February 1, 2024 | Issue 29
"FJUHSD is the Place to Be Safe!"
Dear FJUHSD Staff, Students, and Community,

As we move forward into the second semester, I want to reach out and share some important updates and highlights from our district.
 
Our top priority has always been the safety and well-being of our students and staff members. With this in mind, we're focusing on this month’s theme "FJUHSD: The Place to Be Safe." In addition to enhancing cyber security measures, this year we invested significant resources into upgraded communication devices, increased coordination with our local police and fire departments, and aligned our safety drills on all of our school and District sites. These enhancements will all come together as we are planning a district wide emergency drill at all of our schools on March 14th. This exercise is crucial for preparing our students and staff to respond effectively in emergency situations. Your cooperation and support in reinforcing the importance of this drill with your students is greatly appreciated.
 
January and February is also the time of year for school site Open Houses. We've had a great time hosting Open Houses across our schools this past month. These experiences kick off our open enrollment period, and offer a glimpse into the vibrant life at our schools. It's been a wonderful opportunity for families to engage with our educators and learn about the diverse programs we offer. Our final Open House is set for LV/LSHS on February 8th, and we're excited to see many of you there.
 
To get a deeper insight into what makes each of our schools special, I encourage you to watch our school marketing videos and visit our school websites. These are not just informative but also showcase the spirit and uniqueness of each school in our district.
 
We hope everyone is able to stay connected with all the wonderful happenings in our district through our newsletter. If you know someone that may benefit from learning more about FJUHSD, please encourage them to subscribe to our District and School Site Newsletter and follow us on Social Media.

Warm regards,

Steve McLaughlin, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Click the video below to learn why FJUHSD is the Place to Be Safe!
Table of Contents
Intro
Superintendent's Message (new)
FJUHSD Safe Video (new)
Safety is Our Priority (new)
Last Open House (new)

Administrative Services
Board Meeting Highlights (new)
Shout Outs (new)
Did you Know? (new)
District Art Show (new)
Awareness Days (new)

Technology Services
Tech Tip of the Month (new)

Education/Assessment Services
Kindness Challenge (new)

Business Services
Donations (new)
TRHS New Classroom (new)
SHHS New Ag Classroom Project (new)
FUHS Pool Replacement (new)
National FFA Week (new)
Human Resources
Excellence Among Us (new)
Employee Spotlight (new)
We are Hiring Post/Instagram

Resources
Suicide Prevention Line
CALFRESH - Cash 4 Groceries
More than a Meal
Summer Update/Annual Notice
Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter
District Tip Line/STOPIT
Pupil Attendance Calendar
Aeries Access
Visit our Website
Student Records Request
Tutoring Info (new)
Visit our School links
Social Media Handles
Be Sure to Open the Message to Read the Entire Newsletter
Safety is Our Priority
As part of our ongoing commitment to our safety, our district is actively preparing for a district-wide safety drill in conjunction with local police and fire departments. Significant investments have been made in safety equipment, including standardized emergency supplies and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across campuses to ensure that our schools are well equipped to handle any situation. Communication improvements include updated radio systems and increased safety signage, and ensuring campus supervisors are more visible and accessible. Additionally, we are implementing the Incident Command System (ICS) model across our school safety teams. This structured approach will allow first responders to seamlessly communicate with our schools, should there be an emergency.
Additionally, we're introducing the Blue Point Emergency Notification System for rapid crisis response. Through these efforts, FJUHSD is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all.

Your awareness and participation is crucial. Remember, being informed and prepared are key to ensuring safety. Pay attention to instructions from your teachers and school staff, and don't hesitate to report anything that seems out of the ordinary. Together, we can create a secure and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Last Open House
Click on each link below to learn more about our schools.







Visit our school websites by clicking on the links below
Board Meeting Highlights
At the January Board Meeting, the Board introduced Vince Madsen as our new Director of Facilities, Maintenance & Operations. With his extensive experience and dedication, Vince will lead our district toward a future built on innovation and strength. Please join us in celebrating this new chapter as we continue to enhance our facilities for all students and staff.
Minutes from the meetings of the Board of Trustees can be found on our website.
Shout Outs
SHHS student Performs at Carnegie Hall New York City
We would like to share an incredible achievement by one of our SHHS COFA students, Yena Oh. Yena won a prestigious violin competition and, as a result, performed at none other than Carnegie Hall in NYC! 🎻🏙️ This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to her dedication and talent. Her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the hearts of everyone present. But that's not all – Yena is also a star on the SHHS dance team! 💃 Her ability to juggle the rhythm of dance with the strings of the violin is truly remarkable. This hidden talent of hers has left us all in awe. Yena, you're not just a musician; you're a performer who embodies art in every step. Keep dazzling us with your multifaceted talents! 🌠🎶🕺
TRHS Featured in OCDE Newsroom
We are immensely proud to announce that the Troy High School (TRHS) Preparedness Club is featured in the OCDE Newsroom! This highlights the incredible efforts of our Troy High School students who are actively preparing to support their community through disaster response training. This remarkable initiative is in collaboration with the Fullerton Fire and Police Departments, showcasing a commitment to safety and readiness. Congratulations to all the TRHS students involved in this vital program. Your dedication to learning essential skills and contributing to the safety of our community is truly commendable. Remember, when it comes to being prepared and safe, FJUHSD is the place to be!
(Click on the image to read the entire article.)
Did You Know?
SOHS ROP Academy of Nursing and Medical Careers
Did you know that in 1994 Sonora High School's Academy of Nursing and Medical careers was founded in partnership with North Orange County Regional Occupational Program? This program enables completers to earn a certificate in Medical Assisting! This program helps you prepare for careers in the medical field including Nurse Assistant, Registered Nurse, Dental Hygienist, Lab Technician, Doctor, and many other medical jobs. For more information about this program, visit Sonora High School's website by clicking the image.

Join us at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center

We're thrilled to invite you to the Fullerton Joint Union High School District Art Show, hosted at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. This showcase of exceptional talent will be open from January 18th to February 11th, 2024. Experience the creativity and passion of our District students as they display their amazing artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity to support young artists and be inspired by their vision. Don't miss out on this celebration of art and community! We can't wait to see you there!
Awareness Days

FJUHSD recognizes
the following Awareness Days for the month of February.

National African American History Month (all month)

National School Counseling Week
Feb 5-9

Lincoln Day-NoSchool
February 12

National FFA Week
February 17-24, 2024

National PTA Founders Day
February 17

Presidents Day-No School
February 19

CTE Month
Entire month of February
Technology Services
TECH TIP OF THE MONTH
The FJUHSD Technology Department is here to help!

The FJUHSD Technology Services Department supports technology for students, teachers, and staff to promote and monitor educational growth at a high standard of excellence. We are committed to providing up-to-date technology while providing a high level of customer service. Click on the image to reset your password.


Visit our Technology Page for helpful information
and technology support.
The Great Kindness Challenge
Kindness is always a focus for our schools, but in particular, our students are encouraged to spread kindness during the annual Kindness Week. Across the District, our students engaged in various activities designed to promote kindness. At some sites, students wrote positive notes to their classmates and were able to be the “I” in KIND. At another site, students decorated rocks to show that Kindness Rocks! FJUHSD is fortunate to have an outstanding team of Mental Health Specialists who work day in and day out to support the mental well-being of our students. Thank you to our Mental Health Specialist team for organizing this and the multitude of other events and supports available to our amazing students!
Donations Given to the District in Support of Our Students

At the Board meeting on January 9, 2024, the following donations were accepted on behalf of the Board.

  • The Orange County Farm Bureau donated $8,000 in support of the agriculture program at Fullerton Union High School.
  • Jeffery and Sandra Moritz donated $500 in support of the agricultural program at Sonora High School.
  • Total Environmental Management, Inc. donated $500 in support of the agriculture program at Sonora High School.
  • Mr. Luis Marron donated $100 in support of the instrumental music program at Buena Park High School.

Thank you for your generous donations!
Troy High School New Classroom Building Project
Work continues to progress at the Troy High School classroom building project with the structure beginning to come up and take shape. The first water connections have been installed. Walls have been framed, roof supports are in and the sheathing of the building and roof is nearing completion. Rough electrical and plumbing for the building will begin in the next few days.
Sunny Hills High School New Agriculture Classroom Project
The excavation for the new building pad and ramp area is moving along. The existing underground data line beneath the pad and ramp area has been safeguarded throughout the excavation process. Geotechnical engineers will conduct tests on soil samples before importing new soil to the site. After the soil testing is completed, the new soil will be brought to the site. The building area will be elevated using the imported soil and then compacted.
Fullerton Union High School Pool Replacement
The Fullerton Union High School pool replacement project is moving forward even with unfavorable and challenging weather conditions. The pool perimeter lines have been defined and excavation has started for all underground piping. The fire lane and campus quad areas have been completed. The coach's restroom upgrade per code requirement is near completion. The pool deck student restroom renovation is in progress.
National FFA Week - February 17-24, 2024
Future Farmers of America (FFA) members will celebrate agriculture and FFA during National FFA Week. FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the nation’s top school-based youth leadership development organization, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by encouraging members to develop their unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, food suppliers, innovators, and more! National FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday and encompasses George Washington’s birthday.
 
The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, to recognize Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business, and more.
Excellence Among Us
The Fullerton Joint Union High School District is fortunate to be served by many outstanding classified, certificated, supervisory, confidential, management, and administrative staff members. Each month, Human Resources has the honor of showcasing a staff member or members who contribute to the support, development, and success of our students and who help to make this District exceptional. This month, Human Resources is proud to recognize the certificated, classified, and supervisory staff members who will be featured in Human Resources’ first-ever recruitment videos. Gratitude goes out to Psychologist Crystal Mackey, Special Educators Charlotte Dobyns, Kellie Ma and Marisa Sanders, Science Teachers Sean Dachtler, Amy Michelotti and Jim Pitochelli, World Language Teachers Cindy Ruiz and Alex Walker, Director of Transportation Carina Lazcano, Bus Driver Margarita Johnson, and Instructional Aide Santiago Alvarez. Thank you each for participating in the making of our first-ever recruitment videos, for being the faces of our outstanding District and for representing the exceptional work that our employees perform each and every day. Your exceptional service to our staff, students, parents, community, and District truly represents the excellence among us! The completed videos will be shared with all stakeholders via social media in the coming months.
Employee Spotlight
We are excited to highlight an individual whose exceptional skills and steadfast dedication have significantly raised the bar of excellence within our maintenance department. We extend our warmest congratulations to Jose for being selected as this month's Spotlight Employee.
Jose's commitment to excellence is evident in every task he undertakes, showcasing a level of dedication that goes above and beyond. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach have significantly contributed to the smooth operation and upkeep of our facilities, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for both students and staff.
FJUHSD Resources Page

Please visit our comprehensive resources page, which is filled with a myriad of community resources designed to support and empower you.
Whether you're seeking information on education, healthcare, local services, or other essential aspects of community support, our page is a one-stop destination for valuable resources.
Click the image to visit the FJUHSD Community Resources page.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
CALFRESH - CASH 4 GROCERIES
MORE THAN A MEAL
Tutoring

Do you need a tutor? Click on the photo to sign-up for a tutor and get the help you need. FJUHSD is the place to be Successful!
Click on the above Social Media icons to view postings
We hope you find this newsletter a helpful resource. If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, please have them visit our website to view the newsletter or click the “subscribe” button to make sure they never miss a newsletter.
Thank you