Family Writing Project
WHO: Merced City School District Families (19 spots available. First come, first serve.)
WHAT: Families will spend time talking, brain storming, creating written stories and celebrating publication.
WHEN: January 21
WHERE: FERC classroom and lab at Clark Pre-school (E Street access.)
WHY: “To ignite and inspire creativity and imagination in kids of all ages.”
HOW: Call MCSD’s State and Federal Programs department at 209-385-6664 to register by January 21.
Is your child vaping?
Merced City School District is warning parents about a public health crisis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 47 people have died from vaping, as of December 4, 2019.
But how do you know if your child is putting themselves in danger?
Colorful, fruity candy: this is what poison looks like.
“Those sweet flavors are what the kids are going for, in particular, middle schoolers," Merced City School District Nurse Evelyn Egger says.
Smoking an e-cigarette is known as vaping or JUULing.
It's the process of heating up cancer causing chemicals and inhaling them.
It's happening all over the country, including right here in Merced City School District.
Can you tell this is a vaping device?
This was confiscated from a student at a Merced school.
It's designed to blend in with your child's school supplies.
These other devices look like flash drives.
And because vaping is so new, doctors don't even know what all of the long term effects are.
“And so now they’re finding out that in the actual vapor or it’s truly aerosol, there’s tin, there’s zinc, there are all sorts of pollutants, things that are toxic to people," Nurse Egger says.
The developing adolescent brain can be harmed by the nicotine in e-cigarettes.
The lining of the lungs can be damaged by the chemicals that are heated up by the batter-powered device.
“And a lot of them just recharge them, not necessarily with a coil or a battery charger like you have for a phone although those will do it. They also can plug them into their laptops and charge them that way so be on the lookout for you know cords or any kind of an electronic apparatus or items that you don’t recall seeing before,” Nurse Egger says.
Signs your child could be vaping, include moodiness and anxiety, "A dry cough, like you’d see in a cigarette smoker, complaints of shortness of breath, but also what happens with them if they’re getting too much nicotine, is they’ll get gastrointestinal symptoms. They’ll feel sick to their stomach. Have that conversation and that’s kind of the first thing because the kids aren’t going to bring it up," Nurse Egger says.
Worst case scenario: vaping can kill.
Talk to your child about the risks.
Don't wait until it's too late.
Educational materials:
Share the warmth from head to toe!
The Warm & Fuzzy sock and beanie drive is underway at all Merced City School District campuses,
now through December 13, 2019.
Donate new socks and beanies (child and adult sizes needed) at your school’s front office.
Make a difference this holiday season.
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Alicia Reyes Elementary Principal Chuck Pirtle recognized by NAACP
Charles “Chuck” Pirtle was recognized by the Merced County NAACP Branch 1047, at their annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on October 12th. Pirtle is one of just two educators honored by the group this year, for his service to Merced City School District and to the greater community. Pirtle was recognized for his work as an administrator by U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, State Senator Anna Caballero, Assembly Member Adam Gray, and Mayor Mike Murphy.
“I am truly honored and thankful for the recognition,” Pirtle said. “This acknowledgement is a direct reflection of the support and mentorship that I have received along the way and I look forward to continuing to shape the minds and hearts of people. I am fortunate to be part of a city on the rise, a district that embodies personal and professional growth, and to work with the most amazing students and staff here in Merced.”
Born and raised in Michigan, Pirtle has worked in education since 2004, starting as a high school basketball coach, while an undergrad at Grand Valley State University. He landed his first teaching job in Nashville, TN in 2007 and went on to earn a Master’s degree from Trevecca University. He also holds an Education Specialist Credential from Tennessee State University.
Pirtle headed west when his wife was hired as a sociology professor at UC Merced. He joined the MCSD family in 2014 as an assistant principal at Hoover Middle School, before being promoted to his current position as principal of Reyes Elementary in July of this year. MCSD is thankful for Chuck’s commitment to education.
Cruickshank Middle School student Alex Tovar is back in school!
On September 19, 2019, while riding his bicycle to school, the 8th grader was hit by a car at Paulson Road and Yosemite Avenue, while in a crosswalk. He suffered major injuries to his head and had to be flown to Valley Children’s Hospital.
Although he has a long road ahead, Alex is recovering well. He does not have any pain. He is walking fine and even jogging. His mother says he no longer needs a feeding tube. He’s eating everything on his own.
Alex is currently wearing an eye-patch over his left eye, because he has double vision in that eye. Doctors say his vision may improve on its own, over time. If not, there is a procedure that would correct it.
Alex joined his classmates for an assembly on Wednesday, where they heard from motivational speaker Brent Poppen. Poppen had a severe spinal cord injury at 16-years old and now has to use a wheel chair to get around. Poppen explained to Alex’s classmates how lucky they are to have him returning to school and that they can do anything they put their mind to.
Everyone is so happy to have Alex back!