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Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! As we begin another exciting year, I am pleased to share the following District updates.
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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT |
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Program: The District completed a 20-day Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) during the summer, providing participating students with a full day of engaging academic & enrichment activities, nutritious meals, and transportation. Additional program days will be offered throughout the school year to meet annual ELOP requirements. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Susie Lewis for her outstanding leadership in coordinating this year's summer program. I also want to thank our teachers and classified staff who generously gave up a portion of their summer to teach, encourage, and care for our students. Their commitment provided students with meaningful learning opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.
Academics: As we begin the 2026-27 school year, the District continues implementation of the Amplify Desmos Math curriculum for students in TK-8. We are also launching a Districtwide pilot of new English Language Arts instructional materials, with Amplify CKLA serving students in TK-5 and Amplify ELA serving students in grades 6-8. Before the start of the school year, teachers will participate in targeted professional development to ensure they are well prepared to implement these programs effectively. Throughout the year, the District will monitor implementation and student outcomes to help inform future curriculum decisions.
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STUDENT WELLNESS |
Student Supports: The District will continue implementing Character Strong, our social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, to strengthen student connection, support student well-being, and foster a positive school climate. |
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Student Recognition: This year we are strategically focusing our recognition activities to highlight students for shared goals.
September |
Attendance: “Strong Start,” where we will be recognizing students who attend consistently in the first three weeks. |
October |
Academics: Recognizing students who are meeting or exceeding their participation goals in IXL for Reading and Math. |
November |
Attendance: Recognizing students who have improved attendance compared to the first weeks of school or last year. |
December |
Inclusivity: Students who have demonstrated a commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive schools. |
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FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT |
During our Districtwide Back to School Event on Thursday, August 13, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., we will welcome students and families while emphasizing the importance of strong home-school communication. Staff will assist families with registering for ParentSquare, our primary communication platform, and provide information on the tools available to monitor student progress throughout the school year. Our goal is to have 100% of families registered and actively connected through ParentSquare to ensure timely communication and strengthen our partnership with families. |
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STAFFING |
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Staffing: The District has successfully filled all certificated teaching positions for the 2026-27 school year. Recruitment efforts continue for our school nurse position, as well as several classified vacancies. Recruitment efforts will continue until these positions are filled.
Staff Recognition: During our Districtwide staff meeting on August 14, we will recognize new employees, celebrate staff reaching years-of-service milestones, including 35 employees with 20 or more years of service, and acknowledge the many contributions our employees make to our students, schools, and District.
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FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP |
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Budget: The State adopted its 2026-27 budget in late June, providing a 2.41% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and continuing support for key priorities, including Transitional Kindergarten, universal school meals, Expanded Learning Opportunities, and special education. Like many school districts, Fortuna Elementary School District continues to navigate declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and increasing expenditures in areas such as special education and employee health and welfare benefits. While fiscal conditions remain tight, the District can meet its financial obligations for the current year and the two subsequent years while continuing to provide high-quality programs and services for students.
Construction and Maintenance: The District is nearing completion of the Toddy Thomas Middle School office renovation and campus fencing project. Throughout the summer, the District also completed numerous facility improvements, including replacing multiple restroom floors at three of our four schools, repairing and replacing roofs at three school sites, and replacing water heaters Districtwide through a PG&E grant program. These investments continue to enhance the safety, functionality, and appearance of our schools while providing improved learning environments for students and staff.
Child Nutrition: During our Districtwide staff meeting on August 14, we will launch a Districtwide initiative focused on strengthening our Child Nutrition Program. Through collaboration with staff across all school sites, we will work to increase student participation, improve operational efficiency, maximize meal reimbursement, and enhance the long-term financial sustainability of the program.
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Important Dates |
August 13 - Back to School/Meet the Staff 4:00-6:00 p.m. August 17 - First Day of School September 7 - Labor Day (No School) September 10 - Next Regular Board Meeting |
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