January-February District Digest

February 2023 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia   Morgan Hill Unified Community, I hope the new year is treating you well. It has been great to see our students, staff, and families back on campus. As we continue implementing our goals and recognize the work ahead, it is important that we remember our commitment to our safe, positive, and inclusive learning environments where all our students have an opportunity to thrive.  In January we celebrated the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a school district, we are strengthening the importance of celebrating the diversity and equity in our community. We honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of justice, compassion, and dignity. These are values that enrich our lives and inspire us all.  In February, during Black History Month, we honor the contributions of African Americans throughout history. We are proud to shed light on African Americans who have shaped society in the past and those who continue to do so today.  We are also celebrating the Lunar New Year, a festivity based on the cycles of the moon. This year is the year of the rabbit. Lunar New Year is honored by many in our community and we send our best wishes for a prosperous year.  Let’s continue working together to foster more opportunities to support our students so they can excel and advance their education. I have deep gratitude for our educators, staff, students, and families for your commitment to excellence as we complete the second half of the school year.  Dr. Carmen Garcia  Superintendent       We're hiring!   Morgan Hill Unified School District currently has openings for Bus Drivers, Teachers, Substitute Teachers, Therapists, School Counselors, and more! Visit Edjoin.org to see our job postings. To learn more about our district, visit mhusd.org .   Dual Language Immersion Program Announcement Did you know? The Morgan Hill Unified School District is excited to announce we are expanding our Dual Language Immersion opportunities! To find out more, please visit  our website  for details. WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Ann Sobrato High School Wellness Hosts Guest Speaker Enrique Flores As we welcome 2023 and our students back to school we focused on Wellness from   individual focus  to building a  Wellness Peer Support Group  guided by Ms. Ruby Lorono. The students had a special guest speaker,  Enrique Flores  who is the author of two books  Solo Cholo University  &  Barrio Side Hero . Enrique shares his story with the Wellness Peer Support Group to inspire the students and all of us in our own journey. The student-led,  Wellness Peer Support Group  now has (at least from each grade level) 14 members.  In February, the Wellness P eer Support Group will design their logo shirts, create a video clip of the seven dimensions of what Wellness means to them, share resources, and provide peer-to-peer support on campus. Here’s a sneak peek of the top three photos. The first picture is where students hand shape dry clay into hearts working through art therapy. The second photo is a picture of a red rose molded and painted carefully together by one of our students. The last photo is plant cuttings from Ms. Martina’s garden for rooting so students can plant them in painted pots     Live Oak High School Wellness Center This month our Wellness Counselors launched our small groups. We had fun with our dried flower craft. Our small groups include  SOGIE  and Social Connection.    Martin Murphy Middle School Wellness Center Embraces Winter We have enjoyed spending the cold winter months with our students in the Wellness Center by creating a winter wonderland. The students made ornaments out of beads and pipe cleaners, as well as painted wooden snowflakes. We also filled our walls with paper snowflakes and enjoyed seeing the creativity in each of the snowflakes, truly one of a kind! In January we welcomed our students back and enjoyed hearing how they spent their time over the winter break. In January, the students made paper lanterns to celebrate Lunar New Year. We also participated in The Great Kindness Challenge by encouraging students to do random acts of kindness. The students used chalk to fill the walkways by the Wellness Center with words of kindness and encouragement. School Highlights School Counselor Shoutouts February 6-10, 2023 was National School Counseling Week. We are incredibly grateful to our counselors for all that they do. Thank you so much,  Elvia Hernandez,  P.P.S. Britton Middle School is so grateful to have such an amazing school counselor to provide support for students, staff, and families. Thank you for your constant empathy, compassion, and perseverance. You are an amazing part of Britton's team and community, we are so lucky to have you.   Sending a quick shout-out to our  Sobrato School Counselors :  Ted Thomas, Dulce Velasquez, Milara Gatcke, Jen Baez, and Brianna Gibson!  They are amazing in everything they do, we’re so lucky to have them.  Thank you Counseling Team for our  sweet treat ! The Murphy Wellness Team would like to acknowledge our amazing school counselor,  Mrs. Mari King!  She is an integral part of our school community and our team. She is always ready to lend a hand and provides immeasurable support for our students, staff, and parents. Thank you, Mrs. King!  Shout out to  Chelly Brink  who supports our students on the Central campus.  Chelly helps add to the family feel of Central.  The students feel very accepted and appreciated for her care. Shout out to  Michelle Gallegos  who splits her time between JAMM and SMG. She supports two sites with grace and compassion.  She is appreciated by her staff and students!  Live Oak Wellness Center Celebrates our Partnership with the Academic Counselors! Thank you  Aaron Thomas, Veronica Calderon, Stephanie Rojas, Rafael Garcia Zendejas, and Ebony Lucatero . We appreciate the minor and major details you provide our students. Every day you take the time to provide one-to-one support and set students up for success with their academic schedules. Your work is greatly appreciated. Believe it or not, you are also impacting our students' well-being by reducing their stress levels with their transitions to classroom changes and grade promotion.   Central High School Central High School has been in a flurry of activity since returning from break. Gavilan College came to visit Senior Civics and Economic classes. Gavilan held helpful application workshops for our soon-to-be graduates. We are grateful to partner with them in the future of our students!  Most recently Central students participated in Rock the Mock! Students rotated through workshops provided by the Chamber of Commerce. Topics included; mock interviews, resume writing, developing a budget, and how to dress for success!   Central was also visited by Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center (WERC) where classes learned about local wildlife. We are looking forward to beginning intramural basketball in February.   District Home Study Home Study students recently blasted off into space! Each grade level (K-5) completed units related to space. The units differed according to grade level and standards. Students learned songs, completed hands-on art projects, and participated in lessons and discussions. In December, Home Study students had the opportunity to attend a field trip to the Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza College as a culminating activity after the completion of their space units. It was a true family affair since each student was accompanied by parents, siblings, and even grandparents (pictured in the photos). The planetarium show was amazing, and it also aligned with our primary novel studies of three books in the Magic Tree House series. The show featured Jack and Annie, the main characters of the books, and told the story of their adventures through space and the eight planets in our solar system. Home Study students were superstars as they demonstrated their knowledge and critical thinking skills during the presentation.   KUDOS A lot to "Celebrate!" at Ann Sobrato High School   On February 2, the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of surprising two people on the Ann Sobrato campus. Senior  Emily Celallos was selected as the Celebrate Morgan Hill 2023 Student of the Year. A stellar student and leader, we couldn't be more proud of her selection!  Chemistry Teacher Janelle Rotman,  also of Ann Sobrato High School, was chosen as the Chamber's Educator of the Year for their 2023 Celebrate Morgan Hill awards. There will be a " Sip & Celebrate, A Vintage Garden Party " to fete them on March 12.  Ann Sobrato Jazz Ensemble Ranks Superior Congratulations to the Ann Sobrato High School Jazz Ensemble for earning a Combined Superior Rating at the 47th Annual Campana Jazz Festival at Amador Valley High School. We're so proud of you all!   Pilar Vazquez-Vialva:  ACSA Region 8 Outstanding Administrator of the Year  Pilar Vazquez-Vialva, our Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, has been named the ACSA Region 8 Outstanding Administrator of the Year in the area of Curriculum and Instruction. We couldn't be more proud of Pilar and are grateful for her leadership at the district and her impact on our students every day. Read more about Pilar and her accomplishments here .  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Family and Community Engagement Our district is dedicated to increasing our family and community engagement.  In support of our LCAP goal to increase family and community engagement, we seek out opportunities to hear the voices of our stakeholder groups so that we can continually improve the experience of our students and families.  We invite you to join our upcoming “Parent University” in-person series. This is a 5-week course that will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in English, and 7:30-8:30 in Spanish.  The workshops will take place at our new Family and Community Engagement Center behind Britton Middle School - 80 West Central Ave.  We hope you can attend to engage in some informative and fun topics! Childcare and dinner will be provided.   If you have any questions, please reach out to your school community liaison or principal. IMPORTANT DATES 02/20 Presidents Day Holiday 02/20-24  No School 03/07 Board of Education Meeting 03/15  Board Member Coffee Chat See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Wednesday, Feb 15 2023

December Morgan Hill Unified School District Monthly...

December 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Dear Morgan Hill Unified Community, What an enriching year this has been! As we are approaching the end of 2022, let’s each reflect on what we are most proud of this school year, and let’s celebrate our achievements thus far.  Teachers and staff members, thank you for your commitment to supporting our students on their journey to success. Parents and guardians, your dedication to helping your students and motivating them to learn and work hard at school and at home has been vital. And thank you administrators for your leadership and for setting the bar for achieving academic success. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and leadership team, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season! We look forward to the new year with renewed commitment and determination! Let’s keep working together in the spirit of unity and collaboration for the benefit of our students and their future success. Happy holidays!     Election Results We are excited to share that last night at the Board of Education meeting, the election results were certified and the following Board members were sworn in: Nancy Altman, Terri Eves-Knudsen, Pamela Gardiner and John Horner. During the meeting, motions were approved for Trustee Ivan Rosales Montes to take on the role of Board President, with Trustee Adam Escoto as Vice President. We look forward to continuing to work with the Board to advance our students’ education and opportunities to excel. Thank you all for your support of Morgan Hill Unified School District.   Winter Food Basket Drive - Help Us Fill Our Barrels!  Our Winter Food Basket program is coming to a close. We are extremely grateful for the support and partnership of Community Christian Church and Morgan Hill Kiwanis as we combine efforts to feed families this winter. You still have time to contribute your non-perishable goods by the end of the day on Wednesday, December 14 .   We also welcome any volunteers, including high school students needing volunteer hours, to help sort food at P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy on December 16. Please email deleona@mhusd.org if you can help us!   The Citizens Oversight Committee Needs You!  The Measure G Citizens Oversight Committee currently has  two vacancies: "member at large” "and "member of bonafide taxpayers association." You can make a difference in the Morgan Hill community by joining this committee, which meets quarterly, and reviews Measure G Bond Fund expenditures and discusses construction projects funded by the bond. Contact  Allison Murray murrya@mhusd.org or (408) 201-6052. Please review the application for more information.  Feeling Freedge!  A “Freedge” is a community refrigerator that supplies fresh food for anyone in need. The "Freedge" club at Ann Sobrato High School is holding a "Pie a Teacher" fundraiser. Students pay to throw a whipped cream pie in the face of a teacher from a safe distance. (Not just any teacher, but specifically one who has volunteered for this fundraiser.) All the money raised will go toward feeding the less fortunate through the holidays. Throughout the year, and e specially during the holidays, the Freedge Club does what it can to provide the community access to free, healthy foods.  If you would like to make a contribution, the "Freedge" club and the Sobrato community would greatly appreciate your help! Recently, Ann Sobrato High School held a canned food drive competition to donate to charities. The Senior class won, with donating the most canned food. Congratulations!   JAMM ASB Toy Drive JAMM  ASB is hosting a toy drive this holiday season! We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to donate to families in our local community through December 19 .  If you are interested, please drop off new, unwrapped toys in the bins set up near the front office.  Please no toy weapons. The Personnel Commission Needs You!  Are you looking for ways to give back to your community? You can make a difference by joining MHUSD's Personnel Commission! You'll play a role in overseeing and implementing the merit system and recruiting practices at MHUSD. We need you! See the front page of our MHUSD website/post for details!    Nordstrom Elementary Toy Drive Yields an Abundance of Toys The Nordstrom Home & School Club organized a toy drive this year for underserved families this holiday season. In conjunction with "Donuts with Grown-ups" this event brought the Nordstrom community together to celebrate the spirit of giving.   WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Martin Murphy Wellness Holds a Kindness Challenge We celebrated Kindness Week here at the Wellness Center. The students made cards filled with kind messages to give to friends and staff members. The students also made cards to leave here in the Wellness Center for everyone to enjoy. We also created a Kindness Week Challenge where the students had attainable kindness challenges that they could complete each day. Some of our students made welcome cards for our neighbors next door to start building a relationship with the students in the county program. This month, with the help of students, we will turn our center into a winter wonderland filled with paper snowflakes and winter crafts.  Ann Sobrato High School Wellness Celebrates Kindness Week The week of November 14th, we reached 259 individual sessions since the beginning of this year.  We are reporting 165 referrals, 127 students & staff visited the Wellness Center during class.  5,809 students visited the Wellness Center before school, brunch, & lunch. We had our first student-led calming circles during lunch guided by Ms. Ruby. During the month of November, we had Thankful Thursdays and students sent  Thank you notes to staff . November brought us the nostalgic feeling of cutting out  hand turkeys  with Ms. Ashley to  painting pots  with Ms. Martina.     In addition, we had a  kindness challenge week .  Students were challenged to listen to a friend, write someone a note, invite someone to join you, forgive someone for a mistake, let someone else go first, give someone a high-five, work with someone new, help clean up, help someone having a tough day, hold the door open for others, do an extra chore, and spend time with a friend.  Our kindness challenge winner goes to:  Student, Aurelio “Art” Mirardo .  Way to go, Aurelio!   Lastly, we cannot believe the number of  donations  that came in November.  We believe we will be kept stocked until the end of this school year.  Thank you all to those who donated and a special  thank you to the Home & School Club for providing an opportunity to give THANKS in a meaningful way!   The pictures above are Calming Circles guided by Ms. Ruby & our first student-led Self-Acceptance Meditation Group by Suchi Bhadoria.  Thank you Suchi, for your leadership! Bridging Together:   If you missed the last Sobrato eNewsletter about Family Resources & Tools, check out this link called, “ Family Resources & Tools ” for helpful information such as info about adolescence, anxiety resources for parents, bullying, childhood adversity, conduct disorder, covid-support resources, depression, disaster, LGTBQ, life skills, mindfulness, positive parenting, sleep, stepfamilies, well-being and so much more…   Let us know what you like about the Wellness Center:  Send us feedback   For more information click on the link(s):   Parent Questions and Answers    Student Questions and Answers     Wellness Resources   Crisis & Resources     Wellness Center Referral Form     Connect with us     Wish List       We love the Wellness Center     Send a thank you to the team    Student Handbook 2022-2023   Let’s Wellness Together!   Ms. Martina Glenn, LMFT  (Wellness Counselor), and  Ms. Ruby Lorono  (Wellness Assistant) Email/Text:  sowellness@mhusd.org  Phone: 408-201-6226 Website:  Sobrato Wellness SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Jackson Academy Math & Music Exceeds Book Fair Goals JAMM held a Santa's Breakfast organized by the Home & School Club with over 300 families in attendance. The 2022 Book Fair was also a huge success this year, bringing in $18,000! It was the most successful book fair in JAMM's history. This will net $9,000 in books going to the school's library and classrooms. Thank you to the JAMM community for supporting this event!  El Toro Health Science Academy Has an Evening with Santa and Celebrates Success On December 5th, El Toro held an Evening with Santa event. We had a large percentage of our families come out to watch a movie; listen to our percussion drum group; play on our playground; enjoy some food from local food trucks; and take a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. We also raffled off prizes with teachers, the principals, San Jose Sharks Tickets, and tickets to the Great Wolf Lodge. It was an enjoyable evening for all of our students and families in attendance. We also celebrated the social and academic successes of our students from the First Trimester during our Awards Assembly. Students were recognized based on their academic successes in the classroom as well as awards for them demonstrating their character in and out of the classroom! Our Bulls continue to demonstrate levels of high esteem and determination on a daily basis! Santa Made the Rounds - San Martin Gwinn Santa's Breakfast San Martin Gwinn held a lively celebration with folklorico dancers and a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon.   The rain did not deter families from coming out and gathering on a wet Satuday morning! Freshman Success: Ann Sobrato High School The Freshmen Success Team and been working on Celebrating our 9th graders this year! We had a  wonderful 9th Grade Celebration. For our Freshman Celebration, students were nominated by their teachers for the following awards:  Bubbly Award, they are always full of positive energy; On The Ball Award, they are always on task and working diligently; Tough Cookie Award, they are resilient and overcome challenges with determination; Caring Classmate Award, they are always willing to help others; Outstanding Organizer Award, they are very well organized; Light Bulb Award, they are always full of bright ideas; Ruler Award, they always go the extra mile and Thinks Outside the Box Award, they are creative and inventive. 50 Freshmen ended up receiving an award and we invited them, along with their families to join us for a small ceremony and refreshments to congratulate them on their hard work.  Student Union Groundbreaking at Britton Middle School On Friday, December 9, the district and Flint Builders held a groundbreaking event at the site of the new Britton Student Union. Superintendent, District staff, Britton Administration, students, band members and more gathered to commemorate the occasion. Gage Seacrist led the Pledge of Allegiance and Keily Orta spoke to the crowd about the impact this new building will have on the student body. Stay tuned for the MHUSD Minute which will feature this event. Kudos to our Custodians! We are so proud of our custodial staff! Recently, 32 of our Custodial Staff and Substitute Custodians completed a two-day (12+ hours) of basic training in order to gain recognition as Basic Certified Custodial Technicians. We had 31 out of 40 total custodial members and 1 Facilities Admin. (Spanish Translator) take the course, testing (open book), and all members passed!  The course covered customer service, the chemistry of cleaning, cleaning of above-floor surfaces, cleaning of hard floor surfaces, cleaning of carpeted surfaces, and cleaning of restrooms, as well as best practices and equipment correctly being used across the country. Each member received 12.5 continuing education units, as we continue to build upon making a first-class custodial team at MHUSD.  With this completion and a passing grade, each staff member will receive a Certificate Awarded by the Cleaning Management Institute, taught by one of the only 3 Master Custodial Trainers in the country, and a signifying patch of this accomplishment. This Certificate is good for two years. Way to go, team!! See our website for the names of the amazing custodians who achieved this feat!  BAND HIGHLIGHTS Sobrato Band Performs at the Happiest Place on Earth!  The Sobrato Band performed at Disneyland on December 9. The entire band enjoyed playing during the parade, and marching throughout the park. The band  participated in a Disney Instrumental Soundtrack Session. The Backstage Recording Workshop was a special treat for these students.  Live Oak Emerald Regime Finishes 10th for the Season The band finished their season with a score of 85.93. Percussion took 3rd place overall, and Color Guard placed Best Color Guard Overall. Congratulations on a great season, Acorns.  Bobcat Band Performed at Britton Groundbreaking  During the Student Union Groundbreaking event, the Britton Middle School Band was invited to play a song for the Superintendent, Board members, staff, students, and community. It was a great opportunity to showcase their talent.  IMPORTANT DATES TEST KITS WILL BE SENT HOME Please remember to test before returning from the holiday break. December 23 & 26: Holiday ( District Office Closed) December 27-30 : District Office Closed January 2: Holiday (District Office Closed) December 23-January 6 : Schools Closed for Holiday Break January 3-6: District Office Open January 9 : Classes Resume See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Wednesday, Dec 14 2022

November Morgan Hill Unified School District Monthly...

November 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Dear Morgan Hill Unified Community, There is so much for us to be grateful for as we approach Thanksgiving! This is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and to express our gratitude to our amazing community. I would like to give thanks to our wonderful teachers, staff, and administrators, and to our students, families and community partners.  I am tremendously thankful for how we work collectively every day to support our students’ education and their dreams for a brighter future. Each of your contributions make our district a wonderful place for our students, families and staff to thrive. During the Thanksgiving break, please let your students know how important their education is and how proud you are of their progress. Your encouragement is vital and builds confidence. On behalf of our Board of Trustees and administration, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Thank you again for being part of the Morgan Hill Unified family.       Winter Food Basket Drive - Help Us Fill Our Barrels!  This year, the district will once again partner with Community Christian Church (next to P.A. Walsh) for the  Winter Food Basket program.  We are extremely grateful for the support of Community Christian Church and Morgan Hill Kiwanis as we combine efforts to feed families this winter.  There are two barrels at each school as well as the district office. Our goal is to fill 25 barrels by December 15. Help us reach our goal by bringing any dry or canned non-perishable foods for underserved families. We also welcome any volunteers, including high school students needing volunteer hours, to help sort food at P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy on December 16. Please email deleona@mhusd.org if you can help us!   Family & Community Engagement Center Grand Opening! Our Family & Community Center Grand Opening is this Friday, November 18, 2022 from 3:30-6:30 !   We will hold an event similar to a resource fair that will include representatives from our community-based organizations, food trucks, games for students, and entertainment.  You are all invited to attend - come see our new center and learn about how the center will serve our entire school community! The location of our center is behind Britton Middle School at 80 W. Central Avenue, in Morgan Hill.     Freedge Love!  A “Freedge” is essentially a community refrigerator that supplies fresh food for anyone in need. These refrigerators are located in accessible areas and are intended to reduce hunger and malnutrition in the community by providing healthy ingredients necessary for almost any meal. This would include fresh produce that you can find in your refrigerator at home, like lettuce, broccoli, and corn… or fruits such as bananas, apples, and grapes. You can find bread, peanut butter, or cereal inside a "Freedge!" At Ann Sobrato High School, the "Freedge" club has installed a "Freedge" in the front office that is open to all students and parents.  Especially during the holidays, it is important to help as many people in our community as possible have access to free, healthy foods.  If you would like to make a contribution, the "Freedge" club and the Sobrato community would greatly appreciate your help!  --Cameryn Pina, Student Board Member   We're excited to announce the 2022 TK/Kindergarten Roundup will take place on Saturday, December 3, with a new format this year. Each elementary school site within the Morgan Hill Unified School District will host parents and provide information and resources from District staff in Enrollment, Student Services, Special Education, Migrant Education, Transportation and Student Nutrition.  WHEN:   December 3, 2022                9:00 am - 12:00 pm WHERE: MHUSD Elementary Schools  Who should attend? New families in the district and any families with an incoming TK/Kinder for the 2023-2024 school year. Find your school here . Spread the word!   New SAT Sites!  At the MHUSD Board meeting held on November 1, we announced Live Oak High School and Ann Sobrato High School are both SAT sites for test dates beginning December 3, 2022. There will be 250 seats available for the public, including our students. Please sign up today as spots are filling up fast!   https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/test-center-search   WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Gratitude and Kindness Abound at Ann Sobrato Wellness The first week of every day in November, we did calming circles. Students were able to stretch, discuss their personal Wellness activities, send a thank you note to staff, and focus on peer support.  In advance of World Kindness Day, we started hanging fliers called “Please take a compliment”. Look for them around our campus.  On World Kindness Day students participated in a challenge with a chance to win a gift card. Quotes from Parent Wellness Survey responses : "The Wellness Center has been a place where my girls can go when they are upset and need to calm down. They both deal with depression and anxiety. It's nice to know they have a place to reset." Britton Middle School Wellness is Buzzing with Activity! On October 10th we celebrated World Mental Health Day by having students complete a mental health challenge of identifying one action step to try to take care of their mental health and wellness. The students were offered positive affirmations, mindfulness cards and QR Codes to calm breathing videos, and a variety of music that helps relax and rejuvenate. We also provided a free Mindful App and a link to mental health resources for teens.   The Britton Wellness Center hosted a teacher and staff meet and greet that allowed our new and current teachers to discuss resources available to students and staff. Teachers and staff were welcome to enjoy donuts and coffee as well as engage in calming activities.   Our LGBTQ+ Club continues with its creative forms of expression by making a flag handprint mural and painted pride rocks. They continued discussions about the history of the LGBTQ+ community for World LGBTQ History month.   Superintendent Dr. Carmen Garcia and our Ameca, Jalisco Rotarians visited the Britton Middle School Wellness Center to discuss the importance of student mental health and having a safe, calm space for students to come to for support.   Finally, the Wellness Center hosted a Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, altar created by Mrs. Navarro's class. Our students were encouraged to create a  Calavera  to add to the altar in memory of a loved one who has passed. Elementary School Wellness "Leaves" Notes of Gratitude Students at the Elementary Schools have been learning how to express their emotions through art and crafts during one-on-one sessions and small groups. Making art and crafts can be therapeutic for students, but it can also serve as a reminder of how to manage their emotions without using words.  Students at San Martin Gwinn have been expressing their love and appreciation by writing what they are grateful for on the gratitude tree in the Wellness room. Quotes from Parent Wellness Survey responses : "My daughter felt comfortable talking with Rachel...I'm really happy she feels good about talking to someone who isn't me about her feelings and worries." "The Wellness Center helped my son on days he was struggling to sit in the classroom." "Our family has endured some trying times over the past year. I was happy to know the Wellness Center was available to my child." SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Martin Murphy Middle School Gets Down with Red Ribbon Week, Day of the Dead and More Over the past few weeks, Murphy Middle School has had several exciting events. We started with educating our students on the harmful effects of vaping and using drugs. It was an entire week (with daily themes) of activities and presentations that was organized by Murphy counselor, Mari King. The week ended with students dressing up to Spook Out Drugs.  Ms. Pacheco’s Spanish and ELD classes created the Dios de la Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar to honor loved ones who have passed away in the Mexican Tradition. It was officially opened on November 2nd after our Spanish classes worked hard to put it together with their own miniature altars and decorative skeletons. We celebrated the last day in October with the Murphy Graveyard Getdown. Students enjoyed face painting, food and loud music. The dance was a huge success and a good time was had by all. Thank you to all parents and staff who made all of these events possible.  District Home Study What is the Morgan Hill Unified School District’s K-5 Home Study Program? It consists of a myriad of components designed to meet the needs of students learning at home. The program includes daily synchronous instruction via Zoom for all grade levels, including morning meetings where we have interesting discussions, get to know each other better, and laugh at Mrs. Barnes’ jokes. Home study also includes independent online instruction with amazing “learning coaches” (usually parents/guardians), in-person and virtual field trips, and so much more. The students learning at home as part of the Home Study program have had an amazing start – they are working hard, having fun, and gaining skills and knowledge in every content area. We are so proud of them! We are looking forward to continuing to build strong connections and work towards mastery of grade-level standards. Featured photos: As part of a novel study, second grade students wrote their own dinosaur books. The picture above is one page of a student’s book where she followed the steps in a directed drawing and wrote facts in class discussions. A first-grade student above utilizes creative, engaging, and movement-based techniques to practice sight words. Another first grader pictured above explores different types of soil during an experiment.  District Independent Study:  District Independent Study is another learning opportunity for students who are self-motivated, self-driven, and learn better independently. The DIS program is a program supported by the Central High School administrator and staff. Students in DIS meet with their teachers for guidance and support as they learn independently. The teachers and staff create ways for students to engage in peer collaborations and build relationships. Every few months there are parent and student orientations. Additionally, DIS hosted the first family engagement afternoon. Students worked together to create a suspension bridge that had to hold the most ducks before they collapsed. As they worked together our amazing teachers Kathy Keller, Aaron Meyers, and Maxim Banuelos provided support and root beer floats.  ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS Live Oak Football Congratulations to Live Oak Football. The team has advanced to Round 2 of the CCS Playoffs after last week's 49-9 victory vs. Soledad. The game this Friday will be a home game against Menlo at 7 pm. Spectators are encouraged to wear green. Go Nuts!!  IMPORTANT DATES November 18: Family & Community Center Grand Opening November 21-25: Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Week December 7: Board Member Coffee Chat Starbucks Vineyard Town Center December 9: Chat with Carmen San Martin Cafe 9:00 am-10:30 am See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Wednesday, Nov 16 2022

Brief Survey: Silicon Valley Tech Academy Summer Pro...

Dear MHUSD Parents/Guardians -  In response to our overwhelmingly positive launch of the Silicon Valley Tech Academy (SVTA) this past summer, we are asking for your input regarding programming for next summer.  As a reminder, the Silicon Valley Tech Academy was founded to provide inspiration to young students through hands-on projects modeling real-world challenges. SVTA offers students a productive alternative for summertime hours, engaging hands and brains in projects that also help build collaborative skills and a belief in their capabilities. Thank you in advance for your time in responding to our short survey. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY [Tuesday, Nov 29 at 12:15 PM] Hello, If you could please spare a few moments to complete this brief survey regarding Silicon Valley Tech Academy summer programming for middle school students. It was quite successful last summer, and we'd like to assist SVTA with planning ahead for the Summer of 2023. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Thursday, Nov 03 2022

Morgan Hill Unified School District Monthly Newsletter

September 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Dear Morgan Hill Unified School District Community, Helping our students develop strong reading skills is an important key to their success in school. In September, we celebrate National Literacy Day and are reminded of the role we can each play in encouraging our students to read and showing them that reading is a window into the world and its infinite possibilities.  We would like to also take a moment to acknowledge that September is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month which is celebrated all across the US. Our Morgan Hill Unified community is a place where we embrace and celebrate all the many cultures represented across our district. Happy Hispanic/Latino Heritage month!       Suicide Prevention Awareness Month In July, the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) established a national three-digit crisis lifeline number, 988. This new number is a more direct and accessible way to get mental health and substance use support in critical times of need. Callers with 408, 650, and 669 area codes can dial 988* and receive compassionate support and connection to local crisis services if they or a loved one: are in mental health or substance use crisis; are experiencing mental health distress, including thoughts of suicide; or just need to talk. *Those with phone area codes other than 408, 650, and 669 can call 800-704-0900 and press 1 to receive the same support in Santa Clara County. In addition, BHSD is making non-crisis service access easier: Those looking for mental health and substance use treatment services can call one number: 800-704-0900.   WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Ann Sobrato High Wellness Center   The Sobrato Wellness Team is happy to be back. We love seeing our students utilize the Wellness Center, enjoying our tables, and using the picnic blankets under the tree. We started off the new school year with encouragement cards, back-to-school night, and love seeing students at the back-to-school rally. This year we will focus on students' creativity and let students take the lead on some activities. To learn more about the  Sobrato Wellness Center  click on the link. If you want to donate to the Sobrato Wellness Center, click here  Donate to Wellness Center . Live Oak High School Wellness Center   We are amazed to see the growth and excitement our students have as they return to school. This year our Wellness Center is aiming for comprehensive services and a partnership with our community to overcome the stigma of Mental Health.  Mental health and wellness impact people of all ages, cultures, and genders, which is why it’s critical that students learn to identify signs of distress and know where to turn when they need to access support. This year we will work together to make sure our students and parents know how to access our resources. As a kick-off to the school year, we are bringing awareness to Suicide Prevention throughout the month of September. This week students will see our informational tables with pamphlets, self-care tips, giveaways, art & craft activities, and opportunities to sign-up for small groups during their lunch period.  Finally, we appreciate all of the parents who visited during our Back to School Night. We hope we will continue to see parents interested in our program and supportive of our Wellness Center events.  Our special winner for the Live Oak Wellness Center Gift Basket received a mini yoga mat, hydroflask, cooling towel, mandala coloring books, and a Safeway gift card .  Congrats to the Zilliox Family! Britton Middle School Wellness Center Welcome Back! The Britton Wellness team, Sara Andrade, LCSW-Wellness Counselor and Frances Daley, Wellness Assistant are so excited to welcome everyone back to school. It's been great meeting everyone during back-to-school night and class tours of the Wellness Center. Over the past few weeks, students have utilized the Wellness Center for therapeutic support, mental health resources, calming activities and support for emotional wellness and self-regulation during the school day. The most popular activities our students enjoy include the journaling table, painting, making friendship bracelets, and participating in event activities. This week is Suicide Prevention week and students are participating in the “take one, and or leave one” kindness message board with the prompt being “If you were struggling, what kind message would you like to hear?” Martin Murphy Middle School Wellness Center The Wellness Team is excited to start another school year here at Martin Murphy. We have done tours for every student in the school to ensure they know where we are located, while at the same time teaching students about the Wellness Center and what resources they can access. We added a new counseling office this year where our counselor, Ms. Jutta, can speak to students confidentially. The past weeks, we had a lot of students come in during lunch and brunch to utilize the wellness space and our garden area. We continue to provide a safe space for students, encourage students to learn about mental health and wellness, and provide social-emotional support through counseling services.    Ms. Jutta’s Book Recommendation for Parents: Finding the Magic in Middle School by Chris Balme: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Magic-Middle-School-Potential-ebook/dp/B0B7NL49Q2 Elementary Wellness Centers The elementary wellness counselors are excited to be back on our campuses.  We have been able to spread the word about our services to elementary schools.  We have also reminded students of coping strategies they can use during those tough times.  We look forward to continuing to support the students at the elementary level through individual support and various groups.  School Highlights P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy PA Walsh learners are excited to be back in the classroom. Classes have been using restorative practice circles to engage in learning about each other, to review expectations, and set goals for their academic achievement. Our 4th and 5th graders have already participated in building cars with the Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) mobile van thanks to our STEAM TOSA, Cheryl Seaton.  Students are enjoying PE, VAPA and folklorico dancing, even when it’s too hot for outside activities. Paradise Valley Engineering Academy Paradise students are already in the swing of learning.  Kinder students are learning important social skills like how to make friends and how to ask for help.  All students are enjoying their time in the library. Mrs. Ayala is engaging all students with read-alouds, helping them find their next favorite book, and providing a safe comfy space for our recess and lunch bookworms.  Our leadership students are also choosing their committees and planning the first two activities. We are looking forward to Comic Book day on September 25th, as well as putting together litter boxes for the animal shelter.  El Toro Health Science Academy We are excited about the start of this school year and all of the activities for our students to be involved in. We have our electives in PE, VAPA (with culminating performances at the end of each semester), and health science (our students are focusing on the whole body and especially on the food they put into their bodies). We have one of our hydroponic farms and an ultraviolet plant growing system. All of our staff have been working diligently with high expectations for all of our students and the output has been amazing so far!  Jackson Academy of Math and Music  Jackson Academy of Math and Music held its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Friday, September 9. This event, held in front of the flag pole, celebrates the heroism and bravery that our fellow countrymen showed in the face of adversity.  September is National Attendance Month! This month, MHUSD launched a fun attendance campaign and the theme is "Up!" There is a calendar of activities for the schools and ways for them to earn points and prizes. JAMM is proudly a front runner in the MHUSD Up, Up, and UP! Attendance campaign! JAMM had the most points last week (10pts), and they are the highest attendance rate for last week (97.4%)! San Martin Gwinn Environmental Science/DIME We are so excited to start our new school year with many special activities for our students. This year, TK-5th grade students have PE, Folklorico dance, library, and garden classes on a regular basis! Our middle school students also have an amazing garden elective where they get to take part in planting, growing, and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Our students have already harvested squash, tomatillos, peppers, grapes, peaches and apricots-just to name a few. We are also thrilled to have three DIME kindergarten classes and a DIME TK this year. Over 90 students are learning Spanish or English as a second language!  Finally, we are really proud of our amazing team of teachers, paras, tutors, and librarians making sure our students learn to LOVE reading! Nordstrom Elementary School Nordstrom is off to a great start this year! Our campus is under construction with a new building coming in 2023. The students and staff are troopers. Students are busy enjoying their new specials of PE, Visual and Performing Arts, and the Library. We have an amazing staff this year and are excited to continue to grow as a Professional Learning Community. Our students are enjoying the start-up of our buddy classes where older students pair with younger students to do monthly projects. We also had our very first Lion’s Den of the year on Wednesday where students learned about having a growth mindset (rainbow brain!) and the importance of setting goals. This goes along with our social-emotional learning focus for the beginning of the school year and we are so proud of our Nordstrom students and staff as we all work as a team to ensure high levels of learning for all students! Los Paseos Elementary School Students and staff at Los Paseos are kicking off the year with a schoolwide focus on learning and collaboration. Our teachers are strengthening their Professional Learning Teams in order to provide high levels of learning for all students, and our students are building classroom communities that respect, support, and encourage others.  We are thoroughly enjoying our time with our Specials teachers, in the library, at PE, and during our Visual & Performing Arts classes.  We welcomed many families to our Back To School Night on September 8, and have held our first Panther Spirit Assembly of the year with all classes! We are offering multiple means of supporting students outside of the classroom too, with our new Wellness Room and structured activities at recesses and lunch with our Play Coaches!  Barrett Elementary School Barrett celebrated Grandparents Day on Friday, September 9 by inviting students to bring their grandparents to campus. Baked goods were provided and students sang songs in the multipurpose room before school. It was very well attended. The previous evening, Barrett held their Back to School Night event. Families are excited for all activities to resume in person this year.  Britton Middle School It’s a great day to be a Bobcat! Britton is building a robust electives program.  We are excited to share with you many of our exciting elective opportunities here at Britton!   AVID : Our AVID classes have started the year strong with a focus on note taking, goal setting, and organization. Students have practiced reviewing, revising, and making quizzes for each other on Google Forms. Leadership : Britton’s Leadership students focus on building strong leadership qualities, and practicing skills necessary for a lifelong leadership mentality. Students recently volunteered at our school’s Back to School Night, to show parents around campus. Service is a characteristic of leadership we value here. Fitness Our Circuit Training Elective is open to our seventh and eighth graders and one of our most requested electives! Housed in “The Shop”, students work out in a gym that rivals any gym that requires a membership! We are fortunate to have the facilities here at Britton to house such an outstanding offering for our students!  Yearbook Yearbook is a course that helps produce the Britton Middle School yearbook. Students will gain skills in the areas of page design, publishing techniques, editing, photography, teamwork, marketing, creativity, and leadership. Students are tasked with producing a  timeless, creative, and innovative publication that will record our school’s community, memories, and events. Coding Coding is focused on helping students improve their problem solving skills along with analytical reasoning. Through our curriculum Ozaria, students develop their mastery by learning to read and fix code while completing quests.   Coding is important to learn because it teaches you important skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and creativity of which are all valued in education and the workforce. Band Students will gain a deeper understanding of music through the means of learning an instrument. The students have been hard at work learning new instruments or continuing to improve on their instruments if they have been in band for more than a year. The students are preparing for their first concert which will take place in October! Martin Murphy Middle School At Murphy, we have had a great start to the year! We have introduced our new digitized PBIS points which have been well received by our community. Students are able to be rewarded by showing our core values of working hard, showing respect and being kind.  This year, we have a restructured homeroom time after the 3rd period. Our students will be doing weekly check-ins for their social-emotional state, grade checks in order to be aware of their grades and their missing assignments and will be getting social-emotional lessons as well. During homeroom, our teachers will also have the flexibility to have students make up assignments or have them go to their class to retake a test on Thursday and Friday.  We were able to get brand new sports equipment for our lunch activities which students have utilized to the full extent. We are glad to be working with our parents and the community and appreciate the support that we have received. We look forward to a great school year! Ann Sobrato High School Students at Sobrato are enjoying many back-to-school events, in person and without restrictions for the first time in two and a half years! Some of the highlights include an in-person Back-to-School Night, including science demonstrations and help from student volunteers, a Back-to-School Rally during the school day, introducing school sports teams and incorporating class spirit activities, Beach Bash Night, complete with volleyball, a DJ, shave ice, and more outdoor activities, Club Rush Day, featuring 44 active clubs for students to learn about and join. We look forward to more exciting in-person events. Go Bulldogs! Live Oak High School The school year is off to a great start with the addition of a 7th period to give our students the opportunity to explore other course offerings or retake classes if necessary. School spirit is at an all-time high. This past Friday, the theme for the football game was Coaches against Cancer. Spectators were encouraged to wear purple to support cancer survivors and those who are currently battling cancer. The cheer team asked for donations for purple bows for them to wear during the game and raised an additional $900 for charity. The football team is looking forward to the El Toro Bowl, which is a hometown rivalry game between Live Oak and Ann Sobrato, on September 23.  Central Continuation High School Central is continuing to welcome students to our community.   The Interact club is beginning to meet to develop its vision for the year.  Mr. Grant will begin to hold Fun Fridays in the quad this week.  Our students have completed half of their first marking period and are focusing on graduation! Community Adult School Community Adult School began their year with student goal-setting conferences.  Teachers met with students to develop their individualized learning goals for their year. The students are looking forward to a great year of valuable education. IMPORTANT DATES September 15: MPAC Meeting 6:00 PM September 15: Martin Murphy Back to School Night September 19: SMG ELAC Meeting September 20: PA Walsh ELAC Meeting September 21 Los Paseos ELAC Meeting September 22: MHUSD Reunion ELAC Meeting September 23: Britton 7th/8th Semester Honor Awards September 28: El Toro ELAC Meeting See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Thursday, Sep 15 2022

Welcome Back, MHUSD Families!

August 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Hello Morgan Hill Unified Families,   Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! To our new families—welcome to MHUSD! You’ll quickly find that our school community is brimming with amazing people that are warm, inviting, and always willing to help. To our returning families—thank you for your continued partnership as we all work together to support your child and prepare them for the future of their dreams!   We are excited about the new opportunities that the 2022-23 school year brings to our district! Throughout the summer, we have been diligently planning, collaborating, and preparing to continue the work we started last year to enhance academic, enrichment and support, as well as social-emotional opportunities for each and every student across our campuses.   As a school district, our decisions and day-to-day functions are aligned-to and in support of our LCAP goals. In short, these goals set out to ensure ALL students are achieving at high levels and are college and career ready; establish and promote strong family and community engagement with our parents/guardians/families to impact student achievement and wellbeing; enhance student engagement, social-emotional learning, and increase positive school climate so that our school community feels supported and secure in our schools and classrooms.   To this end, and after hearing from many of our students, families, and staff throughout the last school year, we have increased services to provide elementary students with greater enrichment and support during the school day (music, art, PE, among others) while providing our teachers with built-in prep-time allowing us to continue to build our capacity as a Professional Learning Community (or, PLC). At the high school level, we also enhanced learning opportunities by maintaining in-school tutorial support and expanding course offerings with an additional period for students and an additional prep time for our teachers to collaborate during the school day for their own PLCs that focus on curriculum alignment and student outcomes.   This school year families will also see a bolstered before and after school program that provides students with both academic and enrichment options. We are also incredibly excited to launch our own district Family and Community Engagement Center this fall that will serve as a hub for our district parent activities and serve to complement the parent and family engagement efforts of our individual school sites. We’ve gathered a lot of input from parents and guardians and will continue to reach out for suggestions on parent university courses, classes, and other services that MHUSD families would like to see and experience.   We look forward to working alongside each of you as we continue to do the important work of ensuring the academic success, social-emotional wellbeing, and college and career readiness of each and every MHUSD student.   Thank you for your commitment to our school district and to our students! Let’s make it an awesome school year!       2022-2023 UPDATES Morgan Hill Unified Families, We hope that you have had a fun, restful summer and feel rejuvenated and ready for a new school year. The first day of school, which is Tuesday, August 16,  is quickly approaching. As we prepare to return, the district would like to update you on a few important items. UPDATED BELL SCHEDULES AND BUS INFORMATION As we have previously informed our families, each school site has updated its website with the bell schedule for the 2022-2023 school year as well as the district instructional calendar. If you have not already done so, please note any changes to your school’s bell schedule since last year. Transportation information, such as bus routes and applications is currently available on the district website . COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND TESTING This school year, masks remain a highly recommended and effective tool to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. Schools will have masks available upon request.  If your student gets sick with symptoms (like cough and fever), please keep them home. Talk to your school if your child was exposed to someone with COVID-19 outside of school. The district is still required to report positive cases. Please notify your school if your child tests positive. A positive case will need to remain in isolation for a minimum of 5 days.  After that, if they are without symptoms, and test negative with an antigen test (home test) they can return on day 6. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is shifting the focus to at-home testing kits and starting the process of treating COVID as any of our other infectious diseases (ie: strep throat, flu, shingles, etc.) Last school year, our District used PCR test kits as a large part of our testing protocols, and many sites utilized the BinaxNow professional grade antigen tests through Primary.Health.  We will no longer be using these tests as we transition to over-the-counter at-home test kits. At-home testing materials are available for you to obtain at your school site. Your school site will reach out to you to pick up at-home tests if they have not already. We ask that you p lease test   the day before returning to school, on August 15. Parents should upload their results to the Primary.Health program. If parents have not created an account for their child, they can do so by clicking on the link below. Please repeat the test in three days, on August 18. Primary.Health Registration  STUDENT MEALS All Students in California will receive free breakfast and lunch at school this academic year. To continue to receive crucial funding for our schools, we are required to maintain household income data. We ask that all families complete this brief income survey form . Even if your child doesn’t eat meals at school, completing the form helps to strengthen the meal program and provides income-eligible families discounts on testing, bus passes, internet providers and more.    STAY CONNECTED!  MHUSD uses the ParentSquare tool for communication at both the district and school levels. Download the app or use it on a desktop. We also share information on social media ( Facebook , Twitter and Instagram ) and Peachjar , which is a digital flyer solution. Follow us to stay informed! BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM EXPANSION This year our families will see a bolstered before and after school program for TK through 8th grade that provides students with both academic and enrichment options in order to support our parents and families. These programs will engage students in age-appropriate learning and enrichment activities in a safe and supportive learning environment on each school campus that houses grades TK through 8th grade. Per State regulations, students with areas of identified need will be granted a seat at no cost. If your student does not fall within these categories, we are designing a program whereby your child can still participate at a cost-effective rate. Please complete this brief survey for all of your children in grades TK through 8th grade so we can more fully understand the needs of our school community.   MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT My name is Corina Sapien and I am honored and excited to serve as the Director of Family and Community Engagement in Morgan Hill Unified School District.  I have worked in South County public schools for over 25 years in various roles including as an elementary principal for seven years in Gilroy Unified School District.  I look forward to meeting you as I make my way around to each of your schools’ Home & School Club and ELAC meetings, Back-to-School Nights, Family Nights, etc. In MHUSD, we believe that a whole family and community approach is the best way to truly provide an excellent education to our children. As the first teachers of their children, families are the biggest asset we can tap into and partner with to ensure our children have the best opportunities for success, not just in school but in life. We are excited to meet and welcome our new families, to welcome back returning families, and to continue to develop partnerships with you.  I wish you all a very happy and successful new year! FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Each school site will provide information about back-to-school activities which will provide you and your child with an opportunity to build community connections, both with their peers and other families. Additionally, we are pleased to provide our families and the community at large with the opportunity to engage with our Superintendent and Board Members at our monthly coffee chats held at coffee shops around the district. We will announce upcoming dates for these casual, unscripted forums on ParentSquare soon. We hope you’ll join us! We are planning to open a Family and Community Engagement Center which will complement our school sites’ parent outreach. Please see the districtwide family and community engagement calendar , available on our website for other upcoming events.   CURRENT MHUSD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES   Join our Job Fair tomorrow from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the District Office! The Morgan Hill Unified School District has several openings available in Certificated, Classified and Management roles. See Edjoin  for details. Here are just a few: Administrative Assistant Community Liaison Culinary Teacher Construction Teacher Health Assistant Accounting Specialist Student Nutrition Assistant Important Dates August 16  - First Day of School August 16 - Board of Education Meeting August 16  - Call for Student Board Member Applications August 29 - Chats with Carmen 5:30-7pm Starbucks Coffee 451 Vineyard Blvd. August 30 - Student Board Member Applications Due See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Wednesday, Aug 10 2022

MHUSD June District Digest

June 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Hello Morgan Hill  Unified   community,   I want to express my gratitude to  our school community for  a   positive and productive year, filled with many accomplishments, and moments of joy and unity.  Working together with  you  as a team   has been the key to our success .   Congratulations to our Seniors, who will be starting a new and exciting  part of their lives . We believe in you and your ability to succeed in your  college and   career  pathways .  I  am thrilled  about   the  new opportunities  you will encounter, and I know you will all   work hard to achieve your goals.   On behalf of District leadership, I hope  everyone   enjoy s  a safe and wonderful summer. I look forward to seeing you in  the  fall . Than k  you for  your  continued support.             WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Ann Sobrato Wellness Center: Supporting Students Through Finals Ms. Martina and Ms. Ruby have provided support through finals by handing out encouragement cards with Lifesavers to students before school and during their breaks.  Britton Wellness Center Prepares Students for Summer The Wellness Center has been busy this month handing out wellness summer resource kits to our students that include wellness activities and mental health resources. Our counselor, Ms. Sara continues to work with Youth Space to create LGBTQ support for our students by hosting LGBTQ clubs in the Wellness Center during lunch. Collaboration with Youth Space will continue into our 2022-2023 school year! The Counseling/Wellness Team worked diligently to create a Wellness Promotion for all of our 8th-grade students. The Wellness Center hosted a celebration and provided each student with a certificate and wellness treat to honor their hard work and commitment to their mental health and wellness. We are so very proud of all of our students!   Ann Sobrato Students Celebrate Pride Month June is already upon us!  June is the LGBTQ+ Pride month when we celebrate our diverse students who bring all the colors of the rainbow into our community. Scientific research reports that LGBTQ+ youth who have at least one accepting adult in their life are significantly less likely to report depression or suicidality over a twelve-month period. Let’s show our support!   Martin Murphy Wellness Center Support and Celebrates LGBTQ+ Community At the Wellness Center, we continue to provide mental health support and services for our students, while also providing a safe and calming space where our students can take a break. This month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. We’ve invited a guest speaker from the LGBTQ Youth Space to speak to our students during lunch. We said farewell to our 8th graders and arranged warm hand-offs with the high school Wellness team. We will miss them and wish everyone the very best on their new journey. We bid farewell to some of our staff leaving Martin Murphy and celebrated the end of the school year with a staff appreciation breakfast. Paradise Valley Students Self-Regulate with Slime The Fifth-grade self-esteem group made slime to help support students' self-regulation. The tactile sensation of playing with slime can serve as a temporary distraction from a person's emotions and stress. They also were able to meet the Wellness Counselor from Britton so they are aware of all the Wellness Center services available to them when they start in the Fall. San Martin/Gwinn Makes Splash with Sensory Bottles Both the elementary and middle school students were able to make these sensory bottles, often referred to as calm down bottles. When a sensory bottle has items such as glitter in it that move slowly, children (and adults) are often mesmerized by watching their slow descent and this calms their breathing and helps them regulate themselves and their emotions. School Highlights Paradise Valley Engineering Student Leaders Organize Fulfilling Year This year has been a jam-packed year!  We learned a lot of new things while having fun at the same time!  We welcomed over 30 guest career speakers from more than 4 countries (via zoom), had over 20 student leadership committees, went on amazing field trips, stayed late for events, and opened our library and relaxation room.  Our all-girl Nightingales won the TECH challenge and the school hit a record for most money raised in a Panther Prowl. A group of 4th graders created a club to raise donations for those in conflict zones across the world. We can’t wait to see what events the student leadership committees run next school year!   Martin Murphy Middle School Students Receive Scholarships Congratulations to 7th graders Cailyn Fang and Serena Prola, recipients of the AAUW California Tech Trek Camp Scholarship.  Recipients of this highly competitive scholarship will attend a 7th-grade girls' week-long virtual STEM camp this summer.  Workshops and hands-on projects will dive into STEM areas such as Engineering Design and using the design process to code Arduino and Servo robotics components, DNA, Plasma and Power=I^2R. Britton Middle School Headed Into Summer on Positive Note   Leadership Students say, “Britton is ending on a positive note. We’ve spent the year building community, learning together, and making wonderful memories. Most recently, students engaged in on-campus activities such as Robotics, Lunchtime games, and Student Voices. We are particularly proud of the change in our policies we were able to enact this year. We heard what the students wanted, researched, advocated for a better Britton, and together, we were able to build that. We are excited for the Fall Semester!” Jackson Academy of Math and Music Summer Survival Kits JAMM is providing Summer Stress Relief Kits as a parting gift to support students experiencing stressful times during the summer. Bubbles, Playdoh, an emotion management chart, mood pencil and a journal complete the very useful package.  Central High School Headed to the Finish Line Central Students are preparing for final exams and completing projects to close out the school year.  Interact students are organizing an amazing field day for after graduation to send all of our students and staff to their summer break with big hurrah! Community Adult School Evening ESL Class  As staff and students at MHCAS are wrapping up their established goals for the year, the students will take the summer to reflect, ready to return to continue their journey in August. Community Adult School Morning ESL Class Congratulations to all students graduating this year! We look forward to seeing the rest of you in the fall.  Registration opens again on August 1.   Live Oak High School Students are busy taking finals this week and wrapping up the year.  We held three award ceremonies in May,  for the Green and Gold Awards, Senior Awards and Athletics Awards.  Both our Baseball and Softball teams battled it out in the CCS playoffs as well.  Students in Mrs. Round's Culinary and Foods classes have been busy cooking and last week made 3-course meals Los Paseos Students Spread Their Wings Los Paseos First-graders and Kindergartners watched caterpillars spin their chrysalis homes and transform into butterflies. Spread your wings and have a great summer! Remember to handle each other with care! Nordstrom Elementary School Cheers on Apex Runners Nordstrom Elementary  Students in all grades participated in their second annual Apex Fun Run. It was a wonderful community event. All families were welcomed to campus to cheer on the students. Nordstrom encourages students to stay active this summer!  Barrett Elementary School is Popping to the Finish Line Barrett has been counting down the days with an array of fun activities. We’ve had readers’ theater, a class play, a magic show with science, and an open house party with tacos and churros. We also had a performance from the cheer squad, the choir, and our fifth graders on their recorders. We celebrated the reclassification of a few of our English learners. Upcoming are some field trips, a talent show, field day and our end-of-year celebrations. We wish everyone a relaxing summer! P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy Raises Funds for Ukraine A team of 4th Graders from Ms. Seacrist's class organized a fundraiser to help kids in the war zone of Ukraine and other places around the world:  The P.A. Walsh Fundraiser for Ukraine. The students created bracelets, key chains, bookmarks, fidgets, and other fun items.  A pop-up shop was set up where students could purchase these goodies.  Also, classrooms collected change for donations as well. All funds will support UNICEF .   With their organizing efforts, P.A. Walsh raised $888.44! Way to go Walsh! HUMAN RESOURCES CURRENT MHUSD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES   The Morgan Hill Unified School District has several openings available in Certificated, Classified and Management roles. See Edjoin  for details. Here are just a few: Elementary Teacher Board Certified Behavior Analyst Counselor English Teacher Math Teacher Science Teacher Speech and Language Pathologist Therapist Bus Driver Paraprofessional Dispatcher Supervisor of Maintenance & Operations Director of Secondary Education Important Dates June 1 - JAMM 8th Grade Awards June 2  - SMG, Britton, Murphy 8th Grade Awards June 2 - Central High Graduation, Community Adult School Graduation June 3 -   Live Oak, Ann Sobrato Graduation June 3 - Last Day of School See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Thursday, Jun 02 2022

MHUSD May District Digest

May 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Hello Morgan Hill Unified Community, Thank you for your partnership as we aim to provide a high-quality education for our students. Allow me to take this opportunity to highlight the amazing work that our teachers, staff, and administrators do every day at our schools. In May, we especially recognize the commitment of our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers’ care and dedication are the pillars that support the progress of our students and the success of our school district. Join me in thanking each and every one of our teachers for their leadership and their commitment to excellence. May is also a month when our community raises awareness about mental health. This includes promoting healthy social and emotional development for all children and youth, recognizing when young people are at risk or are experiencing mental health challenges, and identifying how to intervene early when there are problems. We believe in the key message: “It is not only okay to ask for help. It is necessary.”   Please know that there are resources and support available for our students, staff and families. Effective and timely assistance can save lives. Please reach out if you are experiencing a difficult time. We are here for you! Morgan Hill Unified is a caring community ready to help. You are not alone. Thank you for your continued support.         Now Enrolling for 2022-2023!  Whether your child is new or returning to the Morgan Hill Unified School District, visit our enrollment page   on our website for useful information to help you with all of your enrollment needs. Kindergarten eligibility for students who turn 5 on or before September 1 TK eligibility for students who turn 5 between September 2nd-February 2nd On-site childcare Art for all grades Music and band programs English learner programs Dual Immersion programs Social emotional support for all grades   WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Live Oak Wellness Center: All Students Belong The Live Oak Wellness Center is a safe haven for students who feel overwhelmed during their school day. We often see students come through our Wellness Center because they are experiencing anxiety and stressors related to school, grief from the loss of a loved one, conflict with peers or family, an inability to focus, or even a lack of motivation. Students often enjoy the calming atmosphere as well as the opportunity to de-stress. When they need a counselor to talk to about personal matters they can access adult support. Our Wellness team, partners with parents, teaching staff, and administrators to get students back to class and back on track. Students may need a listening ear for a few minutes or need ongoing support and weekly check-ins. During these communications, student self-awareness grows and strategies are provided on how to cope, regulate, get along with others, communicate, and identify how and why they feel the way they do. Overall, we want our Live Oak students to feel welcome and have a sense of belonging. This is the place where they will be validated and supported. The Wellness Center gives students a place to connect with others through small groups, and interactive activities, and provides students with access to community resources. Throughout this month students have learned that mental health and well-being start from within. Martin Murphy Wellness Center: Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health A few weeks ago, we welcomed Ms. Sadie, our new Wellness Assistant, to the Martin Murphy Wellness Center. Ms. Sadie is passionate about creating a safe space for students and supporting them in their social-emotional learning. Some fun facts about Ms. Sadie: She loves plants, being at the beach, watching movies with her kids, and loves super colorful Vans.  We’re excited to have her join our team!   Last month we celebrated Earth Day at the Wellness Center. We recognize that environmental wellness is one of the eight pillars of living a balanced lifestyle. Students decorated small terracotta pots and planted mini succulents, and students were encouraged to keep our campus and community free of trash.   The Wellness Center also supported students during testing days. We passed out motivational quotes and mints for students before testing to encourage students to give their personal best because everyone is “ Mint to Succeed.”   Our fun Friday art lunches continue to be very popular.  Students made beaded bracelets and used aromatherapy lava stones to create phone charms for themselves and their friends.   May is Mental Health Awareness month. We continue to provide ongoing mental health support and services for our students. We focus on maintaining a safe and calming space where our students can come and take some time to practice self-care and talk with our counselor, Ms. Jutta. As the school year comes to an end, we continue to lead important conversations about mental health to reduce the stigma around mental illness and foster an environment of wellness. P.A. Walsh "Peace Room" The P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy is excited to offer The Peace Room as a space to support all students.  The Peace Room is a safe space where students can take time to calm their bodies. Students are encouraged to talk about their feelings.  It is a space where students engage in restorative practices as students listen to one another.  Students enjoy the space as a calming environment where they can heal and receive encouragement.  The space was designed as an interdisciplinary sensory space to meet the different learning modalities of students; and to support their social, emotional, and cultural competencies which can influence academic growth. School Highlights Ann Sobrato High School Students Announce Intentions Last Friday, we celebrated the Sobrato senior class on Signing Day. Students announced their intentions related to college, vocational schools, military and work choices. Students committed to community colleges, such as Gavilan, Evergreen and DeAnza; California State Universities, such as San Jose State, CSU Monterey Bay, and Cal Poly; University of California, such as UC Santa Barbara, UCLA and UC San Diego; Ivy League or private Schools, such as Harvard, Brown, and Santa Clara University; out of state schools such as Boise State, University of Nevada Reno, and Oregon State; vocational schools such as Carrington, electrician and plumber unions; branches of the military, such as West Point (U.S. Army), Navy, Air Force and Marines. Our jazz band played while students announced their post-secondary plans, and students were treated to cookies and popcorn. Sobrato Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Rank Superior Congratulations to the Sobrato Combined Wind Ensemble and Concert Band on winning 1st Place at the Santa Cruz Music in the Parks Band Festival. They earned a Superior Rating, which is the highest possible rating. Sobrato's Outstanding Wrestler: Nyla Valencia Nyla Valencia placed 3rd at the U20 Wrestling World Trials in Fort Worth, Texas.   Click here for additional information and details. Nyla won the 50kg title on Sunday at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Nationals Championships en route to being named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. In Sunday’s best two out of three title matches, Valencia downed Nina Pham, an NAIA National Champion from Wayland Baptist, 19-8 and 10-0, to win the title in the U23 division. Amazing performance from a Bulldog student-athlete. With this result, Nyla will represent USA Wrestling in the world championships in Spain in September. Live Oak High School  has had student voices at the front and center of its current activities.  Our students participated in an impactful walkout to raise awareness of Sexual Harassment and Assault. Additionally, students participated in an Environmental Campus Clean Up contest with Ann Sobrato High School.  Our staff and students sported our new Autism Awareness shirts to show unity and pride for our Autistic students and community members P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy is Finishing an A-MAZE-ing Year PA Walsh is busy wrapping up an amazing year of learning and growing. The students are enjoying the mindful maze that was painted on the blacktop by volunteers of our neighboring Community Christian Church. Statewide testing kicked off for our older students last week and part of our social emotional Learning lessons included our younger students creating posters and notes to wish the test-takers luck. And, to finish off the week strong, every Friday our Home and School Club is passing out Icees to all of our students.   COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Chats with Carmen Join us for our last "Chats with Carmen" before the school year ends. These unscripted, casual conversations with the Superintendent have been well attended by parents, guardians and community members. We'll be at Peet's Coffee, 755 Cochrane Rd. on Monday, May 23 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Hope to see you there!   Board Member Coffee Chat Join us for our Board Member Coffee Chat scheduled for May 24, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Lawson's Bakery, 18562 Monterey Rd.  Get to know your Board Members in an open and casual atmosphere. Board President John Horner and Trustee Adam Escoto will be present.  HUMAN RESOURCES We're Hiring!  Applications are currently being accepted for both Certificated and Classified positions via Edjoin.org. Please visit the direct link to the EDJOIN website to apply. Questions? Contact Human Resources (408) 201-6000. Important Dates 05/17 Board of Education Meeting 05/23  Chats with Carmen 05/24  Board Member Coffee Chat 05/30  Memorial Day 06/02 SMG, Britton, Murphy 8th Grade Awards 06/02  Central High Graduation 06/03  Live Oak, Sobrato Graduation See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Tuesday, May 17 2022

April MHUSD District Digest

APRIL 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Hello Morgan Hill Unified,   We are so proud of our student leaders for being caring, global citizens and making meaningful contributions to our community. As we celebrate Earth Day in April, we would like to create awareness of the importance of taking care of the environment.   A clean environment is crucial for healthy living. The land we live on, the water we drink, and the air we breathe are key to our survival. If we care about the quality of our lives, caring for the environment should be a priority as well.     Our actions have an important impact on our planet. This Earth Day, let’s remember the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  If you can, make an effort to buy multi-use products rather than single-use products. Reusable items go a long way and keep our community clean from litter. Planting a tree is a great idea, although it might not be on our to-do list every day, we can contribute to clean air through other efforts such as opting for public transportation.  These guidelines can help us make small but impactful everyday choices that reduce waste in our community.   I encourage us all to learn more about ways we can contribute to a greener community, and share what we learn with our family and friends. Every effort counts.   Together, let’s protect the environment for everyone’s well-being, and for a sustainable future.    Earth Day Resolution:  At the meeting held on April 5, 2022, the Morgan Hill Unified Board of Education adopted a resolution in support of Earth Day, April 22, 2022. "As a community of educational partners (students, families, and educators alike), the Morgan Hill Unified School District understands and acknowledges our collective responsibility to protect the environment via environmentally responsible actions, advocacy, and awareness campaigns on our campuses, offices, and community. This resolution reaffirms MHUSD’s commitment to environmental stewardship and to the continued partnership with our students to address sustainability topics that enhance our collective environmental efforts."   Student Nutrition Goes Organic!  The MHUSD Student Nutrition Department is fully committed to sourcing and serving organic food.  Our Director of Student Nutrition, Michael Jochner, is currently sourcing local/organic produce from three farms: JSM, Live Earth Farms, Spinaca Farms. Our primary produce vendor, Daylight Foods, has worked with the district to provide a produce list for our school sites to order from completely sourced from organic farmers. This means all produce served by our Student Nutrition Department is now 100% organic.  We've also begun to purchase poultry products from Mary’s Chickens/Pittman Farms which are 100% organic/non-GMO. We are looking at organic milk from Strauss Family Farms for the next school year.  Eventually, our goal is to purchase organic food items for all entrees and snacks.     Ben Gonzales, 17 years with the district; Jose Rivera, 7 years; Francisco Alvarez,  27.5 years; Ruben Gonzales, 24 years; Serafin Castro,  15.5 years;  Rudy Perez, 1.5 years; Ryan Patereau; 6 years; Izzy Covita, 6 Years; Luis Reynoso, 2.5 years; Don Roberts,  12 years; Trinidad Segura, 2 years (Missing in photo) - MHUSD Grounds Team The district Grounds Team, led by Foreman Serafin Castro, is a mighty team of 11. This group does "an unbelievable job" of maintaining the lawns, grounds and sprinklers for 14 campuses plus the district office, says Facilities Director Ricky Carillo. This team was essential to the recent Ann Sobrato High School softball and baseball field updates. They worked six to 7 days a week on the project, from start to finish. Without their help, says Carillo, it would have never been completed on time. "They are unsung heroes who take pride in what they do and mostly go unseen."   SCHOOL SPOTLIGHTS PV Students Keep Campus Litter-Free  Recently, Dr. Richard Coleman visited with PVEA students via zoom to discuss the awesome career of Marine Biology from Hawaii!  Students were able to view videos, learn about research, ask questions, and learn about how we can make a difference in the conservation of our world.  When asked about what we can do; Dr. Coleman responded that if every person could ensure we throw every bit of trash in the garbage that would have a huge impact on marine life.  He quickly explained that litter in nature often ends up in our wildlife and can cause them to be sick or die.  He explained that small bits of plastic can enter waterways, fish eat them, and then we eat the fish which means we may also have plastic in our bodies!  His challenge was for the PVEA community to ensure we do not allow litter.  Principal Andrade has said "the campus has been impeccably clean even after lunch!" since Dr. Coleman's presentation.  Marine Biologist has quickly become a dream career for many students at PVEA! Los Paseos Elementary School Garden is Blooming   Los Paseos Spirit Squad Leaders, led by Ms. Cline, help the whole school welcome each month with a morning kickoff assembly. For April, we learned how to be Upstanders and show courage when we see something that isn’t right or fair.  Los Paseos students planted and are caring for their flower garden, filled with marigolds and daisies. Our kindergarteners are learning about plant parts and what plants need to survive. In April, they took their very first field trip to Deer Hollow Farm.  Our 3rd and 4th graders have been developing their persuasive writing skills. Mrs. Grgich’s class prepared speeches with their suggestions for improving our school and delivered their speeches to an audience that included MHUSD Board members, our principal, and other trusted adults on campus. Martin Murphy Middle School Demonstrates Resilience On March 31, Martin Murphy welcomed in parents for its first in-person Open House since 2019. The parents and students were buzzing with enthusiasm and excitement. The teachers were beaming, sharing classroom work, assignments and projects that their students have completed. On Thursday, April 7, sixth-grade students presented their Resiliency Projects to one another and to Board members and teachers.  It was absolutely amazing to see the incredible advocacy and projects to serve others that the students created.    Cyberbullying Presentation On Monday April 4, San Jose Police Officer Jorge Casillas, of the San Jose Police Department Crime Prevention Unit, delivered a cyberbullying presentation to all Martin Murphy 6th graders during their Physical Education classes.   Boys & Girls Club On Wednesday, April 6, the Boys & Girls Club began hosting activities for students at lunch  They will continue to provide fun, structured activities each Wednesday through the end of the year San Martin/Gwinn Environmental Science Academy DIME  WELLNESS CENTER ACTIVITIES Ann Sobrato High School At Sobrato, the Wellness team is proud to support our students in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Our Sobrato Wellness Center is growing with beautiful testimonies, from students being able to sit outside on a picnic blanket or under umbrellas to sing in harmony.  We have a variety of hands-on therapeutic activities. The picture above is where students have used recycled bottle caps and turned them into hanging decorations. Our Wellness Team has donated snacks to our students to make their day a little brighter. “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love”. - Mother Teresa Martin Murphy Middle School Wellness Center We continue to provide support for students and families in meeting the challenges of adolescence and beyond. Our center is a safe space where students are encouraged to practice self-care, build positive relationships, get support, and learn about mental health. We focus on crisis intervention and prevention, early intervention, and mental health education. Common concerns addressed at the Wellness Center are academic and social-emotional stress, parent/child communication, peer relationships, grief and loss, sexual orientation and gender questions, anxiety and depression, resiliency and self-advocacy, and offsite resources and referrals.   Wellness Counselor, Ms. Jutta, continues to offer SEL and Restorative Justice circles and groups. Students are also invited to join Wednesday meditation and mindfulness practices during lunchtime. Special art projects are available to students on certain days as a form of art therapy and healing. Recently, students created pins with motivational quotes for themselves and their peers.   Last week, together with Ms. Kelley, we welcomed the first Martin Murphy Student Voices group. We are looking forward to continuing the dialogue with students about how their visions and dreams can shape the Martin Murphy school experience in positive ways for all. Environmental wellness is one of the eight pillars of the multidimensional process of achieving a balanced lifestyle. At the Martin Murphy Wellness Center, we strive to create an awareness of the interdependent relationships between people and the natural environment.   We encourage students to be mindful of the effects of their daily habits on our natural world while maintaining a way of life that maximizes harmony with the earth and minimizes harm to the environment. Our center's decor intentionally includes many natural elements to support wellness and calm, and students have the opportunity to spend their lunches in our blooming garden area.   For Earth Day, we will encourage students to walk around campus and pick up trash as well as recycle and upcycle materials in their own homes. Students will also have the opportunity to design mini succulent flower pots during our Fun Friday art exploration lunch this month. Britton Wellness Center The Britton Wellness Center continues to provide a safe space where students are encouraged to practice emotional regulation, engage in healthy coping skills, and prioritize mental wellness. We continue to offer RestorativeJjustice circles, mindfulness through yoga and breathing techniques, and art therapy. We encourage our students to utilize the wellness center self-referral form to practice self-advocacy and prioritize their mental health needs. This month Youth Space facilitated our LGBTQA lunch group for our 6th and 7th-grade students. The Wellness Center will continue to collaborate with Youth Space to provide this amazing support for our LGBTQA students. Our Student Voices driven groups (Drama, Chess, Robotics) continue to be held for all grade levels. Our Wellness Counselor, Sara Andrade and Wellness Assistant, Emily Segovia continue weekly positive affirmations with our students during lunch and brunch. In preparation for the Spring break vacation, the Wellness team created Wellness Kits for our students. The kits included items to promote wellness during the break such as breathing exercises, grounding and anxiety-reducing activities, and community resources. These kits promote wellness and help encourage our students to practice mindfulness during the school break. HUMAN RESOURCES We're Hiring!  The Morgan Hill Unified School District is accepting applications for many openings If you or someone you know is interested in working for the district, please share our Edjoin profile where many other MHUSD employment vacancies are listed. At 800 employees strong we are currently the largest employer in Morgan Hill. MHUSD has immediate openings for roles beyond teachers and substitutes. Every bus driver, nutrition services assistant, custodian, groundskeeper, secretary and community liaison makes an impact on the lives of our students each and every day. Explore our opportunities today.   ENROLLMENT Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is open. Visit our Enrollment page   on our website for important information. If you're new to MHUSD and unsure of which school your child would attend, click HERE to enter your address and find your school. Our school district serves 8100 ethnically diverse students across nearly 300 square miles in Morgan Hill, San Martin and a small portion of San Jose. We have six elementary schools, two K-8,  two middle and two comprehensive high schools. We also have one continuation high school and one adult school. Open Houses will be held throughout the district starting this month. We invite you to see what our schools have to offer! IMPORTANT DATES 04/11-04/18  Spring Break 04/20  Board Member Coffee Chat - 9:00 AM Starbucks 451 Vineyard Blvd. 04/25  Chats with Carmen - 5:30 PM 125 Bernal Rd. San Jose See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Monday, Apr 11 2022

March MHUSD District Digest

March 2022 Message from our Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Garcia Hello Morgan Hill Community,  As we work together to ensure a learning environment that is inclusive and inspiring, I want to highlight Women’s History Month and the meaning of this national celebration for our district.   In March, a focus on the contributions and achievements of women throughout American history presents us the opportunity to recognize the role of women pioneers representing a variety of fields in improving society as a whole.   This is a powerful motivation for everyone, regardless of gender, to make sure that our school systems provide access and equity in our classrooms and campuses, preparing our students to be successful and productive members of society. As we learn about extraordinary women in history who have changed our lives, they offer remarkable lessons about resilience and commitment that match our values and goals.   At Morgan Hill Unified School District, we are dedicated to helping our students achieve excellence and an understanding of the impact they can have on the world.   Thank you for your support.      Paradise Valley Engineering Academy At Paradise, Principal Amber Andrade taught a lesson to 2nd graders about civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. The class discussed what they believe to be basic human rights: freedom, shelter, food, clean water, medicine, peace and people that love them. One student wrote about Huerta, "She fought for farmworkers to have more money because the farmers weren't paying them enough....the right to clean water and even bathroom breaks!...Her motivation was when she was teaching elementary school, she saw that the children had no shoes. That was what motivated her to fight for farmworkers."     Ann Sobrato High School  Sobrato Social Studies Teacher Nicole Barry displays a Women's History Month themed bulletin board in her classroom "...dedicated to awesome women in history and around the world, most of whom are women of color."   AP US History students recently learned about the women's suffrage movement in the United States, and will be learning about how the Great Depression impacted the lives of women, as well as other groups in society, next week. Civics classes have been learning about the judicial branch and the Supreme Court. One of the historic court cases they are learning about is Roe v. Wade, its impact on women and society, and the current challenges to its ruling across the US. In AP Psychology , students recently learned about Dorothea Dix, an advocate for people living with mental illness and psychological disorders in the 1800s. She lobbied Congress to help create the first generation of mental health hospitals in the US.     Nordstrom Elementary School Nordstrom students have been celebrating important women in history all month long. Creative 5th graders drew portraits of Frida Kahlo in their new art room using various mediums. The students enjoyed working with colored pencils, oils, pastels and paper twilling for fun and unique pieces. HUMAN RESOURCES We're Hiring!  The Morgan Hill Unified School District is accepting applications for Supervisor of Fiscal Services. If you or someone you know is interested in working for the district, please share our Edjoin profile where many other MHUSD employment vacancies are listed. At 800 employees strong we are currently the largest employer in Morgan Hill. MHUSD has immediate openings for roles beyond teachers and substitutes. Every bus driver, nutrition services assistant, custodian, groundskeeper, secretary and community liaison makes an impact on the lives of our students each and every day. Explore our opportunities today.   ENROLLMENT Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is open. Visit our Enrollment page   on our website for important information. If you're new to MHUSD and unsure of which school your child would attend, click HERE to enter your address and find your school. Our school district serves 8100 ethnically diverse students across nearly 300 square miles in Morgan Hill, San Martin and a small portion of San Jose. We have six elementary schools, two K-8,  two middle and two comprehensive high schools. We also have one continuation high school and one adult school. Open Houses will be held throughout the district starting this month. We invite you to see what our schools have to offer! WELLNESS CENTER NEWS Live Oak High School Wellness Center   The Live Oak Wellness Center has been a great asset with creating a positive school climate and supportive environment for students. Students who use the Wellness Center know that this is a place where they can find support through their peers and caring adults. Throughout this past month, students have taken the initiative to spread positive vibes with chalk art in front of the Wellness Center walkway, which reads: “Treat People with Kindness!” Also, students have created a positive message board using post it notes, making it easy to write something positive or take a positive message.  More importantly, students have taken the initiative to co-facilitate small groups by encouraging their peers to sign up for our very first small group, “Making Social Connections,” which is available through the month of March on Mondays and Tuesdays . during tutorial). This helps students to build a sense of community, belonging, and social skills. Finally, the counselors are stepping out during the lunch period to provide mental health and counseling resources and using crafts to engage students in self-care, creativity, and positive conversation.   Martin Murphy Middle School Wellness Center   The Martin Murphy Wellness Center continues to provide support for students and families in meeting the challenges of adolescence and beyond. Our center is a safe space where students are encouraged to practice self-care, build positive relationships, get support, and learn about mental health.   We focus on crisis intervention and prevention, early intervention, and mental health education. Common concerns addressed at the wellness center are academic and social-emotional stress, parent/child communication, peer relationships, grief and loss, sexual orientation and gender questions, anxiety and depression, resiliency and self-advocacy, and offsite resources and referrals.   Wellness counselor, Ms. Jutta, continues to offer SEL and restorative justice circles and groups. Students are also invited to join Wednesday meditation and mindfulness practices during lunch time. Special art projects are available to students on certain days as a form of art therapy and healing. Recently, students created pins with motivational quotes for themselves and peers.   Last week, together with Ms. Kelley, we welcomed the first Martin Murphy Student Voices group. We are looking forward to continuing the dialogue with students about how their visions and dreams can shape the Martin Murphy school experience in positive ways for all.   Ms. Jutta's Book recommendation: Marc Brackett, Ph.D. "Permission to Feel"   SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Central High School Central High School is proud to share that 19 students have completed the requirements to graduate in February.  Our Cal Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) counselor has been working with all fourth-year students in order to ensure that families have completed their Federal Application for Financial Aid. Thanks to Mr. Grant’s work, approximately forty-one percent of fourth-year students at Central have submitted their applications. Our English Teacher, Ms. Andrade volunteered to take senior pictures for our students free of charge which is a wonderful gift to our Central Families. Our Interact Club organized a Valentine Gram Fundraiser.  Students and staff purchased grams for their peers to show their appreciation for each other. Interact Club plans to use its profits to fund a project for the community. The Wellness Center at Central has also opened and is available for staff and students.   San Martin/Gwinn Environmental Science Academy DIME Exciting things are happening at SMG! Did you know that SMG is home to a quarter acre farm? From May 2021 through January 2022, over 3,000 pounds of vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers were harvested by students, teachers, and volunteers. Students at SMG experience the farm through a variety of programs: After School Garden Education & Nature Exploration Program, Middle School Garden Workshop Elective and Community Garden Workdays. We have recently added to our campus: an aquaponic garden, a Sensory Garden and a large refrigerator installed in the office to hold produce for the SMG Community Pantry.  SMG is working with Michael Jochner, Director of Student Nutrition, to set up the SMG Farm as a vendor so that our produce may be approved to use in school lunches throughout the district.   Over 150 SMG students are working on Language Ambassador Projects this year!   Seven after-school cultural events will be led by SMG teachers during March and April to help students complete their activity requirements.   SMG’s Language Ambassador program was featured at the 2022 NABE (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BILINGUAL EDUCATION).   After school activities are starting Up again at SMG!   Language Ambassador Cultural Activities are available for all grades .  We have  r eading, art and PE programs for grades 2-5 ,  m iddle school sports - boys’ basketball and girls’ soccer (COED cross country and volleyball coming soon) ,  Chess Club for all grades ,  Garden Exploration Program for all grades ,  and Folklorico Dance Program for all grades. Important Dates 03/18 Spring Resource Fair 03/24 Paradise Valley Engineering Academy Open House 03/29  Chats with Carmen - Starbucks 451 Vineyard Blvd. 03/31  Martin Murphy Middle School Open House See a complete list of Parent Engagement activities and more on our website calendar. Questions or feedback? Email: communications@mhusd.org

Friday, Mar 18 2022