Dear Sierra Unified Families and Community Members,

This week, I am pleased to highlight two important focus areas taking place across our schools: our participation in the Great Kindness Challenge and the upcoming District Learning Assessments (DLAs). Both reflect our shared commitment to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Great Kindness Challenge: Kindness in Action

Sierra Unified schools are proud to participate in the Great Kindness Challenge next week, a nationwide initiative that encourages students and adults alike to practice intentional acts of kindness and compassion. The purpose of the challenge is to strengthen school communities, foster positive relationships, and create welcoming environments where every student feels safe, supported, and valued.

Throughout the week, students are engaging in interactive kindness activities such as classroom challenges, gratitude projects, peer recognition, and discussions about engagement. These moments—both big and small—help build a culture of respect and belonging that supports learning and well-being, both in the classroom and beyond.

How families and the community can support the Great Kindness Challenge:

• Talk with your child about what kindness looks like at school and in daily life
• Encourage your child to share how they are participating in kindness activities
• Celebrate acts of kindness you see, both within your family and beyond

While the Great Kindness Challenge is celebrated next week, our goal is for kindness to remain a daily practice throughout the year.

District Learning Assessments (DLAs): Supporting Student Growth

Between January 20-30, students across the district will participate in District Learning Assessments (DLAs). These assessments are used districtwide to help teachers understand how students are progressing toward grade-level standards in core subject areas.

DLAs are tools used by our schools to better understand what students know and are able to do at this point in the school year. Unlike state testing, DLAs are created for local use and provide teachers with timely information that helps guide instruction. The format often mirrors state assessments so students become familiar with the types of questions and expectations they will see in the future. This type of testing also provide timely feedback that allows teachers to identify student strengths, address learning gaps, and adjust instruction as needed. They are tools used to support learning and guide instruction—not to assign final grades.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are building a school community rooted in kindness, growth, and high expectations for all students.

Warm regards,

Dr. Lori Grace

Superintendent

Sierra Unified School District