“
Photos Special to
CUSD Today

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FRESNO, CA
PERMIT NO. 220
Clovis Unified School District
February 2020

1450 Herndon Ave.
Clovis, CA 93611
Clovis Uniﬁed School District — WHERE CHARACTER COUNTS!	Volume 22, No. 7

			
	MINDFUL ENGAGEMENT

Foundation funds 12 wellness, civic projects

11,500 students will be impacted by grants

CUSD Today

Ten new projects and programs supporting so-cial/emotional wellness and two projects promoting civic education
and citizenship are underway across Clovis Unified, thanks
to specialty grants awarded by the Foundation for Clovis Schools. The specialty grants, which include support for mentorship programs, emotional man-agement, curriculum, and early intervention pro-grams, among others, are funded as part of the Foundation’s Classroom and School Grants pro-gram.
“The Foundation board of directors is pleased to once again provide support for teachers and students in Clovis Unified through our grants pro-gram,” said Adam Holt, treasurer and fundraising chairperson.“This work is made possible through the generosity of our community partners and donors who care deeply about children.”
The specialty grant awards, totaling $53,915, are funded as part of the Foundation’s Classroom and School grants program that has awarded a total of $216,000 this year. Nearly 11,500 students will be impacted throughout the district through these specialty projects, which are funded through part-nerships with Community Medical Centers and Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
The following is a list of the specialty grants awarded. Descriptions of non-specialty Classroom and School grants were published in the September edition of CUSD Today.

➤ Please see Grants, Page 8

Clockwise from top:Tarpey Elementary psychologist Suja George, Ph.D., demonstrates mindful awareness using the senses to student Kyzaiah Vann-York. Students at Clovis West move a bench that will be part of a mock court-room under construction. Sierra Vista students post Valentine messages with encouraging messages as part of the positivity project.All of these were made possible through grants by the Foundation for Clovis Schools.

follow us on	TM               and at CUSD.COM

Photo special to CUSD Today by Ron Webb. If Measure A is approved, every school would see construction proj-ects completed. Information about the bond can be found at cusd. com/2020bond.

Bond measure on March 3 ballot

Clovis Unified’s Governing Board has placed a bond on the upcoming March 3 ballot. Known as Measure A, if passed, the $408 million	bond
would fund moderniza-tion	and construc-tion proj-ects at all Clovis Uni-fied schools, and
build new schools.
In her column this month (Please see Page 5),Superintendent Eimear O’Farrell, Ed.D., shares more details about this bond meas-ure and the question before voters on March 3.
Readers can also learn more and get questions answered online at cusd.com/2020bond. Some of the topics covered on the site in-clude:
■ “Why is Measure A needed?” ■ “Who decided to put this
bond measure before voters?”
■ “What’s the impact to local property taxpayers?”
■“What projects would Measure A fund?”

Experience has taught me that learning is messy.
Learning is challenging. And learning requires
the ability to constantly

We salute our very best employees

Thirty of Clovis Unified’s very best employees will receive the district’s highest award at The Crystals on Feb. 26 at our Performing Arts Center. The gala event begins with an ap-
petizer reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation ceremony of the Crystal Awards at 7:30 p.m. The celebration is open to the public and admission is free.
In this edition of CUSD Today, we begin a series that profiles each of this year’s recipients. For a list of winners and profiles,please see Page 5.

pivot from the plan.

Stephanie Patterson Liberty Elementary

fourth grade teacher recently named the CLES California State Educator of the Year

For complete story, see Page 7.

Inspiring Excellence FOCUS ON:
AFRICAN AMERICANS

For this staff and student developed section, see Page 4.

INSIDE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Online kindergarten pre-registration Kindergarten registration for the 2020-21 school
year begins March 4. Parents may pre-register their child online starting Feb. 27. Page 3

AROUND THE DISTRICT
CH senior elected to state Youth Court While serving for nearly four years on the Clovis
High Youth Court, senior Matthew Bethea has himself been taught a vital lesson. Page 6

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
We are a growing community
What is Measure A and what would it do for our schools? That’s a message I’m eager to share with you. Page 5

Page 2	CUSD Today	February 2020

Clovis Unified School District

February 2020	CUSD Today	Page 3

➤ ANNOUNCEMENTS

Photo special to CUSD Today by Ron Webb. Do you have a kindergartner next year? Reg-istration begins March 4 and online pre-reg-istration will be available starting Feb. 27.

Online kindergarten pre-registration, Feb. 27

Kindergarten registration for the 2020-21 school year begins March 4 at all Clovis Unified elementary schools, and parents may pre-register their child on any mobile device starting Feb. 27.
The online process will allow parents to fill out their child’s registration form and make an appointment to drop off the en-rollment documents to their resident school. Parents unable to utilize the online process may go directly to their school site during regular hours beginning March 4 and will be helped through the online process.
At the time of registration, parents will need to provide a birth certificate or other birth record; proof of residency; and written evidence of up-to-date immunizations. To be eligible to register for kindergarten, a child must be 5 on or before Sept. 1.
Registration for new students entering grades 1-12 begins March 11.
For complete details or to access the online pre-registration, visit cusd.com.

Art contest entries due Feb. 26 Clovis Unified Business Services will

hold the 12th Annual Budget Book Cover Contest in which selected student work will become the cover and section covers of the district’s upcoming budget book. The five finalists will each receive a Visa gift card from contest sponsor Xerox Corporation and be presented a special plaque by the CUSD Governing Board at a meeting in March.

Artwork should include photos or illus-trations of students and should represent the district. The contest is open to all Clovis Unified and CART students, and the entry deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 26.
For contest rules, an entry form or more information, inquire at your school site or contact Angela Perez at angelaperez @cusd. com.

Native American Indian Family Night, March 5

Clovis Unified will host NativeAmerican Indian Family Night March 5 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 808 Fourth St. Clovis, in the Independence Room.
The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all CUSD families. It will include dinner, drumming, dancers, activities and the presentation “Journeys from the Past.” There will be a College and Community Resource Fair starting at 7:30 p.m.
For more information or to RSVP, please call Krista in CUSD Supplemental Services at 327-0667.

“Crazy for You” opens March 5 Clovis North High will be performing

the musical “Crazy for	You” in March at the Mercedes Ed-wards Theatre,
902 Fifth St., Clovis. The story is     of     stage-struck Bobby Child’s ambi-tion to be a dancer and is wrapped up in
a whirlwind love story that makes for a perfect family musical. Music is by George and Ira Gershwin and includes such memorable songs as “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You”and “Shall We Dance.”
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. March 5-7 and 12-14; and at 2 p.m. March 14. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults. Details: broncodrama.com.

Learn about CTE class offerings, March 17

Parents and students will have the chance to learn more about Clovis Unified’s many Career Technical Education (CTE) classes

at the Second Annual CTE Night from 6 to 8 p.m. March 17 at the Clovis Veterans Me-morial Building, 808 Fourth St., Clovis.
Current CTE teachers, students, coun-selors and administrators will be on hand to discuss opportunities, and students from different pathways will be exhibiting some of their work. Pathways include everything from welding and mechanics to culinary arts and hospitality; there are agriculture, financial, medical, construction, teaching programs and more.
Clovis Unified offers 20 pathways and 67 classes in total on its high school campuses with more than 4,000 students participating. These hands-on, focused courses also rep-resent 13 industry sectors and have 337 in-dustry partners that provide relevant, real-world experiences.
For more information, visit cusd.com/cte.

Be counted
The 2020 Census will begin in March, and families should expect to fill out a census form by mail, phone or online. The census is an important
opportunity for everyone to be counted in their community which will help ensure agencies get
the necessary funds for schools, healthcare, affordable housing, jobs, roads, transporta-tion and emergency response teams.
A complete count gives students up-to-date statistics, resources and representation for the next 10 years. According to the Fresno County Complete Count Committee, an undercount could mean the loss of fund-ing for necessary services and an approximate loss of $2,000 per person annually.
For more information, see census.gov.

“Sense and Sensibility” starts March 19

Clovis High will perform “Sense and Sensibility” later in March at the Dan Pessano Theater, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno. The play is based on the book written by Jane Austen in the 1800s and is a satirical comedy about middle-class life, following the relationship of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. March 19-21 and 26-28. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets are available at cusd.com/EventsTickets.aspx.

Parent Academy workshop, March 19
Clovis Unified offers Parent Academy workshops throughout the school year at no cost to attendees. The workshops are designed to inform and empower parents

with information, understanding and re-sources to support their student at home and at school. Dinner and childcare are of-fered for each event.
Workshops are held at the Clovis Unified Professional Learning Center, 362 N. Clovis Ave., #101, in Clovis. (Southwest corner of Herndon and Clovis avenues, behind In-N-Out.). Dinner and childcare are offered for each event. There is no cost. Dinner be-gins at 5 p.m. and the program will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upcoming workshops are:
■ March 19 – “Specific Strategies for Anxiety and Depression”
■ May 19 – “Social Emotional Behavior Skills and Development”
Registration will be available on cusd.com on the Supplemental Services page. For in-formation Krista in Supplemental Services at 327-0667 or kristacortez@cusd. com.

CUSD to benefit from Granville Home of Hope

The Foundation for Clovis Schools has been selected as a beneficiary of the 2020 Granville Home of Hope fundraiser.
Granville Homes, along with help from its trade partners, donates a new home each year as the grand prize awarded to one lucky winner from a limited-ticket sales drawing. Participants can also win other prizes, including a 24-month lease on a Lexus SUV.
Tickets are $100 each, and 100 percent of proceeds raised benefit 10 local nonprofits. All proceeds from tickets purchased through Clovis Unified stay in Clovis Unified.
The Foundation for Clovis Schools is a nonprofit organization that awards student scholarships, new teacher grants and class-room grants each year.
For more information or tickets, contact Sara Almaraz at 327-9095 or saraalmaraz @cusd.com.

SPECIAL EDUCATION The following upcoming workshop and
events will be offered by the CUSD Special Education Department’s Family Resource Center. For more information or to inquire about an interpreter, please call 327-8455. ■ “Communication – Developing a Lan-guage Rich Environment,”6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 10, Professional Development Build-ing, 1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis. Free. Parents will learn how to create a more language-rich environment at home; pro-fessionals will learn to identify opportunities during the day to encourage interactive communication with students. RSVP: Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/CUSD-
language.

tinue their experience.A Browder’s II co-
Nicholas Jackson who is a senior at Clovis
The initiators of the CIP are three Clo-
”
Photo special to CUSD Today.

Page 4

Inspiring

CUSD Today	February 2020

Excellence

FOCUS ON: African AMERICANS

“Who inspires you?”

“Jackie Robin-son, because through all the tough times he was going through, he blocked out all the negative peo-ple, so he could become one of
the best African American Major League Baseball players. His actions have shown me to keep playing the game of baseball when other people say I won’t succeed.”
Chauncey Turney Clovis West High, senior

“My BSCU Youth Senate ad-visor Mrs. (Angie) Barfield. Not only does she demon-strate what black excellence truly is, but she also shows her passion and commitment to developing the
black leaders of tomorrow through unconditional love, activism and support.”
Navaeh Williams Clovis East High, senior

“My family, Mrs. (Angie) Barfield and Mrs. (Ronda) Turney. Without them I wouldn’t be as in-volved in AASU. They have taught me how to be outgoing and have taught me
things about my cultural history.” Aaliyah Walker
Buchanan High, sophomore

Browder Scholars Program inspires students AFTER a successful first
year of the Cultural Immersion Program (CIP), Clovis Unified is excited to again offer the Browder Scholars Program, a free and volun-tary cultural immersion opportuni-ty. The program was developed by renowned cultural historian, profes-sor and author Dr.Anthony Brow-der and looks at the African experi-ence in the United States and abroad.

New students are invited to attend and
der program have the opportunity to con-
students who were a part of the first Brow- Browder Scholars facilitator and Clovis High counselor Sonja Wilson leads students in a group exercise. The Browder program is a free, voluntary program that meets after school hours. In-
how you think and act,” said participant
hort was established to allow returning stu- terested students can find out more through their school counselor. dents to experience a deeper understanding
High.
of cultural awareness and critical thinking. “Students should attend because it’s
very enriching and powerful. It will change vis Unified staff members: Buchanan High math teacher Ronda Turney; Clovis High counselor Sonja Wilson; and Clovis High learning director Demetra Vincent-Walker. The three facilitators have since expanded their team after assessing the need to sup-port the expansion of the program.
Clovis North High counselor Sean Ford,	Browder was also the keynote at the Clovis High English teacher Tara Wills and     Clovis Unified African American Middle Clovis High art teacher Darryl Miller will       School Conference held Feb. 11. CUSD was be joining the group as facilitators. The           proud to host more than 500 students team would like to thank the parent volun-     from around the Central Valley at Clovis teers that assist.                                                 North High School.
“
The facilitators, with the assistance of	Students interested in the program or Browder, will guide students on a journey       who have further questions may contact once a month to learn the history of                their AASU advisor or Browder Scholars Africans in the United States and abroad.        Instructors Ronda Turney at Buchanan Students will be motivated and will leave        High, 327-3000; or Sonja Wilson/Demetra with inspiration for learning.                           Vincent-Walker at Clovis High, 327-1000.

“As a student-athlete, the peo-ple I would choose to say who inspire me most are my coaches Josh Nor-man and Jonathan Clark. Josh has a way of always making
anyone he meets feel like they’re family and he will treat everyone equally with respect, no matter the background or current position in life. For Jonathan Clark, he is ex-tremely caring and has the mindset that anyone can be great as long as they put in the work and believe in themselves. He will never stop trying to get people to be the best they can be. Both of these men have been in my life for just about four years and the impact they have made on me, and the people around them is one that will last for a lifetime. They in-spire me to better myself and always strive to be the best in everything I do.”
Caleb Foster
Clovis North High, senior

The Browder Scholars made me realize how im-portant my culture is. Everything I learned in the program I still use today. It made me love my culture more than I already did.
Caleb Davis Senior, Clovis High

The Browder program helped me to know my past, my ancestors’ past and what they went through. It opened my eyes to a lot of history that I never would have known.”
Nia Jackson Sophomore, Clovis High

“The Browder Scholars Program assisted me in knowing all the facts about my history and where my people come from. It assists in making sure you know that you’re not worthless and that you come from a powerful history of bril-liant, innovative people. It gives you the confidence to take on the world.
Abbi Akande Senior, Buchanan High

Students should attend	In the Browder program because it’s very enriching       there’s African American and powerful. It will                 treasure that is buried that change how you think and      we will not be able to find if how you act. It makes you       we don’t look for it. … think very critically.                 Once you get to know what
Nicholas Jackson	you know, you feel so em-Senior,	powered … you may finally Clovis High	find something you have

been looking for but did not know where to look.
Naazima Abdul Hamed Sophomore,
Clovis North High

CUSD students among Martin Luther King Jr. Contest winners

“The person that inspires me the most is my mom. My mom is just as fantastic as Superwoman, she’s amazing, she works her butt off everyday day and night to give my brother and me
everything we have. I want to be as successful as she is one day and I’m so lucky to have her as the example of what I should be when I grow up.”
LaShada Johnson Clovis High, junior

CONTRIBUTORS

Thank you to the following advisors and teachers for contributing to this page:

■ Debbie Parra, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, CIA ■ Saul Salinas, Coordinator of Community Relations
■ Ronda Turney

Math Teacher, Buchanan High ■ Demetra Vincent-Walker Learning Director, Clovis High ■ Sonja Wilson
Counselor, Clovis High

Pictured with Superintendent Yovino, from left, are Caleb Foster, senior Clovis North High; Nevaeh Williams, senior Clovis East High; Abbi Akande, senior Buchanan High; Catherine Matthews, senior Clovis West High; and Kaleb Davis, senior Clovis High. Missing from photo is Ashley Hughes, junior, Clovis East High.

Six CUSD students on County Superintendent’s advisory cabinet

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools	puses.
Jim Yovino formed the Superintendent’s          The students are dedicated to imparting African American Student AdvisoryCabinet      positive change through the Advisory Cab-five years ago with the goal to provide      inet, their Black/ African American Student African American students a voice in chang-      Unions and community service projects. ing the culture and climate of high schools      Superintendent Yovino describes the mem-across Fresno County.                                       bers of his Advisory Cabinet as courageous The group of 20 students representing      young men and women on the path to Fresno, Clovis, Central and Washington      doing great things in Fresno County, im-
unified school districts meets quarterly with	proving equity and opportunity for all. FCSS Superintendent Yovino to discuss how          Six Clovis Unified School District students they are increasing access and engagement	were selected to serve on Superintendent for African American students on their cam-	Yovino’s board for the 2019-20 school year.

Several students from Clovis Unified were celebrated Feb. 4 for their participa-tion in the Fresno County Martin Luther King Jr. speech, essay and art contests sponsored by the Fresno County Superin-tendent of Schools. The competition al-lows students to learn more about Dr. King and to further their education in culture, history and social science.
First-place winners included: Priya Prajapati, Fugman Elementary, Elemen-tary Speech; Shadin Kiwan, Clark Inter-mediate, Junior High Speech; Trisha Pra-japati, Clovis North High, High School Speech; Davis Wilson, Riverview Elemen-tary, Elementary Essay;Alma De Leon Garvey, Kastner Intermediate, Junior High Essay; Trisha Prajapati, Clovis North, High School Essay.
Top three art entries includ-ed: Daisy Moadab,Valley
Oak Elementary, Primary Art Runner Up; Lan Nguyen and Macayla Sevilla, Cedarwood Elementary, Primary
Art Honorable Men-tion; Payton Hiester, Clovis High, Second-ary Art Best of Show; Loren Pangilinan, Kastner Intermediate, Secondary Art Runner Up.

VISION

February 2020	CUSD Today	Page 5

We are a growing community with growing needs

By Eimear O’Farrell, Ed.D. Superintendent

GOING around the district and	spending
time in the class-rooms and cam-puses of Clovis Unified provides me with a wealth of stories to share about the incred-
ible work of our
educational team,	Eimear O’Farrell, and I do love to             Ed.D.
share a good sto-
ry. It’s one of the reasons I look forward to writing this column each month because it allows me to share with you a glimpse of the life-chang-ing power of caring educators (and remember, every one of our em-ployees is an educator).
This month, however, I’m taking a break from storytelling to use my column in our monthly publication to share information about Measure A, Clovis Unified’s $408 million fa-cility bond measure placed on the March 3 ballot by our Governing Board. I am writing this, not to tell you how to vote, but to encourage every member of our community to give close attention to the facts about this ballot measure and, once you’ve done so, to remember to vote in the March 3 election.
What is Measure A and what would it do for our schools? That’s a message I’m eager to share with you so please, read on!
A trip around our 198-square-mile district makes it clear that we are a growing community.Whether it is Millerton New Town in the north, Heritage Village in the north-east, Loma Vista in the south, or infill projects nestled among estab-lished neighborhoods near Fort Washington or Mountain View el-ementary schools, new residential growth areas are springing up in

every corner of the district. New High School will house over 5,000 multiple modernization projects homes, apartments and condos students on a campus built to house completed from the 2012 bond mean new students, and new stu- around 3,000 at capacity. Such over- measure, and every school in the dents need a place to learn. Today, crowding stretches not only class- district would again see projects we are the 14th largest school district room space, but restroom facilities, completed with Measure A. New in California (of more than 2,000), cafeterias and other infrastructures libraries; space for nurses, school and our enrollment continues to of our schools.                                    psychologists and other support climb.                                                      At the same time, existing schools personnel; career technical education Measure A funds would help in the district are aging, and just spaces; updated heating, ventilation pay to build a high school and in- like homes built decades ago, our and air conditioning systems to en-termediate school in the southeast schools need repair and modern- sure rooms are cool when they are of our district, and design an ele- ization work to keep them in good supposed to be cool, and warm mentary school needed to accom- condition for students. Schools like when temperatures drop, are projects modate other increases in student Clovis West High School and Valley that bond funds allow us to com-
enrollment. If a new high school Oak Elementary on the opposite plete.
and intermediate school are not side of our district from where a         Measure A creates local dollars built soon, by 2025 Clovis East new school would be located, saw that can’t be taken away by the state

LESSONS

Inspirations by, for and from our CUSD students

Photo special to CUSD Today by Ron Webb. Liberty Elementary students give a group hug to Andrea Melton, their Campus Club lead instructor who will be recognized later this month as one of 30 Crystal Award winners.

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”

BRAD HENRY, FORMER OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR

and must be spent on school facility projects. Local funds also allow the district to qualify for matching dol-lars from the state, increasing our “buying power” and allowing us to stretch our local dollars, create local jobs, and bring additional revenue into the community.
Another hallmark of Measure A is close oversight by citizens and annual third-party audits. The dis-trict has a long history of clean audits that show past bonds have been spent on what they were in-tended for, and in a timely manner.
Bonds issued would be repaid annually by local property tax until paid off. It’s expected that Measure A would increase today’s tax rate by approximately $25 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value, which is lower than it was 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. This calculation is based on a cumulative projected tax rate supporting all CUSD bonds, including Measure A.
As you have likely sensed reading this column, there’s a lot to learn about Measure A. Anticipating that our community may have questions, we have taken care to create an online information center available from our online home page at cusd.com. There, you can find an interactive map of our district that shows every school and projects re-cently completed and those planned should Measure A pass. You can also find more information on how bonds work, how to read your tax bill, view the report by the Citizens Committee delivered to our Gov-erning Board last July, and much more.
As I close, I’d like to reiterate my encouragement to study Measure A, ask us any questions you might have (you can call my office or that of our Assistant Superintendent of Facility Services at 559-327-9260 any time to get more information), and once satisfied that your questions are answered, to vote in the March 3 election.

Crystal Award winners show Clovis Unified at its best

Thirty exceptional Clovis Unified employees are the 2018-19 school-year Crystal Award recipients who will be celebrated at The Crystals Feb. 26 at the Performing Arts Center. Among them are a cafeteria worker who teaches interactive lessons on manners, a police officer who began a student club and later a districtwide conference, and a teacher who tried innovative new curriculum that helped students succeed.
All district employees, family and friends of the recipients are invited to attend as these remarkable men and women are celebrated.A gala reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the ceremony gets underway in the Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are not required and attendance is free.
The Crystal Award is Clovis Unified’s highest employee recognition. It is given to those employees whose passion, innovation, dedication and dynamic work ethic far surpasses their job description. These are people who in tangible, measurable ways selflessly help students reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit. They go above and beyond what is expected, and they do so without prompting. They lead and inspire others by their humble nature and heart-felt examples.
Employees are nominated for the award by their peers or supervisor, and judging panels made up of Clovis Unified employees follow a strict rubric that outlines criteria in selecting the year’s recipients.
In this issue of CUSD Today, eight winners are profiled in alphabetical order. The remaining recipients will be profiled in upcoming editions of CUSD Today.

By Kathleen Coates Special to CUSD Today

Sandy Baty
Century Elementary Library Technician Principal’s Right Hand

Thirty-five year district employee Sandy Baty is Century Elementary’s library media technician.
Principal Brion Warren considers Sandy as his “right hand” because she has gone well beyond her “day job” description to turn the school’s system of information technology into a model of effectiveness and efficiency. And she does this while
providing a welcoming environment for all at the Century library.

➤Show your support

■ The Crystals ■ 7:30 p.m.
■ Feb. 26
■ CUSD Performing Arts Center 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno
■ Free.The public is invited to help us celebrate the year’s top employees. No tickets are required.

Baty was a library tech well before computers were a part of everyday life. This Clovis Unified veteran now has become a real “techie,” helping reluctant teachers adjust to the latest technology. Not only was she instrumental in learning how all the computer equipment works and making it function interactively in 28 classrooms, but she also designed and implemented the school’s two state-of-the-art computer labs, 200 classroom computers and updated library system rich with technology. She helped Century meet its technology goal two years early.
Before the school year starts, Baty (with a crew of vol-unteers) sets up the computer labs, then at the end of the year is the one to disassemble them. She is the first one called when something technological goes wrong at the school and she has a positive, can-do attitude with whatever problem she faces. Baty is the “go to” person for technology. Says Principal Warren of her warm and caring demeanor, “Sandy Baty is a culture builder and part of the fabric that has made Century a place where teachers and kids feel at
home.”

Kelly Bettencourt
Buchanan High Patient Care CTE Teacher Inspirational Role Model

Kelly Bettencourt, sports medicine and medical careers teacher at Buchanan High, is an example of an instructor who teaches students real-world skills that they can use to start a career.
Students attending one of her popular classes get hands-on experience and can come out with a professional certificate
and land a job. To be able to certify students, Bettencourt spends her own time keeping up to date on her own advanced certifications in such areas as CPR and first aid. Bettencourt arranges tours to sites where students can observe professionals in action such as the China Peak ski patrol and the Clovis Rodeo. She also brings physical ther-

apists, certified trainers and other professionals into the classroom to share insights.
One of the ways Bettencourt goes beyond expectations is with her internship program, partnering with local busi-nesses in athletic training, physical therapy and fitness. She vets the businesses, reviews expectations and requires students to keep time sheets to reflect real-life work expe-rience. Kids also practice interviewing and create resumes. Bettencourt’s students volunteered to help certify 2,700 students in CPR to meet a new state requirement!
On Friday nights, Bettencourt is at the Bears’ games, as-sisting trainers and supervising her students who are working directly with student athletes. This hands-on training and experience leads to better understanding and confidence among her students. It’s easy to see why there is a waiting list every year for her courses.

Karen M. Boone
Clovis West High Learning Director Unyielding Determination

If you want to get something done, ask Karen Boone, learning director at Clovis West High. Colleagues tell of her “unyielding determination” to improve students’ ability to learn career skills such as a mechanic or bank teller. She also works to smooth student’s co-curricular arts activities’ experience or to help them
enter college.
The 23-year district employee is a genius at writing grants to get major facilities funded and built. Boone is the learning director over several departments including Clovis West’s Career Technical Education as well as the English and Visual and Performing Arts departments.
Through her efforts, Clovis West received funds for a diesel mechanic facility, a banking and finance building and a student store. Students on a career path who are given real-world experiences often find academic motivation, leading to increased academic performance. Boone has helped make that possible, as some students work as bank tellers, for example, in the credit union located on campus. One noteworthy achievement was Boone’s collaboration with the dual enrollment department at the Clovis Com-munity College District to develop an English class to help better prepare students for collegiate-level courses.Aligning curriculum increased college readiness from 29% in 2010
to 81% in 2019.

➤ Please see Awards, Page 7

— ABOUT US —

CUSD Today,Clovis Unified’s good news publi-cation, is sent directly to the homes of all CUSD parents and staff, as well as district supporters. In an effort to unify the CUSD community, the news-paper highlights the achievements of Clovis Unified students and staff; profiles new and updated Gov-erning Board policies; and shares general news and information happening within the district.
Circulation: 34,000.
Funding: All costs associated with producing, printing and mailing CUSD Today are entirely funded by our advertisers. To show your appreciation of their support, we ask you to consider patronizing these businesses and services as the need arises.
Story submissions: Please submit all ideas to the Site Coordinator at your school. Please contact your school to find out who your Site Coordinator is. Editorial deadlines are two weeks before the publication date. We do our best to include as many submissions in each issue as our editorial space will allow.

CUSD Today Staff

Publishing & Editorial Clovis Unified School District 1450 Herndon Avenue Clovis, CA 93611 Telephone (559) 327-9094 Fax (559) 327-2957 cusdtoday@cusd.com Kelly Avants, APR
Chief Communications Officer
327-9092 Patti J. Lippert Managing Editor
327-9094 Sara Almaraz
Advertising Specialist 327-9095 Verna Garcia
Graphic Designer 224-9711

CUSD Governing Board

Christopher Casado               Tiffany Stoker Madsen                 Susan Hatmaker President                              Vice-President                                 Clerk

908-9953	392-1014	288-2743

.
Hugh H.Awtrey	Steven G. Fogg, M.D Ginny L. Hovsepian	Elizabeth J. Sandoval 437-6580                         269-7000	434-8272                           291-7564

CUSD Administration

Eimear O’Farrell, Ed.D.	Don Ulrich, Ed.D. Superintendent                                       Deputy Superintendent
327-9100	327-9107

Norm Anderson                        Barry Jager                         Michael Johnston Associate Superintendent,          Associate Superintendent,            Associate Superintendent,
School Leadership	Human Resources and	Administrative Services 327-9350                             Employee Relations                              327-9110
327-9308

Pinedale students cheer on Fresno State
the giving gene
AROUND THE DISTRICT

Page 6	CUSD Today	February 2020

Photo special to CUSD Today. California Highway Patrol Officer Robert Montano, a Clovis East High graduate, made a special visit to his alma mater. Montano spoke to students about the dangers of impaired driving. He also spoke about his time as a T’Wolf and how it prepared him for his future.

Former student, now CHP officer, visits Clovis East High

On two separate days in January, California Highway Patrol Officer and 2005 Clovis East High graduate, Robert Montano visited his alma mater to speak with students.
Presenting to over a hundred students at a time, Officer Montano shared about his life at Clovis East and how that influenced his success as a CHP officer. Students learned from him about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. It was a revelation to see the former Clovis East T-Wolf in his uniform and hear him tell stories from his many experiences. His message to make good choices was well received by the 1,500-plus students and their teachers. Everyone walked away with a better understanding of how to stay safe, and students realized they too can choose to serve the community as Officer Montano has. – Submitted by Don VanNess, Clovis East High teacher

Kindness at Lincoln Elementary
Students at Lincoln Elementary spread kindness on their campus during the Great Kindness Challenge. During the last week of January, teachers encouraged their students to “be the reason someone has a good day.” Students were challenged to do 25 acts of kindness during the week or complete a 50-item checklist of activities on a Great Kindness Challenge card. Some of the thoughtful acts included picking up trash at school, helping a younger student, com-plimenting someone, holding the door open for someone, carrying a friend’s book, smiling at others and saying thank you to a volunteer. Also during the week, a station was setup at recess where students could write thank you notes and cards to give to staff or peers.

Computer Skills

Fancher Creek Elementary had 100 percent participation on a day in December when all 34 teachers held Hour of Code in their classrooms. This included transitional kinder-garten, kindergarten and all the special education programs (PALS,Autism 1-3, and Autism 4-6).

CW senior part of medical mission
Clovis West senior Kate Thomas participated in a medical mission with her father, Dr. Jeffrey Thomas, earlier this school year for three weeks in Armenia. She assisted in the busiest birthing hospital in the country and traveled to im-poverished and war-torn regions of the country with a group of about 50 health care providers. Kate, who was se-lected as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year, has been involved in many philanthropic

Photo special to CUSD Today. Clark Intermediate students have been participating in the Positivity Project that promotes kindness to students, teachers and adults. Recently they collected coats for those in need.

Clark’s Positivity Project aims to make all students feel included

By Alise Dodd	us so much about the ‘other people matter’ mindset,” Clark Intermediate student	said classmate Maya Richard.
The Positivity Project is one of the best ways to make On the Clark Chieftain campus, the Positivity Project students feel like they are a part of something big and
is a program we started this year. The project’s goal is to able to make a change in the world. promote kindness to students, teachers and adults within
Clovis students have
our Clovis Unified School District and the world. All students at our school practice daily the concept of “Other People Matter” (#otherpeoplematter).
For instance, the Positivity Project is an informative study in our AB classes that changes every week. Students
watch videos and answer questions about the topic they	Throughout Clovis Unified this winter, many schools are learning during that week. To make it interesting for     held a variety of positivity projects and community the students, some teachers occasionally create a game     outreach activities to share kindness and model giving. for all of their students to partake in. The topics of the     Some of those included:
Positivity Project can vary from respect, kindness, re-	■ Valley Oak Elementary’s Student Council collected sponsibility and hope. Our mission is to always remember     items to create “Blessing Bags” that were handed out that other people matter.                                                        to families in need.
For example, in Ms. Lisa Brown’s first period AB class,	■ Clovis North Educational Center held a blood we have a “Burden Bag” that hangs right inside of our     drive and close to 100 pints of blood were donated. door. In that bag, we have written down our “issues”     Additionally, Clovis North’s leadership classes prepared that we are ALL dealing with. We read these aloud the     4,000 candy grams (a candy cane and note of encour-first week of school, crumpled them up and placed them     agement) that were given to each student on campus. in our bag. Each day as we enter, we tap that bag as a re-	■ Reagan Educational Center held its annual Canned minder to be kind to each other because we are all     Food Drive with 61,725 items collected! Everything dealing with real life.                                                              from canned soups and vegetables to dried beans and
We take the Positivity Project into our own hands.	pastas were donated.
Our class of seventh graders recently participated in our	■ Gettysburg Elementary’s staff students and parents annual Clark Coat Drive for families who may not be     collected almost 300 toys for children that were donated able to afford a jacket or sweater for the winter. Ms.     to Toys for Tots during the holiday season. It was the Brown encouraged our class daily to donate any sweaters     largest donation in the school’s history.
or jackets that don’t fit or aren’t used to the coat drive          ■ Cole Elementary second graders – all 108 students and reminded us, “Everything you say and do affects     – visited Orchard Park Senor Living in Clovis and someone else’s day.”                                                                performed their Winter Program songs, under the di-Finally, the highly anticipated results of the coat drive     rection of Cole Music Instructor John Long. The for the entire school was announced.A total of 577 coats     children also gave out holiday cards that they had were collected. Multiple students brought in large sums     made in class and spent time visiting with residents. of jackets and sweaters for their 1st period class, but in          ■ Lincoln Elementary Campus Club sponsored the end, there was a major difference in the totals. The     three families for Christmas, with students and staff class in third place had brought in 27 coats, the class in     providing items of toys, clothes and gift cards. The re-second place brought in 35 coats, and the class in first     cipient families were moved to tears by the generosity. place brought in 113 coats. This was Ms. Brown’s first          ■ Temperance-Kutner Elementary staff supplied and second period AB class. I think success for the     five T-K families with a full turkey dinner setup and students in that class came because they had been en-      multiple gifts for their children. Grateful parents were couraged by their teacher daily to be the best version of      deeply moved and said the kindness helped make
themselves and to always try to understand other’s needs.	Christmas happen for their kids. “Ms. Brown is a phenomenal teacher who has taught

activities. She has plans to pursue a career in medicine.	asked questions and were given a team poster.
The students then attended a dinner where they met
Fresno State President Joseph Castro and First Lady Mary A group of fourth- through sixth-graders at Pinedale	Castro. They were presented with Fresno State lanyards
Elementary were treated to special recognition at Fresno	that read “Be Bold,” and were encouraged by the Castros to State in January by Fresno State head wrestling coach Troy	reach for their goals. Following the dinner, the Pinedale Steiner and his wrestling team, after being nominated by	group watched the Fresno State wrestling team take on the Soares Team at Iron Key Real Estate.	Duke University and win.
The Pinedale students were given a tour of the college	“It was an incredible experience that had many students campus and visited the wrestling gym where players were     saying,‘I want to attend Fresno State after I graduate,’” said warming up before a big match. Students met the players,     Pinedale Principal Debra Bolls.

Clovis HS senior named to state Youth Court

By Carol Lawson-Swezey Special to CUSD Today

While serving for nearly four years on the Clovis High Youth Court, senior Matthew Bethea has himself been taught a vital lesson.
“I've learned the students who are con-sidered bad are just like everyone else,” said Matt, who this year is the co-chair for the Fresno County Youth Advisory Board and was recently elected to serve on the Youth Court State Board.“Everyone makes mistakes and does things that they regret, both jurors and offenders. It is what you do after that really defines you as a person.”
Youth Court is a process by which stu-dents on a campus are trained to be jurors and who hear cases regarding infractions committed by students on campus. Cases could be about fighting, petty theft, simple battery, graffiti, vandalism or possession of marijuana or alcohol. The process has adult oversight from a judge, law enforce-ment officer and a school coordinator.
Youth Court practices restorative justice. Offenders admit to guilt, have a hearing by their peers, are given a list of require-ments to complete to have the offense off their record and then return with proof of completion.
The Fresno County Youth Court pro-gram launched in 1995 and was first es-tablished in Clovis Unified in 2001 at Clovis High. It is now on every CUSD high school campus and CUSD was the first district to engage middle school stu-dents in the process. Clovis Unified was also the pioneer in diverting students to

Youth Court before charges are referred to the Probation Department.
Matt got involved in Youth Court be-cause he wanted to try something new and now, he is a strong advocate for the program.
“Many students who have gone through have been able to complete their sentence and learn that there are rules on campus, and if they break those rules, there will be consequences. One offender found the process so transformative that he wanted to partake in youth court past the manda-tory sentence. He was a strong juror who contributed to each hearing.”
The early intervention and prevention program helps redirect negative behavior and decrease the chances for more serious offenses. Eligibility is based on age, nature of the offense, previous record and gang involvement.
Mandatory sentences include serving as Youth Court juror, obeying all laws and school rules and maintaining regular school attendance. Jurors can also assign other consequences such as writing an essay or letter of apology to the victim, community service, school-based coun-seling and attending classes related to their offense.
“It’s our most successful intervention program,” said Clovis Unified Police Cap-tain Jerry Inchaurregui. “What’s unique to CUSD is that once police officers eval-uate the case, first time offenders are im-mediately referred to Youth Court, and we get students back on track. In part-nership with Clovis Police Department Youth Services, we are reaching down, even into junior high, to get first-time of-

fenders right away. It works for us and es-pecially for the parents.”
Fresno County Juvenile Justice Com-missioner Dr. Terri Pieretti agreed. “The Youth Court program has a recidivism rate of less than 1 percent and the most important aspect of the process is that youth truly get to make things right and move on,” Pieretti said.
In his final term on Youth Court, Matt is anticipating a fruitful year as a proponent of the judicial process and plans to speak against doing wrong and being intentional in making changes.
“If you think before you act, it could really help in decision making.Also having friends that encourage you to make the right choices is an extremely powerful tool,” he said.
In addition to the monthly half dozen hours he commits to Youth Court, Matt is also involved in mock trial, serves as California Scholarship Federation Presi-dent, National Honors Society President, LEO club President, UNICEF public re-lations officer, school site council, the Inspired team, science fair and Di-versity Counsel. He also works part
time and hopes to attend a uni-versity next year and major in business administration or po-litical science.
Aprille Meza, Clovis Uni-fied Assistant Director of Stu-dent Services and School At-tendance, called Matt a huge asset to the program as he works with other students in and out of the district strategizing ways to improve

Youth Court.
“He’s volunteered to train jurors, ad-ministrators, and has presented at a work-shop at the State Youth Court Summit. He takes initiative to advocate for the program and makes suggestions to make youth court more effective and efficient,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing the impact he makes.”

Clovis High Youth Court member, senior Matthew Bethea

Police Services School Resource Officer I
Kid Magnet
He must investigate all manner of in-
Derrick Davis
Derrick Davis is a health teacher who
vention (CSI) at Clovis East High. Davis,
nners.”
Sixth Grade Teacher
Dina Emerzian
Pinedale Elementary SDC Teacher
mastery!
Automation Systems Analyst I
EMPLOYEE CONNECTION

February 2020	CUSD Today	Page 7

Liberty teacher wins state educator award

CUSD Today

Congratulations to Liberty Elementary fourth grade teacher Stephanie Patterson who was named the Califor-nia State Educator of the Year by the California League of Elementary Schools. Patter-son – who was also named as a Clovis Unified Crystal Award winner this year – won the state award Jan. 11 during the California League of Schools Technology Con-ference in Monterey.
The award recognizes
leadership characteristics such gives me a glimpse into what as dedication, innovation, is REALLY going on inside enthusiasm and proactive ef- these developing brains as forts as well as exemplary students try to make con-characteristics including pow- nections. I have learned to erful teaching, going beyond not fixate on formulas and the job responsibilities, mo- instead trust – trust that stu-tivating students and acting dents can take the lesson to as a role model.	a new level if given ownership
Patterson taught for 10 of their learning.
years in Central Unified	Q: What is “The Collab-School District and is now oratory?”
in her sixth year in Clovis         A:At our school, we began Unified at Liberty Elemen- designing a purposeful space tary. She coordinates Liberty’s dubbed “The Collaboratory” CSI program, co-directs dra- where students can move, ma and coordinates the spread out, access technology, school’s Valentines for Vets and most importantly, col-assembly, New Student Wel- laborate. Here our students come and fourth-grade math learned to agree and even re-intervention.                            spectfully disagree, politely Of receiving the presti- critique each other’s reason-gious award, she said,“In 16 ing and support their own years, I have never received opinions. They became their anything like this. It’s been own teachers, relying on the an unexpected year of sur- expertise of each other to
prises between the CLES re- learn.
gional/state awards and the         The powerful result of this Crystal Award.”                        educational shift was unde-Liberty Elementary has niable. Students who were also received high accolades traditionally seen as strug-this year, earning a National gling learners were making Blue Ribbon Award, and huge academic strides. Test Principal George Petersen scores were going up. And was one of just 10 principals much to my surprise, they
in the nation to receive the were actually having fun. Terrel H. Bell Award.	Q: How has this impacted
“I think it’s safe to say it’s you as a teacher?
been a team effort over here,”         A:It was my students who Patterson said.                          taught me that working by Here, Patterson reflects on yourself limits progress.While her teaching experience:            watching them, I realized I Q: Why did you decide was guilty of working in iso-
to become a teacher?                lation. I began to wonder A: My mom taught pre- what I could learn from school for 20 years and my watching the teachers down dad was an elementary the hall. I asked my colleagues teacher for 35 years. Educa- if I could come in to see tion was always important them teach, and they let in our home and I’ve always me. We even swapped class-loved school. Early childhood rooms and taught each oth-education is something that er’s kids. A friend and I de-I was drawn to. I like learning cided to co-teach a handful about how kids learn. It in- of lessons. You know what? terests me and it challenges It was fun to work with some-me.                                           one. We knew we were onto Q: Who was one of your something and it felt really favorite teachers?                     good. It was the result of A:I was fortunate to have coming together as a team many amazing teachers. I re- to do what’s best for our kids, member every single one, and our kids became the ben-but Mr. Regier stands out eficiaries of better instruc-because he was fun and made tion. It was a breakthrough. me feel important.                   … The research is true: We Q: What advice would are so much better together. you give the young version         Q: Anything else you’d
of yourself if you could?	like to add?
A:Listen to your students,         A: The only thing I’d like let them express confusion to be sure comes across is and adjust your teaching ac- that this award is not some-cordingly. Sometimes you thing I earned on my own. I have to scrap the plan!             am surrounded by the best Q: Student collaboration colleagues and I have tried has become a big part of to absorb and implement the your teaching style. Why is practices I see them doing
that?	in their classrooms every day. A: Student collaboration Liberty is really special.

Awards: 30 employees to be recognized at gala FROM PAGE 5                                                                       strategies. She sends the message that mistakes are fine

Jesse Ceron                                                             and actually help students learn through perseverance and dedication. She respects and supports students and

Kastner Intermediate
they, in turn, respect and want to be like her! She takes her role-model status seriously, setting high expectations
of keeping all students and staff safe.
coaches in cross-country.
Kastner Intermediate School Resource for herself and her students as well as the athletes she Officer Jesse Ceron has the solemn duty         DeLuca’s leadership and effective teaching strategies have produced results, as shown in the most recent highly
One would think he would have his
arts and mathematics.
juries, accidents and complaints, and improved sixth grade state test scores in English language protect school property.	Her principal Erin Parker calls DeLuca’s dedication hands full, but in 2017, Ceron ventured and passion for students “amazing.”
beyond what’s expected and asked to take on the role of advisor to the new Kastner Latino Club. Officer Ceron
invited every student to join, regardless of ethnicity. More	A Magician
than 100 kids responded, making it the largest club on                                      Special day class K-3 functional skills campus. He turned the club into a safe haven for all. He                                 teacher Dina Emerzian is acclaimed for recognized the cultural perspective of the Kastner com-                                 the “magic” she performs on a daily munity, whose population is 47% Latino.                                                          basis! She mixes up the “potions” in her The second year Ceron created Clovis Unified’s first                                 bag of teaching methods and original Middle School Latino Success Conference. The event at-                                 ideas in order to advance some of Clovis
tracted more students than expected from all district in-	Unified’s most fragile students. termediate sites. Ceron made room. Then, not wanting                                      Emerzian goes out of her way to to exclude anybody, he arranged for the keynote speaker motivate students, some who are severely disabled or to talk to the entire student body.                                          nonverbal and feel like giving up, and it is her spirit that
With his easy humor and talent at “making deals” sets her apart from other educators. The lengths she goes with students campuswide to help them bring their grades to, to give her young charges the skills they need in the up, Ceron is called a “kid magnet.” It’ll be exciting to see real world, are astounding!
what he does this year.                                                                Those who nominated Dina for this prestigious award continually cited the example of a nonverbal boy who
A Winner
Emerzian’s magic.
Clovis East Health Teacher,                                   now laughs and talks in complete sentences as a result of Peer Counseling Coordinator                                   Using her own funds, this teacher bought coffee and treats and created an “Expresso Yourself” cart so students
oversees the peer counseling program
and coordinates Clovis Support Inter-
can learn social interaction by selling their wares to em-ployees and they also learn how to make change. Students become more sure of themselves in social situations.
ner” who works to build students into
healthy snacks for the class.
who has been at the same school for 20	Emerzian has provided shoes and clothes as well as years, is called by his nominator “a win-	Her teaching success can be seen in the latest state test active community members or “future scores – 100% of her students scored the highest level of
Energy Management Department Building
wi Students love it when Mr. Davis wears crazy costumes Gary Foster like a pink tutu or a blue feather wig on dress-up days to
show his Wolfpack spirit. He is in contact with freshmen
right from the start in his health classes, telling them they	Problem Solver
matter.                                                                                                                     Who’s that on the roof? Or inside Through his can-do attitude, he has not only made a                                that ceiling? It must be district Energy positive difference for the whole school – but also, he has                                Department analyst Gary Foster, trying had an impact on the entire school district!                                                      to fix or adjust the vast Clovis Unified Said CSI district coordinator Cheryl Kurtze:“Derrick                                heating and air conditioning system so
has … taken his passion for helping students through	it runs more efficiently.
CSI … to a new level. …”                                                                                       Most employees don’t know all of During Mental Health Awareness month, Davis and                                his day-to-day duties, but they know to his students decorated a hallway with words of encour- call him when they have a problem with the temperature agement and passed out 1,500 green ribbons! Then there’s of a building. He is a member of the team responsible for the annual 5K Anti Bully Walk he helps plan that raises maintaining and enhancing the energy management money for a scholarship.                                                        system, which consists of three data platforms and thou-
Kathleen M. DeLuca	sands of components.
Fancher Creek Elementary                                        Foster is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for students and staff, which isn’t always

Role Model                                             easy in the Central Valley. He is credited with devising a Fancher Creek Elementary sixth grade system that allowed older HVAC systems at two sites to teacher Kathleen DeLuca is an academic put out heat in the morning and cooling in the afternoon. go-getter with an enormous heart that This eliminated some of those “it’s too hot” afternoon
serves her and her students well at this complaints. This method had never been used before.
Title I school.                                                   Foster also volunteers to be on call two weeks of every She is her grade’s lead teacher, and month after hours. He is always ready to help with a DeLuca continually masters new state problem at a moment’s notice. He is good at tinkering, standards and helps other teachers im- adjusting and rewriting computer code so that the system
plement them in the classroom. Most recently, she un-     runs at maximum efficiency. As a result, Foster has been derwent training in Growth Mindset, and, along with able to help save Clovis Unified $13 million by keeping two other teachers, presented the information campus- costs at the same level they were 12 years ago, despite the wide.	addition of four schools increasing total square footage
In her classroom DeLuca follows Growth Mindset by 32 percent!

And the Crystals go to….

■ Sandy Baty, Library Technician, Century Elementary	■ Kristy LeBoeuf, Campus Catering Supervisor II, Clovis West High ■ Kelly Bettencourt, Patient Care CTE Teacher, Buchanan High	■ Jennifer Mau, Senior GIS/ResourceTeacher, Nelson Elementary
■ Karen M. Boone, Learning Director, Clovis West High	■ Andrea Melton, Campus Club Lead Instructor II, Child Development ■ Jesse Ceron,School Resource Officer I, Police Services/	■ Danny Munster,Transition Specialist, Clovis West High
Kastner Intermediate	■ Jeri Olson,Math Teacher, Clovis East High

■ Derrick Davis, Health Teacher/Peer Counseling Coordinator, Clovis	■ Sally Palermo, Senior Administrative Assistant, Curriculum, Instruction East High                                                                                                     and Accountability
■ Kathleen M. DeLuca,Sixth Grade Teacher, Fancher Creek Elementary	■ Stephanie Patterson, Fourth Grade Teacher, Liberty Elementary

■ Dina Emerzian, SDC Teacher, Pinedale Elementary	■ Crystal Rodriguez, Guidance Learning Specialist, Clovis Adult Education ■ Gary Foster, Building Automation Systems Analyst II, Energy Management	■ Ella Shasky, Resource Specialist, Dry Creek Elementary
Department	■ Jose L. Vargas, Assistant Director of Bands, Clovis North Educational Center ■ Heather Fullbright, Campus Catering Supervisor I, Miramonte Elementary	■ Manuel Vigil, Lead Custodian, Reagan Educational Center
■ Karen Gonzales, Fourth Grade Teacher, FortWashington Elementary	■ Erin Waer,Principal, Boris Elementary

■ Jennifer Johnson,School Office Supervisor, Red Bank Elementary	■ Steve Ward,Legislative Analyst & Government Relations, Superintendent's ■ Sherri Johnson, Kindergarten/First Grade Combination Teacher, Cole                   Office
Elementary	■ Erika Whitney, Preschool Program Supervisor, Child Development

■ Kevin Kerney, Principal, Reagan Educational Center	■ Christine Williams, Kindergarten Teacher, Mountain View Elementary

■ Ray Lassor, Vehicle Mechanic II, Sierra Outdoor School	■ David “Keith”Williams, Social Science/Technology Teacher, Gateway High

Page 8	CUSD Today	February 2020

Board names new leaders

Grants: FROM PAGE 1 Patriot Grants:

Alta Sierra Intermediate and Buchanan High
Character Strong Curriculum – Provides Character Strong Curriculum, to strengthen connection to community, instill self-disci-pline, and overall help develop good character and citizenship.
Clovis West High
Clovis West Mock Trial Courtroom – Helps Clovis West Mock Trial participants gain a better understanding of court proce-dures and the California Judicial system by constructing an on-campus courtroom that will help students prepare for state and county competitions.

Wellness Grants: Clovis Community Day
Inclusive Behavior, Safety, & Accounta-bility Model for the Most At-Risk Students – Provides the Positive Behavioral Inter-vention program with start-up supplies for rewarding positive behavior and provides clothing for the school’s clothes closet.
Project Smart – Provides a school-based mentoring relationship for at-risk 4th through 8th grade students thereby im-proving academic achievement and inter-personal relationships, and reducing levels of juvenile delinquency. Grant funds support fingerprinting of mentors, fieldtrips and support of other mentor/mentee activities. Clovis West High

WEST Wellness Center and Program – Assists students in developing emotional management strategies by providing op-portunities for emotional self-care and es-tablishing a designated location where stu-dents can decompress.
District Wide
CSI New District Trainer Team – Estab-lishes a CSI District Trainer Team of 10 trainers who will train group facilitators to lead 8-week structured groups with at-risk

students in need of emotional and social support.
Early Intervention
CITI Kids Community Activities – En-hances CITI Kids program by providing equipment for weekly outdoor activities. Encourages families with young children with special needs to find support by inter-acting with one another and teaches the value of outdoor experiences for their special needs kids.
Fancher Creek Elementary
Perk Up Our Peace Pad – Provides a safe, comforting space equipped with nec-essary resources to teach students how to regulate emotions, cope with outside trauma and develop social skills.
Jefferson Elementary
ADHD & Autism Support in the Class-rooms – Supports RSP students with mate-rials to help remain focused such as weighted lap blankets, seating and pedal bikes and games to regulate emotions and flexible seating.
Nelson Elementary
Social and Emotional Healing for Our Roadrunners – Helps teach and support students in learning how to manage emotions in a healthy way by providing classroom books and situational board games centered on social emotional wellness topics such as managing anger, growth mindset and ex-pressing emotions in constructive ways. Sierra Vista Elementary

#SvVikingsMatter – Provides materials such as custom shirts, wristbands and mo-tivational tools to establish the Positivity Ambassador Program to promote a wel-coming climate and feeling of unity on campus.
Tarpey Elementary
Promoting Mindfulness-Based Social Emotional Learning in Classrooms – Im-plements MindUp curriculum and training to help teachers improve social and emotional competencies to promote academic suc-cess.

By Kelly Avants

Chief Communications Officer

Jan. 15
Corrine Folmer, current assistant superintendent of the Clovis East Area, will be-come the district’s next As-sociate Superintendent of School Leadership following action by the Governing Board on her appointment and contract at the Jan. 15 meeting. Folmer will assume the role July 1, following the move of Norm Anderson to the position of Deputy Su-perintendent. That position is open due to the upcoming retirement of Dr. Don Ulrich June 30. Folmer is a graduate of Buchanan High and joined the district full-time in 2003 first as a teacher and later a site and area leader.
Also at the meeting, sev-eral groups were honored for recent awards and recog-nitions. The district’s Tran-sition Team members were recognized for their Califor-nia School Boards Associa-tion (CSBA) Golden Bell Award. The staff of Liberty Elementary School was con-gratulated for their recent National Blue Ribbon School Award and Liberty Principal George Peterson was cele-brated for his recognition as one of only 10 principals in the US named 2019 Terrel H. Bell Award winners.
Juanita Stevenson, long-time local television reporter and anchor was also honored as a CSBA Golden Quill Award winner. Stevenson was nominated by the district for her work to shine a spotlight on issues and achievements in public education, most recently through her work on	Education	Mat -ters. Stevenson was one of 25 California journalists rec-ognized with the award.
Finally, the district’s three 2019 Fresno County Educa-tor of the Year nominees, former Reagan Educational Center Deputy Principal Suzi Erickson, Buchanan High English Teacher Marcos Mar-

➤ BOARD BRIEFS

tinez, and Dry Creek Plant	dated to reflect financing of Supervisor Michael Sandoval	the Campus Catering build-were publicly recognized for	ing under construction at their excellent contributions	Sunnyside and Herndon av-to the success of the district.     enues.
At the November Fresno	■ Approved the submis-County Educator of the Year     sion of the Title VI Indian Awards Ceremony Marcos     Education Grant application Martinez was also honored     for the upcoming year.
with the Barnett Award for          ■ Authorized a service contributions to building a     agreement with the Kremen stronger community.                School of Education to con-In other action, the board:     tinue operating the Saturday
■ Approved secondary	Academy and Career Tech-new courses of study for use	nical Education summer in-at the district’s intermediate	ternship program for the and high schools beginning	2019-2020 school year.
in the 2020-21 school year.          ■ Authorized the Super-■ Approved the annual     intendent, Associate Super-Single Plan for Student     intendent of Administrative Achievement and the cate-     Services, Assistant Superin-gorical budget for each school     tendent of Business Services, for the 2019-2020 school     and Director of Budget and year, and authorized the     Finance, to continue to ap-schools to implement their     prove and sign check registers categorical programs.               and payroll registers, and the ■ Accepted a donation of     Assistant Superintendent of
a 2008 Ford truck to the Clo-	Business Services to receive vis West High School Auto-	all district financial mail. motive Program.                           ■ Approved a five-year
■ Approved an updated	contract with Eide Bailly to
draft of the district’s Prelim-
inary Official Statement up-	➤ Please see Board, Page 9

CUSD teachers honored

Clovis Unified had several finalists and winners for the local Region 7 of the California League of Schools Educator of the Year award. Winners of Region 7 were advanced to the state level of competition.
Congratulations to: Elementary
Winner: Stephanie Patterson, Liberty* Finalists:Dora Briseno, Tarpey; Christina Foster, Red
Bank; Stephanie Macias, Mickey Cox;Amy Rios, Mountain View; Kristi Vincent, Valley Oak
Intermediate:
Winner: Kim Blasingame, Reyburn
Finalists:Rick Eoff, Clark;Anukina Garrison, Kastner; Robin Ingram, Alta Sierra; Brianna Moreno, Granite Ridge
High School
Winner: Derek Kisling, Clovis West
Finalists: Alexandra Gilroy-Golden, Clovis East; Lisa Martucci, Gateway; Dan Pearce, Buchanan; Cassidy Salinas, Clovis; Lavinia Terra, Clovis North
*Note: In January, Patterson was named the state winner. For the complete story, see Page 7.

February 2020	CUSD Today	Page 9

Board: Studies of policy, finances on agendas

FROM PAGE 8
conduct third party audit services related to the district’s budget.
■ Awarded bids for sup-plies, construction and con-struction management agree-ments for software and sys-tem development CTE Build-ing, Pinedale Elementary

modernization project, and Clovis West Diesel Mechanics CTE Building, the Clovis High Building and Construc-tion Trades CTE Building, and Plumbing and Grounds Supplies.

Dec. 18
Norm Anderson,currently

associate superintendent of Clovis Unified’s School Lead-ership, will become the dis-trict’s deputy superintendent following his appointment at the Dec. 18 CUSD Gov-erning Board meeting. The position, to be effective July 1, will be open following the retirement of Don Ulrich, Ed.D. on June 30. Anderson is a graduate of Clovis High School and in the course of his 30-year career in Clovis Unified has served as a teacher; GIS; learning direc-tor; deputy principal; prin-

cipal of SierraVista Elemen-tary, Clovis High and Clovis North High; assistant super-intendent of the Clovis North Area; and associate superin-tendent of school leadership since 2014.
The board also conducted its annual organization at the meeting. Member Chris Ca-sado was elected Governing Board President through De-cember 2020. Additional ap-pointments made by the board included Tiffany Stoker Madsen as Vice President and Susan Hatmaker as Clerk.

Board Member Betsy San-doval was appointed to serve on the CSBA Delegate As-sembly Subregion 10-B from April 1 to March 31, 2021, to represent the board as a voting representative in the election of members to the Fresno County Committee on School District Organi-zation (with Hugh Awtrey as alternate), and to continue as the board’s representative on the Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART) Board of Directors. Members Hugh Awtrey and Betsy Sandoval were ap-pointed to the Clovis City Council/Governing Board Joint Subcommittee, with members Dr. Steven G. Fogg, Ginny Hovsepian and Tiffany Stoker Madsen appointed to serve on the Fresno City Council/Governing Board Joint Subcommittee. The board also voted to extend the term of Todd Cook, who currently represents the dis-trict on the CART board as a private sector representative,
through December 2021. During the meeting, the
board held a short ceremony to award the diploma of Buchanan High senior Kristi-

na Ekezyan who completed coursework and qualified for mid-year graduation. Earlier in the afternoon, the board also participated in a work-shop to study the district’s budget and funding sources. In other action, the board:
■ Approved a new job de-scription for an accounting specialist.
■ Approved the school year calendars for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years. A committee of employees from a wide cross-section of met regularly for several months studying attendance data, testing windows, and other data before recom-mending that the 2020 school year start on Aug. 17 and end on June 4, 2021. The 2021-22 school year will be-gin on Aug. 16, 2021, and end on June 3, 2022. Copies of the calendars are available online at cusd.com.

q
The next scheduled CUSD Governing Board meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Governing Boardroom, 1680 David E. Cook Way in Clo-vis. Complete minutes and agen-das of past meetings along with video are available online at www.cusd.com.

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