CUSD
December 2023
	
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	Clovis Unified S 1450 Herndon Clovis, CA 936
	
Clovis Unified School District — DEVELOPING STUDENTS IN MIND, BODY & SPIRIT	Volume 26, No. 5

FOLLOW US ON	AND AT	M

restrooms, thanks
bond dollars.
boundary changes
our schools are
“
”

Attendance map changes coming

Public input, feedback to be sought at school meetings

Changes will be coming to student attendance boundaries for several Clovis Unified schools,
We know
and public meetings and op-portunities for community input will begin in late January.
are hard and can
cause stress, but I
want to reassure
our Clovis Unified
families that all
With the opening of a new educational center in the south-eastern corner of the district in less than two years, a steering committee of approximately 50 Clovis Unified employees and administrators is meeting this winter to research adjustments to school attendance maps.
special.
The committee is looking at enrollment trends and student populations across the entire district and at the individual
school level, and it is also con-                       Corrine Folmer, Ed.D. sidering future housing devel-                     CUSD Superintendent
opment plans in the cities of
Fresno and Clovis that will bring new growth and enrollment. Clovis Unified’s 198-square-mile boundaries, which extend south to Kings Canyon Boulevard and north to the edge of Millerton Lake, include most of the city of Clovis, 20% of the city of Fresno and a small portion of unincorporated Fresno County.
While the driving force behind the review is the addition of the Terry P. Bradley Educational Center at Highland and Clinton avenues in Fresno – a campus that will house Clovis South High School and a yet-to-be-named intermediate school – the committee’s boundary review includes looking at all district schools in terms of capacity and recommending adjustments to create more eficient use of schools that are under capacity while easing crowding at those that are over capacity.
Initial findings by the committeeshow that schools in the Clovis East Area and some in the Clovis Area are currently overcrowded, and likely some of those students will become part of the new Clovis South Area. On the opposite side of the district, data shows that most schools in the Clovis West Area have seats available, while several schools in the nearby Clovis North Area and Buchanan Area are at or above capacity.
“It is our responsibility as stewards of these public facilities that as we revise our attendance boundaries for the Bradley Center that we look at the entire district to ensure we are best utilizing all schools’ capacities as we continue to plan for future growth,” said Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D. “And I have tasked the com-mittee to work on scenarios which minimize student disruption while maximizing the use of our district facilities.”
By late January, the committee will release drafts of possible new attendance lines that determine what school a child attends. Livestream events, area community meetings and SART (parent)

‰ Please see Boundaries, Page 4

Join the conversation

‰ Area meetings: Community review in each school area to be scheduled for late January. Two will be livestreamed..
‰ SART meetings: Parent meeting at each school

‰ CUSD.com: Meeting information, updates, map propos-

als, timeline, comment form

GAME CHANGER Marquee soccer complex opens at CE
Soccer fans can now enjoy some of the area’s top high school soccer competitions in Clovis East High’s newly constructed soccer complex
– up to 1,500 fans to be exact!
The Timberwolves are celebrating the completion of the district’s newest marquee venue that in the future could
become the site for area championships, tournaments or even a professional soccer
exhibition game.
The nearly yearlong construction project in-cluded adding bleachers that seat 1,500 people, two field houses with bathrooms, lights, a sound system, video scoreboard, ticket booth and con-cession stand surrounding the T’Wolves’ existing soccer field.
“We believe the new Clovis East Soccer Sta-dium is a game changer, and it will further inspire students to pursue a passion for one of the world’s most popular sports,” said Clovis East Principal Ryan Eisele, Ed.D.
The first oficial Clovis East home game was Stadium features	played in the complex Nov. 16, and the district
have been added to                                                          held a ribbon cutting ceremony in early December Clovis East High’s                                                          that included CUSD Superintendent Corrine soccer field to                                                          Folmer, Ed.D. – who played soccer in college include a                                                          and as a student at Buchanan High – kicking a
scoreboard, ticket	goal during the festivities.
booth, lights,                                                               Initial plans for the complex were developed bleachers, field                                                          when the school was built, with Phase 1 being houses and                                                          the development of the field and Phase 2, the additional amenities. Work on completing the
to voter-approved
second phase began in December 2022 following the community’s support of a bond measure
Photos by	that among other district projects included this. Kendra Burt/CUSD Today	‰ Please see Complex, Page 2

CDE TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
CTE health pathway teacher in state’s Top 10

Clovis East High teacher Kelly Eichmann, Ph.D, RDN, will be celebrated in the new year as a Top 10 finalist in the California Department of Education’s 2024 California Teacher of the Year Awards. Eichmann teaches the Career Technical Education (CTE) Patient Care Pathway: Medical Careers and Health and Medical Wellness. She was named Fresno County Teacher of the Year in 2022 and then was nominated for the state honor.
The awards program recognizes educators and their out-standing work. For Eichmann, that includes her advocating for her students through community partnerships and equipment that allows her to provide real-world health-set-ting experiences to spark an understanding of the medical field. Her classroom is set up much like a make-shift hospi-tal, and students – wearing scrubs – learn everything from first-aid to CPR. They study the anatomy and body systems on a medical-school grade Anatomage Table that allows vir-tual dissection. They also visit local healthcare mentors who share even more about the variety of careers in the industry by letting students shadow their work.
When asked about her approach to teaching, Eichmann responded: “I see myself in my students. As someone who struggled with learning disabilities, I realize that not all stu-dents learn in the same way. … My philosophy of teaching is you can do it and I’m going to help you. This belief is a very empowering idea. Everyone deserves to have someone who pushes them to realize their best self.”

Creativity Captured

Around 900 students in special educa-tion programs from all 34 Clovis Uni-fied elementary schools created mas-terpieces for the district’s Special Edu-cation Fall Art Show. The creative work can be viewed during business hours through mid-December in the district’s Professional Development Building, 1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis.

Photos by Kendra Burt/CUSD Today

2024.
Clovis East High
University of Missouri.
n n n
ans Memorial
in the CIAL
HIGH SCHOOL –
Boys Cross Country, Buchanan, (Clovis
SPORTS

Page 2	CUSD Today	December 2023

Clovis West High 38 athletes

Buchanan High sign college

Clovis East High letters of

Clovis North High intent to play

The commitments have begun. Thirty-	Baptist University. eight standout Clovis Unified athletes took
ceremonies in November.
just some of the college destinations of
Fresno Pacific University; Julia Schulze,
part in National Letter of Intent signing          Shelby Folmer, Track and Field, Fresno Northwestern University, UCLA, Fresno     Pacific University; Zoie Lango, Soccer, State and the Virigina Military Institute are     Softball, Webber International University; seniors who, in front of cheering family,     Carter Spradling, Cross Country/Track,
friends and coaches last month, made known
their commitment to play their sport in fall	Clovis North High
Congratulations to:
Buchanan High
Emma Blea, Softball, Northwestern Uni-versity; Elise Bliss, Water Polo, Cal State Fullerton; Allison Bone, Water Polo, Uni-
Megan Avery, Beach Volleyball, Cal State	versity of California, San Diego; Samantha Bakersfield; Chris Bettencourt, Golf, Fresno	Ebell, Cross Country/Track, Cal Poly San State; Avery Chaney, Soccer, California	Luis Obispo; Kaitelyn Emmons, Cross Polytechnic State University; Grace Goudy,	Country/Track, Utah Valley University; Jor-Beach Volleyball, Stetson University; Isabella	dan Espinoza, Basketball, Cal State East Hernandez, Stunt/Cheer, Vanguard Uni-	Bay; Sierra Garza, Beach Volleyball, Saint versity;Vanna Quintana, Basketball, Weber	Mary’s College; Makenna Genco, Water State University; Hollie Sauceda, Water	Polo, Santa Clara University; Jayden Hertel, Polo, Virginia Military Institute; Morgan	Baseball, University of Las Vegas, Nevada; Schink, Water Polo, Indiana University;	Shae Kuntz, Soccer, Fresno State; Ava Stefania Sesock, Track and Field, University	Mirelez, Soccer, Cal State Fullerton; Alexis of California, San Diego; Derek Smith,	Naranjo, Swimming, University of Illinois, Track and Field, University of California,	Chicago;Sommer Nestman, Soccer, Brigham Los Angeles; Logan Studt, Football, Fresno	Young University; Teg Pandher, Cross Coun-State; Calen Sullivan, Wrestling, Wayland	try/Track, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Kaitlin

Complex:

FROM PAGE ONE
“We are very excited for our students and community to get to play in such a great facility,” said Assistant Superintendent of Facility Services Denver Stairs. “We continue to be thankful to our community for supporting Clovis Unified projects that enhance student experiences and provide encouragement and inspiration for stu-dents to succeed.”
The new additions to the soccer field will also provide improvements to other athletic programs. Several of the features were inten-tionally designed so they can be used by neigh-boring sports fields. For example, the concession stand, field houses and bathrooms have dual entrances and can be opened on one side to serve soccer or on the other to serve a softball or football event.
“This is another example of our district supporting [founding district superintendent] Dr. Floyd B. Buchanan’s vision for providing our community with first-class facilities,” Eisele said.
For a look at the new complex, upcoming Clovis East home games are scheduled Dec. 15, 16, 18 and 29. See rec.cusd.com for more information.

Powell, Beach Volleyball, Morehead State;	mon, Golf, California Baptist University; Kiara Sipe, Softball, Fresno State; Kaylin	Athena Tomlinson, Basketball, Boston Col-Wheeler, Soccer, Nicholls State University.	lege
Clovis West High	Editor’s Note: Clovis High is planning to
Avery Easterling,Swimming, California	hold a signing ceremony in December. Watch Baptist University; Hannah Marinovich,	CUSD social media for pictures and names Swimming, University of Tennessee; Tyler	of those student athletes to be posted when Patrick, Baseball, Fresno State; Lisa Shim-	available.

Fall sports champions celebrate wins

Thousands of students across the district	Fifth/Sixth Grade: Girls Team, Dry Creek; took part in fall sports, learning not just the Boys Team, Woods Elementary; Girls Indi-skills of their chosen game but also developing vidual, Ava Marquez, Mickey Cox, 5:45.03; traits of working hard,dedication and being a Boys Individual, Chase Davis, Red Bank, good teammate.                                                 5:06.97 (new record)
In Clovis Unified elementary schools, the	Girls Volleyball: Dry Creek, first; Sierra fall sports sea- Vista Elementary, second
son culminated	Football: Fugman, Reagan and Cedarwood in	district elementary (champions); Pinedale, Riverview, championships Dry Creek (runners up)
around Veter-
held in and INTERMEDIATE – CIAL CHAMPIONS

Stadium on the
Buchanan Edu-
cational Center.
In secondary
schools, inter-
mediate teams
finished strong
Seventh Grade: Football, Kastner; Girls Volleyball, Reyburn; Boys Water Polo, Alta Sierra; Girls Water Polo, Kastner; Eighth Grade – Football, Clark; Girls Volleyball, Alta Sierra; Boys Water Polo, Alta Sierra; Girls Water Polo, Clark; Seventh/Eighth Grade: GirlsTennis, Granite Ridge; GirlsGolf,Granite Ridge; Boys Cross Country, Granite Ridge;
league, and high Girls Cross Country, Alta Sierra. school teams topped TRAC play, with many
advancing to compete in regional and state TRAC CHAMPIONS playoffs.
and fans on a great season!
ELEMENTARY TITLES
Congratulations to all participants, coaches East won Valley Title); Girls Cross Country, Buchanan (Valley Title); Football, Clovis North (DI Valley Title); Girls Golf, Clovis
Cross Country: Fourth Grade – Girls West(Valley Title); Girls Gymnastics,Clovis Team: Fugman Elementary; Boys Team, Dry West; Girls Tennis, Clovis North; Girls Vol-Creek Elementary;                                            leyball, Buchanan (DI- Valley Title); Boys Girls Individual: Briele Marina, Fugman, Water Polo,Buchanan(DI-ValleyTitle; Clovis
6:03.92; Boys Individual, Dylan Greenberg, won DIII Regional); Girls Water Polo, Clo-Fugman, 5:38.82	vis and Clovis North.

Free workshops hosted by school counse ing ofices will
Feb. 26 and March 13; Clovis North High, March 4; and
Asbestos management plan in place
Parent Academy workshops
Feb. 20 – “Understanding Interventions, 504’s and IEP’s”
mentary)
Virtual Parent Café
Does your child have an IEP? Would you enjoy meeting
www.tinyurl.com/frcjan-9-24.
n
6-8 p.m., Jan. 23, 2024
808 Fourth St., Clovis
December 2023	CUSD Today	Page 3

‰ Announcements

Free tutoring help day or night
Is your child stuck on a math homework problem? Getting confused about adverbs and adjectives, and there’s a quiz the next day? No worries! One-on-one tutoring help is just a click away 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for Clovis Unified students at all grade levels. The district makes available free access to tutor.com, a service of The Princeton Review, to provide students with online tutoring anytime without charge to families. Students using the service can expect one-on-one help through a live messaging window, with the ability for the student or tutor to share screens on a whiteboard on which both write and view.
“It’s a great resource year-round, and right now as our students are heading into the end of semester and looking into unit tests and finals and needing some help, this is a great place to get it,” said Curriculum and Instruction Assistant Su-perintendent Erin Waer.
To access the on-demand service, students can log into their Clever account and select the tutor.com app.
‘The Lightning Thief” opens in January Clovis High’s production of “The Light-

ening Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” will be performed in January. The lively musical tells the tale of Poseidon’s son, Percy Jackson, discovering powers he doesn’t yet know how to control, being chased by monsters and trying to keep the Greek gods from battling one another.
The fun takes place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 20 and 25-27, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 20 and 27, at the Mercedes Edwards Theatre, 902 Fifth St., Clovis. For information and tickets: cusd.com/events.
‘12 Angry Jurors’ coming soon
The courtroom drama “12 Angry Jurors” will be performed by Clovis East High at the Dan Pessano Theater starting in January. The play takes a close look at a jury panel as they consider the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murder.
The production will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 1-3 at Pessano
Theater, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno. For information
and tickets: cusd.com/events. CUSD holiday closures

Clovis Unified schools will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 for Winter Break. The CUSD business ofices at Herndon and Sunnyside avenues will be closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. College financial workshops

Clovis Unified high schools are offering workshops to assist seniors who plan to attend college next fall and their parents with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Ap-plication) online. FAFSA is not just for low-income students and should be completed by all students planning to attend a community college for either a career certificate or transfer degree and by all students planning to attend a four-year uni-versity. The application determines eligibility for financial aid

Curious about Career Technical Education? Clovis Unified families are invited

to learn more about the district’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program offered to high school students at CTE Night, an informational fair in January that will have demonstrations, booths and details about the district’s 21 different career education pathways.
CTE provides students opportunities to personalize their education based on
career interest and learning needs. Path-
ways include agriculture, child devel-	CTE Night opment, construction, engineering de-
n
Clovis Memorial Building,
sign, financial services, patient care, soft-ware development and more.
These classes give hands-on instruc-	nDetails: cusd.com/cte tion combined with real-world experi-
ence. CTE Night is designed for prospec- the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, into their schedule by talking with their tive students to visit with current students 808 Fourth St., Clovis.	school academic counselor. For a full and staff to gain a better understanding	Enrollment for 2024-25 CTE courses list of pathways and more details about of the many opportunities. The drop-in will begin soon after, and students can Clovis Unified’s CTE program, visit event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 at learn more about fitting CTE classes cusd.com/cte.

and it is also used for college scholarship information that can	program, contact Adam Belmont at the number above. include need-based, academic merit and athletic scholarships.
High, Dec. 12, Jan. 16 and March 19; Clovis High, Jan. 29,
Clovis Unified Supplemental Service’s Paren Academy
be at Buchanan High, Dec. 18, Jan. 31, Marchl 20; Clovis East     hosts free, monthly Parent Night workshops for t parents to learn about the many district resources and programs available
Jan. 18 – “Newcomer Family Night”
Clovis West High, Dec. 18, Jan. 17 and 29, Feb. 5 and 13, and	to help their child. Upcoming meetings and topics include: March 18. Links, information and workshop dates/times are          n
March 19 – “Family Safety Night” (held at Weldon Ele-
available through the CUSD high school counseling centers          n websites. The FASA online application can be found at          n
https://studentaid.gov/	n April 11 – “Building Readers at Home”
Workshops are held at the CUSD Professional Learning In compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s	Center, 326 N. Clovis Ave., in Clovis, with free dinner and
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), Clovis	childcare at 5:30 p.m., and the workshop at 6 p.m. Learn Unified is providing written notification of the availability of	more: cusd.com/ParentAcademy.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
the 2022-23 school year asbestos management plan for public inspection at each school site and at the district ofice, 1450
Herndon Ave., Clovis. The management plan includes inspection	The Clovis Unified School District offers a variety of special records as well as documentation of any asbestos removal that     education services and programs to serve children with com-has occurred at the site. Arrangements may be made to review     municative, physical, learning, emotional and other special these plans by contacting the district’s asbestos coordinator,     needs. To learn more about special education services and the Adam Belmont at 327-9491.                                                        special education referral process, contact Clovis Unified
During the past school year, the district conducted two re-	School District Special Education Department at 327-9400. quired six-month surveillance AHERA inspections at all sites.
This included inspecting all known asbestos locations and re-
tractors performed asbestos removal work at Clovis West
through Zoom. To register and receive the Zoom link, go to
porting any changes in condition. Additionally, licensed con-	for a virtual get-together with other parents? CUSD Special High, Sierra Outdoor School and Clark Intermediate. For	Education will host Parent Café from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 9 each of these projects, the district retained the services of a
certified asbestos consulting firm to monitor the work and ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements.
For additional information about the district’s asbestos	‰ Please see Special Education, Page 4

Page 4	CUSD Today	December 2023

Boundaries: Meetings planned for public review, input	Special Education:

FROM PAGE 1
meetings at all schools will be held to review proposed maps, provide discussion and gather input. That feedback will be used by the committee to consider more adjustments be-fore creating a final draft later in the spring. Again, community members will have op-portunities to comment prior to a final map being recommended in late spring to the Governing Board for consideration of its ap-
proval.
Current information, updates and a com-ment form will be available online throughout the process at cusd.com.
“We know boundary changes are hard and can cause stress, but I want to reassure our Clovis Unified families that all of our schools are special. Our educational team holds tightly to our district values around high standards and having a contagious school spirit which is found at every one of our schools and areas,” Folmer said.
As a former Clovis Unified student herself, Folmer experienced going to a new school because of boundary changes when the Buchanan Educational Center opened.

“Several of my neighborhood friends and I found that while we were not headed to the high school that we thought we would always attend, our new school provided us with all

Timeline

the same opportunities, caring educators, and sense of belonging. It wasn’t long before our new campus became home, just as all our schools do.”

FROM PAGE 3
Family Resource Center workshops Clovis Unified Special Education Family Resource

Center offers free webinars that feature presentations, discussion and resource information. Upcoming are:
n Jan. 16 – “My Child is Neurodivergent – Now What?” 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. online, with presenter Melissa Rose. Learn about what neurodivergent means; evidence-based practices; and support strategies. Register: www.tinyurl.com/FRCJan-16-24.
n Feb. 6 – “All About Section 504 Plans,” 6:30 to 8 p.m., online. Presenter Wendy Karsevar. Learn about how students qualify for a 504 Plan; what are accommodations and modifications; how a 504 plan is different from an Individualized Education Program. Register: www.tinyurl.com/FRC2-6-24.
n Feb. 8 – “Behavior Support for Parents of Preschoolers,” 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., online. Presenters Jessica Cox and Leann Gajarian Keeler. Learn about typical early childhood behavior; strategies for dificult behavior; and effects of screen-time and alternatives. Register: www.tinyurl.com/FRC2-8-24.
Questions: 327-8455 or email familyresource-center@cusd.com.

September	CUSD Boundary Advisory Committee conducts research, through January develops first draft of new attendance boundaries.
	
Late January	Draft boundary maps available. Livestream and area community meetings. Public review, feedback.
	
February	School SART (parent) meetings – check home school for date. through March	Public review, comments.
	
April 15	Updated recommended maps released. Public review, feedback and meetings.

May 3	Online commenting period closes.
	
May 8	Recommended map presented to CUSD Governing Board for information.
	
May 22	CUSD Governing Board to vote on recommendation.
	
Fall 2025	New boundaries become effective.

Look for updates and details as available on cusd.com.

E	S,	E C L EGE	S

legeAdmissions, FinancialAidand 529 Plan Problems
W binarforParentsWithChildren of all Ages, K 12
Are 529 Plans all they’re cracked up tobe?

egist r and wat h r cordedwebinars at: ww.collegeplanningfresno.com/w binars

Free Educational College Admissions Webinars and In Person Workshop Events offered through College Planning Fresno, a 501c (3) organization, headquartered at 7321 N Tamera Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 / Main Ofice 559-307-6103, Email workshops@collegeplanningfresno.com Scott Karl Economic and Insurance Services headquartered at 7321 N Tamera Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 / Main Ofice 559-307-6103, Email scottkarl@scottkarl.com are separate entities and not afiliated with College Planning Fresno.

Ed.D.
”
VISION

December 2023	CUSD Today	Page 5

Other-people mindset spurs generosity in our students and our community

By Corrine Folmer, Ed.D. Superintendent

DURING this time of year, there are abundant opportu-nities to do good for others in our community. It is

our students’ in-volvement	in these opportuni-ties that develops the human spirit and models the value of thinking of others first.
Coretta Scott
King said, “The Corrine Folmer,
greatness of a
community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members,” and her words ring true of our Clovis Uni-fied community. Our students and staff model compassion and care for our community during a season filled with gratitude.
From the massive collection of coats every winter to record-setting canned food drives, giving in many different forms to our community is in action across the district.
Within these efforts, our stu-dents are learning the valuable life lesson of taking care of others. We believe these lessons are as equally valuable as the academic ones, be-cause the future of our community depends on both the knowledge and character developed in our students.
To that end, we work inten-tionally on our campuses to de-velop qualities that create a well-rounded person whose intellect is paired with a healthy body and a

strong character. This sentiment	One example of how some of	- people mindset.” This mindset is our district’s mission: “To be a      our team is striving to build com-	is characterized by five qualities: quality educational system pro-      munity and model our mission is           n Supporting others when they viding the resources for ALL stu-      the Positivity Project. This sup-	struggle
dents to reach their potential in	plemental curriculum is used to	n Identifying and appreciating mind, body and spirit.”	teach our students about an “other      the good in others

LESSONS

Inspirations by, for and from our CUSD students

Photo by Kenny Gilman/Special to CUSD Today PERFECT NOTE: In a rare performance, all Clovis Unified’s 10 high school and intermediate school marching bands played the National Anthem together at Veterans Memorial Stadium for CUSD Band Day. The nearly 1,000 musicians then took turns on the field doing their individual shows and cheering for one another.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imaginatiuon and life to everything.

PLATO, ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHER

n Knowing that words and ac-tions affect others
n Cheering others’ successes
n Giving others our attention These qualities are the basis of great discussion at school and home. At the same time, the com-munity service projects on our campuses year-round are a way that we can create opportunities for students to live out what “sup-porting others when they struggle” or “giving others our attention”
can look like in action.
Another reminder of commu-nity and caring for others is carried out through the slogans and mottos developed by our schools. Slogans such as “Cougar Country,” “Stay Golden,” “Bear Nation,” “Wolfpack Means Family,” “The Code of the North,” “Be the Change” and “Be-lieve, Achieve, Succeed” remind our students that they belong to something larger than themselves. In our work with other munic-ipalities we often say, “Great com-munities build great schools, and great schools build great commu-
nities.”
I am humbled by the generosity of our students and staff and the care they take of each other and the greater community. And I am equally humbled by how generous the community is to our Clovis Unified family, donating clothing, toys, food, full Thanksgiving meals and much more to our students and families.
Recognizing our interconnec-tivity and responsibility toward each other is what makes us the unique and very special place that we are, and in this season of grat-itude I am most grateful for that!

Helping kids navigate phone notification overload

Editor’s note: “ Screenagers – Growing Up in the Digital Age” is a documentary created and directed by Delaney Ruston, a physician and film director, that examines what it is to grow up in a tech-saturated time and how balance might be achieved between screen time and screen-free time. Clovis Unified has brought this film and follow-up conversations to its high schools. Further discussion from Dr. Ruston is offered occasionally in CUSD Today. Taken from her weekly blog, the following highlights current trends and offers con-versation starters for parents to have with their children.

By Delaney Ruston, M.D. Screenagers moviemaker

Recently in the New York Times, there was an article about social media and teens. The article’s brilliant graphic cap-tured young people’s digital and emotional reality. The graphic showed all the noti-fications on their phones, laptops, tablets, etc., like texts from mom reminding
them to be safe, a new grade posted, a Snapchat arrival, a missed Facetime, a troubling news headline, etc.
There is stress that comes with so many things flying at them constantly. In interviewing teens about this, here’s what one teen said:
“I’ll send streaks at 7:30 a.m. I’ll put my phone down, I’ll go eat breakfast, I’ll shower. I’ll do whatever. I come back at 8 a.m. I’ll have like 17 different Snaps from people. And then I’ll have people asking me about homework. Just the sheer amount of things that you have to check up on and make sure you’re not ignoring them – it’s a lot.”
What can we do as adults in our children’s lives to help reduce stress and phone notification overload? I offer a story you can share with your kids that brings up fruitful discussion points to grapple with together. In addition, if this story inspires you to tweak your own phone (tablet, etc. ) screen notification settings, tell your kids ( students, athletes, etc.) about it. In this way, you will be modeling to them the act of doing an assessment/intervention to decrease tech dictating you vs. the other way around.

My story
Know oneself. There is one area I know about myself well: If I get a text alert, I want to check it. And it causes a distinct itch under my skin until I do so.
Therefore, I have my phone set only to notify me of texts. I had a new realization recently when I went on my monthly solo hike in the mountains near where I live. I got a text alert while hiking from someone asking me to donate money. A short time later, I got another text, and this time, it was someone asking me to do something for a political candidate.
The first thing that went through my head is that there has been serious speculation that spam is indeed on the rise, given the ease with which these new large language AI models can so easily generate content.
The second thing that went through my head was, “Wait, Delaney, this is ridiculous. Turn off your text notifications altogether while you are hiking.” I did so and immediately felt a strong sense of relief.
As I continued my hike, I thought about why I had noti-fications for texts anyway. What if I make it a point when I take a break from work to check my texts? Not only will I not get interrupted, but it will be at a time when I can respond more thoughtfully.
So, I have since kept my notifications off.
There is a potential downside. Not having the notification feature on means I can be tempted to pick up my phone more often to see if there is a new text. I was doing this the other afternoon and realized I would need to be very conscious to avoid getting into this trap.
As an aside, my phone ringer is usually on, so family and such can reach me unless I am seeing patients. In this case, I will see the missed call and respond later.
Using the “Do Not Disturb” feature
While I only got notifications from my texts, some people have notifications from many sources and find it easier to put their phone on “Do Not Disturb.” Let me explain how:
n For people with iPhones, one can go into Settings n Find “Focus”

— ABOUT US —

n Go to the “Do Not Disturb” option
n Adjust your notification setting. It can be for one time or you can set up a schedule. For example, you can set the phone to be on “Do Not Disturb” every day from 7 to 9 a.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You get the gist. In this mode, you can set it to allow you to be “disturbed” by certain people, i.e., your family.
(For people with Android phones the process is very similar, but it can vary depending on which phone and software version you have. You can Google this feature noting your phone model.)
Ideally, if students take their phones to school, their “Do Not Disturb” function should be on for school hours.
For all the years I have had a smartphone, the best move I have made is not having notifications other than texts. I highly recommend it. Now, I know myself better and will try to allow text notifications rarely. We are all evolving. We are all trying to know ourselves better.
Talking with our children about how we as adults monitor our relationship with notifications will benefit them. It’s not about modeling perfectionism. It’s about modeling how you think about the situation and ways you are trying to improve it. We’re modeling problem-solving!
Questions to get the conversation started with your child:

n What are the benefits of notifications?
n What are the downsides of notifications?
n What do you think about Dr. Ruston’s dilemma that when she turned off her text notifications, she realized it was tempting to check her phone more?
n What are our current notifications? Let’s all open up our settings and see if there are any things we want to stop notifications on.
n What about the idea of using the “Do Not Disturb” feature? When do you think are some times of the day that should be guarded from notification overload?

n n n
To sign up for Dr. Ruston’s weekly blog or read more on her research regarding the impact of screen use by teenagers, visit www.screenagersmovie.com.

CUSD Today, Clovis Unified’s good news publi-cation, is sent directly to the homes of all CUSD parents and staff, as well as district supporters. In an effort to unify the CUSD community, the newspaper highlights the achievements of Clovis Unified students and staff; profiles new and updated Governing Board policies; and shares general news and information happening within the district.
Circulation: 34,000.
Funding: All costs associated with producing, printing and mailing CUSD Today are entirely funded by our advertisers. To show your appreciation of their support, we ask you to consider patronizing these businesses and services as the need arises.
Story submissions: Please submit all ideas to the Site Coordinator at your school. Please contact your school to find out who your Site Coordinator is. Editorial deadlines are two weeks before the pub-lication date. We do our best to include as many sub-missions in each issue as our editorial space will al-low.

CUSD Today Staff

Publishing & Editorial Clovis Unified School District 1450 Herndon Avenue Clovis, CA 93611 Telephone (559) 327-9094 cusdtoday@cusd.com

Kelly Avants, APR Chief Communications Officer
327-9092

Patti J. Lippert Managing Editor 327-9094

Kellie Feramisco Advertising Manager 327-9093

Verna Garcia Graphic Designer

CUSD Governing Board Members

David DeFrank	Hugh H. Awtrey	Steven G. Fogg, M.D. President                                      Vice President                                         Clerk
327-9000	437-6580	269-7000

Deena Combs-Flores Yolanda Moore Clinton Olivier Tiffany Stoker Madsen 273-9824                              437-6580                     313-6065                             392-1014

CUSD Administration

Corrine Folmer, Ed.D.	Norm Anderson Superintendent                                            Deputy Superintendent
327-9100	327-9107

Marc Hammack, Ed.D.	Barry Jager	Michael Johnston Associate Superintendent                  Associate Superintendent                  Associate Superintendent
School Leadership	Human Resources and	Administrative Services 327-9350                                 Employee Relations                                 327-9110
327-9308

er 50y
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Firebaugh Community Health Center
689 N Street	121 W.Sierra Street 559.659-3037

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccinations & Medications

Page 6	CUSD Today	December 2023

Ag students score well at Fair

Close to 100 Clovis FFA students from Clovis Unified’s McFarlane–Coffman Ag Center at Clovis East High participated this fall in the Big Fresno Fair where the Small Animal and Livestock Show Teams won numerous champion awards.
Clovis FFA students raise everything from goats and cows to turkeys and pigs. Students invest several hours each day for up to 11 months a year tending to the animals that they will show at the fair. But there is a lot more involved than just animal care.
The ag students work as independent en-trepreneurs, obtaining advisory from teachers, parents and animal breeders, said Clovis East ag instructor Jennifer Knight. Individually, they build strategy and project plans including budget, time and financial management, data tracking, data analysis and marketing.
“They have to market their project to ensure they will break even financially or end up making a profit when selling their animal. They also learn to manage their feelings when the animal they have created a bond with will be sold as food at the Livestock Auction,” Knight said.
Students support and work alongside one another, helping and representing Clovis FFA, though they compete individually. Knight said she is proud of the level of dedication and professionalism her students possess. “They learn that just because you work hard does not always mean you will win, yet they learn to be proud of the success they’ve found making great choices and representing our school and community in positive ways.”
n BEEF AND CATTLE HIGHLIGHTS: Supreme Champion Market Steer,Chase Gann; Champion Advance Showman, Chase Gann; Reserve Champ Registered Yearling, Champ. Bred By exhibitor market steer, Champion Bred by Exhibitor Heifer, Overall Champion Of Excellence, Catherine Heather.
n SWINE HIGHLIGHTS: Champion Yorkshire, Gracee Peters; Reserve Champion Light Cross, James Parris; Chapter Fresh -man/Sophomore Showman, Jillian Scarborugh n GOAT AND SHEEP HIGHLIGHTS: Caleb Gann, Supreme Grand Champion Goat; Sadie Keller, Middle Weight Champion Goat; Logan Price, Fresh/Soph Showmanship Win-ner (goats), 3rd place Round Robin (overall showman); Chase Gann, Reserve Champion Hampshire; Ryan Hayashi, Reserve Champion Bred By Exhibitor market Lamb, All Around Ag Award; Faith Collup, Champion Feeder Lamb; Aidyn Price, 4th in Novice Showman-ship; Bailey Sisterson, Gragnani Family Schol-
arship
n SMALL ANIMAL HIGHLIGHTS: Grand Champion Pen of 3 Market: Jeremiah Costilla, Reserve Grand Champion Pen of 3 Market, 1st Lightweight Mini rex solid Doe, 1st Lightweight mini rex solid buck, 1st Light-weight mini rex broken: Ariana Zamora, Paige Mercer, Supreme Champion Turkey; Jaliyah Jones, Reserve Champion Turkey; Elizabeth Brandon, Supreme Champion Layer Hens; Aiden Belknap, JR high 1st place show-manship poultry; Logan Price, Intermediate 1st place showmanship poultry, overall round robin showmanship reserve champion; Patrick Palmer: 1st place advanced showmanship poultry, overall round robin showmanship champion

Art students earn ribbons The creativity and imagination of Clovis
Unified artists captured 15 top ribbons this year at the Big Fresno Fair. The Junior Exhibit Art Awards had a standing–room only crowd as winners were announced for a variety of categories. CUSD students swept the Middle School Art awards for ceramics, crafts and fine art drawing. Seven district high school students won Best of Show in their medium, and five more awards in specialty categories were received.
“This is like the Valley Championship for the Arts!” said Clovis West High art teacher Craig Campbell. “We have very dedicated and gifted instructors that provide awesome opportunities and tutelage to our CUSD students.”
“Having the students’ artwork displayed at the Big Fresno Fair is a big deal for the kids as they know that thousands of people will get to admire their talent and work,” said Clovis East art teacher Danny Vasquez.
n THE PHYLLIS JOHNSON BEST OF SHOW: Drawing: Black & White,Daisy Dressel, Buchanan; Drawing: Colored Pencil, Felt Markers Pastel, Oil Pastel, Allison Tay-lor, Clovis West; Drawing: Black & White Pen, Ink or Black Felt Marker, Endrae Tan, Clovis East; Painting: Tempera Painting or Water Color, Natasha Iqbal, Buchanan; Ceramic: Sculpture, Micaela Devincenzi, Clovis North; Ceramic: Pottery, Functional Pieces, Sarah Richards, Clovis East; Pho-tography: Manipulated or Altered, Sam Pakingan, Clovis East
n MIDDLE SCHOOL ART AWARDS: Ceramics: Kailin Withrow, Reyburn In-termediate; Crafts: Leah Fisk, Alta Sierra Intermediate; Fine Arts Drawings: Eliana Anguiano, Kastner Intermediate
n ALLARD’S HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS:Daisy Dressel, Buchanan High; Morgan O’Neal, Buchanan High; Cailyn Ross, Clovis North High
n SOCIETY OF WEST COAST ARTISTS: Casy Andrus, Buchanan High n CLAY MIX AWARD: Clovis East
High

n FLORAL: Misheila Pena, 1st place floral arrangement; Gianna Debbas, 1st place floral arrangement; Kylie Lewis, first place floral arrangement; Kaya Rengh, first place floral arrangement; Ornamental Horticulture and Collaborative mentoring class (pairing of general education students as mentors to our special education students): 1st place classic scarecrow; 2nd place scary scarecrow and funny scarecrow; 3rd place pretty scarecrow; and 1st place succulent arrangements

Bronco scientist in Top 30
AROUND THE DISTRICT

December 2023	CUSD Today	Page 7

Editor’s note: “Around the District” is a regular feature of CUSD Today that highlights positive activities and accom-plishments of students and schools throughout the district.

Part of the CW nest!
The Clovis West Class of 2036 are already showing their Golden Eagles pride thanks to a special gift. Around 500 kindergartners in the Clovis West area received a “Future Golden Eagles” t-shirt hand delivered from Clovis West High Principal Eric Swain, Kastner Intermediate Principal May Moua and Clovis West High Transition Specialist Amber Kalustian.
The shirts were deliberately made in adult sizes so the 5-year-olds could grow into them over their school years. “This shirt looks like a dress on me!” said one kindergartner to Swain. A note sent home with the shirt encouraged parent to take a yearly photo of their child, so they could look back one day at their journey to Clovis West High.
“Our hope is that this shirt will symbolize their future goals as they are developing and creating some of their most cherished memories as future Golden Eagles,” said Kalustian. A special thanks to Clovis West alum Louis Brosi who
sponsored the shirts.

Golden State success
Eight Clovis Community Day high school students were VIP’s at a recent Golden State
Warriors basketball game, en-joying courtside seats and a gourmet meal. The trip to the Bay Area game was a reward for students who have been showing great academic growth and personal development.
“It was more than just a bas-ketball game for these students;
it was a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and to be recognized for their hard work,” said CCDS Principal Sean Osterberg. “It was also a reminder that anything is possible if they set their minds to it. This experience is something they will never forget.”
Said CCDS student Dayli – pictured left with student Shalaya, middle, and CCDS teacher Katie Hammond, right – of the experience: “The entire trip was amazing, but knowing that my mindset and dedication made it happen made me proud of how far I’ve come.”
The tickets were generously donated by local philanthropists (and friends of a Community Day School teacher) Mark and Mary Stevens.

Desk on the roof
Tarpey Elementary Prin-cipal Tachua Vue, Ed.D., stepped out of her office for a day – to work up on the roof of the school as a reward for the entire student body surpassing the school’s $25,000 fundraising goal. Throughout the day, she

Veterans Day celebrated at CUSD

In November, Clovis Unified students recognized Veterans Day by hearing from guest speakers, holding assemblies, making cards for veterans and participating in community events.
“I hope our students were able to take away a sense of pride and appreciation for their country as well as a better understanding of what Veterans Day is about and why we honor the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving our country in the military,” said Miramonte Elementary Principal Michelle Dodson of her school’s special assembly.
Some of the many activities designed to honor veterans and active military members follow.
n In an inaugural event, Miramonte Elementary invited
several parents and grandparents who are veterans or actively
serving in the military to a Veterans Day school assembly.     Blancaflor, Mickey Cox, The entire student body met on the blacktop with their     Grade 5; Christian Gonza-classroom American flags, recited the Pledge of Allegiance     les, Riverview, Grade 6; together, listened to the National Anthem and heard a speech     Sailor Wimmer, Alta Sierra, from one of the servicemen in attendance.                                Grade 8. All submitted art-n The Cole Elementary Choir performed a Patriotic     work was displayed at
Concert at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District as part of	CVMD.
the CVMD’s activities Nov. 11 that also included a pancake          n Students at Boris Ele-breakfast, car show and “Faces of Veterans” exhibit.                  mentary received a unique n     Many Clovis Unified students entered the Clovis     lesson about Veterans Day Veterans Memorial District’s Art and Essay contests. With     when a United States Army the theme “E. Pluribus Unum: One Nation Under God,” stu-     Blackhawk Helicopter landed dents were tasked to create an art piece or submit an essay     on their campus during an surrounding the national motto and why it is important.     assembly. Students waved,
Congratulations to the CVMD Art Contest “Best in Show”	pointed and jumped up and down with excitement as a crew winner, sixth-grader Nese Yilmaz from Riverview Elementary;	of four circled over the campus and then landed on the and, congratulations to the district-wide winner of the	football field. U.S. Army Capt. Alexander Martinez, also a CVMD Essay Contest, eighth-grader Isabella Abrahim	parent to two Chargers, spoke about the importance of from Alta Sierra Intermediate. Clovis Unified grade-level	Veterans Day and ways students can share their gratitude first-place winners were Edward Liang, Fugman, Grade 1;	with those that serve in our military. Several students thanked Allie Liang, Fugman, Grade 2; Ariana Sifuentes, Valley	the crew, and some gave them handwritten notes and cards Oak, Grade 3; Chelsea Park, Fugman, Grade 4; Alyssa	of appreciation.

lowered a bucket from her rooftop office (that even included      science fairs. The top 10% of intermediate-level projects from a desk!) and students put in notes and other treats for their      around the country affiliated with the Society for Science principal.                                                                                    were considered for a spot in the Top 300, and from that 30 finalists were selected to compete in a final week of STEM
challenges. Kinnoree, in developing her project, said she A Clovis North science student was	would help her father care for their home vegetable garden.
among the 30 finalists in the 2023 Society	“But while doing so for the last few years, I noticed it needed for Science’s Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior	a lot of water for irrigation,” she said. She read about the in-Innovators Challenge (formerly known as	creasing water shortage in the Valley and wondered, “Is there the Broadcom MASTERS) held in Wash-	any way to optimize water use by improving soil’s ability to ington, D.C., this November. Kinnoree	hold water?” From there, she created an automated irrigation Pasha’s science fair project (conducted	system and changed the soil’s components to see if she could when she was in eighth grade at Granite	save water.
Ridge Intermediate) tested ways to reduce           Three Clovis Unified students’ work also placed in the the amount of water needed to grow plants.      Top 300 of the Junior Innovators Challenge. They are Nolan
The Junior Innovators Challenge is a national middle	Aalto, Alta Sierra Intermediate/Buchanan High; Arnav school science and engineering research competition that an	Guptav,Granite Ridge; and Achuth Vinay, Granite Ridge/Clo-estimated 65,000 students participate in through regional	vis North High.

December 2023	CUSD Today	Page 9

District to acquire land near future ed center

‰
BOARD BRIEFS
By Kelly Avants                                                                                                       at Fowler and Herndon avenues, and a CUSD Chief Communications Officer                                                                           construction management agreement with
Nov. 8
Mark Wilson Construction for the proj-
Governing Board, as student vocalists
minutes as submitted.
n
Adopted a resolution for the annual
n
incidental purposes for the Herndon/
Stomping feet, clapping hands and ation programs, and the Oct. 18 meeting ect. Approved a resolution declaring the voices raised in song marked the start of	intent to convey an easement to Fresno the Nov. 8 meeting of the Clovis Unified agreement with the California Department Irrigation District for pipeline and other
from the Clovis West Chamber Choir de-
Fowler campus project.
of Education for services to be provided
the 2024-25 school year.
livered a lively performance of two folk to preschool students in the district during	n n n
Gallant, and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody
colades from those in attendance.
n
Approved the move of the Career
n
Awarded construction bids related
12:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17
songs. Director Tonya Florer led the choir	The next regularly scheduled meetings in “Marie Madeleine,” arranged by Jeanette Technical Education Salary Schedule to of the Governing Board will take place at Turn Me Around,” arranged by Rollo Dil- the Certificated Salary Schedule.               in the CUSD Professional Development worth and was met with applause and ac- to Phase I of the district campus project Building,1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis.

CUSD teachers are EOY finalists
In other action, the board:
n Approved an agreement to exchange
Unified School District is the owner of
approximately 3.68 acres of undeveloped
real property located at Herndon and Clo-
vis avenues in Clovis. The district is cur-
rently not using the property for classroom
instruction or ofice spaces and will ex-
change its property with property to be
acquired by CLW Family Trust (CLW)
properties with CLW Family Trust. Clovis		Several Clovis Unified teachers have been named finalists in the Annual Region 7 California League of Educators “Educator of the Year” awards! Seventeen teachers from the district’s elementary,intermediate and high schools were chosen for their educational excellence from among dozens of nominations from throughout the region. Region 7 includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare counties. Winners of Region 7 will be announced this winter, and they will be advanced for consideration of the California League of Educators’ state title to be announced in 2024. Congratulations to the finalists!
near Leonard and Shields avenues and
designated as APN 310-310-38 (CLW
Property). The CLW property is situated
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL: Bryan Byrd, Cedarwood; Julie Terrence, Clovis; Courtney Spurrier, Freedom; Michelle Houston, Mickey Cox; Dina Emerzian, Pinedale; Kathryn Konze, Riverview; Roberto Sandoval, Tarpey
adjacent to the district’s new K-12 educa-
n
Approved all conference requests,
Case, Reyburn
Gateway
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL LEVEL: Rachael Watson, Alta Sierra; Mark tional center, the Terry P. Bradley Educa-	Prandini, Clark; Ellen Nielson, Granite Ridge; Richelle Renfro, Kastner; Scott tional Center.                                                    HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL: Stephen Kidd, Buchanan; Ralph Garcia, Clovis; fundraiser requests, student trip requests,	Johnathan Benson, Clovis North; Stephanie Avery, Clovis West; Amy Bonsell, change orders, voluntary community recre-

Live. Sleep. Be Well.

Page 10	CUSD Today	December 2023