Apply now for SCUSD’s Expanded Learning after school...

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ After School Care Applications Now Open for the 2025-2026 School Year ​ ​ ​ ​ The 2025-2026 Interest Application for Santa Clara Unified School District’s Expanded Learning — after school — programs is now open via our new system, CareWait.  ​ ​ ​ ​ 2025-2026 Expanded Learning ​ ​ ​ ​ Key Dates ​ Interest Application Opens: January 14, 2025 Interest Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 Placement Offers and Registration for Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)-Qualifying TK-5th Grade Students: February 3-14, 2025 Placement Offers and Registration for Non-Qualifying (Private Pay) Students: February 24 - March 31, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Notes ​ A new Interest Application is required for all students, even if your child is currently enrolled in an after-school program.  These dates are for the 2025-2026 school year. Summer 2025 program dates will be announced separately. ​ ​ ​ ​ Frequently Asked Questions ​ Do I need to submit an application if my child is already enrolled in a program? Yes, a new Interest Application is required for all students, even if your child is currently enrolled in an after-school program. How do I access the CareWait system? Apply online through CareWait or visit our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program webpage. Does the waitlist include summer programs? No, the waitlist is only for after-school programs. Summer program information will be available in February 2025. What happens if I don’t submit a new Interest Application? Your child will not be considered for enrollment in the 2025-2026 Expanded Learning programs without a completed Interest Application. If you miss the January 31 deadline, your child(ren) will be placed on a waitlist and will be accommodated if space is available. If I meet the Interest Application deadline, is my child guaranteed a spot? No, enrollment is not guaranteed. We enroll based on ELOP eligibility (see question 6) along with availability based on room and staff capacity.  How is registration prioritized? Priority will be given in the following order: Priority 1: Students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or who are low-income Priority 2: English learners Priority 3: Students enrolled in fee-based programs through the end of 2024-2025  Priority 4: All other students interested in a fee-based program How is no-cost eligibility determined? Eligibility for no-cost programming is contingent upon verification through the SCUSD meal application form. This form will be required starting July 2025 to confirm eligibility for no cost programs.  What happens if I don’t submit a new Interest Application? Your child will not be considered for enrollment in the 2025-2026 Expanded Learning programs without a completed Interest Application. What grade levels are served in the Expanded Learning Programs? TK-8th grade ​ ​ ​ ​ Apply Now! ​ ​ ​ ​ Questions? ​ Early Learning (infant/toddler/preschool) 408-423-3522 fce_enroll@scusd.net Expanded Learning (after school) 408-423-3646 expand@scusd.net ​ ​

Tuesday, Jan 14 2025

📣 Read District Update for a message from Superinten...

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ DISTRICT UPDATE January 13, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SCUSD staff returned from the holiday break last Monday to a day of professional learning so that we can continually improve to better deliver on our promise to help each and every child and youth in our community thrive here in Santa Clara Unified and into adulthood. We have the best of the best here in SCUSD and are grateful for the trust you have in us to serve and educate your children. One thing that we prioritize is our commitment to fostering environments where every individual feels a sense of belonging and is valued and respected for being exactly who they are. When we approach everything we do with kindness and respect, we feel better and more resolute about how we show up in the world while lightening the day for those around us. Kindness can be big acts, like helping a family in need or the multiple small kindnesses we grant to others throughout our days — a warm smile, a held door, or an offer to listen when someone is struggling.  Our “Santa Clara CARES” initiative is well underway. A team met to begin to plan intervention and support for all children and youth as well as to address bullying. Stay tuned to our social media feeds and publications to hear more about this important work. Last week, our Board approved our Facilities Master Plan which will help to identify needs over the next 20-30 years. This plan serves as a starting place for conversations and input which will occur as projects are funded and scheduled. Thank you to the many of you who participated in the community meetings at your school sites to provide valuable input and guidance to inform the plan over the past couple of years. There were more than 110 community/school input meetings that informed that plan, and we are deeply grateful to you for your time, thoughts, and passion around ensuring that our facilities support the educational progress of students across our district. ​ ​ ​ ​ Lastly, I want to commend the Scott Lane Dual Language Immersion (DLI) workgroup which worked with their counterparts at Buchser Middle School to present a model for the expansion of the DLI program to middle school next year. We are all better for the rich diversity of our district, students, and communities and are pleased to see this work continue to grow as we give life to our commitment to multilingual learners! As we head into the Great Kindness Challenge later this month (January 27-31) and Random Acts of Kindness Week next month (February 9-15), I urge you to commit to seeing how many small acts of kindness you can complete each day and reflect on what you notice about how it makes others feel — and how you feel as well! ​ ​ ​ ​ Log Your Kindness ​ ​ ​ ​ Don’t forget to help us grow our kindness counter on our website! I love seeing the tens of thousands of kind acts already logged across the community. This is just one more example of what sets us apart in SCUSD and makes me particularly proud to be part of Team SCUSD! Dr. Waddell ​ ​ ​ ​ Happy School Board Recognition Month! ​ Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to salute the more than 5,000 California school board members — the largest group of elected officials in the state — that aid in supporting student success by establishing their local educational agency’s mission, vision, policy priorities, budget, and strategic plans. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ At the January 9, 2025, Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees announced that Beti Loomis would be joining SCUSD as administrative secretary for the Academics and Innovation Branch and that Laura Rich would be the new vice-principal at Cabrillo Middle School. Please join us in welcoming them both to the SCUSD leadership team. ​ ​ ​ ​ Beti Loomis | Administrative Secretary | Academics and Innovation Branch ​ Beti Loomis is a skilled administrative professional with over seven years of experience as a secretary at Palo Alto Unified School District.  In her current role as executive assistant to the chief business officer, Beti manages complex operations, including coordinating facility rentals, processing parcel tax exemption applications, and providing exceptional customer service. Beti’s strong organizational skills and proficiency in tools like Google Workspace, QSS, Canva, and Adobe Illustrator will make her a valuable asset to the Santa Clara Unified School District leadership team. ​ ​ ​ ​ Laura Rich | Vice-Principal | Cabrillo Middle School  ​ Laura Rich is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years in education, specializing in school administration, curriculum implementation, and student engagement. Laura comes to SCUSD from Liberty Union High School District where she was the assistant principal. Laura earned her Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in administration and supervision from San Jose State University, followed by a clear administrative services credential from National University. She also holds a multiple subject credential from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts from California Polytechnic State University. Laura's extensive experience overseeing school operations, staff management, professional development, community relations, and more makes her an ideal candidate for this role. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Are you interested in applying for your child to attend a Santa Clara Unified School District school other than your school of residence for the 2025-2026 school year? If so, please continue reading for important information about Open Enrollment (OE). If you would like your child to attend their school of residence, you do not need to complete an OE application. ​ ​ ​ ​ What is Open Enrollment? ​ OE allows SCUSD families in kindergarten through 12th grade to request enrollment for their child at any school within the district. Students are placed on the OE waitlist based on an annual random lottery and are offered placement based on space availability.  Applications for Open Enrollment often exceed space availability — applying does not guarantee placement.  ​ ​ ​ ​ Step-By-Step Instructions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Guest Conductors at the Bruin’s Winter Concert ​ Students, staff, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the musical talents of our students at the Santa Clara High School Bruin’s Winter Concert Series. Visitors got a special visit from guest conductors Superintendent Dr. Waddell and Principal Shelby. Read the full story. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Santa Brings Holiday Cheer to Alviso ​ On December 7, the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation held its annual Santa Visits Alviso event to provide support to families in need in the Alviso community. Read the full article for more information about the foundation and the wonderful work the volunteers do for the Alviso community. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ One Million Acts of Kindness Update ​ As of January 10, 2025 we have logged over 44,000 acts of kindness across our district. Help us reach 100,000 by the end of the school year by logging each kind deed you do through the Class Link portal or the district website. Share your story and you may be featured on our social media channels and in our districtwide communications like Vivian Kao below. ​ ​ ​ ​ Log Your Kindness ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ High School Senior Models Kindness ​ At the end of last year, students in the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (Deaf/HH) program at Haman Elementary School received a special visitor — Haman Alumni and high school senior Vivian Kao. Read Vivian's story on the district website. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Share Your Kindness Story ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Jan 8-Feb 7 | Open Enrollment ​ Open Enrollment allows SCUSD families in kindergarten through 12th grade to request enrollment for their child at any school within the district. Learn more on the Open Enrollment webpage. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Jan 29 | Workshop: Parenting in the Digital Era ​ The County of Santa Clara invites you to an engaging and informative online event designed for caregivers. In partnership with My Digital TAT2, the free workshop is designed to support dialogue and strategies for building healthy tech habits. Register to attend the online workshop on January 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Feb and Apr | SCUSD Break Camps ​ Join us at Kidventure Camp and Camp SPARK during the upcoming February and April breaks. Learn more on the district website. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Full SCUSD Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In an effort to keep the community up-to-date and informed of actions by the Board of Trustees, we share Board Briefs. Board Briefs from the January 9 Board Meeting Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes ​ ​ ​

Tuesday, Jan 14 2025

Apply now! Open Enrollment is open January 8 through...

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Open Enrollment Applications Open from January 8 to February 7 ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear SCUSD families, ​ Are you interested in applying for your child to attend a Santa Clara Unified School District school other than your school of residence for the 2025-2026 school year? If so, please continue reading for important information about Open Enrollment (OE). If you would like your child to attend their school of residence, you do not need to complete an OE application. ​ ​ ​ ​ Check Your School of Residence ​ ​ ​ ​ What is Open Enrollment? ​ OE allows SCUSD families in kindergarten through 12th grade to request enrollment for their child at any school within the district. Students are placed on the OE waitlist based on an annual random lottery and are offered placement based on space availability.  Applications for Open Enrollment often exceed space availability — applying does not guarantee placement.  Please visit the school websites for more information about each of our schools including open houses and information sessions. ​ ​ ​ ​ View School Directory ​ ​ ​ ​ Applications for Open Enrollment ​ For most SCUSD schools and programs, OE begins at 9 a.m. on January 8, 2025, and ends at 4 p.m. on February 7, 2025.  In addition to our neighborhood schools, SCUSD offers schools and programs with a specialized educational approach designed to meet student's diverse needs and interests. Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to explore each school or program's educational approach by visiting the website and attending a parent information session. Admission to these specialized schools and programs is done through the OE lottery. Don Callejon Arts and Design School (K-8) Millikin Basics+ Elementary School (K-5) Scott Lane Elementary Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program (enrolling only TK-1st grade) Washington Open Elementary School (Parent Participation K-5)  The following schools/programs have independent enrollment periods. Use the links below to visit the appropriate webpage for more information about the schools and application dates: 49ers STEM Leadership Institute A program focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math based at Cabrillo Middle School and Santa Clara High School. Mission Early College High School (Open House, January 11, 2025) A dual enrollment partnership between SCUSD and West Valley-Mission Community College District for students who want to earn college credits while getting their high school diploma. Peterson+ at Peterson Middle School An alternative approach to 6th grade curriculum in language arts and social studies designed for students who thrive with extra challenges and rigor. ​ ​ ​ ​ Instructions for Applying ​ Current SCUSD Students  Complete an OE application for the 2025-2026 school year (permanent student identification number required). New SCUSD Students Register for your school of residence for the 2025-2026 school year. For enrollment information, visit the Enrollment webpage.  Once you receive your child's permanent student identification number (generally within five business days), complete an OE application for the 2025-2026 school year. ​ ​ ​ ​ Step-By-Step Instructions ​ ​ ​ ​ Acceptance and Waitlist Notifications ​ OE acceptance and waitlist notifications will be emailed no later than the end of the day on: High School: February 24, 2025 Middle School: February 26, 2025 Elementary School: March 10, 2025 If you receive an OE acceptance letter, confirmation responses are due from families within 5 days of the offer. Due to the high volume of OE applications, families that do not respond within 5 days will forfeit their space on the waitlist. ​ ​ ​ ​ Questions ​ For questions about enrollment, please visit the Enrollment webpage or contact the Enrollment Center at enrollment@scusd.net or 408-423-3596. Sincerely, Enrollment Center  Santa Clara Unified School District ​ ​

Wednesday, Jan 08 2025

📣 Read District Update for a holiday message from Su...

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ District Update December 20, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As we head into the winter break, I find myself reflecting on our many accomplishments of 2024. I am so proud of the work of our students and staff. As you enter a well-earned holiday break, I hope that you enjoy the traditions that you celebrate. The diversity of celebrations this time of year and how truly beautiful the richness of our community is. Whatever your traditions, I hope the coming weeks are filled with love, laughter, and an opportunity to rest and reconnect with those who matter most.  Whether it’s time spent with loved ones, pursuing passions, or simply slowing down for a few days, I encourage you to prioritize wellness not only during a break but throughout the year. We know that our young people learn best when they are healthy, happy, and engaged. I hope that the holidays provide you joyous moments with family and friends..  At the same time, we know that the holidays can be a challenging time for some members of our community. I want to remind you of some of the services available through our Family Resource Center, student wellness teams, and community partners. Students needing free mental health support can access our To Be Honest resources any time of day or night through their ClassLink Student Portal. For more about our student support plan, Santa Clara CARES, visit www.santaclarausd.org/SantaClaraCARES. I wish you a peaceful and joyous end to 2024 and look forward to seeing your children in 2025 refreshed and ready for another great semester together! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Board of Trustees Election ​ At the December 19 Board of Trustees meeting, we welcomed back Board Members Bonnie Lieberman and Michele Ryan who renewed their Oath of Office. We also warmly welcomed our newest board member, Kathy Watanabe, who will be taking over trustee area 2.  Our new Board of Trustees is as follows: President Bonnie Lieberman Vice President Jim Canova Clerk Andrew Ratermann Board Member Vickie Fairchild, Ed.D. Board Member Jodi Muirhead Board Member Michele Ryan, Ph.D. Board Member Kathy Watanabe Student Board Member Ren Brown Thank you, Board of Trustees, for your unwavering dedication and support for our district, schools, and students. Your leadership and commitment make a lasting impact, ensuring that our students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. We truly appreciate all that you do to make our district a place of learning, growth, and success. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As we take a break from our school routines, it is important to remember that students and families may experience a blend of emotions, from joy to sadness and stress along the way. Self-care and prioritizing mental health and wellbeing are important. Take time for yourself, relax, and recharge - whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.  While schools will be closed for the holiday break, there are resources to support you and your loved ones. Please use the link below for more information. ​ ​ ​ ​ Support Services Available ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ New Student Enrollment ​ New student enrollment for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year began on December 2 for families living within the Santa Clara Unified School District boundaries. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year. ​ ​ ​ ​ School Locator and Boundaries ​ ​ ​ ​ Enrollment for TK-12th Grade ​ Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten Students whose date of birth is between September 2, 2020, and September 1, 2021, are eligible to enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Students whose date of birth is between September 2, 2019, and September 1, 2020, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten. All Grades Step-By-Step Enrollment Instructions ​ ​ ​ ​ Enrollment Website ​ ​ ​ ​ Open Enrollment ​ Open Enrollment allows SCUSD families in kindergarten through 12th grade to request enrollment for their child at any school within the district. If you would like your child to attend their school of residence, you do not need to complete an Open Enrollment application. In addition to our neighborhood schools, SCUSD offers schools and programs with a specialized educational approach designed to meet student's diverse needs and interests. Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to explore each school or program's educational approach by visiting the website and attending a parent information session. Admission to these specialized schools and programs is done through the Open Enrollment lottery. Millikin Basics+ Elementary School (K-5) Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program (enrolling only TK-1) Washington Open Elementary School (Parent Participation K-5) Don Callejon Arts and Design School (K-8)  The Open Enrollment application period is from January 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. to February 7, 2025, at 4 p.m. Step-By-Step Enrollment Instructions (New students only)  Open Enrollment Website (New students who want to attend a school other than their home school and current students changing grade span) Students are placed on the Open Enrollment waitlist based on an annual random lottery system and are offered placement based on space availability. Applications for Open Enrollment often exceed space availability — applying does not guarantee placement.   The following schools and programs have independent application processes. Please visit their websites for more information. 49ers STEM Leadership Institute Program (Cabrillo Middle School and Santa Clara High School) Mission Early College High School (Dual College Enrollment) ​ ​ ​ ​ Open Enrollment Website ​ ​ ​ ​ Enrollment Questions? ​ Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) has a centralized Enrollment Center located at 1840 Benton Street in Santa Clara (Room H1). The Enrollment Center can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at (408) 423-3596, enrollment@scusd.net, or in person. Please call to check the schedule during school breaks. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dec 16-Jan 18 | Winter Bingo ​ From December 16 to January 18, Santa Clara City Library invites kids and teens to dive into our Winter Adventure Bingo! Complete fun activities, read, explore library resources, and win prizes! Visit the Santa Clara City Library webpage for more info. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Jan 8 | Open Enrollment ​ Open Enrollment allows SCUSD families in kindergarten through 12th grade to request enrollment for their child at any school within the district. Learn more on the Open Enrollment webpage. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Feb and Apr | SCUSD Break Camps ​ Join us at Kidventure Camp and Camp SPARK during the upcoming February and April breaks. Learn more on the district website. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In an effort to keep the community up-to-date and informed of actions by the Board of Trustees, we share Board Briefs. Board Briefs from the December 19 Board Meeting Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes ​ ​

Saturday, Dec 21 2024

Special Education November/December Highlights

Special Education Highlights November/December 2024 Student Highlights   Vocational Education Program This school year the Vocational Education Program had over 20 students working at the Santa Clara Unified farm in different roles such as harvesting, customer service, cashiers, and even working at the pumpkin patch. On average, students worked 100 hours during their paid work experience. Thank you to all our students for supporting our farm and providing excellent service to our community. Staff Highlights Vocational Education Program Exemplary career and vocational education services are provided to all secondary special education students. Services include vocational assessment, vocational counseling, skills training, work experience, supported employment, job coaching, transition, and post-high school services. An established Workability Program has resulted in the successful employment of district special education students. In November, the Vocational Education Team took students from Santa Clara High and Wilcox High School to Mission College to visit the campus and get a tour of the Pharmacy, Medical Assistant, and the DSPS Office. In December, the Vocational Education Team took students from Santa Clara High and Wilcox High School to De Anza College to visit the campus and get a tour of the Automotive, Medical Assistant and Video/Photography, and the DSPS office.  Thank you to our Vocational Education Team: Adam Herald, Edson Sanchez, Anu Gupta, Jeremiah Girouard, and Ivan Garza for all their hard work and dedication to our students.  School Highlights Pomeroy Elementary School Circle of Friends is run by a small group of high school students who visit Pomeroy's 4th/5th grade mild/moderate classroom. Each week, these seniors walk to campus where they design creative and engaging activities in the field of STEAM. Their hard work, dedication, leadership, and intentionality in building relationships with the students have sparked their own interest in the sciences and empowered students of all abilities in their learning.

Friday, Dec 20 2024