Mark Twain Union Elementary School District

I don’t remember what famous actor said it, but “Put another shrimp on the Barbie” was the return phrase of Saturday night's wildly successful Steak and Shrimp event. Huge kudos to the Copper PTC and Young’s IGA Market. Things like that don’t just magically happen with today’s sexy “go to tool”  like Artificial Intelligence. Things like that happen because a lot of hands and love and sweat went into a spectacular fundraiser for kids. Well done!

I have to take a moment to shout out the incredible Sports Management Advisory program being run by our MT Athletic Directors Kacy Barnett and Jordan Gomez. Part of the student advisory is being used for students to actually be the management team

 the sporting events, including figuring out staffing, signage, scheduling, snack bar refreshments, and really taking ownership of the program. It’s fantastic to see, as sports management is one of the hottest majors requested in college, so giving this early ownership is an experience that will serve these children well.  Plus, you got to love that responsibility and PRIDE when we personally invest in what we believe in.

If your student goes to any intervention services in Room 20 at Mark Twain, there will be a little change right before Thanksgiving week where they will be seen in other rooms. We’re doing a major retrofit on that room due to odor that reoccurs and getting things cleaned up. The contractor needs a week and a couple days to finish the work, and I don’t want to wait until summer, so the time to do it is over Thanksgiving break. We apologize for that disruption, but appreciate the teachers’ flexibility to ensure we can get that up to a standard. I think we have found in the past that there have been animals that have lived under those portable buildings, and we have to be exceptionally mindful of keeping the skirt maintained and not allowing that to happen again.

Instructionally, I am seeing some great work. The Copperopolis student council videos were fantastic, and I just marveled at how brave kids can be in making their asks. Thank you to everybody that facilitated that. I also want to shout out all of the math practices that I’m seeing. I’m also observing some great kindness and respect lessons through the Character Strong curriculum.  This is the stuff we used to learn in home or church about being kind and respectful.   Foundational skills are so important for our kids and to see consistent delivery and high engagement is building that momentum for ongoing success.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING YOUR CONFERENCE TIME WITH YOUR STUDENT’S TEACHER.  This is SO GREAT to have this time together.  It is one appointment for you but is only one of 25-36 for your teacher.  We value you and want to visit with you.

For those parents/guardians taking advantage of our after-school ABAR tutoring programs at both sites, RIGHT ON.  We saw some VERY STRONG STARTS from our students that participated in the summer school program and reversed the summer slide.  Invest TODAY in having your student get the extra help TODAY, so they can position themselves for an EXCEPTIONAL TOMORROW.

Thank you for your partnership.  We are grateful to you.

Best quote ever that I am going to rip off:

Sincerely yours,

Louise Simson

Superintendent

650-996-3290