BUSD December 2025 Community Connections

BUSD Community Connections

December 2025

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 webs ite for calendar and meeting information.

For translation assistance, please call one of our District hotlines below:

Mandarin, 408-923-1901

Spanish, 408-923-1902

Vietnamese, 408-923-1903

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408-923-1901

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Xin gọi số hotline của khu học tại 1-408-923-1903 và sẽ có người giúp quí vị để hiểu những điều cốt yếu của văn kiện.

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Berryessa Community,

We are arriving at the end of 2025 with a lot to celebrate as a school district. Our students are making progress with the support of our amazing staff and families, as we work to reach the academic goals that set the course for a successful school year.

We are so proud of our students! The sports, science and arts programs keep thriving. Recently, Morrill and Piedmont Middle School students participated in the California Music Educators Association event at San Jose State University. An inspiring experience!

Our students’ musical talent and enthusiasm shines throughout this holiday season. The choir at Christmas in the Park, as well as the instrumental, vocal and orchestra concerts, and the winter concerts, are a source of joy for our community.

I am so thankful for you all and the strong collaboration to make BUSD an extraordinary place for learning and growth. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we wish you a peaceful and happy New Year.

With BUSD Pride,

Dr. Roxane Fuentes

Superintendent

Watch this special message from Dr. Fuentes.

BUSD Student Musicians Brighten the Holiday Season

We are fortunate to have such talented students who fill our community with the spirit of the holidays! Congratulations to Sierramont for their recent Instrumental Concert and Vocal & Orchestra Concert! Below is the schedule of the amazing concerts still to come this holiday season.

December 8th: Sierramont Advanced Orchestra - 7 p.m. at the

Berryessa Community Center

December 10th:

Winter Concert - 6:00 p.m. in BYC
Piedmont Instrumental Winter Concert - 6:00 p.m. in MPR
Piedmont Choir at Christmas in the Park - 6:30 p.m. Downtown San Jose
Sierramont Advanced Band performs at Christmas in the Park 6:00 p.m. Downtown San Jose

December 11th: Piedmont Choir Concert - 6:00 p.m. in MPR

December 16th: Elementary Winter Concert Morrill, Brooktree, Northwood & Vinci Park 6:00 p.m. at the BYC

December 17th: Elementary Winter Concert Piedmont, Noble & Summerdale 6:00 p.m. at the BYC

December 18th: Elementary Winter Concert Sierramont, Ruskin & Majestic Way 6:00 p.m. at the BYC

BUSD Budget Update and

How You Can Help

As many in our community know, public school districts across California continue to face financial challenges due to limited state funding and declining student enrollment. Our district’s budget relies heavily on state revenue projections, and these projections can shift throughout the year.

BUSD will present its First Interim Budget, based on the most current information, to the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. We encourage our community to attend or tune in so you can hear the latest information about BUSD’s financial standing and learn how the interim budget is developed. In addition, our annual demography report which includes student projections for the coming years will also be shared.

It is also important to remember that our district receives funding based on student attendance. Every missed day affects the resources available to our schools. During the 2024–2025 school year, BUSD lost nearly $1.5 million dollars in revenue due to student absences. A chart showing this impact is included below.

While some absences, such as those caused by illness during cold and flu season, cannot be avoided, others can be prevented through planning and clear communication, especially during this holiday season. If your student has a dental or doctor’s appointment, bringing them to school before or after their appointment will allow us to still capture funding for that school day.

Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for staying engaged in the budget process and for supporting regular student attendance. Your involvement strengthens our schools and benefits every student.

Early Learning Center Coming to Toyon!

Community Meeting on December 18th!

You are invited to learn about the latest developments in the transformation of the Toyon campus and the launch of the new Toyon Early Learning Development Center. The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet our partners from Kidango, the Children’s Discovery Museum, and the City of San Jose who will be delivering new services to our youngest learners and their families throughout the Berryessa community!

Please click here for the multilanguage flyer.

Students Thriving with Sports and Music!

BUSD students have enjoyed participating in sports, concerts and the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) event at San Jose State University! .

Community Resources and Support During the Holidays

While our schools are closed during the holiday break, we would like to remind our BUSD community of some key resources:

Our school district partners with Care Solace, a free service that provides 24/7 support for students, staff, and families to find mental health and substance use providers. Students, staff, and their families can access this service through a dedicated online portal or by calling a 24/7 concierge line for help navigating and connecting with local, in-network counselors and programs.

Connecting with Care Solace

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is here to make sure that every family has access to nourishing food, especially this holiday season. Find out how and where to access free food by visiting their website https://www.shfb.org/ or calling the food bank at 1-800-984-3663.

And it’s time for Winter Reading! The Winter Reading initiative returned to San Jose Public Library, December 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026. All ages are encouraged to complete either 4 hours of reading or 4 books to qualify for grand prizes, including games, toys and electronics. Anyone can register and collect a free giveaway prize at any SJPL location.

Log your reading through the Beanstack website or mobile app to qualify for grand prize selection. Those who reach the reading goal can collect a second giveaway prize, either a free book or fun tote bag.