Weekly Superintendent's Update 11.13.26
Dear Sierra Unified Community,
As we head into our final week before Thanksgiving break, we are reminded that this is an important time for students to finish strong. We encourage all students to take the opportunity to push through, complete any missing assignments, and get caught up on their work. A little extra effort this week can make a big difference and allow students to head into the Thanksgiving holiday with a sense of accomplishment and the freedom to enjoy some well-deserved time with family and friends.
As we approach the break, we also want to recognize and congratulate all of our fall student-athletes who have completed their seasons. Whether on the volleyball court, football field, golf course, or in the pool, our students have represented Sierra Unified with dedication, sportsmanship, and Mountain Strong pride. We are grateful to our coaches, families, and supporters who make these opportunities possible. The lessons learned through athletics extend far beyond the playing field, and we are proud of the hard work our students have demonstrated.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone attending the FFA Silver 65 Dinner on November 14th. The generosity and continued support of our community make an incredible difference in the opportunities we can provide our students. Our programs could not accomplish all that they do without the investment of our families, community members, and local supporters. Your contributions help create experiences that students will carry with them long after they leave our classrooms. Thank you for continuing to show up for our students and our schools!
Finally, I would like to wish our band good luck at the Central California Band Review taking place this weekend. I know they will represent SUSD well.
Celebrating Sierra Unified Excellence
We are especially proud to head into this final week before break with an exciting opportunity to celebrate two outstanding members of our Sierra Unified family.
On November 19th, the Fresno County Office of Education will recognize exceptional educators and employees representing the 32 school districts throughout Fresno County. Sierra Unified is incredibly proud to have two finalists being recognized this year!
• Joanna Dunn, First Grade Teacher at Foothill Elementary, is a finalist for Fresno County Teacher of the Year.
• Lori McClelland, Cafeteria Manager at Foothill Elementary, is a finalist for Fresno County Classified
Employee of the Year.
Both of these individuals exemplify the dedication, care, and commitment that make Sierra Unified such a special place. Their impact reaches well beyond their individual responsibilities, and we are honored to have them representing our district. Should either of them receive this recognition on Thursday evening, they will advance to compete at the state level.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Dunn and Mrs. McClelland. We are incredibly proud of you both!
Measure U Facilities Update
Work continues on our campus modernization project as demolition and abatement move forward. These important steps are necessary to prepare the spaces for the next phase of improvements and bring us closer to creating updated, safe, and welcoming learning environments for our students and staff.
In addition, the District has submitted applications for supplemental funding through Proposition 2. This funding opportunity may provide additional resources to support our facilities improvements and help stretch our Measure U bond dollars even further. We remain committed to being thoughtful stewards of the community's investment and maximizing every available dollar to benefit our students and schools.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the many people who make Sierra Unified what it is. From our dedicated employees and supportive families to our generous community members, it takes all of us working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their potential.
Have a wonderful weekend, and let's finish these next few days strong!
With Gratitude,
Dr. Lori Grace
Superintendent, Sierra Unified School District