Dear Berryessa Community, 

We are so fortunate that we can count on many partners that support our schools and work alongside our students, staff, administrators and families. Parents and guardians are a crucial part of our support network. In February, we celebrate National Parent Teacher Association Founders Day. Let’s give a big THANK YOU to all the parents, guardians, staff, students and community members who volunteer in our schools through various organizations, including the PTA, PTSA and Home School Clubs. Your contributions make a big difference in our students’ lives. 

February is also National Black History Month. We honor the contributions and progress that Black Americans have made in our country and recognize the important history of African Americans in the United States. 

Many families in our community celebrate Lunar New Year, as this tradition is

recognized worldwide. We wish our Berryessa community a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year! 

Lastly, allow me to express my gratitude to the Maintenance, Operations and

Transportation Department at BUSD. Our team rose to the challenge of keeping our schools safe during the storms that impacted so many in our neighborhoods in January. Thank you all for your commitment to the Berryessa school community! 

With BUSD Pride, 

Dr. Roxane Fuentes 

Superintendent   

When the rain and wind were heavy, our Maintenance, Operations and Transportation (MOT) Department went above and beyond to keep our schools safe and prepared for the return of students, staff and community members. Our crews even worked during the weekends to ensure that every issue was resolved.  

“The MOT team did an amazing job taking care of flooding, cleaning drains, checking HVAC systems, lights, clearing fallen trees, and more,” said Dan Norris, Director of MOT. Each of our departments (Maintenance, Grounds and Custodial) united to do their best. “This included accepting opportunities to work after hour assignments during inclement weather to monitor the interior and exterior areas of our campuses,” expressed Marla Zapata, Assistant Director of MOT. The team identified, contained, and set up necessary equipment to ensure spaces were safe. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication! 

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, students across the district participated in class projects that highlighted their learning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s impact, and their own dreams.  

In February, we recognize Black History Month and honor the importance of this cultural celebration dedicated to Black Americans and their contributions. 

We encourage families to learn more about Black History Month. Here are local events happening at San Jose Public Library that you can take part in.

More resources for families:  

Celebrating Black Leaders

Black History Month

Black History Month: Why we celebrate it in February (NPR)

On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, students from Cherrywood Elementary School were invited by the Office of District 4 Councilmember David Cohen to visit San Jose City Hall. Students received the grand tour and were presented with a commendation for their tremendous success as San Jose’s only Mandarin Immersion program. The kids then helped Councilmember David Cohen kick off Tuesday’s City Council meeting with a song! 

Students at Cherrywood Elementary also celebrated Lunar New Year and took part in festivities welcoming the Year of the Rabbit. The beautiful celebration was possible thanks to the support of Cherrywood Parent Volunteers.

Watch this video with highlights of the Lunar New Year Celebration

The National Parent Teacher Association started in 1897, and for more than 125 years, the PTA has worked towards improving the lives of children through education, health and safety. We are celebrating National PTA Founders Day on February 17, and we are truly grateful for the important role that the PTA members play in our schools. We also share our appreciation of all parents, guardians, staff, students and community members who volunteer at the schools throughout various organizations, including the PTSA and Home School Club, and supporting your students in their daily education experience. We value your work to provide more resources and generate funds to support our programs and services for students! 

The Great Kindness Challenge is a positive and proactive bullying prevention initiative for PreK-12 schools. Ms. Burroughs initiated the Great Kindness Challenge at Laneview Elementary and 358 students had a deliberate week thinking about how they can be kind to peer students, school support staff and teachers. Way to go! 

Our Vinci Park Elementary school staff and volunteers joined Councilmember David Cohen and City Forest in a fun day of work planting trees! Many of the trees are Coast Live Oaks between 6-9 years old. The trees are a wonderful addition to our environment.

We look forward to watching the new trees reach maturity in the school yard and provide shade for many years to come. 

Our schools are welcoming new students, with outstanding opportunities and resources to advance education. BUSD offers TK (Transitional Kindergarten) for children turning 5 years old between September 2, 2018 - June 2, 2019.  

Students eligible for Kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year must have turned 5 years old between September 2, 2017 to September 1, 2018. The

Kindergarten Online Registration process for the 2023-2024 school year has

begun. Kindergarten registration is ongoing for new students entering the

District any time after the initial enrollment period. 

Please note that questions regarding Kindergarten enrollment may be directed to your school of residence. 

The Berryessa Art Festival not only is a fantastic event with talented performers and music, but it also supports our schools financially! All proceeds from last year’s event went directly to student programs and classroom activities. We thank the Berryessa Business Association and Bay Area Community Development Services for bringing back this treasured tradition that showcases the generosity of our neighbors and the vast talent in our community! We extend our gratitude to all those who attended and volunteered. Congratulations to all of our teacher grant recipients!

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

Mandarin, 408-­923-­1901

Spanish, ­408-­923­-1902

Vietnamese, ­408-­923-­1903

請利用校區熱線電話

408-­923-­1901

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