Vallejo City Unified School District

🌸💀 ️Today, we honor and celebrate Día de los Mu***os! This beautiful tradition is a time to remember loved ones who have passed and celebrate their lives with art, music, and love. We're proud to embrace the rich cultural heritage within our school community.

Photo 1: Solano Widenmann Leadership Academy displays an altar in memory of their loved ones.

Photo 2: Superintendent Aurelio reads, "The Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Mu***os, A Bilingual Celebration" by Bob Barner and "Spanish is the Language of my Family" by Michael Genhart" for Cave Language Academy students.

***os

🎃👻 Happy Halloween! The Halloween spirit is alive at VCUSD! Our students are all dressed up and ready for some spooky fun. Check out some creative costumes across our schools, from superheroes to pirates and princesses! We have so many costumes to share, including staff!☠🏴

Check out the full gallery here: https://bit.ly/VCUSDHalloween2024

Red Ribbon Week was a blast at Vallejo Charter School! Our students showed their commitment to making healthy choices from head to toe by rocking their wildest hair and craziest socks for Crazy Hair and Sock Day! 🧦💈 Red Ribbon Week is about encouraging a drug-free lifestyle and making positive choices.

The Coke hair!! Our students and families are so creative!

🌟 From Vallejo to the California Department of Education: Alum Dr. Mike Torres's Inspiring Journey in Education 🌟

VCUSD alum Dr. Mike Torres's passion for education began in the classrooms of Vallejo City Unified School District, where teachers recognized his potential and ignited a love for learning. Now, as Director of Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources at the California Department of Education, Dr. Torres leads initiatives to foster inclusive education and shape learning for students statewide. His journey, driven by mentorship and a commitment to accessible, impactful education, is a testament to the power of dedicated educators.

Read his story on our website: https://bit.ly/drmiketorres

October is National Principals' Month, and today, we're highlighting Brenda Zander, the dedicated Principal of Steffan Manor Elementary! ✨

The most rewarding part of being a principal for Brenda is the vibrant community at Steffan Manor. Whether hosting two-minute dance parties for perfect attendance, playing basketball with students during recess, or collaborating with her fantastic staff, Brenda's leadership is about building meaningful connections.

We are so grateful for Brenda's dedication, joy, and the heart she brings to Steffan Manor daily. Thank you, Brenda, for all you do to inspire and uplift our community! Learn more about her at https://bit.ly/48mR3IZ.

Did you know that VCUSD has an anonymous community tip line? Anyone can report bullying, concern for self or others, discrimination or harassment, employee misconduct, physical and or/sexual abuse, threats to a school or student, and vandalism. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via any of our schools or the district website. Find the link at the bottom of every school and district website under "We Tip."

Link: https://mobile.catapultems.com/vallejocity-usd/Schools

🚸 It's School Bus Safety Week! 🚍
Here are a few quick and easy safety tips from VCUSD's Director of Transportation Operations, Samantha Bradshaw:

🕒 Arrive early – be at your stop 5 minutes before the bus comes.
🚶‍♀️ Stand 6 feet from the curb as the bus approaches.
👁️ Stay visible – always cross where the driver can see you, at least 10 feet in front.
✋ Wait for the driver’s signal before boarding.
🚌 Use handrails and seat belts when available!
🙏 Be kind, stay seated, and listen to your driver.

Let’s make every ride a safe one!

Wooo hoooo!!

🎉 Meet Marisa Carbonell, the longest-tenured principal at VCUSD! 🎉 Her dedication to our students and staff is unmatched, and she inspires us daily with her leadership and passion for education. Want to learn more about her journey and insights? Check out our exclusive Q&A! https://bit.ly/3UlOscn 📚✨

Game on, Redhawks! Vallejo High School’s gym floor has been fully sanded and refinished, ensuring our athletes are ready to dominate in basketball, volleyball, and badminton!

“I am very excited for the new gym floor. It is a wonderful Vallejo representation for our student-athletes. When our parents and fans see the floor, they will feel the Redhawk pride, and it will also let the visiting teams and fans know that we are proud of our school and what Vallejo High represents to the community. We also appreciate our district for their support for Vallejo High athletics,” says Principal Chris Waldon.

A big thanks to everyone involved, including Hyflooring Flooring for helping keep our facilities top-notch for Vallejo High students and the entire community! Go Redhawks! ❤️🖤

Check out the story on our News page for more info: https://www.vcusd.org/district-news-post/~board/district-news-vallejo-city-unified-school-district-26/post/vallejo-high-school-gym-floor-refinished-to-support-student-athletes

🚨Important Safety Update for High School Families🚨

Safety is our number one priority! We're introducing a new system at Jesse Bethel High School and Vallejo High School’s Corbus Field and Bottari Gym. We are adopting a program that uses cutting-edge technology to ensure a smooth entry experience for everyone while adding an extra layer of protection for students, staff, and visitors during school hours and football and basketball games.

📅 Important Dates:
Jesse Bethel will start using the new system on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Corbus Field will begin during the football game on Friday, Oct. 25.

Please note that Jesse Bethel will now have a single entry point, so we recommend giving yourself a little extra time as we get used to this new process. We're excited about this step towards an even safer environment for our school community, and we appreciate your support!

Check our News page for more information: https://www.vcusd.org/district-news-post/~board/district-news-vallejo-city-unified-school-district-26/post/vallejo-city-unified-school-district-pilots-new-security-system-at-jesse-bethel-high-school-and-vallejo-high-school-athletic-events

📢 October is National Principals Month! 🎉 VCUSD is proud to honor our principals' incredible leadership and dedication. They work tirelessly to support students, staff, and families, creating safe and nurturing learning environments across all our schools. Join us in celebrating their hard work and commitment to excellence! 💙🙌 This week, we recognize John Finney Education Complex Principal Sylvia Whitson. Learn more about her on our website.

https://bit.ly/3BOb6E1

Cutest letters I’ve ever seen 🥰

🎉Exciting News! Superintendent Rubén Aurelio and Board President Latyna Young had the honor of attending the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) of Solano County event on Thursday, Oct. 10. At this event, students from Jesse Bethel High School’s Law Academy were recognized for their incredible achievements!

Four outstanding seniors were awarded scholarships, and two talented juniors served as event emcees. We couldn’t be more proud of these students for their hard work and dedication!

Big congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!🎓🏅

Want to learn more about APABA or how to support its mission? Check their website for more info: apabasolanocounty.com

📢 Ready to make an impact in education? Join us tomorrow for an informational session about the Alder Graduate School of Education Teacher Residency Program with Vallejo Unified School District!

Earn your master’s and teaching credential in just ONE year, all while gaining real classroom experience with a mentor teacher. Plus, residents receive a living stipend, financial aid, and scholarships!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Take the first step toward your future as an educator.

RSVP Today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdr_pOkdDLbGyywrGPU9Nwzh86PbAedPecdoPwgdym17Y7FJg/viewform

📢 Ready to make an impact in education? Join us tomorrow for an informational session about the Alder Graduate School of Education Teacher Residency Program with Vallejo Unified School District!

Earn your master’s and teaching credential in just ONE year, all while gaining real classroom experience with a mentor teacher. Plus, residents receive a living stipend, financial aid, and scholarships!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! RSVP now and take the first step toward your future as an educator.

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdr_pOkdDLbGyywrGPU9Nwzh86PbAedPecdoPwgdym17Y7FJg/viewform

We will be hosting a regular VCUSD Board Meeting this week. Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.

Location: District Office, 665 Walnut Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94592
Live Stream: http://bit.ly/3mdiKzV
Agenda: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36030838&MID=33426

📢Friendly Reminder📢
Monday, October 14th is a NON-STUDENT DAY for staff to participate in professional learning. Please be sure to make alternate arrangements. School resumes as normal on Tuesday. Have a great weekend!

The Vallejo City Unified School District’s Expanded Learning Program hosted a free basketball clinic for fifth through eighth-grade students on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Hogan Middle School. Our athletes started the day with a full breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by drills, strategy sessions, and scrimmages led by staff and our partner, Elevo, and the day wrapped up at 4:30 p.m. with plenty of teamwork and fun!

Missed out? Don’t worry! Our next clinic is on Oct. 19—stay tuned for more details!