📣 Read District Update! New superintendent announcem...

DISTRICT UPDATE April 14, 2025 Announcing New Superintendent The Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Damon J. Wright as the new Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District. The appointment was made at the Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on April 10, 2025.  Dr. Wright will join SCUSD after Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell retires in June. With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Wright joins SCUSD from Benicia Unified School District where he currently serves as superintendent. Please visit the Incoming Superintendent's webpage for more information about Dr. Wright’s background and accomplishments. Learn More About Dr. Wright At the April 10, 2025, board meeting, the Board of Trustees announced some exciting changes in leadership and two new additions to the team. Please join us in congratulating everyone on their new roles! Brian Cordero | Program Specialist | Special Education  We are pleased to welcome Brian Cordero as a Program Specialist in Santa Clara Unified School District. Brian has served in leadership roles across multiple districts providing him with extensive experience in special education, program management, and post-secondary transition services. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California Los Angeles and earned his preliminary administrative services credential through the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Brian has successfully led vocational programs, managed large teams, and built strong community partnerships to support students with diverse needs. His passion for inclusive education and student empowerment is evident in his work.  Kristin Gonzalez | Coordinator | Student Services Kristin Gonzalez brings over a decade of leadership experience from Wilcox High School, where she most recently served as Principal. During her tenure, Kristin led initiatives focused on student-centered learning, professional development, and inclusive school culture.  Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in social sciences from San Jose State University, an administrative credential from the Santa Clara County Office of Education LEAP (Leaders in Educational Administration Program), and is currently completing her Master’s in Educational Leadership at National University. Kristin’s expertise and student-first approach will be a welcome addition at the district level. Robert Griffin | Vice Principal | Santa Clara High School  Over the last 20 years, Robert Griffin has served in various administrative roles within SCUSD and brings to this role a wealth of experience in educational leadership. His previous roles have included principal at New Valley High School, vice principal at Santa Clara High School, and most recently Coordinator of Student Services, where he oversaw alternative education programs, health services, and student support initiatives across the district. Robert holds a Master of Arts in Education, Administration, and Supervision from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. Rob’s experience and commitment to educational excellence will greatly benefit our district as he steps into this role. Dr. Nicole Tafoya | Principal | Dolores Huerta Middle School  Dr. Nicole Tafoya brings to her new role a wide range of experience in school leadership, student support, and equity work. She has served as a vice principal at both middle and high school levels in Santa Clara Unified and was recognized as Sonoma County’s Educator of the Year in 2022.  Dr. Tafoya holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University and master’s degrees in school counseling and applied criminology — she is also pursuing a Master’s in School Psychology. Nicole is passionate about fostering inclusive, student-centered environments and building systems that support the success of all learners.  Carmelita Weddle | Program Specialist | Special Education We are excited to welcome Carmelita Weddle as a new Program Specialist in Santa Clara Unified School District. Carmelita brings over 20 years of experience as a Resource Specialist, with a deep commitment to supporting students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development. She holds a master’s in elementary and special education from Harding University and recently earned her administrative services certificate. Carmelita is known for her strong collaboration with staff and families, expertise in individualized education plan development, and dedication to building inclusive learning environments. Carmelita’s expertise and dedication to supporting students and programs will be a valuable asset to our district. Intent to Return to School for 2025-2026 In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, all TK through 11th grade families are asked to complete Santa Clara Unified School District’s (SCUSD) Intent to Return form for each child enrolled in the district. Forms are due by Friday, April 11, 2025. Read the full notice. Late Open Enrollment The late Open Enrollment application period gives kindergarten through 12th grade families a second opportunity to request enrollment for their child at any school within our district. The application window closes on the first day of school, August 13 at 4 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted after this time. Read the full notice. Address Verification Families with students starting in grades 3, 6, and 9 for 2025-2026 must complete an online address verification form to confirm they live within Santa Clara Unified School District boundaries. Address verification must be completed between April 21 and May 9 for your child to start on the first day of school. Read the full notice. Student, Staff, and Family Stories Math Fun and Learning at Hughes On March 28, more than 50 families gathered at Hughes Elementary for the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival, joining in an evening of math exploration and student-led learning. The event aimed to engage students with hands-on, minds-on math games designed to strengthen problem-solving skills and build confidence. Visit the district website to learn more. Celebrating Music at Santa Clara High Santa Clara High School recently hosted a special performance from Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Monaco Middle School. The two free performances on April 3, were attended by Santa Clara High School World Language students, along with lucky students from Pomeroy, Scott Lane, Mayne, and Hughes. Visit the district website to learn more. Locally-Sourced Food in our Cafeterias Nutrition Services Director Karen Luna was recently featured in the Center for Ecoliteracy’s “Fresh from California” guide. The publication highlights inspiring leaders who are bringing more local, seasonal fruits and vegetables to their menus and serving freshly prepared meals that celebrate the cultural and agricultural diversity of their communities. Read more on the district website. First Cohort Graduates SCUSD Family University Congratulations to the first 20 graduates of the Family Resource Center's new program — Family University! Throughout March and April, SCUSD’s Family Resource Center hosted its first Family University program for district families and it was an outstanding success! Read more on the district website. April 23 | Free Webinar: Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Children Please join us for this important webinar hosted by TBH (To Be Honest) — Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Children — online on April 23 at 5 p.m. Register for Free Webinar   April 26 | Earth Day Celebration at the Farm Join us for a fun-filled Earth Day celebration at the SCUSD Farm and Bryan Osborne Nature Center on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.! This FREE, family-friendly event is open to all. Earth Day at the Farm Invite 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 April 10, 2025, Board Meeting Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes ​

Monday, Apr 14 2025

📍Address verification opens on April 21 for incoming...

Calling all families of incoming 3rd, 6th, and 9th grade students for the 2025-2026 school year! Families with students starting in grades 3, 6, and 9 for 2025-2026 must complete an online address verification form to confirm they live within Santa Clara Unified School District boundaries.  Address verification must be completed between April 21 and May 9 for your child to start on the first day of school. On Monday, April 21, families will receive a student-specific personalized link to the Address Verification Form link from addressverification@scusd.net — subject line “Complete: Address Verification Form for Student Name”. In preparation, please gather your required documents over the April break. Address Verification Webpage

Friday, Apr 11 2025

Announcing New Superintendent

Announcing New Superintendent Santa Clara Unified School District Welcomes Dr. Damon J. Wright The Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Damon J. Wright as the new Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District. The appointment was made at the Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on April 10, 2025.  Dr. Wright will join SCUSD after Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell retires in June. With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Wright joins SCUSD from Benicia Unified School District where he currently serves as superintendent. Please read below for more information about Dr. Wright’s background and accomplishments. “The Board of Trustees was committed to identifying a Superintendent who would advance SCUSD’s vision and goals and exemplify our core values. Through extensive community engagement this winter, the board heard and joined the community in its desire for a candidate who would understand the needs of our diverse student population, establish a culture of high expectations for all students and staff, and foster a positive, professional climate of mutual trust and respect. Santa Clara Unified is an exceptional district, attracting a hiring pool of strong candidates. Dr. Wright stood out in interviews for many reasons — most notably his commitment to closing opportunity gaps for our most underserved students, his belief that there is no ceiling for growth in Santa Clara Unified, and his commitment to student and staff wellness, collaborative leadership, and inclusivity. We have every confidence in Dr. Wright and warmly welcome him to SCUSD.” - Board President Bonnie Lieberman “It is an honor and privilege to serve as Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District and to join a community deeply rooted in a shared vision and strong values centered on student success. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our educators, students, families, and community partners as we work together to advance the district’s vision and realize the aspirations of our community. Together, through our collective strength, we will empower every student to thrive beyond their educational journey in SCUSD.” - Incoming Superintendent Dr. Damon J. Wright Read Dr. Wright's Bio “We are fortunate indeed to welcome a new Superintendent of Dr. Wright’s caliber to the SCUSD family who I know will continue to lead the district with a focus on excellence and well-being for all students, empathy and respect, equity, and partnership. It is a pleasure to hand the reins to a leader with Dr. Wright’s reputation and expertise. I know great things are in store for Santa Clara Unified School District!” - Superintendent Dr. Waddell

Friday, Apr 11 2025

🆓 Register for our free webinar “Recognizing and Add...

Dear SCUSD families and staff, Please join us for this important webinar hosted by TBH (To Be Honest) — Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Children Anxiety is a common challenge for children, but it’s not always easy to recognize. It can show up in different ways — avoidance, irritability, trouble sleeping, or even physical symptoms like stomach aches. As a parent, knowing what to look for and how to respond can make a big difference in helping your child feel supported and confident.  This session will give parents practical tools to identify signs of anxiety and strategies to help their child manage it effectively. You’ll learn how to create a supportive home environment, introduce simple coping techniques, and know when to seek additional help if needed. April 23 | 5 p.m. The Zoom link will be sent via email once registered. Presented in English, with live Spanish interpretation available. Register Online Key Takeaways Include Recognizing common signs of anxiety in children and how they may differ by age. Practical ways to help your child manage stress, from relaxation techniques to daily routines. How to create a calm and reassuring environment that encourages open conversations. When and how to seek professional support if anxiety is interfering with daily life. By the end of this session, you’ll feel more confident in understanding and addressing your child’s anxiety, helping them build resilience and navigate challenges with greater ease. About the Speaker Dama Perez, LMFT (TBH Therapist and Coach) Dama Perze is a bilingual, licensed therapist based in California, with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and their families through mental health challenges. With a background as a former educator for programs such as Teach for America and After-School All-Stars, Dama brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her work as a therapist. She is deeply committed to helping her clients build resilience and emotional tools to navigate life’s difficulties. Questions If you have any questions about the webinar, please contact District Social Worker Leah Cohen at lcohen@scusd.net.

Tuesday, Apr 08 2025

🗓️ Join us at our Early Learning Enrollment Fair thi...

You're Invited! Mark your calendar for Santa Clara Unified School District’s Early Learning Enrollment Fair this Saturday, April 5, to explore how our early learning programs can help build a strong foundation for your child’s future success. April 5 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1840 Benton Street, Santa Clara At SCUSD, we are committed to fostering lifelong learners from the very beginning of their educational journey. Our early learning programs support, educate, and inspire children from as young as 6 weeks to the time they enter transitional kindergarten (TK) or kindergarten. We look forward to introducing you to our dedicated, highly trained staff and providing a glimpse into the enriching experiences our programs offer for you and your child. Watch our video highlights from last year’s event and then join us for a fun, family-friendly morning that includes: Curriculum strategies demonstration and activities Resource tables Help with early registration Face painting Fun, hands-on activities Santa Clara Bookmobile Don Callejon traveling orchestra performance Early Learning Website More Information Find out more about early learning based on your child’s age: Ages 6 Weeks to 3 Years Old Infant and Toddler webpage Ages 1-4 Years Parent Participation and Education Wilson Preschool Parent Participation and Education webpage Ages 3-4 Years Old Preschool webpage Children Who Turn Four by September 1 of the School Year Transitional Kindergarten webpages Take a look at our website for more information and review our flyer. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, Apr 03 2025