Superintendent's Friday Update
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Karen Hendricks
Superintendent
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Hello to our Alta Loma Community,
In this week's update, we wanted to focus on some of the important fiscal aspects of District operations. A school district's budget is a financial picture of what we can make happen for students, and it is a trust placed in by the community to be sound stewards of fiscal resources. Transparency around these matters is critical.
In advance of our May 12 Special Board Meeting: Budget Study Session, our team is pleased to highlight information related to the utilization and impact of Measure H Bond funds, as well as the auditing process which is both required and appreciated.
It is my hope that you will find this important ALSD topic to be of interest! In addition, you'll see our Calendar of Upcoming Events and the snapshots of Some Great Things Happening at our Schools below.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead!
My best to you,
Karen Hendricks
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A Focus on Sound Fiscal Practices |
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Students Return to Renovated Schools
After more than a year away from physically being on school campuses, students at several Alta Loma School District schools returned to see things have changed.
While school sites were closed to students because of the COVID-19 pandemic, modernization work funded through the 2016 $58 million Measure H bond measure continued. The school district has completed or is in the process of renovating five ALSD schools.
“The updates and modernization at our schools are so very much needed for teaching and learning, and the improvements are exceptional,” said ALSD trustee Rebecca Davies at Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting. “The students are excited to be back, and they have been appreciative of all that has been done so far. We are so very thankful to our community for realizing the need and for supporting our students and our schools.”
Modernization projects at both junior high schools are complete, as well as a new classroom building at Deer Canyon Elementary, which was the district’s first new building construction in nearly 20 years.
Work at Vineyard Junior High included renovations of the music/band room, administration office, restrooms, classrooms and science labs. Roofing on campus buildings was also replaced.
“We are excited about our Measure H renovations that have been taking place at Vineyard thanks to the community supporting our school bond,” said Vineyard Principal Sandy Rose.
Alta Loma Junior High saw similar renovations to its music/band room, classrooms, weight room and restrooms, along with interior and campus-wide upgrades across the campus.
Solar lighting and new cabinetry, bookcases, sinks, wall coverings, carpeting and furniture have been added at both junior high schools. Walls were repainted and ceilings replaced, while infrastructure upgrades were made to heating and air conditioning systems, fire alarms, technology systems and various ADA-required improvements.
“We have enjoyed the updates in the classrooms,” said Michele Rachielles, Alta Loma Junior High principal. “While students were all learning from home, teachers appreciated the lighting in the rooms with solar tubes during Google meets. They also utilized multiple screens including the wall monitors and projectors during distance and hybrid learning.”
Among the technological upgrades to classrooms are distributed sound systems and large video monitors to expand the schools’ in-class and distance learning capabilities.
“Our students have loved returning to fully renovated classrooms, and our staff have found the new technology updates to be invaluable, especially while teaching students through Distance Learning and in-person at the same time,” Rose said.
As building projects neared conclusion at the junior high schools, similar modernization projects commenced at several elementary schools. Work at Deer Canyon and Jasper is expected to be finished by late spring and mid-summer, respectively. Renovations also are in progress at Carnelian Elementary.
“We are extremely pleased with the construction, modernization and critical updates taking place on our campus,” said Carnelian Principal Chris Deegan. “It's been a pleasure working with GO Architects, Spec Construction and Tilden-Coil Constructors. Brian Salsgiver has been a tremendous leader for ALSD, and his expert knowledge and management practices have been very helpful in keeping all of the work moving forward with high expectations and quality control.
“As a collaborative team, we meet and walk the job site weekly. This has allowed us to maintain clear communication and find opportunities to expedite the pace of the work. I know our Carnelian students and teachers benefit already from the work that has been done, and we will look forward to continuing to see many more benefits when the project is completed. All of this work revolves around providing the best learning environment for our Alta Loma students, and that drives and motivates everyone who is working together on this project.”
Plans for Hermosa, Victoria Groves, Banyan, Stork and Alta Loma elementary schools have been approved by the California Division of the State Architect, which provides design and construction oversight for K–12 schools, community colleges, and various other state-owned and leased facilities.
Modernization is expected to begin in the coming months at two additional schools that will be identified soon.
“When our Measure H Bond projects are complete in several years, all schools will have been upgraded to a similar standard,” said Steve Thomas, Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services.
A list of ALSD’s completed and planned Measure H-funded projects and plans can be viewed on the District’s Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee report here.
Click here to view the Measure H progress update provided at the April 21 Board Meeting.
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Audits of School Districts
Eric Hart, Director II, Fiscal Services
The Governing Board of each school district is required, per Education Code Section 41020(b), to either provide for an annual audit or arrange with the county superintendent of schools to provide for the annual audit. CPAs or public accountants planning to conduct Local Education Agency audits must be included in the SCO published Certified Public Accountants Directory Service.
Audits of school districts include both financial statement audits and Federal and State program compliance audits. Audits of a school district are conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the standards set forth in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Education, Section 19810, et seq.
The report shall be presented as prescribed in the Guide for Annual Auditor of K-12 Local Education Agencies and State Compliance Reporting published by the Education Audit Appeals Panel, Government Auditing Standards and Federal Single Audits requirements.
Audit reports must be filed with the State Controller’s Office, the California Department of Education and local County Superintendent of Schools by December 15 of each year. If the audit report contains a finding or findings that may be considered apportionment significant, SCO will send the LEA a certification letter with information on its appeal rights. The LEA has 30 days from the date the U.S. Postal Service delivers the letter to request a summary review of any apportionment-significant audit finding or findings on the grounds of substantial compliance. In addition, the LEA has 60 days from delivery of the letter or 30 days following the conclusion of a summary review, with regard to the findings included in that review, to file a formal appeal of any apportionment-significant finding or findings on any of the grounds set forth in California Education Code section 41344(d).
Audit reports from prior years can be found on the District website.
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Other Upcoming Events:
- Wednesday, April 28 - District LCAP Advisory Committee 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 5 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Alta Loma Junior High School; 5 p.m. 2019-2020 Retiree Celebration; 6 p.m. Meeting begins
- May 10 - 14 Teacher Appreciation Week
- Wednesday, May 12 - 9 a.m. Special Board Meeting: Budget Study Session
- Wednesday, May 12 - California Day of the Teacher
- Wednesday, May 19 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Alta Loma Junior High School; 5 p.m. 2020-2021 Retiree Celebration; 6 p.m. Meeting begins
- May 17 - 21 Classified School Employee Week
- May 25 Last Day of School Grades K-7
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May 26 Last Day of School Grade 8
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Some Great Things Happening At Our Schools |
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Alta Loma Elementary School
From Principal Dolly Bentley:
At ALE, our second grade classes are currently working on a service learning project with the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center. Students are learning about the adoption process, how to use the characteristics of animals and people to create successful matches, and different ways to support local shelters. The Animal Center has generously created a video so the second graders can gain a better understanding of what happens there on a daily basis. Students are also creating toys and blankets that will soon be donated! A big thank you to our 2nd grade teachers, Ms. Pingrey, Mrs. Megowan and Mrs. Sclafani. for their efforts in educating our students about their community and ways to help!
A huge thank you to our office staff, Kim Hahn, Dora Mangold and Lauren Lewin, for all of their hard work this year. The office team has tackled many new projects, assisted with schedules, and have truly been the administrator’s right hand! They have played a huge role in making student rosters and connecting with families as we began to bring back our students for in person learning. We are eternally grateful for their support through this crazy year! We could not have done it without you ALE office staff!!
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Banyan Elementary School
From Principal Cara Cerecerez:
This week we celebrate our Administrative Professionals. Banyan is so thankful to have these three ladies (Ms. Criner, Mrs. Alexander and Mrs. Clark) who keep Banyan up and running on a daily basis. Their connection with the staff, students and community make Banyan a great place to learn!
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Carnelian Elementary School
From Principal Chris Deegan:
Professional, caring, compassionate, efficient and highly dedicated are some of the adjectives that describe these wonderful ladies. We are truly fortunate to have them at the core of all that we do at Carnelian.
All of our kindergarten students are working the soil and beautifying our campus by planting wonderful plants and flowers. We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our teachers, the generosity of our parents, and the care and attention for our planet from our young scholars.
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Deer Canyon Elementary School
From Principal Donna Carlson:
A HUGE thank you goes out to Lisa Critchfield and Annette Embleton! We honor and celebrate these two amazing ladies every day, but especially on Administrative Professionals Day on April 21. They are the heart and soul of our busy Deer Canyon front office and keep everything running smoothly for our staff, students and our whole school community!
April 21 was also National Kindergarten Day! Our Kindergarten students have been in-person for 22 days and in school for 155 days. Our youngest DC Eagles are enjoying their modernized classrooms with natural lighting, secondary monitors and surround sound to support learning in the 21st century. This week, our Kinders were excited to learn and write about insects and their attributes. Some of their beautiful caterpillars and butterflies made their way into our front office!
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Hermosa Elementary School
From Principal Val Bires:
These three ladies are the sunshine of our school! They tackle projects, welcome families, coordinate everything, give the best care to our Huskies and support our staff. Without them we would be lost! They are loved by students, staff and families. Thank you to Mrs. Amy Hernandez, Mrs. Melissa Gomez and Mrs. Monique Kramer for all that you do!
As Earth Day approaches this week, we would like to honor our fifth graders who participated in this year's Cucamonga Valley Water District 5th grade poster contest. The contest theme, Water is Life, provides promising young artists a chance to illustrate the importance of water in our community. Students are asked every year to create a poster that encourages others to save and protect our water. Enjoy watching their creations by clicking the link: https://video214.com/play/FWRxmFpMnoSk61ZoOK5V4g/s/dark
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Jasper Elementary School
From Interim Principal
Curtis Quanstrom:
When one thinks about the true meaning of the word family and looks for living examples of the word, then one needs look no further than the Jasper office, where three remarkable women take the helm each day. They accept the full responsibility of making sure the school runs smoothly, effectively and profoundly to the benefit of the school’s student, staff and parent community.
Janet Marenette stepped out of retirement and into the role of school secretary with unyielding commitment to serving the needs of the entire school. She has been a saving grace since arriving in March. Janea Wynn-Liggins is the right hand of everyone who comes into contact with her as she illuminates the front office with her smile and “can do” attitude. She is positive and supportive in all aspects of the two words. Elida Castellanos tends to the health needs of students and staff alike. Much like taking one’s temperature, she is able to read the room and pitch in wherever she is needed. She has given her talent to healing the needs of Jasper's family. As we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, we have in these three women the epitome of delight, commitment to completing valuable educational work, and the embracing of responsibility for the betterment of our school. So what is family? Janet, Janea, Elida and the entire Jasper staff who bring love, joy, and happiness to the atmosphere of the campus. We honor each and every Jasper family member.
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Mr. Curtis Quanstrom, who has been appointed as Principal of Jasper Elementary School effective July 1, 2021!
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Floyd M. Stork Elementary School
From Principal Phil Suttner:
GATE/STEM Coordinator Mrs. Eakle led our GATE students with a fascinating STEM project this trimester. Students were challenged to build a roller coaster using only paper and tape. They had to use physics applications and develop their engineering minds to come up with a
plan to start their marble at the top and have it make it to the finish line.
Stork is so fortunate to have our office staff!
We celebrated Administrative Professionals Day on April 21. We would be lost without them, especially this year. Thank you Susan Evans and Mary Emminger.
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Victoria Groves Elementary School
From Principal Kristy Johnson:
This week we celebrated our wonderful office staff. Kelly Skala, Christina McGlothlin, Susana Martinez and Dawn McDowell have all been instrumental this year in keeping our amazing school running. They are loved by staff, students and families. We are so thankful for their dedication to VGS.
VGS has been busy planning for the summer programs that will be held on our campus. We are excited to host C.A.M.P. Alta Loma and Summer Day Camp!
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Alta Loma Junior High School
From Principal Michele Rachielles:
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Alta Loma Junior High celebrates the amazing staff members who keep the front office running!
A huge thank you to (clockwise) Nurse Lisa, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Pittenger, Ms. Coyle, and Mrs. Race! This team is sensational at supporting Students through excellent customer service, positive public contact, and student focused care and concern.
We were also so proud to celebrate Krista Hamilton for her Honorary Service Award from the PTSA. Mrs. Hamilton goes above and beyond every year, but during this exceptional year, she has really kept ALJH afloat. To the Best School Secretary ever, we appreciate you!
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Vineyard Junior High School
From Principal Sandy Rose:
One of Vineyard’s biggest virtual clubs is our Art Club led by Mrs. LeBeck. This club provides our students with an opportunity to share their creative projects in a positive and safe environment. The club is open to anyone interested in art, not just students who are enrolled in the art classes. Students share the projects they are working on, what their creative process entails, and the media they use on their creations. As many as 45 students participate in this fun club on a weekly basis. We are grateful to Mrs. LeBeck for providing such a great opportunity for our students. Check out some of the talented artwork above from three of our Vikings!
On Wednesday, we celebrated our amazing office staff on Administrative Professionals Day. These dedicated employees go above and beyond on a daily basis to keep our office running smoothly and efficiently. Their organization, hard work, compassion for students, and professionalism are to be commended. There is no doubt that they are essential to our school’s success. We appreciate all that they do for our staff, students, and school community! #VJHOfficeRocks!
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