Let’s Talk April 2018

Q: Can you put together a flow chart so that we can understand how the district office works and who oversees which departments?

A: Please see attached.  BUSD Organization Chart June 2018

Q: Is there any update on changes in school dress code?

A: The student school Board member presented the survey findings and the students’ suggested changes to the Board on 4/19/18. Those suggestions will now be reviewed during Board Policy review. A revised policy will then be discussed at Board meetings (a 1st reading, then a 2nd reading/adoption).

Q: I have a son in middle school and a son in high school and they are both taking geometry.  We have hired a tutor to help them.  Even though they are studying the same concepts, the tutor is telling me that the middle schooler has harder tests.  Why are they not the same when it’s the same class?

A: The students in the middle school geometry class are some of the most capable math students in the district. The teachers differentiate the material to make sure that the students are challenged, while ensuring that they cover everything the high school teachers do.

Q: Can you ask why our schools sell chips, cookies, brownies and ice cream in elementary schools? I’ve become aware of some children buying 6 cookies and that’s all they eat for recess or lunch.

A: The USDA allows school district Nutrition programs, who participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, to sell snacks that are Smart Snack compliant. These snacks must adhere to the following guidelines:

Per Item/Container

  • Not more than 35 percent of its total calories are from fat.
  • Not more than 10 percent of its total calories are from saturated fat.
  • Not more than 35 percent of its total weight is composed of sugar (does not apply to the natural sugars found in fruit or vegetables)
  • Less than 200 mg sodium
  • Caffeine-free
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • Not more than 200 calories

The Food Service department sends home parent communication at the beginning of each school year detailing important information (please see attached). Parents or Guardians do have the right to restrict their students account from purchasing snacks and students are not extended credit to purchase snacks. The Director of Food Services runs a monthly report reflecting a la carte purchases from the elementary sites and will contact families should there be an excessive amount of a la carte purchases from an individual student.

The District has formed the Wellness for Physical Activity and Nutrition Committee to review our guidelines and to explore how we can surpass USDA guidelines. If you would like to participate, you can learn more here: https://www.burbankusd.org/District/Department/9516-Wellness-Programs-and-Services/25971-Untitled.html

See also attached information from BUSD Food Services Department.  A Note From Food Services 2017-2018 April Let’s Talk

Q: Will there be any additional security measures with promotions/graduations this year?

A: We review our security measures each year and make revisions, but do not publish our measures publicly. If you have specific concerns/suggestions, please contact your site principal.