The meeting begins at 5:00 PM in Room 203 at the District Office (1015 7th Street, Novato, CA 94945)

The meeting begins at 5:00 PM in Room 107 at the District Office (1015 7th Street, Novato, CA 94945)

The meeting begins at 5:00 PM in Room 107 at the District Office (1015 7th Street, Novato, CA 94945)

The meeting begins at 5:00 PM in Room 107 at the District Office (1015 7th Street, Novato, CA 94945)

What a delight to see the City of Novato “hometown unity” thriving at the Fourth of July parade! It felt like a revival of the community spirit that Novato has always been known for as they support parade participants from community members, veterans, the equestrian community, dignitaries, and most importantly for NUSD, our students. The welcome and support for students from our community was shining brightly and the students and families were delighted with the show of support!  Special thanks to Olive School, Rancho School, San Jose Middle School, and Novato High School for entertaining the community with bubbles, welcoming signs, Lion King performance, AIM High summer program, and MSA rock band “Cubed”.  A great time was had by all!

With excellent promotions and graduations behind us, our students are going off to a wide variety of public and private universities, many with local and university scholarships.  Our students are being accepted to their “first choice” colleges with a very high rate of acceptance. The scholarships range from a wide array of talents including academics, athletics, and performing arts and, as a community of learners, we send our students off with great pride in achievement. A special thanks to our many local clubs and organizations who generously provide scholarships for our students:  Rotary, Soroptimist, PTSA, Boosters, Foundations, Novato Federation of Teachers, Novato Republican Women, American Association of University Women, 10,000 Degrees, and many more.

We leave for a brief summer break in July with the following in place.

• A balanced budget due to a generous increase in per student spending to approximately $11,300 per student with commitments from the Governor and legislature with one-time funding to support learning loss so NUSD can provide targeted intervention for our students.
• Increase in Special Education funding to $820 per average daily attendance rate.
• New funding for Transitional Kindergarten up to $2, 813 per student attendance rate.
• An increase in NUSD enrollment from 7,168 to 7, 390, we are so thrilled to have our families coming back since COVID.
• Summer Bond projects are underway at Hamilton, Loma Verde, Pleasant Valley, Rancho, San Ramon, San Jose, and Sinaloa.
• Summer School Programs are thriving at Olive, Lynwood, and Aim High at the Indian Valley campus, and independent study for high school students
• NUSD welcomed back all of the teachers that received Reduction in Force notices due to declining enrollment. Many of our teachers are returning. Some teachers at the high school level who did not receive Reduction in Force notices did take other jobs in neighboring districts or schools closer to their homes. We are grateful for the teachers returning and wish the teachers who are leaving all the best
• Human Resources is working diligently to arrange interviews for openings in teacher and support staff roles, so we are prepared for our students on the first day of school. We welcome Francesca Whitcomb, as our new Director of Human Resources. She is a Novato resident, graduated from NHS, has three daughters who attended NUSD. Previously at NUSD, she worked as the Executive Assistant to the HR Director, and now is coming back to us as the Director of Human Resources.  Please join me in welcoming Francesca Whitcomb back to NUSD!

Enjoy the brief summer break.  We look forward to seeing you in August.

Sincerely,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.

Superintendent

As the year is coming to a close, we anticipate an excellent summer and return to school.  Let me say thank you to each of you for coming together on behalf of our students during a challenging, yet rewarding year of outstanding student achievement.

NISA Award Recipients For a list of recipients, please visit the NUSD NISA Award page https://nusd.org/parents/nisa-awards/

Attending Novato Inspirational Achievement Awards, presentations by student team, Rotary Teacher Awards, Marin County Golden Bell Awards for classified and certificated staff, senior awards, promotions, and graduations remind us of the many accomplishments of our staff and students.  North Marin Council PTA and the individual school based PTA, PTSA, PTO and RISE Scholars have sponsored events to engage the community and raise needed funds to enhance student learning, and indeed they have!

We are inviting students who received special recognition for any of the following to join us in the Novato 4^th of July Parade as we honor the NUSD students for their achievements and showcase them.  Some schools and parent groups are already set to go with a site-specific group, and we are grateful for those efforts.  As a district, we would like to include the following groups in the parade.

1. Marin County Foundation Scholar Athletes: Kaley McIntyre and Derek Bartram from Novato High and Jenna Nottingham and Nicholas Tyler from San Marin (Seniors)
   

   Marin Athletic Foundation Scholar Athletes (middle three) – Kaley McIntyre, Nicholas Tyler and Jenna Nottingham (not pictured Derek Bartram)

2. Hamilton First Place Chess Team (TK-8)
3. NISA Award winners (TK-12)
4. California Scholastic Federations 4-Year Scholars (Seniors)
5. MSA, STEM or AVID 4-Year Students (Seniors)
6. Biliteracy Seal Achievement (Seniors)
7. Golden Bell Teachers of the Year (TK-12)
8. Rotary Teachers of the Year (TK-12)

If you would like to participate with us, please email Leslie Benjamin at lbenjamin@nusd.org.

The Novato 4^th of July Parade is always great fun.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks to the entire Novato community, our summer Bond project continue with the following:

1. Pleasant Valley: New kitchen
2. Sinaloa: Upgraded kitchen and gym, new exterior siding, upgraded fire alarm, and upgraded clock and bell system
3. Lu Sutton and Loma Verde: Exterior paint
4. Rancho: Air conditioning
5. Hamilton and San Jose: New roof
6. Olive, Loma Verde, Hamilton, and San Jose: Sewer repairs
7. Loma Verde, Hamilton, Pleasant Valley, Rancho, and San Jose: IT infrastructure upgrade and technology classroom toolkit
8. Lu Sutton, Hamilton, Loma Verde, Pleasant Valley, and Rancho: Classroom furniture
9. San Jose: Upgraded clock and bell system

Summer learning opportunities include:

1. Aim High at College of Marin IVC Campus: Incoming 6-8 graders
2. Math Bridge Programs at Novato High: Incoming 6^th and 9^th graders, and Algebra 2
3. Camp University at Olive: Identified English language learners in grades K-5
4. High School Credit Recovery: Grades 9-12
5. Hamilton’s Hawk Camp at Lynwood: Grades K-8
6. Extended School Year (ESY) at Lynwood: Identified Special Education students in grades K-5

San Jose Middle School is working on a special pilot project, STEAM to expand learning in the fall.  Watch for more information coming soon!

Have a great summer!

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D

Superintendent

In dark times it is more important than ever to see the light. The recent celebrations of professional teachers and staff redirects our attention to appreciate one another even in the midst of a tragedy.

The recent Novato Rotary Teacher of the Year Awards, Marin County Golden Bell Awards, and the NUSD Modeling the Way Awards, help remind us of the talent, dedication, self-lessness, and pure joy of teaching and learning to make a difference for our students.

Let us honor once again, those recognized for going beyond what is expected to make every child feel welcomed and seen in their world at school and every colleague proud to be on the same team.

Modeling the Way Continues to Honor Staff Demonstrating the Six C’s
We continue to honor and surprise our wonderful classified and certificated staff as they go beyond what is expected, demonstrating NUSD’s 6 C’s, even when no one is looking! Thanks to your nominations, we are honoring those staff members that make a difference in the lives of the students each and every day.  You can nominate an employee here https://nusd.org/modeling-the-way/ and we’ll be back surprising staff in September.  Thank you, Sinaloa PTA, for donating the recipient gifts!

Irene Howard, Rancho

Irene Howard – Rancho School  View Irene’s video here https://youtu.be/pRLjekyZAzw

• Warm, compassionate, creative, patient, and funny
• Classroom culture is fun, safe, and maximizes learning
• Students love her creative projects
• Models love, kindness, and compassion for her students
• Puts her entire heart in her work

Tiffany Boulad, Olive

Tiffany Boulad – Olive School  View Tiffany’s video here https://youtu.be/CM6OIr-9wfI

• Exemplifies the 6 C’s
• Genuine collaborator
• Positive attitude and spirit
• Ready to help anyone at any time
• Finds joy in her students and in life

Dana Luis, IT

Dana Luis – Instructional Technology  View Dana’s video here https://youtu.be/3IYnLLdQuW8

• Consummate professional
• In-depth knowledge of systems is impressive
• Takes on new projects with enthusiasm and determination
• Kind, helpful, reliable, and works as a team always
• Exceptional in every way

Stacey Beltran, Hamilton

Stacey Beltran – Hamilton School  View Stacy’s video here https://youtu.be/ElCsCcKSFmI

• Shares her talents freely in every aspect of her life
• Energized by her students
• Goes the extra mile to make learning fun
• Team player who has good for all in mind
• Collaborative, creative, and positive

Novato Rotary Teachers of the Year Award 

Marin County Golden Bell Recipients

Tom Martin – Marin County Teacher of the Year 2021-22 

Mary Jane Burke – Marin County Educator of the Year 2021-22

NUSD Golden Bell Teachers of the Year
Kristy Chipman

Laura Correa

Kate Cravea

Lori Eurgubian

Megan Jones

Abby Koniaris

Kim Labozzetta

Pam McMurphy

Rachel Ojeda

Lindley Perez-Ross

Adrienne Thompson

William Luong

NUSD Golden Bell Classified Staff of the Year

Mauricio Martinez

Marisol Nita

Nancy O’Hara

Patty Pingatore

Laura Rinkor

Rosa Sota

Charlene Tiani

Ernesto Zamorano

Congratulations to everyone recognized for their outstanding efforts to make a difference in the lives of students and colleagues alike. During these times our resilience and laser focus on students and one another is of paramount important.

Thanks for sharing your talents so generously.

La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Honoring Students and Classified and Certificated Staff for Outstanding Achievements

As we honor NUSD classified and certificated staff during the month of May each year, this year we celebrate with enthusiastic, in-person celebrations! Each school is doing something each day to honor all staff and it has been fun to see the students participating in the honoring of the teachers and staff that make a difference in their lives every day. I would be remiss if I did not mention the incredible PTAs and PTO at the schools who are doing incredible work to honor and appreciate our classified and certificated staff. The staff rooms abound with creativity, treats, and heartfelt appreciation.  Thank you, North Marin Council and School PTA/PTO leadership, you are nothing short of amazing!

Lion King, Jr.

As we reflect on the student achievements these past few weeks through Visual and Performing Arts accomplishments, the genius behind the performances and exhibits are present due to the teaching and support staff who invest their time and talent in their students each day! These teams of professionals who work daily, beyond expectations, and guide the students into presenting their personal best, are to be commended for their extraordinary work on behalf of our students in NUSD.

MSA Showcase

We have thoroughly enjoyed the amazing student performances in Lion King Jr., by San Jose Middle School, MSA Showcase displaying all the genres at the Jewish Community Center, MSA Dance Recital, and Guys and Dolls by San Marin High School. We have amazing Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) teachers who put on stellar productions. Thanks to Michelle Cortez who coordinates MSA along with Shannon Morgan-Miller, Mariah Fisher who is a one woman show, and Kathy Eggert, Keli Gasparini, Allison McIver, and Emily Gates who team up to present amazing productions. Special thanks to Scott McLeod for his guest appearance in Guys and Dolls, a return to his younger days in acting. What fun!

Guys and Dolls

MSA Dance Recital

We recently heard at the NUSD Parcel Tax Blue Ribbon Committee meeting that VPA programs need specialization at the middle school to feed into our high schools……the specialty programs are alive and well and have been thriving!  We welcome the community to see all of our student performances, the great Novato community will be amazed by our talented students, teachers, and staff; not to mention the Booster and parent support that is ever present.

Modeling the Way Continues to Honor Staff Demonstrating the Six C’s
 We continue to honor and surprise our wonderful classified and certificated staff as they go beyond what is expected,

demonstrating NUSD’s 6 C’s, even when no one is looking! Thanks to your nominations, we are honoring those staff members that make a difference in the lives of the students each and every day.  You can nominate an employee here https://nusd.org/modeling-the-way/.  Thank you, San Jose PTA, for donating the recipient gifts!

Kristine Zueger

Kristine Zueger – San Ramon  View Kristine’s video here https://youtu.be/ybXXTz4K_PM

• Kristine is a perfect example of what every teacher should be: fun, animated, entertaining, engaging, thoughtful, creative, dedicated, and  most important of all….Kristine truly cares deeply for her students.
• She connects with kids at school and in the community.
• She attends special activities for current and former students.
• Her classroom is always beautiful.
• Her spirit wear and tutus are simply the best and put a smile on your face.
• Kristine loves her students, and they love her.

Lisa Harris

Lisa Harris – Loma Verde  View Lisa’s video here https://youtu.be/AIXSlhn_RTM

• Lisa is a role model for everyone to learn from every day.
• She exemplifies modeling the way to support students, staff, and the community.
• Lisa is a hard worker, multi-tasker, and extremely efficient.
• Her motto: “I will do anything to support the team!”
• We are all blessed to have Lisa at Loma Verde!

Keeley Ray – Olive School/District Special Education  View Keeley’s Video

Keeley Ray

herehttps://youtu.be/opBKc2eK4c0

• Keeley is a model learner.
• She works with elementary, middle, and high school students.
• She is always helping students and teacher to achieve beyond what is expected.
• Keeley welcomes new adventures and helps students with kindness and grace.
• Keeley is calm and addresses issues at hand with creativity and problem solution.
• Keeley is a team player and supports in class and home instruction students.

Amy Ferhart – NOVA  View Amy’s video here https://youtu.be/wzuP5vxLagk.

• Amy is exceptional at teaching individualized instruction.
  

  Amy Ferhart

• She establishes strong relationships with her students to identify and tailor her lessons to her students’ needs.
• Amy generously serves on district committees to provide input.
• She advocates for students in an alternative educational setting and designs programs to support her students.
• Amy is calm, reassuring, and models that for her students.

As we celebrate the “HUNDRED” days of May, we do so with tremendous pride, appreciation, and celebration of each teacher, staff member, student, parent, administrator, Trustee, and community members who support NUSD and our outstanding programs! I thank you for surrounding our schools with the encouragement to make a difference in the lives of our students, there is no greater gift than oneself! I share my depth of appreciation for each of you.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Every year the NUSD community of students, staff, and families participate in this survey which helps measure climate and culture at our schools. It is a vital metric used for setting goals and creating school improvement action plans.

From January 31 to February 25, the YouthTruth Family survey will be open and we want to hear from you!

PLEASE TAKE THIS 15 MINUTE ONLINE SURVEY HERE:

ytsurvey.org/nusdfamily22

Your response is anonymous and will be combined with responses from other parents/guardians throughout the district. Thank you for your feedback! It is a gift that helps us continually improve.

Thank you.

Novato Unified School District

Several of you were able to attend the Board of Trustees meeting last night, some watched from home, and others were not able to watch the meeting that adjourned at 11pm. I received emails this morning letting me know some of you fell asleep while watching, which I totally understand!

The budget reductions were discussed as presented from the Budget Advisory Committee recommendations. Trustees intentionally discussed, analyzed, and came to consensus on each item to meet the $4 million in reductions per our agreement with the Marin County Office of Education. The MCOE conditions of budget approval for NUSD reflect a required budget reduction of $4 million. Trustees upheld the NUSD/MCOE agreement on January 25, 2022, with the approval of the reductions.

We received several emails of advocacy and we always appreciate hearing from everyone. I am hoping we can all come together to accept the necessary reductions due to the challenge of declining enrollment, increased pensions costs, and the deficit spending that has plagued us for the last few years for a variety of reasons. As an LCFF district that depends on ADA to fund our district vs enrollment or property taxes like neighboring districts, we need creative solutions to budgetary issues as we maximize one-time funding to support school programs.

I want to share the Trustee’s approved budget reductions that will be included in the Second Interim Budget report that will go to MCOE in March to demonstrate compliance with the $4 million dollar reductions required to continue to receive an approved budget from MCOE.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent

NUSD has completed the budget process reductions for the 2022-23 school year as required by the NUSD/MCOE agreement to receive an approved budget. The total reductions are $4,142,700. We appreciate the work of the Budget Advisory Committee, led by Lois Standring with the support of Ashley Albertson. We also appreciate the input both written and in-person of all stakeholders. The Trustees had a tremendous task to select reductions from the list provided by the Budget Advisory Committee. Extensive Trustee analysis and discussion resulted in a collaborative process for the common good. This is never an easy task, but it was achieved with the best interest of the district and all stakeholders in mind.  I am grateful for everyone’s input and participation.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent