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 12^th.  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!

Peterson Elementary School students pledge to STAY DRUG FREE.

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They found a fun way to send an important message during Red Ribbon Week.
Students and staff had themed dress up days:

• Western Wear Monday: "Don’t get roped into drugs;"
• Red, white and blue Tuesday: "I vote to be drug free;"
• Crazy hair and socks Wednesday: "From head to toe, I’m drug free;"
• Thursday hats: "Put a Cap on Drugs;"
• School colors Friday: "Our School is drug free."

Red Ribbon Week takes place every year from October 23-31 and is recognized at all schools. 

This year's theme is: SEND A MESSAGE. STAY DRUG FREE.

Students from Merced City School District are learning to appreciate nature!

All 4^th graders recently had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park, courtesy of the nationwide Every Kid in Park initiative.

They gazed at Half Dome, learned how El Capitan was formed, how snowmelt feeds Yosemite Falls and to appreciate the culture of the Ahwahneechee tribe that once called Yosemite Valley home and still uses it for cultural ceremonies.

Many of the students encountered wildlife.

Some of them came within 30 feet of deer and watched patiently as the animals grazed, snapping pictures with their smart phones.

Guides took them on educational hikes to Lower Yosemite Falls for a lesson on hydrology and geology.

Now they know where the water comes from that is used by farmers on the Valley floor to irrigate the crops they eat.

The children also trekked through a meadow in Yosemite Valley, where they learned how the animals, plants, water and soil all coexist.

They also got a kick out of the way Ponderosa Pine tree bark smells like vanilla. 

UC Merced students studying to become park rangers, visited schools to give 4^th graders lessons on the importance of preservation and conservation of national parks, both before and after the field trips.

Every Kid in a Park provides a free pass to all 4^th graders in the country, so they can experience and learn to appreciate the natural beauty of the millions of acres of national parks, set aside for all to enjoy.

For more on Every Kid in a Park, click here.