Folsom Cordova Unified School District

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 Summer break at FCUSD is an opportunity for students to engage in fun, unique, and enriching educational experiences. At Cordova Gardens Elementary School, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) is in full swing, providing students with a blend of academic and extracurricular activities designed to foster growth and excitement for learning. “We have academics with certificated teachers who are here in the morning with the students. In the afternoon, we have vendors that come onto campus, offering cooking, music, studio art, basketball, soccer, there's always something going on,” Christina Williams, Associate, Expanded Learning Opportunities said. Guest instructors bring fresh perspectives and expertise, allowing students to take a break from their usual courses and dive into unique, hands-on learning experiences. The Music Science Group integrates music education with industry knowledge, offering students a holistic understanding of musical arts. “We are introducing students to musical arts, whether it be instrumentation or music production using digital systems. It’s critical because understanding music helps them in other areas. We want to create a holistic system that helps children,” Brandon Hairston, Instructor from Music Science Group explained. After exploring the world of music, students rotated to another exciting activity through a partnership with iCOOK After School. This cooking program teaches students to prepare delicious and nutritious recipes, emphasizing culinary skills, recipe reading, and nutritional value. The program also promotes cultural food awareness, celebrating diversity through cuisine. “We have a lot going on for the kids. It keeps us very busy and keeps the kids very active. They don’t have time to say, 'I’m bored' or 'I want to go home.' By the end of the day, they’re ready to go home, tired and fulfilled,” Williams added. California's Expanded Learning programs, like the ELO-P at Cordova Gardens, are crucial in providing year-round educational opportunities that prepare young people for college, career, and life. These programs offer hands-on, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences that address the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of students, complementing their regular school activities. To learn more about the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program at FCUSD, visit: bit.ly/4cd5rVh.

Are you driven to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs? Do you or someone you know have a Bachelor's degree and a passion for teaching? If so, an exciting opportunity to become a Special Education teacher awaits! 🎓✨ Join us for an informational night to learn how you can become a special education teacher for FCUSD while earning an intern credential through the Sacramento County Office of Education or the Yolo Solano Center for Teacher Credentialing, with no tuition costs.  📍 Location: District Office (1965 Birkmont Drive, Rancho Cordova) 📆 Date: Thursday, July 11 ⏰ Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please follow the link below to RSVP.  bit.ly/4cA4MwQ Our dedicated district staff will be present to answer questions and guide you on your journey toward becoming a teacher.🍎 Questions? Email our team at jobs@fcusd.org. 

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐔𝐒𝐃 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐄𝐝.𝐃. Summer break may be in full swing, but we just couldn't wait to share a sneak peek as we unveil the 2025 FCUSD Teacher of the Year! The Folsom Cordova USD is proud to announce Jennifer Sandfort, Ed.D. as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. With a decade of dedicated service at Empire Oaks Elementary School, Dr. Sandfort has been a pillar of excellence and innovation in education. Next year, she will bring her passion and expertise to Cordova Meadows Elementary School as an instructional coach, where she will inspire and support teachers in the classroom. “I truly see teaching as an art. When you orchestrate a school experience where the magic of impromptu moments surface, curiosity is sparked, and a-ha moments of learning happen, there is nothing like it. Helping a student develop confidence and belief in themselves is a unique influence that no other profession offers,” Dr. Sandfort said. Dr. Sandfort began her career as a 5th-grade teacher in 2000. Her doctoral studies focused on inclusive education, particularly for students with autism. Her research has influenced inclusive teaching practices inside and beyond her classroom. Dr. Sandfort values collaboration and emphasizes building lasting relationships with students and families. Reflecting on her career, Dr. Sandfort shared, “I am extremely humbled by this recognition, and truly feel I would not be the teacher I am without the people I work with. I have been fortunate to work with many colleagues who always want to learn, collaborate, challenge themselves, and stay informed on best instructional practices. The community of support I’m engaged with is why our students are successful”. Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Sandfort on being named the 2025 FCUSD Teacher of the Year! Join us in celebrating her dedication to education throughout the year!

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Students from Cordova High School were recently featured in a story by The Sacramento Bee for their efforts in learning and sharing essential money management skills while encouraging their classmates to visit the on-campus branch of SAFE Credit Union. Students in the Business Technology Academy at Cordova High School run the operational branch which offers convenient banking services for students and serves as a hub for students to learn from their peers. A special thanks to SAFE Credit Union for their partnership, making this learning opportunity possible. Congratulations to students and teacher Ryan Scott for empowering students with the knowledge they need for financial success. We also extend our gratitude to The Sacramento Bee for highlighting this important educational story. Click the link below to read the full article and learn more about how Cordova High School students are breaking barriers to provide equitable financial literacy resources to their peers: bit.ly/3VpUj1a

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 "𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐭!" Join Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D., as she reflects on her remarkable 37-year career in public education in this May edition of "In the Loop with the Supt.”, which marks her final video message before she retires in June, and the new Superintendent, Erik Swanson, takes office on July 1. In this heartfelt farewell, Sarah Koligian, Ed.D. will share some of the meaningful connections she's made at FCUSD, highlighting heartwarming stories of teacher collaboration and student success featured in the "In the Loop with the Supt" video series over the past two years. Watch the video for a nostalgic look back and an uplifting message for the future as Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D., keeps you "In the Loop with the Supt!"

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭-𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 As we near the end of another school year, it's time to give a resounding shout-out to all the amazing teachers, support staff, bus drivers, substitutes, school nurses, food service workers, clerical staff, custodial and maintenance teams, and countless others in offices, at schools, and in the field, who work hard every day to create a nurturing environment for our students to learn and grow. Let’s hear from you! Who has made an impact on student success? Share your shout-outs and let's celebrate their impact together! #FCUSDproud #TeamFCUSD #FCUSDStaffShoutOut

𝐅𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐃 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 Hundreds of FCUSD employees and their families gathered at Hagan Community Park on Thursday, May 9, for a heartfelt evening of celebration and appreciation during the Annual FCUSD Employee Recognition event. Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian delivered sincere remarks of gratitude as she prepares to retire in June. During the ceremony, Dr. Koligian was honored for being named an Exemplary Woman in Education by the Association of California School Administrators Region 3. Additionally, other honorees from ACSA Region 3 were celebrated, including: 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 • Sean Martin, Asst. Superintendent of Business Services • Don Ogden, Assoc. Superintendent of Human Resources 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 • Vickie Boudouris, Principal of Natoma Station Elementary School 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 • Terri Daniels, Ed.D, Principal of Folsom Middle School Other dedicated employees honored included retirees and individuals marking significant milestones of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of devoted service. Additionally, the District's Employees of the Year were celebrated including: • Janet McCarthy, Clerical & Administrative Services • Jeannie Greenebaum, Food & Nutrition Services • Leonora (Leo) Torrez, Security Services • Maria Isabel Diego, Transportation Services • Paige Wise, Health Services • Samuel Portilla, Technical Services • Scott Gontjes, Custodial & Maintenance Services • Svetlana Gerasenkova, Paraprofessional Services • Tim Ortiz, Skilled Trade Services 𝐅𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 • Elizabeth Isaacs, Oak Chan Elementary School Let's give a resounding round of applause to the outstanding FCUSD teachers and support staff as we prepare to conclude another remarkable school year! Thank you to the countless dedicated FCUSD employees whose steadfast dedication profoundly impacts the lives of our students, schools, and communities every single day. Thank you to our event sponsor, SchoolsFirst FCU. Your commitment to supporting our school community is deeply valued.

𝐅𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐃 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭! The Folsom Cordova Unified School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Erik Swanson as its next Superintendent. At the May 2 Board Meeting, the Board approved a 3-year contract with Mr. Swanson, who will take office on July 1, 2024. The current Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian, announced her retirement earlier this year and will continue in her role until June 30, 2024. The Board of Education collaborated with education search firm McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., to seek the next Superintendent, which involved extensive community outreach to collect input from parents, employees, community members, and other vital stakeholder groups regarding their preferences for the incoming Superintendent. Taking into account community feedback as documented in the Stakeholder Input Report the Board reviewed 36 internal and external candidates and narrowed them down to a shortlist of 10 candidates through a rigorous screening process and a series of interviews conducted on April 20 and 21. The Board unanimously selected Erik Swanson as the finalist and the best fit for our District. Erik Swanson currently serves as a Senior Advisor for the Teaching, Learning, and Leading Center at the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE).  His work is focused on leading direct technical assistance to districts across the state.  In this role, Swanson is focused on supporting Superintendents and Education Services teams throughout California to improve equitable learning outcomes for all students.  While at CCEE, Mr. Swanson has become a Compassionate Systems Master Practitioner from MIT and works with the experts at the Carnegie Foundation for the advancement of teaching, using improvement science in education. Before joining CCEE, Mr. Swanson served as the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services in the Stockton Unified School District. In addition, Mr. Swanson has served in the roles of Superintendent for St. Hope Public Schools, Principal for Monterey Trail High School in the Elk Grove Unified School District, and Principal for middle schools in Sacramento City Unified School District and Twin Rivers Unified School District. Other accomplishments include completing certification in the National Superintendents Academy in 2018 and as a Tier 1 and Tier 2 Administrative Credentialing Coach for the Sacramento County Office of Education. Visit https://lnkd.in/gserBTFD for a full press release and to learn more about meet-and-greet events for the community to connect with Mr. Swanson. Welcome to #TeamFCUSD Mr. Swanson!

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐅𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Team FCUSD was out at Hagan Community Park over the weekend, connecting with hundreds of children and families at the 34th Annual Kids Day. The 'Super Science' themed event, sponsored by Cordova Community Council, provided free interactive games and activities for children, along with health and educational resources for families. Team FCUSD joined in the fun with several department and school booths with a variety of dazzling science activities that were as captivating as they were educational! Alongside the fun, families were empowered with valuable insights into FCUSD early childhood education, alternative learning paths, mental health resources, and student support services. Want to learn more? Head over to our website at www.fcusd.org to discover a world of learning opportunities. We're #FCUSDproud of our team for nurturing and supporting children and families in our community.

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐭! (𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 '𝟐𝟒 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) Step inside the dynamic classrooms of Williamson Elementary School in the April '24 edition of the "In the Loop with the Supt." video series. Join Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D., to explore student development through vibrant classroom activities, special programs promoting positive behaviors, and after-school learning opportunities. Watch the video to witness the impact of collaborative teaching practices and discover how Williamson Elementary fosters a supportive environment for every student to thrive, as Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D. keeps you "In the Loop with the Supt!"