June 12, 2015
Congratulations Class of 2015!
More than 2,000 high school seniors graduated from SUSD high schools this month, with most moving now to college, some into the military forces and others to work. The festivities were beautiful, with students celebrating their accomplishments with family and friends during graduation ceremonies at the Stockton Arena, the University of the Pacific, Atherton Auditorium or at their high school campus.

There were medals, ribbons, colorful stoles, flying mortar boards and floating beach balls. There were anthems, school songs, jazz, and chorale. There were teachers decked in their college robes and hoods, the superintendent handing out diplomas and parents cheering it all on.

Mostly it was a time for the students. SUSD is so proud of this class: Hundreds were admitted to the University of California or California State Universities. Dozens won full scholarships to such prestigious schools as Notre Dame or the University of Chicago School of Business Administration. Many plan to major in chemical or medical engineering fields, music or the arts, and others want to teach, go into law or start businesses.

Walton Special Center Promotion 2015
Walton Special Center's Seniors and Young Adults joined the Class of 2015! Though the seniors will remain at Walton for another 4 years, Walton will be saying goodbye to their young adults at the end of the summer program. Faculty members spoke sweetly about each exiting student and the fond memories they will keep from their years together before giving them their certificates of promotion.

As a special surprise for his family and the audience, Walton Young Adult Ronald Lopez sang "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. The 
karaoke-loving student brought the audience to their feet for his last performance at Walton Special Center- bravo, Ronald! 
Congratulations to the Walton Class of 2015!

Walton Young Adults:

Davon Daniel

Kevin Craven

Ronald Lopez


 

Walton High School Seniors:

Benjamin Range

Brandon Allen

Genaro Flores

John Oscar Ramirez

Selena Valentine-Victory

Chavez/Bush Partner for Literacy

The annual Chavez Band literacy march to nearby Bush Elementary was a resounding success this year with a record number of band members and readers. The 60-member band, led by music director Art Coleman, marched through the back of the campus to a throng of expectant elementary students who cheered as they entered to the sounds of the trombone, sax and drums. The Chavez cheer squad performed and then everyone broke off into the classrooms to spend time reading aloud their favorite books.


 

With the sounds of the Chavez High School Band floating through the school, Bush Elementary students listened in small groups to the high school student readers who shared books and stories with them.

Take a look at our gallery to see how well this worked: hundreds of students listening raptly to stories read aloud by the high school students. Thank you to the Chavez High School Jazz Band, the cheer squad and the wonderful students and staff at Bush! And remember: Read to your young students this summer, take them to the library and ask your high school students to read as well! Literacy matters.

King Students Take to the Stage
King Elementary School went royal this year with a terrific performance of "The Princeless Princess," by a big cast of talented young actors. The students put on two evening performances in gorgeous costumes and their own sets depicting the Monarchy, the proverbial frog and, of course, the princess!

King Teachers Beverly Larkins and Barbara Williams directed the performance. Music teacher Michael Hernandez orchestrated the music and great songs. Special thanks to parents Bertha Gutierrez, Juanita Madrigal, Cindy Martel and costume seamstress Theresa Martinez Carmona.

The music was wonderful, the sets engaging and the students outstanding! It was a significant opportunity for King students. Be sure to get involved when your school stages performances next year!

Want your news in the next issue of  SUSD Connects?
Just email your stories to  susdconnect@stocktonusd.net  to have them considered- stories must be in  by 5pm on the 20th of every month for inclusion in the next issue. W may not be able to use all items, but we'll make every effort to share your news with as many people as possible.
SUSD Connects will resume in August. Happy Summer vacation!
Upcoming Events
June 2015
(click links for more)
June 16:




June 18:




June 23:


LCAP Public Hearing in the SUSD Board Room; 5pm


Board Meeting for LCAP Adoption; 7pm
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Enroll Your Child in a Summer Program
It's nearly summer! Plan now to enroll your students in some fun but educational programs to help them get ahead next year. Below are the links to view summer programs offered by the school district, the city of Stockton, the Children's Museum, the library, the YMCA and others.

List of 2015 
Summer Programs: 
Supporting Common Core State Standards
You are part of our TEAM!

Definition of a TEAM: Together, Everyone Achieves More.

Research shows that when home and school form a strong team, children are the real winners. They learn more and do better in school. This partnership is even more important during times of
change.

You've probably heard about the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and some of the exciting things your child is learning in class. To stay informed, be sure to read everything that comes home from the school. That includes newsletters, handouts and notes from the teacher. Check out the school's website, too.

If you have questions about your child's learning, make an appointment to talk with the teacher. Ask questions like:
1) What skills will my child be expected to master this year?
2) How will you evaluate my child's progress?
3) What are your expectations for homework? How much time should I expect my child to spend on homework?
4) What can I do at home to help my child be more successful at school?
5) What resources are available to my child if she needs extra support?
Stockton Unified School District | susdcommdept@gmail.com | http://www.stocktonusd.net
701 N. Madison St.
Stockton, CA 95202