VCUSD Insider
Dear VCUSD families and friends,
Welcome back from a well-deserved spring break!
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, excitement and anticipation are in the air. Students will soon begin preparing for state testing in May, followed by the long-awaited promotion and commencement ceremonies that celebrate their hard work and achievements. Though the coming weeks may be busy, they also offer an incredible chance to showcase growth, persevere through challenges, and look forward to the promise of new beginnings. Let’s embrace this season with enthusiasm and finish the year on a strong note!
It’s certainly been a full and busy spring for us at the district. As you know, the Board’s decision to close two schools and reduce the budget by $12.8 million has been a major undertaking and has understandably stirred strong feelings. Still, these actions are vital to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for our district and to maintain financial independence from the state. Ultimately, this puts us on a path to become even stronger and more effective for our students. We realize these changes have real impacts on our community, and we remain committed to sharing clear next steps and action plans. By working together and supporting each other, we can make the months ahead—leading into the new school year—as seamless a transition as possible.
Rubén Aurelio
Superintendent
Vallejo City Unified School District
VHS Celebrates Inclusion with Basketball Game
On Thursday, March 20, Vallejo High School celebrated inclusion, teamwork, and sportsmanship at the Second Annual Special Olympics Northern California Unified Sports Basketball Game! Students of all abilities hit the court in Bottari Gym at VHS showing us the true spirit of Unified Sports—where everyone gets a chance to shine.
Federal Terrace's Toddler Program Now Enrolling
Our Child Development Toddler Program is designed to nurture respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships that support your child's growth in a secure and loving environment. Guided by research-based frameworks like the Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC) and Resources for Infant Educators (RIE), our dedicated teachers and aides provide developmentally appropriate caregiving. By embracing respectful interactions, responsive caregiving, and reciprocal relationships, we create a foundation where toddlers feel safe, empowered, and ready to thrive. Enroll now!
VHS Students Train Staff on Use of Narcan
Students from the Vallejo High School Health Careers Pathway, in partnership with Drug Safe Solano are taking action against the opioid crisis. Every year, these students receive Narcan training to respond to opioid overdoses, and now they’re paying it forward.
As part of their Medical Careers Class, these future healthcare professionals are equipping VHS teachers and staff with the knowledge and tools to respond to opioid or fentanyl overdoses. Recognizing the importance of this initiative, VHS administration dedicated part of a staff meeting day to ensure all teachers receive Narcan training and a box of Narcan to have on hand. Education saves lives, and these students are leading the way!
VCUSD announces the appointment of Kristen Hardy as its new executive director of special education. Hardy brings more than 20 years of experience in special education, program development, and school administration, with a deep commitment to inclusive and equitable education.
In this role, Hardy will oversee special education services across the district, including all programs for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through age 22, ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality support tailored to their needs. Special education plays a critical role in VCUSD’s mission to provide equitable access to education, and Hardy’s leadership will strengthen the district’s ability to serve diverse learners effectively. Read more.
Certificated Employee of the Year
Classified Employee of the Year
The last couple of months have brought tremendous uncertainty to public education and our community—our neighbors, students, and ourselves. Some students, families, staff, and community members feel afraid and at risk right now. They worry about immigration status, gender identity, job security, access to supportive services, or personal health. We will not allow fear to stop us from being the district we are.
Our communications team created a new webpage that shares resources, including multilingual “Know Your Rights” cards. This site is regularly updated and will include more resources for our local communities. The district is also seeking additional resources, information, and guidance from the state education department. Read more.
As an ethnic studies teacher at Jesse Bethel High School, Lozano brings history, culture, and identity to life in her classroom, inspiring students to embrace their roots while exploring the world around them. A Vallejo native and proud VCUSD alumna, Lozano attended Cave Language Academy and Wardlaw Elementary, Springstowne Junior High, and was part of the first graduating class of Jesse Bethel High School in 2001. Lozano pursued teaching out of a lifelong love of learning and a deep commitment to giving back to the schools that shaped her. Now in her fifth year at Jesse Bethel, she continues empowering her students with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a sense of pride in their diverse backgrounds.
Learn more about what drives her as an educator, her favorite classroom moments, and her advice for new teachers entering the field.
We are looking for passionate, qualified professionals committed to empowering students and shaping their futures!
Explore our highlighted job openings below, or visit our website for a full list of available positions, application deadlines, and details on our competitive benefits.
Be part of a team that makes a difference every day!
Aeries
Have you logged into Aeries yet? Aeries is a browser-based student information platform accessible at any time. Parents have access to a comprehensive overview of their student’s grades, attendance, progress, disciplinary records, and well-being, all at their fingertips. It also offers multi-lingual support to accommodate a variety of users. If you need additional help, please contact your school for assistance or check out our FAQs on our website.