District News

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:

• Learning Express is a school-year program that provides targeted student groups with the opportunity to get homework support and early literacy interventions for kindergarten through third grade.
• Students in all of our after school programs engage in STEAM, health and fitness, social emotional learning and service learning.
• The summer ACHIEVE program offers meaningful academic and enrichment learning opportunities for children who are most in need of academic support and a safe place during the summer months. Our efforts are focused on reducing summer learning loss, providing an engaging and safe place for students, and closing the achievement gap. 
• Additionally, we strive to develop the key competencies of critical thinking, creativity, innovation, collaboration, and empathy. Students benefit as the academic components are taught by credentialed teachers in partnership with trained Expanded Learning staff who provide the enrichment components that foster cooperative learning, skill building, and opportunities for children to try something new.

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.

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.

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 13^th
Understanding the Teenage Brain, 8:30-9:30am in the MMS Cafeteria

Wednesday May 15^th
Supporting your child's Mental Health, 8:30am-9:30am in the MMS Cafeteria

Wednesday May 15^th
Community Safety & Earthquake Preparedness – 6:00-7:00pm in the MMS Cafeteria

Thursday- May 16^th
• 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 17^th
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.

Campbell Union School District announces that Jennifer Bell, sixth-grade teacher at Rolling Hill Middle School, was named Educator of the Year for California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) Region 5.

The award is given to California middle school teachers who exemplify educational excellence and who have made significant efforts to implement elements of educational reform. Region 5 represents Santa Clara County.

“Jennifer is an exemplary teacher,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “She is a facilitator of learning, allowing her students to develop the key competencies they will need for success in the yet-to-be-defined workplace they will enter one day.”

“Entering her classroom, students are engulfed in their own learning, working on a learning target that has meaning to them,” said Rolling Hills Principal Ted Cribari.  “She is a powerful teacher from whom others seek input in a collaborative manner.”

Bell was recognized for her dedicated and innovative work with students at the school and for her leadership when working at the district level. She has worked to implement proven instructional techniques, including learning targets and writing strategies that benefit all learners.