The Falcon Flyer

Just like airports use three-letter call signs—such as "SMF" for Sacramento International Airport—each school in the Marysville Joint Unified School District is assigned its own unique three-letter abbreviation. For example, McKenney Intermediate School is designated as "MCK" and Lindhurst High School is "LHS." Following this system, Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School gets called "ABL."

Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School (ABL) is proud to welcome William Cintron-Harrison—known to students as "Mr. Will"—as our new High School Guidance Counselor. Mr. Will is dedicated to supporting students through every step of their high school journey and preparing them for life after graduation.

Key Responsibilities & Support:

• On-Time Graduation Planning: Reviews academic progress, tracks credits, and builds personalized course plans to ensure every student stays on track to earn their high school diploma.

• College Pathway Guidance: Assists with college research, application strategy, financial aid/FAFSA support, and degree requirement planning for 2-year and 4-year institutions.

• Trade & Vocational Prep: Helps students explore vocational programs, technical certifications, and trade school apprenticeships.

• Workforce Readiness: Supports students planning to enter the job market directly with career exploration, resume development, and workplace readiness skills.

• Military Enlistment Support: Provides guidance, ASVAB preparation resources, and contacts for students interested in joining the U.S. Armed Forces.

Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School (ABL) is pleased to introduce Ms. Nancy Duran as our School Clerk! As the welcoming face of our main office, Nancy plays a vital role in keeping our school connected, organized, and running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities & Support:

• Front Desk & Visitor Greeting: Warmly welcomes students, families, and guests to the main office and assists with daily check-ins.

• Phone & Inquiry Assistance: Answers incoming calls, provides helpful information to families, and routes inquiries to the right staff members.

• Staff & Administrative Support: Delivers essential clerical and logistical assistance to ABL teachers and administrators to keep daily operations seamless.

• Office Communications: Manages incoming mail, maintains front office supplies, and helps coordinate main office workflows.

Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School (ABL) is thrilled to welcome Rusty Gordon as our new Special Education Teacher! Mr. Gordon brings a strong dedication to student-centered learning, working to ensure every student feels supported, empowered, and equipped to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities & Support:

• Individualized Learning Support: Tailors instructional strategies to align with each student's unique learning style, strengths, and educational goals within our independent study model.

• IEP Coordination & Management: Guides Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and collaborates closely with general education teachers, specialists, and families to support overall student success.

• Accommodations & Skill-Building: Provides targeted tools, learning accommodations, and strategies that foster academic growth, organization, and self-advocacy skills.

• Family Partnership: Serves as a collaborative partner and direct advocate for students and families, maintaining open communication to ensure a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Many English words come from ancient Greek and Latin root words. Learning these roots are a shortcut to increasing vocabulary, reading comprehension, and overall literacy!

Facts About Learning Greek and Latin Roots

• One Root Unlocks Dozens of Words: Over 60% of English words come from Greek and Latin roots. Learning just one root helps students figure out 10, 20, or even 30 new words.

• Supercharges Science and Math: More than 90% of vocabulary in subjects like biology, chemistry, and math comes straight from ancient roots.

• Boosts Reading Confidence: When students see a long, confusing word on a test, they don't give up. They break it into smaller root pieces to figure out what it means.

• Improves Spelling: Knowing how root words are built helps students spell longer, trickier words correctly.

By building these vocabulary clues into our daily morning lessons at ABL, we are giving our students the tools to become stronger, faster, and confident readers.

This school year, all MJUSD students in Grades 3–8 and 11 will take practice state tests—officially called Interim Assessments—in September and February. These quick check-ins help students build skills and confidence long before the official state tests arrive next spring.

What Are Interim Assessments?

Think of these practice tests like pre-season games before the official season starts. They feature the exact same types of English and Math questions, computer tools, and difficulty levels that students will see on the official CAASPP state tests in the spring.

Why These Practice Tests Help Your Child

• Builds Confidence: Students get hands-on experience using computer tools (like online calculators and passage highlighters) so they feel comfortable and calm during spring testing.

• Shows Teachers How to Help: Test results show teachers exactly where your child is doing great and where they might need extra help, while there is still plenty of time to learn.

• Zero-Stress Learning: These practice check-ins do not affect your child’s report card grades. They are strictly used to help students grow and prepare.

Key Dates to Remember

• First Practice Test: September

• Second Practice Test: January

• Official State Test: Spring

How You Can Help at Home

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before test days.

• Remind them to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning.

• Tell them to simply try their best—these tests are just stepping stones to help them succeed!

If you have any questions about testing or want to check on your child’s academic progress, please reach out to their classroom teacher. We are proud to partner with you to support your student’s success!

Contact Information:

Marysville, CA 95901

(530)740-6489

Administrative Team:

Principal: Zack Schulz

Secretary: Grace Inman

Clerk: Nancy Duran

Student Services Team:

Counselor: William Cintron-Harrison

Social Worker: Mario Lopez

English Learner Facilitator: Cynthia Gilbert

School Psychologist: Victoria Castrejon

Instructional Team:

Elementary Teacher: Parmjit Brah

Elementary Teacher: Gurbax Gill

Intermediate Teacher: Tanya King

High School Teacher: Neils Wright

High School Teacher: Evaliisa Sippola

High School Teacher: Susan Noble

High School Teacher: Stephen Westcamp

Special Education Teacher: Rusty Gordon