart choices, engage in class, and try hard in school. He is a reflective individual who looks for opportunities to learn and grow.”

Keri Folks PRYDE Secretary, District Office

“Keri demonstrates strong independent skills and a willingness to work as a team. She always gives 100 % of herself to her work for the benefit of the program, students, and district.”

Dawn Hawley Secretary, Virginia Peterson “Her commitment to the success of students carries over to the support she provides for her colleagues at other sites. She helps make our school a welcoming environment.”

Dana Holt Discipline Clerk, Paso Robles High School

“Dana goes beyond her job duties providing emotional support for students and staff. Her positive attitude and outstanding work ethic are testament to her selfless commitment.”

Jose Jauregui Bus Driver, Support Services “Jose enjoys working with our students and has built a camaraderie with each of them, helping them to have success in their day. He is always willing to go above and beyond in his job duties.”

Arnold Kalvans

Information Technology Technician, District Annex “Arnold has a willing attitude which is a great bridge to all the people that he supports. He puts forth

that extra effort to make a positive difference in the education of our students.”

Betsy King Paraeducator, Winifred Pifer Elementary “She truly understands the importance of educating the whole child by being there to support students academically and providing a healthy physical learning opportunity after school.”

Kathryn McClure

Paraeducator, The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck “She uses her years of working with children with special needs to best support each child and assist

him/her with being successful at school. She approaches children with gentleness and kindness.”

Jennifer Miller Paraeducator, Lewis Middle School “She approaches every day with a positive attitude. She is caring and compassionate and willing to help wherever she is needed”

Daniel Price Paraeducator, Kermit King Elementary

“Without hesitation, he does whatever is needed to bring success to the students around him. He walks through the door every day with a smile for the kids, ready to jump in wherever needed.”

Cheri Sheldon Paraeducator, Pat Butler Elementary “Cheri continues to be a valued and effective peer to our teachers and staff. She has stepped up to be a leader and is always willing to help anyone who needs it.”

Manager of the Year Finalists

Jennifer Clayton Guidance Counselor Specialist, Paso Robles High School “She truly believes, in her heart, that every student will have success, and works collaboratively with students, parents, and colleagues alike in creating plans for high school and beyond.”

Nate Maas Principal, Liberty High School/Independence High School

“Nate is the ultimate collaborator. He is always willing to listen to others’ ideas and allows his staff and students to try new things without fear of failure. He listens with an open heart and open mind.”

Carol Stoner Principal, Winifred Pifer Elementary “She truly does know every child by name and need and treats each and every one of them as if they were her own child. She cares about the children at our school and it shows!”

Rookie of the Year Finalists

Sabrina Hamilton English Language Development Teacher, Flamson Middle School

“She has a love for teaching and her students, and it shows in everything she’s done in the classroom. She is always willing to lend a helping hand.”

Bethany Hicks Special Education Teacher, The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck “The learning atmosphere in her classroom fosters community ownership and collaboration among her students as well as the adult paraeducators who collectively serve them.”

Eusebio Martinez Guidance Specialist, Georgia Brown Elementary

“He listens to staff and encourages participation and ideas from staff to improve our school and student achievement. Dr. Martinez is in the business of children.”

Substitute of the Year Finalists

Stephanie Huerta Substitute Teacher, Pat Butler Elementary “Her willingness to support students in any way necessary, along with the presence she provides in the Learning Center, have cemented her as a valuable asset to our team.”

Heather Loughmiller Substitute Teacher, Virginia Peterson Elementary

“Heather willingly takes on each day as a new adventure. When she is in a classroom, she is not there to watch over students; instead, she is there to teach and to help students reach their fullest potential.”

Michelle Rogers Substitute Teacher, Arts Academy at Bauer Speck “She is always ready and willing to do whatever is needed in the service of our students. She is calm and upbeat with high expectations of them.”