Superintendent
August 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It has been a productive summer and I am so happy to welcome you back to Oak Grove Union School District for another incredible year. Over the last few years as Superintendent, I have been fortunate to have had the support of an amazing staff and community to meet our challenges with determination and a positive attitude. We grow stronger with each year and I am so proud of the many accomplishments our staff and students have made. We will continue to grow, reflect, and improve with our focus on student well-being and academic success. As an educator, parent, former Trustee, and community member for over 22 years, I am truly invested in the success of our district.
Academic & Enrichment Program
We continue to align our LCAP goals to focus on continuous improvement and support for students. Our Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Program is focused on Equity for All; providing each student with the tools and support they need to be successful. Over summer, our staff participated in many professional development opportunities to better support students and create a welcoming environment for learning.
· Science of Reading Fellowship- Elementary teachers, education specialists, and administrators
· Building Thinking Classrooms Math Collaborative- OGE and WS teachers
· How Numbers Dance Summer Institute- OGE teachers
· MTSS Professional Learning Institute- OGE and WS educators, counselor, and administrators
· Equity for Grading Fellowship- WS teachers
· Restorative Practices - OGE teachers, counselors, and administrators
· Para-professional essentials- OGE and WS Instructional Assistants
· Science of Reading Book Club: Shifting the Balance K-2 and 3-5 -OGE teachers and administrators
· August Welcome Back Professional Development Sessions: Science of Reading, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Academic Block Collaboration time, Universal Design for Learning, Next Generation Science Standards, Math Group Work
Additionally, we are proud of our enriching programs that enhance our instruction. For the first time ever, we have two full time credentialed Art and Theater teachers providing fine arts instruction. This enhances our program that includes art, music, garden, middle school electives, and athletics. In addition, we extend our learning through our Before and After School (BAAS) program as well as through engaging field trips to support our academic program. Our field trips are co-funded with the support from Oak Grove Educational Partners (OGEP).
Social Emotional Learning & Wellness
As an educational institution, our core responsibility is student learning, and to this end, we know that all students learn best in environments where they are seen, heard, valued and respected. This is a value that we share across our district and one that strongly guides our work. Students need to feel safe and welcome in order to make academic progress. At OGUSD, we are focused on supporting social emotional development with lessons and guidance from our counselors and social emotional learning curriculum. We have a full time counselor at each site as well as additional counseling support through Keystone Counseling Services. We utilize the Toolbox program at OGE and Character Strong at WMS. We also incorporate Welcoming Schools lessons and ongoing professional development is planned in partnership with Sonoma County Office of Education.
Communication
OGUSD utilizes Parent Square for school communication. Make sure you download the app and check it regularly. All emergency communication and/or any school closure notices will be posted through Parent Square and on our website. Aeries Parent Portal is where grades and state assessments are posted. We will host a parent information session as part of our Back to School Night events on how to access and use these communication tools and resources.
Safety
OGUSD has policies and procedures to support a safe learning environment. We are intentionally working to address behaviors in a restorative manner so those involved can learn and grow more respectful and empathic toward others in the process. We take our obligation and responsibility to educate our students regarding appropriate behaviors and prepare them for the next step in their educational journey very seriously. (Safe and Welcoming Schools for All Statement) While students are here, learning and engaged in our before and after school programs, the campus is not open to the public. Our first priority is to maintain campus security and student safety. We require all visitors to check in at the front office when visiting classrooms or volunteering. Along with practicing regular safety drills, we also have our updated Safety Plans on the website and our middle school has a comprehensive camera system for surveillance. Our principals will share site specific campus protocols and visitor information in their upcoming newsletters.
Staff
Our OGUSD staff works tirelessly to make our schools a place where your child feels connected and engaged. We are happy to have so many new and talented staff join our district and we are sure you will be impressed with their enthusiasm. In support of our district goals and initiatives, our staff continually looks for opportunities to learn and provide students with what they need. We all care deeply about the success of our children. We are lucky to have such a caring staff whose focus is on building positive relationships with each and every student!
Volunteer Opportunities
We encourage families to get involved in our schools. You can volunteer in the classroom, on campus, or through Oak Grove Education Partners (OGEP). OGEP is an incredible group of volunteers that supports fundraising efforts, field trips, and community events. Thank you OGEP! To learn more about how to get involved, you can always reach out to your site principal or check out OGEP on our website. We also have opportunities for parents to serve on committees such as School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee, etc. More information about these committees will be shared at Back to School Night events.
In closing, I look forward to our continued partnership and another great year together! We will continue to grow, reflect, and improve with our focus on student well-being and academic success. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have throughout the year. My email is astringfellow@ogusd.org and my office phone number is 707.545.0171 x301.
Sincerely,
Amber Stringfellow
Superintendent
