Dear MTUESD Community,
Many thanks to all of you that completed the survey for our mid-year district check-in. It is kind of unusual for districts to send out that type of survey, but I’m a big believer in “I can’t fix what I don’t know” and that’s why I do it. I want to thank you for the many overwhelmingly positive comments about the changes that you have been seeing on the sites. There was specific feedback about “What is working” and there were shout-outs to staff members all around. Your comments are heard and will be shared and appreciated.
I also really enjoy when I ask that weird question, “If you had a fairy wand and one wish, what would you want?” Overwhelmingly, people shared more funding (even citing the need for rural school advocacy–so cool!) and I agree that is one of my big wishes too. But I will also get response wishes that are easily fixable such as posting the lunch menu before the first of the month. That’s a simple thing that we adjust and hopefully create a positive outcome for who requested it. I take ALL of those wishes seriously. Themes that emerged included more communication in the lower grades about curriculum content, not using candy as a reward, streamlining contact applications for the district, more care about tone with students, and ensuring consistency with security procedures and supervision among others. ALL of those items on the survey will be communicated to the staff, and it will become part of our learning for the next few months of school. All of the comments were beyond thoughtful and valid, and I really appreciate the time that you spent communicating with me. SO MANY GREAT IDEAS. WE HAVE A ROAD MAP AHEAD.
Two of the questions really demonstrated the tremendous growth we have felt in 18 months and related to the question asking, “There are adults at school that care about my student”. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of the people that responded to that question agreed or strongly agreed that was true. From less than two years ago, that’s a rapid turnaround and speaks so well about the partnership that the community, the students, and the staff have created working together, and I truly appreciate that collaboration. What does that look like? We aren’t posting differences as much on Facebook anymore but reaching out to have a conversation to resolve issues. We’re engaging with one another and that is how metamorphosis occurs. We are creating summer programs that help students and staff enjoy activities together like the pool and ceramics and art to grow relationships outside of academics. After school support is readily available and connections and achievement are growing through that investment that kids can get help and feel more successful because an adult invested in them. Staff know the families that could use a little hand and are recommending supports from Sierra Hope or one of our many community partners.
I also was so happy to see that the rating about students feeling safe at school has also improved dramatically. All but one respondent indicated that their student felt safe at school with a rating of agree or strongly agree. While that one respondent is still one too many and we need to make sure we can engage to fix that experience, I think the increase in supervision, site principal leadership, campus-wide cameras and vape detectors, and addressing issues as they come up/straight up, has certainly supported school climate change. Of course, we can always improve. (Anytime, I say I’m happy, it’s because I’m happy compared to where we were. There is NEVER NOT an opportunity to improve!)
I want to reiterate; we VALUE our connection with our families. If we can help, don’t hesitate to reach out. We always try to use the protocol of contacting the teacher first, then the site principal, then me, but sometimes things leapfrog a little bit out of order and then I’ll redirect as necessary or we all jump into the pond to solve the problem.
Related to other news, I need names of kids that need bikes. We have 100 brand new beautiful bikes ready to give away in March. The staff have recommended some students, but I have more openings! Don’t be bashful here folks. We have a non-profit that takes great pride in supporting local community members to grow their love of cycling. Email me at
lsimson@mtwain.k12.ca.us. WeDeliver Wheels has been an incredible partner with us and Angels-Murphys Rotary Club.
Have a safe and happy weekend!
Sincerely yours,
Louise Simson
Superintendent
650-996-3290
EVERY STUDENT. EVERY DAY. EVERY POSSIBILITY.