Holiday Magic - Clovis Unified School District

Transcription

PAID
FRESNO, CA
PERMIT NO. 398
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
December 2015
Clovis Unified School District — WHERE CHARACTER COUNTS!
follow us on
Volume 18, No. 5
TM
Holiday Magic
and at
Boundary
changes take
effect 2016-17
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By Patti J. Lippert
CUSD Today
Photo special to CUSD Today by AP Photographer Thomas Ovalle.
Four-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient Michael celebrates the start of Macy’s “Believe” campaign with, from left, top
row, Miss Clovis Taylor Coloka and Clovis High School’s Pep and Cheer team members Rachel Burke, Kaitlyn Murdoch,
Ashlyn Cruise, Alyssa Schiro, Tori Coles, Jenna Sanders, and front row from left, Camryn Deleon, Nicole Linare and
Gabrielle Sabbatini. Michael – who Clovis North and Clovis East high schools recently adopted to help make his wish
of going to Disneyland come true – is one of many Make-A-Wish children who will benefit from the program. During
the campaign that runs through Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million total, for every
letter to Santa received at its stores in special collection bins. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with lifethreatening medical conditions. Letter-writing stations are available in Macy’s stores and letters can also be sent online
by visiting macys.com/believe.
Clovis Unified’s Governing Board approved attendance
boundary changes Nov. 18 and immediately opened a special
priority transfer window that runs until Dec. 9 for those
parents whose children are affected and would like to keep
their children at their current school site.
The boundary changes will impact students who are
now in fifth grade or below and will take effect at the start
of the new school year in August 2016. In addition, all
students moving into a new attendance area, or into the
district for the first time will follow the new boundaries for
the 2016-17 school year.
The changes work to balance school populations based
on current data, residential development trends and enrollment
projections, while also creating an attendance boundary
area for the new Virginia R. Boris Elementary that will open
in August 2016.
The months-long boundary study and process included
a large committee of individuals serving in many roles
within the district that ultimately made preliminary suggestions for change. Those draft plans were introduced to
the public in early September. Numerous school-site and
community meetings were held to gain insight and feedback
from parents and the community about the proposals.
Those comments, along with information gathered from
more than 300 emails and additional neighborhood meetings,
were used to develop a final recommendation for the board.
Called Scenario B, that plan was unanimously approved
by the board and is available for viewing on the district’s
website at www.cusd.com.
➤ Please see Boundaries, Page 9
Clovis Elementary kindergartner bigger than life
■ Madyn featured on bill-
boards, banners as face of
‘Futures Worth Fighting For’
By Carole Grosch
Special to CUSD Today
A local kindergartner from Clovis Elementary is now appearing on posters
and banners around town, including a
large billboard on Herndon Avenue west
of Clovis Avenue.
Madyn Frazier, 6, is one of several patients featured as part of the marketing
campaign, “Futures Worth Fighting For,”
at the pediatric Cancer and Blood Diseases
Center of Valley Children’s Hospital.
When Madyn was 21 months old, she
was diagnosed with Pre-B High Risk
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a form
of blood cancer. At first, her parents were
terrified; then, they teamed with Valley
Children's Hospital to fight the cancer.
Although Madyn doesn’t remember much
about her early days of treatment, her
parents and medical team were impressed
with her resilience and attitude.
“Madyn is just a great kid,” Dr. J. Daniel
Ozeran, an experienced pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Valley Child ren's, said. “She doesn’t complain about
anything. She’s always smiling. She goes
with the flow.”
Her treatment began in 2011.
“Madyn still wanted to be a kid and
nothing kept her from smiling,” said her
mother, Ashlei Frazier. “For all she knew,
every kid went to the hospital for chemo,
surgeries and had pokes (blood draws). We
took the advice of our social worker very
early on and made the hospital a fun
place so she wanted to go and see her
friends, the doctors and nurses, as long
as she could have her favorite snack: hot
chocolate from Starbucks."
In October 2013, the good news came
that the latest biopsy was clear. That
➤ Please see Madyn, Page 4
Photo special to CUSD Today by Ron Webb.
Clovis Elementary kindergartner Madyn Frazier, who fought cancer when she was younger, is featured on billboards and banners around the area as a face of “Futures Worth Fighting For,” a campaign for Valley Children’s Hospital.
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By Charity Susnick
CUSD Today
Kasier Permanente’s theatre group performs the interactive, energetic play “The Best Me,” to
a packed crowd of Clovis Unified third- and fourth-graders, during one of eight shows Nov.
16 to 19. Nearly 6,400 students enjoyed hearing messages of healthy lifestyles with fun skits,
music and dancing. The play encouraged children to be active, limit their screen time, drink
more water and less sodas, and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Nearly 6,400 Clovis Unified thirdand fourth-grade students danced and
sang their way to better health during
“The Best Me” assemblies held Nov. 16
to 19 thanks to a grant and the generosity
of Kaiser Permanente to the Foundation
for Clovis Schools.
Performed by Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre of Northern California,
the highly interactive 45-minute play
“The Best Me” featured important messages of health and fitness.
“I’m going to stop playing too many
video games and try to keep myself fit,”
said Riverview Elementary student Ryan
Ahrabian after watching the show.
The play centers around four friends
each struggling with a health or lifestyle
issue. They help each other overcome
their challenges and showcase their triumphs in a special performance for their
school. “The Best Me” production incorporates audience interaction, comedy,
music and dance to teach students to be
active for one hour each day; choose
good foods; limit screen time for video
games, television and the computer to
an hour per day; and drink water rather
than sugary sodas or fruit drinks.
Many students came out of the assemblies humming songs and chanting
➤ Please see Kaiser, Page 2
Happy Holidays from Clovis Unified
Page 2
CUSD Today
December 2015
Nelson students growing gardens,
along with knowledge and fitness
■
‘Body Builders’
program began
through Clovis
Foundation Grant
By Karen Muirheid
Nelson Elementary teacher
Something’s growing at
Nelson Elementary – and it’s
not just the veggies in the
community garden! It’s the
students’ growing knowledge
about health, fitness and nutrition. Approximately 80
fourth- through sixth-graders
in Nelson’s Success Club
(ACES) participate in a wellness program, under the leadership of fourth-grade teacher
Teresa Kurtz on Tuesday
through Thursday afternoons
every week.
Body Builders as the program initially was named,
has tripled its enrollment
since last year. The program
is enthusiastically endorsed
by students such as Johnny
Kosareff, who said, “It is the
best garden, playing and exercise program for kids at
Nelson. … It’s telling kids to
be healthy and stay healthy.”
The Body Builders project
was awarded a grant through
the Foundation for Clovis
Schools, as part of the Health
and Fitness Mini-Grant Program in 2014 in partnership
with Kaiser Permanente.
In recognition of the increase in childhood obesity,
foundation grants were
awarded to selected Title I
schools to apply researchbased practices to help atrisk children develop healthy
lifestyles. Kurtz saw this as
an opportunity to meld her
teaching skills with her
knowledge as a registered di-
Photo special to CUSD Today.
Nelson Elementary fourth-grade teacher Teresa Kurtz, left, who leads the afterschool Garden Nelson Elementary fourth-graders Jacqueline Moreno, left,
Club, supervises as, clockwise from left, MaiNang Her (pink shirt), Zulema Valenzuela,
and Jaylah Henderson plant vegetable seeds in the school’s
Jacqueline Moreno and Jaylah Henderson plant seeds in the raised vegetable beds.
community garden.
etitian and nutritionist to
provide wellness education
at Nelson.
With its growth in popularity, the structure of the
program has changed from
a combined gardening, fitness
and nutrition format in 2014,
into two separate, but complimentary programs this
year. The Garden Club is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Body Builders, which
features fitness, exercise and
nutritional education, meets
on Wednesdays. Students can
join one or both programs.
The students meet in a classroom for a quick preview of
the day’s activities by Kurtz,
then continue outside to their
respective programs.
The Garden Club was
abuzz with activity on a recent afternoon as students
prepared the raised garden
beds for planting. Digging
and turning the soil, adding
compost from last year’s garden waste, the students made
sure the soil was just right.
Then, the students used trowels to make furrows and patted soil into adjacent
mounds – a new experience
for all. The excitement was
palpable to any observer, and
the comments were enthusiastic.
The students rattled off
the names of the vegetables
they were about to plant with
genuine excitement: “Spinach! Lettuce! Baby pak choi!
Radishes! Chard!”
“No, Neon Glow Rainbow
chard!” corrected another
student.
The chatter continued.
Fourth-grader Jacqueline
Moreno commented on how
they’ll be growing their own
lettuce, “like in the Cobb
salad that we have at lunch.”
Sharing her thoughts on the
Garden Club, Jacqueline continued, “What I like about
this, is that we get a chance
to collaborate with people
and plant all kinds of things.”
Jaylah Henderson added,
“It’s really fun. We can learn
from this and we get to eat
some stuff!”
The students, with their
bodies stretched over the garden beds, carefully dropped
seeds into their designated
spots, and gently patted soil
over them. The students received instruction on the
proper way to water. After
inspecting their gardens each
week, Kurtz will give lessons
on nutrition and plant science, incorporating math
concepts into both.
The students are looking
forward to the harvest, having
been inspired by last year’s
spring garden participants.
The work of maintaining a
garden was well worth it, the
veterans vouched, even if a
resident rabbit, appropriately
named “Peter,” ate more than
his fair share of the bounty.
➤ Please see Program, Page 11
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FROM PAGE ONE
rhymes they had learned during the performance. They
also talked about their favorite parts of the show. For
Gettysburg Elementary student Abigail Simpson, her
favorite part “was when the
veggies (actors played the
parts of a tomato, lettuce
and carrot) taught the girl
how to make a plate of good
foods.”
On stage, using an oversized plate, children were
shown that half of their plate
should be filled with fruits
and vegetables; one-fourth
of their plate with protein
items like grilled meats or
beans; and the last fourth of
the plate with foods with
whole grains.
Charisse Loriaux, who has
been part of Kaiser Educational Theatre for 10 years
and currently serves as tour
manager, said in 2015 “The
Best Me” show will have been
performed in 207 schools
and 15 community venues
to an audience of 70,616 students and 4,219 adults.
Loriaux said she believes
live theater connects with
students differently than what
they watch on TV or film.
“During a live experience,
students can talk and respond
to the actors so the message
will impact and reach them
differently,” she said.
Fancher Creek Elementary teacher Tracy Shannon
agreed that the live presentation made a lasting impression on her students. She
plans to incorporate the messages learned from “The Best
Me” in teachable moments
in her classroom. “I will express the importance of eating healthy when talking
about the human body and
science as a way to tie the
messages into the curriculum.”
The eight assemblies were
made available free of charge
by Kaiser Educational Theatre of Northern California.
A portion of a health and
wellness grant awarded to
the Foundation for Clovis
Schools from Kaiser Permanente for the 2015-16 school
year covered transportation
and facility costs for the productions.
“We know how important it is to teach children
the importance of making
Photos special to CUSD Today by Ron Webb.
Eight shows were performed by Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre for all Clovis Unified
elementary third- and fourth-grade classes. Students volunteered to dance and called out answers, and a few brave teachers also tried out the hula hoops. The show teaches about being
active and making good food choices.
healthy choices, and we are
glad to make this program
available to all third- and
fourth-grade students in the
district. We want each of
them to be ‘The Best Me’
that they can be,” said Kaiser
Permanente Fresno Senior
Vice President and Area
Manager Debbie Hemker,
R.N. In addition to the production, every classroom in
attendance received a soccer
ball and two jump ropes,
while each student received
a wristband and a photo
magnet with the four key
messages to serve as a re-
minder to be “The Best Me.”
Since its inception more
than 25 years ago, Kaiser Educational Theatre’s mission
has been to inspire children,
teens and adults to make informed decisions about their
health and to build stronger,
healthier neighborhoods.
December 2015
CUSD Today
Page 3
Pinedale students, teachers still meeting after 50 years
By Carol Lawson-Swezey
Vintage friendships of watercolor memories of idyllic
days and starlit evenings spent
slumbering in back yards.
For the handful of Pinedale
Grammar School students
who graduated from eighth
grade in 1960, their youth
was full of memories of riding
bikes until dusk, of hot
cooked school lunches made
with love, of friendships with
no social or economic barriers and of learning to explore the world through the
lens of education.
For Gary McCurry, 69 and
his “baby boomer” classmates,
it was truly the beginning of
the Age of Aquarius.
“It really was an inventive
age,” McCurry said. “There
was no fear of the futurethings just seemed to get better. We Pinedale kids were
raised in a village. If you did
something, your parents
would hear about it. The
population was a mixed bag
of diversity, but everyone got
along great.”
Their memories include
a young teacher who made a
difference – Duane Barker,
who taught seventh and
eighth grade at the K-8
Pinedale school.
“Mr. Barker taught about
Photo special to CUSD Today
by Ron Webb.
At the most recent dinner, former students honored their
beloved“Mr. Barker” with a
brick to be placed on the
Teachers’ Wall of Honor at
Fresno State.
Former Pinedale teacher Duane Barker, third from right, has dinner at least twice a year with students he taught in the 1960s
and others connected with the school. The Pinedale pals have been gathering regularly for about 10 years.
the states and it made me
want to see the world and
later influenced the way I
tried to teach.” McCurry said.
“He was very supportive,
kind and patient and conscious that students might
have to hear things more
than once. Being the youngest
of four kids, he filled a niche
for me as a secure male role
model.”
McCurry said the students
distinctly remember Mr.
Barker unfolding his tall
frame out of his tiny yellow
sports car and that Barker’s
mom used to substitute for
him when he wasn’t there.
More than 50 years later,
McCurry, Barker and a handful of Pinedale alumni and
teachers still meet regularly
to reminisce about the “good
old days.” Even the former
nurse, Sue Fung, has joined
the group for their biannual
dinner dates. The most recent
gathering, on Oct. 15, was
particularly memorable.
The group met with Barker and his wife, Linda, to
present him with a certificate
for a brick to be placed on
the Teacher’s Wall of Honor
at Fresno State. It was McCurry, a retired Fresno State
Art and Design professor,
who initiated the idea but
“old regulars” Tony Lujan,
Nonie Morrison and Kristi
Giguiere also pitched in.
“I’m glad we got the
chance to recognize Mr. Barker with that brick. As an educator, I know how special
that is. Duane was uniquely
speechless,”McCurry said.
Barker, now 84, served
Clovis Unified as a seventh
and eighth grade social science teacher for 17 years and
as an administrator for 16
years. He retired in 1991.
He said he “absolutely
looks forward to the Pinedale
dinner meetings and was
honored to receive the certificate and brick.”
“Not everybody gets one
of those,” Barker said. “I am
just amazed that students I
had 60 years ago have reached
out to honor me after all this
time.”
The brick, which will be
added to the wall at a later
date, will be inscribed with
the words “Mr. Barker (Duane); Pinedale Class of 1960.”
For many years, the students
only felt comfortable calling
their teacher and mentor Mr.
Barker, but he insisted on
Duane.
er’s kind words when her
“He wanted to place us grandfather passed and being
at his level,” said Lujan.
moved to tears while he read
Lujan also honored the
other alumni teachers with
a Pinedale Pride T-shirt with
the school’s Blue Ribbon
Award – commemorating
the honor Pinedale Elementary received last year.
The group has ebbed and
flowed over the years since
it was initiated by Lujan in
2004. Although Lujan was
not a former student, he said
Barker’s presence was felt
throughout the Pinedale
campus. He gathered a group
of former students to have
dinner with Barker after one
student mentioned running
into him.
“Once people heard we
were having dinner with Mr.
Barker, they wanted to join
in,” Lujan said. “He really
cared for his students, and
had a commanding deep
voice. He was the voice of
the Clovis marching band.”
Nonie (McCrory) Morrison, who still works intermittently for Clovis Unified
as a clerical librarian substitute, had Barker as a teacher
in both seventh and eighth
grades. She remembers Bark-
to the class from Old Yeller.
Morrison said that her
former teacher has not
changed. He still remembers
the names of siblings and
family members and attended her brother’s funeral four
years ago even though he
didn’t know him.
“He always has encouraging and thoughtful words
to say – even to this day,”
Morrison said.
McCurry said the regular
gatherings are a “unique situation,” bringing together
an eclectic group of “old men
and women talking about
when things were better.”
“I am so proud to be part
of these meetings with Mr.
Barker and our Pinedale
group,” Morrison said. “We
have a special and unique
relationship and I will continue to support these get
togethers.”
“Duane is the glue which
keeps us together,” McCurry
said. “If it wasn’t for him I
know we wouldn’t still be a
group.”
Page 4
CUSD Today
Board opens special priority
transfer window; accepts
Buchanan memorabilia
Madyn:
FROM PAGE ONE
meant no more chemo.
“Currently Madyn visits
the hospital every other
month for a check up which
includes blood work and a
consult with her oncologist,”
Frazier said. “While she
doesn’t enjoy having to miss
school, she is excited to see
her friends at the hospital
and color pictures in the playroom. Madyn has had very
minimal side effects since her
treatment ended… and loves
being silly, laughing and
singing. She is clever, resilient
and fearless and is always on
the go.”
Isabel Facio, Clovis Elementary’s principal, described
Madyn as an inspiration to
all on the Jaguar campus.
“The tilt of her head and the
smile on her face can lighten
any situation,” Facio said.
“She reminds all of us daily,
that there isn’t anything that
we can’t overcome. Clovis
Elementary is very fortunate
to have this inspiring young
girl on the Jaguar campus.”
Filled with gratitude for
their success story, the Frazier
family – including big sister
and fourth-grader at Clovis
Elementary, Leila – became
very involved with the community to raise funds and
awareness for blood cancer
and childhood cancer. Just a
few of the many activities
the Frazier family has been
involved in are hosting blood
drives for the Central CA
Blood Bank, speaking at
school assemblies and business group regarding childhood cancer, visiting Washington, D.C., to speak with
representatives about patient
access to treatment and copays, and holding various
fundraisers. In fact, their
biggest fundraising efforts
have been for the Leukemia
Lymphoma Society. In the
past four years, the family,
with the help of many Clovis
Unified friends, has raised
almost $145,000 for the organization.
Madyn was on the
Leukemia Lymphoma Pen-
December 2015
By Kelly Avants
Chief Communications Officer
Clovis Elementary kindergartner Madyn Frazier, when asked
what she likes most about school, said, “Math and playing with
friends!” Her happy attitude does not go unnoticed by school
Principal Isabel Facio who calls her “inspiring,” or by doctors
who treated her for cancer.
nies for Patients poster last
year and participated in two
videos for Valley Children’s
Hospital.
Her grandmother, Susan
Mott, teaches second grade
at Clovis Elementary and
said, “I honestly don’t think
Madyn gets that her face is
going to be around town.
She is a pretty low key, humble little girl so I think when
she sees her face around
town, she’ll just smile and
probably wonder why there
is a giant picture of her face
up in the air.
“Kids at school don’t
know she is going to be on
billboards…She is in kindergarten so they would be more
impressed if she got a new
puppy!” Mott said. “Our family is excited for her to be
participating in this fundraising effort for Valley Children’s
because we are so grateful
to them for all they do and
provide for the children of
the San Joaquin Valley.”
As one of the leading pediatric cancer and blood centers on the West Coast, Valley
Children’s Cancer and Blood
Diseases Center sees over
100 new children diagnosed
with cancer every year and
offers comprehensive hematology services for all types
of blood diseases. The depth
and breadth of child-and
family-centered services helps
patients overcome cancer
and improve their quality of
life.
Valley Children’s is the
only provider of in-depth,
inpatient and outpatient pediatric cancer and blood diseases services in the Central
California region.
Their multidisciplinary
team includes pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, physiatry, radiology and
more.
To see Valley Children’s
video of Madyn and her family, visit http://bit.ly/MadynStory.
On Nov. 18 the Clovis
Unified Governing Board approved new school attendance boundaries. The
boundary change will become effective for the 201617 school year and impact
all students currently enrolled
in grades transitional kindergarten through fifth, and any
student who moves into a
new school attendance area
or enrolls for the first time
in a Clovis Unified School
for the 2016-17 school year.
A special Priority IntraDistrict Transfer window was
also approved by the governing board for families
wishing to request that their
children remain at their existing elementary school following boundary changes.
This special Priority IntraDistrict Transfer window is
open now through 5 p.m.
on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Learn
more about the newly adopted attendance boundaries
and who qualifies for the
Priority Intra-District Transfer at www.cusd.com/attendance-boundaries/.
Students from the Clovis
East High performance of
“Annie” sang and danced
their way through three numbers from the show at the
start of the Nov. 18 Governing Board meeting. The show,
which ran through Nov. 21
at the Mercedes Edwards
Theatre in Clovis, had a cast
of performers from Clovis
East High, Reyburn Intermediate and several schools
in the Clovis East area.
In other action, the board:
■ Accepted a donation
from the family of Dr. Floyd
“Doc” Buchanan of memorabilia and historical items
important to the district.
■ Scheduled the annual
organizational meeting of
the Governing Board to occur
➤ BOARD BRIEFS
on Dec. 9, 2015. The public
meeting will begin at 6:30
p.m.
■ Approved all conference
requests, student trips, change
orders, notices of completion,
voluntary community recreation programs and fundraisers as submitted.
■ Authorized the placement of two special education
students at a private educational facility based on needs
identified in their individualized education plans.
■ Awarded construction
and equipment bids for the
Clovis West High School Career Technical Education
Building and for outdoor
bleachers to be used at the
Clovis West swim complex.
➤ The next regularly scheduled meeting of the CUSD
Governing Board is scheduled for Dec. 9. The public
portion of the meeting will
begin at 6:30 p.m. at 1680
David E. Cook Way in Clovis. Complete minutes and
agendas for all meetings
can be found online at
www.cusd.com/boardagenda/.
Interested in joining
Clovis Unified’s team?
Teacher hiring fair Jan. 29
On Jan. 29, Clovis Unified will host a district job
fair for aspiring teachers. Credentialed teachers interested
in joining the CUSD team may apply now through
Edjoin. The hiring fair will take place at the Professional
Development Building, 1680 David E. Cook Way,
Clovis. Teachers will sign up for a specific time slot
once their application has been submitted. A team of
district administrators will interview candidates.
Teachers with years of experience and those new to
the profession are encouraged to apply.
Substitute teacher opportunities
Substitute teachers may apply via Edjoin; the application window is open two times throughout the
school year. Check Edjoin in January or visit the CUSD
website – Human Resources – Substitutes. All necessary
documents for the application process is provided.
Classified substitute positions
Eligibility pools for the following positions are
open year-round: general education instructional assistant, special education instructional assistant, campus
monitors, campus catering and custodial. More information is available on the CUSD website – Human
Resources – Employment – Classified and apply via
Edjoin. All necessary documents for the application
process is provided.
Those with questions may contact CUSD’s Human
Resources Department at 327-9300.
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December 2015
CUSD Today
Page 5
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By Janet Young, Ed.D.
have to succeed in life. The nearly
During this holiday season, I
In the face of these world events,
41,000 students who enter our class- also hope for the continued health it may seem that the future is dim.
rooms each day come from hun- and safety of our students, their However, looking back over the
dreds of walks of life, and thousands families and our employees. Recent past year, I know that our students
HE holiday season is always of different home environments. events around the world and nearer have the potential to build a bright
Some have been given all the world- to home highlight how fragile our future. All year long, but especially
a great time for
ly privileges and possessions that peace and security can be, and re- around the holidays, our Clovis
reflection
–
they can imagine, and others come mind each of us of the important Unified students amaze me by their
about the past
from a home environment rich role we play in protecting our stu- outpouring of care and compassion
year and on the
only in hardship. However, each dents. I am so thankful for every for others. Whether it is a food or
new calendar
of these children has within them one of our employees who keep a clothing drive, sponsoring a Makeyear
ahead.
the raw ability to succeed. My wish watchful eye on our students, and a-Wish child, packing shoe boxes
During
this
for them is that they believe in this am committed to supporting their or creating holiday cards for men
time, we pause
potential. My wish for us, that we efforts to protect our campuses and women serving overseas, coland reflect on
help them discover it.
every day.
lecting baby blankets for babies in
our personal
Janet Young,
and individual
Ed.D.
circumstances
and those of our loved ones, and
on the greater world around us.
Often, these thoughts center on
where have we been over the course
of the past 12 months, and where
our current path will take us into
the new year. In my role with Clovis
Unified, those who I hold near and
dear to my heart include our more
than 41,000 students and every one
of our employees. So, of course,
my holiday reflections are centered
around the Clovis Unified School
District, our students and employees, and their families.
Of particular significance to me
this year was the passing of our
founding Superintendent Floyd
“Doc” Buchanan, a mentor and
friend of mine for decades. With
Doc’s passing, I spent a great deal
of time reflecting on what his life
and legacy meant to our schools
and the greater community.
Doc was in many ways synonymous with the culture and values of Clovis Unified, and his passing provided us with an opportunity
to reaffirm our commitment to the
At Clovis High’s library from mid-November through the first week of December, a station is set up where
high standards, student-centered
students can sign holiday cards to be given to service men and women. Their goal is to create 3,000 cards.
decision making, and accountability
that he deeply instilled in us. While
our community drew together to
mourn Doc, we also drew together
around our core beliefs. I know
that we are more strongly committed to our district’s mission and
vision today than ever before.
I am incredibly grateful for what
Doc built, and for the students,
families and community that have
grown along with Clovis Unified
since we first unified more than 55
years ago. As I look ahead to the
HELEN KELLER
future of our district, it is my hope
AMERICAN AUTHOR, POLITICAL ACTIVIST AND LECTURER
that each of our students would
recognize the potential that they
Superintendent
T
“The best and most beautiful things
in the world cannot be seen or
even touched. They must be felt
with the heart.”
neonatal intensive care units at our
local hospital, or collecting toys for
local charities, our students are a
driving force for many service projects around the community. The
students featured in this issue of
CUSD Today, and the many others
who are working to make a difference in the world around them
throughout the year, are proof that
our future is in good hands.
As educators, we influence the
future of our community through
our work with students. This is a
huge responsibility, and one that
we take very seriously. Looking to
that future, I am confident that we
will continue to deliver on the expectations of our employees, parents
and students.
Over the past 55 years, Clovis
Unified has built a reputation for
high standards and excellence. In
the years ahead it is imperative that
we continue to work together, listen
to each other, and communicate
openly in order to preserve the
trust and confidence of our community. Education is based on teamwork and trust, and we must remain
committed to the partnership that
makes great education possible and
Clovis Unified special.
I recently read an article that
encouraged us to remember those
things for which we are grateful. A
grateful attitude, it said, has positive
implications for our health, our
longevity and our day-to-day living.
Topping my list of things for which
I am grateful are our Clovis Unified
employees.
We often say in Clovis Unified
that it is people, not programs that
make a positive difference for our
students. I believe this with my
whole heart, and have witnessed
the powerful impact a caring individual can have on the life of a student time and again during my career in education.
We have employees inside and
outside of the classroom who put
the needs of our kids first, regardless
of their individual job description.
This attitude exists in Clovis Unified
from our Governing Board to every
member of our almost 6,000-person
educational team.
Finally, I am grateful for our
Clovis Unified families, and hope
that you enjoy a holiday season
that brings you closer together and
creates warm memories of those
who are important in your lives.
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Many Clovis Unified schools are hosting holiday outreach events. From collecting coats, toys and canned
foods to writing letters to veterans and singing carols to
senior citizens, students have many opportunities to
take part in the giving spirit. For more information,
contact your individual school site or visit its web page.
By GreatSchools Staff
It can be tough to teach children the value of giving in a
season when they’re surrounded by messages about the
value of getting. Here are five ways to start:
Start small when the kids are small.
Your young child might be happy to help bake cookies
for a friend but end up wanting to keep the gift herself.
Plan for this by baking enough cookies to keep and enough
cookies to give. Young children need help in learning to
share.
Teach your child that he doesn’t need money
to give.
Help your child make gift certificates good for “one free
car wash” or “breakfast in bed” that he can give to others in
the family.
Involve your child in selecting the gift.
You may think that donating to cancer research is important, but your child who is an animal lover may be
more interested in making sure the dogs at the humane
society have an extra treat at the holidays. Help her find a
way to give the gift she feels is important.
Be a role model.
Volunteer your family’s time at a soup kitchen or senior
center. Gather small-size toiletries, such as toothpaste and
shampoo, and pack them in decorated gift bags to take to a
homeless shelter. Ask your child if he’ll help you babysit
for a neighbor’s toddler so she can do her shopping or help
you rake the leaves for an elderly friend.
Personalize giving.
It’s faster for busy parents to write a check to a charity,
but it has little impact on a child who can’t see where the
money is going or imagine the people who benefit. Delivering
canned goods to a food bank is more meaningful than
dropping a check in the mail. Your family could “adopt” a
needy family through a community organization, choose
the gifts and wrap them.
Feeling too busy to organize an activity like this? Author
Ellen Sabin has suggestions that can work for the most
time-challenged parents. Sabin wrote “The Giving Book:
Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving,” an interactive
workbook to help 6- to 11-year-olds discover the joy of
giving and their power to make a difference. Sabin also
offers free tools and guides for parents and educators to
use with her book.
Sabin suggests having a family conversation about what
you’re thankful for. That will help your child realize that
what she values may be missing in other people’s lives.
Sabin also offers three activities to try. “These things
don’t take huge amounts of time. They just take a few moments of thoughtfulness.”
Start a tradition in which family members set aside one
of their gifts to give to someone less fortunate.
Think of someone without a family – a soldier, a distant
relative, a friend in the hospital – and write a letter as a
family to make the person feel loved and included during
the holidays.
Talk about beginning the New Year with a family giving
box. Everyone can regularly add a small amount of money
to the box to contribute to a group or cause the family
agrees to support.
Giving gives children a sense of self-esteem and pride,
says Sabin. “Giving is addictive. It gets in your blood. It
makes you realize that you and your actions matter.”
❑
GreatSchools.org is an independent nonprofit organization
that is a source of school information for families.
— ^_lrq rp —
CUSD Today, Clovis Unified’s good news publication, 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: 31,000.
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 Governing Board
`rpa=qçÇ~ó=pí~ÑÑ
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 Communication Officer
327-9092
Patti J. Lippert
Managing Editor
327-9094
Charity Susnick
Advertising
327-9095
Verna Garcia
Graphic Designer
224-9711
Ginny L. Hovsepian
Christopher Casado
Jim Van Volkinburg, D.D.S.
President
434-8272
Vice-President
908-9953
Clerk
299-8994
Sandra A. Bengel Brian D. Heryford Richard Lake, C.P.A. Elizabeth J. Sandoval
432-4995
299-4586
323-9000
291-7564
CUSD Administration
Janet Young, Ed.D.
Superintendent
327-9100
Norm Anderson
Associate Superintendent,
School Leadership
327-9350
Carlo Prandini, Ph.D.
Deputy Superintendent
327-9106
Barry Jager
Michael Johnston
Human Resources and
Employee Relations
327-9308
Administrative Services
327-9127
Page 6
CUSD Today
December 2015
Buchanan grad among first to sign transfer
agreement with new pharmacy college
■ Pathways developed by CUSD, Clovis Community College
helps define path for students interested in medicine
By Carol Shanahan
munity College, pursue his
bachelor’s degree in science
at Fresno State, and then,
upon meeting all requirements including a personal
Buchanan High graduate interview, receive priority
Elijah Xiong was one of the admission to CHSU.
first students to earn a “reThe Clovis Community
served seat” in the newly College Transfer Admission
formed, local California Agreement program with
Health Sciences University, CHSU guarantees reserved
or CHSU, College of Phar- seats each academic year to
macy Doctor of Pharmacy 20 highly qualified students
program.
interested in the Doctorate
Xiong signed a Clovis of Pharmacy program. To
Community College Transfer be eligible, students must
Admissions Agreement Nov. meet a number of require2 in the presence of Clovis ments including coursework,
Unified Superintendent Janet grade point average and be
Young, Clovis Community a first-time college student
College President Deborah at Clovis Community ColIkeda, CHSU President Flo- lege.
rence Dunn and CUSD counCHSU, located in Clovis,
selors.
provides an education in the
The agreement will allow pharmacy field. The school
Xiong to finish his necessary welcomed its inaugural Class
coursework at Clovis Com- of 2018 in August 2014. Upon
Retired CUSD Guidance
Learning Director and
Head Counselor
graduation of the Class of
2018, CHSU will be eligible
to complete its accreditation
process. The university plans
to open a medical school in
the area at some point in the
future, and the College of
Pharmacy would be one of
five others housed at the permanent campus site. The
hope is that students who
attend CHSU will stay and
practice in the Valley.
This pre-pharmacy pathway developed between Clovis Unified and Clovis Community College is not the
only pathway for students
interested in medicine.
Additional pathways between CUSD and the college
are pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-physician’s assistant,
pre-veterinary and pre-medical.
Clovis Unified students
interested in pursuing a career
Buchanan graduate Elijah Xiong signs a transfer admissions agreement with the California
Health Sciences University as Clovis Unified Superintendent Janet Young, left, CHSU President
Florence Dunn and Clovis Community College President Deborah Ikeda look on.
in pharmacy with CHSU or
any of the other pathways
listed above should talk with
their school counselors.
These pathways are available
through all of the Counseling
Centers and will show suggested coursework through
Grade 16.
ÚiáÖÜíë=lå=^ÑíÉêëÅÜççä=o~ääóÛ=at Alta Sierra Intermediate
Photos special to CUSD Today.
Above: Clovis High teacher Kevin Miller was the “master of fun and games” during the
“Lights On Afterschool Rally” held Oct. 21 at Alta Sierra Intermediate as part of the national celebration of afterschool programs. Students from Clovis Unified’s Campus Club
and ACES programs joined in the fun. Left: Mountain View Elementary fifth-grader Rocco
Herzog gets to do a drum solo with the Buchanan High drumline. Right: Garfield Elementary fourth-grader Krystal Lorigo shows her hula hoop skills.
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December 2015
CUSD Today
hÉîáå=jÉãäÉóW=
The Gift of Music
Page 7
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By Carole Grosch
In his mid-40s, Kevin A.
Memley took a leap of faith.
This year, he stepped
down from his long-time job
as Clovis Unified’s music
technology instructor at Clovis East High in order to devote more time to composing
music.
Called a “refreshing and
versatile composer” by reviewers, Memley’s talents have
received world-wide attention
by audiences and performers.
His music has been performed in the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Segerstrom
Hall, the Chicago Symphony
Hall and at the Llangollen
International Choral Festival
in Wales by top placing choirs.
Memley is also an accomplished accompanist. He has
performed with Clovis East,
the Clovis Community College choir and several California regional honor choirs.
Currently, he accompanies
the San Joaquin Chorale.
He has been prominently
featured in the American
Choral Directors Association
national and regional conventions. Memley is published with Pavane Publishing (including his own choral
series), Walton Music, Gentry
Publishing and John Rich
Music Press. And he has
scored two feature films: “Final Encounter” and a local
Hmong film, “Daim Duab.”
Memley writes mostly
choral music and feels his
specialty is in writing for the
advanced high school or college-level choirs.
“I prefer to compose both
sacred and secular material,”
he said. “My sacred works
are mostly in Latin and they
often stem from the liturgy
of the Catholic Church. My
secular music comes from
famous poets like Sarah Teasdale, Thomas Hood or folk
music. My music has a strong
influence of classical music,
jazz harmonies and complex
rhythms that you might find
in a movie score during an
action scene.”
In sharing his professional
goals, Memley mentions a
relationship he has with MidAmerica Productions, that
holds choir tours in Carnegie
Hall.
“After performing my
‘Magnificat’ this past May, I
hope to return in June 2016,
for what could be a recurring
concert series. While I am
more removed from high
school and colleges at this
time, I want to continue to
write music for those levels. In
fact, I have recently composed
a new piece for the Clovis
East Women’s Chorale for
their performance at the
ACDA Western Division convention in February 2016.
Another goal is to carry the
torch of music literacy in the
community of Kings -
When the staff at Lincoln Elementary took their annual staff photo this year, GIS Debora
Keeney suggested they do a spell-out honoring founding Clovis Unified Superintendent
Floyd “Doc” Buchanan. Dr. Buchanan died in August at the age of 91. “Our staff tries to
do something different and meaningful each year with our staff photo. We felt there was
nothing more meaningful than honoring Doc this year in our photo,” Keeney said, noting
Dr. Buchanan hired many of the staff members at the school. The team carefully arranged
themselves to spell “DOC,” and the photographer from Larson Brothers got on top of the
multipurpose room roof to snap the image. An enlarged 24x18-inch photo of the staff picture
is on display in the school’s administration office.
Kevin Memley stepped down from his long-time job as Clovis
East High’s music technology instructor in order to make more
time to compose music. His work is already receiving recognition by reviewers.
“My music has a strong
influence of classical music, jazz
harmonies and complex rhythms
that you might find in a movie
score during an action scene.”
– Kevin Memley
burg. While I intend to work
outside the school system, I
believe I can make a great
impact.”
Memley, after teaching in
schools for 25 years with 15
of those for Clovis Unified,
now works as the music minister for Kingsburg Community Church. He said he began looking for a job a few
years ago that would allow
him to exercise his skills in a
different way. “Specifically, I
was looking for more time
to compose music and to
explore other musical interests,” he said.
After looking in the private sector, Memley realized
that he would be able to do
the things he wanted to do
at his church in Kingsburg.
“With great sadness, I
ended a 27-year run as accompanist with Clovis East's
choir director, Dan Bishop,”
said Memley. “I look forward
to working with Dan again
with great yearning, perhaps
in a different musical setting. Our stories are not finished yet.”
In his new role with the
church choir, that ironically
Bishop directed years ago,
Memley leads the choir, oversees music praise teams, develops worship content and
strives to inspire music literacy and excellence to the
youth. The choir is made up
of around 25 members, and
Memley instructs about a
third of them privately on a
weekly basis. “I hope to train
a generation to read (and
write) music so that our volunteer church choir will still
be around in 25 years.”
Kingsburg Community
Church Pastor Ed Ezaki is
delighted to have Memley.
“It is nothing short of a miracle to have a conductor, musician, and composer of
Kevin’s talent and spiritual
commitment as our Choir
Director at KCC,” he told
Kings River Life Magazine.
“Kevin is a wonderful combination of great talent and
deep Christian humility. He
really lives out the truth that
our gifts are from God to be
used to build others up.”
Said Memley, “As my life’s
focus is moving away from
public education and more
on community outreach with
my church... I see much work
left to be done and I know
that I am a teacher who has
gifts that must be shared with
others. So while these great
things are happening in my
musical career, I pray my
heart would remain humble
to finish the tasks I have before me.”
Memley resides in Fresno
with his wife Melody and
three sons Mark, John, and
Kyle. To hear samples of his
music, visit www.kevinmemley.com.
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bÇìÅ~íçê=çÑ=íÜÉ=óÉ~ê
Clovis Unified’s Les
Nunes was announced as the
California Music Educators
Association Jazz Educator of
the Year. Nunes directs jazz
studies at Clovis High and
Clark Intermediate. He will
be honored with the award
in February in San Jose at
the State Music Educators
Convention.
Nunes – a trombonist,
vocalist and educator – has
been involved in jazz education in the Central Valley for
more than 30 years. He leads
his own small jazz groups in
addition to playing locally
with the popular salsa group
Rumba 32 and the Hal Magnie Big Band. He has played
professionally with The
Temptations, The Four Tops,
The Supremes, The Platters,
Gloria Gaynor, Frankie Valli
and the Four Seasons, Jerry
Vale, Kay Starr, Roger Daltrey
(The Who), Andy Gibb, Guy
Lombardo, Les Elgart,
Lawrence Welk, Billy Vera,
Ray Santos and many others.
➤
Les Nunes was announced as the California Music Educators
Association Jazz Educator of the Year.
He has also played jazz alongside Gary Smulyan, Scott
Whitfield, Plas Johnson,
Duffy Jackson, Ira Nepus,
Carl Saunders, Carmen Bradford, Charlie Shoemake, Oscar Hernandez, Wayne Berg-
eron, Bill Cunliffe and a great
many other jazz luminaries.
Nunes has hosted a jazz
radio show on KFSR-FM,
and is the director of the
San Joaquin Valley Trombone
Ensemble.
EMPLOYEE BRIEFS
Employee assistance
program can help with
holiday stress
Along with the wonderful things the
holiday season brings, it often brings stress
as well. Between shopping, entertaining,
cleaning, attending parties, wrapping presents, welcoming out of town guests and
after the party’s over – paying off the bills,
people can sometimes feel overwhelmed.
Stress can peak during December, and
once it does it’s difficult to stop. Some suggestions for managing the season include
starting new traditions, participating when
you can, volunteering your time and being
sure to take care of yourself.
Employees covered under the Clovis
Unified School District Health Plan have
options to talk to a trained professional in
the event they need a little help dodging
the seasonal blues to stay happy, healthy
and energized.
Avante Behavioral Health’s Employee
Assistance Program is available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week by calling (559) 2619060.
Classified Staff Development
Day encourages employees
On Nov. 2, CUSD classified employees
participated in the Classified Staff Development Day held at Clovis High. A wide
variety of workshops were offered including
information on Google basics, holiday stress
busters, salary schedule and step process,
student achievement data and ways to energize a morning routine.
The goal of staff development is to
strengthen personal and professional skills
while collaborating with one another to
enhance school and district culture.
Page 8
CUSD Today
Kastner uses awareness
issues to launch new
‘Keep It Safe’ program
By Carissa Schwabenland
CUSD Today Intern
The month of October
was one for the books at
Kastner Intermediate, where
students and faculty launched
a lifestyle campaign titled
“Our Campus, Our Home…
Let’s Keep It Safe.”
The all-inclusive week of
festivities – built on the foundation of classic campaigns
such as Character Counts,
Red Ribbon Week and Bully
Prevention – promoted overall well-being “in mind, body,
and spirit,” modeling the Clovis Unified way.
The campaign emphasized
getting along and respecting
others, respecting the school
community and respecting
yourself. It included a movie
made entirely by students, a
pledge drive, unity activities,
a list of on-campus resources
and an anonymous website
reporting outlet to express
concerns.
Kastner leadership teacher
and activities director Leslie
Park-Ramos credited the
campaign idea to her dedicated students who wanted
to “do something bigger.”
“Red Ribbon is not a day
and not a week,” said ParkRamos. “Students in the Human Relations Club and ASB
officers all agreed it should
be a lifestyle.”
Students wanted to expand the message of Red Ribbon. They wanted to create
a campaign that provided
purpose to students and lessons that wouldn’t be forgotten.
The “Our Campus, Our
Home” campaign aimed to
educate students with positive
reinforcements, rather than
fear tactics. The campaign’s
goal is for students to make
positive connections with one
another, encouraging a sense
of community and a sense
of home.
But there was one major
problem. With seven elementary schools feeding into
Kastner, many students did
not know each other. The
solution: Club Rush, a totally
new idea.
“We think Club Rush is
going to get more kids involved, and more kids involved over a longer period
of time,” Park-Ramos said.
Club Rush is an event
where student-organized
clubs set up tables, talk about
their club activities and invite
others to join. Club Rush,
while a common approach
in high schools, is progressive
at the intermediate level. Club
Rush took place the week of
Oct. 19, just prior to Red
Ribbon Week, prepping and
expanding student-to-student relationships for the
character building ahead.
The “Our Campus, Our
Home” campaign ran the
following week Oct. 26 to
30. It was accompanied by
the launch of an online
anonymous incident report
forum for students to utilize
when they don’t know where
to turn. Kastner Guidance
Instructional Specialist Jim
Stewart got the idea from
other middle schools in the
district who’ve benefitted
from similar systems.
Stewart said receiving incident reports possibly about
bullying or drugs will allow
administration to be aware
of situations they might not
normally hear about. Since
the reports are anonymous,
the hope is that students who
want to let a sticky situation
be known may do so without
fear.
“We don’t want to have
theft, we don’t want to have
drugs,” Stewart said. “So if
[students] come across those
sort of things, [they] can go
on this website anonymously
and report it.”
To kick-off the website, a
student-generated film was
produced. The film shows
situations that warrant the
website’s use and encourages
students to care about the
well-being of each other and
their campus.
“The emphasis is that
[Kastner] is your home and
your school. How do you
want your place to be?” said
Stewart, describing the thinking behind the launch.
Another measure of prevention during the “Our
Home” campaign were pledge
cards. The Human Relations
Club, along with ASB officers,
held a drive encouraging student to pledge to “keep the
campus safe.” Those who
did so received a wallet-size
“Our Campus, Our Home”
pledge card.
“How are you going to
respect your peers unless you
respect yourself,” said ParkRamos. “That’s the whole
idea behind the pledge card.”
➤
Please see Safe, Page 11
December 2015
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éêáåÅáé~ä=~í=`äçîáë
låäáåÉ=pÅÜççä
Editor’s note: Clovis Unified welcomed
new principals at seven schools this year.
They are Aaron Cook at Dry Creek Elementary; Carrie Carter at Freedom Elementary; Sonia Torossian at Riverview Elementary; Kathy Blackburn at Temperance-Kutner Elementary; Ryan Eisle at
Kastner Intermediate; Ben Clement at
Clovis Online School; and Erin Gage at
Boris Elementary, now under construction
at Temperance and Clinton avenues.
In this edition of CUSD Today, we will
get to know Ben Clement.
Ben Clement, 37
Principal of Clovis Online School
Education: Clovis High Class of
’96; Fresno State,
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
Family: Married,
with one child
Growing up,
who was your favorite teacher?
I grew up in CUSD and attended
Mickey Cox, Clark and Clovis High School.
My favorite teacher was Mr. Kevin Lehr. I
had him in both fourth and sixth grade.
I remember him being such a fun, caring
teacher. He brought joy to the classroom.
What was your very first job?
I worked as a paper carrier for the
Fresno Bee as my first job. I actually enjoyed getting up early and delivering
papers on my bike. It was a nice quiet,
calm way to start each day.
What was your very first job in education?
I worked as an aide for the CUSD
Campus Club Program, and in short time
became an instructor for that program.
What drew you to a career in education?
My mother worked for CUSD and
encouraged me to apply to work at Campus Club. A few days after I started
working in that role, I knew I wanted to
be a teacher.
How long have you worked for CUSD?
I have worked as a classified staff mem-
ber, substitute teacher, classroom teacher
and administrator all within CUSD for
18 years.
What are you most looking forward
to in your new role as principal?
I am most looking forward to working
with great students, teachers, office staff
and parents. I love working in education
because I am able to watch the positive
impact on people’s futures that education
has offered them. It is especially exciting
as a site leader because we have such a
broad impact on the programs and instruction that really change lives.
What has been a nice surprise about
being a principal that you didn’t expect?
I think the most pleasant aspect so far
has been the true freedom and support
that district administration gives its site
leaders to make decisions that they feel
are best for their school. It really allows
each school to do what is best for their
students, staff and community, and avoids
the “one size fits all” methods used in
other school districts.
What would you like to accomplish
in your first year as principal?
Clovis Online School has been established as the premier online school in
our area. We just received a full six year
WASC accreditation, and we are NCAA
approved. Our students are achieving at
high levels. I hope to continue to grow
the school and help spread the word that
Clovis Online is the premier school of its
type not just in the Valley, but in the
state and nation.
In three words, how would you describe yourself?
Hard working, caring and determined.
What do you like to do in your free
time?
I love to spend time traveling with my
family.
What book are you reading right now?
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.
What’s your favorite all-time children’s
book?
I think every educator loves “Oh, the
Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss.
What is a favorite quote or saying?
“Education is not the filling of a pail,
but the lighting of a fire”– William Butler
Yeats.
December 2015
➤
CUSD Today
Page 9
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Schools to be closed
Clovis Unified schools will be closed from Dec. 21
through Jan. 5 for Winter Break. Clovis Unified district
offices will be open during this time except for Dec. 24, 25
and Jan. 1.
Clovis North hosts holiday play
Clovis North High will perform
“It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live
Radio Play” at the Dan Pessano
Theater, located on the west end
of Clovis North’s campus. The
play is based on a 1940s live radio
show broadcast re-enacting the
beloved holiday classic movie on
the radio. Performances will be
held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3-5 and
10-12, with a 2 p.m. matinee on
Dec. 5 and 12. Tickets are $8 for
students/seniors and $10 for
adults.
lights and fanfare on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the annual
Children’s Electric Christmas Parade. Clovis Unified students
will appear in marching band entries as well as organization
entries such as school clubs, Girl and Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA,
church groups and more.
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and will feature lighted
vehicles, floats, performers and Santa, who makes his appearance as the final entry in the parade.
The parade starts at Clovis Avenue and Rodeo Drive,
runs south down Clovis Avenue, turns west on Eighth
Street, turns north on Pollasky Avenue, runs down Pollasky,
turns east on Third Street and ends at Clovis Avenue and
Rodeo Drive.
A free shuttle will start at 5 p.m. from the Sierra Vista
Mall Community Park Shuttle stop. It will drop off at the
the Centennial Plaza shuttle stop on Bullard and Pollasky
avenues, and will run back and forth until 8:30 p.m.
For additional information on the parade, which is presented by Kiwanis Club of Old Town Clovis and Sierra
Vista Mall, visit otckiwanis.org.
Holiday Boutique at Tarpey
CUSD students in Children’s
Electric Parade Dec. 5
The streets of Old Town Clovis will come alive with
Tarpey Elementary will hold its Annual Holiday Boutique
in the school library. Thirty five vendors will have their
wares for sale including homemade candy, jams, blankets,
Boundaries:
FROM PAGE ONE
“We know boundary
changes are never easy. It was
very important to us to balance the needs of the district
to be efficient with our facilities and meet the longterm goal of sustaining
healthy, vibrant schools with
the needs of our families and
the situations they may face,”
said Assistant Superintendent
Don Ulrich, Ed.D. “We see
the Priority Intra-District
Transfer window as a way to
provide additional options
to families to meet their
needs.”
Under this special priority
window, all requests for current third- through fifthgrade students to remain at
their current school site will
be approved.
Younger siblings of those
students would also be allowed to remain.
Families with students
currently in transitionalkindergarten through second
grade could also apply to remain at their current site
during this special window,
and would be approved based
“Our parent community has been
instrumental in helping us develop
this new plan. We appreciate all of the
effort and thoughtful discussions that
have gone into this.”
– Kelly Avants,
Chief Communication Officer
upon space availability.
The exception to this
process are students heading
to the new Virginia R. Boris
Elementary. In this case,
transfers would be approved
on space availability, with
preference given to current
fifth-graders (sixth-graders
in 2016).
The priority transfer
process slows down the full
implementation of the
boundaries for a few years.
But, Ulrich said, while it may
mean a few schools remain
near or slightly above enrollment levels during that
time, the district is willing
to do that if it means a
smoother transition for fam-
ilies most affected.
“Our parent community
has been instrumental in
helping us develop this new
plan. We appreciate all of the
effort and thoughtful discussions that have gone into
this,” said Chief Communication Officer Kelly Avants.
“We believe in the end that
what was approved is a
strong, viable plan that will
keep our schools performing
to the community’s expectations for many years to
come.”
Forms and details about
the transfer process are available at individual school sites
and also on the district’s website.
pot holders, crocheted items, soaps, candles and more. The
boutique is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 2
and 12; and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 to 11 at Tarpey,
2700 Minnewawa Ave.
Special Education
Autism workshop planned
Clovis Unified’s Family Resource Center will host
a free workshop entitled “Austism Spectrum Disorders
from A to Z” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Professional Development Building, 1680 David E. Cook
Way in Clovis.
Participants will learn how to recognize the positive
characteristics of many individuals on the spectrum,
which may lead to better understanding. Current
trends in the world of high-functioning autism and
Asperger’s will be discussed. There will also be information providing an overview of some interventions
and resources that may support families and schools.
The workshop will be presented by the Diagnostic
Center of Central California. To register to attend
call 327-8455 or go online to http.tinyurl.com/workshopAutismA-Z.
^olrka qeb afpqof`q
Page 10
CUSD Today
December 2015
the week by wearing red clothing from head
to toe – Trailblazer red that showed school
pride and pride in themselves.
For Freedom’s “Neon Jog-a-thon,” the
school’s track was ablaze with bright colors.
Music played and teachers and parents ran
along with students in the fundraiser that
supports student recognition activities, supplemental curriculum and co-curricular
programs. Second-grader Jillian O’Brien enjoyed the run and said, “I liked the music.
My favorite song came on!”
CNEC makes food baskets
for annual drive
Century Elementary students, from left,
Suzanne Alcaraz, Abigail White and Hailey
Pedersen organize jackets donated in the
Coats 4 Kids drive.
Coat drives in CUSD
Buchanan Ed Center staff and students
have been collecting new and gently worn
jackets and sweatshirts through November
as part of the annual winter Coats 4 Kids
Drive. It is one of the many ways students
follow the school motto of taking care of
each other.
Century Elementary partnered with Clovis
Kiwanis in holding the annual Century KKids’ Coats for Kids Drive Nov. 3 through
Dec. 1. K-Kids is sponsored by Clovis Kiwanis
and takes part in community service on an
annual basis to collect coats for children in
need. K-Kids involves the entire student
body in the coat drive, collecting coats in
the office or classroom daily. The classroom
with the highest number of coats turned in
at the end of the drive will receive a root
beer float party. Clovis Kiwanis distributes
the coats locally where they are needed.
Valley Oak Elementary got into the spirit
of giving, holding a Coat and Canned Food
Drive in November. Students brought in
non-perishable food and coats to be given
to those in need. The event was sponsored
by the Valley Oak Student Council.
Clark Intermediate students joined in
the Coats 4 Kids Drive in November, bringing
new and gently used jackets and sweatshirts.
The drive was conducted by the school’s
leadership students.
CNEC students make Western Division Honor Choirs
Eight students from the Clovis North
Educational Center were accepted into the
2016 Western Division Honor Choirs. They
are Brayden Abels, Connor Barton, Analise
Aubin, Juliette Frediere, Gabriella Moss,
Mullairathinam Velappan and Delaney
Wright all of Granite Ridge, and Luke Barton
of Clovis North High.
The Western Division Honor choirs are
auditioned groups that feature the top 200
singers from California, Arizona, Nevada,
Utah and Hawaii. Those accepted will be
working with some of the best conductors
as they prepare for their performances in
February in Pasadena.
Clovis FFA scores Top 10 in
nation in meat evaluation
Clovis FFA took eighth place in the National Meats Evaluation and Technology
Career Development Event held Oct. 28-31
in Louisville, Ky. Teammates Julia Armanino
(junior), Mikaela Dement (2015 graduate),
Zach Buckley (senior) and Katelyn Merrit
(junior) also earned Individual Gold Emblems, with Julia and Mikaela earning perfect
scores in the meat identification portion of
the competition. Zach was the high individual
from the team in the overall competition
taking 13th place and earning a $400 scholarship. All of the team members placed in
the nation’s top 50. This is the 18th year
Clovis East agriculture teacher Ken Dias has
taken a group of students to the national
The Clovis City Council – back row from left, Harry Armstrong, Lynne Ashbeck, Nathan
Magsig, Bob Whalen and Jose Flores – honored American Legion Boys and Girls State
attendees from Clovis Unified schools, front row from left, Gage Marquez, Tanner
Hedrick, Tanner Michaelson, Jaret Nishikawa, Patrick Manghers, Elise Oliver, Alexandra
Garabedian and Carly Christine Regehr.
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_çóë=pí~íÉI=dáêäë=pí~íÉ
The Clovis City Council recently recognized Clovis Unified students who attended the American Legion’s Boys State
and Girls State programs.
Attending the American Legion Boys
State in Sacramento this summer for a
week-long civic educational program were
Gage Marquez, Clovis East High; Tanner
Michaelson, Clovis North High; Jaret
Nishikawa, Clovis West High; Patrick
Manghers, Clovis High; and Tanner
Hedrick, Buchanan High, who are all
seniors this year.
One-thousand boys from across the
state convened at California State University, Sacramento, for Boys State. They
participated in a model state, complete
with governmental bodies and elected
public officials; the program is designed
to mirror the structure and operation of
event. Teams qualify for the nationals by
winning the state competition.
CUSD students win at fair
Dozens of Clovis Unified students placed
in various competitions at the Big Fresno
Fair in October. Best of Show and first place
winners were listed in CUSD Today’s November edition. The lists of winners keep
coming in, as the following students also
placed first in these categories:
Drawing
Ryan Conway, Megan Maxwell and Tim
Benitez, all from Clovis North High.
Fine Arts
Sierra Freeman, Granite Ridge Intermediate; Mikhail White, Granite Ridge; Emma
Semchuk, Granite Ridge; Beatrice Santiago,
Granite Ridge; Angel Darling, Granite Ridge;
Ian King, Kastner Intermediate; Patricia Ariola, two first places, Kastner; Liam Conway,
two first places, Kastner; Cayla Vandervorste,
Kastner; Reagan Call, four first places, Kastner;
Kate Thompson, Kastner; Gideon Castillo,
Kastner; Luke Lowe, Kastner; Isabella Gliatta,
Kastner; Joaquin Jamieson, Kastner; and
Aliana Villeneva, Kastner.
Photography
George Morgan, Hannah Ysusi, Jason
Helmuth, Kayley Bownell, Sarah Stuart and
Samantha Locarnini, all from Clovis North.
Pottery
Chris Henell, Gabbi Angulo, Kimi Crough,
Amanda Rhodes, Nick Nurcanyan, Brittany
Maes and Carson Ivankovich, all from Clovis
the state government. The boys also toured
the Capitol and met with government
representatives during the camp that
teaches leadership, teamwork and citizenship.
In a similar program sponsored by
the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State
is a week-long camp for young women
that instills the ideals and principles of
American government. This year’s event
was held in Southern California at Claremont-McKenna College and attending
from Clovis Unified were Carly Christine
Regehr, Clovis High; Alexandra Garabedian, Clovis East; Elise Oliver, Clovis
North; and Briana Howard, Buchanan.
The American Legion also holds a
Youth Environmental Camp that was attended this year by Maxwell Bessard and
Zach Bethel, both of Clovis West.
North High.
Swine
Kayla Burgetti, Champion Hampshire
market hog, Grand Champion FFA hog,
Supreme Champion market hog, of Clovis
FFA.
Beef
Mitchell Parham, 1st place in All Other
Colors and his steer went on to win Reserve
Champion AOC; Annika Paris, 1st place in
class British Steer; Morgan Henson, 1st place
in heavyweight black cross, 1st place in
medium weight black cross, all of Clovis
FFA.
Agriculture Mechanics
Mitchell Parham, 1st place and People’s
Choice Award, medium projects division
with a truck flatbed, of Clovis FFA.
Silk Floral
Laurynn Nelson; Kimberly Xiong; Mikaela
Kirk; Brooklynn McFarland; Allie MacDonnell; Allison Grow; Cameron Lawton; Taylor
Haroldson; Matthew Lopez; Eric Lopez;
Brittany Burson; Lena Sanchez; Ryan Barton;
Teresa Ha; Kaytlyn Weber, two first places;
Eleanor Cumming; Sydney Gray; and Palmer
Devyn, all of Clovis FFA.
Freedom Elementary goes
from red to neon
During Red Ribbon Week, Freedom Elementary students and staff wore stylish sunglasses because “cool kids stay away from
drugs,” dressed for success as a way to remember their bright future, and capped off
Clovis North Ed Center has been held its
annual Food Drive in November, collecting
non-perishable canned food and monetary
donations that benefitted about 20 families
in the Clovis North area and also the food
bank at Catholic Charities. Through social
media, monitors in the hallways and signs
in first-period classes, students were encouraged to participate. Food baskets will
be made for the families, with the remaining
food collected donated to Catholic Charities.
Last year the charity was given four large
crates of food.
The leadership classes at Clovis North
Ed Center adopted 10 CNEC families that
they will provide gifts to before the holiday
break. The students will collect gifts and
write letters to the families they are adopting.
“This is a special experience for the leadership
kids; they put others before themselves,”
said Granite Ridge Intermediate Activities
Director and Leadership Teacher Cassondra
Capshew.
Woods Elementary students
write letters to Veterans
Veterans and current service members
were treated to letters of appreciation from
students at Woods Elementary. The Woods
Student Council coordinated the “Letters
to Veterans” campaign. Recipients were identified among the friends and families of student and staff. Many teachers volunteered
their classes to participate in the activity,
and student council members wrote letters
on their own time. The notes were delivered
to veterans for Veterans Day.
Clovis High holds holiday
outreach activities
Clubs and students at Clovis High are
participating in several service activities during the holiday season.
The Veterans Support Club, in tandem
with the Ecology Club and the Art Department, held the Christmas Cards for the
Troops from Nov. 9 through the first week
of December. The club set the goal of writing
3,000 cards for men and women in the military. A station to write cards was set up in
the school library as well as classrooms
across the campus.
Clubs, athletic teams, classes and families
joined in the effort to provide 100-plus
Thanksgiving meals to families in need in
the local community. The event held Nov. 9
to 21 was sponsored by the Interact Club.
Also sponsored by the Interact Club is
the ongoing Christmas Gift Collection where
students can sponsor a child or an entire
family; students can choose to receive the
age and gender of a child who otherwise
might not receive a gift and then provide a
gift for that child. The drive continues
through Dec. 18.
A Canned Food Drive will continue on
the Cougars’ campus through Dec. 18.
Additionally, a Baby Blanket Drive is
being held by leadership classes and students
on campus. Donated blankets will go to
Valley Children’s Hospital and Valley Children’s satellite NICU at Saint Agnes Medical
Center.
Around the District profiles accomplishments of Clovis Unified students.
Items and photos may be submitted for
consideration to pattilippert@cusd.com.
Please include contact name and phone
number.
^olrka qeb afpqof`q
December 2015
CUSD Today
Page 11
Tarpey Elementary students’ canned
food drive benefits 40 families
couraged to donate non-perishable food.
The drive includes a competition among
the elementary feeder schools to Clovis West.
All food collected will be donated to Pinedale
Good Neighbor.
Gettysburg Elementary Student Council
members helped collect more than 2,000 food
items that were donated to the Poverello
House.
Gettysburg Elementary
donates to Poverello House
The Gettysburg Student Council members
completed their first community service
project of the year on Oct. 29. The students
initiated, organized and implemented a
canned food drive to benefit the Poverello
House in Fresno. “Bring a Can, Help a
Family” began on Oct. 19 with a schoolwide call to action to bring in as many nonperishable food items as possible. Student
Council members also “challenged” classrooms to see who could bring in a certain
number of items in a given time frame.
When the final can was counted, the Gettysburg community donated more than
2,000 items to the Poverello House. Elizabeth
Gueringer, the Student Council advisor said,
“I am so proud of these Student Council
members and the families here at Gettysburg.
They really pulled together and made a huge
difference for families in need. It just goes
to show that if we all do our own small
part, we can accomplish great things.”
Gateway, Enterprise,
CCDA to serve at Toys
for Tots dinner
Gateway and Enterprise high schools and
Clovis Community Day School will help
with a Toys for Tots dinner Dec. 7. Students
Hannah McMills
Clovis North students
descend building
Tarpey Elementary’s student council held a canned food drive from the end of October
through mid-November. The PTC turned the donations into 40 food baskets for families
in need to enjoy for Thanksgiving. Pictured are students Orlando Garcia Luis, Ruby Maciel and Mak Munoz.
will be serving dinner and singing Christmas
carols with the Oddfellows and Rebekkahs
of Clovis. The schools have held a collection
drive for new, unwrapped gifts to donate at
the dinner.
Gateway is also participating in other
service projects. They are partnered with
Marjoree Mason Center and holding Coats
Drive that started in November and continues
through December. They are also helping
Safe:
FROM PAGE 8
Not only is the card a tangible reminder of a higher
standard of character, it also
acts as a guide for students
seeking help. The backside
of the pledge card lists resources for students seeking
academic, emotional or social
guidance.
“The idea is that if they
need help, they can flip the
card over and they know
where to go,” said ParkRamos.
The pledge card is going
to be the focal point for the
Human Relations Club all
year long, Park-Ramos said.
Eighth-grade peer counselors,
or WEB Leaders, will also be
using the pledge cards as the
basis for their activities
throughout the year.
Katie Craven
with the City of Clovis’ Food Drive, that
works with Clovis Rotary, P and R Farms,
Interact Club and Clovis Police Department
in assembling food baskets that are given
away to families in need.
CW is a good neighbor
Clovis West High is hosting an area food
drive this holiday season. From mid-November through Dec. 11, students are en-
Two Clovis North High students took
part in “Over the Edge for Girls” in which
they descended down the Pacific Southwest
Building in downtown Fresno. The event, a
fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of Central
California South, was designed to help young
women face what is a fear for many individuals and gain confidence and courage
through participating.
Katie Craven and Hannah McMills both
successfully rappelled down the building
with helmets and ropes. The Pacific Southwest
Building is the tallest building in Fresno,
standing at around 220 feet.
Bears from Bears
Buchanan High students, with the help
of Clovis High students, collected teddy
bears for children in need. Called “Bears
from Bears,” the effort resulted in 100 of the
furry, stuffed animals being given to the
Clovis Police Department. The department
will hand out the bears to children they encounter who have suffered a trauma.
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Park-Ramos said the campaign will have lasting positive effects.
“Some kids can’t handle
academics when their personal life is a mess,” said
Park-Ramos, pointing out
the immense benefit this
campaign offers not only to
students’ social growth, but
also to their academic
achievement. The anonymous reporting website can
be found at www.kastner.
cusd.com/students-and-parents/report-incident.
Dry Creek Elementary second-graders in Dianne DeMarinis’ class knew very little about
Sept. 11 and the tragic events that occurred on that day in 2001. But this year, after seeing
the video about the PELCO memorial ceremony honoring New York officers and firefighters, the students were touched. Pictures and other material on the video brought the events
to life for these youngsters. They wanted to honor those first-responders who lost their lives
for the sake of others. Students made a symbolism of a flag in a heart that showed the
Buchanan area spirit with the motto: “We will never forget!”
Program: Students stay active after school with Garden Club, Body Builders
FROM PAGE 2
Wednesdays Body Builders
participants engage in fitness
activities. On the day of this
interview, the activity was a
hopscotch-based relay. Five
students didn’t want to participate. When students are
uncooperative, ACES employee Jacob Williams – ‘Mr.
J’, who assists Mrs. Kurtz –
addresses this attitude. “I explain that their teacher is volunteering her time, and [not
participating] is disrespecting
their teacher.” He told the
more difficult students that
“they are leaders. If they behave, then all the other kids
behave as well.” Williams
added, “The most reluctant
[students] end up having the
most fun.”
While the students were
laughing and jumping, Kurtz
infused important lessons
into their activity – reminding
them of their heart rate, how
their muscles are getting
stronger, how their coordination is improving, and
more. Among her goals is to
get students to discover new
physical activities that they’d
like to continue to do.
After exercise, Body
Builder participants return
to the classroom where they
make a healthy snack. Placemats with an image of the
USDA “Choose My Plate”
logo are on their desks. The
image depicts the optimal
portions of fruit, vegetables,
grains, protein and dairy to
aim for each day. It’s obvious
that the students have become quite savvy about nutrition. As Kurtz introduced
the snack recipe, “Healthy
Burritos,” the students engaged in an enthusiastic exchange of the nutritional value of various ingredients.
“Why do we need vegetables?” Kurtz shouted.
Raised hands burst into
the air. “They give us Vitamin
A!” “Vitamin A helps our
eyes and skin!” The rapid
exchange continued on the
purpose of carbohydrates –
“to give us energy” and the
importance of whole grains.
Kurtz queried, “You have
a whole wheat tortilla – why
whole wheat?”
More raised hands competed for her attention. “Because it has fiber!” shouted
a student.
“What does fiber do?”
Kurtz asked.
“It makes you feel good!”
the students answered.
“What else do whole
grains have?” Kurtz asked.
“B vitamins, so we don’t
get stressed out!” students
replied.
The lesson continued
with a review of the nutritional panel from the packages of mixed lettuce and
vegetables in today’s recipe.
Similarly, the nutritional value of the cheese and salsa
were discussed. Finally, the
students assembled their
snack and ate it. Every morsel
of food was devoured – the
veggie burritos were a hit!
A true measure of success
for any program is whether
the students continue to apply the information and skills
that were taught. Several students said that they would
ask their mothers to start
buying whole wheat tortillas.
One student said that he now
makes fruit kebabs – a recipe
from a few weeks earlier –
at home for his little sister.
Nathan Morales raved about
Mrs. Kurtz and vowed to
stick with everything he
learned. “I told my parents
all about [the Body Builders
program], and they said it
was a good idea.” Students
are claiming that they are
more active than they used
to be, with several mentioning
that they liked the idea of
building muscle.
Both the Body Builders
program and the Garden
Club will continue to be a
part of Nelson’s focus on
wellness in the years ahead.
It’s hoped that an awareness
of healthy choices at this
point in the students’ lives
will lead to a happier, healthier future for all.
pmloqp
Page 12
CUSD Today
December 2015
Top cross-country runners from all of Clovis Unified’s elementary schools competed in the championship meet at Buchanan
Educational Center that culminated with a finish on Veterans
Memorial Stadium’s track.
Clovis High water polo player Vivian Talmage, left, makes it official by signing to play for California State University, Northridge. Other athletes signing to her left are Jillian Hatch, Seth Nabors, MiKayla Sodersten, Hayden Mammen and Taylor Tiger.
28 CUSD senior student-athletes
sign early college letters of intent
CUSD Today
paper and signed their letters.
The following are those who
Clovis Unified standout signed, the sport they play
athletes representing sports and the college they will atfrom volleyball to baseball tend.
to basketball to water polo,
signed national letters of in- Buchanan
tent with colleges across the
Hannah Waller, track and
nation in November, includ- field (200- and 400-meter;
ing record-breaking track star record-holder at BHS), UniHannah Waller. The 200- and versity of Oregon; Donovan
400-meter specialist will head Mitchell, basketball (shooting
from Buchanan High to the guard), Wake Forrest; Jordan
University of Oregon in the Arruda, baseball (second
fall. Joining her at Oregon baseman), Fresno State (his
will be Clovis North High’s brother Aaron Arruda plays
track and field sensation, right field for Fresno State);
Rhesa Foster.
Grant Gambrell, baseball
Each high school held a (RHP, 1B), Oregon State
festive signing ceremony be- (third brother to earn an
tween Nov. 12 to 16, complete athletic scholarship); Rachael
with proud coaches, family Arkelian, volleyball (defensive
members and friends. They specialist), Fresno Pacific
cheered as the student ath- University; Danielle Roletes, wearing their future driguez, volleyball (setter),
college’s apparel, put pen to CSU Stanislaus; Bree Welling-
➤ SPORTS BRIEFS
All cheer for Mickey Cox student
Mickey Cox Elementary’s
Christian Davila scored a touchdown for the B Team in a game
against Sierra Vista Elementary
in October. Christian, who has
Cerebral Palsy and uses a walker,
is in teacher Sophia Montero’s
SDC Functional Skills 4-6 class,
and he wanted to play football
this year.
Determined to be a part of
the school’s team, he attended
practice a few times a week and
dressed out on all game days. During the game against
Sierra Vista, Christian had his chance to take to the field.
Coaches from both teams had set up a play for Christian to
receive the ball and “run,” it in for the touchdown. All in attendance cheered for the young athlete.
“Christian has served as an inspiration to so many
families that have these challenges,” said his mom, Elma
Davis. “These families are now seeking activities that their
children can participate in and not be so afraid of limitations.
Christian was the one who wanted to participate so badly. I
ton, basketball (guard), Metro
State; Brook Watts, volleyball
(outside hitter), Biola; and
Tanner Olmos, swimming,
Eastern Michigan.
Clovis High
Taylor Tiger, softball, Long
Beach University; Seth
Nabors, swimming, Fresno
Pacific University; Hayden
Mammen, golf, Kansas State
University; MiKayla Sodersten, cross country, Oregon
State University; Jillian Hatch,
swimming, University of Pacific; and Vivian Talmage,
water polo and swimming,
CSU Northridge.
Clovis East
field, University of Oregon;
Gunner Gardner, wrestling,
Hastings College; Blake
Hathcoat, golf, St. Mary’s
College of California;
Matthew Frazier, baseball,
University of Arizona;
Mackenzie Curtis, track and
field, Fresno Pacific University; and Lauren Moffett, cross
country/track and field, Vanderbilt University.
Clovis West
Cassidy Clark, softball,
San Jose State University;
Ashley Cross, basketball, Fresno Pacific University; Matt
Elkington, swimming, UC
Santa Barbara; Peter Kuest,
golf, Brigham Young University; Andrea Mercado, softball, Humboldt State University; and Sarah Snyder,
water polo, UC Santa Barbara
or UC Irvine.
Fall sports league
2015 champions
Tennis rackets swung.
Footballs were thrown. Fans
cheered on cross country,
volleyball, golf and water polo
teams as hundreds of Clovis
Unified students participated
in fall sports throughout the
district.
Athletes wrapped up their
final games in November and
the championship teams
emerged.
Tri-River Athletic Conference conference winners for
varsity high school sports
were Clovis West for girls
golf; Buchanan, boys water
polo; Clovis High and Clovis
West, tied, girls water polo;
Buchanan, girls tennis; Clovis
High and Buchanan, tied,
football; Clovis East for girls
volleyball; Buchanan for boys
cross country; and Buchanan
for girls cross country.
Intermediate
In the Clovis Intermediate
Athletic League, or CIAL, top
varsity team finishers were
Alta Sierra, 8th-grade football;
Granite Ridge, 7th-grade
Clovis North
football; Clark, 8th-grade girls
Rhesa Foster, track and
volleyball; Alta Sierra and
Granite Ridge, co-champions,
7th-grade girls volleyball;
Kastner and Alta Sierra, cochampions, 8th-grade boys
water polo; Kastner, 7th-grade
boys water polo; Granite
am glad he persisted and I am so proud of him.”
Ridge, 8th-grade girls water
Mountain View Elementary student
polo; Alta Sierra, 7th-grade
selected for gymnastics program
girls water polo; Reyburn,
Mountain View third-grader Sydney Jackson was selected boys cross country; Alta Sierto participate in the USA Gymnastics 2015 TOPs National ra, girls cross country; Granite
Testing after participating in TOPs-State of California Ridge, 8th-grade girls golf;
Alta Sierra, 7th-grade girls
testing conducted over the sumgolf; and Granite Ridge, girls
mer in Vallejo and Burlingame.
tennis.
The TOPs program (Talent
Opportunity Program) is deElementary
signed to seek out talent at an
The Clovis Unified Eleearly age and help guide the
mentary Championships feacoaches through the USA Gymtured top season finishers
nastics athlete pipeline to bealong with a few wild card
come elite gymnasts with the
teams.
aspirations of making the NaThe championships were
tional Team.
held
at Veterans Memorial
The program is under the
Stadium
Oct. 30, with footdirection of 1988 Olympic gold
ball,
volleyball
and cross
medalist Valeri Liukin, director
country all occurring there
of elite developmental athletes.
The athletes represented the top 100 in their age groups 8- and teams taking to the fields
10 years in TOPs State Testing held during June, July and by running through their
area’s high school inflatable
August.
Thaliana Grajeda, volleyball (middle hitter), San Jose
State.
Photo special to CUSD Today
by Ron Webb.
In the CUSD Bowl Series
Champions, six of the district’s top elementary school
teams played on the field at
Veterans Memorial Stadium
after running into the stadium through their highschool area’s inflatable
mascot.
mascot.
Football – Bowl Series
Champions were Fugman,
Oraze and Red Bank elementary schools, with
Garfield, Lincoln and Century also participating.
Girls Volleyball – Red
Bank took home the championship in a very close game
against second-place finisher
Liberty. Other participating
teams were Cedarwood, Cole,
Temperance-Kutner, Riverview, Valley Oak and Freedom.
Cross Country –All elementary school teams participated in the championships that saw the race
finish on the track inside the
stadium. Woods and Bud
Rank teams won the 5th/6thgrade boys and girls cross
country races, respectively.
At the fourth-grade level,
Woods won the boys race
and Copper Hills won the
girls race.

Holiday Magic - Clovis Unified School District

Transcription

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