As we approach the end of the school year, May offers us a meaningful opportunity to pause and express our gratitude. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the many people who help shape our school community with care and commitment.
First and foremost, thank you to our incredible staff. Every day, they create safe, welcoming spaces where our students can succeed. Whether through a thoughtful note, a few minutes of your time, or a kind word in passing, I encourage you to show them your appreciation. These small gestures go a long way.
This month, we also honor the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures whose love and strength form the foundation of our families. Their influence is felt deeply in our children’s lives, and we celebrate all they do to support our community.
Thank you for all the ways you show up for one another. Let’s carry this spirit of appreciation forward as we close out the year together.
With appreciation,
Dr. Michael McLaughlin
Superintendent, San Leandro Unified School District
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We've received some questions from families wondering if universal free meals will continue next school year, and the answer is YES! All students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch every day.
Even better, thanks to our strong partnerships with local farms, we will continue to offer fresh, organic, and locally grown fruits and vegetables as part of our meal program. These relationships help us bring nutritious, delicious options straight to your child's tray.
We encourage all families to take advantage of the tasty and healthy meals served daily at your school. It’s a great way to fuel learning and support well-being, at no cost to you!
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At the April SLUSD School Board meeting, the Superintendent’s Award was proudly presented to David Lee, a 5th grader from Jefferson Elementary. David exemplifies what it means to lead with both strength and sensitivity. He brings kindness and empathy to every interaction, creating a space where others feel seen, heard, and valued. A gifted scholar with a sharp mind and an eagerness to learn, David embraces challenges with courage and determination. We are incredibly proud of our ROARing Jaguar! |
From left to right: Ayushree Dahal and Juliana Li. |
From left to right: Coach Sadaf Zahoor, Ayushree Dahal, and Juliana Li. |
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San Leandro High School juniors Ayushree Dahal and Juliana Li recently competed in the National Parliamentary Debate League Tournament of Champions, one of the nation’s most prestigious high school debate events. Featuring only the top-ranked teams from across the United States, this tournament represents the highest level of excellence in parliamentary debate.
Their qualification reflects months of student-led work through the San Leandro High School Speech and Debate Club, supported by advisor Ms. Berry, coach Sadaf Zahoor, and AnnMarie Baines from the local nonprofit The Practice Space. As team captain, Ayushree has been a driving force in organizing practices, mentoring teammates, and expanding access to debate. She shares, "It is critical for me to have a team at my school because of the number of underrepresented voices present. Debate as an activity is not very diverse, but our school is. It is important to me to develop community advocates who actually represent the communities they advocate for."
At the Berman Invitational, the team earned finalist awards in the Spanish division thanks to students from the SLHS AP Spanish class, whom Ayushree invited. Ayushree also served as a judge at the event. They also reached the quarterfinals at the UC Berkeley Cal Invitational, where Ayushree was recognized as the sixth-best speaker.
With no full-time coach and limited resources, these students have built an inspiring, award-winning team!
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Our hearts are still dancing after the 2025 Expanded Learning Enrichment Showcase! Held on April 26 at the San Leandro High School Art Education Center, this vibrant event celebrated student creativity, culture, and community. With incredible performances from cheer squads, folklórico and ballet groups, martial artists, drummers, and hip-hop dancers, students from across SLUSD lit up the stage in two exciting shows. Huge thanks to our Expanded Learning team, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro, and all the families and educators who made this joyful day possible! |
Students from Fabiola Fernandez’s Kindergarten class at Garfield Elementary wowed a panel of Bay Area investors during their Shark Tank-style presentations. Over three days, our youngest entrepreneurs presented their innovative ideas with confidence, creativity, and heart, showcasing the incredible results of their project-based learning journey. These students will also host a Business Fair during Garfield’s Open House. This popular event is not only a highlight of the year, but also a fantastic fundraiser. We're so proud of our future business leaders! |
A huge thank you to the incredible teachers, staff, and families whose dedication made both the 5th grade Science Camp at NatureBridge in the Marin Headlands and Ms. Mae’s engaging science projects at Halkin possible. We are especially grateful to the 5th grade team and office staff, who spent months planning every detail to ensure a meaningful experience for all of our students, whether they were exploring the coast or diving into hands on science at school. |
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Family Literacy Night at Jefferson Elementary was a wonderful evening filled with learning and connection. Teachers shared practical and fun literacy strategies that families can use at home to support their young readers, and families had the chance to engage in hands-on activities together. It was a great reminder of the power of reading and the strength of our school community! |
Madison Elementary’s inaugural Science Exposition, themed “Climate Change and Action,” was a powerful and engaging way for students, families, and staff to come together in celebration of Earth Day. The event showcased student-led projects, hands-on experiments, and interactive displays that highlighted the urgent challenges of climate change and the innovative solutions our young scientists are already exploring. From creative art installations made from recycled materials to presentations on renewable energy, the exposition empowered students to connect their learning to real-world environmental action while inspiring our entire school community to be part of the change. |
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McKinley Elementary had a blast at the Lawrence Hall of Science Phenomenal Physics Festival assembly! Transitional kindergarten through fifth-grade students engaged in hands-on exploration and interactive play as they discovered the wonders of physics. It was a joyful day of learning, curiosity, and fun! |
A visiting artist from MOCHA (Museum of Children’s Art) is partnering with every class at Monroe Elementary to create art inspired by our school-wide theme, “Our Planet is Our Home.” Students are using their creativity to explore what it means to care for and protect our world through meaningful, hands-on projects. |
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Roosevelt 3rd graders transformed their classroom into a lively restaurant for The Best Meal Ever Project. After weeks of tasting, cooking, and learning about food and nutrition, including an interview with SLUSD Food Services Director Clell Hoffman, students set out to answer the question: “What is the best meal ever?” Families enjoyed student made dishes and presentations, served with pride and joy. |
Soul Food Night at Washington Elementary was a wonderful success! Our community came together to share delicious homemade dishes, enjoy live music, and spend quality time with one another. It was a warm and joyful evening that celebrated connection, culture, and community spirit. |
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Get ready to travel through time at Bancroft Middle School’s Civilizations of the World Faire on Wednesday, May 21st, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM! This exciting evening will feature student projects, live performances by groups like Vikings of Bjornstad and Tatsumaki Taiko, games, and delicious food from around the world. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate cultures past and present with the whole community. |
John Muir Middle School was all smiles and tail wags as the Valley Humane Society returned for another year of therapy dog visits in the library during lunch. Students and staff couldn’t wait to cuddle up with their furry friends. These visits are beloved tradition that brings joy, calm, and lots of belly rubs to our campus. |
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San Leandro High School Prom 2025 was a truly elegant evening for our Pirates, held in the stunning setting of San Francisco City Hall. Our students rose to the occasion with style and spirit, celebrating their accomplishments and the close of a remarkable year that is approaching quickly. Huge thanks to the staff, student leaders, and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this unforgettable night possible! |
Lincoln High School has been hosting a 4-on-4 basketball tournament, organized by Coach Eddie, our campus supervisor, and PE teacher Mr. Gordon. Teams are bringing their best game as everyone wants to be crowned champions of Lincoln! |
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The SLVA Sharks had an incredible Art Day at Toyon Park! Students unleashed their creativity by designing and launching paper rockets, all while enjoying time together in the sunshine. It was a fun-filled day of art, imagination, and connection in the great outdoors. |
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Many young people face mental health challenges, and families often need help navigating them. You're not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
San Leandro Unified offers free, confidential help through Care Solace, making it easy to connect with mental health care providers.
Let’s care for one another—this month and every month.
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May is a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, histories, and lasting contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. From language and food to dance, storytelling, and activism, AAPI voices continue to shape our world in powerful ways. This month, we reflect on that legacy and invite our community to engage with and elevate these enduring traditions. |
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Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the enduring resilience and remarkable contributions of Jewish Americans throughout history. From music, literature, and science to social justice movements and community leadership, Jewish Americans have helped shape the fabric of our nation. This month, we honor that legacy and invite our community to learn from and uplift Jewish voices and stories. |
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Join us in celebrating and showing our appreciation for the fantastic work of our staff members who help make sure our students and families know they belong in SLUSD!
Thank you all for supporting a culture of appreciation every day of the year!
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The SLUSD School Board proudly celebrated the incredible students, staff, and families from John Muir Middle School, along with Monroe, Madison, Halkin, and Garfield Elementary Schools. The evening was filled with unforgettable student performances and powerful stories that show why SLUSD continues to be the district of choice.
A special shout-out to our 2024–2025 SLUSD Star Volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference in our schools:
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John Muir Middle School: Natasha Martinez
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Garfield Elementary School: Maria Luisa Vazquez
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Halkin Elementary School: Brisa Arcos
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Madison Elementary School: Jessica Le
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Monroe Elementary School: Jane Gladney
Thank you to all our volunteers and school communities for making the magic happen every day.
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Volunteer of the Year, John Muir Middle School |
Volunteer of the Year, Garfield Elementary School |
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Volunteer of the Year, Halkin Elementary |
Volunteer of the Year, Madison Elementary |
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Volunteer of the Year, Monroe Elementary |
Ballet Folklorico dancers from Halkin Elementary |
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Ukulele performers from Garfield Elementary |
The Village Method performers from Madison Elementary |
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Pallen’s Martial Arts demo by Monroe Elementary after-school students. |
Mandarin Dual Language Immersion student performers from Madison Elementary |
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Parent Learning Series: Special Needs Family Landing Pad 2024-2025
Tuesday, May 6, 2025⋅5:00 – 6:00pm
The Special Needs Family Landing Pad is a welcoming space dedicated to supporting families of students with special needs. It offers resources, guidance, and a sense of community to help navigate the unique challenges and celebrate the achievements of their children. Whether you’re seeking information, connections, or a place to share experiences, the Landing Pad is here to provide a foundation of support and understanding for our families.
SLUSD Family Landing Pad
Wednesday, May 7, 2025⋅ 5:00 – 6:00pm
TOPIC: It’s a Wrap, Ending the Year Strong
With just weeks to go, we will open up community space to share resources, plans and activities for the Summer. We will recap our learning from the year. And we will celebrate this incredible San Leandro Parent/Caregiver community. And we will do this all in a virtual town square format. The session is open to all San Leandro parents/caregivers with TK-12th grade students. Raffle Prizes! Spanish and Chinese translations will be provided
Family Landing Pad Friend & Family Celebration
Wednesday, May 28, 2025⋅5:00 – 7:30pm
IN PERSON: San Leandro High School – Fred T. Korematsu Campus
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San Leandro Unified School District
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