Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Walgrove 2021-2022

LAUSD implements Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) district-wide. Each school in LAUSD must create school-site matrices, classroom matrices, minor-major matrices and more. 

The following documents are the current prevailing documents that govern student behavior, discipline, rewards, consequences., etc., at Walgrove. All documents were approved by the 2020-2021 LSLC and will be revisited by the 2021-2022 LSLC at the next LSLC meeting, which will be Thursday, November 18 at 3:30pm in Dr. K's Zoom room. 

In addition to posting the documents in classrooms and around campus, Walgrove teachers share the documents with students and teach overt lessons on the concepts. 

The decision-making body that resides over the area of student discipline at Walgrove is the LSLC. 

The 2021-2022 LSLC is comprised of:

• Principal Andrea Kittelson
• SAA Tracy McCarthy
• UTLA Rep and Gen Ed Teacher Jackie Lettieri
• SDC Teacher Kathy Elkins
• Gen Ed Upper Grade Teacher Lynn Webster
• Gen Ed Lower Grade Teacher Elvia Perez
• Parent Reps Shaina Shapiro and Maria Boyd
• Alternate Teacher Alejandra Biolatto
• Alternate Parent Danielle Barto

If you have any questions, concerns or awesome ideas, please forward them to any of the aforementioned LSLC members and/or to me at andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net. Or stop by Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal any/every Thursday at 9am in Dr. K's Zoom room. (Except Nov 4 and Nov 11. Nov 4, I'll be teaching a lesson in a classroom. Nov 11 is a holiday) and/or stop by any LSLC meeting, which are monthly and mentioned in the Sunday message, on the yearly calendar and on the electronic marquee. 

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Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Factoids

>> Students in LAUSD may be designated Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) in 7 categories:

Intellectual Ability (K+, tested by LAUSD psych, once during K-12. Outside tests may supplement but not supplant)

High Achievement (OLSAT in gr 2 and/or two consecutive years of high achievement in reading and/or math, gr 5 and above)

Specific Academic Ability (gr 5+, three consecutive years of high achievement in reading and/or math)

Creativity (gr 2+, portfolio showing extraordinary visionary inventions and innovations)

Leadership (gr 2+, portfolio showing exemplary leadership, problem-solving, purpose and direction)

Visual Arts (gr 2+, portfolio showing exemplary visual artistry)

Performing Arts (gr 2+ audition in the Spring)

>> Students may qualify in more than one category.

>> The process at Walgrove involves: All second-graders take the OLSAT test in the Spring, the results of which determine GATE designation in the category of High Achievement (though, not the only way to be designated in the category of High Achievement) 

>> AND each year, each teacher marks any/all categories of potential GATE designation for each of their students on a school-wide roster. Dr. K (Walgrove's GATE coordinator) follows up to make sure those students are eventually referred in MiSIS and evaluated/approved by the SSPT (Student Support and Progress Team) and that their parents are informed so they have the opportunity to take the next steps, which may include participating (along with the school, in portfolio development). 

PARENTS MAY ALSO REFER THEIR OWN CHILDREN FOR GATE. To do so, complete Attachment C of this document (for Intellectual Ability) or the equivalent form for one or more of the other categories:

High Achievement or Specific Ability

Creativity or Leadership

Visual and Performing Arts

While all submissions are all year long on a rolling basis, the District does set deadlines in mid to late April for students who will need Intellectual Ability testing before the subsequent school year and students who have to audition/demo in late May for VAPA: drawing/painting, drama, dance or voice. 

INFO REGARDING PORTFOLIOS AND AUDITIONS

>> The benefits of being designated GATE include, but are not limited to, having access to certain classes, such as honors classes (especially in middle and high school); certain programs, such as honors programs; and certain schools, such as magnet schools, Schools for Advanced Studies and schools for the Highly Gifted.

Magnet schools are typically schools with very particular foci, such as visual and performing arts, media studies, civic involvement, science, etc. 

Schools for Advanced Studies are schools that have applied for that particular designation (the process happens every five years). As part of the application process, schools must show a consistent commitment to training their teachers in strategies designed to meet the needs of gifted students. (Walgrove intends to apply for the next five-year cycle. All our teachers are trained to teach gifted students.) 

>> While students who are already designated GATE automatically qualify for magnet and SAS schools, students do NOT have to be designated GATE in order to attend such schools. Once a parent applies for such a school during the E-Choices Unified Enrollment period, their child's name appears in a database. The current principal logs into that database by a specific deadline (usually in January) and places a "YES" or "NO" next to each applicant's name based on certain criteria; see Section B #3. Many Walgrove students attend magnets and SAS middle schools this way. For all those within the Mark Twain footprint, I submit a list of qualified students (per the same criteria) to Mark Twain's Assistant Principal, Kerrie Egerton, and she places those students in SAS classes. 

>>There is no need to attend a magnet or SAS school in order to enjoy a robust GATE education. All LAUSD schools (and all schools in the nation, actually) are required to meet the needs of Gifted and Talented students, and your neighborhood school might have much more to offer than a gifted magnet.

  There are so many things to consider when choosing the right school. 

For more GATE info, please attend Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal, which happen weekly.

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Webster Middle School Tour Info!

Volunteerism at Walgrove Fall 2021

Thank you, all 27 registered volunteers, for applying here to become a registered volunteer. 

Here is our new sign-up sheet for upcoming on-campus tasks.

Here is our sign-in sheet for when you are actually on campus (feel free to complete before you arrive).

And, of course, here is where you get a Daily Pass. 

You are welcome to come and get COVID-tested Tuesdays 7:30 - 3, with our preferred parent time 1-3. But, anytime is OK if you are willing to wait behind a class. 

Thank you, SO MUCH, for making Walgrove a safe and fun place to learn and grow!

Halloween Spooktacular

Prepare for the 2021 Halloween Spooktacular!

Here is the gist:

More details to follow...

When you least expect it. Boo!

Tour of Webster STEAM Magnet Oct 20 4pm

 

Visitor Policy Oct 18 and Beyond

Dear Walgrove Community, 

As you surely know, LAUSD has mandated that all LAUSD staff become COVID-19 vaccinated as of October 15, 2021, therefore, we, at Walgrove, now require that all COVID-19-vaccine-eligible visitors to campus be vaccinated, as well. 

Therefore, as of Monday, October 18, 2021, all visitors 12 and over who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and/or Moderna) must now show both a negative PCR COVID test within the previous week and a vaccination card in order to enter and spend time on campus. 

To escort your child to class for a hot minute: Vax card and neg test within the last week.

To volunteer in myriad ways for longer than a hot minute: Vax card, neg test within the last week, and registered as a volunteer:

Thank you for your community spirit. Please consider the following data:

Prospective Parent Tour @ 6pm Tue Oct 19

 

https://www.wearewalgrove.com/tour/

Tuesday, October 19 at 6pm in Dr. K's Zoom room

with in-person component Sat, Oct 23 @10am.

Mark Twain IHP Program Info Session Nov 4 6pm

Mark Twain Tours Fall 2021

 

LatinX Heritage Month Arts Contest Due Oct 29

 

Free Vaccinations for Ages 12+ October 13

 

Enrollment Fair October 12

 

Venice COS Town Hall Wed Oct 6 4pm

Thank You, UCLA and Parent Volunteers!

On Saturday, September 25, approximately 30 volunteers from UCLA and almost 10 parents, staff and community members came to support Walgrove by working in the Wildlands, Edible Garden, auditorium and Blue Lagoon. 

They hauled, organized, weeded, harvested and set the stage for fall planting and for all things Walgrove. 

Thank you, all, for making Walgrove more beautiful! 

Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal Tomorrow (and every Thursday) at 9am

Dear Families, 

Please come to my weekly Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal Thursday, September 23 at 9am in my Zoom room. 

Tomorrow's Topic will be GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). 

Specifically, we will discuss:

• How students are designated GATE
• The upcoming OLSAT for this year's 3rd and 4th graders

Vaccines for LAUSD Employees

NO SCHOOL THURS 09/16/2021

 In honor of the Day of Atonement, there will be no school Thursday, September 16, 2021.

G'mar Chatima Tovah.

COVID Testing Monday, September 13 7:30-3

Due to the fact that this Thursday is Yom Kippur, and there is no school, this week's COVID testing is Monday in the Library...with Colonel Mustard and the candlestick. 

Parent volunteers (and other folks in the Parent Portal and/or LAUSD database) are invited to test from 1:00-3:00pm. If you can't come then, then come anytime, but please be prepared to wait.

LSLC and SSC Orientation Sept 13 @ 2:30PM

Come learn more about the LSLC and SSC Monday, September 13 at 3 in my Zoom room. 

Free COVID Vaccines Sept 10

GoFundWE Annual Fundraiser

Back to School Night Thurs Sept 9 4:45-6pm

Zoom Links for Back to School Night

NO SCHOOL SEPT 3-7, 2021

 No school Fri Sept 3 - Tues Sept 7 in honor of Admission Day, Labor Day and Rosh Hashanah.

Travel Guidance

Dear Families,

While the District has said it is not requiring post-travel quarantine, I highly recommend that you do comply with the guidance below. If you would like to do an Independent Study during your voluntary post-travel quarantine, please complete pages 1 and pages 24-25 of the embedded doc (see the link at the bottom of page 1) and email those to me at andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net. Thank you!

Visitor Policy During COVID

Parents who wish to escort their kiddos to class should:

• Show recent negative PCR COVID-test (within the last week) to gate watcher or Admin
• Have permission from gate watcher and/or Admin (Principal, APEIS, Tracy)
• Depart right after escorting student to class (may not hang out in the quad or in class)

Parents who wish to volunteer on campus should:

• Complete the registration process, which includes digital application, TB test, background check, vaccination...
• Have permission from Admin (Principal, APEIS, Tracy) to be on campus
• Not enter classrooms without advance permission from both Admin and the respective teachers

Thank you VERY MUCH for helping us limit interruptions and ensure for all a safe environment.

Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal EVERY Thurs at 9am

Join us for our first Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal Thursday, August 26 at 9am in Dr. K's Zoom room. The agenda will be:

• EL Master Plan and Course Offerings for English Learners
• General Q and A re: COVID protocols, instruction, after-school program, volunteerism...

For those parents of English Learners who cannot make it, please know that Walgrove's ELD program is Language and Literacy in English Acceleration Program (L/EAP). 

Venice COS Town Hall Wed Aug 25 5pm

 

Quarantine Info

If you are asked to quarantine for 7 or more days because it was determined that you have been a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 (unvaccinated and within 6 feet for longer than 15 minutes), please read and heed the following:

Quarantine at home and stay separated from others for the duration. 

Get tested 3-7 days after your quarantine begins and also within 72 hours of returning to work or school. (Ideally, for a 7-day quarantine, get tested on Day 3 and Day 6 or 7, and return on Day 8.)

If you tested positive and are asymptomatic, your isolation period is similar to a close contact's quarantine period. You should test again within 48 hours to confirm it is a true positive, then isolate and wait for clearance from the Community Engagement Team to return to work or school. You will NOT test again for 90 days after your return because it takes that long (or longer) for the virus to become undetectable. 

When the Community Engagement Team calls you, the phone may display "Unknown Caller." Please answer. If you miss their call(s), the Community Engagement Team's # is 213-725-5637. 

Contacts of close contacts are not considered to be close contacts of positive cases. Parents, siblings, teachers, friends and others should stay physically distanced from the close contact but do not need to also quarantine. 

Here are more facts about what to do when there is a positive case at work or school:

https://achieve.lausd.net/covidfaq

On-Site COVID Testing Thursdays 7:45-3:15

Walgrove Students, Staff, Parent Volunteers and LAUSD Community Willing to Wait:

Feel free to come to Walgrove Thursdays anytime between 7:45am and 3:15pm to get COVID-tested. 

Walgrove students will test with their classes.

Walgrove staff and parent volunteers will test throughout the day.

Other LAUSD staff and parents will fit in between. 

All will benefit from the results. 

No appointment is necessary. Just wear a mask, be prepared to answer COVID screening questions and to provide ID. 

Proffer CONSENT for your kiddo to be tested at school in the Parent Portal. 

See you Thursday!

Angel City Youth Chorale

 

OR EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE:

Pick-up and Drop-off Gate Update

Dear Walgrove Community, 

Please note these new gate assignments:

Orange Gate on Appleton

All students in grades 4-5 (except for students in Rm 6)

Green Gate on Walgrove

All students in grades 2-3 (except for students in Rm 2)

Blue Gate on Morningside

All students in TK-1 and students in Rms 2 & 6

STAR Gate on Walgrove (by the Auditorium)

All students in STAR and Beyond the Bell upon departure in the PM.

Please arrive on time, and please have your negative COVID results ready to show (or your Daily Pass). Parents who want to escort kiddos must show negative COVID test results, not just vaccination. Thank you!

School Starts Monday!

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

Please read and heed the following info, which is hopefully helpfully helpful:

School starts Monday, August 16. It is in-person for all students, except those few who have signed up for Independent Study with me (or through the City of Angels). All who attend will need a negative PCR COVID test. 

DROPOFF:

There will be three gates (not four). You are assigned a gate by last name. 

Orange Gate off Appleton near the STEAM Studio: 

Students whose last names start with A-F

Green Gate off Walgrove to the left of the office (if you are facing the school):

Students whose last names start with G-N

Blue Gate off Morningside:

Students whose last names start with O-Z

The only exception are students in Rooms 2 and 6 (Mr. Matt and Mr. Steve). They will all use the Blue Gate.

SCREENING:

Upon arrival, students will either show their Daily Pass OR we will check their names against our roster of recent negative COVID tests. To make sure that all kiddos have recent negative COVID tests, we will continue with on-site COVID testing every Thursday 8-3pm.

PARENT ESCORTS:

We will have extra adults to escort kiddos to class for you. However, if you want to escort your child to class, you may. But you will need to show a negative COVID test (just as the students do) and you will need to leave immediately. You may not enter the classroom or stick around. Sorry!

Parent volunteers who are registered (and have negative COVID tests) may stick around. (Full vaccination will be required by Oct 15, per the new universal LAUSD vaccination mandate). The folks at the gate will have a list of registered volunteers. 

STAR & BEYOND THE BELL:

Richard Medina will be Walgrove's STAR Director. Jonney Machtig is helping Richard get situated. Richard has lots of wonderful experience with STAR (and with playing chess!). So, we will indeed have chess! ALL 83 of the applicants who submitted applications are enrolled in STAR. Marcus from Beyond the Bell will work closely with STAR (as he did this last Spring) so that the programs are aligned. They will mostly hang out in the cafeteria area (as they did this last Spring) and out on the field for sports. If you did not apply but need childcare, please apply. If we cannot accomodate you in STAR, then we will accommodate you in Beyond the Bell (and if many people apply, we will have to bifercate the programs a bit more, as in years past. But that's OK!)

PICK UP:

If you are picking up after school at 2:30 (1:35 on Tuesdays), then you must pick your kiddo up at their assigned gate. If you are picking up after STAR, then use the STAR Gate, which is on Walgrove near the cafeteria. Your kiddos will get Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) food as Grab and Go on the way home to be eaten the next morning. (Those who want.)

TECHNOLOGY:

Based on survey results, we will go with option B, which is:

Students may bring their technology (cell phones, iPads, laptops, Apple watches, etc) to school BUT may NOT use it during school unless directed to by a teacher during class (or by the STAR Director or Beyond the Bell Coach after school). They may NOT use tech during recess or lunch. 

After we see how things go, we will revisit and revise, as needed. The LSLC will ultimately approve and formalize the tech policy for the year. 

Your teachers will also reach out with info and with a supplies wish list. We can always use compositon books, notebooks, and glue sticks. So, feel free to drop those things off to any of us anytime 🙂

SATURDAY (TOMORROW):

If you want to volunteer tomorrow anytime between 8-4 (registration not needed, but negative COVID test or vaccination is), then come on down. We have things to do in the garden, Wildlands, kinder yard and more. 

Also, there is a playdate at Penmar Park from 10-12 tomorrow for those who want their kiddos to meet other awesome kiddos! 

Bell Schedule 2021-2022

 

Parent Portal and Daily Pass

Dear Families, 

You will use both the Parent Portal and the Daily Pass often, so please know a few things:

They are two different entities at two different internet addresses. 

LAUSD Parent Portal

How to Register for the Parent Portal

How to Add a Student to Your Parent Portal Account

***

LAUSD Daily Pass (with Embedded Instructions)

You will need your child's ID for both, and for the Parent Portal, you will need your unique PIN (each parent has a distinct PIN. Two-parent households have two PINs.)

If you do not already know them, can obtain your child's ID and Parent Portal PINs from your teacher.