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Happy holidays!
As we approach the end of another year, it is hard to believe how quickly time has passed. We were delighted to kick off the season with the Holiday Parade organized by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. It was wonderful to see our staff and students participate, cheered on by our community.
This season often brings reflection—on gratitude, acts of kindness, and anticipation for the year ahead. This year, I have taken time to consider what I am most thankful for and to set personal intentions for the months to come. I am deeply grateful for my loving family, wonderful friends, dedicated colleagues, and the supportive community that continually grounds me, inspires me, and fills me with hope.
Serving the staff, students and families of the Gilroy Unified School District is not just a role—it is truly an honor and a privilege. I am proud of the progress we have made together and excited about the opportunities we continue to create for all of our students. At the heart of our work is the belief that students can thrive only when they are physically, emotionally, and mentally well. We remain committed to fostering an environment where both students and staff can perform at their very best.
None of this work would be possible without the invaluable support of our community partners. This month, two of our trusted partners—the YMCA and The Neon Exchange—continued their tradition of hosting the House of Toys, where families were able to select toys, books, and clothing for their children. We are incredibly thankful for the many volunteers who dedicated countless hours and for the generous donations from across our community.
Additionally, we were proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Gilroy to install 30 new benches across several school sites as part of their Trees to Read Under initiative. This project also brought 100 trees and numerous boxes of books to each of our district libraries. There are many other agencies that support our daily operations and families, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of them.
Before Thanksgiving break, we were also grateful for the support of South County Heals, which helped us serve hundreds of hot meals to families over three weekends. These efforts were made possible by a generous donation from the Bay Area nonprofit Community Seva. Initiatives like these highlight the power of community and remind us that it takes a village to raise our children.
Academically, we look forward to expanding our collaboration with higher education partners including Gavilan College and San José State University, creating even more opportunities for our students to succeed.
As we reflect on all that we have accomplished together, I wish you and your loved ones a restful and joyful holiday season. May your homes be filled with warmth, laughter, and peace. We look forward to seeing you in the new year as we continue our work with renewed hope and energy.
My best,
Anisha Munshi, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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