mural of cougar laying on a street below planets and clouds
Capri Elementary School

District News

Senator is “Hopeful for the Future” After School Visit

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
Senator listens as boy reads a letter to him

Russel, a CSI 3rd grader, reads his class letter to Senator Cortese about their solution to having more yard duty staff at school.

“You’re learning to put progress before ‘who’s right’, and that is a mindset change that more of us could use,” said Senator Dave Cortese to his student tour guides, Roman and Zoey, during a visit at Campbell School of Innovation (CSI). The TK-8 school teaches academics through design thinking and growth mindset and shares those teaching techniques through professional development with teachers across the district.

“We’re preparing all of our students for an undefined and fast-paced future,” said Superintendent Shelly VIramontez. “Our Profile of a Graduate competencies—self directed, innovative, critical thinker, collaborative, and empathetic—are designed to help students learn how to learn and solve problems creatively.” 

Roman described how he and his classmates solve problems at school. “There usually isn’t just one idea that has all of the right answers. It’s usually part of one person’s idea and part of another person’s, and we try it out, and we collaborate to come up with a solution that works.” 

That process resonated with the Senator. “By being able to put progress before perfection, you’ll be much better off than the older generation in being able to solve problems like climate change and adjust to situations like the ones we've seen with the pandemic. This is great stuff you’re growing up with.”

Update on California School Mask Mandate

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
older student works with younger boy on spelling

This week, California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly provided a statewide update on the progress of combating COVID-19 and the state’s plan for relaxing school masking mandates. He said the State will reassess COVID-19 data and conditions on February 28th to determine any future change to the statewide school masking requirement. The data and conditions include case rate, test positivity, hospitalizations, pediatric hospitalizations and vaccine rates.  

We encourage improving vaccination rates among students as another way to protect them and to keep them able to come to school in person. To find a vaccination location, visit sccfreevax.org or calling 2-1-1.

Until public health officials change them, we will continue to follow the K-12 Guidance requirements regarding wearing masks, frequent handwashing, improving indoor ventilation, monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, and weekly COVID-19 testing.

Senator’s Visit Spotlights District Commitment to Student Wellness

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
a group of students and adults conversing

 Students at the MMS Wellness Center explain its benefits to State, County and District leaders.

Senator Dave Cortese visited Monroe Middle School’s new Wellness Center to see how a partnership between Campbell Union School District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and School-Linked Services is bringing more access to mental health support to students and families.

“Adolescence has never been easy, and we know that the impact of the pandemic has made it even more challenging,” said District Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “The Wellness Center gives them an on-demand place to decompress, regroup, and develop skills for re-engaging in school activities.”

The grant-funded Wellness Center, one of a few pilot school-based centers in the county, is staffed full time. Students can drop in or they can be referred by a teacher. Wellness Room Liaison Daisy Urisar Esquivel noted that some of the students are discovering they have leadership skills and are helping to govern operations as Wellness Student Council members. 

students' hands“This is a great place to get away from worries, do homework, and focus on wellness,” said Geonnie, one of the 20 students comprising the sixth grade Council. “There are a lot of different things to do here,” said Council member Elda, who pointed to choices such as listening to music, having a snack, drawing, talking with a friend about something troubling, getting homework help, or just being quiet and relaxed. Mike, who joined the Council because he wanted to help others know about the Wellness Center, wants to see it continue as a safe, positive place for students to relax.

“There should be more of these all across the country,” Council member Jose added. “Students need this. If there’s trouble at home or they can’t do work at home, they can come here. It’s a place where you can belong.”

The program is one of many examples of our district’s continuing commitment to support students through community partnerships, according to Student Services Director Rosanna Palomo. “Our community partnerships are incredibly valuable in helping to support the whole child. Student well being is critical to student success in and out of the classroom.”

“Schools are, and must continue to serve as, centers of wellness and centers of resilience for our students and families,” said Senator Dave Cortese after visiting our District’s new Wellness Center at Monroe Middle School. “I am so pleased that our county was able to take advantage of state funding through the Community Schools Partnership Program and the Mental Health Student Services Act to stand up these Wellness Centers across our County. I have fought hard to ensure adequate funding and augmentation of these programs.” 

Funding is at the crux of expanding programs like this, according to Dr. Viramontez. She noted that the partnership with School Linked Services of Santa Clara County has been especially helpful in “leveling the playing field” for children and youth who are burdened with economic, social and other inequities. 

Community partnerships help the district address students’ physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, allowing teachers more time to focus on teaching and learning, Viramontez said. “We value these partnerships because we know it's what our community needs. We can provide the space to improve access so the experts can do what they do best. Providing this necessary, easy-to-access support would require funding sources beyond grants.”

No Change for Schools Yet as State Lifts Mask Mandate

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
little girl in mask doing school work in class

This week, Governor Newsom announced that he will let a statewide indoor mask mandate expire next week for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and that local governments can continue their own indoor masking requirements based on local conditions. However, that announcement did not change the rules for us or our schools. 

On Feb. 9, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department announced that it “will not lift local indoor masking requirements when the State lifts its indoor masking requirement on February 16.  Instead, Santa Clara County will continue to base decisions on whether and when to lift indoor masking requirements on the risks posed by COVID-19, using clearly defined metrics related to vaccination, hospitalizations, and COVID-19 case rates.” 

The statement added that the County anticipates lifting indoor masking requirements in a matter of weeks.

As experts continue to debate whether or not masks should be required and for whom, we will continue to monitor the guidance for schools and follow the advice of our local public health officials. We will send notices to families and staff if the local mandates for our schools change. We will only adjust requirements under the advice of our County Public Health Department.

District Program is Finalist for County-level Award

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
pre-pandemic photo of an FEI class session

[Photos taken pre-COVID-19]

Creating effective partnerships with the caring adults in our students’ lives is a core tenet for Campbell Union School District. This week FEI in CUSD, one of our programs aimed at strengthening those family partnerships, became a finalist for the county’s 2022 Glenn Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award. 

FEI (Family Engagement Institute) in CUSD is a model partnership that promotes family engagement, college-going culture, school and workforce readiness, and pathways to postsecondary education for Campbell Union School District families.  pre-pandemic photo of a group of adults holding graduation certificatesPictured here: One of many groups of parents who have graduated from the FEI in CUSD classes. (photo taken pre-pandemic)

Foothill Community College's FEI came to the District in 2017 with 25 parents from one Title 1 school thanks to a School Linked Services grant. It has grown to enroll more than 1,180 parents from 7 schools and continues to receive renewed grant funds. 

FEI Executive Director Betsy Nikolchev noted that the way CUSD implements the program makes it unique. “The leadership shows a high level of participation and support in developing the program,” she said. “The Community Liaisons, principals and superintendent help to customize the courses and facilitate communication and access to the program.”

“We know that family engagement plays a huge role in a child’s success at school,” said Director of Student Services Rosanna Palomo. “Parents tell us in person and in surveys that the program has made a big difference for them and their families. It builds their knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting their child’s education and strengthens communication at home and at school.”

The Santa Clara County School Boards Association will announce the Hoffmann award winners on February 23, 2022.

Survey Responses Impact School and District Decisions

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
student raising hand in class

This week, the District launched a new survey of families, staff and students. The survey launched this week is part of the district’s desire to be an Organization of Excellence through continual improvement.  Your feedback will support us in reaching that goal.

Here’s an example of why your participation makes a difference in your student’s school experience.

“Feedback from our stakeholders is essential to our planning process and partnerships with our families is essential in meeting the needs of all learners,” said Whitney Holton, associate superintendent of instructional services. “Results from sources such as Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) ThoughtExchanges, Panorama school climate surveys, feedback from numerous advisory committees, school-based meetings, and community partners influence our programmatic decisions and help us determine how we are meeting our overall LCAP goals.” 

The results of the ThoughtExchange about State and Federal funds to address pandemic-related learning loss allowed the district to quickly prioritize funds for Accelerated Learning support. 

The community told us their priorities:

  • Small group learning support
  • Extending learning time
  • Additional academic services and progress monitoring
  • Additional support services (health, counseling, mental health)
  • Staff training to address pupils' social-emotional and academic needs
  • Community learning hubs (access technology, academic supports)

In response to the data and feedback, the District expanded after-school programs and services; social-emotional learning and mental health and wellness supports for students, such as expanded counseling services; and academic, behavioral, and wellness supports for students. A full list of school and district actions taken is part of a mid-year update to the Governing Board at its Feb . 3 meeting.

District Survey: What’s Working? Needs Improvement?

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
a groups of young students smiling. Text reads:

We are committed to being an Organization of Excellence, continually improving each day to be a great place to learn, work, and provide an excellent education. Part of that process is gathering input from the people we interact with every day and using what we learn to further our commitment to excellence.

We are seeking your input. On January 31, 2022, we will send the survey link to families, students (grade 3 and up), and employees. 

Our partners at Huron | Studer Education are administering the survey, providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback anonymously. The online survey will be available in English and Spanish, and you can respond via any Internet-connected computer or mobile device.

We are committed to listening and responding to your experiences in our district. We will use the feedback to celebrate and build upon our successes and to identify areas for improvement in specific areas. 

Please check your email or ParentSquare account on January 31st for our message and link to the survey.

Tell a Friend! TK Opens to Younger Students This Year

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
three tk students in classroom

Transitional Kindergarten, the two-year bridge program between preschool and kindergarten, is expanding. Under California’s Universal TK program, which was part of the legislative changes of AB 130, children who turn 5 years old between Sept. 2, 2022 and Feb. 2, 2023, will be able to enroll in CUSD’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2022-23 school year.

Plans for the 2022-23 implementation include following the same full-day schedule as its current TK and Kindergarten programs. The TK staffing ratio will be 12 students to 1 adult. The District hopes to offer a TK-only class at each elementary school. However, as is always the case, final locations and class make up will depend on the number of students who enroll in TK before the 2022-23 school year begins.  The district is prioritizing TK only classes but may need to have TK/K combination classes depending on actual enrollment. 

Early education experts say 90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten, so the expansion is a key strategy for closing achievement gaps.

infographic showing multi-year progression to full enrollment“We’re excited to be able to extend our high-quality TK program to more young students,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “The opportunities for socialization and learning are critical at this stage of their development.” 

The TK program will gradually expand over the next few years until it includes all 4-year-olds by the 2025-26 school year. Download the Jan. 13 Board presentation about TK.

Local Vaccine Clinic January 26

Updated Wed, Apr 6th
student receiving injection

A community COVID-19 vaccine clinic is coming to 

Castlemont Elementary School

Wed., Jan. 26, 2022

3 until 7 p.m. 

In response to the Public Health’s urging that all who are eligible to be vaccinated get vaccinated, we are hosting another vaccine clinic. The clinic is offering first doses for people ages 5 years and up and boosters for those who are eligible.

No proof of immigration status is required. 
Clinic staff will be on site to support language needs and disability access.
More information at sccfreevax.org or 408-970-2999.

Save Time! Come Prepared!

Complete the vaccine clinic forms and bring the printed copy with you to the clinic.

Jan. 19: COVID-19 Update

Updated Tue, Oct 10th
blocks spelling omicron variant

Our relentless effort to effectively manage COVID-19 has taught us all to expect change. This week, another guidance update was released due to the Omicron variant surge.

On January 18th the District sent updated information to all families about California Department of Public Health’s revised guidance for TK-12 settings which identifies alternative approaches to contact tracing and quarantine. (If you  did not receive the notice, please contact your child’s school for a copy.)

Under this update, state and county public health officials tell us that, once-weekly testing may be implemented in lieu of traditional exposure notification and contact tracing. 

Our schools have offered weekly testing on campus since September. Through our partnership with Grapefruit Testing, the process is streamlined and provides quicker notice of COVID-positive test results for students enrolled in the program. Families who wish to enroll their students in the Grapefruit’s testing program will find the consent form here in English, and here in Spanish. 

Our primary aim is to keep schools open for students to attend and learn safely. According to our public health officials, for the majority of children, the risks from COVID-19 infection are outweighed by the known social and mental health harms of remote learning, even during the current Omicron surge.

We remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of our students and staff. We continue to  follow safety protocols, including masking and proper ventilation, to further reduce the risk of in-school COVID-19 transmission. We will continue to update our COVID-19 online dashboard and will provide updates to families when guidance from health officials changes. 

While the community spread continues, we appreciate your diligence in monitoring your students, keeping them home if they are symptomatic, and having them participate in weekly testing.

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Senator is “Hopeful for the Future” After School Visit

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

Update on California School Mask Mandate

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

Senator’s Visit Spotlights District Commitment to Student Wellness

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

No Change for Schools Yet as State Lifts Mask Mandate

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

District Program is Finalist for County-level Award

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

Survey Responses Impact School and District Decisions

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

District Survey: What’s Working? Needs Improvement?

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

Tell a Friend! TK Opens to Younger Students This Year

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

Local Vaccine Clinic January 26

Updated Wed, Apr 6th

Jan. 19: COVID-19 Update

Updated Tue, Oct 10th