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2023-2024 Message

Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!

 
Dear VUSD Community,
 
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year.  I am grateful to have completed my first year as Superintendent of our wonderful district.  This past year, our Board of Education has focused on creating clarity for our system through the development of our foundational policies.  I am proud of our Board for being courageous, data-driven, and student-centered in their declarations of what our focus needs to be.  I encourage you to take the time to look at our foundations, which you can find here.
 
As we look to the 2023-24 school year, we will continue to focus on our foundations, specifically:
 
  • Universal Preschool Expansion: Continuing the universal preschool model, including preschool and transitional kindergarten, has shown positive results in academics and social skills development for students.
  • Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Art, music, and physical education will be provided to all students in grades TK-3 through Prop 28 funds, which will foster creative learning.
  • Dual Immersion Program: Willow Glen Elementary will host VUSD’s newly added, second dual immersion program - El Camino. Students will learn 90% in Spanish and 10% in English, becoming bilingual and biliterate by sixth grade.
  • Phonics Instruction: Phonics instruction in grades K-2 will build a strong foundation for successful reading and writing skills.
  • Focus on Math 1: Math 1 is a crucial gateway course that ensures students have a solid foundation for advanced math in high school.
  • Advanced Learning Opportunities: A new department will focus on providing advanced learning opportunities for academically advanced students in elementary and middle school.
  • Continued Learning Support: Students in grades K-8 will have access to additional learning opportunities through i-Ready My Path, providing personalized challenges based on their i-Ready scores. Additionally, 24/7 online tutoring will be available for grades 4-12.
  • Continued Focus on Safety:  Building clarity and understanding with students, families, and staff on the expected behaviors at school and potential consequences.  We will also continue ongoing active shooter training for staff and will begin with students this year.
Our priority campaign for the year is centered on "I am prepared, connected, and kind," based on feedback from students, staff, and the community. By living and modeling these values, students will achieve both socially and academically.
 
Join us in making sure our students are equipped for success!  Together, we can support our students so they learn at their highest level and become college and/or career ready.  I believe in, I belong in, I am VUSD!
 
Superintendent
Visalia Unified School District