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🌎 Earth Day at the Farm! Join us for fun hands-on ac...
Join us for a fun-filled Earth Day celebration at the SCUSD Farm and Bryan Osborne Nature Center on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (1055 Dunford Way, Sunnyvale). This FREE, family-friendly event is open to all! What’s Happening During Earth Day at the Farm? Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Join us at 9:00 a.m. to help us celebrate the farm’s newest facility! The greenhouse will be used by Farm to Table Camp and Post Secondary students. Check out the surrounding fence for a display of call-to-action cards written by SCUSD K-5 English Language Department (ELD) students as a part of their ELD environmental literacy lessons about Earth Day and how to help take care of the Earth. Guided Tours Tours of the Bryan Osborne Nature Center will be available at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Tours of the SCUSD Farm will be available at 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Activities Mud Kitchen — Learn more about the SCUSD Early Learning programs while our youngest farmers get a little dirty making some mud pies and working on their digging skills! Bubble Wrap Butterflies — Create your own bubble wrap butterfly to take home! Scavenger Hunt — Try to find all the items for a surprise! Solar Oven S’mores — Make some yummy s’mores using a solar oven! Farm to Table Camp Learn more about our district-run summer programs, including Farm to Table Camp, and how to enroll your kinder through 8th grade students! SCUSD Farm Stand The SCUSD Farm Stand will be open for business! Stop by to purchase fresh SCUSD farm-grown produce such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, beets, radishes, fava beans, kale, bok choy, and broccoli — all items that are used in our school cafeterias. Flower starters will also be available for purchase. Santa Clara Schools Foundation Learn more about the amazing work that the Santa Clara Schools Foundation does to support our schools and how you can get involved. Post Secondary Learn more about all the hard work that our talented post-secondary students put in to support the farm.
Friday, Apr 25 2025
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📵 We're going phone and device-free for the 2025-202...
SCUSD Goes Phone and Device-Free We’re going phone and device-free in our schools next year! Thank you for your input throughout our engagement phase this winter. Please watch our announcement video below, and visit the district website for more details, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and resources. Watch Announcement Video
Wednesday, Apr 23 2025
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🗓️ Join Our Calendar Committee Workgroup!
Join our Calendar Committee Workgroup! Families are invited to participate in our 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 Calendar Committee Workgroup. This group will collaborate to develop thoughtful and inclusive recommendations for our future school year calendars. We are looking for a diverse group of parent/caregiver representatives from all grade levels — elementary, middle, high school, and alternative education. Your voice matters, and we welcome your participation in this important discussion. To be considered for the workgroup and see more details, please complete this interest form by 5 p.m. on April 28, 2025. Complete the Interest Form Questions Please contact Assistant Superintendent José Vicente González, Ed.D., at jvgonzalez@scusd.net if you have any questions. Sincerely, José Vicente González, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Monday, Apr 21 2025
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📍Required address verification opens today, April 21...
Dear incoming 3rd, 6th, and 9th grade families, Families with students starting in grades 3, 6, and 9 for 2025-2026 must complete an online address verification form to confirm they live within Santa Clara Unified School District boundaries. Address verification must be completed by May 9, 2025, for your child to start on the first day of schooll! This process ensures that, in compliance with California Education Code (EDC) Section 48200 and our Board Policy (BP 5111.1), our schools serve students and families residing within our school district boundaries and district resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to benefit families who live with the SCUSD boundaries. Today, families will receive a student-specific personalized link to the Address Verification Form from addressverification@scusd.net with the subject line “Complete: Address Verification Form for Student Name”. Review the required proof of address documents and attach the necessary documents to the Address Verification Form. Instructions to complete the Address Verification Form: 1) Check your email for the Address Verification Form from addressverification@scusd.net and click the “View Your Form” button (see screenshot below). 2) Fill out the form and attach the necessary information. Note: You do not need a login or password to fill out and submit the form. 3) When you are ready to submit your form, click the “Submit form” button (see screenshot below). Your response will be recorded, and you will receive a copy of your submission by email. 4) School sites and the Enrollment Center will partner to verify documents uploaded in the form. Once your documents are verified, you will receive an email confirmation. You will be notified via email if the documents uploaded are incorrect or invalid. Online Support If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please email adddressverification@scusd.net. In-Person Support Thursday, April 24, 2025 Enrollment Center 1840 Benton Street, Santa Clara - Room H1 4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025 MacDonald High School 3588 Zanker Rd, San Jose - Family Resource Center Room N100 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 Enrollment Center 1840 Benton Street, Santa Clara - Room H1 4:30-7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 Enrollment Center 1840 Benton Street, Santa Clara - Room H1 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025 MacDonald High School 3588 Zanker Rd, San Jose - Family Resource Center Room N100 4:30-7 p.m. If your child will no longer attend SCUSD, please contact your child’s school to complete the withdrawal process. Sincerely, SCUSD Enrollment Center
Monday, Apr 21 2025
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📣 Read District Update! New superintendent announcem...
DISTRICT UPDATE April 14, 2025 Announcing New Superintendent The Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Damon J. Wright as the new Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District. The appointment was made at the Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on April 10, 2025. Dr. Wright will join SCUSD after Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell retires in June. With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Wright joins SCUSD from Benicia Unified School District where he currently serves as superintendent. Please visit the Incoming Superintendent's webpage for more information about Dr. Wright’s background and accomplishments. Learn More About Dr. Wright At the April 10, 2025, board meeting, the Board of Trustees announced some exciting changes in leadership and two new additions to the team. Please join us in congratulating everyone on their new roles! Brian Cordero | Program Specialist | Special Education We are pleased to welcome Brian Cordero as a Program Specialist in Santa Clara Unified School District. Brian has served in leadership roles across multiple districts providing him with extensive experience in special education, program management, and post-secondary transition services. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California Los Angeles and earned his preliminary administrative services credential through the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Brian has successfully led vocational programs, managed large teams, and built strong community partnerships to support students with diverse needs. His passion for inclusive education and student empowerment is evident in his work. Kristin Gonzalez | Coordinator | Student Services Kristin Gonzalez brings over a decade of leadership experience from Wilcox High School, where she most recently served as Principal. During her tenure, Kristin led initiatives focused on student-centered learning, professional development, and inclusive school culture. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in social sciences from San Jose State University, an administrative credential from the Santa Clara County Office of Education LEAP (Leaders in Educational Administration Program), and is currently completing her Master’s in Educational Leadership at National University. Kristin’s expertise and student-first approach will be a welcome addition at the district level. Robert Griffin | Vice Principal | Santa Clara High School Over the last 20 years, Robert Griffin has served in various administrative roles within SCUSD and brings to this role a wealth of experience in educational leadership. His previous roles have included principal at New Valley High School, vice principal at Santa Clara High School, and most recently Coordinator of Student Services, where he oversaw alternative education programs, health services, and student support initiatives across the district. Robert holds a Master of Arts in Education, Administration, and Supervision from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. Rob’s experience and commitment to educational excellence will greatly benefit our district as he steps into this role. Dr. Nicole Tafoya | Principal | Dolores Huerta Middle School Dr. Nicole Tafoya brings to her new role a wide range of experience in school leadership, student support, and equity work. She has served as a vice principal at both middle and high school levels in Santa Clara Unified and was recognized as Sonoma County’s Educator of the Year in 2022. Dr. Tafoya holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University and master’s degrees in school counseling and applied criminology — she is also pursuing a Master’s in School Psychology. Nicole is passionate about fostering inclusive, student-centered environments and building systems that support the success of all learners. Carmelita Weddle | Program Specialist | Special Education We are excited to welcome Carmelita Weddle as a new Program Specialist in Santa Clara Unified School District. Carmelita brings over 20 years of experience as a Resource Specialist, with a deep commitment to supporting students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development. She holds a master’s in elementary and special education from Harding University and recently earned her administrative services certificate. Carmelita is known for her strong collaboration with staff and families, expertise in individualized education plan development, and dedication to building inclusive learning environments. Carmelita’s expertise and dedication to supporting students and programs will be a valuable asset to our district. Intent to Return to School for 2025-2026 In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, all TK through 11th grade families are asked to complete Santa Clara Unified School District’s (SCUSD) Intent to Return form for each child enrolled in the district. Forms are due by Friday, April 11, 2025. Read the full notice. Late Open Enrollment The late Open Enrollment application period gives kindergarten through 12th grade families a second opportunity to request enrollment for their child at any school within our district. The application window closes on the first day of school, August 13 at 4 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted after this time. Read the full notice. Address Verification Families with students starting in grades 3, 6, and 9 for 2025-2026 must complete an online address verification form to confirm they live within Santa Clara Unified School District boundaries. Address verification must be completed between April 21 and May 9 for your child to start on the first day of school. Read the full notice. Student, Staff, and Family Stories Math Fun and Learning at Hughes On March 28, more than 50 families gathered at Hughes Elementary for the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival, joining in an evening of math exploration and student-led learning. The event aimed to engage students with hands-on, minds-on math games designed to strengthen problem-solving skills and build confidence. Visit the district website to learn more. Celebrating Music at Santa Clara High Santa Clara High School recently hosted a special performance from Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Monaco Middle School. The two free performances on April 3, were attended by Santa Clara High School World Language students, along with lucky students from Pomeroy, Scott Lane, Mayne, and Hughes. Visit the district website to learn more. Locally-Sourced Food in our Cafeterias Nutrition Services Director Karen Luna was recently featured in the Center for Ecoliteracy’s “Fresh from California” guide. The publication highlights inspiring leaders who are bringing more local, seasonal fruits and vegetables to their menus and serving freshly prepared meals that celebrate the cultural and agricultural diversity of their communities. Read more on the district website. First Cohort Graduates SCUSD Family University Congratulations to the first 20 graduates of the Family Resource Center's new program — Family University! Throughout March and April, SCUSD’s Family Resource Center hosted its first Family University program for district families and it was an outstanding success! Read more on the district website. April 23 | Free Webinar: Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Children Please join us for this important webinar hosted by TBH (To Be Honest) — Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Children — online on April 23 at 5 p.m. Register for Free Webinar April 26 | Earth Day Celebration at the Farm Join us for a fun-filled Earth Day celebration at the SCUSD Farm and Bryan Osborne Nature Center on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.! This FREE, family-friendly event is open to all. Earth Day at the Farm Invite In an effort to keep the community up-to-date and informed of actions by the Board of Trustees, we share Board Briefs. Board Briefs from the April 10, 2025, Board Meeting Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes ​
Monday, Apr 14 2025