It has been a challenging year, but we’re on the home stretch now with nine weeks left in the school year. I’ll be sending regular memos to keep you informed. Right now, here is what you need to know.
KUSD Teacher of the Year - Andrea Pullman
Congrats to our teachers of the year! These teachers embodied the dedication, creativity, and good humor that makes learning possible even in the most challenging of times—and this year has certainly been challenging. Teachers are selected for this honor by their peers. The District Teacher of the Year is Burns Valley’s Andrea Pullman. For a list of the winners at each school site, click here.
Opening Up
As COVID-19 cases decline in Lake County, our schools will continue to open. This means fewer restrictions. We are working collaboratively with Lake County Public Health to keep everyone safe as we plan end-of-year events and activities, including sports competitions and graduation. Stay tuned!
Free, Voluntary COVID Testing for Students
Thanks to everyone for complying with our COVID safety requirements, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and regular hand sanitizing. For those interested in having your student receive a free, voluntary COVID test, we offer two options.
Surveillance Testing (No Symptoms Present)
We have partnered with Color Lab to do COVID testing. Each school site has an individual page on the Color Lab website, where you will be asked a series of questions on behalf of your student. You will then be asked to give consent for testing if your student is 17 years of age or younger.
Once the questionnaire is complete, your student’s name will show up in our school database as a registered/consenting patient, which will allow us to perform the COVID test on him or her. Each person only needs to sign up once, no need to sign up for each test.
Links to Register
Blue Heron
Burns Valley
District Office
East Lake
Highlands Academy
Konocti Education Center
Konocti Adult School
Konocti Preschool
Lower Lake Elementary
Lower Lake High School
Pomo Elementary
Richard H. Lewis Alternative
William C. Carle Continuation
Note: We also do drive-through surveillance testing. We’ll announce those dates, times, and locations in the next week or so.
Symptomatic Testing (Symptoms Present)
Rapid tests are typically reserved for screening those with symptoms. They are available at every site at any time to be administered by a trained staff member. Parent permission is required for any student under age 18 to be tested. Click here for the permission form. Here is the testing procedure.
If a student has COVID-19 symptoms, they are sent to the office.
The student is placed in an isolation room and you, the parent/guardian are called to pick them up.
When you arrive, if you want your student tested right then and there, you may fill out the permission slip.
Note: In addition to screening symptomatic students at school, rapid tests are sometimes used to screen sports teams to ensure timely results prior to games. Coaches/athletic directors will distribute permission slips as required.
Because of the increased risk of exposure with symptomatic patients, we ask that you not bring your student to school for the sole purpose of having a rapid test unless there is a high probability that the school cohort has already been exposed.
CAASPP Standardized Testing
The State requires cumulative testing each year for grades 3-8 and 11 that must be aligned with the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Math, among other requirements. Like many other districts, Konocti Unified has chosen the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). It is an assessment both students and staff are familiar with, and 11th graders can use the results as an early assessment piece for college entrance. Your student’s school will send details about when and how tests will be administered in the weeks to come.
Kindergarten Registration
If your child will be 5 years old by December 2, it's time to register them for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten! Children who are 5 years old by September 1, can enroll in Kindergarten, and those turning 5 years old between September 2 and December 2 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten.
To enroll, pick up a registration packet from the Student Services Department (9565 Winchester St. in Lower Lake). Completed packets must include the student’s birth certificate, updated immunization record, proof of address, school entry physical, and oral health exam.
For details in English, call (707) 994-6475 ext 3103.
For details in Spanish, call (707) 994-6475 ext 3104.
Embracing Technology
When the pandemic hit, it became clear that the need for remote instruction could extend beyond the current crisis. In response, we used COVID Relief Funds to purchase video cameras, microphones, large screens, and the software required to facilitate interactivity for every classroom, TK-12, districtwide. We also provided every KUSD student with a Chromebook. So, we are in a great position to support students now and in the future with distance learning.
Update Your Contact Info
If you would prefer for us to email you using a different address, please send your preferred email to enroll@konoctiusd.org.