East Side Connect - April 2024

Hello East Side,

We are nearing the final months of the school year! I for one am looking forward to the graduation of the Class of 2024! It has been inspiring to see our community come together and embrace and overcome the challenges we faced this year in support of reaching equitable communities throughout the East Side. Thank you for being a part of the work and supporting every student, every day.

We still have a month left of school and I wanted to share a few key updates with you.

Spring Family Survey Closing Soon!

There’s just a few days left to participate in our District’s 2024 Spring Family Climate Survey. This survey asks for your input on how well your school communicates important information, provides opportunities for your participation, involves you in decision-making, and offers appropriate student support. Participate by April 30th at bit.ly/ESUHSD2024SFS

Family Engagement Video Series

We deeply value engaging families in every aspect of a student's education - and as shared in our Family Engagement Conference, we developed a video series related to Family & Community Engagement to provide you with on-demand resources to support your student when needed. Visit www.esuhsd.org/familyengagement for the full video series. Videos are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

“Getting College Ready Webinar”

I am excited to invite you to our "Getting College Ready Webinar" in partnership with San Jose State University. This webinar will provide information about California State University admission requirements and the premiere Spartan East Side Promise Program. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or student, this webinar will offer deeper knowledge to help you navigate the college application process with confidence. RSVP at bit.ly/ready4sjsu

Let’s finish this school year off strong East Side!

Sincerely,

Glenn Vander Zee

Among the business discussed during the Board Meeting on April 18, 2024, the Board of Trustees:

• Approved a Supplemental Early Retirement Plan for Employees

• Received a Safety and Positive School Climate Task Force Update

View the Full Board Agenda

The Board Received an update regarding the work of the Safety and Positive School Climate Task Force. Among the highlights are that:

• ESUHSD will host a meeting with the Safety and Positive School Climate Task Force and West Ed audit to develop comprehensive safety audits

• ESUHSD held 42 LCAP Community meetings where the community has weighed in on proactive and preventative approaches to school discipline

• ESUHSD will continue to introduce single or monitored multi-points of entry study (fencing, gating, and processes for entry during school hours)

• This includes fencing perimeter at James Lick High School

• ESUHSD’s team will continue to engage with security entities and possible supports, as well as develop employee supervision training. This includes:

• clarification on composition of School Safety Committees

• continuing to develop clear and consistent consequences for disruptive behaviors and follow through

• continuing to identify and implement training for staff in de-escalation during verbal and physical disturbances

• ESUHSD also will plan training with San Jose Police Department for greater collaboration

View the Full Presentation

Theater Quad

Both the Free Application for Financial Aid and California Dream Act Application have extended their deadlines for financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year. The state priority deadline in California is now May 2, 2024.

If you need support completing your FAFSA or CADAA application, you could attend a FREE Cash for College Workshop offered throughout San Jose. These are organized by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) whose mission is to help low-income and first-generation college-goers complete the application process so they can access financial aid for education and career/technical training beyond high school.

Explore free Cash for College Workshops near you!

• Cash for College Workshop

Additional Details on ESUHSD’s Website

Created by the State of California, CalKIDS provides up to $1,500 in free money for eligible school-aged children to help kickstart their savings for future college and career training expenses.*

Your child may already have an account established in their name. Claiming your child’s college savings account is quick and easy! Visit CalKIDS.org and have the information listed below handy.

See your transcript or speak with a counselor to find your Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) (This will be different from your ESUHSD Student Number).

Visit the CalKIDS Website for Details

The East Side Union High School District awards the "Go For It" Scholarships each year to students who are continuing to higher education. There are 17 awards in total - one, $2000 for each high school.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on the following criteria:

• Financial need

• Academic achievement - GPA above 2.5

• Participation in extracurricular activities

• Service to school/community
  
  

Go For It! Application