CUSD
August 2023
	
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	Clovis Unified S 1450 Herndon Clovis, CA 936
	
Clovis Unified School District — DEVELOPING STUDENTS IN MIND, BODY & SPIRIT	Volume 26, No. 1

FOLLOW US ON	AND AT	M

WELCOME TO CLOVIS UNIFIED Ready for a great year!

THERE is a unique excitement brought with the opening of every school year. With the possibilities of new friends, new classes, new jobs, each is an adventure filled with exciting oppor-tunities and hope.
With the new school year rapidly approaching, I can feel that same excitement building across our entire school district.
I feel it in our educational team, who is putting the finishing touches on months of preparation that ensures we are ready to meet the needs of each unique student who steps into our class-rooms on Aug. 21.
I feel this excitement while out on our campuses when speak-ing with our students who are anticipating the new relationships and opportunities found on campus.
I can feel the energy as a parent eager to support my own chil-dren to make the most of a new school year and new experi-ences.
I even feel it in my own journey to start my first year as our Superintendent.
As you read the pages of this issue of CUSD Today, it is my hope that you find resources and information to help your fami-ly enter the upcoming school year with confidence and enthusi-asm. There is so much potential ahead and it is my hope that every one of our students, our employees and their extended families pull from the next nine-and-a-half months knowledge, memories and experiences that positively impact the rest of their lives.

Each year is precious. Together, let’s make this a great one!
Corrine Folmer, Ed.D.

Superintendent

GET TOKNOW CLOVIS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’S
NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Clovis Unified School District begins the new 2023-24 school year with Dr. Corrine Folmer serving as superintendent. In this edition, she shares more about herself, her experiences in the district and her goals for her first year. See the full Q&A on Page 5.

10 back-to-school tips to start the 2023-24 year

‰ Clovis Unified School District be-gins classes on Monday, Aug. 21.

‰ School websites are an impor-tant resource for the start of school. Find out about club signups, co-cur-ricular activities, fall sports, teachers, class supply lists and more online, and on CUSD’s free mobile app avail-able from Apple and Android stores.

‰ Daily school start and ending times are on your school’s website. Look for “Bell Schedule” in the “About” menu.

‰ Breakfast and lunch are free on
school days for all students. Check out menus at cusd.nutrislice.com or on Clovis Unified’s mobile app.

‰ Review Clovis Unified’s dress code before doing back-to-school shopping at cusd.com/dresscode.

‰ Bus schedules are available at cusd.com/ViewSchoolBusSchedules.aspx

‰ Twelve CUSD schools will have new principals: Amanda Howes, Cedarwood Elementary; Jennifer Arruda, Cole Elementary; Katie Scalzo, Gettysburg Elementary; Laura Reynolds, Hirayama Elementary; Michelle Dodson, Miramonte Elementary; Kaitlyn Vargas, Riverview Elementary; Jennifer Thao, Sierra Vista Elementary; An-drew Manouelian, Temperance-Kutner Elementary; Ray Gamez, Young Elementary; Matt Lucas, Clovis High; Marci Panoo, Clovis Adult Education; and Sean Osterberg, Clovis Online School.

‰ Back-to-School Night will be held in the first few weeks of school at each campus. Parents should attend to learn from their child’s teacher about course-work, expectations, grading policies and preferred communication methods. Dates and times can be found on individual school websites.

‰ Parents can find information about their student’s current ac-ademic standings on assignments, homework and atten-
dance by logging into Parent Connect. Find the link on cusd.com or the CUSD app.

‰ Update contacts, opt in to text notifications and more by logging in to ParentConnect and
clicking on Annual Information Update.

Find out more:
‰ cusd.com/2023-24SchoolYear

We’ll keep you informed!

If you are reading this edition of CUSD Today, thank you. This is one of many tools Clovis Unified will use to keep in touch. Communication is critical in our 43,000-plus student district, and we are committed to keeping you informed.
There are multiple ways Clovis Unified will share information, and we encourage our stakeholders of students, parents, staff and community to watch for these important messages.
Our most frequently updated platform is our website,cusd.com. It should be the first stop when looking for current news, district resources, school board agendas or program information. Time-sensitive news will also be sent out through emails as needed; parents and guardians should make sure their contact information on file is accurate.
ENGAGE WITH US
‰ How to find infor-
mation or contact
us for resources,
support. See Page 3.
On a monthly basis, Clovis Unified mails CUSD Today to student families and employees. Our district newspaper – paid for with ad-vertisements by community partners – showcases some of the bigger events and general news of the district while also highlighting many great activities going on in our 52 schools.
The district uses Two Minutes Today, a short video blog emailed monthly to parents, to provide infor-mation about current priority topics. (Look for this month’s segment about helping your child succeed.)
The CUSD Parent Bulletin, a two-sheet newsletter, is produced when it becomes important to delve deeper into a trending topic in youth culture to provide parents with information such as emotional wellness, navigating social media or the dangers of vaping. These reports are directly emailed to parents and contain tips on how to talk with your child about these challenging is-sues.
Clovis Unified’s social media platforms are filled with some of the daily happenings of our students, schools and staff. Followers on Facebook (Clovis Unified School District) and Instagram (ClovisUSD) will learn of a variety of district good news, upcoming workshops, awards and events.
Additionally, each of our schools has its own newsletter, website and social media channels with useful information specific to that campus. They also offer links to Clovis Unified’s ParentConnect, NutriSlice and PeachJar that let parents and students easily find out about grades, schoolwork, lunch menus and more.
Many of these resources are available on Clovis Unified’s mobile app, and those who do not yet have our app are encouraged to download it today.
We’ll be in touch!

USD Today
Page 2	Keeping C It Small! August 2023

School area system creates interactive communities
We welcome your questions, input and participation as we know it is through working together that we can create the best environment to support your students.
Clovis Unified School District is the 14th largest public edu-cation school district in California with about 43,500 students.
It operates five traditional high schools, five intermediate schools and 34 elementary schools, and it also oversees eight specialty and alternative schools within its 198-square-mile boundary.
But don’t let the large size fool you. The district’s school area system breaks the district into sections that allow for access and personal contact.
It helps to know our history, and where this critical piece of Clovis Unified culture originated. In 1960 the families and lead-ers of seven local schools decided to join into one district in or-der to combine resources, insights, ideas and talents that would benefit their children in ways they could not do on their own. Teamwork, dedication and communication set Clovis Unified on a path toward success.
When the district was still small, it was likely easy to main-tain those dynamic relationships between the team of adminis-trators, educators and community that benefitted students.
That’s not something we are willing to lose as our size grows. In order to maintain that same interactive approach, the
district is now divided into five school areas and an educational service area that each has an overseeing area superintendent. Each school area includes a high school and its feeder interme-diate and elementary schools.
We proudly have Bear Nation (Buchanan), Cougar Country (Clovis), The Wolf Pack (Clovis East), The Stampede (Clovis North) and Eagle Country (Clovis West)! Educational Services includes our online, alternative and specialty schools.
And, with a sixth high school and intermediate school cur-rently under construction, a new school area is already under development. The yet-unnamed area has an area superintendent who is ready to work with staff and the community as the region forms in the next few years, and plans for the new high school area’s boundaries begin this year.

HOW TO CONTACT US
Parents and the community are invited to connect with us by contacting a child’s classroom teacher, school administrator or area superintendent. School websites list staff and administrator contact information. During back-to-school night, teachers will review with parents the best method to contact them – some prefer emails, others like phone calls or texts.
Teachers generally should be a parent’s first stop with a ques-tion, and if it isn’t classroom related, they can point you in the right direction for other resources. Parents are always welcome to contact school staff as well, including the principal or a school’s area superintendent if the question is bigger than your local school.
Working together side by side, we can make a powerful team for our students this year, and the many years to come!

BUCHANAN AREA Area Superintendent: Kevin Kerney, 327-9370 High School: Buchanan Intermediate: Alta Sierra

Elementary: Century, Cole, Dry Creek, Garfield, Tarpey, Woods CLOVIS AREA Area Superintendent:
Scott Dille, Ed.D., 327-9360 High School: Clovis Intermediate: Clark Elementary: Cedarwood, Clovis,
Gettysburg, Jefferson, Mickey Cox, Red Bank, Sierra Vista, Weldon CLOVIS EAST AREA Area Superintendent:
Jennifer Thomas, Ed.D., 327-9365 High School: Clovis East Intermediate: Reyburn Elementary: Boris, Fancher Creek,
Freedom, Miramonte, Oraze, Reagan, Temperance-Kutner and Young (Hirayama Elementary, Opening Fall 2024) CLOVIS NORTH AREA Area Superintendent: Darin Tockey, 327-9355 High School: Clovis North

Intermediate: Granite Ridge

Elementary: Bud Rank, Copper Hills, Fugman, Mountain View, Riverview CLOVIS WEST AREA Area Superintendent:
Kristen Belknap, Ed.D., 327-9375 High School: Clovis West Intermediate: Kastner
Elementary:Fort Washington, Liberty, Lincoln, Nelson, Maple Creek, Pinedale, Valley Oak
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AREA Area Superintendent: Steve France, 327-9380
Specialty Schools: Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART); Clovis Adult Education; Clovis Community Day Elementary; Clovis Community Day Secondary; Clovis Online; Enterprise High; Gateway High; Sierra Outdoor School NEW SCHOOL AREA Area Superintendent:
Stephanie Hanks, Ed.D., 327-9555 High & Intermediate Schools: Under construction at the Terry Bradley
Educational Center (Opening Fall 2025) Elementary: To be determined; community boundary meetings
coming this school year

here
August 2023	We’re CUSD Today	for you!	Page 3

Clovis Unified’s primary purpose is to provide an outstanding educational experi-ence during the school day for our transi-tional kindergartners through high school seniors. We also want to support our stu-dents and their families in areas outside of the classrooms that will put all of our 43,000-plus students on pathways to success.
A multitude of resources and opportuni-ties are available at each school, ranging from emotional wellness support, academic counseling, special education, technology, co-curricular activities, sports teams, per-
forming arts, clubs, categorical programs and supplemental services. Check out your school’s and Clovis Unified’s websites to find out more.

‰ CHILD DEVELOPMENT Clovis Unified’s Child Development team

offers academic enrichment and childcare for those who are in need of specialized
services. They serve the unique needs of the diverse populations within CUSD, as well as provide a bridge between home and school.

Activities are designed to be a balance of ed-ucational, social, and recreational opportuni-ties for the children attending.
The programs are:
n EXPANDED LEARNING CLUB: With a new name this school year, this be-fore- and after-school program offers aca-demic support and enrichment opportuni-ties for students in grades TK-6 at most CUSD elementary school sites. The Expand-ed Learning Club replaces the district’s three former programs (Campus Club, ASES and ELOP). This is a fee-based program, but fees will be waived for qualifying families. De-tails: 327-9160 or cusd.com/Expand-edLearning.
n PRESCHOOL: Clovis Unified offers

two types of preschool programs: state fund-ed and private pay at multiple elementary sites. All programs run three hours per day and five days per week. The state-funded programs are available at no-cost to qualify-ing families. Details: 327-9180, cusd.com/Preschool.
n YOUTH PARENT PROGRAM: This program serves pregnant or parenting teens and their children, and its goal is to as-sist students in earning their high school diploma while providing helpful resources and services. Details: 327-9186, cusd.com/YouthParentProgram.

‰ CAMPUS CATERING Campus Catering is the name of our team

of bakers, cooks, nutrition and cafeteria em-ployees who create healthful, tasty breakfast and lunch meals, which are available at no cost for all Clovis Unified students.
Campus Catering serves more than five million meals annually. By introducing a va-riety of choices like fresh fruits and vegeta-bles, whole grains and lean proteins, the Campus Catering team is teaching students to develop healthy eating habits while also providing a delicious meal to fuel them for learning.
The food service team hosts taste tests and focus groups with students throughout the school year to make sure our menus are full of customer favorites like breaded chick-en drumsticks, crispy chicken salad, freshly baked whole-grain rolls and more.
Parents and students can view breakfast and lunch menus on the CUSD app (click on “Meal Menus” on your school’s resource list), or see: cusd.com/MealMenus.

‰ TRANSPORTATION Clovis Unified school buses provide

transportation to and from school for stu-dents who live outside an established radius zone and for those meeting the eligibility cri-teria for ridership.
All student riders use a bus ID card that is swiped when boarding or departing a bus. Called Tyler Drive, the program helps with student safety, route tracking, maintaining seating capacities and ensuring students are departing at the correct bus stop.
Bus passes for returning students remain valid to use, and new students who are eligi-ble will receive a pass in the first weeks of school. Replacement passes are available for a small fee. Learn more and find bus sched-ules at cusd.com/Transportation.

‰ More Online Resource Links:

n 2023-24 School Year: cusd.com/2023-24SchoolYear n Curriculum & Instruction: cusd.com/ParentStudent n Homework: cusd.com/Homework
n Nursing Services: cusd.com/NursingServices

n Online Safety: cusd.com/InternetSocialMediaAwareness n Special Education: cusd.com/SpecialEducation
n Supplemental Services: cusd.com/SupplementalServices n Technology: cusd.com/TechnologyHelpforStudents
n Wellness: cusd.com/ComprehensiveWellnessProgram

Page 4	CUSD Today	August 2023

restaurant that
VISION

August 2023	CUSD Today	Page 5

Meet our new Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D.

Editor’s Note: Clovis Unified’s Governing Board appointed Corrine Folmer, Ed.D., an educator and administrator with CUSD for 23 years, to the position of Superintendent starting this school year. Here, Dr. Folmer an-swers our questions about her background, interests and goals.
Tell us about your family and who lives at your home?
I’m married, have two daughters and a full farm of animals, including horses, goats, dogs and a single cat.
Where did you go to school?
I earned my doctorate degree, master’s de-gree and bachelor’s degree at California State University, Fresno. I attended Clovis Unified schools from kindergarten through 12th grade: Jefferson Elementary (kindergarten); Weldon Elementary (Grades 1-6); Clark Intermediate (Grade 7); Alta Sierra Intermediate (Grade 8; due to a boundary change); and Buchanan High (Grades 9-12).
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Bryan, Texas, and lived in Texas, until about the age of 5. We then moved back to Clovis where I completed all of my K-12 education. I loved my educational experi-ence in Clovis Unified. I had teachers and school staff who were always caring and be-lieved in me.
What did you enjoy about Clovis Uni-fied as a student?
I was blessed in my education to have been surrounded with phenomenal teachers! I learned so much from each one of them as they helped develop me academically and as a person. It was clear that they brought their very best to the classroom every day, not just for me, but all of my classmates. There were several of my teachers that I spent a lot of time with who were not only my teachers, but my coaches. I will forever be in debt to them for the belief, guidance and care they showed to me.
What was your very first job, and what led you to a career in education?
My first oficial job was working at Big 5 on Kings Canyon Boulevard in the shoe de-partment. I eventually was drawn to a career in education after coaching soccer and work-ing as an Instructional Assistant in Special Ed-ucation. I truly loved the opportunity to work with students and support them in their learn-ing. There was no greater joy for me than watching the students I was working with grow.
You moved your way up from teacher to various administrative roles and now

superintendent. Which position has brought you the most joy?
I have loved every position I have had the privilege in which to serve. In each step of my professional journey, I had the great fortune to work with passionate and hard-working col-leagues who put what was best for their stu-dents at the center of their work. They truly inspired me. However, if I had to pick one po-sition that brought me the most joy, it would have to be when I was teaching. It is the great-est responsibility and honor to get to teach students, and I loved every moment of my time in the classroom. I have often found op-portunities while in other positions to borrow someone’s classroom to get my “teaching” fix. What do you want to accomplish in
your first year as superintendent?
I look forward to connecting with all of our employees who give their best every day

for our kids. It takes every one of us to meet the needs of our students, and ensuring we continue to surround our students with the best educational team possible is my highest priority. We will continue to build on the work of our team around student achievement and work as a district to prepare for our continued growth.
What are some of your long-term goals for Clovis Unified?
As a district, we will work to prepare and navigate the continued growth of the district and our community while ensuring that there are systems, leadership and trust in place at every level of the organization. This will ensure that our students continue to receive the high quality, all-around educational experience that our district is known for and on which our community relies.
How do you hope to be known as su-

Just for Fun

How do you like to relax? I love to run and hike. I love to be outdoors.
What’s your favorite dinner? There’s a local

Ed D.
Corrine . Folmer,	has an incredible eggplant appe-
tizer that I love to have for dinner. Are you a dog or a cat per-
son? A dog person
What’s your go-to coffee order? Vanilla almond milk latte (hot or iced!)
What do you listen to in the car? Country music is what I grew up listening to and I still en-joy it today.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mint Chocolate Chip
What’s something people may be surprised to learn about you? I grew up around horses and can ride and rope!

perintendent?
I hope to be known as a Superintendent who continued to build on the incredible foun-dation of Clovis Unified. I hope that my work will reflect my genuine care for and passion to serve our students, staff and community to help us be the best we can be.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Enjoy every moment and take advantage of every opportunity you have. Sometimes, you will be surprised by what you learn about yourself in the course of doing just that.
What is a favorite quote or saying that inspires you?
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
In three words, how would you de-scribe yourself?
Driven. Passionate. Approachable.

Start the year right: ways to make back to school successful

CUSD Today

With our 52 school campuses opening in just a few weeks, there are steps parents and students can take now to get ready for a great school year.
The following tips are offered by Clovis Unified teachers, staff and administrators that will help children get ready!

BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

n Visit school to help your student become familiar with where things are. Be sure to find your child’s classroom(s). Note where the restroom, library, cafeteria and nurse’s ofice are located.
n Identify your child’s drop-off and pick-up place on the school site. If a child is in the afterschool Expanded Learning Club or taking a bus home, be sure your child knows where to go.
n If your child will be walking to school, practice the route together. Consider arranging for your child to walk to school with a friend or child in the neighborhood.
n Visit the school website for information including school start and end times, Back-to-School Night dates and daily menus. There is also a full listing of teachers and administrative staff, including contact information.
n Does your child want to play sports or participate in co-curricular activities? Find out about offerings and signups on the school website, and have fun helping your child prepare and begin to practice.
n Ease students back into a regular school schedule. The week before school starts, have students go to bed and wake up earlier a little more each day, moving them closer to what the school bedtime/wake-up routine will be.
n Grab a good book. If students have not been reading this summer, there is still time to warm up those skills. Have bed-time reading with younger students.
n Prepare a homework station in your home. A quiet place with good lighting and a desk or table works great. Kids can help get it ready with a few supplies and decorations, like a drawing of their school mascot.

n Go back-to-school shopping if needed. Keep in mind Clovis Unified’s dress code if purchasing clothes. On many teachers’ websites (found through the school website), class supply lists are available. Other items to consider are a back-pack, water bottle or athletic shoes.
n Have your child plan out what he or she will wear for the first day of school.
n Talk about what that first day may be like and ask your child how he or she feels about it. Offer reassurance, enthusi-asm and support. Let them know it’s OK to be nervous and that lots of other students feel the very same way.
n Encourage your child to enter the new school year with a mindset of meeting new people and having new experiences. Talk about getting involved at school and joining at least one activity such as a club, academic or sports team, or the per-forming arts.
n Fuel the body well. Take a shopping trip with your child now to help choose foods that are nutritious and that they will enjoy bringing to school.
n Pre-make a few dinners that can be frozen. Having meals

— ABOUT US —

ready the first week of school can help the whole family keep things running smooth.

AFTER SCHOOL STARTS: PARENTS
n Make sure your child eats breakfast to have energy for the day. Have students bring a water bottle to keep hydrated (campuses have water stations to fill them up). Pack a good lunch. Send a few healthy snacks.
n Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Doctors recommend children up to the fifth grade get as much as 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.
n Establish regular weekday routines for school, homework, mealtime and bedtime.
n Have your child go to bed organized with backpack, P.E. or co-curricular clothes and equipment ready for the next day.
n Make lunches the night before.
n Drive safe. Stop when school bus red lights are flashing, indicating students are boarding or exiting, and pay attention to crossing guards and school speed limits.
n Keep informed through the school’s website. Review all materials the school sends home.
n If the first couple of days are a little dificult, remain pos-itive and calm. Let your child know you care and are there to support him or her.
n Check in with your child after school. Review homework. Follow your student’s progress on ParentConnect. If a child begins to struggle in a subject, contact the teacher.
n Help your child learn how to keep organized by creating check lists or using a daily planner. Students should note their homework assignments, upcoming deadlines, practice sched-ules, club meeting times, when permission slips are due and any other important dates.
n Plan down time for your child. Kids do better with some time to play or relax. Encourage them to go outside, listen to music, ride a bike or play a game.
n Attend Back-to-School Night and meet your child’s teacher. This informative night provides parents with an un-

‰ Please see Successful Page 9

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 newspaper highlights the achievements of Clovis Unified students and staff; profiles new and updated Governing 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 pub-lication date. We do our best to include as many sub-missions in each issue as our editorial space will al-low.

CUSD Today Staff

Publishing & Editorial Clovis Unified School District 1450 Herndon Avenue Clovis, CA 93611 Telephone (559) 327-9094 cusdtoday@cusd.com

Kelly Avants, APR Chief Communications Officer
327-9092

Patti J. Lippert Managing Editor 327-9094

Kellie Feramisco Advertising Manager 327-9093

Verna Garcia Graphic Designer

CUSD Governing Board Members

David DeFrank	Hugh H. Awtrey	Steven G. Fogg, M.D. President                                      Vice President                                         Clerk
327-9000	437-6580	269-7000

Deena Combs-Flores Yolanda Moore Clinton Olivier Tiffany Stoker Madsen 273-9824                              437-6580                     313-6065                             392-1014

CUSD Administration

Corrine Folmer, Ed.D.	Norm Anderson Superintendent                                            Deputy Superintendent
327-9100	327-9107

Mark Hammack, Ed.D.	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

Page 6	CUSD Today	August 2023

August 2023

‰ Announcements

Educational Benefit Survey can help you and your school!

Families are urged to fill out the Educational Benefit Survey that is part of the Annual Information Update and can also be found online at cusd.com/EducationalBenefit-
Survey. Results of this survey provide important information that could lead to students qualifying for benefits like free afterschool care, discounted home internet and waived college application fees; it can also help schools to receive additional state funding for programs like mental health
supports and college/career readiness.
Previously this form qualified students for no-cost meals, but with public school meals now free to all students in California, eligible families may not think it necessary to complete the survey form. The information, however, remains critical to access state and federal funding to support students in need.
The state’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) provides an additional $2,150 to districts that have students that meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, an English learner and/or a foster youth. The Educational Benefit Survey takes only a few minutes to complete and helps to identify qualifying students. All information submitted is a confidential education record and is protected by all relevant federal and state privacy laws that pertain to educational records.

Annual information review
Each year Clovis Unified School District requires parents or guardians to review district policies and to review their home address, contact phone numbers, emergency and health information for their student that is contained in Parent Connect.
The update process is currently in progress. Per Clovis Unified policy and student safety, this information must be reviewed and updated before the new school year begins Aug 21. Students will not receive their schedule or teacher assignments until the forms are completed.
Emails have been sent to all parents and guardians on file with full instructions. The updates can be accessed through Parent Connect accounts using https://qweb.clovisusd.k12 .ca.us/ParentPortal. A temporary Parent Connect Help Desk is available at 327-0789.

Parent Academy workshops
Clovis Unified Supplemental Service’s Parent Academy hosts free, monthly Parent Night workshops for parents to learn about the many district resources and programs available to help their child. Upcoming meetings and topics include:
n Aug. 10 – “Welcome to Clovis Unified!” An open-house informational fair with several district departments represented – including Technology, Nursing, Transitions, Wellness and more – sharing how they can support students.
n Sept. 12 – “Starting the Year Off Right!” How to collaborate with your child’s school site, how to access 24-hour free tutoring, how to help your child with homework and tips about parent hacks will be shared.
n Sept. 26 – “What Parents Need to Know About Vaping” n Oct. 10 – “Social Media & Its Impact on Our Students” n Oct. 24 – “Substance Abuse Prevention”

CUSD Today

n Nov. 7 – “Social Emotional Supports & Suicide Preven-tion”
n Jan. 18 – “Newcomer Family Night”
n Feb. 20 – “Understanding Interventions, 504’s and IEP’s” n March 19 – “Family Safety Night” (held at Weldon Ele-
mentary)
n April 11 – “Building Readers at Home”
Workshops are held at the CUSD Professional Development Building, 326 N. Clovis Ave., in Clovis, with free dinner and childcare at 5:30 p.m., and the workshop at 6 p.m. Topics were selected based on parent feedback and requests. To register for a Parent Night or to find out more about the Parent Academy, visit: cusd.com/ParentAcademy.

New students, employment-based enrollment open

Registration remains open for the 2023-24 school year for students who are new to the district. Additionally, employ-ment-based enrollment is available for students whose parent or guardian works within the Clovis Unified boundaries but who does not live within the boundaries. Instructions and online pre-registration forms for enrollment from preschool to 12th grade are available at cusd.com/enrollment.

Immunizations, physicals available at SV Children’s Health Center

Clovis Unified’s Sierra Vista Children’s Health Center is open Mondays through Thursdays for immunizations, well-child exams, minor illnesses and sports physicals. The services are available to children up to 18 years of age and are free of charge to income-eligible families. Patients who have Medi-Cal are also eligible for these services as well as those who do not have health insurance coverage. Sports Physicals are $30, cash only. The center is located on the Sierra Vista Elementary School campus at 510 Barstow Ave., Clovis. Appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling 327-7976.

Mark your calendars!
Clovis Unified’s 2023-24 student calendar is available online and indicates holidays, grading periods and end of quarters/se-mesters for the upcoming, new school year.
n Aug. 21, School starts
n Nov. 20 to 24, Thanksgiving Holiday n Dec. 22 to Jan. 8, Winter Break
n March 25 to April 1, Spring Break n June 7, School ends
For the complete calendar, see cusd.com/calendars.aspx.

Plan your grad parties!
The Class of 2024 can circle the date on the calendar for their graduation celebration. Clovis Unified’s ceremony schedule is:
n Clovis High, May 29, Lamonica Stadium
n Clovis East High, May 30, Lamonica Stadium
n Clovis Online School, May 31, Lamonica Stadium
n Clovis Adult Education, June 1, Mercedes Edwards The-atre
n Alternative Education, June 3, Mercedes Edwards The-atre
n Clovis North High, June 4, Veterans Stadium

Page 7

n Clovis West High, June 5, Veterans Stadium n Buchanan High, June 6, Veterans Stadium

Get the app!
Parents can keep informed on their mobile device about their child’s school by downloading the Clovis Unified app. Available in the Apple and Android stores, the app lets parents select schools to follow and receive notifications about school news, lunch menus and more. Follow us also on Instagram
(clovisusd) and Facebook (Clovis Unified School District).

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Clovis Unified School District offers a variety of special education services and programs to serve children with com-municative, physical, learning, emotional and other special needs. These services and programs are available to all qualified children in public schools and, to a limited degree, children in private schools.
Special education services are provided only to children who have been found eligible through a process of testing and other assessments and when it is determined that their needs cannot be met using the resources of the general education program. Parents, teachers or other concerned individuals can refer a child for assessment and determination of eligibil-ity.
To learn more about special education services and the special education referral process, contact Clovis Unified School District Special Education Department at 327-9400.

Advisory committee meetings
Clovis Unified holds regular meetings throughout the year of its Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) that are open to the public. The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Special Education Local Plan Area. Its goal is to raise community awareness about the needs of students and their families regarding Special Education programs and to provide information, workshops and resources to families to help ensure that quality programs educate the student with exceptional needs in mind, body and spirit.
CAC meetings are held from noon to 1 p.m. at the CUSD Professional Development Building, 1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis, and a complimentary lunch is provided. Dates and topics for the school year are:
n Aug. 30 – “Overview of CUSD Special Education Pro-grams”
n Nov. 15 – “Support Services”
n Feb. 28 – “Individual Transition Plans (ITP)”
n May 15 – “Annual Service Plan Review, SPED Budget and Student Voices”
For more information or to request an interpreter for a meeting, call 327-8455 or email familyresourcecenter@cusd.com. Open House, Sept. 1

The CUSD Special Education Department will host “Meet & Greet with Your Program Specialist” during an open-house style event from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at the CUSD Professional Development Building, 1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis. Pro-gram specialists from each area will be on hand to greet families of students with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Details: 327-8455.

Page 8	CUSD Today	August 2023

Attendance; and Margaret
man Middle School, to the
n
Approved annual agree-
JDT Consultants.
Routes for areas of the com-
munity within the transporta-
year of 3.5% or anything
salary schedule change.
Members of CSEA Chapter
August 2023	CUSD Today	Page 9

BOARD BRIEFS
‘The Heat’ arrives; board adopts 2023-24 budget

By Kelly Avants CUSD Chief Communications Officer

July 12
The family of Satoshi Hi-rayama Elementary School’s namesake was recognized at the July 12 meeting of the Governing Board. Satoshi Hi-rayama’s sons and their fam-ilies were presented with a resolution honoring the im-pact of his life
and the lega-cy that will live on in the commu-nity of the
new school when it opens in August 2024. While making introductions, Hirayama Prin-cipal Laura Reynolds also un-veiled the school’s new logo representing its mascot, The Heat.
Earlier in the meeting, the

‰
board announced the appoint-ment of Ann-Maura Cervantes from the director position to
Student Services and School
the administrator position of     zero complaints were received      bined service represents more during the fourth quarter.          than 3,200 years dedicated to
Files, current principal of Ker-
n Approved updated ele-	the students of the Clovis Uni-mentary educational specifi-	fied School District.
position of director of CUSD
Career Technical Education,
effective for the 2023-24 school
year.
In other action, the board:
n
Received two annual writ-
ten reports on the Expanded
Learning and Preschool pro-
grams offered in the district.
n
Held a public hearing re-
lated to plans to enter into ne-
gotiations with CSEA Chapter
250 on all articles of its existing
collective bargaining agree-
ment.
cations to guide facility stan-          In June, the Governing dards for the district’s ele-      Board annually adopts its mentary schools.                       budget for the upcoming n Approved employment      school year and historically contracts for the recently ap-      has considered recommenda-pointed assistant superintend-      tions from the Employee Com-ent of Instructional Services,      pensation Committee (ECC) and the administrator of Stu-      about possible salary schedule dent Services and School At-      adjustments. At the meeting, tendance.                                   the Governing Board took ac-n Approved a resolution      tion to approve a 5.5% increase declaring an exemption to the      to the district’s regular and separation of service agree-      co-curricular salary schedules ment for one employee whose      for the 2023-24 school year. services are required prior to          ACE School Psychologists the end of the STRS wait pe-      and Mental Health Support
tal Health Associates, Com-
June 14
The June 14 meeting
marked the last meeting of
tract (also ratified by the Gov-
during the 2023-24 school
ments for services for students	riod.	Providers (ACE), whose con-provided by Educational Men-                                                      erning Board June 14) includ-prehensive Youth Services,                                                      ed a “me too” clause for salaries BICC Central California, and	retiring      Superintendent
n
Approved the annual
the Governing Board paused
Eimear O’Brien, Ed.D., and	greater recommended by the Community Funded Bus	before the conclusion of their	ECC, are included in this 5.5%
meeting to recognize her for
tion services from the Dis-
n
dom, courage and integrity
the board held its annual Cel-
the contributions of 130 re-
because of their request to ne-
recommendation, several
members of the Governing
tion walk-in radius but inter-	leading the district with wis-	250 are excluded at this time ested in obtaining transporta-	since 2017. Earlier in the day,	gotiate their bargaining agree-trict. Accepted the Williams	ebration of Retirees to honor	ment. In approving the ECC Settlement Report noting that	tiring employees whose com-	Board thanked its members

Crazy Summer Fun

CUSD Today photo. Hundreds of students took part this summer in Clovis Unified’s Summer Fun program, which offers twice-a-week enrichment classes like crafting, circus tricks, baking, science experiments, cheerleading, sports and more. It was a great chance to try something new while also making new friends!

and their commitment to ad-vocating for employees while also balancing the pressures of the district’s total finances. At a future meeting, the Governing Board anticipates consideration of a contract to complete the ECC-recom-mended reclassification study to ensure positions are appro-priately placed on salary sched-ules. Implementation of such a study would require separate, future action by the Governing
Board.
Governing Board members also took time in the meeting to thank Dr. Robyn Castillo, associate superintendent of instructional services, who is leaving the district after 27 years to serve as the superin-tendent of Natomas Unified School District in the Sacra-mento area.
Earlier in the meeting, Monica Castillo, current prin-cipal of the Clovis Online School, was appointed to the new role of Assistant Super-intendent of Instructional Services overseeing Special Education and Nursing Serv-ices for the district. Her ap-pointment was made following a decision not to backfill the associate superintendent po-sition vacated by Dr. Castillo’s departure and instead shift the reporting structure of these two areas to report to Deputy Superintendent Norm Ander-son.
In other action, the board: n Heard a report on cul-
tural proficiency work under-way across the district and heard from student members of Dr. O’Brien’s Inter Cultural and Diversity Advisory Coun-cil on their experiences at-tending elementary school multicultural meetings around the district.
n Approved, in addition to the 2023-24 budget, a variety of budget-related items in-cluding Resolution No. 3927 – Education Protection Ac-count, No. 3932 Governing Standards Accounting Board Statement 54 Committed Funds, a public disclosure of collective bargaining related to employees, and the Special Education Service and Budget Plan.
n Adopted the collective bargaining agreement of the district and ACE Psychologists and Mental Health Support Providers, a copy of which is available in the agenda mate-rials for the June 14 meeting.

The three-year agreement cov-ers 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
n Approved the annual Lo-cal Control Accountability Plans for the district and for Clovis Online School for the upcoming school year. The plans detail input received from parents, students and staff, and outlines programs and services to support seven key areas of student achieve-ment and involvement. The plans are available from the Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Office or the Clovis Online School.
n Awarded supplies, serv-ices and construction bids for the rebid of Clovis West High School Ceramics Classroom Renovation, non-perishables for the Sierra Outdoor School, portable sitework, campus se-curity improvements phase I, and custodial supplies.
n Received written reports on the annual California Dash-board Local Indicators and the Advancement Via Indi-vidual Determination Progress Report.
n Accepted a grant to fund a teacher residency program in the district.
n Authorized the use of piggyback bids from various cooperative and school district bid contracts for software, supplies and equipment need-ed for district sites and pro-grams.
n Approved the appoint-ment of the recommended members to serve on the Clo-vis Unified Special Education Community Advisory Com-mittee in accordance with the committee’s bylaws.
n Approved the issuance and sale of 2023 refunding of general obligation bonds to achieve interest savings on ex-iting facility bonds. The Board also took action to establish the annual tax rate for bond repayment.
n Held a public hearing to provide members of the com-munity an opportunity to comment on the School Fa-cilities Needs Analysis to es-tablish Level II School Facilities Fees. No one was present to address the Board during the public hearing and later in the meeting the Needs Analy-sis was approved, along with updated Level II facilities fees and the filing of a notice of exemption from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) related to the fees.
n Approved the revised Clovis Unified Multilingual English Learner Master Plan. n Approved the sale of Cer-tificates of Participation to fi-nance capital facility projects and approved related docu-
ments and action.
n Authorized the filing of a notice of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regarding the adoption of a school fa-cilities needs analysis to set Level II Facilities fees.
n Approved the annual ap-plication for funding of the Perkins Grant supporting ca-reer technical education pro-grams in the district.
n Authorized the place-ment of a special education student in a non-public school to received services identified in the students’ individualized education plan.
n Approved a triennial memorandum of understand-ing between the Clovis Unified SELPA and the Central Valley Regional Center to provide early intervention services for children between the ages of 0-3 years old.
n Approved the annual memorandum of understand-ing with the California Teach-ing Fellows Foundation for the upcoming school year to provide additional instruc-tional assistants and direct support to all students who qualify for Clovis Unified’s Every Student Succeeds Act Program and other programs in the district.
q
The next regularly sched-uled Governing Board meet-ings are Aug. 2 and 16 in the CUSD Professional Develop-ment Building, 1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis. For complete agendas, minutes and videos from board meet-ings, visit cusd.com.

Page 10	CUSD Today	August 2023