BUSD Community Connections

March 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 website for calendar and meeting information.


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Message from the Superintendent

Dear Berryessa Community,


At BUSD, we recognize the importance of reading and nurturing this habit from a young age. As we celebrate Read Across America this March, we encourage students, parents, families, and teachers to read together, find joy in it, and take advantage of our amazing library of books and resources to further your knowledge.


We kindly invite you to watch the video below as Superintendent Dr. Fuentes reads a special story, "Be You" by Peter H. Reynolds. This book encourages us to be curious, adventurous, and kind, and to always strive to be the best version of ourselves. These values are at the heart of what we aim to instill in our Berryessa students.


We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone for making Read Across America a fun and engaging event for our students. Thank you, families, teachers, and staff, for all that you do to make Berryessa a better place every day!


Sincerely,


Dr. Roxane Fuentes

Superintendent



Click to watch Story Time with Superintendent Dr. Fuentes!

Read Across America: Celebrating the Love of Reading

Read Across America, celebrated annually on March 2nd, is a nationwide event that encourages children to develop a love for reading and learning. This special day inspires schools across the country to engage in fun and interactive reading activities that foster a lifelong passion for literature.


This year, our BUSD students participated in reading challenges and games. Pictured are students from Toyon, Ruskin, Brooktree and Majestic Way Elementary Schools taking part in engaging reading activities. We are proud of our students and teachers for making this year's Read Across America celebration a memorable one!

Reading Resources

BUSD provides students with access to a collection of e-books and audiobooks through the FREE Sora reading app. Students can utilize this app from anywhere, 24/7.


Accessing the Sora App:

  • Students and parents may log in to their Clever account using their school credentials and look for the Sora icon to select books to read.
  • If you prefer to access Sora outside of Clever, you can visit: https://soraapp.com/library/berryessa.
  • You can download the Sora app through the Google Play or Apple App stores and use the setup code: berryessa.

 Enrollment Now Open for the 2025-2026 School Year!

Enrollment for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), Kindergarten, and K-8th grade is now open for the 2025-2026 academic year! Our school district welcomes new students and their families to join our vibrant community.


We invite all members of our school community to spread the word about the exciting opportunities available in our district. Share this news with friends, family, and neighbors who may be interested in joining our welcoming campuses.

Learn More and Enroll Today!
Check Out Our New School Locator

Laneview Student Excels at Santa Clara County Spelling Bee

BUSD is proud to announce that James Nguyen of Laneview Elementary achieved an impressive third-place finish at the Santa Clara County Spelling Bee on March 8, 2025. James represented our district with great confidence and joy. We are proud of James and grateful for the supportive environment fostered by our teachers, Principals, and families, which encourages our students to shine beyond the classroom!

Pictured are James Nguyen, Principal Tawiah Burroughs, and Ms. Keiko Charif.

BUSD’s Musical Excellence

Piedmont Middle School's music program has been making waves with two exciting events recently.

Last month, the Piedmont Band and Orchestra students hosted their Pops Instrumental Concert, a beloved tradition for all of our young musicians to showcase their skills. The concert featured a lively mix of intricate arrangements and energetic renditions of well-known pop songs. This event is a highlight of the school's musical calendar and provides a platform for students to express their passion for music.


We extend our gratitude to our amazing students, band teacher Ms. Susan Chase, and our supportive families who have helped nurture these young talents. Their dedication and enthusiasm are what make events like this so successful and memorable.

In addition to the concert, the Piedmont Choir had the thrilling opportunity to perform the National Anthem at the San Jose State University Men's Basketball Game against the Air Force on February 1. This event was a proud moment for the school and BUSD, as the choir took to the court to showcase their musical abilities.


We are grateful for the support of our choir teacher, Ms. Celeste Wilson, staff, and families, whose encouragement and guidance play a significant role in helping our students excel throughout the year.


Watch the full performance here.

Sierramont Intermediate Orchestra Delivers a Memorable Performance

Sierramont Intermediate School's orchestra recently took the stage, delivering an outstanding performance showcasing its students' exceptional talent and skill. Under the direction of Ms. Lauren White, the orchestra has consistently impressed audiences with their musical prowess.

Upcoming Parent Workshops: Nurturing Effective Communication with Your Children

Do you ever find yourself wondering, "I don't understand my children" or "Why don't they talk to me?" You're not alone! Many parents face these challenges, but there are ways to bridge the gap and nurture a stronger, more loving relationship with your kids.


We're excited to invite you to our Nurturing Effective Communication workshop, designed to help you improve communication with your children, no matter their age. 


No registration is required! All parents from any school are warmly invited to join us. Come and learn how to have more meaningful conversations with your little ones.

Workshop Dates/Times/Location

Morrill - April 3, 2025 @ 6 pm

Ruskin - April 8, 2025 @ 6 pm

Please Keep Your Records Up to Date 

We would like to remind all parents and guardians to make sure to keep your records up to date with your school office. If you’ve changed your phone number, email, have moved or your emergency contacts have changed, it is important to let us know. In the event of an emergency, this information will help us keep everyone informed and safe.

Watch Our Board Meetings via Live Stream

Our next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2025. To stay informed about the latest updates, you can watch our recent Board meeting on March 12, 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

2024-2025 School Year Calendar
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Berryessa Union School District
(408) 923-1800