Week of Dec. 2-8, 2024

Official newsletter of the Santa Ana Unified School District, designed to inform the community about District related news, opportunities, and resources. 

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NEWS

Celebrating National Special Education Day


The SAUSD Board of Education has proclaimed Dec. 2, 2024, as National Special Education Day, following a resolution adopted at its Nov. 12 meeting. This day recognizes the incredible contributions of our special education teachers and staff, who ensure every eligible SAUSD scholar receives the support they need to thrive. Learn more by reading the resolution here

Madison School Counselor Honored as 2024-25 Counselor of the Year


Congratulations to Noemi Alvarado, school counselor at Madison Elementary, for being named one of the Orange County Department of Education’s 2024-25 TK-12 School Counselors of the Year! Noemi’s exceptional dedication to supporting students, families, and staff exemplifies the heart of the SAUSD community. This marks the second consecutive year an SAUSD counselor has received this honor, showcasing the outstanding work happening across our district. Way to go, Noemi and the Madison Counselors team! 

Dec. 5: Annual Stuff-A-Bus Toy Collection Drive


Join SAUSD, the Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation, and Santa Ana School Police for the annual Stuff-A-Bus Toy Collection Drive! Help us reach our goal of 10,000 new, unwrapped toys. Stop by on Dec. 5, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for photos with Santa, holiday treats, choir performances, and more. Click here for details. 

SAUSD and SAPSF Invite You to Host a Toy Drive Benefiting Santa Ana Youth


Spread holiday cheer with SAUSD and the Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation! We’re inviting local businesses and community members to host toy drives as part of our mission to collect 10,000 toys for Santa Ana’s youth. Ready to join the fun? Click here to request a Toy Drive Collection box. Let’s make this season magical for our kids!

Join the Spirit of Giving: Support CENA 2024


Donations are now being collected to support Caring Educators Nourishing All (CENA) 2024! This beloved SAUSD tradition spreads holiday cheer by providing meals and toys to hundreds of students and families. This year’s goal is to collect enough toys and funds to distribute 10,000 toys and 4,000 grocery gift cards. Click here to find out how you can join in and make a difference!

SAUSD School of Choice (Open Enrollment) For 2025-26 School Year Runs Through Feb. 28, 2025


Open enrollment for the 2025-26 school year has begun and runs through Feb. 28, 2025. Check ParentSquare for important announcements and visit www.sausd.us/enroll for the enrollment calendar and links.

School Budget Town Hall Meetings Scheduled for Dec. 19, 2024


The District is hosting two community town hall meetings on Dec. 19, 2024 to provide information and answer questions about the budget process and how schools are funded. The first is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at McFadden Institute of Technology, 2701 S. Raitt St.. The second takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Century High School, 1401 S. Grand Ave. Click here for more information.

Celebrate Our Heartbeat of SAUSD: Nominations Open for 2024


SAUSD is excited to continue our "Heartbeat of SAUSD" recognition program. This special honor celebrates the dedicated staff members who embody the spirit, resilience, and commitment that drive our district's success. We are seeking nominees who:


  • Have multiple family members working in various roles across SAUSD
  • Are proud alumni or have attended SAUSD schools


If you or your family exemplify these values and have a deep connection to our educational community, we want to hear from you! Submit your nomination here. Thank you for helping us recognize the heart and soul of SAUSD!

Plan Ahead with SAUSD's Academic Calendars


The academic calendars for the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years are now available on our website. Stay informed and plan your school year ahead! Click here to access the calendars!

Flyers: Community Resources and More: Week of Nov. 20-Dec. 3, 2024


Looking to connect with groups that provide free groceries, diapers, parenting workshops and more? Check out this week's flyer round-up here for details on these and other helpful resources.

Experience the Legacy of Gerald Carr at The Frida Cinema


Don’t miss a One Night Only screening of a documentary celebrating Gerald Carr, a Santa Ana High School graduate who spent 84 days in space. The film also highlights the journey of Carr and his second wife. After the screening, his son, Jeff Carr, will fly in from Texas to host a brief Q&A. The event takes place on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. at The Frida Cinema. Learn more here:  https://www.floralpark.com/event-details/neighborhood-night-out-at-the-frida-cinema-2

VIDEOS

Santa Ana Valley High Showcases Academies at Inaugural Event


Santa Ana Valley High School hosted its first annual Academy Night on Nov. 13, inviting families and future students to an evening of exploration and engagement. Attendees toured state-of-the-art facilities and participated in hands-on activities, discovering the innovative College and Career Academies designed to empower student success and growth. Click here to watch a short video. 

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Nov. 18-22, 2024


Join us in taking a look back at how students and staff spent their last few weeks of summer getting ready for a new semester. Click here to watch.

UPCOMING EVENTS