Stay Connected with "Up to Five Key Takeaways" from Our Advisory Councils/Committees

  • Family participation and engagement is a key priority of the Conejo Valley Unified School District. Our seven Advisory Councils and Committees meet regularly for vibrant discussions, informative presentations, relationship-building activities and more. These meetings are open to all members of our CVUSD community to attend. However, we understand that attending meetings in-person is not always possible. This webpage will serve as a place to stay informed on updates and actions from each Advisory Council and Committee, with "Up to Five Key Takeaways" from each meeting posted below. 

    Read the latest news by clicking on the Advisory Council/Committee tabs below!

Helpful Links

      AADAC

      • African American District Advisory Council (AADAC)

        Here are the key takeaways from our second AADAC meeting of the school year, which was held on November 13th: 

        1. The full AADAC executive committee was nominated and selected. Congratulations!

        2. Assistant Director of DEI and Belonging will be following up via email to AADAC on the various sub-committees.

        3. There was thoughtful discussion and input on the future district cell phone policy.

        4. The Board of Education is interested in listening to the input of stakeholders in forming the new cell phone policy.

        november meeting


        Our next meeting is Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 5:30pm in the University Center MPR (2801 Atlas Ave., Thousand Oaks). 
        Click here to visit the AADAC webpage and learn more about us.

        Previous Updates

        Here are five key takeaways from our first AADAC meeting of the school year, which was held on Monday, September 30th: 

        1. The overall percentage of Black and/or African American students was discussed, stating that within the Conejo Valley School District, there are only 2%. In comparison, 6.1% was estimated to be two more races. The committee discussed how we can decipher mixed-race students who are Black and/or African American to cater to these demographics within our community.
        2. The committee will prepare to set a goal for implementing Black excellence and include that in our list of priorities.
        3. Mr. Jenkins mentioned that he implemented a “No Place for Hate," something that students can engage in regarding biases. These activities within the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) are to help bring awareness. 
        4. Mr. Jenkins also shared that they’re working with Rise and the Los Angeles Rams, which has a diversity department, to bring the importance of this awareness to 8th-grade and high school students for two weeks. 
        5. Moving forward, Dr. Egans and Mr. Jenkins will work on the DEI and Belonging “steering committee.” This group will help us make adjustments and stay in alignment, regarding HR and academics.

      DAC

      • District Advisory Council (DAC)

        The latest updates from our Tuesday, December 10th DAC Meeting are:

        1. Elementary general music teachers gave a presentation about elementary music education and shared that the goal is not to create musically awesome kids, the goal is to create awesome kids through music.

        2. DAC members actively participated in elementary lessons from teachers, Karen Surmani and Kimmarie Taylor. DAC members danced and did percussion to "Los Machetes".

        3. Elementary general music instruction, provided by credentialed arts teachers, integrates with other content areas (e.g. math, science, history) and provides an opportunity for students to learn about different cultures.

        4. CVUSD schools have received about $4 million dollars over the last two years through on-going Proposition 28 state funds that are being used to support the pre-existing CVUSD Strategic Arts Plan, which was developed through meaningful engagement of numerous educational partners.

        5. Chamber Singers from Newbury Park High School wowed DAC members with pieces from their upcoming holiday concert performances.

        DAC Meeting


        We will gather next for a Super DAC Meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 9:00am in the University Center MPR (2801 Atlas Ave., Thousand Oaks). 
        Please click here to visit the DAC webpage and learn more about us.

        Previous Updates

        Updates from our Tuesday, November 12th DAC Meeting are:

        1. Minor updates to the DAC bylaws were adopted and now reflect the California Greene Act.
        2. Instructional Services staff reviewed information available online to assist families to learn more about school programs for the 2025-26 school year.
        3. Students from Conejo Valley HS shared inspirational testimonial about the positive smaller school community where students are valued and "seen."
        4. Principal of Conejo Valley HS provided an in-depth presentation on the school program and services. One point of data was that CVHS outpaces county and statewide graduation rates for alternative schools by 30-35%.
        5. DAC members learned that any negative stigmas about the school are definitely not true. In fact, DAC members felt that there are lessons and strengths at CVHS that can be applied to other schools throughout the District.

        DAC Meeting


        Here are five key takeaways from our second DAC meeting for the 2024-2025 school year, which was held on Tuesday, October 8th:
        1. We shared the proposed amendments to the DAC by-laws 
        2. The meeting was a SUPER DAC with all student and parent advisory councils/committees invited to participate and attend, including multiple SDAC members.
        3. Presentation and activities by Dr. Collin Williams were about identity and bias awareness.
        4. There was a high level of participation and robust discussion.
        5. Discussion on future opportunities to continue or expand this partnership.

        Updates from our Tuesday, September 10th DAC Meeting are:
        1. DAC had a robust discussion and made suggestions regarding the district cell phone policy.
        2. A DAC by-laws sub-committee was created to update the DAC by-laws.
        3. Information was shared that DAC is under the Greene Act, and information was provided on the Greene Act and the difference between Greene Act and Brown Act. A draft version of the DAC handbook was also shared.
        4. All DAC members had the opportunity to introduce themselves as this was the first DAC meeting of the school year.
        5. DAC members were happy to have the perspective of a student representative from SDAC.

      DELAC

      • District English Learners Advisory Council (DELAC)

        Here are the key takeaways from our second DELAC meeting of the school year, which was held on Tuesday, November 19th:

        1. The instructional directors presented information on the current CVUSD grading practices.  There was an opportunity for small group interaction on specific topics related to grading.

        2. Information was presented on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) as well as the current reclassification process for Multilingual Learners.

        3. There was a committee brainstorm and discussion on the current use of cell phones at home, in the classroom and districtwide.  The collected information from the committee members will be shared with the CVUSD Board of Education.


        Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 10am to 12pm in the University Center MPR (2801 Atlas Ave., Thousand Oaks). 
        Please click here to visit the DELAC website and learn more about us.

        Previous Updates

        Here are the key takeaways from our second DELAC meeting of the school year, which was held on Tuesday, October 22nd:

        1. The Student Support Services Department presented information on the current attendance updates and trends. CVUSD has continued to focus on increasing attendance as this impacts student achievement.
        2. The Thousand Oaks City Library shared information about the different services it provides to the community. Several questions were asked about how to apply for a library card and the type of tutoring services the library provides.
        3. The Community Outreach Specialist and her team presented information on the different ways our parents can get involved. Some of these opportunities include taking English classes and attending site-specific meetings and events.
        4. DELAC selected Christian Carolina Loza as the new Vice-President as this position was vacant.

        Here are three key takeaways from our first DELAC meeting of the school year, which was held on Tuesday, September 24th: 

        1. Training was provided to all DELAC members regarding DELAC requirements.
        2. Information was shared about the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P).
        3. The Needs Assessment results and next steps were shared with all DELAC members.

         

      GATE-DAC

      • Gifted and Talented Education District Advisory Council (GATE-DAC)

        Here are five key takeaways from our second GATE-DAC Meeting of the school year, which was held on Friday, November 8th:

        1. GATE Teacher on Special Assignment reviewed the GATE resources available on the shared Google Drive. 

        2. Members were encouraged to add activities and ideas to the shared collaboration folder with the GATE Activities Google folder. 

        3. GATE-DAC representatives are still needed for some school sites. 

        4. The District, principals, and teachers are working on differentiation within the classroom. 

        5. All CVUSD teachers can access the GATE library and check out materials through Stefanie Caswell. 

        The next GATE-DAC Meeting is Friday, December 13, 2024, from 9:15am -11:15am in the University Center MPR (2801 Atlas Ave., Thousand Oaks).
        Please click here to visit the GATE-DAC webpage and learn more about us.

        Previous Updates

        Here are five key takeaways from our first GATE-DAC Meeting, which was held on Friday, September 13th:

        1. Our Advisory Council discussed their vision for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) for the 2024-2025 school year. Parents expressed concern about GATE differentiation within the school day. Teacher training and GATE certification were discussed. 
        2. GATE-DAC parents and facilitators are encouraged to collaborate about enrichment opportunities specific to their sites.
        3. GATE-DAC had a robust discussion about communications between advisory councils and CVUSD. Concerns were raised about how their advice and feedback is shared.
        4. Mrs. Caswell, GATE Teacher on Special Assignment, invited all students identified as GATE to fill out the After Class Enrichment Series (ACE) Interest Form.
        5. On September 6th, Mrs. Caswell met with parents of newly identified GATE students. Her presentation can be viewed here.

      LGBTQ AC

      • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and Others Advisory Council (LBGTQ+ AC)

        Here are three key takeaways from our second LGBTQ+ AC meeting of the school year, which was held on Wednesday, October 30th:

        1. The advisory council created a "Toolkit" subcommittee to provide resources to teachers and families. 

        2. LGBTQ+ AC has four current subcommittees - Elementary, Secondary, Toolkit, and Curriculum. Individuals interested in participating can contact their principal or school site representative. Anyone is welcome to join the subcommittees. 

        3. The council discussed current cell phone policy, had breakout groups for elementary and secondary, and provided stakeholder feedback. 


        The next LGBTQ+AC Meeting is Wednesday, December, 11 2024, in the University Center MPR (2801 Atlas Ave., Thousand Oaks).
        Please click here to visit the LGBTQ+AC webpage and learn more about us.

        Previous Updates

        Here are three key takeaways from our first LGBTQ+ AC meeting of the school year, which was held on Wednesday, September 11th:

        1. We are looking for more representation from school sites across the district. Please reach out to your principal or school site representative if you are interested in participating in the LGBTQ+ advisory council.
        2. There are three current subcommittees: Elementary, Secondary, and Curriculum. If you are interested in participating, please contact your principal or school site representative. Any CVUSD parent or caregiver is welcome to join our subcommittees.
        3. We discussed priorities for the 24-25 academic year, including outreach, communication, and curriculum.

         

      SDAC

      • Student District Advisory Committee (SDAC)

        The latest updates from our Monday, October 28th SDAC Meeting are:

        1. Parking Improvements: Student DAC discussed various strategies to enhance parking facilities at high schools, aiming to create a more efficient and accessible environment for students. Proposed ideas will be compiled and presented to school site leadership for further consideration. 

        2. City Transportation Collaboration: Mr. Graehame Watts from the City of Thousand Oaks engaged students in a discussion about local transportation challenges and improvements. He emphasized the importance of student feedback in shaping better transportation options for all residents, encouraging ongoing dialogue. 

        3. Bylaw Revisions: The committee reviewed proposed updates to its bylaws to ensure compliance with the new District Advisory Handbook.

        4. Racial Equality Commitment: Language updates regarding CVUSD's Commitment to Racial Equality were presented, reinforcing the district's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. This initiative seeks to address and promote equity within the educational community.

        5. Student Experience with RISE: Students shared their experiences with the RISE program, highlighting its positive messaging around unity. Feedback indicated a strong desire for future presentations to continue focusing on themes of unity over division, should CVUSD choose to maintain its partnership with RISE.

         

        The next SDAC meeting is Monday, January 27, 2025 at 4:00 pm in the CVHS Board Room.
        Please click here to visit the SDAC webpage and learn more about us.

        Previous Updates

        The updates from our Monday, September 23rd SDAC Meeting are:

        1. Engaged in a comprehensive discussion and formulated a formal recommendation regarding a policy on Mobile Communication Devices that we are prepared to share with the Superintendent and district staff.

        2. SDAC subcommittee attendance forms, representation, and schedules were discussed.

        3. SDAC representatives are looking forward to participating in Super DAC coming up in October.

        Updates from our Monday, August 26th SDAC Meeting are:

        1. Student DAC reviewed new proposed Bylaw amendments, bringing our Bylaws up-to-date and reviewing new voting procedures.
        1. Dr. Chamberlin, Director of Mental Health and Wellness Services in CVUSD, discussed the effects of social media on youth. Interest for the Wellness Committee was gathered, and ~3 students will be selected to serve on that committee.
        1. Subcommittee attendance policies were shared with all members, and subcommittee chairpersons shared information about their subcommittees in breakout sessions.
        1. Student DAC Member Orientation regarding the SDAC Shared Google Drive, BoardDocs, contacts, etc. was provided to new and returning members.
        1. Cell phone policies and advocacy for students with disabilities were placed on Future Agenda Items.

      SEDAC