Local schools to benefit from tobacco use prevention grant

The Stanislaus County Office of Education recently received $1.8 million in grants for their Tobacco Use Prevention Program from the California Department of Education. This money is to help educate students in sixth to12th grades about the negative health effects of smoking.

TUSD hires consultant for special education program

In hopes of improving the special education program and reducing costs, the Turlock Unified School District hired the School Innovations and Advocacy, Inc. to be a consultant from Aug. 1 to June 30, 2010. TUSD trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to contract with SI & A.

Dear Mr. President

Students in Kristin Wilson's fourth grade class carefully followed the 2008 presidential elections. They watched the Presidential Inauguration as a class, and they discussed what they would like to see from their new president. They even wrote Barack Obama letters that offered suggestions on how he could improve the country.

CSU Stanislaus earns high ranking in West from U.S. News & World Report

For the 14th straight year, California State University, Stanislaus has been recognized as one of the country's top public universities in the U.S. News & World Report "America's Best College" rankings.

Academy charts new path for alternative education

Cadets in full uniform sat perfectly still in their seats on the basketball court at John B. Allard School Thursday evening. Despite the scorching heat rising from the blacktop below them, these high school students didn't move a muscle, not even to wipe the sweat that was running down their faces.

Retirees honored by school district

Sandi Sing walked across the stage of the Turlock High School Performing Arts Building amid applause, handshakes, and hugs from the Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees.

CSUS students scramble to replace cut classes

With the start of the fall semester rapidly approaching, California State University, Stanislaus junior Amanda Crocker thought she was all ready for the first day of class. That was until she checked her e-mail and found out one of her required courses had been cut from the university's schedule.

School district plans for success

The first week of school is a hectic time in the Turlock Unified School District. Teachers have to finalize lesson plans and decorate classrooms; students have to find their classes and get back into the school spirit; and this year administrators have to find ways to follow the District's new strategic plan.

Local winery pours resources into school district

Thanks to E. & J. Gallo Winery students in the Turlock Unified School District will have a few dozen more computers on which to research everything from the classics to modern art.

Program looks to fill future teacher shortages now

Turlock High School teacher Kyle Sires became a teacher after his career as a professional indoor football player. He was able to make the transition from professional athlete to professional educator through the alternative certification program.

Turlock students make progress in state testing

Despite a down turn in educational spending at the state level, Turlock Unified School District students made modest improvements in their English and mathematics skills according to state test results released Tuesday.

Stadium eligible for RDA funds, say trustees

The Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to allow the Turlock Redevelopment Agency to offer the District funds to install an all-weather field at Joe Debely Stadium at Turlock High School.

Excitement, enrollment up on first day of school

Children all around Turlock waited patiently at bus stops early Tuesday morning. They were dressed in their best new clothes, carrying brand new backpacks. Some were eager, some were anxious, some just wanted to go back to bed, but they were all on their way back to school.

Starting school with style

MedicAlert estimates that over 2,000 children in the Turlock Unified School District cannot afford the supplies that they need to begin the school year. That is why they organized Crayons to Calculators, a community-wide initiative to get students the supplies they need to succeed.

CSU Stanislaus receives $400,000 gift

California State University, Stanislaus received a gift of $400,000 to fund an endowed chair in the College of Education.

Merced College president retires

Merced College President Benjamin T. Duran will retire at the end of the academic year, he announced Tuesday. "I have contemplated this move for the last year or so but could never find the right time to make this life changing decision," Duran said. " … After reflecting on this and talking with my family for the last few months I came to the conclusion that there is never a right time to ...

Stanislaus to offer first accredited online MBA in state

California State University, Stanislaus will be the first institution in the state to launch a fully online Master of Business Administration degree program which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. "The fully online MBA represents an exciting opportunity for increased access that allows each individual to study anytime, anywhere in pursuit of their graduate business degree," said CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani. "We are extremely proud to offer ...

A garden gala

Julien Elementary School held its 13th Annual Garden Celebration on Friday. The garden has been a focal point of instruction for the school in science and nutrition. Julien Garden Coordinator Janet Wheeler said students have learned a solid foundation for later horticulture and environmental interest through learning about how the food cycle works, soil, insects, worms, nature and nutrition. This year the garden has produced chard, kale, carrots, radishes, lettuces, beets, edible flowers, poppies, ...

Denair Academic Avenues gives parents, students choices

When Denair Academic Avenues opened last year the administration and staff wanted to give parents a choice. Choices and exploring new "avenues" in learning are what Denair's only full time, classroom-based charter school is all about. Known as D2A, the school is a dependent charter of the Denair Unified School District and it offers full core curriculum standards in English language arts, science, social studies, physical education and mathematics. However, what D2A ...

Pitman High parents, students learn about road to college, career

Planning for a prosperous and fulfilling future was the theme Wednesday night at Pitman High's annual College Night. Admission counselors and recruiters from public and private universities, vocational schools, community colleges and the military were on hand to answer questions and provide advice to hundreds of parents and students. According to Associated Student Body President Isais Rumayor, the event was a crash course to educate both parents and students on how to ...

Prospective students look for ‘right fit’ at CSUS preview day

For scores of high school students, one concern reigns supreme: getting into college. And not getting into just any college, of course, but the right college. On Saturday, California State University, Stanislaus opened its gates to more than 400 prospective students and their guests, offering visitors a chance to see if the university is truly right for them. "I wanted to know more about the campus," said Alex Senior, 16, of ...

Officials advocate early education over incarceration

CSU Stanislaus wins grant for graduate education

A California State University, Stanislaus effort to increase the percentage of Hispanic and low-income students in graduate programs, and the rate of degree completion among those students, will continue for a second year following renewal of federal grant funding. "This second year of funding is further acknowledgement that the university has demonstrated substantial progress toward the grant project's primary goals and objectives," said President Hamid Shirvani. "I am very pleased with the headway ...

Gunner and Mac have the bridge at THS’ NJROTC

From 2003 to 2006, U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Wardee "Gunner" Bruce served as the Naval Reserve Junior Officer Training Corps instructor at Turlock High and then he retired to a life of philanthropy through organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. And then the call came this summer - it was time to report back for duty at Turlock High School. The call came after THS had ...

Hilmar Homecoming: 100 years of Yellowjacket Pride

Walk to school day

Hundreds of Walnut Magneteers and their families participated in the school's Walk to School Day on Wednesday. The event was organized to raise awareness about the health benefits of walking to school and the potential negative health effects of sedentary lifestyles. In the United States, nearly one in three children are either overweight or obese.

Schools help break Guinness World Record for jumping jacks

More than 5,000 pre-K to college students in Turlock participated in what is believed to be a Guinness World Record for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. Nationally, more than 100,000 people joined in the effort, led by first lady Michelle Obama and sponsored by National Geographic Kids magazine. Erin Hall of California State University, Stanislaus' Kinesiology Department said the previous record was 20,00 in a 24-hour period ...

Hilmar High celebrates 100 years

This week the Hilmar community will celebrate the 100th birthday of Hilmar High School with what is sure to be a historic series of events and celebrations. Of course, the highlight of the week will be the homecoming parade on Friday - featuring "Glee" star and HHS' most famous graduate Dot Jones as marshal, followed by Yellowjackets taking on Riverbank High. The parade will take place on Lander Avenue at 2 p.m. <p ...

Wakefield students honored for trustworthiness

October Character Counts Students: Vanessa Flores and Dilpreet Kaur, Wakefield Elementary Wakefield Elementary School students Dilpreet Kaur, 9, and Vanessa Flores, 11, both scored a perfect 600 on their California State Test for academic standards but perhaps what is even more impressive is their character. On Tuesday, Dilpreet, a fourth grader and Vanessa, a sixth grader, were honored as October's Character Counts students of the month for the trait of ...

CSU Stanislaus to host Sustainable Futures conference

From Oct. 14 to Oct. 16, CSU Stanislaus will play host to the fifth annual Conference for Sustainable Futures. This year, the conference will occur at the same time as the annual Bioneers Conference of social and scientific innovators in San Rafael, with some lecturers and presentations beamed live to the Turlock campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Oct. 14 through Oct. 16. Speakers include Phillipe Cousteau, Gloria Steinem, Amory Lovins ...