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SLUSD Update
Giving Thanks for Our Community
November 1, 2024
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(Pictured from left to right: Trustee Diana Prola, Trustee James Aguilar, Trustee Peter Oshinski, Board President Evelyn González, Board Vice President Leo Sheridan, Measure N Committee Chair Stephen Cassidy, Superintendent Mike McLaughlin, Trustee Jackie Perl, and Trustee Melissa Fegurgur) |
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Dear San Leandro Unified Staff and Families,
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I have been honored over these past several weeks to share the excitement surrounding our brand-new gymnasium at San Leandro High School! Students and staff have embraced this fantastic facility, bringing fresh energy and pride to our school community. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our school board, pictured above at our dedication ceremony, and the community through Measure N, which empowered us with the necessary funding to make impactful improvements across our district.
This gymnasium is just the latest phase of our work together. As we move forward, we are committed to continuing these improvements and creating more spaces where our students can learn, grow, and shine. Thank you for believing in our vision and making projects like these a reality for all of us.
With gratitude,
Dr. Mike McLaughlin
Superintendent, SLUSD
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State of the District 2024
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On October 16, Superintendent Dr. Mike McLaughlin delivered his State of the District address in San Leandro High School’s new gym. Reflecting on his many years with SLUSD, Dr. McLaughlin celebrated the community’s dedication to educational excellence and the district’s progress—from innovative facilities to expanded programs.
Dr. McLaughlin thanked the SLUSD board, staff, teachers, and union leaders for their support through challenges, as well as students, families, and community partners for supporting the district's initiatives. He highlighted the strategic plan’s achievements in teaching, college readiness, staff wellness, family engagement, and sustainable facilities.
Watch the full address on YouTube here to learn more about SLUSD’s future vision.
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SLUSD Partners with Cal State East Bay for Guaranteed College Admission
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San Leandro Unified has established a vital partnership with Cal State East Bay, ensuring guaranteed admission and dedicated support services for qualified SLUSD seniors. This partnership streamlines their path to college success and eases their transition into higher education. Current seniors who meet CSU admission requirements have received a personalized invitation to visit the Cal State East Bay campus, where they can explore valuable resources designed to support their academic journey and college transition.
This partnership underscores SLUSD’s commitment to equity, creating new pathways for all students to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
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Student Spotlight: Superintendent Award
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Mayla Herrera, Washington Elementary
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Mayla was selected for the October Superintendent's Award for consistently demonstrating exceptional effort in all areas of her academic and personal growth. She was also recognized as an advocate for her peers' learning needs. Her commitment to social-emotional learning and dedication to promoting wellness for both mind and body make her a role model within the school community. Congratulations, Mayla! |
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Raz Bernardoni, Roosevelt Elementary
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Raz was announced as the October Superintendent's Award recipient for being an enthusiastic learner who consistently arrives at school eager to do her best. She embraces challenges and takes time to reflect on her learning journey, always striving to improve. Her love for learning and passion for building meaningful connections with others inspire everyone who has the pleasure of working with her. Congratulations, Raz! |
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Garfield had an absolute blast at the DrumPerks assembly! Our Gators got hands-on with rhythm and percussion, learning not only about music but also the power of teamwork and creativity. They worked together to create some incredible beats that filled the room with energy and excitement. Go Gators! |
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Halkin students took part in creating the weekly school video, demonstrating ways to use the Breathing Tool! They shared how it helps them, saying, “When you're feeling stressed, the Breathing Tool can help.” This tool supports learning and collaboration and is part of our social-emotional curriculum. |
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Jefferson Elementary teachers participated in a Bay Area Writing Project workshop, collaborating on effective strategies to boost student writing skills. They shared techniques they’ve tried in the classroom and examined student work together, focusing on ways to support and inspire young writers at Jefferson. |
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Science at Madison Elementary means exploring the natural world through hands-on investigations, collaborative projects, and time in our garden. Our students engage with each other and real-world scientists to build a deeper understanding of the world around them. |
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The Bunny Gurus made a special visit to McKinley! This educational group brought live rabbits for our TK-2nd graders to feed, pet, and learn about, fostering curiosity and empathy for animals. While our 3rd-5th graders enjoyed Luna Mexicana at San Leandro High School, our younger students had a wonderful, hands-on experience with the bunnies. |
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At a recent Monroe ELAC meeting, Ms. Bueno presented a typical ELD lesson to over twenty families, offering insights into English Language Development and the ELPAC Test. The session concluded with a Q&A led by Principal McNeil, and Ms. J facilitated a fantastic meeting that brought families together to support our students’ language learning journey. |
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Roosevelt Elementary’s TK and Kinder students enjoyed a festive Pumpkin Patch event on campus, sponsored by the Dads Club! Our youngest students had a wonderful time picking out pumpkins and celebrating the season together. |
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The 2024 Washington Fall Carnival was a blast! Students and families enjoyed the haunted house, carnival games, and an epic prize booth, making it a memorable event for all. Huge thanks to the Washington PTO for making this fun tradition possible—here’s to many more years of Fall Carnival fun! |
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Bancroft is bringing the community together! The Broncos welcomed the Oakland Roots soccer team, who shared valuable tips on finding success both in life and on the soccer field. It was an inspiring visit that motivated our students to dream big and work hard! |
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John Muir Middle School leadership students celebrated their teacher, Arcy Devera, who was recently honored as Alameda County Teacher of the Year! They couldn’t be prouder of her achievement and the dedication she brings to their school every day. |
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For the first time in decades, the entire student body gathered for an unforgettable rally in the new gymnasium! This amazing new space made it possible to bring everyone together under one roof, creating a powerful sense of school spirit and unity. It was a memorable event, marking the start of a new tradition for our Pirate Ship! |
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Lincoln launched of their Cosmetology/Esthetician program, offering students hands-on experience and essential skills for a career in the beauty industry. Participants will learn about cosmetology and licensing requirements and gain valuable insights into building a client base and running their businesses. We can’t wait to see our students shine in this exciting field! |
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San Leandro Virtual Academy
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SLVA students enjoyed an exciting schoolwide field trip to the Exploratorium on Friday, October 18! It was a fantastic hands-on experience, bringing together students, staff, and families for a day of interactive learning and discovery. |
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November Recognitions and Celebrations
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Indigenous Peoples' Month
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November is Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month in San Leandro Unified. Our schools will celebrate the rich heritage of Northern, Southern, and Central Native American communities, honoring Indigenous cultures and the Native American students, families, and communities in our district. We invite families to join in recognizing the vital contributions of Indigenous people to California, the U.S., and the world.
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National Family Literacy Month
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November is National Family Literacy Month, a time to celebrate and promote the role of literacy within the family. Families are encouraged to engage in shared reading activities with their children to foster a love for reading. By reading together, you’re not only building strong connections but also helping your child develop skills that are essential for success in school and beyond. This month, we invite all SLUSD families to immerse themselves in the joy of reading together, embracing literacy as a lifelong journey. |
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California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month
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In November, SLUSD joins in recognizing California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. This month offers families an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and values of the Sikh American community in California. By exploring Sikh history and traditions together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the positive influence Sikh Americans have had on California’s social, economic, and cultural landscape. |
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Día de los Muertos on November 1 and 2
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Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a colorful and deeply meaningful holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It's a time when families and communities come together to honor their deceased loved ones. Families create vibrant ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods of the departed. These ofrendas serve as a way to welcome the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living. Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of the enduring connection between the living and our ancestors. |
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November 11 is Veterans Day
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Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a solemn and heartfelt tribute to the brave people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This day honors their dedication and sacrifice to defend our nation's freedom. It's a time to express gratitude, reflect on their commitment, and acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe our veterans, past and present. All SLUSD schools and offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. |
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Join Us for an Upcoming SLUSD Family Learning Series!
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Wednesday, November 6⋅5:30 – 7:30pm
IN PERSON: Barbara Lee Center for Health and Wellness, 2251 Bancroft Avenue
TOPIC: Student Mental Wellness
In California, 46% of students report feeling stressed about school. Each morning, our young people must manage their social and emotional needs to be seated and ready to learn. As parents and caregivers, we strive to offer the support that helps restore our young ones, nurturing them to be creative and whole. Join other parents and caregivers at the Barbara Lee Center to discuss: (1) how to recognize when our children are having a tough day, and (2) tools for support, including knowing when to ask for help. Expect to leave with practical tools and resources you can use right away. Spanish and Chinese interpretation, food, and raffle prizes will be provided. Childcare is available for school-age children who can use the restroom independently.
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The San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) has been busy funding Mini-Grants and Field Trips (over 63 approved so far this year!), Lawrence Hall of Science festivals at elementary sites, a college workshop at the San Leandro Library, and so much more to support enriching experiences for SLUSD students. Visit our website for more information.
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 donate 20% of the day's sales to our organizations!
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San Leandro Unified School District
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