Superintendent Newsletter

On August 12, all of our TK-5th grade teachers participated in a day-long training for our new Twig science curriculum. Twig science is an interactive, hands-on science curriculum that immerses students in the exciting world of science and natural phenomena. Twig uses real-world phenomena to introduce and explore scientific concepts for deeper understanding and learning.

Our teachers immersed themselves in this robust training session to learn how to engage students with the Module Anchor Phenomenon across several weeks of grade-level instruction. Teachers help students generate questions and construct explanations of the phenomenon through hands-on learning so students grasp essential scientific concepts. See below for the Twig curriculum video, “What Are Phenomena?”

Grade level teachers piloted the Twig curriculum last year with incredible success. We are thrilled that all students in Transitional Kindergarten through the 5th grade will be learning through this powerful and effective curriculum beginning this school year. This year we will also be piloting a new, robust and hands-on science curriculum in 6th-8th grade, with a new curriculum adoption anticipated for the 2023-24 school year.

LASD has always placed an important emphasis on wellness, mental health and social-emotional learning. We know that when students feel safe and comfortable at school, they excel academically. Our teachers’ mental health is also critical to excellent instruction in the classroom.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, LASD is implementing more robust mental health resources and programs for students and staff alike. We have increased mental health staffing at all nine schools to meet the needs of our students. This additional staffing will support small group counseling, recess and/or lunch peer group support, and in classroom SEL lesson support.

For all staff, we have implemented the Seity program, which was developed by physicians, psychologists, educators and a host of other experts to help organizations and their employees access the mental health resources they need to be successful. LASD staff who wish to participate use Seity, which provides a daily wellness check in. The app then provides a unique wellness coaching program specified for each individual. The Seity app, in addition to providing our staff access to mental health professionals, will keep our LASD team of educators strong and engaged in the amazing work they do for our students every day.

Our junior high families participated in Back to School Night last week. Our principals and teachers were thrilled to share what students will be learning this year.

Our elementary school families are invited to join their school principal and teachers for Back to School Night this Thursday evening. It's a great way to connect with your child's teacher and hear more about what your child will be learning in this new and exciting school year. We're always happy to answer your questions and provide more information about you can support your child's learning at home.

For more information, please visit your school's website or check out your principal newsletter. We look forward to seeing you at Back to School Night!

Email: superintendent@lasdschools.org
Website: lasdschools.org
Location: 201 Covington Road, Los Altos, CA, USA
Phone: (650) 947-1150