BRSSD presentations highlight curriculum choices, specialists, social-emotional instruction and universal meals

Belmont-Redwood Shores School District presenters described the district's adopted curricula, specialist offerings and supports intended to serve the “whole child.”

Chuck Donovan said the small district — “about 4,000” students across one middle school and seven elementary or TK–8 campuses — emphasizes community connection and a range of award-winning programs. He noted several schools have received California Distinguished School and Blue Ribbon recognitions.

Sheila Walters listed core and supplemental curricula used at the elementary level, citing Units of Study and SuperKids for English language arts at kindergarten, TCI for social studies, Math Expressions for mathematics and Twig for science. Walters also said the district uses Second Step for social-emotional learning and that teachers and counselors provide weekly lessons to build listening, communication and social skills.

Both principals described school staffing that includes art, music and physical education specialists and cited additional roles funded through local support, including reading specialists and school counselors present on site. Donovan noted these positions help deliver hands-on learning experiences for young children.

On nutrition, Donovan said all BRSSD schools offer universal breakfast and lunch and that menus and allergen notices are distributed monthly by each school site. He added the district pays for these meals daily and encouraged families to discuss with children whether they are eating the meals to limit waste.

The presentation included a sample daily schedule for TK and kindergarten to illustrate timing for arrival, recess and dismissal; presenters cautioned schedules vary slightly by site. The information session was informational and contained no formal board votes or policy changes.