The Grapevine
LVJUSD Superintendent's Newsletter - June 2024
End of Year Message From Superintendent Chris Van Schaack
Special Acknowledgement
At our district kickoff this year, I shared our theme of Growth & Gratitude. It was intended to be a memorable catchphrase that reminded our LVJUSD team of what we really wanted to strive for this year- growth in student achievement and expressions of gratitude for all who contribute to that success. That “all” is all of our staff- those who teach, lead, and support. As we end this year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our nearly 1,500 employees for their hard work and dedication this year. Their efforts made positive impacts on our students and on each other.
Highlights from Trimester Three
Please enjoy a recap of some of the activities, events, and student
achievements from our third trimester!
New LVJUSD Mental Health Campaign Takes Flight at Livermore Airport!
Our district is excited to announce the launch of “Elevate Your Mind: Fly to Wellness,” an innovative elementary counseling campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health and well-being. The theme of the campaign was inspired by a creative moment during a one-on-one counseling session between Arroyo Seco Elementary counselor, Marina Bunce, and a fifth-grade student. They began making paper airplanes that included positive affirmations written on the banners of the planes, symbolizing the uplifting power of kind words. This simple, yet profound concept quickly evolved into the "Fly to Wellness" campaign.
Thanks to a partnership with the Livermore Airport, a banner displaying student-made paper planes adorned with words of kindness and positivity is now proudly showcased in the Livermore Airport/ Elevation LVK lobby.
Granada High School’s Migrant Education Achieves Outstanding Success
The Granada High School Migrant Education debate teams, both English and Spanish, achieved significant milestones by qualifying for the 10th Annual Migrant Education State Speech and Debate Tournament in Monterey. At the tournament, the Spanish debate team distinguished itself by winning second place, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication under the leadership of coach John Thayer, who has been dedicated to coaching for the past six years.
Brittany, a standout member of the Spanish debate team, was also recently selected as the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Student of the Year. The SCCOE serves as the regional hub for Migrant Education representing the counties of Alameda, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. Brittany was recognized for her academic excellence, school leadership, and commitment to community service. Additionally, she volunteers as a Spanish tutor for elementary students after school, exemplifying the values of dedication and service.
Final Measure J Bond Projects Taking Shape Across District
Thoughtful planning, effective project management, diligent fiscal management, and careful oversight have been the hallmarks of success related to the facilities improvements made with Measure J bond funds since it was passed in 2016. Those efforts resulted in cost savings, the award of state bond matching funds, and the seeking of additional grants so that additional improvements (over and above the original Measure J project list) could be made districtwide. We’ve included some of those projects below. In addition to those projects, several of our schools will have aging heating and air conditioning systems replaced over the summer in order to be ready for use prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy
Made possible by state bond fund matching funds that were applied for and received by our district, the Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy project broke ground in May. This project includes the addition of two new STEAM classrooms, the redesign of existing classrooms to STEAM classrooms, new TK classrooms and outdoor play space, and a new drop-off and parking area. “We are excited for how these improvements will support our expanding STEAM magnet program, and create safer and more accessible spaces for our students,” expressed Principal Joe Meunier. Project completion is scheduled for Fall 2025.
Livermore High & Granada High Softball Fields
The 2024 Girls Softball EBAL Champions will look forward to playing their next season on a new softball field at Livermore High! A full transformation of the former freshman baseball field broke ground at the end of May to make way for a girls softball field which will be completed this winter, well ahead of the spring season.
Upgrades to the Granada softball field were completed earlier this spring just in time for the start of the season. Along with the ever-so-important, but unseen irrigation and subsurface drainage additions, updated elements included new turf, infield dirt, bases, backboards, and fence fabric.
We are excited to see both high school teams benefitting from necessary improvements to support their athletes and programs.
Looking to the Future
While we should all take pride in the improvements made through Measure J, it’s important to share that without additional funding, we will not be able to address the remaining repairs and improvements that exist at our schools. It will take the support of our community to pass a future local bond to continue the necessary improvements, repairs, and redesign of our school classrooms and facilities to address the modern educational and safety needs of our current and future students.
A Place for Everyone - Wellness Center Short Film
The Livermore High School (LHS) Wellness Center and Culture Keeper program have become models for wellness and supporting the mental health needs of students at school. Earlier this year, the LHS Wellness Center was selected to be the focus of the documentary short, “A Place for Everyone.” Developed and produced by Z-Cares, an organization whose mission is to encourage meaningful conversations about youth mental health while reducing the stigma throughout communities, the documentary stresses the importance of providing safe, supportive, and monitored spaces for students to receive mental health support at school. The film highlights our district’s prioritization and commitment to developing such spaces for our students.
We have included a link to “A Place for Everyone” below, and hope you will take time to watch and appreciate the students and staff who contributed to the making of this film. Mental Health Matters in Livermore isn’t just a saying we have, as this film represents our true commitment to the well-being of our students in our district.
Pedrozzi Foundation Awards Scholarships & Announces 2024 Young Scholars Cohort
This year, the Pedrozzi Foundation awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 139 Livermore students, 22% of whom will be the first in their families to attend college, in support of their post-secondary pursuits at community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities, graduate schools, and vocational schools. While the majority of scholarships are funded through an endowment established by the late Mario Pedrozzi, 30 of this year’s scholarships were funded through donations made by local residents and organizations in honor of peers, family members, and friends. Visit their website for a complete list of 2024 Pedrozzi Award recipients.
In partnership with Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy, the 2024 Young Scholars cohort was announced. Pedrozzi Young Scholars are selected during their fifth-grade year to enter into a mentoring program that supports students throughout their middle school and high school journeys. The program provides students with enrichment, engagement, exposure, and encouragement to help them realize and achieve their academic goals. To learn more about the program, visit the Pedrozzi Young Scholars web page.
2024 Pedrozzi Scholarship recipients
Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy 2024 Young Scholars Cohort
Livermore-Granada Boosters: Celebrating Scholar Athletes for 75 Years
Today, the Livermore-Granada Boosters organization might best be known for its Instagram feed; updated just about every day with new photos and videos from athletic competitions and recognitions across our district. A dedicated group of photographers volunteer hundreds of hours throughout the year to travel to home and away games in order to provide professional-quality photo and video content to our students, families, schools, and community free of charge on the Livermore-Granada Boosters website.
But long before the innovations of digital photography and video, the Livermore-Granada Boosters organization was founded (in 1949) to celebrate student-athletes who not only excel in athletics, but also model strong leadership, sportsmanship, civic-mindedness, and academic success. Each year, students apply to be among the 12 scholar-athletes selected as Olympian Finalists by the LG Boosters. Four winners are chosen (one male and one female athlete from both Granada and Livermore) and receive $2,500 scholarships; the remaining finalists receive $750 scholarships. Finalists are honored at a special luncheon and winners are announced at the annual Olympian Banquet celebrating varsity athletes and teams. Congratulations to this year’s honorees and thank you to the Livermore-Granada Boosters for supporting students for 75 years!
Photo (above): Front Row (left to right): Lauren Nguyen (GHS), Savannah Battaion (LHS), Sarah Deplitch (GHS), Anne Polaski (LHS), Saskia Raab (GHS), Jae Cosgriff (LHS)
Back Row (left to right): Jakob Blake (GHS), Parker Warner (GHS), NaVaughn Long (GHS), Aidan Chirica (LHS), Xavier Thorpe (LHS), Nathan Thompson
Photo courtesy of Livermore-Granada Boosters
Rotary Club of Livermore Honors Educators of the Year
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Livermore for your continuous support and acknowledgment of our outstanding teachers and administrators. Each year, principals nominate a top educator from their school and district leadership nominates a remarkable administrator to be recognized at a special Rotary luncheon at the Robert Livermore Community Center.
Photo (above): First row (left to right): Kathy Caporusso (Croce), Victoria Martinez (Joe Michell), Erin Grajeda (Junction), Emory Weingart (Del Valle), April Avila-Forde (Rancho), Julie Zawada (Lawrence), Lindsay Hearrean (Smith), Dominique Smith (Altamont Creek).
Second row (left to right): Frances Dillard (Granada), Cindy Eaton (Sunset), Emily Shull (Marylin), Lisa Wieland (Christensen), Roberta See (Mendenhall), Lauren Orth (East), Debbie Main (Jackson), Kristie Starkovich (Principal, Lawrence), David Carter (Livermore), Mark Cameron (Vineyard). Not pictured: Stefanie Beutler (Arroyo Seco)
Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Livermore
Livermore Management Association Recognizes Students, Staff, and Partners
Each year, the Livermore Management Association (LMA), whose membership includes district and school administrators, recognizes outstanding students, staff, and community members at an annual breakfast awards ceremony. This year’s recognitions included:
First Generation Scholarship Recipients: Andrea Aguilar (Del Valle Continuation High School); Joe Carmona (Granada High School); and Kathryn Johnson (Livermore High School)
Community Service Scholarship Recipients: Madison Lai (Granada High School); Rohan Samtani (Livermore High School); and Jay Traugott (Vineyard Alternative School)
Teacher of the Year: Dayana Albornoz (Lawrence Elementary School)
Classified Employee of the Year: Belen Thompson (Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy)
Administrator of the Year: Jeremy Vilkins (Vice Principal, Junction Avenue TK-8)
President’s Award: Liisa Hanninen-Danner, PhD (Wellness Coordinator)
Friend of Education: Dan Bergmann (TOPS Science)
Please enjoy the video highlighting this year’s recipients.
Class is Dismissed! Celebrating our 2023-24 Retirees
A celebration was held at the Robert Livermore Community Center on May 22 for our retirees and guests. Entertainment was enjoyed by all from Granada High School’s string quartet and the Livermore High choir. Tables were decorated with floral arrangements designed by Livermore High’s Floriculture classes, and 16-foot grazing tables and dessert bars were overflowing with sweet and savory treats courtesy of Del Valle’s Culinary Academy and culinary arts classes at Granada and Livermore.
These special individuals will always be part of the LVJUSD family. Please enjoy the following video as a tribute to our LVJUSD 2023-24 retirees!
Summer Enrichment Opportunities in our Community
Keeping students engaged in learning and physical activity over the summer is important for their physical and mental health, and helps to keep their educational gains in reading and math strong. We are lucky to live in a community that has so many opportunities to have fun, stay active, and continue learning. Check out our mini guide with links to educational, recreational, and volunteer opportunities in our community including the Livermore Library’s Summer Learning Program, LARPD recreation guide and swim schedule, and more!
Dates to Remember!
June 6: Last day of school
August 13: First day of school
September 2: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
The 2024-25 District calendar is available: 2024-25 District calendar
To be notified of upcoming events, be sure to download the Livermore Schools app from the App Store or from Google Play. Follow your schools, and see all of the calendar dates through the app.
For site-specific information on events and celebrations, please visit school websites.
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
Website: www.livermoreschools.org
Facebook: facebook.com/livermoreschools
Instagram: @LivermoreSchools
Email: communityengagement@lvjusd.org
Location: 685 East Jack London Boulevard, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-3200
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