Welcome to Mendocino Unified School District!  It’s an exciting time to be a part of this unique school district – as a student, parent, teacher, administrator, or as a member of the communities our district serves.  We will see the results of programs implemented during the past few years, begin new initiatives that will provide better opportunities for our students and families, and plan for the future of our district.

With just about every single staff member returning from last year, we are able to hit the ground running.  Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) is now fully implemented at all of our district sites.  According to PBIS.org, “PBIS improves social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups.”  In addition to PBIS, our teachers now have a couple of years of experience using our new K-5 math and English language arts curricula.

Our mental health supports for students are as strong as ever with the addition of a full-time social worker last year.  The impact was felt across the district as families were more informed and supported within the school and larger communities.  We are creating a Family Resource Center at the K-8 School where students and families can utilize a food bank, computer and internet access, washer and dryer, and get connected with other community agencies.

We are rolling out a new 1:1 Chromebook initiative at Mendocino High School.  Each student will be issued a Chromebook as a freshman and it will be theirs to use their entire career at MHS.  This access to technology at their fingertips at home and at school will enhance student learning opportunities.

Looking to the future, we have begun the process of a high school modernization.  We have taken an inventory of facilities and maintenance needs as well as the hopes and dreams of our staff as we think about the possibilities of a new or remodeled high school.  Parents, students, and the community will be engaged in this process as we move along.  In addition, we are planning an overhaul to our recycled and drinking water systems to ensure sustainability of this precious resource.  Finally, in a nod to our most precious resource, we will be considering the addition of a State preschool here in Mendocino for the 2019-20 school year.

As you can see, it truly is an exciting time to be a part of Mendocino Unified School District.  If you have any questions regarding our programs or our district, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached at 937-5868 or jmorse@mcn.org.  I look forward to hearing from you!

- Jason