Visalia Unified ready to welcome back 32,000 students Thursday

Visalia Unified is thrilled to welcome over 32,000 students back to its 42 schools on Thursday, for their "Best 1st Day Ever."

Extensive preparations have been made to ensure the success of each student, family, and staff member.

Key Information for families:

1. Transportation: Buses will begin running as normal on the first day of school, so please arrive at least 10 minutes early for pick-up. Expect increased traffic due to bus riders and students returning to school.

2. School Schedule: All elementary schools will operate on a standard schedule, with gates open at 7:30 a.m., classes beginning at 8:10 a.m., and ending at 2:55 p.m. Early release will take place every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

3. Expanded Learning Opportunities: Engaging after school learning opportunities are available for grades K-12 through the Expanded Learning Opportunities department. Visit https://www.vusd.org/departments/expanded-learning-opportunities for more information.

4. Resources: All necessary materials and resources for students will be provided on the first day of school. If additional resources are needed, the Family and Community Resource Center, located at 505 N. Court St., is available to help from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Contact them at 730-7566.

5. Parent Portal: Families are encouraged to update their contact information on the PowerSchool parent portal to access important information such as attendance, bus routes, and grades (middle and high school). For assistance, call 730-7566, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6. Volunteer Opportunities: Parents are invited to actively participate in their students' learning as visitors or volunteers at school. Our new volunteer management system allows registration for any of their students' schools. For more information, visit www.vusd.org and click on the volunteer icon.

New for 2023-24 school year:

1. Universal Preschool Expansion: Continuing the universal preschool model, including preschool and transitional kindergarten, has shown positive results in academics and social skills development for students.

2. Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Art, music, and physical education will be provided to all students in grades TK-3 through Prop 28 funds, fostering creative learning.

3. Dual Immersion Program: The new site, Willow Glen Elementary will host

VUSD’s second dual immersion program - El Camino. Students will learn 90% in Spanish and 10% in English, becoming bilingual and biliterate by sixth grade.

• Phonics Instruction: Phonics instruction in grades K-2 will build a strong foundation for successful reading and writing skills.

• Focus on Math 1: Math 1 is a crucial gateway course to ensure students have a solid foundation for advanced math in high school.

• Advanced Learning Opportunities: A new department will focus on providing advanced learning opportunities for academically advanced students in elementary and middle school.

• Continued Learning Support: Students in grades K-8 will have access to additional learning opportunities through i-Ready My Path, providing personalized challenges based on their i-Ready scores. Additionally, 24/7 online tutoring will be available for grades 4-12.

Preparedness for Safety and Well-Being:

1. Code of Conduct and Parent Handbook: Information regarding student rules, procedures, expectations, and other important details can be found in the updated Parent Handbook on the www.vusd.org homepage.

2. Active Shooter Training: Ongoing training for staff and students will ensure preparedness in case of an active shooter emergency.

Preparations for the Best 1st Day Ever:

The district has made extensive preparations in various areas:

1. Human Resources: Positive relationships with labor partners resulted in significant salary increases for staff, ensuring retention and making the district a desirable workplace.

2. New Employees and Principals: Over 300 new employees have joined Visalia Unified, including seven new principals and several principal reassignments.

   1. We are welcoming seven new principals: Jessica Wynn at Global Learning Charter School; Keri Montoya at Hurley Elementary; Sandra Aguilera at Ivanhoe Elementary; Kathleen Cifuentes at Mountain View Elementary (mid-last year); Heather Jorgensen at Riverway Elementary; Cristin Corlis at Green Acres Middle School; and Scott Braun at Visalia Technical Early College.

• We also had several principals change schools: Blanca Martinez-Ramirez at Conyer; Denise Crabtree at Crestwood; Monica Saenz at Houston; Michael Yates at Linwood; Sandra Ochoa at Willow Glen; and Dr. Jesus Gonzalez at Ridgeview Middle School.

• Modernization and Safety: Significant investments have been made in school modernizations, safety, and security projects, and solar installations.

• Fiscal Responsibility: The Board's sound stewardship of the budget has allowed the district to be fiscally responsible over the past three years with a balanced $600 million budget. We have been able to invest in our staff, facilities, and expanding opportunities for students.

• Student Technology: Implementing the one-to-one student technology model; students in grades 4 and 9 will receive new devices.

• Priority Campaign "I am VUSD": The priority campaign for the year is centered on "I am prepared, connected, and kind," based on feedback from students, staff, and the community. Living and modeling these values will lead to academic and social success for students.

Visalia Unified is excited about the upcoming 2023-24 school year and looks forward to the Best 1st Day Ever on Thursday. Together, the community will move forward to support the success of every student under the mantra: "I believe in, I belong in, I am VUSD."

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Visalia Unified ready to welcome back 32,000 students Thursday