|
SLUSD Update
Embracing the Joy of the Season
December 2, 2024
|
|
|
Transitional Kindergarten students from Madison Elementary’s Dual Language Immersion program performed at the National Blue Ribbon Celebration. |
|
|
|
Dear San Leandro Unified Staff and Families,
|
As we approach the end of the year, I’m inspired by the many achievements and moments of togetherness that have made 2024 so memorable in SLUSD. A big highlight has been celebrating Madison Elementary School’s National Blue Ribbon recognition and the Terrel H. Bell Award for leadership. Recently, we came together with the Madison community to honor these impressive accomplishments, and it was such a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we support and uplift one another, all while working toward our shared goal of excellence for every student.
We have another exciting opportunity to come together as a community at the Hoops and Hype Community Night on December 3 at 6:30 PM in the brand-new San Leandro High School gymnasium. This free event will feature fun giveaways, incredible student performances, and an action-packed game as the San Leandro High School boys basketball team faces off against St. Mary’s College High School. Don’t miss this fun-filled evening and the chance to experience our state-of-the-art facility firsthand!
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season!
Warm regards,
Dr. Michael McLaughlin
Superintendent, San Leandro Unified School District
|
|
|
|
Lincoln High School Superintendent’s Award: Belen Salto Gonzalez
|
At November's school board meeting, the trustees honored Belen Salto Gonzalez as a recipient of the Superintendent’s Award for Lincoln High School. Since joining Lincoln, Belen has become actively involved on campus, embodying the school’s C.O.R.E. Value of “Owning It” with her respectfulness, hard work, and resilience in the face of challenges. Belen is known for her positive disposition, kindness, and thoughtfulness, which make her an outstanding presence at Lincoln. Her steady work ethic and gracious spirit have left a significant impact on those around her.
Congratulations, Belen, on this well-deserved recognition!
|
|
|
|
Garfield Elementary had a geography lesson like no other! The Earth Dome assembly captivated everyone as students explored the diverse regions of our planet. It was an unforgettable way to bring the wonders of the world to life—great job, Gators! |
|
|
Halkin Elementary thanks its families for supporting the holiday food drive. Donations were used to create Thanksgiving baskets, and the Parent Teacher Committee contributed gift cards for families in need. Your generosity brightens the season for our community! |
|
|
|
|
|
Jefferson Elementary recently hosted a Community Meeting to celebrate attendance and recognize Students of the Month. Classes with the highest attendance were awarded special prizes, highlighting the importance of showing up and shining bright in school! |
|
|
Madison Elementary's National Blue Ribbon School Celebration was an unforgettable evening filled with impressive student performances and heartfelt speeches. The event highlighted the incredible accomplishments of Principal Smith and the entire Madison community. Congratulations, Mustangs, on this outstanding achievement!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to McKinley Elementary families who graduated from the School Smarts Parent Academy! This celebration highlighted their commitment to supporting their children's education and building a stronger school community. Through this program, families gained valuable tools and insights to help students succeed. Thank you for your dedication to learning and leadership! |
|
|
James Monroe Elementary celebrated Ruby Bridges Day with a special Better Together assembly. Students learned about the inspiring stories of Ruby Bridges, Sylvia Mendez, and Mamie Tape—three young heroes who played pivotal roles in school desegregation. Their courage and the efforts of many others have paved the way for the diverse and inclusive schools we have today. Together, we are Better Together! |
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to Ms. Weidner and the Roosevelt Elementary Latin Dance Team for winning first place in the West Coast Latin Dance Competition's children’s division! This incredible achievement showcases their hard work, talent, and passion. Way to go, team! |
|
|
Washington Elementary Wildcats are fully immersed in their art and music classes, where creativity and self-expression take center stage! From exploring different artistic techniques to discovering the joy of music, students are developing new skills and building confidence in a fun and supportive environment. These enriching experiences not only nurture their talents but also bring joy and excitement to their school day. Way to go, Wildcats! |
|
|
|
|
|
Bancroft Middle School was recently honored to welcome Assemblywoman Liz Ortega to campus. She visited Dave D’Antonio’s 7th-grade English class to recognize Serena Flores for her outstanding academic achievements and impressive knowledge of politics. Congratulations, Serena, on this well-deserved recognition! |
|
|
John Muir Middle School is proud to announce the launch of the Kingmakers program, made possible through their Community Schools Grant. This transformative initiative is dedicated to empowering young men of color through mentorship, leadership development, and academic support. |
|
|
|
|
|
The SLUSD school board proudly honored two incredible San Leandro High School student groups for their pivotal role in passing Measure N in 2020, which funded projects like the new SLHS gym. The Social Justice Academy, led by teacher Erica Viray Santos, and SLHS student-athletes, guided by Athletic Director Nick Thomas, engaged in efforts like phone banking and precinct walks to advocate for these improvements—knowing they wouldn’t personally benefit. Their dedication continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on our schools and community. |
|
|
Lincoln Eagles had a fantastic field trip to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)! They rode BART to get there, which was a fun way to explore the city and experience public transit together. Once at the museum, students explored various exhibits, from contemporary art to cultural pieces, that made them think about society and identity. The interactive displays were a hit and a great way to escape the usual school routine. Overall, it was a day filled with learning, creativity, and a little adventure—an experience worth repeating! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Leandro Virtual Academy
|
The San Leandro Virtual Academy (SLVA) is proud to partner with the San Leandro Main Library to provide students with enhanced access to valuable resources and learning opportunities. Secondary grade-level Sharks enjoyed an informative tour led by teen librarian Portia, exploring library resources and a curated collection designed specifically for them. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect students with valuable tools for learning and growth!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inclusive Schools Week 2024 is happening from December 2-6! Throughout the week, schools across the district will engage in activities, lessons, and events to celebrate diversity, equity, and the importance of creating welcoming environments for all students. This annual celebration recognizes the efforts of educators, families, and students in fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in our school communities. Let’s make this week inspiring and impactful! See the SLUSD school board resolution here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating National Special Education Day – December 2
|
On National Special Education Day, we honor the transformative impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and celebrate our students receiving special education services. We invite everyone to take a moment to appreciate the incredible educators and staff who work tirelessly to create equitable opportunities for learning and growth. See the school board resolution here. |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi Visits BGCSL's Science on the Court Program
|
The Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro (BGCSL) after-school program, Science on the Court (SOTC), recently welcomed a very special guest: internationally renowned astrophysicist Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi. Dr. Oluseyi, who is also the new CEO of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)—an organization dedicated to fostering interest in astronomy and improving science literacy—shared his expertise and inspired students with his incredible journey.
SOTC instructor Mr. Dorian Bohler proudly showcased the program’s innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) opportunities, including a current project where students are building and coding a robotic car. It was a celebration of creativity, exploration, and the power of science!
|
|
|
|
Join Us for an Upcoming SLUSD Family Learning Series!
|
Single/Co-Parenting Family Landing Pad
Tuesday, December 10, 2024⋅5:30 – 6:30pm
TOPIC: Holiday Stress and Strength
Happy Holidays! While we want to enjoy the holidays, they often bring a variety of emotions and feelings. During the season of giving to others, it is just as important to give to yourself through intentional time and activities that support your health and wellness. Join us as we share strategies for coping and managing the stress that comes with the holidays. This session will support single and co-parent families with TK-12th grade students. Raffle Prizes! Spanish and Chinese translations will be provided.
SLUSD Family Landing Pad
Wednesday, December 11, 2024⋅5:00 – 6:00pm
TOPIC: Alternatives to Screens and Phones
As we move into the holidays, the kids will come home and jump on devices. In this session, we will explore alternate activities to engage your young one during the holidays. Come share some ideas on how to keep and hold kids attention. And hear ideas for Winter break activities from Blaze Consultants. The session is open to all San Leandro parents/caregivers with TK-12th grade students. Raffle Prizes! Spanish and Chinese translations will be provided.
|
|
|
|
SLED: Enriching Education and Celebrating the Season of Giving!
|
The holidays are approaching, but SLED is always busy funding and planning education enrichment for SLUSD students. Earlier this month, the Girls on the Run 5k event was simply amazing, inspiring, and empowering. SLED is happy to fund this incredibly worthy program, and we can't wait for the next event in the spring. For more information on the support SLED provides, visit https://www.sledfund.org/.
Come support SLED and the San Leandro Scholarship Foundation at Sons of Liberty Alehouse on Tuesday, December 3 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Giving Tuesday) - SOLA will be giving 20% of the days' sales to our organizations. We will also be at It's a Wonderful Night on Friday, December 6 - stop by to purchase a warm holiday beverage and say hello!
|
|
|
|
California Coastal Commission Student Contests
|
California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the Coastal Art & Poetry Contest, presented by the California Coastal Commission. Entries can be submitted online by 5pm on January 31st, 2025. For prize information, rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit https://www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/.
California students in 6th through 12th grade are invited to submit a podcast, narrative essay, or photo essay to the Climate Storytelling Contest. Students choose one of the three mediums and answer the following prompt: What are your feelings towards climate change? How can those feelings be turned into action? Entries can be submitted online by 5pm on May 29th, 2025. For prize information, rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climatechallenge/
|
|
|
|
San Leandro Unified School District
|
|
|
|
|
|
