East Side Connect - September 2023

Dear East Side Community,

Welcome to the first edition of ESUHSD's East Side Connect!

This year our district's student-centered priorities remain steadfast: building equitable communities, increasing college and career readiness, and providing a safe and welcoming school environment for all. I would also like to share that there remains work ahead - we will be convening a diverse community of staff, parents, and community partners to address all aspects of a safe school environment and to provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue with our community.

As we work to have all of our students prepared for college and career - I want to re-introduce you to the Spartan East Side Promise. The Promise is an agreement between San Jose State University and the schools of East Side Union School District, that any student who meets the A-G criteria with a total GPA of 2.5 or higher and applies to San Jose State University before November 30 is guaranteed admission. It is a unique and powerful promise for our students and I encourage you to take advantage of it.

We will also be hosting a district wide College Fair taking place September 18th at Independence High School. Here we will provide valuable information and connections to post-secondary education and career pathways - I invite you to join us.

I am confident that, together, we can make this school year one of growth, achievement, and inclusivity. I look forward to a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead!

Sincerely,

Glenn Vander Zee

Superintendent

East Side Union High School District

Among the business discussed during the Board Meeting on September 7, 2023, the Board of Trustees:

• Received Public Comment on Campus Safety and Student Discipline

• Approved the Annual Report for the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee

View the Full Board Agenda for September 7, 2023

http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/esuhsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CU48LX1EE2D8

Among the business discussed during the Board Meeting on August 17, 2023 the Board of Trustees:

• Received a presentation on Food Services

View the Full Board Agenda for August 17, 2023

http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/esuhsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CU48RF1EE6C3

Community members, staff, students, and parents addressed the Board of Trustees during Public Comment. The most prevalent topic speakers addressed was campus safety. At the meeting, speakers expressed a wide range of viewpoints and possible solutions, including both for and against SROs, stronger perimeter fencing, more concrete discipline policies and practices, and student focused-programs.

Board Member Lorena Chavez shared “the common thread here is safety and the need and the right to feel and be safe where we work and learn. When events like these occur, every viewpoint has to be heard and considered.” The Board directed ESUHSD’s Administration to “immediately develop a process for the convening of stakeholders to all address all aspects of campus security, provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue with, and input by stakeholders, especially in the James Lick community.”

From this direction, ESUHSD will:

• Convene community partners to identify safety issues and identify solutions

• Present findings to the Board of Trustees at an upcoming Board meeting

The Board of Trustees received a presentation from Barry Schimmel, Chair of the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC), on the CBOC’s Annual Report. The CBOC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 details how community tax dollars have been used to prepare ESUHSD campus communities for success.

See the Annual Report

The Board of Trustees received a presentation on Child Nutrition Services from Julie Kasberger, Director of General Services. Among the highlights are:

• Daily participation in meal services has increased significantly from pre-COVID
• ESUHSD has received $3.2 million of grant funding to support healthy student meals
• This funding has been used to bring freshly cooked new meals - including new salads and parfaits pictured below

See the Full Presentation

View the Lunch Menu and Nutrition Information

Help Expand Food Services by Filling Out an Income Eligibility Form

In Fall of 2022, 658 students from the Class of 2022 Enrolled in San Jose State University through the East Side Promise Program - a 50% increase of ESUHSD students enrolling in SJSU compared to before the East Side Promise began. Congratulations to those making good on the promise!

You can be one too!

The Spartan East Side Promise Program is a collaboration between ESUHSD and San Jose State University to offer guaranteed admission to San Jose State University for students from East Side Union High School District who meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to qualify for the Spartan East Side Promise Program, students must meet all of the following criteria.

• Attend an Eligible School in East Side Union High School District

• Complete All A-G Requirements with a C- or Better

• TIP: See sjsu.edu/admissions for more information about your A to G course requirements or speak with your high school counselor.

• Meet or exceed the CSU Eligibility Requirements

• Apply to SJSU at calstate.edu/apply/freshman by November 30 of Senior Year

• TIP: Apply early - applications open October 1!

Learn more at San Jose State University's Website.

On September 18, 2023 Independence High School will host a districtwide College Fair.

All high school students and their parents are welcome to attend.

Meet college representatives and attend workshops!

Monday, September 18, 2023

5:00 - 8:00 PM

617 N. Jackson Ave.

San Jose, CA 95133

bit.ly/23CollegeNightESUHSD

Each year, the Association for California School Administrators (ACSA) recognizes one student from each geographic region for overcoming the odds and achieving success.

Congratulations to ACSA Region 8 Every Student Succeeding winner Caleb Barefield! Caleb is a senior at Santa Teresa High School Senior and is part of the Silicon Valley Career and Technical Education Program at the Metro Education District.

Caleb’s love of baking started at a young age. Despite facing challenges due to his autism diagnosis, Caleb enrolled in the culinary program at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education. In the chaotic and bustling kitchen, Caleb initially struggled to adjust to his new environment. But with the support of his educators and classmates, he gained confidence and independence. Through hard work and perseverance, Caleb accomplished his goal of passing the food safety certification. His dream is to pursue a career in the culinary industry. Congratulations on the award Caleb!

Email: mediarelations@esuhsd.org
Website: https://www.esuhsd.org/
Location: 830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 408-347-5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastsideunionhsd