San Juan Scene - Jan. 7, 2025

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San Juan Scene - Jan. 7, 2025 Date

News for San Juan Unified - Jan. 7, 2025

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Investing in Our Future: Empowering Employees, Supporting Students

San Juan Unified is proud to invest in our incredible staff through innovative programs like the Teacher Residency Program. This initiative supports career growth, strengthens workforce diversity, and ensures our educators reflect the vibrant communities they serve.


Plus, take a look at the new Katherine Johnson Middle School—a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire learning, growth, and collaboration. This school is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the bright future we’re building together.


Visit our website to read a special message from Superintendent Bassanelli about how we’re shaping a stronger future—together.

Nominations are now open for our annual Spirit of San Juan Awards

San Juan Unified will celebrate its 12th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards this year, honoring those who exemplify exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all.


Do you know a student who has been a role model for others? A group that has made a difference for our students this past year? An educator whose dedication shines through their work, no matter the setting?


Nominate them for a Spirit of San Juan award and help recognize their outstanding contributions in our district this year. Visit sanjuan.edu/spirit to nominate someone today! Nominations are due Feb. 7.

Board of Education welcomes two new members

San Juan Unified School District held a special ceremony on Dec. 17 to welcome new and returning members to the Board of Education. Pam Costa (Area 2) started her fourth term, while Nick Bloise (Area 4) and Abid Stanekzai (Area 1) joined the board for the first time.


At the meeting, Ben Avey (Area 6) was chosen as president for 2025. Tanya Kravchuk (Area 5) was selected as vice president, and Manuel Perez (Area 7) will be the clerk.


Read more about San Juan Unified’s new board members here.

Share your perspective about your school and district

San Juan Unified would like to invite parents and students to take the San Juan Unified annual district climate survey. Your feedback is vital and informs school and district leaders of the changes needed in their communities. The deadline for the survey is Feb. 7.


Surveys are available online in several languages at:


We greatly value your feedback and thank you in advance for your participation.

Katherine Johnson Middle School’s new campus is ready for take-off

Katherine Johnson Middle School welcomed its campus in a way that can only be described as, “out of this world!”


On Dec. 19, families, staff and community members gathered at the school’s new campus location to launch a rocket in honor of new beginnings, and the school’s namesake. Attendees explored the new campus, including their students’ new classroom locations, administrative office and library after the ceremony. Each student was given an autobiography of Katherine Johnson as a commemorative keepsake of their campus grand opening.


Read more.

San Juan Unified’s open enrollment period open through Jan. 24

San Juan Unified’s open enrollment period ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. During this time, you can submit an application to have your student attend a school other than their neighborhood school as long as there is space available and you are willing to provide transportation for your student.


Families can now log in to Parent Portal to view your child’s assigned school for the next school year to help you decide whether to participate in open enrollment. As soon as you log in to Parent Portal, you will see both your child’s school for this school year and their assigned school for the next school year (2025-26) listed just below (see detailed instructions below). No further action is needed if you are satisfied with your child’s assigned school for the next school year. If you would like to apply to make a change, you can complete an open enrollment lottery application.


Because open enrollment is a computer-generated lottery and not approved on a first-come, first-served basis, you can submit your application at any time during the open enrollment period. Applications are available online at www.sanjuan.edu/openenrollment and at the San Juan Central office, located at 3700 Garfield Ave. in Carmichael.

Meraki student’s hard work leads to dozens of college acceptances

12th-grade student Alexandra Thomas has found herself in a unique situation that many of her fellow students dream of: Thomas has been accepted into 15 colleges so far, with millions of dollars in scholarships to go along with it.


The colleges that Thomas has been accepted to span the entire country, and include Knox College in Illinois, Willamette University in Oregon, Sonoma State in California and Beloit College in Wisconsin.


Thomas, a student at Meraki High School, credits the independent study format of her school, as well as the rich learning experiences and a broad course of study offered throughout the San Juan Unified School District, as a key factor in helping to land her where she is today.


Read more about Alexandra Thomas’ story.

What's happening this month

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Stay informed on what’s happening in your school district! Students, parents, staff and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend the following Board of Education and committee meetings:


  • Facilities Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Jan. 7 at the District Office Board Room at 6:30 p.m.

  • Board of Education - Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the District Office Board Room at 6:30 p.m.

  • Curriculum, Standards, Instructional & Student Services Committee Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the District Office Board Room at 6:30 p.m.

  • Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the District Office Board Room at 6 p.m.

  • Board of Education - Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the District Office Board Room at 6:30 p.m.


To keep up to date on all the committee meetings or to learn more about each committee, visit sanjuan.edu/committees.

Upcoming workshops and events for families in January

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Families are invited to these upcoming workshops and events in January:


  • Visit a Community Care Hub to access free district and community resources, learning tools, school supplies, food boxes, diapers and more.

    • Jan. 23 at San Juan Central (3700 Garfield Ave. in Carmichael) from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

    • Jan. 30 at Northridge Elementary School (5150 Cocoa Palm Way in Fair Oaks) from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

  • Attend the Keys to High School Success workshop on Thursday, Jan. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. Learn important information to help middle school students transition smoothly into high school.

  • Attend the Supporting Read Aloud at Home workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. Learn practical strategies that families can use to strengthen their student’s reading and writing skills, while encouraging a love of reading.

  • Participate in the Loving Solutions series starting Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. (and meets weekly) at Thomas Kelly Elementary School. This workshop is designed by parents, for parents raising strong-willed children ages 4 to 12 years old.


Learn more about these upcoming events at www.sanjuan.edu/face.


Families can also visit the video library to watch a video to learn ways to help their students navigate the internet safely. Visit sanjuan.edu/famlilyed to view the video.

Family tip of the month: Nurture a love of reading

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Students who like to read do more of it. In the process, they build reading skills and overall learning power. To encourage reading enjoyment:


  • Make reading an event. Choose books together at the library, then go for a tasty snack and read them.

  • Branch out. Read a variety of kinds of books together. If your child usually reads fiction, try a biography. Or, help your child find a new book series to start.

  • Inspire curiosity. Ask your child an interesting question. “How did our town get its name?” Help your child find out by reading

San Juan Unified School District
www.sanjuan.edu

The San Juan Scene electronic newsletter delivers monthly school and district information to parents, students, staff and community members. Click here to view previous editions of San Juan Scene.