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Shaping Our Future: February SLUSD Update!
 
SAN LEANDRO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
"Making Excellence Our Tradition"
February, 2024

(Conceptual rendering of the new library, music building, and student union at San Leandro High School)

Dear SLUSD Community,

An important matter is approaching: Measure J on the March 5th ballot. This measure seeks funding for further improvements in our schools. Over the past decade, we've made significant strides by upgrading classrooms, incorporating new technology, and creating better learning environments. These enhancements have greatly benefited our students' learning experiences. Funding from Measure J would enable us to continue these improvements.

For a detailed understanding of Measure J and its impact, we've outlined some plans in this update. However, we recommend contacting your school leaders for more specific information regarding your school. Their insights will assist you in making an informed choice when voting.

We also want to highlight that February is Black History Month, offering us the opportunity to elevate the narratives, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. We invite our community to engage with educational programs, music, and art to enrich our understanding of our shared history. These efforts in February, and continuing throughout the year, enhance our children's understanding of African American history and culture and add depth to their ongoing education.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement!

Warm regards,

Dr. Mike McLaughlin
Superintendent


FACTS ABOUT MEASURE J

(Conceptual rendering of the ADA-accessible entry and admin offices at San Leandro High School)

On March 5, San Leandro residents will vote on Measure J, a $174 million bond for facility upgrades to the San Leandro Unified School District. The district has prepared project proposals and conceptual visualizations, which are not final designs but show potential improvements. If Measure J is approved, the district plans to collaborate closely in developing and executing the actual project plans. Visit https://www.slusd.us/measurej/ for more information.

JANUARY SUPERINTENDENT’S AWARD WINNERS

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Promise Winston, Bancroft Middle School

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Joshua David, John Muir Middle School

Two outstanding SLUSD students were awarded the Superintendent's Award at the January school board meeting.

Promise Winston from Bancroft Middle School was recognized for her stellar academics, peer advocacy, and embodying the school ethos, "Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of Bancroft." A straight-A student and avid reader, Promise aims to attend UC Berkeley.

Joshua David from John Muir Middle School was celebrated for his leadership, academic consistency, and sports excellence. Involved in multiple clubs and aiming to be the best student he can be, Joshua's spirit of excellence is inspiring.

Congratulations to Promise and Joshua for their achievements and dedication to their schools!

SCHOOLS SHOWCASE

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Garfield Elementary
13050 Aurora Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4300
Principal Anna Malki

At the recent Celebrating Schools board meeting, Garfield Elementary's leadership students presented what being a 'Gator' means to them. They shared their experiences and highlighted the values central to the Garfield Gator spirit. Their presentation showcased their growth and the supportive environment of Garfield Elementary.


 

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Halkin Elementary
1300 Williams Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94578
Phone: 510-618-4370
Principal Virginia Quock

At their School Smarts Academy, Halkin continued their mission of building a strong community among families with a special guest. Amanda Lang, Halkin's Intervention Specialist. Many families had seen her around campus but weren't familiar with her crucial role. It was a pleasure to have Amanda share insights into how she supports students and families at Halkin. Her participation provided valuable information and strengthened the connection between our families and the school staff.


 

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Jefferson Elementary
14300 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94578
Phone: 510-618-4310
Principal Natalie Valencia

Jefferson Elementary joyfully celebrated its 100th day of school with fun, educational activities focused on the number 100. Students and teachers engaged in creative projects and thematic lessons, marking this milestone and reflecting on the academic progress made since the year began. The festive day highlighted the school's achievements and the exciting journey ahead.


 

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Madison Elementary
14751 Juniper Street, San Leandro, CA 94579
Phone: 510-895-7944
Principal Paulette Smith


TK students have harvested their first Romanesco, a unique cauliflower with fractal florets. As researchers discovered, this intriguing shape results from a failed flower formation. Romanesco, a cabbage, broccoli, and kale relative, adds a fascinating touch to our school garden. They used the Romanesco to make a delicious Romanesco Pasta!


 

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McKinley Elementary
2150 E. 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4320
Principal Malika Campbell


McKinley School had an incredible Friday celebration with an assembly featuring Cosmo the Magician and his Wonder Show! Students were thrilled by a series of captivating magic tricks, the appearance of live animals, and Cosmo's inspiring words. It was a fantastic way to end the week, leaving everyone amazed and uplifted.


 

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Monroe Elementary
3750 Monterey Blvd., San Leandro, CA 94578
Phone: 510-618-4340
Principal Jeannette McNeil

Families gathered in the MPR at Monroe to learn about project-based learning, an immersive and interactive educational approach. Following the presentation, they had the opportunity to visit classrooms and actively engage in learning activities alongside the students. This event provided a hands-on experience, allowing families to understand and participate in the dynamic learning environment at Monroe.


 

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Roosevelt Elementary
951 Dowling Blvd., San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4350
Principal David Kumamoto

At Roosevelt Elementary, a heartwarming scene unfolds in the Reading Buddies program, where 5th grader Hana Molina shares the joy of reading with Ms. Mould's first graders. This initiative fosters a love for reading among the younger students and allows older students like Hana to develop leadership and mentoring skills.



 

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Washington Elementary
250 Dutton Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4360
Principal Monica Manriquez

The San Leandro High School Marching Band recently visited Washington Elementary to inspire future Pirate musicians. Their visit was an exciting opportunity for students to witness the talent and dedication required in a marching band, providing a glimpse of the musical possibilities that await them at San Leandro High School.


 

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Bancroft Middle School
1150 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4380 
Principal Jeff Sloane
 

Bancroft Principal Jeff Sloane and John Muir Middle School Principal Elisa Alvarez collaborate to ensure a smooth transition for future Broncos and Falcons into middle school. Their joint efforts are focused on preparing students academically and socially, ensuring they are confident and ready for the challenges of middle school life.


 

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John Muir Middle School
1444 Williams Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4400 
Principal Elisa Alvarez
 

At the recent Celebrating Schools board meeting, John Muir Middle School showcased its vibrant spirit with performances by the JV & Varsity Cheer teams. The assembly featured Principal Elisa Alvarez and Vice Principals Mycel Jacob and Dylan Charrin, highlighting the school's achievements. Students shared insights from the AVID program and Leadership activities, emphasizing academic and community engagement. The event also paid tribute to their beloved Coach Al Ritchon.


 

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San Leandro High School
2200 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4600 
Acting Principal Maite Barloga

The San Leandro High School New Year's rally was a vibrant celebration that showcased the incredible talent of its students. The event featured various performances, highlighting the diverse artistic abilities within the student body. Additionally, the rally included fun and interactive games, creating an engaging and spirited atmosphere. This gathering enthusiastically kicked off the new year and brought the school community together to build school spirit and camaraderie.


 

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Lincoln High School
1700 Leonard Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4460
Principal Matt Steinecke

Big thanks to Safe Routes to Schools of Alameda County for lending us their innovative Bike Blender! Students and staff had a fantastic time taking turns to pedal and power the blender, creating delicious smoothies. This unique activity was a fun exercise and sparked interesting discussions about mechanical principles. Of course, the highlight for everyone was enjoying the fresh smoothies made through their own efforts!


 

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San Leandro Virtual Academy
1700 Leonard Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-618-4460
Principal Matt Steinecke

Our teachers recently partnered with the San Leandro Main Library to organize a delightful Game Day! This event saw a great turnout of students and teachers coming together to play various games, strengthen relationships, and enjoy each other's company. A highlight was one of our elementary students teaching a middle school teacher how to play chess - and impressively winning the game! A big thank you to all the Sharks who showed up and contributed to the fun atmosphere!

 

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San Leandro Adult and Career Education Center
1448 Williams Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-667-6287
Principal Bradley Frazier

If you are 55 years or older and interested in enhancing your skills in programs like Excel and Word, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Join our 55 Plus Class, specifically tailored to meet your learning needs. Additionally, if you're considering furthering your education, take the first step by registering for our High School Diploma or GED Preparation Programs. And for those interested in the home care worker's industry, don't miss out on our upcoming class starting on February 27. This is a great chance to advance your career and gain valuable knowledge in your field of interest.



UPCOMING FAMILY LEARNING SERIES

SLUSD offers online parent and community educational support sessions that provide essential information and strategies for parents/caregivers to support their child’s growth and development. Join an upcoming session:

SLUSD African-American Family Landing Pad
Tuesday, February 6, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting Link
SLUSD and Blaze Consulting host a supportive space for Black Families and Families Raising Black Children. Join San Leandro families as we explore how to help our children thrive in San Leandro schools. What are the supports we need as caregivers? Where do we get “stuck” as parents, and what are some tools that will help us move forward? Let’s acknowledge and celebrate the resilience of Black peoples and the people of the African Diaspora. There will be a raffle for gift cards at the end of the session.

SLUSD Family Learning Series
Wednesday, February 7, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Zoom Meeting Link
Topic: Celebrating Diversity
San Leandro schools are very diverse, and it is important to acknowledge the backgrounds of all students. During this interactive session, we will talk about how parents/caregivers talk to their students about cultures, diversities, and other ways that we differ and are the same. How do we teach our children to be curious and empathetic to students who do not come from the same background as they do? Come ready to share your strategies and hear others. The session is open to all San Leandro parents/caregivers with TK-12th grade students. Raffle Prizes! Spanish and Chinese translations will be provided.


SLUSD RECRUITMENT FAIR


SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

At the recent SLUSD Celebrating Schools board meeting, we had the pleasure of recognizing the extraordinary volunteers of the year from John Muir Middle School and its feeder elementary schools. Their unwavering dedication has played a crucial role in enhancing our educational environment. These individuals have been invaluable in fostering a sense of community and supporting the growth of our students. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and profoundly inspired by their positive impact on our schools.
alt_textJacqueline Perez, John Muir Middle School
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Fatima Mendoza and Deborah Peterson, 
Garfield Elementary School
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Ana Ramos, Halkin Elementary School
alt_textMiriam Gonzalez, Halkin Elementary School
alt_textAlma Berumen and Yan (Bernice) Mo,  Madison Elementary School
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Laura Fregoso and Jennifer Lam,
Monroe Elementary School

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Join San Leandro High School for an evening filled with joy, culture, and community spirit as we celebrate the Lunar New Year.
  • Date: February 2
  • Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Location: SLHS Cafeteria
This event is open to everyone in our community, and we'd love to see you there. This celebration is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious food and participate in cultural activities. Please help us spread the word, and let's make this year's Lunar New Year Party even more memorable! We look forward to celebrating with you!

DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION INFORMATION NIGHTS



LCAP: FUTURE PLANNING AT YOUR SCHOOL

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Don't overlook the ParentSquare notifications about upcoming LCAP meetings at your school! These gatherings are influential opportunities for you to share your insights on what's working and what needs improvement. Join your school leaders to contribute your perspective and play a vital role in our district's ongoing growth and progress. Your voice is essential at our LCAP meetings – come and help shape the future!


ALUMNA AUTHOR VISIT

San Leandro High School welcomed alumna Carolina Ixta, a former student who is now a teacher at Jefferson Elementary and a published author. Carolina presented her Young Adult novel, "Shut Up, This is Serious," which explores challenges like racism, mental health, and financial struggles and has been highly praised by literary reviewers. Her journey from a student to an author is a powerful example for current students, showing that hard work can turn dreams into reality. Her visit inspired both students and staff, emphasizing the importance of their own stories and voices.

FEBRUARY SCHOOL BOARD RESOLUTIONS

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February is Black History Month

In February, we celebrate Black History Month, a vital period for recognizing and appreciating the vast contributions of African Americans. It's a time to reflect on Black individuals' significant impact in shaping music, arts, literature, sports, and politics. We honor trailblazers and heroes who have played crucial roles in our nation's history and acknowledge their struggles and triumphs. This month is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the African American experience and its integral role in our nation's history. See the SLUSD School Board Resolution in support of Black History Month here.


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SLUSD Celebrates National School Counseling Week, February 5-9, 2024

We proudly recognize February 5-9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week. This week honors the vital contributions of our certified school counselors. Our counselors are highly skilled professionals who play a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of our students. These dedicated individuals guide students in their academic and career aspirations and provide invaluable support in their personal growth. As listeners, role models, motivators, and supporters, our counselors significantly impact our students' lives, empowering them to meet life's challenges confidently.

In celebration of this important week, the Board of Education and the Superintendent of SLUSD extend their heartfelt gratitude and commendation to all school counselors for their exceptional dedication and positive influence in our schools. This acknowledgment reflects our district's deep appreciation for our school counselors' ongoing efforts in shaping our students' future. See School Board Resolution 24-02.


San Leandro Unified School District | 835 E. 14th Street, Suite 200, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: (510) 667-3500
Email: communications@slusd.us

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