The Falcon Flyer

Dear Families,

I hope you and our students had a relaxing, enjoyable summer break and are feeling recharged and ready to return!

Our dedicated team has been hard at work preparing to deliver the absolute best independent study experience for your child. Over the summer, some of our staff attended professional conferences to gain valuable insights that will immediately enhance our program. Our top priority remains helping every student reach their full academic and social-emotional potential—preparing them for success in college, vocational school, the workforce, or military service after high school graduation.

As we kick off the year, remember that you are not alone on this journey. Our team includes dedicated teachers, a full-time guidance counselor, a full-time social worker/mental health specialist, and others who are ready to partner with you to support your student’s academics, college and career goals, and mental health.

We are so excited for all that this year holds and look forward to working alongside you and your student for a successful 2026–2027 school year!

Sincerely,

Zack Schulz

Principal

Under California Education Code Sections 51747–51749.6, an independent study contract (written agreement) must be reviewed and signed by each student and parent before they may receive independent study educational services.

These contracts must be reviewed and signed each year by both returning and new students and families.

Our contract signing meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, August 11 through Friday, August 14.

Our staff have been calling families to schedule these meetings. If you have not received a call by now, please call us at (530)740-6489 on Monday, August 10.

Haven't scheduled your student's contract signing meeting yet? Call us at (530)740-6489 between 8 AM and 3 PM to get it scheduled! PLEASE NOTE: Our office will be closed on Tuesday, August 11 from 8 to 9 AM for a staff meeting.

Students will receive their Google Chromebooks during the contract signing meeting. Your student's teacher will provide further information regarding this week's instructional plans.

We look forward to seeing all students and parents this week for their contract signing meetings!

We are looking for parent and guardian volunteers to join our School Site Council (SSC) for the 2026–2027 school year!

What is the School Site Council?

A school site council (SSC) is a legally required, school-level committee made up of teachers, parents, staff, and students that collaborates with the principal to oversee academic plans and funding.

You don’t need any special degree, training, or background to join—just a desire to help our students! The SSC is a group of parents, teachers, and staff who meet to discuss school goals, plan student programs, and decide how to spend certain school funds. Having parents and guardians on the team is important because you know our families best, and your ideas help ensure our school meets the needs of all our kids.

Core Responsibilities

• Develops the SPSA: Creates and updates the School Plan for Student Achievement to match student needs.




• Manages Budgets: Reviews and approves categorical fund expenditures, including Title I monies.




• Monitors Progress: Analyzes school data and evaluates the success of ongoing programs.




• Sets Policies: Helps design safety plans and parent engagement rules

What is the time commitment?

• Meetings: Up to one meeting per month, based on the council's identified commitments. Meetings typically run about an hour long.

• Where: Online via Zoom (join conveniently from home or on your phone!).

Interested in joining or learning more?

Please contact Principal Zack Schulz:

• 📞 Phone: (530) 740-6489

• ✉️ Email: zschulz@mjusd.k12.ca.us

Thank you for partnering with us to make this a wonderful school year for our students!

Reading is a foundational skill that is essential to success in both school and life. The ability to read fluently and with comprehension impacts every subject area - math, science, social studies, and beyond.

Literacy fosters critical thinking, builds vocabulary, and supports effective oral and written communication. These are skills essential for success in life, whether your student plans to attend college, join the workforce, or enlist in the military after high school.

A common misconception is that reading instruction is only necessary in elementary schools. In reality, many students in middle school and high school need instruction that builds reading skills, especially as reading content becomes more complex.

Families play a vital role in helping students develop strong reading skills. Some ideas for supporting reading at home include:

• Make Reading a Daily Habit. Set aside time to read daily, even if it is just 15-20 minutes. For younger students, reading aloud together builds vocabulary and listening skills. For older students, encourage independent reading and talk about what they’re reading.

• Create a Reading-Friendly Environment. Keep books, magazines, and other reading materials accessible in the home. Designate a quiet, comfortable space for reading without distractions.

• Use Technology Wisely. Explore educational content that promotes literacy. Watch educational videos or documentaries and discuss them to build vocabulary and comprehension.

• Stay Involved With School. Communicate regularly with teachers. Ask for Star Reading test results and discuss them with your child’s teacher. Attend conferences and talk with teachers to identify strategies for supporting reading and learning at home.

• Students Should See Their Parents Reading. When children see their parents reading, it sends the message that reading is important and worth doing. A home where reading is visible and valued fosters a strong literacy environment where stories, information, and curiosity thrive. Research shows that students who come from homes with strong literacy practices do better in school.

To learn more about building literacy at home, visit https://www.readingrockets.org/literacy-home

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