Dear MTUESD Community,
School start is quickly upon us on August 13! To all of our TK and kinder families please make sure you are filling out that preference sheet for tk/kindergarten about whether you want our morning program, morning and afternoon, or morning and afternoon extended program. Please know the late afternoon extended program (that time between the afternoon dismissal until late pick up) may be impacted by a wait list. We are excited to offer these options and look forward to attracting some additional families into our program.
Please make sure those vaccinations are up to date. That’s not my rule–it’s the state’s. If you have any questions, please email Nurse Logan Robbins to discuss anything that may be a concern to you lrobbins@mtwain.k12.ca.us.
Once again, I want to remind everyone that class sizes are somewhat larger in some grades. Most revenue limit districts, such as Mark Twain, have larger class sizes of 30 kids to one teacher or more. I know that’s not ideal, but that is the financial reality of our school system. I can’t grow more revenue, especially when we can’t pass a local $65 annual parcel tax, but all I can do is manage the expense side.
I am super excited about the school year. The improvements at the property as far as the playgrounds coming in and the on-going resealing will occur over the next couple of months. The playground orders shipped, but we have to get them installed. That may happen while school is in session, but we’ll make sure it’s safe for your kids. Significant seal coating took place at the MT site this week, and the large Copper playground will be done after the new small playground is installed.
Mark Twain in partnership with Bret Harte High School was featured in a state-wide publication celebrating the Fire Camp. We thank Bret Harte for creating the program and inviting us to help fund it and participate in it. Super great for kids. Here is the link. BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE BOX IN THE LINK ABOUT FIRE FIGHTING IN THE GOLD COUNTRY TO SEE OUR FULL ARTICLE.
This year at Copperopolis, our Proposition 28 funds are being used to support music instruction. David Allured, Bret Harte’s music teacher, will be teaching twice a week with our students. This is a great opportunity to instill early music education. We are using the same Proposition 28 money at Mark Twain to support the seventh and eighth grade art program. Remember these are RESTRICTED FUNDS which means we can't use them for other than art/music related activities.
Mark your calendar for sneak peaks TK through sixth on August 12 between two and three at both sites.
Please note there is no middle school sneak peek. This is an opportunity, especially for the little ones, to take the edge off the nerves and visit the classroom prior to school start.
I always remember when I was principal at another school the breakfast we used to have for our TK and kindergarten parents that we used to call the “kiss and cry”, where first time moms and dads would drop off their students. I laugh now in reflection because the tradition had become over the years that the TK/K moms and dads would kiss and cry on the first day of school and the older moms and dads looking forward to school being back in session would gather for Mimosas at a local restaurant. Those first home to school transitions are hard, but it’s the beginning of a really magical time of learning and independence for both you and your student.
Please believe big and bold for your student and know that we are here in partnership with you.
Sincerely yours,
Louise Simson
Superintendent
650-996-3290
Every Student. Every Day. Every Possibility.