WPUSD eNews
PARENT EDITION | August, 2022
WPUSD eNews: September 2026
Getting students to school every day sounds simple until vacations, video games, tired mornings and a few creative excuses enter the picture! In this month’s video, some familiar faces have a little fun with situations many families will recognize.😂
The humor is relatable, but the message matters. Consistent attendance helps students build strong routines, stay connected and keep up with their learning. Students should stay home when they are sick, but when they are healthy and able to attend, we want them at school, ready to learn. Good habits begin one day at a time, because Every Day Matters.
Important Upcoming Dates
September 7 - Labor Day, NO SCHOOL
October 12 - District Staff Development Day, NO SCHOOL
Kerry Callahan, Superintendent
WPUSD Board of Trustees
Board Meeting Highlights & Upcoming Meetings
Board Meeting Highlights
August 18- Superintendent Kerry Callahan administered the Oath of Office to Grace Martin, officially welcoming her as the new Twelve Bridges High School student Board member and site representative.
- The Board approved a resolution directing the District to evaluate student technology use and screen time. Staff will gather input from students, families and staff and provide an update before the end of the calendar year, with potential changes beginning next school year.
- The District reported that all teaching positions were filled ahead of the first day of school, although a few other positions remained open.
- Students and staff shared reflections from the Youth Development Network’s strength based leadership camp. The experience brought together 29 students and eight staff members and focused on relationships, personal strengths and student leadership without cell phones.
- The Board requested a future presentation explaining how iReady is used, why it is used and whether it is effectively serving students.
- Superintendent Kerry Callahan announced that The HUB has been nominated for a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. Award recipients will be announced at the CSBA annual conference in December.
- John Adams Academy presented its charter renewal petition, highlighting academic achievement, servant leadership and expanded opportunities for school choice. The Board held a public hearing following the presentation.
- The Board approved several personnel and labor agreements, including initial WPTA negotiation proposals, class size flexibility, classified pay range adjustments and paraprofessional position changes based on current student needs.
- The Board received an overview of the District’s comprehensive summer program, highlighting growth in elementary math, strong middle school engagement through elective courses and more than 130 high school students earning credits toward graduation. Extended School Year services also continued to support the individual needs of students with disabilities.
- Carrie Carlson, CBO, presented on the re-establishment of the Budget Advisory Committee, including its structure and plan to identify $3.5 million in ongoing budget reductions.
September 15, 2026 - Foskett Ranch Elementary, 6:30pm
Miss a meeting? Click HERE to view them on our YouTube Channel
Board Objectives
Across the District
Why Every Day Matters
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in student success.
Missing just two days of school each month adds up to 10 percent of the school year. At every age, those absences can have a lasting impact.
For our youngest learners, regular attendance supports early reading and math skills, builds confidence and friendships, and establishes habits that carry throughout school. By sixth grade, chronic absence is one of three warning signs that a student may eventually drop out of high school. By ninth grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation than eighth grade test scores.
The goal is for students to miss no more than nine days during the entire school year. When students attend regularly, they are more likely to stay engaged, keep up with their learning and remain on track for graduation. That is why Every Day Matters.
. . .But When Are They "Too Sick" For School?
As our video shows, “I don’t feel well” can cover everything from a serious illness to simply feeling tired. So, when should your child actually stay home?🤒
Students with mild cold symptoms, a minor headache or ear discomfort may attend if they can comfortably participate in school. Please keep your child home if they:
- Have a fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Have vomited two or more times within 24 hours
- Have had two or more episodes of diarrhea
- Have symptoms severe enough to prevent normal participation
- Have significant difficulty breathing, eye drainage, an uncovered oozing wound or a rapidly worsening rash
Students may return when they are feeling better, can participate normally, have gone at least 24 hours without a fever and have not needed fever reducing medication. Vomiting should also have stopped overnight, with the student able to keep down food and fluids.
If symptoms are severe, unusual or concerning, please contact your healthcare provider. School health staff may also consider each student’s symptoms and circumstances individually.
College & Career Connections
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year
We're excited to welcome Mrs. Sruti Vadgama as our new College and Career Specialist. Her years of expertise will help sustain and enhance our College and Career events — including college fairs, career fairs, Opportunities Night, and more. Her addition will also allow our College and Career Technicians to spend more time working directly with students.
The High School College and Career Centers are ready to welcome your students and support them with career exploration, college applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
12th Graders and Their Families:
The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) will open by October 1, 2026.
📢 Financial Aid 101 — Free Virtual Workshop
Applying for college financial aid can feel overwhelming — The CA Student Aid Commission has a free, one-hour virtual presentation covering the financial aid process and applications.
📆 Friday, September 18th
🕧 6:00 PM
💻 Register here
More Control Over Screen Time at Home
The GoGuardian Parent App gives families more control over district devices outside of school hours. With the app, you can:
- Review up to 30 days of web activity
- See when teachers have redirected your student during class
- Block specific websites at home
- Pause internet access for a set amount of time
- Create recurring schedules for bedtime or screen free time
Our device, but your home, your time and your rules.
Learn more and download the app to get started.
EV Charging Stations Now Available🔋
WPUSD’s new electric vehicle charging stations are now operational and available for use by students, staff and community members at Foskett Ranch Elementary, Lincoln High School, Twelve Bridges Elementary and Twelve Bridges High School.
The stations use ChargePoint controls and J1772 connectors. Users will need the ChargePoint app to locate a station, initiate a charging session and manage payment.
Charging stations are also installed at Twelve Bridges Middle School but are awaiting final approval from the Division of the State Architect before opening for use.
Questions about the EV charging stations may be directed to Jim Houck (jhouck@wpusd.org), Director of Maintenance.
The HUB: WPUSD'S Family Resource Center 💙
Clothes Closet is NOW OPEN!
The Clothes Closet is open to the entire WPUSD community, offering gently used clothing, shoes and a specialty section for formal wear. Families are welcome to shop Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The HUB, located at 790 J Street in the Lincoln High School parking lot.
Donations are accepted Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a particular need for children’s clothing. For more information, call 916-434-3760. All are welcome!
Event Information
The Hub: Your One-Stop Support Center
WPUSD's Portrait of a Learner
What is Portrait of a Learner?
WPUSD’s Portrait of a Learner defines the skills and qualities we want every student to develop throughout their educational journey: resilience, kindness, collaboration, curiosity, integrity and critical thinking. These traits help prepare students to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships and succeed in school, their future careers and life.
Want to learn more? Check out the video below!
WE ARE HIRING!📣
Interested in Working for WPUSD?
WPUSD is hiring! Check out our current job openings at https://www.edjoin.org/wpusd. Be sure to share the Edjoin link with those who may be looking for employment!
Some of our current available positions:
- Food Service Assistant - TBHS
- Classroom Art Assistant - TBHS
- Elementary Campus Monitor - Various Sites
- Bus Driver
- Mechanic - Transportation Dept
- Various Coaching Positions
- Substitute Teacher
- Many More!
Interested in Volunteering?
Volunteering at schools helps build a stronger sense of community and support for students, showing them that their education matters. It also allows families and community members to play an active role in shaping a positive, welcoming school environment. Even small contributions of time can make a big difference.
QUICKLINK CORNER
Here's where you can find quick links to frequently searched items.
Western Placer Unified School District
Website: www.wpusd.org
Location: 600 6th Street, Suite 400, Lincoln, CA, USA
Phone: 916-645-6350
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WPUSD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w.p.u.s.d
YouTube: @WPUSD
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