District News

A news conference at Castlemont School last week spotlighted the continuing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety around school zones. State Assemblymember Marc Berman introduced Assembly Bill 2583, which would set a speed limit cap of 20 miles per hour in school zones and mandate placing signs indicating the times these lower speeds are in effect.

"Traffic violence is the number one cause of death for California's school-age children,” added Kirsten Bladh, associate director of state policy for Safe Streets for All, who spoke at the news conference.

CA Assemblymember Marc Berman

In reflecting on the tragic traffic accident that took the life of Castlemont student Jacob Villanueva two years ago, Campbell Union School District Superintendent Shelly Viramontez underscored the continuous efforts to improve pedestrian safety around schools. 

“We are grateful to the legislators and government agencies who continue to work on solutions,” Viramontez said. “We are committed to working with them to ensure no family endures such a tragedy.”.

With the community rallying behind these vital safety measures, the State Assembly Transportation Committee will make a decision on the progress of Assembly Bill 2583 at its April meeting. Meanwhile, adults can help by exercising extra caution when driving near schools.

The Campbell Union School District (CUSD) has significantly advanced its educational and support services for students, with funds from one-time sources like California’s Art and Music block grant. 

“We asked parents what would enhance their child’s education when students returned to in-person instruction,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez.  “They said, more hands-on learning, art and music. We have been able to leverage one-time funding aimed at addressing the impact of the pandemic to provide the enhancements that parents told us should be priorities." 

The district has invested heavily in the arts, employing additional teachers to extend art, innovation, and music (AIM) instruction to more elementary students through this initiative. This investment enriches the students' learning experiences and provides teachers with more professional learning and collaboration (PLC) time, enabling them to tailor lessons to strategically meet students’ needs, whether they are excelling, struggling, or anywhere in between.

The AIM program in elementary grades aligns with standards and lays a foundational framework for growth into middle school. Middle school AIM clubs cater to those students’ desires for more social interaction and a sense of belonging. District staff are monitoring the outcomes of these efforts to guide future resource and budget allocations once the one-time funding ends.

The district has also channeled funds into school libraries. Staff updated in library collections, including an increase in Spanish language books. This enhancement ensures that all students have access to a wide range of reading materials, supporting both their educational and personal growth.

Recognizing the increased need for emotional and behavioral support, the district increased its staff of counselors and behavior specialists. This expansion ensures that students who require additional support can receive timely and effective assistance as it is needed.

The Innovation Grant program also sprang from the grant funding. This year, students in grades 6 through 8 received funds for special projects that challenge them to apply their learning in practical, real-world contexts, fostering both innovation and problem-solving skills.

“We have taken a comprehensive approach to enhancing academic and support programs through one-time dollars for long-term benefit,” Viramontez said. “It’s an example of our strong commitment to providing today’s students with the resources they need to succeed academically and emotionally, both now and in the future.”

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) expands, a new definition of the Digital Divide is emerging. It is not just about access to devices, but also about the knowledge for using digital tools effectively.

“When I walk into a TK or Kindergarten classroom, I wonder what in the world these young people will be walking into in the 2044 workforce,” said Superintendent Shelly Viremontez at a recent meeting of teachers, administrators, and support staff exploring how to leverage AI as a tool for teaching and learning.

Watch the Superintendent's Briefing video to hear comments from her and teachers about the pros and cons of AI in our schools.

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Schools in Campbell Union School District recognize the importance of celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion. 

“We want to foster a sense of belonging among our students and prepare them to be compassionate global citizens,” said Whitney Holton, Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning.

Through multicultural events, assemblies, social studies, and culture-themed activities, students gain a deeper appreciation of each other’s culture, traditions, and historic contributions. 

While we do not relegate the contributions of a group of people to only one month, we do incorporate school activities tied to special observances to reinforce classroom learning. For example, during Black History Month, a time when our nation celebrates the contributions of Black Americans to our country, our students will learn about the significance of black leaders and the impact they have made on our society. 

For Lunar New Year, a vibrant celebration observed by many Asian communities, students learn about the traditions associated with this celebration, and appreciate the importance of learning about and celebrating the rich backgrounds of our students and families. 

Lessons tied to Presidents Day and Susan B. Anthony Day provide opportunities for students to delve into the history of the United States, the women's suffrage movement, and progress made towards achieving equal rights for all.

The efforts to create a nurturing and respectful environment for all students and staff go beyond one-time events. In 2021, the district published its Anti Bias/Anti Racism Statement delineating its resolve “to become an anti-racist and inclusive organization” and to “challenge and improve current practice at all levels in order to provide more equitable opportunities for all.”