Teachers throughout Los Nietos School District returned for the first day of school, Aug. 9th, armed with new instructional tools designed to boost student achievement Districtwide.
Teachers and staff came together Aug. 1-5 for a training program in which they reviewed newly adopted language arts and math textbooks that will be in the hands of the District’s 1,700 students this year. They also learned about the District’s new technology upgrades and technological tools such as Google Classroom, a software that allows them to post assignments online to allow greater student collaboration during class time.
“As we make improvements to our schools it’s critical that we also augment our teaching methods and understanding of how to promote the greatest level of student success,” Los Nietos Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez said. “That’s why it was critical that we met before the school year to ensure we have the resources and support necessary to inspire our kids.”
During the training, teachers gathered by grade level to ensure they received specific support. Two days were dedicated to math, two to language arts and the final day centered on project planning. Five days of professional development was also provided to classified personnel as well. Crisis Prevention Institute Training was also provided to new special education instructional assistants. Vasquez shared examples and techniques he previously used as a school psychologist to highlight how effective the training can be with students and adults.
“In addition to the professional development taking place, this training program provided a wonderful opportunity for team building, bringing together teachers and staff together in one place,” Los Nietos Board of Education Vice President Marisa B. Hernandez said. “Los Nietos is made up of four schools, but we’re one family dedicated to the goal of serving our students.”
Los Nietos schools are enjoying several technological upgrades this year. Eighth-graders at Los Nietos Middle School will receive Google Chromebooks they will keep at school, while seventh-graders will have access to laptops, iPads and computer labs. All classes will enjoy a faster, upgraded wireless infrastructure.
Every classroom in the District last year received a 65-inch TV monitor, complete with an Apple TV that teachers used to project content from their laptop.
These upgrades are among the projects paid for by the $13 million Measure N Bond that was approved by Los Nietos voters in 2014. They also fall in line with the District’s new Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that calls for new instructional materials that are aligned to the California State Standards, along with an infrastructure upgrade to support new technologies.
“We’ve never been more equipped as educators to give our students all the tools they need to become high achievers,” Los Nietos Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jacqueline Cardenas said. “We’re thrilled about all the possibilities this school year can bring.”