8th grade promotion is approaching !
Last day of school: Wed, Jun 12
Promotion ceremony: Wed, Jun 12, 9:00-10:30am
Promotion party: Fri, Jun 7, 5:30-7:30
Promotion Ceremony Student Dress Code: Semi-formal (School-appropriate attire is expected, as outlined in the Parent Handbook).
Information regarding promotion has been sent home with students. Copies are available in the school office.
* 8th Grade Information Letter
* Great America Form
* Promotion Day Photo Order Form
May 23 Celebration of Excellence is District's employee and volunteer appreciation event.
Castlemont student performers (pictured above) opened last week's Celebration of Excellence, where Campbell Union School District’s community was introduced to this year's winners of the Teacher of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year awards. (See list below.)
The audience of more than 400 family, friends and colleagues also learned that the following people will be representing the district in county and regional programs this year: 
Volunteer of the Year: Audriana Correa-Jimenez (Blackford School)
Classified Employees of the Year: Severiana Guzman (Blackford School) and Corinne Sighe (Sherman Oaks School)
Teacher of the Year: Efrain Hernandez (Sherman Oaks School)
Pictured above, l-r: Corinne Sighe, Board Vice President Richard Nguyen, Efrain Hernandez, Board President Michael Snyder
School and Department Level Awards
Blackford Elementary
Rosalynd Wasilco, Teacher of the Year
Severiana Guzman, Instructional Assistant, Classified Employee of the Year
Sandy Pena, Campbell Care Site Leader,
Classified Employee of the Year
Audrianna Correa-Jimenez, Volunteer of the Year
Campbell School of Innovation (CSI)
Megan Noriega, Teacher of the Year
Cel Galiza, Child Nutrition Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Kim Sheerer, Volunteer of the Year
Capri Elementary
Kathy Sweeney, Teacher of the Year
Christi Cota, Instructional Assistant, Classified Employee of the Year
Ana Iurchenko, Yard Duty,
Classified Employee of the Year
Katie Mendelson, Volunteer of the Year
Castlemont Elementary
Amanda Del Real, Teacher of the Year
Roberto Ficher, Classified Employee of the Year
Emily Zirkel, Volunteer of the Year
Child Nutrition Department
Nancy Camino, Clerical Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Forest Hill
Melissa LaValle, Teacher of the Year
Maribel Mercado, Behavior Specialist
Classified Employee of the Year
Kellie Johnson, Instructional Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Emmy Gregory-Bryson, Volunteer of the Year
Lynhaven
Rebecca Martin, Teacher of the Year
Mirella Cardenas, Instructional Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Jennifer Keltner, Volunteer of the Year
Marshall Lane
Janine Matheson, Teacher of the Year
Eileen Weinstein, Volunteer of the Year
Kevin Theobald, Campbell Care Coordinator,
Classified Employee of the Year
Irma Jaime, Custodian,
Classified Employee of the Year
Monroe Middle
Anthoney Roe, Teacher of the Year
Carmen Koerner, Attendance Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Alex Ramirez, Volunteer of the Year
Rolling Hill Middle
Jessica Harris, Teacher of the Year
Beth Burch, Instructional Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Suzanne Reese, Volunteer of the Year
Rosemary
Sarita Sundaram, Teacher of the Year
Andreea Singh, Instructional Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Tzu Chi Organization, Volunteer of the Year
Sherman Oaks
Efrain Hernandez, Teacher of the Year
Corinne Sighe, School/Health Office Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
LingPo Elvey, Volunteer of the Year
Village
Roberta Hendryx, Teacher of the Year
Michele Guraydin, Instructional Assistant,
Classified Employee of the Year
Hillary Lassetter-Dyer, Volunteer of the Year
Other District and Regional Awards
Shelly Viramontez – ACSA Region 8 Woman of Inspiration 2019
Jennifer Jasper – ACSA Region 8
Co-Administrator of the Year Award
Marco Chavez – ACSA Region 8
First Year Administrator Superstar Award
Jennifer Bell – Educator of the Year, Calif. League
of Middle Schools (CLMS) Region 5
Funds increase access to quality after school and summer learning programs
In a region where an income chasm divides the “haves” and the “have-nots,” the SJ Learns grant* is helping more Campbell Union School District (CUSD) students attain their highest potential. The funding has helped to increase the access that disadvantaged students have to the district’s quality after school and summer programs, and to enrich and extend the learning opportunities offered.
After reviewing success from the 2018-19 school year grant of more than $131,000, the SJ Learns grantors awarded CUSD a two-year renewal of $260,712.
The funding from SJ Learns and other grants support and expand several beyond-the-school-day programs:
As the operator of these programs, CUSD can ensure quality and alignment with what students experience during the school day, promote achievement for all students, and monitor what efforts are showing the best outcomes. Documenting successes has made CUSD a desirable choice for community grant programs and partnerships, enabling us to further expand the program and opportunities at each of our 12 schools.
For more information about CUSD’s after school and summer programs, contact Campbell Union School District’s Extensions Department, at 408-364-4200 ext. 6378.
* The grant is made possible, in part, by the SJ Learns grant-making strategy of San Jose Public Library Foundation and the City of San Jose.
As we wind down 2018-2019, there is still much assessing, learning, and celebrating going on at RHMS. Students in 8th grade are wrapping up their state tests in science, while many classes are completing end of the year culminating projects. We are planning for the 8th grade promotion ceremony and finalizing staffing for next year. On June 6th, we will host our annual Notes and Floats and infuse it with an opportunity for all families to engage with our teaching staff and department curriculum.
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
CUSD has assigned our 8th grade promotion ceremony to be June 12th at 9:00 am. It will take place in our quad, adjacent to our library. Requirements to participate in the promotion include grades and behaviors. Reminders of expectations were shared with all 8th graders through their ELA classrooms in early May.
So that we ensure a smooth ceremony for all 330 of our students and their families, we will run through promotion practice with our students on June 10th and June 11th.
Expecting an audience in excess of 1000, please plan accordingly; ask to car pool, and consider walking from a greater distance. In an effort to support our families, staff will park their cars on our blacktop, allowing guests to park in our parking lots.
While the previous two years required students to be in gowns, that attire will not be provided nor rented this year. RHMS will return to an expectation that all students who participate will don semi-formal attire, much like during the Exhibition.
Finally, so that families may have a better idea of when a child’s name is announced, we will read names in an alphabetical order, A-Z.
Notes and Floats and a Time to Engage
June 6th from 4:15 to 5:15, we welcome families to campus for an opportunity to engage with teachers and curriculum. The quad will feature teachers and in some cases examples of what departments have focused upon this year, from standards to projects. Teachers will be present at this time, prior to our traditional Notes and Floats event where all bands and choirs perform staring at 6:00 pm.
To make the event that much more family friendly, the Music Boosters are bringing five food trucks. We welcome anyone who wishes to attend and see all the great things RHMS has done this year, while hearing a collection of terrific music.
RHMS … of the Year
We are proud to announce our “RHMS … of the Year” awards.
Mrs. Jessica Harris is our RHMS Teacher of the Year. Her nomination letter included such statements as:
Eager to provide her students the very best instruction, Mrs. Harris has actively participated in two high leverage professional development offerings at Rolling Hills. While attending professional development is beneficial, delivering it is paramount… and she does just that.
Mrs. Harris provides leadership opportunities and supports our positive school climate by teaching our Leadership class and directing our site student council.
Mrs. Harris not only contributes inventive ideas to the site’s Leadership Team, she shares her instructional techniques with her colleagues as she opens her classroom to peer observations.
Mrs. Beth Burch is our Classified employee of the year. Her nomination letter included such statements as:
Mrs. Burch is driven and has high expectations for all students.
Mrs. Burch does not give up on even the most resistant learner. She is the definition of a warm demander who is both loved and respected by her students.
Mrs. Burch works hard at making sure that all the parties involved in supporting students are communicating. She is often the conduit between case managers, students, and teachers- delivering lessons and scheduling time for students to meet for additional help.
Mrs. Suzanne Reese is our Volunteer of the Year. Her nomination included such statements as:
Mrs. Reese cares about students, all students.
Mrs. Reese takes an active role in supporting students and families, helping coordinate the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot that raised monetary donations for families and hosting Open Gym during lunch where students may be active in a safe location.
PTA
RHMS is working with CUSD’s Business Office, Thought Exchange, School Site Council, its staff, and our PTA to coordinate the 2019-2020 budget. Because our PTA was only able to raise $18,000 of its $100,000 budget through its Direct Donation Campaign, there will be cuts to what are deemed luxury programs for next year.
These cuts may include such programs as the IXL online math program, Accelerated Reader, 6th grade Science Camp scholarship funds, 7th Grade Renaissance Day, 8th Grade Awards, classroom supplies, and library supplies to name a few. In the coming days, PTA and RHMS administration will share more details regarding opportunities to be present on campus and to help contribute.
Please log onto https://www.ptarhms.org/ for more details about how to support the PTA as it works to support over 1,000 RHMS students.
How will you keep your child's busy mind active when schools close for summer?
Our popular summer camp programs offer a safe and fun way for your child to enjoy the summer. Our weekly summer camp experiences offer a well-rounded program that includes Science Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Art and Math (STREAM) themed activities, field trips and more.
See our summer camp information online or click here to register.
A day of positive achievements sponsored by Kiwanis
Forest Hill Elementary and Rolling Hills Middle school students were among the more than 900 children with special needs who participated in this year’s Kiwanis Special Games event at West Valley College. There were 18 events laid out within the college stadium, covering a wide range of skill levels. Arriving groups were formally and officially greeted as they participated in an opening procession. They proceeded to their events, where they were coached and then recognized with an awards ceremony after each contest.
With the help of volunteers, the student athletes from our schools schools experienced a day of positive achievements.
The Kiwanis Special Games were created to address the physical and emotional needs of the substantial number of extremely challenged children in the schools of our region. The Games were first organized in 1979 by two Adaptive PE teachers and Los Altos Kiwanian Walter Chronert. Over the years, the Games flourished from modest beginnings to the regional event they are today.
An Internet Safety Message from Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. Ed.D.
Dear Parents,
We want to make you aware of what seems to be the latest viral challenge targeting children. It is called the Momo Challenge, and it centers around a disturbing character suggesting dangerous tasks for kids to perform. From what we have learned, these and other suggestions can also be found spliced into some YouTube Kids videos, including Fortnite and Peppa the Pig. This challenge also occurs through an app called WhatsApp, which could function on both phones and tablets.
We recommend that you talk to your child about these kinds of challenges, in a way that you feel is appropriate for their understanding. Given the connection and concern with messages within YouTube Kids videos, we also recommend that you monitor what your child is watching and screen the videos, even if they appear to be safe, to ensure their viewing does not include harmful messages.
The links below offer some information about the Internet hoax and resources to help you set rules at home:
Learn more about how you can ensure cyber safety at home.
o Media Guidelines for All Kids of All Ages
o Safe Search Kids
In our schools, we are aware of this trending issue and continue working to ensure students follow safe Internet use. Throughout the school year, our teachers reinforce the expectations for safe use and responsible practices described in our Student Digital Safety contracts. They also use the Common Sense Media resources and our lesson bank to teach grade-specific digital citizenship lessons.
If you have any further questions, please contact your child’s school.
Stressed? Depressed? Trying Your Best? Come to Wellness Week Activities!
May 13 – 17 is Wellness Week. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we have planned many activities to help families be well and to spotlight the importance of overall wellness for our school community. Presentations for students, staff and parents will take place at the Monroe Middle School campus, in addition to lunch-time activities that focus on ways to attain mental, physical, and social-emotional wellness.
Flyers with more details are on your school’s e-flyers page, or from the Campbell Union School District Public Information Office, 408-341-7254.
WELLNESS WEEK SCHEDULE
(Taking place at Monroe Middle School campus)
Monday May 13th
Understanding the Teenage Brain, 8:30-9:30am in the MMS Cafeteria
Wednesday May 15th
Supporting your child's Mental Health, 8:30am-9:30am in the MMS Cafeteria
Wednesday May 15th
Community Safety & Earthquake Preparedness – 6:00-7:00pm in the MMS Cafeteria
Thursday- May 16th
• Vaping 101 for Parents, 8:45am-10:00am in the MMS Cafeteria
• Stress Management, 6:00–7:00pm in the MMS Cafeteria
• Yoga and Zumba for Parents, 7:00-8:30pm in the MMS Cafeteria
Friday May 17th
International Day Celebration, 5:00-8:00pm in the MMS Quad
ALL ACTIVITIES FREE OF CHARGE thanks to the following partners: SCCOE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education grant, School Linked Services, CASSY (Counseling and Support Services for Youth), El Camino’s 5210 program, Alum Rock Counseling Center, the District Attorney's office, Uplift Family Services and others.
Student safety is our top-most priority—even when they are traveling between home and school.
As students become more comfortable about walking or riding bikes between school and home, we want to be sure they stay alert and safe. Please talk to your child about how to stay safe while traveling to and from school.
Some suggested reminders are:
1. If possible, don’t walk or ride alone.
2. Stay aware of your surroundings. Watch where you’re going and what is happening around you.
3. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
4. Use cross walks and obey traffic signals.
5. Avoid strangers, and tell an adult right away if any suspicious people approach you.
Thank you for being our partner in student safety.
May 23 Event to Celebrate Employees and Volunteers of the Year
On May 23, 2019, the Campbell Union School District (CUSD) community will celebrate 12 teachers, 17 classified employees, and 12 school volunteers who are nominees for annual awards. Only four of these honorees will be chosen for the annual district-level honors and will represent CUSD in county and regional programs. Several administrators also will be recognized for earning regional awards from professional education organizations.
The announcements will take place at the district’s annual Recognition Event, Thursday, May 23, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m., in Castlemont’s Multipurpose Room.
See the INVITATION for details and a LIST OF THE HONOREES in the flyers section.
Welcome to Campbell Union School District! Start your child's enrollment here.
We also offer before/after school care, preschool and summer programs. Register today!
