-
Honoring the Staff Who Make LGUSD Special
Los Gatos Union School District brings you the stories, information, pictures, and words that bind us as a family of schools. Feel free to share. Honoring the Staff Who Make LGUSD Special Distinguished Employees Nominated by their peers, the LGUSD Distinguished Employees are those who have had a positive impact on students, staff, and the community. Thank you for making our schools a better place. Marissa Canoy - Blossom Hill Administrative Assistant Alex Divina - Lexington Instructional Assistant for Special Education Daniel Pulizzano - LGUSD IT Technician Collen St. Denis - Louise Van Meter Teacher Stephanie Young - Louise Van Meter Teacher Employees of the Year We are excited to congratulate Julie Ludeman, First Grade teacher at Daves Avenue, as the LGUSD Teacher of the Year. Her commitment and dedication to students earned her the respect of her peers and the community. We also congratulate Jane Babb as the Classified Employee of the Year. Jane is an Administrative Assistant at RJ Fisher. She has been instrumental in helping to develop spaces that encourage students to find a sense of purpose and belonging. Superintendent Of the Year Paul Johnson has been named the Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators, Region 8. Paul’s leadership has set him apart from other leaders in the county and beyond. His focus on empowering all voices in the development of our Strategic Plan, instilling a sense of Service Above Self in our students, and fostering a sense of belonging in the LGUSD and Los Gatos communities has earned him this honor. We congratulate Paul on this well deserved achievement. Stay Informed! Keep up with everything LGUSD! Our Schools Contact the LGUSD Pride editor at district@lgusd.org
Wednesday, May 13 2026
-
Student Wellness: Building a Stronger LGUSD
Building a Stronger LGUSD Let's Talk Site Nights This is a chance to share with the connected communities in your own school. Please join us for a school-wide parent opportunity to participate in a listening circle. Together, we can build a deeper understanding of our experiences as a school community. RSVP for your site below: May 18 CHANGED DATE-- Daves Avenue May 19 -- Van Meter May 21-- Fisher Middle School Behavior Handbook Parent Feedback May 12, 2026 - Tomorrw 6:30 PM LGUSD Board Room 17010 Roberts Road The Los Gatos Union School District invites all families to a collaborative evening dedicated to a district-wide Behavior Expectations and Interventions Handbook. Our goal is to ensure every student, family, and staff member are partnering for academic and behavior growth. 1. Overview/Staff Sharing : Key foundations of Behavior Matrix (LG Cares, Success Profile, MTSS). 2. Feedback: Small group review of the Draft Behavior Matrix & community agreements. 3. Closing & Next Steps: Feedback summary and implementation overview. Please RSVP and/or share questions by May 11 at 9pm. Please review the flyer for additional information. Attachment Matters May 20 In Person LGUSD District Board Room 6:00 -7:30 pm RSVP HERE This 90-minute in-person workshop will introduce participants to attachment theory, a crucial concept for fostering emotionally healthy, resilient, and happy children. Attendees will learn about the different attachment styles and gain practical tools for identifying their child's style and responding in ways that support their emotional growth. The session will conclude with a brief discussion on earned secure attachment, offering a positive pathway for growth for both children and adults. Learning Objectives: Understand why Attachment Theory is essential for raising emotionally healthy and happy children. Identify the four distinct attachment styles. Recognize your child's attachment style. Learn strategies to support your child based on their attachment style. Briefly explore the concept of earned secure attachment as a positive pathway for growth. Summer Meal Planning - Virtual Parent Night Keeping Kids Fueled, Focused & Balanced This Summer Tuesday, May 27th 7:00 PM Live on Zoom RSVP HERE Functional nutritionist Chrystal Daher will break down what’s actually happening in your child’s body and give you simple, immediately usable strategies to: Stop the all-day snacking cycle (without constant “no’s”) Handle sugar in a way that reduces obsession, not increases it Stabilize energy and mood (goodbye 3pm crashes) Make picky eating easier, even with less structure Keep kids hydrated and functioning at their best during busy summer days No complicated meal plans. No perfection required. In Case You Missed It - Our Community We completed Week Three of our R.I.D.E. lessons, where LGUSD takes time to focus explicitly on Race, Identity, Dignity, and Empathy. We are continuing to dive deeper into the personal stories that strengthen our community. Our TK-K-1 students explored the science of melatonin in Our Skin . The lessons in second through eighth grade were based on Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester. Again, our middle school team will incorporate genetics and social constructs/critical thinking into the discussion in an age-appropriate way with an additional video exploring the history of race as a descriptor in the census. Take a few minutes to learn how you can support this important work at home. Click on image to view the video. NEED HELP NOW? LGUSD Student Wellness Supports Web Page Concern Reporting Form Dial 988 - National Suicide Hotline Text RENEW or HELP to 741741 Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-2387 Get Help Now: The Trevor Project Care Solace LGUSD Student Wellness is a publication of LGUSD ©2026 Contact the editor at kbriones@lgusd.org LGUSD student wellness initiatives are made possible by May 11, 2026
Tuesday, May 12 2026
-
LGUSD Guatemalan Book Drive Update - January 2026
LGUSD Guatemalan Book Drive Update January 2026 It has been another successful Guatemalan Book Drive. Thank you for your support of this program and all of our Service Above Self initiatives. The students in our 8 partner schools will benefit from your generosity. Take a look at what we have accomplished. Books donated = 1658 books We are providing libraries for all 8 schools. Spanish Letters = 786 Students learned about Guatemala and wrote letters to students in our partner schools. Bookmarks = 1797 Our elementary students and LGUSD District Office staff decorated of bookmarks for our partner schools. Educational Technology We have been able to fund the 8 RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) devices through your donations and with a grant from the Rotary Club of Los Gatos. Fisher Leadership helped to pack 130 donated Chromebooks that will allow Guatemalan students access the content on the RACHEL devices. This technology will provide educational opportunities for students and the community. What is next? Transportation of books, letters, bookmarks and educational technology is provided by The Denton Humanitarian Assistance Program. Denton is a program jointly administered by the Department of Defense and the State Department. We submitted the application for shipping. The books and materials will be begin their journey soon. Our Service Above Self Team will deliver the books and educational technology to our partner schools in Summer 2026. Special Visitor We were fortunate to have a visit from our Guatemalan partner. In October, Juan Reanda, of World Possible Guatemala, visited our schools sites and shared an update with LGUSD leadership. Watch his message to the community.
Thursday, Jan 22 2026
-
Happy "Safe" New Year
Happy "Safe" New Year Commitment to Student Safety LGUSD is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Our primary concern is the well-being of every child, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times when pedestrian traffic is highest. Based on careful consideration of safety data, current traffic patterns, and the developmental needs of our students, moving forward, LGUSD will implement a best practice to remove the use of all electric-powered bicycles (e-bikes) or e-scooters at our TK-5 campuses. Rationale: Safety and Speed Concerns E-bikes, regardless of classification, present significant safety challenges that are incompatible with the elementary school environment and the developmental stage of our students: Increased Speed and Weight: E-bikes or e-scooters are designed to travel at speeds significantly higher than traditional bicycles or scooters. The average e-rider can easily reach 15-20 mph, which is too fast for maneuvering safely through crowded school zones, sidewalks, and bike racks. Furthermore, e-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles, making them more difficult for young riders to control, stop quickly, or recover from a loss of balance. Cognitive and Motor Skill Mismatch: Elementary-age children are still developing the advanced motor skills, reaction time, and complex cognitive abilities required to safely navigate traffic and operate a motorized vehicle. Operating an e-bike or e-scooter, which involves managing speed, battery power, and traffic rules simultaneously, places an undue burden of responsibility on young minds. Hazard to Pedestrians: The mixing of high-speed e-bikes or e-scooters with younger walkers, families, and vehicles in our limited drop-off areas creates an unacceptable risk of collision and injury to pedestrians. Our school pathways must remain safe for all foot traffic. All adults and middle school students riding e-bikes or scooters are expected to set a positive example by riding safely and responsibly. Students who engage in unsafe behavior while commuting to or from school risk having their riding privileges suspended. Policy Implementation and Clarification This best practice is rooted in safety, not resistance to technology. We fully support traditional cycling and physical activity. The use, storage, or parking of e-bikes operated by elementary-age students is prohibited on school property, including all grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, and designated bike racks. T his policy applies to all students in grades TK-5 who operate an e-bike, regardless of whether the bike is personally owned or shared/rented. An e-bike or e-scooter is defined as any bicycle or scooter with an integrated electric motor used for propulsion assistance with or without pedals. Any student arriving on an e-bike or e-scooter will be asked to bring it to the office for parents to pick it up. We rely on both adults and middle schoolers to act as role models when using e-bikes and scooters. To ensure everyone's safety, please remember that students demonstrating unsafe riding habits during their travel to or from school may face restrictions on their bike privileges. We strongly encourage families to continue promoting healthy, active transportation. Traditional bicycles, scooters, and walking remain the preferred and safest modes of active transit for our young students. Additionally, information will be shared in the coming weeks about a Bike Registration process that will be implemented at RJ Fisher Middle School. Supporting Critical Thinking at Home in an AI World When : Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time : 6:00pm Where : RJ Fisher Multipurpose Room AI is becoming common in students’ work. It can encourage shortcuts, weaken critical thinking, and reduce opportunities for original thought. Join us for an interactive presentation by Common Sense Media . They will provide practical guidance for families to help their children introduce responsible AI use that reinforces critical thinking skills. Join the conversation. NEED HELP NOW? LGUSD Student Wellness Supports Web Page Concern Reporting Form Dial 988 - National Suicide Hotline Text RENEW or HELP to 741741 Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-2387 Get Help Now: The Trevor Project Care Solace LGUSD Student Wellness is a publication of LGUSD ©2026 Contact the editor at kbriones@lgusd.org LGUSD student wellness initiatives are made possible by January 5, 2026
Monday, Jan 05 2026
-
Measure CC Bond Update - December 2025
Measure CC Bond Update December 2025 We want to share an update on the progress of our Measure CC bond work. First and foremost, thank you for your support in passing the $163 million bond on November 5, 2024. Your commitment is what empowers us to begin lifting this bond off the ground. This investment, modernizing classrooms, boosting safety, and replacing vital infrastructure, is all about enhancing the educational experience for every child in LGUSD. Please see the overview of the key achievements and the work ahead. Laying a Strong Foundation (Late 2024 – Summer 2025) Our first priority was to establish a solid, responsible foundation for the Bond Program. Voter and Board Approval: Following the successful vote on November 5, 2024, the Board certified the election results in December 2024. Securing the Best Partners: We moved quickly to select the right architectural firms after issuing an RFP, conducting interviews, and gaining Board approval in March 2025. Fiscally Responsible Financing: In March 2025, the Board authorized the first sale of $65 million in bonds. Our AAA bond rating allowed the bonds to be issued at a lower rate than projected and should save the taxpayers approximately $9 million. Establishing Oversight: The Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) was established in March 2025 to ensure transparency and accountability. Initial appointments were confirmed by the Board in August 2025. Building the Team: By June 2025, we completed a comprehensive search, selecting and gaining Board approval in August for Cumming Group as our Program & Construction Manager. Designing the Future (Fall 2025) With our team and systems in place, the focus shifted to the design and detailed planning phases this fall. Architectural Proposals: In September 2025, the Board approved architectural proposals to begin work on key projects. Site and Planning Details: LGUSD, architects, and engineers conducted detailed site walks, feasibility studies, and engaged in discussions regarding state funding. Focused Design Workshops: Architectural firm, ABA, held two workshops with staff and the Facilities Committee to gather input on projects including the Van Meter Elementary Multi-Purpose Room and the RJ Fisher Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, music classrooms, and kitchen. Focused Design Workshop led by architects. A field trip with architects to gather ideas. Continued Progress: In October 2025, an HVAC update for RJ Fisher Middle School, Van Meter Elementary, and Lexington Elementary was presented to the Board. Long-Term Strategy: In November 2025, the initial cash-flow modeling and project sequencing was completed to guide our long-term construction plan. What’s Next: Starting Construction in 2026 You will begin seeing the first visible improvements during the 2025-2026 school year. Phase 1 Kick-Off: From December 2025 through June 2026, we will finalize designs, bids and order equipment for the crucial Summer 2026 HVAC construction work. Continued Planning: We continue planning for additional Phase 1 modernization projects across all LGUSD campuses. Thank you for your partnership in shaping exceptional learning environments for our students. We are excited about the future we are building together. Visit our Bond Program webpage to learn more about the program.
Thursday, Dec 04 2025
-
School Resumes Tomorrow - Monday, December 1, 2025
School Resumes Tomorrow Monday, December 1, 2025 We hope you had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving Break. School resumes tomorrow, Monday, December 1, 2025. We are looking forward to seeing students back on campus. The following tips will help set your child up for a successful return to school: Pack up book bags and backpacks the night before Help your child get a good night’s rest by reinforcing bedtime routines Plan for breakfast And remember, regular school attendance sets students up for success now and later in life.
Sunday, Nov 30 2025
-
Happy Thanksgiving from LGUSD
Happy Thanksgiving from LGUSD Click the image to view the video. November 21, 2025 Dear Los Gatos Families, This is my favorite time of the year, especially as we break from school, work, and activities to gather as families and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday and reflect on our blessings. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work in such an outstanding school district with a supportive community. I'm thankful to work with dedicated teachers, administrators, and support classified staff who are "all in" and throw themselves into their work with such passion. Working in this type of atmosphere is electrifying and very motivational, and I know our students are the true beneficiaries of this type of culture. I’m thankful to work with our exceptional One Community LG leaders, which include the Home and School Clubs and Los Gatos Education Foundation. These exceptional individuals volunteer an inordinate amount of hours to provide enriching activities at schools across our district. I’ve witnessed countless events where students find the “joy in school” through the effort of this tremendous group of volunteers. They also raise funds to support the arts, music, specialists and so much more that is part of our strategic plan. Without their dedication, LGUSD students would miss out on many exceptional programs and experiences. Lastly, I want to thank the parents in LGUSD for raising such wonderful kids. We, as the staff, are the blessed and lucky ones to work with this group of amazing students. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this next week with your families! Yours in education, Paul Johnson Superintendent Family Friendly Holiday Activities There are many family friendly activities available in Los Gatos. Click through the options to learn more. Information is also available on our Community Bulletin Board . Magical Memories Los Gatos Perks Pass Los Gatos Public Library Los Gatos in Lights LGS Rec Breakfast with Santa Los Gatos Holiday Parade - December 6, 2025, 11:00 am. Come out and cheer on our RJ Fisher Marching Band.
Friday, Nov 21 2025
-
Make A Donation of One Book and Change the Life of...
Make A Donation of One Book and Change the Life of a Child This week over 230 were donated! That’s an incredible number. As of today we are 45% of our way to filling the libraries. Those books have the potential to change the life of a child. This year we are supporting 8 schools in Guatemala. That means we could use an additional 400 books. If you have not participated, please consider making a contribution. One book has the power to change the life of a child in Guatemala. It also has the power to show our children the power of small acts of generosity. We are teaching our students a critical lesson: that service extends beyond our community borders. This initiative is fundamental to preparing LGUSD students to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. Don’t delay. The book portals will close on December 1, 2025. Let’s make the Guatemalan school libraries a reality. A book donation from any grade level is greatly appreciated. Have your family select a favorite book to share with students in Guatemala. It’s simple to select books and have them shipped to our Service Above Self Team. Add desired book(s) to the cart During checkout, select LGUSD Service-Above-Self’s Gift Registry Address for delivery Please note the LGUSD school in the gift options section Kindergarten/TK First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade Sixth Grade Middle School Note: If purchasing books from more than one grade level registry, you will need to complete each grade level transaction separately. Amazon cannot combine registries and ship to a registry address. Want to make a donation to provide life changing educational opportunities for students in Guatemala? Follow the instructions on the Guatemalan Schools Project Donation page. Service Above Self in Our Community LGUSD students are also making a difference in our community. RJ Fisher Leadership spearheaded a food drive for The House of Hope.
Friday, Nov 21 2025
-
Student Wellness: Thank You
Thank You Thank You: Celebrating Our Wellness Partnerships and Community Support! Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members, As we continue through the school year, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary support our school community receives from families, community members, and our dedicated partners. The success and well-being of our students are significantly enhanced by these invaluable collaborations. We are proud to highlight the incredible impact of the following organizations: One Community: Their commitment to whole child programs has created a powerful network of support, helping us truly embody the spirit of community unity. El Camino Health: We are incredibly thankful for their partnership in promoting student and staff wellness. Their support with funding our Mental Health Counseling position is vital to providing services to students. Santa Clara County Behavioral Health: This partnership is crucial for ensuring our students and families have access to essential behavioral health resources and services . Their collaboration helps us address the social and emotional needs of our community with expertise and care. Their partnership supports our School Linked Services position and our Wellness Coach. Lions Club: The generosity and commitment of the Lions Club to ensure hearing and vision screening is done throughout the district consistently demonstrates their dedication to the future success of our young people. These partnerships are not just contributions; they are fundamental to the rich tapestry of opportunities and support we offer our students every day. Your willingness to invest time, resources, and expertise in our schools makes a profound and lasting difference. Thank you for being essential partners in education and for helping us create a safe, healthy, and thriving environment for every student. Misty Hartung, Director of Student Services Attendance Matters As we approach upcoming holidays, it’s easy to feel the temptation to extend your time away—perhaps adding an extra day before or after a school break. We understand that coordinating travel can be complicated, and those extra days can seem harmless. However, we want to gently remind our community that every single day of the school year is a step towards your child’s success. When students miss even one or two days, it impacts their continuity and sense of belonging in the classroom. We strongly encourage you to review the school calendar and plan all trips, travel, and appointments around scheduled school breaks. The Triple Impact of Missed Time When students are absent, they miss more than just a lesson; they miss critical opportunities for engagement across three key areas: Academic Engagement: Missed class time means missing direct instruction, interactive discussions, and hands-on learning that simply cannot be replicated by makeup work alone. A gap in attendance can lead to gaps in core knowledge and skills. Social Engagement: School is a vital place for students to develop friendships, learn collaboration skills, and practice essential emotional intelligence. Missing class means missing out on crucial group projects, recess interactions, and social-emotional lessons that build confidence and community belonging. Behavioral Engagement: Consistent attendance helps maintain routine and structure, which are key for positive behavior. When students return after a gap, they often spend extra time readjusting to the classroom expectations and daily flow, which can lead to behavioral challenges. We appreciate your commitment to your child’s education and partnership in prioritizing consistent attendance. Thank you for planning your travels with the school calendar in mind. SEL in the Classroom - Middle School In our most recent middle school, Project Cornerstone lesson your student learned that they have actual superpowers! Everyone possesses the superpowers of kindness, service, and gratitude. These qualities and abilities must be practiced with intention. Being kind and providing acts of service requires awareness, empathy, courage, and taking healthy risks. Students learn about the science of happiness and how acts of kindness, service, and gratitude boost the happiness and well-being of others and our personal happiness and health. Students can see the ripple effect and impact of kindness, service, and gratitude through the viral video sensation, Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang - “One Day”. Students also learn that kindness, service, and gratitude must also be applied to ourselves and not just other people. We express kindness to ourselves in the form of positive self-talk and give the gift of service to ourselves by reaching out to a trusted adult or mental health professional when needed. What Can We All Do At Home? For this lesson, the challenge is extended to students and adults alike! As you and your student both take on these challenges, have conversations about your experiences and share your stories. Challenge #1: • When you think of a kind thought, express it. • When you think about doing a kind deed, do it. Challenge #2: • Look for acts of kindness and service in the world around you. • Notice and name what you see and experience. Challenge #3: • When you are feeling down, frustrated, or annoyed by a task you must do or a situation you are in, look for ways to feel grateful. • Shift your perspective and find an aspect of your situation or experience that you can express gratitude for. While You Are Away Sometimes time away from school can be challenging for kids and families. The disruption in routine and added stress of holidays may require a little extra support. We have many options available: Middle School students can use Clayful during the week away. They will still be open for students M-F 8 am - 10 pm. Try out a journal, chat with a coach or look for a tool! Students 12 or younger, need parental consent. If your student gets a message that you don't have consent, refer to the Clayful Consent form to complete the process. Care Solace Sometimes time away from school can be challenging for kids and families. The disruption in routine and added stress of holidays may require a little extra support. We have many options available: Middle School students can use Clayful during the week away. They will still be open for students M-F 8 am - 10 pm. Try out a journal, chat with a coach or look for a tool! Students 12 or younger, need parental consent. If your student gets a message that you don't have consent, refer to the Clayful Consent form to complete the process. Care Solace For those in need of professional support, consider contacting Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential service provided by Los Gatos Union School District. They can help you find a mental health or substance use provider. Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365. Visit Care Solace and either search on your own or click "Book Appointment" for assistance via video chat, email, or phone. Bright Life Kids for children and families from 0-12: The program makes it easy for parents and kids to get the help they need with live coaching sessions via video, secure chat, and on-demand digital resources. Soluna for youth and families from 13 - 25. This anonymous app provides 1:1 coaching , offers interactive tools for calming and focus, helps build confidence, and offers support to youth around the state. Food Assistance Access to nutritious food is essential for every individual and family, and Santa Clara County offers a wealth of resources. If you or someone you know is in need of support with food access, these local programs and organizations are ready to provide assistance. Local Food Assistance Resources Calvary House of Hope House of Hope is a local resource in Los Gatos for families who are registered. Shopping is scheduled by appointment. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Second Harvest is one of the largest food banks in the county, offering free groceries and fresh produce at distribution sites across the region. To find a site near you or learn more about their services, visit Second Harvest of Silicon Valley or call 1-800-984-3663. CalFresh Program CalFresh, California's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps residents buy groceries through monthly financial assistance. You can start your application online or call 1-877-962-3633 for guidance. Food Pantries and Meal Programs Several local organizations provide meals and groceries, often without any eligibility requirements: Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen Offers free, hot meals at multiple locations. Martha’s Kitchen Delivers prepared meals and groceries in San Jose and beyond. NEED HELP NOW? LGUSD Student Wellness Supports Web Page Concern Reporting Form Dial 988 - National Suicide Hotline Text RENEW or HELP to 741741 Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-2387 Get Help Now: The Trevor Project Care Solace LGUSD Student Wellness is a publication of LGUSD ©2025 Contact the editor at kbriones@lgusd.org LGUSD student wellness initiatives are made possible by November 17, 2025
Tuesday, Nov 18 2025
-
Developing Globally and Socially Responsible Citizens
Developing Globally and Socially Responsible Citizens Yesterday was a big day for our Guatemalan Book Drive. Over 100 books were purchased! Thank you! That puts us at 22% of our goal. As a community we can make a difference. Why is this an important initiative? The LGUSD Mission emphasizes the development of globally and socially responsible citizens. Our Guatemalan Book Drive is a hands-on extension of this commitment. Take a moment to look through the book lists. There are plenty of engaging and fun titles to choose from. Have your student select a favorite book to share with the Guatemalan students. It’s simple to select books and have them shipped to our Service Above Self Team. Add desired book(s) to the cart During checkout, select LGUSD Service-Above-Self’s Gift Registry Address for delivery Please note the LGUSD school in the gift options section Kindergarten/TK First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade Sixth Grade Middle School Note: If purchasing books from more than one grade level registry, you will need to complete each grade level transaction separately. Amazon cannot combine registries and ship to a registry address. We have funds to purchase 1.5 RACHEL devices. Make a donation to provide life changing educational opportunities to the students in Guatemala. Follow the instructions on the Guatemalan Schools Project Donation page. Changing Lives Around the World The books and educational technology will have a long term impact. As a community we can make a difference. Make a donation of 1 book and change the life of a child.
Thursday, Nov 13 2025