Our monthly newsletter is a great way to learn about the latest news at Berryessa Union School District. Follow us on Facebook and X for daily updates and visit our website for calendar and meeting information.

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Dear BUSD Community,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I hope you had a restful summer. We are excited to start the school year with purposeful and fun learning opportunities for students, staff, and families alike. 

Our dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a strong and successful start of the year. From preparing classrooms and setting up technology, their commitment to creating a positive learning experience is both inspiring and appreciated. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and leadership. 

This year presents an opportunity for collaboration and growth, and we look forward to seeing the collective efforts of our entire community come to fruition. Together, we will ensure every child feels a sense of belonging and confidence in school. Thank you for your trust and continued support. 

With BUSD Pride,

Dr. Roxane Fuentes

Superintendent

Last week, BUSD held several staff welcome back and appreciation events. As our school doors open on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Board of Trustees and I have witnessed incredible work happening behind the scenes to prepare for this moment.

From classrooms being readied, to buses and meals being planned, to lessons crafted with care—every detail has been touched by the hands and hearts of colleagues who believe in the power of education.

We are deeply grateful for our hard-working, caring teams who ensure that every student feels welcomed, safe, and seen on day one. And to our families—thank you for trusting us with your children’s dreams, curiosity, and potential. The first day of school is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a fresh chapter in a story we write together, filled with possibility, belonging, and hope.

With the return to school comes a significant increase in traffic around our campuses. We are proud to continue partnering with the City of San José through the Walk N’ Roll program, which promotes safe walking and biking habits and encourages more students to walk or bike to school. This fall, the City of San José will also conduct field studies at select school sites to better understand traffic patterns during arrival and dismissal times. The insights they gather will inform future improvements.  

We invite parents to be active participants in school safety by volunteering for safety patrol. If you are interested in supporting this important effort, please contact your school principal. 

As a community, we all share the responsibility of keeping school zones safe. Making just a few small changes in how we drive can help protect our students and significantly reduce traffic congestion. Here are some key safety tips for driving near schools:

• Slow Down in School Zones - Always observe posted speed limits. Even a few miles over the limit can make a big difference in stopping distance. 
• Stay Alert & Avoid Distractions - Put your phone away. Watch for children crossing the street unexpectedly, especially near intersections, drop-off zones, and between parked cars. 
• Obey Crossing Guards - Follow directions from school crossing guards. They are trained to manage traffic and ensure student safety during busy arrival and dismissal times. 
• Never Block Crosswalks or Driveways - Stop well before crosswalks and never park or idle in them. This gives pedestrians a clear path and keeps their visibility high for other drivers. 
• Be Patient During Drop-off and Pick-up - Follow your school’s designated drop-off/pick-up procedures. Don’t double park or cut in line. 
• Watch for Buses - Never pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended or red lights are flashing. This means children are boarding or exiting the bus. 
• Expect Increased Foot and Bike Traffic - Be mindful of students walking or biking to school, especially near sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. 
• Use Extra Caution in Poor Conditions - Rain, fog, or early morning sun glare can make it harder to see students. Adjust your speed and stay focused. 
• Set a Good Example - Kids learn by watching adults. Practicing safe driving shows them what responsible behavior looks like. 

We’re excited to welcome new leadership to our school district this year. Please join us in greeting two newly appointed administrators who bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our district. Learn more about them below!

In addition, we welcomed 22 new teachers to BUSD this year! We're so excited to have them join our team. Their passion, dedication, and fresh perspective are truly valued. We wish them a fulfilling and successful year ahead as they inspire and empower our students.

We would like to recognize and congratulate several members of our BUSD team who have taken on new leadership roles this year. We appreciate their commitment to Berryessa and look forward to their continued leadership.

Matt Lipford, previously the Technology Manager, has been promoted to Director of Technology. His leadership will continue to strengthen the technology infrastructure that supports teaching and learning. 

Andrea Ortiz, former Principal of Noble Elementary School, is now serving as our Director of Curriculum and Instruction, leading important work in instructional design and academic programs. 

Christy Boyd, former Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, has been appointed Purchasing and Contracts Manager, helping to ensure efficient and transparent procurement operations. 

Maricela Krickovic, former Principal of Northwood Elementary School, is now serving as the new Manager of Assessment and Program Evaluation.

We encourage all BUSD families to complete the Meal Application Form as soon as possible. Submitting this form determines student eligibility for free or reduced-price meals and helps bring additional funding that supports student programs, staffing, and classroom materials. Even if your child does not plan to eat school meals, your submission still benefits the entire school district.

This summer was full of fun, learning, and connection for BUSD students! Thanks to our partnerships with RAFT at Northwood, the YMCA at Summerdale, and our Extended School Year program at Laneview, students had the chance to dive into exciting activities, from hands-on STEM projects and creative arts to academic support and outdoor games.  

Under the leadership of Dr. Joe McCreary, Tom Carroll, and the summer programs team, students spent their days (from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM!) exploring, creating, and building friendships. At Laneview, the Extended School Year program wrapped up on a high note with its much-loved annual field day dedicated to Mr. Corpuz. 

These programs not only prevented learning loss but also strengthened our connections with students and families. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff and community partners who made this summer a meaningful and memorable one.

Our next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2025. To stay informed about the latest updates, you can watch our recent Board meeting on June 25, 2025, by clicking here.

To enhance accessibility, our Board meetings are live-streamed, allowing you to stay up-to-date from the convenience of your home. Please remember that in-person attendance is required if you wish to participate or make comments during a meeting.

For more information about the BUSD Board Meetings, please click here.