The following is the Aug. 30 edition of the Abridged by PBS KVIE Homeroom email newsletter, by reporter Savannah Kuchar. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
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A weekly email with news and insights into Sacramento area schools and how it impacts your students.
Welcome back to Homeroom!
I spent an evening this week with a group of parents, gathered at Garden at the Line in East Sacramento, as they wistfully said farewell to a beloved preschool teacher.
The place was packed with kids and families, wishing Ms. Tamara Toby well in her new role in adult education. Thanks to Tahoe Elementary PTA president Danny Won for the invitation, the chance to see a community come together and the reminder of the bonds between teachers, parents and classmates!
More in school and education news below. Also, Carolyn Becker tells us what it was like to teach her son how to drive.
I remember vividly my parents (mostly my dad; I think I scared my mom too much) teaching me. And I recall quite a bit of what Carolyn describes in her story — trepidation, some feedback turned into arguments and a lot of invisible brake pushing from the passenger side.
Anyways, take a seat! This is Homeroom.
READY FOR THE WEEK AHEAD?
Education, parenting and other relevant stories from the Sacramento region you may have missed this week.
🤔 Trying to keep up with what’s going on in Sacramento City Unified? Here’s an explainer on the latest in the conflict between the school district and county office, which has spilled into a state-level battle.
🚗 For any parents about to teach their teens how to drive: One, Godspeed. Two, check out Carolyn Becker’s story describing her experience with her son, Blake, and five things she wished she knew beforehand.
💉 California will not be changing its school vaccine policies, rejecting a recent order from the Trump administration. Diana Lambert from EdSource has more on this.
What else is in today’s newsletter?
Controversy continues in North Sacramento, as parents and school leaders protest a proposed crematorium down the road from an elementary school.
And hear from three siblings about what they each did in school this week.
HOMEROOM HIGHLIGHT
Crematorium plans near an elementary school have Sacramento parents on edge
Industry experts said regulations on the facility’s emissions are strict.
BY SAVANNAH KUCHAR | skuchar@kvie.org
In short: Plans for a new crematorium near D.W. Babcock Elementary School in North Sacramento have faced steep opposition from parents, neighbors and school leaders. Experts contend that air quality effects — a top concern among parents and leaders — are not as problematic as people fear.
A bit more: Parents said they are also worried about the particular facility, after the business behind it received a violation notice from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.
It’s a routine question on the car ride home or sitting around the dinner table. I want to hear more than “fine” from students across the region: How was school? What did you learn? Did something interesting happen?
Tucker, Lucas and Olive Shanahan, three Sacramento siblings, when asked about their day at school:
| “It was good. I did schoolwork during lunch,” said Tucker, a third grader.
| “At recess, I did kickball,” said Lucas, a first grader.
| “I played with dinos. And I sleep there,” said Olive, a preschooler.
Parents, feel free to share any tidbits from your student about their day by sending me a message at skuchar@kvie.org.
FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Things to do with (or without!) the kids this week.
☀️ The annual Family Fun Fest in Davis is 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. The event, held at Nugget Fields, promises live music, games, face painting and food trucks. Admission is free. Find more information here.
🍂 It’s almost fall! The Maidu Community Center in Roseville is offering a chance to jumpstart your decorating. From 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, play bingo for the chance to win a pumpkin. Check here for more on the free event.
🏫 The Old North Sacramento Community Association is hosting a “Better Get Together” neighborhood party Saturday, Sept. 5. The free event runs 3-7 p.m. at the Old North Sacramento School features music, art installations and the launch of a community garden. More information here.
Want an event to be featured in our next newsletter? Submit it to our community events calendar here.
A STORY TO SHARE
News isn’t just for the adults — each week, I’ll highlight a piece from myself or one of my colleagues that you can share with the student in your life. Hopefully they can find interest or insight in the hyperlocal, community-focused stories. To fuel conversation, check the discussion prompt below.
My new colleague Aaron Leathley was at a debate Thursday between longtime congressmember Doris Matsui and challenger Mai Vang, a City Council member. The two women are vying to represent parts of Sacramento, Elk Grove and surrounding areas at the national level. Their ages – decades apart – have become a major talking point. Aaron spoke with voters this week who defy expectations about who supports whom.
📝 Discussion prompt: What did you think about some voters breaking age-based assumptions? What are your thoughts on the question of generational change versus experience?
Thanks for being here. Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated.
Questions, thoughts, or ideas? Email me!
