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Press Release: San Leandro Unified Raises Rainbow Fl...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2023 SLUSD Raises Rainbow Flags in Support of Pride Month SAN LEANDRO, CA - The San Leandro Unified School District proudly announces its commitment to equality and inclusivity by raising the iconic rainbow flag in celebration of Pride Month. As a district dedicated to acceptance, respect, and support for all students, staff, and community members, San Leandro Unified is honored to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the month of June, the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and resilience, will be raised alongside the California and American flags at all district schools. By flying the rainbow flag, San Leandro Unified aims to send a clear message to its students, families, and staff members that they are valued, supported, and celebrated for who they are. This act of visibility demonstrates the district's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. “By raising the Pride flags, we are demonstrating our unwavering support for our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and community members,” said School Board President Peter Oshinski, “We believe that every individual has the right to express themselves authentically and without fear, and this gesture showcases our commitment to inclusive education." See the San Leandro Unified School Board resolution in support of Pride Month here. For more information about San Leandro Unified, please visit www.slusd.us . Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Thursday, Jun 01 2023
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Press Release: Halkin Elementary School's Virginia Q...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2023 Halkin Elementary School's Virginia Quock Awarded SLUSD Management Employee of the Year SAN LEANDRO, CA - San Leandro Unified is pleased to announce Principal Virginia Quock as SLUSD’s management employee of the year. Principal Quock has been in the district for the past 27 years, starting her career as a bilingual second-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary. She has served as a kindergarten, second, and fifth-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary, a 1st-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, Vice Principal at John Muir Middle School, and the beloved principal at Halkin Elementary since 2018. During her tenure, she was named California's 18th State Assembly District Educator of the Year, among many other accolades, but her proudest accomplishment is her son Everett who graduated from San Leandro High School in 2018. Comments from her peers that led to this well-deserved award include: “She is always willing to tackle the hard stuff and makes every effort to accommodate everyone! She's a treasure to all who are able to work with her!” “Virginia’s positive attitude and enthusiasm are contagious. She brings an incredible energy to our school, which uplifts the entire team.” “Her ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain a positive outlook in challenging situations is truly admirable .” “She is an exceptional motivator and has the unique ability to inspire others to perform their best, even during the most demanding times.” Please join all of San Leandro Unified in congratulating Principal Quock on her achievement, as the district launches its annual celebration of SLUSD Management Appreciation Week . ### Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Tuesday, May 30 2023
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Press Release: School Board Seeks Nominations for Ci...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2023 School Board Seeks Nominations for City of San Leandro Recreation and Parks Commission Representative SAN LEANDRO, CA - The San Leandro Unified School District Board of Education is seeking nominations from individuals who wish to represent the District on the San Leandro Recreation and Parks Commission (RAPC). Applicants must be registered voters and residents of San Leandro who can demonstrate involvement in community service, schools, and Recreation and Parks activities and who have the ability to be a strong liaison between the District and the Commission. The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Commission’s monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month (plus potential ad hoc meetings) as well as monthly meetings to report to the School Board. The application link is available here and on the district’s website at www.slusd.us. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 19, 2023. ### Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Thursday, May 25 2023
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Press Release: McKinley Elementary School's Helen Br...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2023 McKinley Elementary School's Helen Brown Awarded SLUSD Classified Employee of the Year SAN LEANDRO, CA - San Leandro Unified is pleased to announce Ms. Helen Brown as SLUSD’s classified employee of the year. Ms. Brown has been a beloved McKinley Elementary School team member for over 30 years, currently serving as a para-educator. Throughout her tenure, she has built countless positive relationships with generations of McKinley families, who deeply trust and respect her gracious wisdom. Comments from her peers that led to this well-deserved award include: Mrs. Brown is amazing, kind, patient, dependable & an incredible person with a heart of gold . She will go above and beyond for all students and staff. She can 100% be counted on for anything. She is loved and trusted by all the McKinley students and staff. She has given decades of service to our school, doing everything under the sun for McKinley families, staff, and students. She has the biggest heart and the most knowledgeable head for students in need. They tell her their problems, their pride, their joys. As a teacher, I go to her when I need an ear, advice, and information about students’ families or siblings to make connections and get insights into behavioral issues. As a playground supervisor, she sees it all, knows every student , and lends a hand wherever needed. When I brought Bancroft Orchestra students on a field trip, the McKinley alums flocked to Mrs. Brown for hugs and conversation . They felt they’d come home. Helen is an interventionist, reading coach, pull-out resource teacher, picture day, medical (vision & hearing) testing, and book fair class coordinator. She’s there for emergencies and solidly there every day for regular duties. She regulates three sessions every lunch, holding students to safe and respectful behavior. Her own children attended McKinley, and she first became involved as a volunteer in her daughter’s kindergarten class many years ago. Mrs. Brown is a living legend. We’d be lost without her at McKinley. I'm convinced our school would fall apart if not for Mrs. Brown! Helen has taken the time to get to know all the students at our school personally. She remembers details about each student and their lives and is caring and empathetic towards them. She also can be stern when needed. In addition to being an amazing lunch supervisor, Helen works with students as a para. She goes above and beyond, communicating with teachers about the progress of the students she works with. As a teacher, I have always found Helen to be a wealth of knowledge. On many occasions, she has given me wise advice . Her consistency at our school over the years has made her irreplaceable . Please join all of San Leandro Unified in congratulating Ms. Brown on her achievement and the following exceptional classified staff chosen by their schools for consideration as the district launches its annual celebration of SLUSD Classified School Employees’ Week . GARFIELD ELEMENTARY Trina Conners Nutrition Technician HALKIN ELEMENTARY Angelica Franco Parent Facilitator JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY Taryn Frazer Library Multimedia Specialist MADISON ELEMENTARY Rosie Garcia Administrative Assistant MONROE ELEMENTARY Teresa Alonzo Administrative Assistant ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY Dawn Coburn Office Assistant WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY Marla Losson Administrative Assistant BANCROFT MIDDLE SCHOOL Bryant Coronado Parent Facilitator JOHN MUIR MIDDLE SCHOOL Anthony Santillan Head Custodian LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL Yasmin Lopez Office Technician SAN LEANDRO HIGH SCHOOL Millie Garcia Office Technician SAN LEANDRO VIRTUAL ACADEMY Yvonne Meier Program Coordinator DISTRICT OFFICE James Miller Plumber ### Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Monday, May 22 2023
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Press Release: SLUSD Awarded $10,450,000 Community S...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2023 San Leandro Unified School District Awarded $10,450,000 California Community Schools Partnership Program Grant SAN LEANDRO, CA - The San Leandro Unified School District is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $10,450,000 California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) grant from the California State Board of Education, pending board approval this evening. The CCSPP grant will fund integrated, community-based programs and services focused on academic, health, and social resources for SLUSD students and families. The district was selected as a grant recipient based on its ongoing commitment to and demonstrated success in creating school environments that are safe, supportive, and inclusive for all students and its existing infrastructure for successful implementation. "We are honored and excited to receive the Community Schools Partnership Program Grant," said Dr. Michael McLaughlin, Superintendent. "This funding allows us to greatly extend our existing programs and services to provide true wraparound care for our children so they can fully engage in learning. We have been building this infrastructure for over a decade, and this recognition from the State of California of our work supporting students and families is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication." The Community Schools Partnership Program Grant will enhance San Leandro Unified's existing student health and wellness initiatives and expand community-based partnerships. This includes providing additional funding for after-school programs, mental health services, and other resources that help students succeed in school and beyond. The grant implementation will offer services and programs at eight district schools, including Garfield Elementary, Halkin Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Monroe Elementary, Bancroft and John Muir Middle Schools, and Lincoln High School. These schools were selected for grant funding based on their percentage of students who (1) are English learners, (2) meet the income or categorical eligibility criteria for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, or (3) are foster youth. For more information about San Leandro Unified, please visit www.slusd.us. Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Thursday, May 18 2023
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National School Nurses Day 2023
On National School Nurse Day, SLUSD recognizes the vital role that school nurses play in keeping our students healthy and safe. To honor this day, the SLUSD Board of Education passed Resolution 23-12 to highlight the essential work of the SLUSD nursing team. As the resolution states, “We commend the San Leandro Unified School District registered nurses for their excellent care, health promotion, and commitment to the health of our students and the integrity of our health services program.” Please join us in extending sincere thanks for their work in optimizing student health and learning. From left to right: Margaret Howard, Amy Taxdahl, Kristin Jagoda, and Ganganzul “Zula” Purevsuren.
Wednesday, May 10 2023
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Press Release: Additional 19th Annual African Americ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 2023 Additional 19th Annual African American Student Achievement & Excellence Award Winners SAN LEANDRO, CA - The San Leandro Unified School District is proud to announce additional district students selected to receive awards at the 19th Annual African American Student Achievement and Excellence Awards sponsored by the African American Regional Educational Alliances (AAREA). The AAREA team graciously opened a special window for additional nominations, which allowed even more high-achieving Black students from SLUSD to be honored during the African American Student Achievement and Excellence Awards on May 21st. Please see the complete list of district winners listed below. Halkin Elementary Oluwanifemi Akinlolu Matthew Al Sabur Valentina Arum Dominic Cox Shania Glenn Ernest Latta Xavier Lee Jaxon Patton Audrey James Roby Calani Stewart Jefferson Elementary Negus Berhe Maliah Best Estub Liben Chioma Offu Madison Elementary Wisdom Adiele Yessibella Carranza Talya Di Francisco Blessing Tshimanga McKinley Elementary Kena Abera Ryian Bess Derrick Mapp Ezinne Nwadike Mahalia Robel Darcel Stoner Monroe Elementary Ava Davis Armani Rogers Roosevelt Elementary Jude Tatai Washington Elementary Elijah Acosta Elias Cole Christian Cutno Ariel Jones Aaron Ahsana Nuriddin Bancroft Middle School Chiamaka Anounye Shaun Avant Andrea Benjamin Carrie Carraway Layla Castillon Mia Davis Bemnet Haile Isaac Hysten Udoka Ihe Yasmin McClure Braelin McCullough Sa’rai Meas Myles Murillo Kahari Newton Obama Noble Jaelyn Rice Mikah Taylor Lyric Walker Lamarr Williams John Muir Middle School Dorothy Acha Monica Avila Morales Reagan Baker Lynch Brayden Chester Jax Franco Kindley Emonee Goynes Pierretta Mayembo Joseph John Nava Swain Shukr Olasile Cameron Owens Cruz Morgan Pittman JaLiere Robinson Francis Stevenson Jaylen Woods Kassandra Yigezaw Lincoln High School Laron Lige Edward Victoria McGraw Jewel Savoy Arianna Walker San Leandro High School Rosalynn Baker Lynch Jai Kai Butcher Aniyah Colding Alliyah Crowell Preston Dendy Chiamaka Elendu Taliyah Ford Evan Garrick Myles Gilder Solomon Glover Johnae Grate Kaia Harrison Izabella Hearne Sarmiyah Holland Jasmine Kelly Elijah Lopez Lisette Lopez Mary Jane Mitchell Jordan Obelton Munachimso Orakwe Leigha Pierson Julian Quaye Friday Robinson William Rodriguez Joshua Savage Jayla Seals Daevon Stamps Veronica Turner The awards ceremony recognizes the achievements of Alameda County’s African American students transitioning from elementary to middle school, 8th-grade students, and high school seniors. Students are honored in categories that include Academic Excellence, Academic Potential & Success, Visual, Graphic & Performing Arts, and Cultural Leadership & Civic Involvement. The students selected for this prestigious award have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies, creativity, leadership, and community involvement. The district is proud of their hard work and achievements, and we are confident they will continue excelling in their future endeavors. The district congratulates all the 19th Annual African American Student Achievement and Excellence Awards nominees and winners. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are honored to have you represent the San Leandro Unified School District. This year’s award ceremony will be held in-person Sunday, May 21, 2023, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Chabot College Performing Arts Complex, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545. Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Thursday, May 04 2023
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May District Update: So many reasons to celebrate in...
SAN LEANDRO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT "Making Excellence Our Tradition" May 2023 In this newsletter, scroll down to find: Letter from the Superintendent Mental Health Awareness Month Superintendent’s Award Winners Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Family Learning Series for May Upcoming SLUSD Staff Recognition Dates SLUSD Graduations & Promotions SLUSD Friends & Family Celebration Congratulations to SLHS Notables! SLHS Seniors in Sacramento City of San Leandro Tree Master Plan Community Survey #2 Launched K-8th Grade Students! Design a Poster for the San Leandro Cherry Festival! Message from the Superintendent Dear SLUSD Community, As we approach the end of the 2022-2023 school year, May is a month of celebration for all of us. It's a time to recognize the exceptional work of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for our students. I encourage all of you to join me in expressing gratitude to the staff who keep SLUSD moving forward. Whether it's a thank you note, volunteering in the classroom, or simply showing appreciation in a personal conversation, let's make sure they know how much they are valued and cherished. I hope everyone takes the time to enjoy this month of appreciation, and I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at our promotions and graduations coming soon! Sincerely, Dr. Mike McLaughlin Superintendent Mental Health Awareness Month In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we share several resources to help students have greater agency over their health and wellness. These resources supplement our current programs by offering additional tools to help students, families, and staff identify when more targeted or intensive services and supports are needed. Alongside is a virtual mental health resource designed for 6th-12th grade students. Students can engage in various activities to support navigating complicated feelings and emotions. The login page is linked above and is available in our SLUSD Bookmarks on student Chromebooks. Students can log in using their SLUSD credentials. Activities include mindfulness videos, journaling activities, and therapeutic exercises. This resource is available in 60+ languages, so students and families can get support in their chosen language. Wellness Education Lab is an online mental health learning platform designed to educate 9th-12th grade students, families, and staff about mental health concerns. This platform was created by Wellness Together in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE). Mind Out Loud is a youth-led mental health movement focusing on Personal Wellness, Suicide Prevention, Support for Marginalized Communities, and Awareness & Advocacy. They offer free monthly workshops, free annual student events, and a student representative program. Superintendent’s Award Winners San Leandro Virtual Academy’s Laisha Penaloza Martinez San Leandro Adult Career & Education Center’s Shirley Diane Percy Laisha Penaloza Martinez from the San Leandro Virtual Academy (SLVA) and Shirley Diane Percy from the San Leandro Adult Career & Education Center received the Superintendent’s Award at the April school board meeting for their impressive accomplishments. Laisha is an incredibly hard-working student who has challenged herself academically by taking AP and Honor courses and will graduate with a grade point average over 3.0. She has pushed herself in school and helps raise her three younger siblings, two of whom are also enrolled in SLVA, and helps them throughout the day with their schoolwork. In addition, she finds time to work at Starbucks and play the violin. Laisha will be attending Arizona State University starting this summer. Laisha exemplifies the focus and determination necessary for successful SLVA students, and we are proud that she is one of our SLVA Sharks!! Shirley is a mother of three and grandmother of 10 who has been completing classes at the Career Education Center concurrently with courses at community college! She is a highly dedicated student with a GPA of 3.9, and she averages over 30 hours a week with her classes and coursework. In her rare free time, she loves reading, baking for her family, exercising, and shopping. Shirley studies computers and electronic assembly. She has worked on some very interesting projects, including working with engineers in designing computers for patrol cars in Alameda County. Join us in congratulating these exceptional students and their families on this recognition! Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Join us in celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout all 31 days of May! To learn more about the incredible diversity and vibrancy of AAPI history and culture, go to: https://apasf.org/ Family Learning Series for April/May SLUSD’s online parent sessions provide strategies for parents/caregivers to support their child’s growth and development. See the upcoming sessions for May on our website here! Upcoming SLUSD Staff Recognition Dates Join us in celebrating and showing our appreciation for the fantastic work of our staff members who help ensure our students and families know they belong in SLUSD! SLUSD Teacher Appreciation Week: May 1-5 • SLUSD Day of the Teacher: May 2 School Lunch Hero Day: May 5 National Nurses’ Week: May 6-12 • National School Nurse Day: May 10 Classified Employees Week: May 21-27 Management Appreciation Week: May 29-June 3 Thank you all for supporting a culture of appreciation every day of the year! SLUSD Graduations & Promotions It’s time to mark key transitions in our students' lives! Here are the dates, times, and locations of our end-of-year events for our Middle and High School students EVENT DATE TIME LOCATION San Leandro Virtual Academy Monday, June 5 8th - 4-4:45 pm 12th - 5-5:45 pm Arts Education Center, 2250 Bancroft Avenue San Leandro Adult Education & Career Center Monday, June 5 7:00 pm Arts Education Center, 2250 Bancroft Avenue Bancroft Middle School Tuesday, June 6 2:00 pm Bancroft Middle School, 1150 Bancroft Avenue John Muir Middle School Wednesday, June 7 2:00 pm John Muir Middle School, 1444 Williams Street Lincoln High School Tuesday, June 6 5:30 pm Arts Education Center, 2250 Bancroft Avenue San Leandro High School Thursday, June 8 5:30 pm Burrell Field, 2451 Teagarden Street SLUSD Friends & Family Celebration Congratulations to SLHS Notables! Over this past weekend, the San Leandro High School Notables participated in a Worldstrides Festival, which is a festival where choirs are adjudicated. They received a Superior (Gold) rating and received first place in the Chamber Choir division! They are now qualified to participate in the Festival of Gold next year in Carnegie Hall! Congratulations, Notables and thank you to Susan Dent, Music Department Chair & Choral Director for sharing this exciting news! SLHS Seniors in Sacramento This past week, San Leandro High School English teacher Jenna Hewitt King took a group of 28 seniors to visit the activism exhibit at the CA Museum in Sacramento. The group explored the Capitol grounds, learned, discussed, presented, collaborated, and connected in a highly engaging experience. Ms. Hewitt King shared that the most remarkable part of the trip was when the newcomer students––Ariel, Yazmin, Manuel, Raymond (Jiaxuan), Weiqi, Israel, and Leodan–– met with Senator Nancy Skinner and a legislative aid to Assemblymember McCarty. They shared their student experiences and suggested how the state could better support newcomer programs. Shoutouts to Ms. Hewitt King, and fellow chaperones Jess Gorman and Celina Curato, the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) for funding the field trip, and Debbie Nieto from nutrition services for packaging school lunches for all of the students. City of San Leandro Tree Master Plan Community Survey #2 Launched The City of San Leandro is developing a Tree Master Plan to create a shared vision and guide for San Leandro’s urban forest that enhances the quality of life in the City. The Tree Master Plan will be utilized to assess the state of urban forestry in San Leandro and identify how to create a sustainable urban forest for the future that redresses inequities and improves the overall health of the trees in our community. This is the second public survey as part of the Tree Master Plan. Community Survey #2 builds off of the previous survey and focuses on what you’d like the urban forest to be, how we can set canopy goals, and what long-term success looks like. We want to hear from you! Your participation is critical to the success of this project. The following survey consists of 11 questions to gather insights into your understanding, viewpoints, ideas, and priorities. Help shape the future of the trees and programs in San Leandro by completing the second online survey as part of the Tree Master Plan project! Visit https://forms.gle/pxjZTZy9wxHrcydQ7 通过完成作为树木总体规划项目一部分的第二次在线调查，帮助塑造圣莱安德罗树木和项目的未来！访问 https://forms.gle/2B2JoZKhsLfHxGNY7 ¡Ayude a dar forma al futuro de los árboles y los programas en San Leandro completando la segunda encuesta en línea como parte del proyecto Tree Master Plan! Visita https://forms.gle/9QTfmwv65ZJAn7at5 K-8th Grade Students! Design a Poster for the San Leandro Cherry Festival! San Leandro Unified School District | 835 E. 14th Street, Suite 200, San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 667-3500 communications@slusd.us
Wednesday, May 03 2023
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Press Release: San Leandro High School's Lisa Wong N...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2023 San Leandro High School's Lisa Wong Named SLUSD Teacher of the Year SAN LEANDRO, CA - San Leandro High School’s own Lisa Wong was nominated by her peers to represent SLUSD as one of the Alameda County Office of Education’s Teachers of the Year. Ms. Wong has a teaching career spanning 37 years, with the past ten spent at SLHS in the English department as an English Language Development (ELD) teacher. She also coaches the SLHS boys' volleyball team and assists with the girls' volleyball team. Before her time at the high school, she spent 12 years as a middle school teacher and English Language coach at Bancroft Middle School, and three years as an elementary school teacher at Jefferson Elementary. She also spent almost a decade teaching in Oakland Unified before joining the SLUSD team. She has also served as a teacher supervisor for student teachers through the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education and has successfully co-organized the ELD World Language Talent Showcase for the past four years. Comments from her peers that led to this well-deserved award include, “She consistently puts students first, and her dedication to our multilingual scholars and our overall ELD program is truly inspirational. As a colleague, she brings incredible positivity, authenticity, and humble leadership--it's not surprising that she gets a shout-out at almost every staff meeting.” Please join all of San Leandro Unified in congratulating Ms. Wong on her achievement, as well as the following exceptional teachers chosen by their schools for consideration as the district launches its annual celebration of SLUSD Teacher Appreciation Week . GARFIELD ELEMENTARY Carmen Watson Special Education HALKIN ELEMENTARY Magaly Ramirez 1st grade JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY Cindy Ann 2nd grade MADISON ELEMENTARY Krista Sarkany 2nd grade MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY Luan Truong 5th grade Melissa Beninsig 5th grade (Tie) MONROE ELEMENTARY Diane Marasigan Kindergarten ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY Wendy Papciak 3rd grade WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY Raul Castellanos Dual Language Immersion 2nd grade BANCROFT MIDDLE SCHOOL Zack Murphy Social Studies & Leadership JOHN MUIR MIDDLE SCHOOL Erika Guerrero Special Education LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL Scott Gordon English & Government SAN LEANDRO VIRTUAL ACADEMY Wendy Ponder Special Education ### Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, San Leandro Unified School District, (510) 667-6202 , kmoss@slusd.us
Monday, May 01 2023