By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield-Suisun School District not only maintained its focus on training new teachers during the 2020-2021 pandemic school year but continues to do so as the new school year progresses.

Melissa Farrar, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, presented trustees on Thursday with the annual report on the district’s professional development activities.

The report was a reflection of the goals to support teachers for the 2020-2021 school year, she said. Many things changed because of the pandemic but the focus remained on assisting new teachers in professional development.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun district maintains focus on new teacher training

By Nicole Langarica

This past summer, the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) offered nine summer school programs serving nearly 4,000 students from pre-kindergarten through post 12th grade. Dr. Sheila McCabe, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, provided a report on each of the summer programs offered to the Governing Board at the September 9, 2021 meeting.

“The District developed and implemented a successful summer program that provided many extended learning opportunities at the end of the 2020/21 school year. FSUSD provided bridge programs for students transitioning to new schools, credit recovery programs for high school students, and summer enrichment programs. Enrichment was offered in partnership with the City of Fairfield, the Kroc Center, and the City of Suisun City,” shared Assistant Superintendent Sheila McCabe.

Source: Press Release: Nearly 4,000 FSUSD Students Enriched at Summer Programs

By Susan Hiland

Trustees with the Fairfield- Suisun School District will hear various summer school programs Thursday.

Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, will give a presentation to the board on the summer programs that included nine summer school programs serving more than 3,500 children and teens from pre-kindergarten through post-12th grade.

The programs include KinderReady, the Extended Year with 2020/21 Teacher Program, the Elementary “Learning Loss” Program, the K-8 Enrichment Program, the Supplemental Title I Program, Ninth through 12th Grade Credit Recovery Program, the Secondary “Summer Bridge” Program, the Secondary Enrichment Program and the Extended School Year Program.

Source: School trustees to hear about Fairfield-Suisun summer session programs

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District affirmed Jennifer Benson as Mental Health Clinician to begin as soon as possible. Prior to finding other employment for the last six months, Benson serviced students of FSUSD in the same role for four years. Her skills are well respected by those with whom she has worked. Benson’s return to the district is eagerly welcomed.

Benson has served in various capacities, honing her skills in the mental health field. She has worked as a Clinical Program Manager for a private company, functioned as a Mental Health Clinician for two school districts, provided services at the River Oak Center for Children, and served the Seneca Family of Agencies as a Clinician. Benson will use her nine years of experience to benefit the children of Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District.

Source: Press Release: Jennifer Benson joins the FSUSD team as Mental Health Clinician

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s Governing Board affirmed the appointment of Monika Garay as Administrative Assistant of the Business Services Department. Effective immediately, Garay will assume the position that was vacated as a result of the recent promotion of Melissa Mata to Director of Purchasing and Contract Services.

Garay has been with the district since 2013, serving as a Fiscal Services Technician in Business Services in her most recent assignment. Garay brings site experience to the position as well, serving for seven years as the Attendance Clerk and Secretary to the Principal at Public Safety Academy. Her background in payment processing, preparation of deposits, check disbursement, office management, and website updating are exemplary of the many skills that Garay will bring to this role.

Source: Press Release: Governing Board affirms appointment of Business Services Administrative Assistant

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

They came carrying backpacks, some almost as tall as the student, and lunch boxes.

In addition to the special first day of school outfit, they donned masks as the Fairfield-Suisun School District kicked off its 2021-2022 school year.

Parking spaces were a sought-after commodity at Suisun Elementary. Vehicles were parked on Pintail Drive for several blocks. Some parents secured spots on the residential streets, although it meant a little extra walking.

Source: School bells ring again in Fairfield-Suisun schools

By Matt Miller

Superintendent Kris Corey said teachers and administrators in the Fairfield-Suisun School District are eagerly awaiting the arrival of children and teens as campuses across both communities open their doors Wednesday.

“There is an overall feeling of excitement as we welcome back our students in person for the start of the school year,” said Corey, who answered questions Tuesday by email. “The first day of a school year is always filled with lots of joy, laughter and enthusiasm. In addition, there are also feelings of anxiety.”

Source: Teachers, leaders at Fairfield-Suisun schools eager to welcome students back to campus

By Susan Hiland

Fairfield-Suisun School District officials are putting the final measures in place for expanded independent study programs as schools across the district plan a return Wednesday to traditional on-campus instruction.

Nearly 700 children and teens across the district will start the year on independent study as public schools in Fairfield and Suisun City reopen and the Covid-19 pendemic continues.

Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent for Educational Services, gave the trustees an update Thursday on legislation that governs independent study.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun trustees review independent study requirements with school year about to start

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s Governing Board at its August 12, 2021 meeting, affirmed Cynthia Preuss as the newest Coordinator of Educational Services. Preuss brings a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience serving as a Principal of a K-8 school, Coordinator of the Office of Exceptional Children, and Coordinator of Special Education. In these positions and in other various leadership roles, Ms. Pruess has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in supporting students and their families. She has a proven track record in collaborating with K-12 principals to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, and requirements in regard to Special Education.

Source: Press Release: Cynthia Preuss appointed as Coordinator of Educational Services

By Kris Corey

Denise Davis’ selection as Transportation Coordinator was affirmed by Fairfield-Suisun Unified Governing Board last night at the August 12, 2021 Governing Board meeting.

Davis’ extensive experience within FSUSD quickly propelled her to the top of a pool of qualified applicants. For the past decade, Davis has served the District as the Transportation Dispatcher and overall, Davis has served the district in various positions for 22 years.

Source: Press Release: FSUSD Appoints Denise Davis to the role of Transportation Coordinator

By Kris Corey

At the August 12, 2021 meeting, The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Governing Board approved the relocation of the popular Dual Immersion Program. The District’s Dual Immersion program, serving TK-5th grade students, will move from the B. Gale Wilson campus to the Sullivan site beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. B. Gale Wilson will continue to house middle school Dual Immersion program and serve as a feeder school to the Sullivan program.

The potential relocation of the Dual Immersion program has been discussed for a number of years. At a 2019 Special Board Meeting, the Governing Board discussed the Facilities Subcommittee’s recommendation to move the Dual Immersion Program. Relocating Dual Immersion will allow for expansion of the program and the potential for adding an additional language of study. To accommodate for the move, construction has started at the Sullivan campus to adequately serve elementary students. The projects include a new parking lot, reconfiguration of space to a library, playground structures, administrative offices, and additional restrooms.

Source: Press Release: FSUSD Governing Board Takes Action to Relocate and Expand Dual Immersion Program

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s Governing Board affirmed the appointment of Melissa Mata as Director of Purchasing and Contract Services. She will assume the position, effective immediately, that was vacated with the recent promotion of Amanda Rish to Director of Fiscal Services.

Mata has worked for FSUSD in various capacities for the past six years. She has served as a Secretary II, Bilingual Secretary III, and Administrative Assistant for the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. In each role, Mata has taken on more responsibility to grow within the district. The experience gained in her prior roles will provide the needed background and skills to excel in this new position.

Source: Press Release: Governing Board affirms appointment of new Director of Purchasing and Contract Services

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District appointed Monica Gonzalez Child Nutrition Manager at the August 12, 2021 Governing Board meeting. Gonzalez’s six years of experience with FSUSD’s Child Nutrition Department with growing responsibilities underscores her commitment to serving the students in the District.

“Monica is excellent at always maintaining a professional and polite demeanor,” explained former Child Nutrition Manager, Eliza Kondo. “Monica has gained experience working in school nutrition and demonstrated determination to quickly learn federal and state regulations and department policies.”

Source: Press Release: Monica Gonzalez affirmed FSUSD Child Nutrition Manager

By Kris Corey

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) welcomed 86 new teachers to the district during its “Premier Start” event held August 2, 3, and 10 at Grange Middle School. New teachers were led through the “nuts and bolts” pertaining to the district by resident experts and fellow teachers Kristy Love, Jessica Villanueva, and Nickole Dauer.

During the 3-day training, the new teachers to the district learned strategies to help them best serve FSUSD students. Given the extensive use of technology in FSUSD classrooms, teachers learned about online teaching tools and strategies to support positive digital citizenship practices.

Source: Press Release: Premier Start Kicks Off the School Year for FSUSD