San Juan Scene - April 1, 2025

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San Juan Unified will be celebrating its 12th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at San Juan High School’s theatre. This ceremony recognizes individuals within our school communities who exhibit exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all.

This year’s honorees are:

• Taya Baggett - Student, Cameron Ranch Elementary School

• Sonia Botello - School/Community Worker, Dyer-Kelly Elementary School

• Kristi Char - Teacher, Mira Loma High School

• Sara Opeyany - Teacher, Lichen K-8

• Anna Stellmacher - Student, Rio Americano High School

• Baryalai Talash - Instructional Assistant, Mira Loma High School

Learn more about this event on the Spirit of San Juan webpage and RSVP here.

The San Juan Unified School District’s You Light The Way awards ceremony will honor the outstanding individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the district's special education programs.

The entire San Juan Unified community is invited to attend this special recognition on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. at San Juan High School and will honor the following:

• Baily Bowden, Teacher, Will Rogers Middle School

• Shane Molaison, Teacher, Harry Dewey Fundamental Elementary School

• Samrita Naidu, Student, Rio Americano High School

• Jody Presto, Teacher, Orangevale Open K-8

• Parker Levine Scheidegger, Student, Rio Americano High School

• James & Monique Moraga, Sarah Medal, Ralph Richardson PTA

San Juan Unified School District’s updated Facilities Master Plan (FMP) is setting the standard for school facility planning, recently earning the Award of Excellence from the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH). Recognized for its accessibility, adaptability and data-driven approach, the plan serves as a long-term roadmap for facility improvements across the district and aligns with the district’s Strategic Plan to ensure safe, modern and innovative learning environments.

The updated Facilities Master Plan is the result of extensive community and staff engagement, incorporating feedback from students, families and staff to ensure it accurately reflects the needs and priorities of the community. Over the course of the planning process, the district hosted numerous workshops and conducted surveys, allowing for meaningful participation in shaping the future of school facilities.

San Juan Unified School District is offering a variety of summer programs designed to support student learning and provide enriching experiences.

From Camp Kinder, which helps incoming kindergarten students prepare for their first year of school, to Career Technical Education (CTE) enrichment programs that introduce students to hands-on career pathways, there are opportunities for learners of all ages.

Families are encouraged to visit www.sanjuan.edu/summer for details on available programs. The webpage will be updated regularly as new opportunities and information become available.

Held on March 14, this year's Sports-A-Rama continued the long-standing legacy of class pride and athletic prowess. The event, which features 54 students from each class competing in various individual, group and team events, is more than just an athletic competition — it is a full-scale production.

From school spirit contests like the bleacher poster, uniform design, stomp entrance and finale skit to high-intensity sporting events, the night showcased both creativity and competition.

She’s energetic, bubbly and an advocate; just a few words used to describe Mesa Verde High School student Janessa Pena.

As Pena transitioned into high school and was introduced to the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at Mesa Verde, she became interested in the Business Academy. Through the program, she learned about the pathways to becoming a business entrepreneur. However, her journey shifted when she was introduced to the United States Navy.

As a team player, Pena has learned to become a motivator, but also become confident in herself and handling difficult situations. Pena also understood the importance of asking for help, and at Mesa Verde she was able to identify staff members that she could trust.

Three Pershing Elementary School students made history after placing first, second and third place in an annual Water Awareness Poster Contest – the first time that Pershing students have won all top prizes in the competition.

The contest, hosted by several local water districts, challenged students to illustrate the theme “The Traveling Water Droplet.”

Pershing art teacher Maureen Keene encouraged her students to explore their own interpretations of the theme, leading to a variety of unique designs.

“I was thinking of the water cycle, but I wanted to open it to their thoughts because they had some ideas I would have never thought of,” she said. “One of my students, for example, thought about how someone from California may be drinking the same water that someone from Asia did.”