SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG by CHERYL JORDAN | MUSD draws from possibility and relationship in these changing and challenging times | |
The actions of inhumanity spotlighted in the news along with the backdrop of national and international concerns weighs on us. The exponential speed that artificial intelligence is affecting the future of work and how we engage through social media adds to the mix of uncertainty. Education in MUSD; however, responds through the realm of possibility and relationship. In our Milpitas community we thrive through our connections to one another and our constant drive towards Strategic Commitment #1-- Building a Culture of We.
We have challenges that we face together, such as developing the MUSD Cost Management plan that will maintain our strong fiscal outlook and fuel our Vision and Mission in which every learner through multiple opportunities and pathways will be prepared, empowered, and inspired to make a difference in the world. In 2023 the California State Dashboard showed our Chronic Absenteeism Rate at 13.3%, that number fell to 10% in 2024 and in 2025 it dropped to 8.3%, and while we are not yet at the 2019 pre-COVID rate of 5.3%, this improvement is a testament to our collective efforts. The data shows that the greatest indicator of school success is being in class every day. By 2030, according to the 2025 World Economic Forum Report on sought after job skills these are essential; creative thinking, resilience, flexibility & agility, leadership & social influence, empathy & active listening, and curiosity & life-long learning. Our students develop these key skills in relationship with their peers while in school.
| | CSBA BOARD MEMBER OF YEAR'S BLOG by CHRIS NORWOOD | | A Message of Hope to our MUSD Community | | |
To the dedicated staff, resilient students, and supportive families of Milpitas Unified School District—
In times like these, it’s important to pause and acknowledge what many of us are feeling. Life has not been easy. From academic pressures and social challenges to economic uncertainty and personal hardships, each of you has carried burdens—some visible, many unseen. While we may hope the road ahead becomes smoother, we must also prepare for continued challenges.
Within challenges there are struggles and within those struggles lies something powerful: hope.
Hope is not passive. It is active. It is a decision we make each day—to show up, to care, to try, try again. At MUSD, we are not just enduring these times; we are growing through them. We are, and will alway be Building a Culture of We—where every student is seen, every voice matters, and every individual MUSD team member contributes to a stronger community.
Now more than ever, I encourage each of us to stay purpose-driven. Remember why you do what you do—whether it’s teaching, learning, supporting, driving, cooking, counseling or leading. Purpose will anchor you when uncertainty arises.
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Rep. Khanna visits MUSD Innovation Campus | |
Our MUSD Innovation Campus students and staff, as well as district, school and city leaders, welcomed Representative Ro Khanna for a Friday afternoon campus visit.
Rep. Khanna secured $500,000 in the Appropriations Fiscal Year 2026 to help fund the MUSD Workforce Development Center, part of the underway Phase 3 construction. This was part of 13 projects Rep. Khanna requested funding for in CA 17th District. He also presented a commendation to MUSD Board of Education President Chris Norwood.
"This funding will be used to build a Workplace Development Center to retool and reinvigorate a low-income area in Milpitas," reads a press release from Khanna's office. "At the crossroads of Hwy 237 and Hwy 680 in Milpitas lies the 'Triangle of Greatest Need, where more than 50% of the residents are low income and working one paycheck away from becoming unhoused; the residents need workforce development to fuel the heart of the advanced manufacturing industry."
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Rose Elementary students explore passions in new afterschool clubs | |
Rose Elementary School’s newly developed Exploratory Afterschool Programs have something for every student! Some of the exciting opportunities for Rose learners include building skills such as chess strategy, photo archiving, culinary planning, horticulture, and acrobatics.
That’s exactly what Principal Ryan Startz had envisioned when she asked both her Classified and Certificated educators to share their interests with students as part of the exploratory programming that takes place each day after school.
“We have tutoring at the end of the day, which is a great option for our students who need the extra interventions, but we wanted to also do things that students aren’t exposed to on a regular basis,” Startz shared. “And so having clubs like baking club, running club, garden club, puzzles, it appeals to kids everywhere and it’s also free programming that they are not often able to access.”
In only its first year, the student participation has been “massive,” with 151 of 474 students enrolled in one of the Rose afterschool clubs, according to Startz.
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Thomas Russell Middle School earns 2026 California Distinguished School honors | |
Thomas Russell Middle School (TRMS) was one of 22 schools in Santa Clara County to earn 2026 California Distinguished School honors.
“The amazing honor of being recognized once again as a CA Distinguished School is a testament to the continued dedication of our staff to serve all of our students, the perseverance of our students to make their best effort each day, and the continued invaluable support of our families,” shared TRMS Principal Shangrila Mia-Ramzan. “Dreams can be achieved and goals can be met when all members of our community come together to prioritize high achievement and a culture where everyone is valued.”
The State Education Department recognized 408 middle and high schools throughout the state for exemplary instructional programs and student outcomes. TRMS was chosen in the Achievement Gap Closers category designated for “schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.”
“This recognition reflects the collaborative spirit of educators, school communities, and staff who make student success possible,” said County Superintendent Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. “Achievements like this happen when schools and districts work together with their communities to help students go beyond expectations.”
| | | MHS Youth Enrichment Society offers free tutoring to elementary and middle school students | |
By Ellie Chu, founder of YES and Milpitas High School student
Youth Enrichment Society (YES) is a Milpitas High School club that was founded by Ashley Weng and Ellie Chu in 2024 as freshmen. We founded YES to help elementary and middle school students enhance their academic skills while assisting them to build productive study habits and techniques.
Our main goal is that when our students enter the confusing and crazy journey of high school, they will be well-prepared and can transition smoothly into the vastly different environment. We achieve this by offering FREE tutoring to all students, supporting their academic and personal growth. We host hourly, weekly tutoring sessions at the library free of charge, and our mentors will provide them with study strategies or other necessary help.
| Sinnott Elementary students gain insight from City official on Community Improvement Projects | |
Sinnott Elementary School students in Mr. Throm's 4th Grade Class welcomed special guest Milpitas Assistant City Manager Matt Cano to their classroom recently to field questions they had regarding their Community Improvement Projects.
Mr. Cano was meticulous in providing detailed answers to all the student questions on how the city addresses particular topics including: community cleanup/littering; EVs over gas-powered vehicles; how the City allocates funds from its budget; tree planting and laws on cutting down trees; a designated downtown area in Milpitas; ways to support animal shelters and promote pet adoption; homelessness services; and participation in city commissions.
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Milpitas HS qualifies for Science Olympiad State Championships by placing fourth in Regionals | |
With unrelenting work ethic, problem-solving and teamwork, the Milpitas High School Science Olympiad team qualified for the State Championships for the first time since 2023 by placing fourth among 50 competing school teams at the Santa Clara County Regional Tournament at Milpitas High School.
“Regionals was an accumulation of all the lessons we learned through our competitions throughout the year,” said MHS educator Glen Barrett, a Science Olympiad co-advisor. “To see so much success is such an incredibly rewarding experience. When your team is walking away after an awards ceremony and everyone sounds like a wind chime, that is such a surreal moment.”
Science Olympiad is a national STEAM competition that hosts one-day competitions divided into blocks for sets of events at many different high schools, middle schools, and universities. Unique teams of up to 15 students compete in 23 diverse events covering topics such as biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, and earth science. Events are done with either two or three partners depending on the specific event rules, emphasizing collaborative problem solving.
| | | Milpitas student advocate hopes to bring local chapter of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action | |
By Celine Sims, MUSD student and a member of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action’s Nature-Based Solutions team
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) is a group led by young people who care about protecting the environment, and the San José team is one of its most active groups. Instead of just talking about climate change, they focus on real actions that students and families can take in their daily lives.
SVYCA wants to branch out into more cities; and one of our goals is to start a Milpitas action team so more students in nearby communities can get involved. By expanding into Milpitas, they can share their ideas, run new campaigns, and build a stronger network of young climate leaders.
| | | MUSD celebrates soft opening of state of the art Milpitas Performing Arts Center | |
The Milpitas community gathered to celebrate a major milestone for local arts and education as the doors opened to the brand-new Milpitas Performing Arts Center, where a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting took place on March 19, 2026, at the center’s home on the Milpitas High School (MHS) campus, 1285 Escuela Parkway, Milpitas.
The celebratory event kicked off with vibrant musical performances from the MHS jazz band ensemble, followed by a warm welcome from Superintendent Cheryl Jordan that highlighted the student talent the facility was built to serve.
"This is where MUSD learners will experience pathways on and all around the stage; pathways such as public speaking, dance and movement, instrumental and vocal, acting and directing, production, and stage design. If they can see it, they can be it!” said Superintendent Jordan.
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| Milpitas Unified School District | 1331 E. Calaveras Blvd. | Milpitas, CA 95035 US | | | | |
