TTUSD District Update

• A Message from Superintendent Kramer
• Our Strategic Plan: A Look at the Year Ahead

• A Warm Welcome to Our New School Leaders
• Roadmaps for Student Success
• Adventures in Learning: An Update on Our Outdoor School
• Academic Achievement Tip: A Strong Start to the Year!

• Here to Succeed: Make Attendance a Priority!

• Partnering for a Focused Day: TTUSD Cell Phone Policies
• Refining Our Digital Learning Environment
• Celebrating a Summer of Nourishment!
• Partnering for Preparedness: Share Your Input

• Thank You for Supporting Our Schools Through Measure AA!
• Mark Your Calendars: Back to School Nights are Here
• And the Award Goes To...
• A Powerful Partnership for Our Students
• Upcoming Important Dates

Welcome back, TTUSD families, students, and staff!

The start of a new school year feels like opening a new book, filled with pages of possibility. I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for the exciting chapters ahead. It’s a joy to see our campuses buzzing with energy, and we extend a warm welcome to all the new families joining our story. You can see some of that first-day excitement in a short video below!

As we begin this new chapter, our team is focused on making every part of the school day an opportunity for students to thrive. From classrooms to the cafeteria, buses to the sports fields, we are committed to creating an environment where curiosity thrives and a love of learning takes root. Our focus on academic achievement for all, combined with strong support systems and deep community connections, guides our work.

This story wouldn't be possible without the incredible generosity of our community. When you see students with fresh school supplies or hear about an innovative classroom project, you are likely seeing your support in action!

Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. Together, let's make this a fantastic chapter!

Sincerely,
Kerstin Kramer
Superintendent Chief Learning Officer

Our TTUSD strategic plan is a community-built roadmap for the future. At the July 30th board meeting, Superintendent Kramer shared the key actions that will drive our plan forward during the 2025/2026 school year—many are expansions of actions from the past two years.

Our Focus for the Year Ahead:

• Continue supporting staff in implementing our new math curriculum
• Provide teachers with new strategies to support English Learners
• Improve staff evaluation tools
• Support local workforce housing projects to attract and retain staff
• Expand our Workability program to offer more comprehensive life skills training and internship opportunities

• Pilot a new social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and implement a universal SEL screener for all students
• Pilot a new behavior alert platform to support consistency in disciplinary practices
• Continue to include student voices in our Superintendent's advisory committee
• Update district safety plans and provide staff training
• Refine our budget process and assess facility needs, as well as potential funding opportunities

• Continue implementing activities identified by families to increase a sense of belonging and inclusion
• Utilize feedback from family and staff to enhance the transition from 5th to 6th grade
• Expand family engagement efforts to improve two-way communication between schools and families
• Continue to build our outdoor education programs

We are committed to sharing our progress throughout the year in these monthly newsletters and at our board meetings.

Please join us in welcoming some new faces to our school leadership teams!

Truckee Elementary (TES) welcomes Ashley Perkins as its new Assistant Principal. A familiar face at TES, Ms. Perkins has been with the district for thirteen years and is recognized for her student-centered approach and dedication to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Kings Beach Elementary (KBE) is thrilled to welcome Sarah DiPrinzio as its new Assistant Principal. Mrs. DiPrinzio joins KBE after serving as the Assistant Principal at Truckee Elementary for the past seven years. This new role marks a return to the school where she began her career in the district. With a background as a school psychologist, her leadership is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves to feel supported and inspired.

She takes over for Julia Worster, who moved to the District Office as an Educational Services Specialist, where she will support curriculum and instruction district-wide.

Alder Creek Middle School (ACMS) is excited to welcome two new Assistant Principals.

Heidi Pruett steps into a new hybrid role as Assistant Principal and Mathematics Engagement Specialist at ACMS. A former professional figure skater and coach, Mrs. Pruett began teaching in 2014 and joined the ACMS team in 2018. She is passionate about inspiring a love for math during the middle school years.

Joining her is Kevin Cooper. Mr. Cooper hails from Chester, CA, where he served as Principal of Chester Jr./Sr. High School. He brings 24 years of experience as a math and science teacher, coach, and former research scientist. He's dedicated to supporting students and staff to create the best possible learning environment during the middle school years. We're also excited to welcome his wife, Sue Cooper, to the district as our new Special Education Program Specialist.

We wish Mr. Losk the best in his new chapter and are thrilled to welcome both Heidi and Kevin to the ACMS administrative team.

At the June 25th Board of Education meeting, two important sets of plans that guide our work for the upcoming school year were approved: the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and our individual School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs).

Think of the LCAP as the district's overall roadmap. It's a state-required plan that outlines our main goals for all students and details how we will use funding to achieve them. It connects our budget to specific actions that support student learning, teacher development, community engagement, and a positive school climate.

The SPSAs are the individual roadmaps for each of our schools. Every school site collaborates with its staff, families, and school site council to create a plan that addresses the specific needs of its students. These plans align with the district's main LCAP goals but are tailored to each school's community, challenges, and strengths.

Together, these plans, along with our overarching Strategic Plan, ensure we are all working toward the same goals while allowing each school the flexibility to serve its students best. We encourage you to learn more by viewing the complete plans on our website.

Big things are happening in the great outdoors! We're tapping into our incredible Tahoe environment to bring our vision for hands-on learning to life.

A key part of this strategic plan initiative is transforming the former Rideout facility into the Tahoe Lab and Outdoor School (TAHOE). Last spring, we hosted a successful overnight pilot program for 60 students, and the feedback confirmed the program's impact, with one student sharing that the trip "made me understand and care more about nature."

Building on that success, during October, all 6th-grade students from Alder Creek and North Tahoe middle schools will participate in a 3-day, 2-night field trip at the TAHOE campus. This immersive trip is a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on environmental science, build teamwork skills, and develop a deeper connection to our local ecosystem.

Bringing this vision to life has been a true community effort, driven by a collaborative workgroup of over 40 staff members and local partners. We are grateful for every contribution! A special thank you goes to the Excellence in Education Foundation for a $100,000 grant for bunk beds, which is instrumental in making this residential science school a reality. We are so excited to continue expanding these powerful learning experiences for all students.

One of the most powerful ways to set your child up for success this year is simple: make daily attendance a top priority.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to reflect on the importance of attending school every day. Students who attend school regularly:

• Build stronger reading skills
• Develop lasting friendships
• Are better prepared for future success

We understand challenges like illness, transportation, and morning routines can make daily attendance difficult. Our school teams are here to help! If you're facing barriers, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school for resources and support.

Thank you for your partnership in making this a great year of learning and growth for your child!

We want to share a reminder about our district-wide cell phone policies. Our goal is to create a learning environment where students can be fully present and engaged, and to achieve this, we need your partnership.

To minimize distractions, cell phones and smartwatches must be turned off and stored in backpacks for the entire school day.

Classrooms are phone-free zones. Students may use them before school, during lunch, and between classes, but they must be silenced and put away in the provided areas during instructional time.

While our staff works hard to enforce these policies, your support at home is essential. Please remind your student of these rules, and call the front office if you need to reach them during the day. We continually monitor the impact of these policies and welcome your feedback as we work together to support our students' success and well-being.

In our ongoing effort to ensure technology enhances learning, we’ve updated our access guidelines for apps and websites for the new school year. These changes are designed to provide a safe, focused, and developmentally appropriate digital environment, while also aligning with California Senate Bill 976.

Here is a brief overview of what to expect. Some of these guidelines build upon our existing safety protocols, while others are new for this year:

Access to digital tools will be structured, based on what’s appropriate for students at different developmental ages. For instance, Google Docs and Slides will be introduced in 2nd grade, and Google Classroom will be introduced in 3rd grade. Direct browsing on YouTube will be unavailable, and all social media and streaming platforms will be blocked on student devices.

Major social media platforms (like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram) and streaming sites (like Netflix) will be blocked on school devices and networks. Communication tools like Google Chat may only be initiated by teachers.

Social media and streaming sites will be blocked. Similar to the middle school protocol, direct messaging on platforms like Google Chat must be initiated by a teacher.

Our goal is to ensure that technology is a powerful tool for learning, not a distraction. We appreciate your partnership in modeling and teaching responsible digital citizenship.

Our incredible Food & Nutrition Services team was hard at work this summer! Their dedication to our community was on full display through our free Summer Meal Program, which helps reduce food insecurity and supports the well-being of children in our district.

The team delivered 35,000 free meals to children and families! Each week, they provided meal bundles that included five breakfasts and five lunches, featuring fresh, scratch-made food and locally grown organic produce.

When children have consistent access to nutritious food, it has a positive impact on their physical and mental health, setting them up for success in and out of the classroom. We are proud and honored to offer programs like this, which directly support our families and help our students thrive. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this summer a success!

Help us create a safer school community! We're gathering input for our Hazard Mitigation Plan, which aims to improve safety against natural disasters. Please take a moment to complete this brief, anonymous survey to help us better understand and address community concerns.

Complete the survey now!

From fresh notebooks to new classroom materials, the school year is off to a great start—thanks to you! A sincere thank you to our community for supporting Measure AA, a local parcel tax. This funding makes a difference for every student, including funding back-to-school supplies so all students have everything they need to learn. We are incredibly grateful for this community investment, which enables us to offer a more enriching educational experience than state funding alone.

Interested parents and community members are invited to join our Measure AA Citizens' Oversight Committee. It’s a great way to see your tax dollars at work. The first meeting is on Monday, October 21st. For more information, visit our website or contact your school's principal.

It’s time for our annual Back to School Nights! They are wonderful opportunities to meet your child’s teachers, learn about the year ahead, and connect with your school community. We hope you can join us!

• Donner Trail Elementary: September 16, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.
• Glenshire Elementary (3rd - 5th Grades): September 2, 2025 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Glenshire Elementary (TK - 2nd Grade): September 9, 2025 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Kings Beach Elementary: September 11, 2025 | 5 - 6 p.m.
• Tahoe Lake Elementary: September 9, 2025 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Truckee Elementary: September 2, 2025 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.

• Alder Creek Middle School: September 4, 2025 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• North Tahoe School: September 23, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.

• North Tahoe High School: September 10, 2025 | 5 - 8 p.m.
• Truckee High School: September 11, 2025 | 6 - 7 p.m.

Every year, our community has the privilege of celebrating staff who make our schools truly extraordinary. Nominated by students, parents, and peers for their passion and commitment, we're thrilled to announce this year's Excellence in Education award winners, who were honored at an event held just before the start of the school year.

Congratulations to the following teachers who received a Linda Brown Fellow award, which includes a $1,000 personal prize and a $2,000 grant for their classroom or school.

• Jessica Jacobs, High School Teacher, Truckee High School

• Graham Johns, Resource Specialist Teacher, Glenshire Elementary School

• Kristen Sura, Middle School Teacher, North Tahoe School

• Neysa Williams, Middle School Teacher, Alder Creek Middle School

We also celebrate our Star Award recipients, staff members in vital support roles who go above and beyond to provide truly outstanding support. They each received a $1,000 personal award.

• Ivana Cobos, Bilingual Interpreter & Translator/Community Liaison, Alder Creek Middle School

• Sal Guerrero Angel, Head Custodian, Truckee High School

• Amanda Richardson, Administrative Secretary, Donner Trail Elementary

• Tom Mohun, School, Campus Monitor, Truckee High School

These honorees are instrumental in creating inspiring and supportive learning environments for our students. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition!

We're thrilled to celebrate our incredible partnership with the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation. This year, their annual spring grants provided $155,648 across 53 projects, funding innovative learning opportunities and materials that go beyond the standard curriculum for our students.

Here are just a few of the exciting projects and trends funded this year:

• Over $34,000 for books and literacy tools.

• Over $15,000 toward social-emotional learning projects focused on regulation and communication skills.

• $13,500 for new band instruments at Truckee High School, an initiative co-funded with the district.

• A CNC router for the Gone Boarding class at Truckee High School.

• A live Birds of Prey Experience at Kings Beach Elementary.

• A DNA sequencer at North Tahoe High School that allows students to contribute to real-world scientific research.

The foundation's support didn't stop there. They also gave a foundational $100,000 grant to purchase 200 bunk beds for our new TAHOE Outdoor School.

For 39 years, Ex in Ed has been a key partner, providing responsive, community-rooted support that allows us to deliver innovative and exceptional learning experiences to every student. We are incredibly grateful for their long-standing commitment to our schools.

September 1 | No School, Labor Day Holiday

September 2 | Glenshire Elementary (3-5) Back to School Night

September 2 | Truckee Elementary Back to School Night

September 4 | Alder Creek Middle School Back to School Night
September 9 | Glenshire Elementary (TK-2) Back to School Night

September 9 | Tahoe Lake Elementary Back to School Night

September 9 - 11 | Truckee Elementary Parent Partnership Workshops

September 10 | North Tahoe High School Back to School Night

September 11 | Kings Beach Elementary Back to School Night

September 11 | Truckee High School Back to School Night

September 16 | Donner Trail Elementary Back to School Night

September 17 | All Schools Minimum Day

September 23 | North Tahoe School Back to School Night

September 26 | Glenshire Elementary Eagle Walk

September 30 | College & Career Fair at Truckee High School

September 30, October 7 & 14 | Nurtured Heart Workshop (English)

October 1, 8, 15 | Nurtured Heart Workshop (Spanish)

October 2 | Donner Trail Elementary Yuba River Day

October 3 | Truckee High School Homecoming Football Game

October 13 - 17 | School Administrator Week

October 16 | Great California Shakeout - Earthquake Drill

October 17 | North Tahoe School WalkFest

October 20 - 24 | Conference Week

October 20 - 24 | Minimum Days for Elementary and Middle Schools
October 21 | Measure AA Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting

October 21 | Truckee High School Fall Concert

October 22 | All Schools Minimum Day
October 24 | Tahoe Lake Elementary Mine Your Destiny Walk-a-thon

October 24 | Kings Beach Elementary Walk-a-thon

October 25 | North Tahoe High School Homecoming Football Game

October 28 | Alder Creek Middle School Fall Concert

October 30 | North Tahoe School Fall Band Concert