Week of Feb. 5-11, 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

SAUSD’s 2025 Teachers & Support Services Staff of the Year Have Been Announced!


SAUSD Board of Education President Carolyn Torres, Board Clerk Hector Bustos and Board Member Katelyn Brazer Aceves, along with Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, and other District leaders, on Feb. 2, 2024, honored the District’s 2025 Teachers and Support Services Staff of the Year during surprise visits to each of their work sites. With balloon bouquets in hand district leaders recognized each recipient for their service and dedication to the district and its students. The honorees are set to be formally celebrated at an upcoming Board of Education meeting scheduled for May. Their names will also be forwarded to the Orange County Department of Education for consideration for the county’s 2025 Teacher of the Year awards. This year’s honorees are: Thalia Rodriguez, Teacher at Heninger Elementary School, Cassandra Cabrera, Science Teacher at Mendez Fundamental Intermediate, Nathan Goodrich, English Teacher at Century High School, and Support Services Staff of the Year, Donovan Bean, Psychologist at Harvey Elementary School. Click here to learn more details about their commitment and dedication to our schools, our students, our parents and our community.

SAUSD Launches 2024 'We Care, Get Help' Campaign


SAUSD is highlighting the “We Care, Get Help” campaign this month with special events, spirit weeks, self-care activities, and more. The initiative is aimed at mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Districtwide resources, events, and activities are planned for the month of February. Visit the We Care webpage by clicking here to access flyers and resources.

Six SAUSD Educators Selected as Finalists for Parenting OC Magazine's Top Teachers & Employee Awards


Congratulations to the following six outstanding SAUSD educators that have been recognized as finalists for Top Leader or Top Teacher in the upcoming issue of Parenting OC Magazine's Top Teachers of Orange County & Employee Awards: Dr. Samuel Perla from Franklin Elementary School, Brenda Chino from Washington Elementary School, Ammy Beltran from Valley High School, Cassie Olah from Carver Elementary School, Evan Rathe from Lydia Romero Cruz Academy, and Eric Vismantas from Roosevelt-Walker Academy. The Top Teachers of Orange County issue is an annual initiative by Parenting OC Magazine, aimed at highlighting educators who go above and beyond in their commitment to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment. Well done to our outstanding educators for this well-deserved honor! Click here to learn more. 

SAUSD Hosting Series of LCAP Community Input Meetings


SAUSD is hosting LCAP Community Input Meetings at different school campuses in the upcoming weeks. To join the conversation, kindly inquire about registration details at your child's school and attend an upcoming meeting - virtually or in-person. Your participation is highly valued! Complimentary dinner, childcare, and transportation services will be provided. 

AB 469 Reminder: SAUSD Seniors Required To Submit Financial Aid Applications By April 2, 2024


SAUSD seniors have until April 2, 2024 to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), as outlined in AB 469. Completion of a Financial Aid application is necessary in order to qualify for federal student aid such as grants, work study, and loans. Visit our website here for important details on this requirement and resources that may assist with determining how you would like to proceed with the AB 469 requirement for your senior.

SAUSD Open Enrollment For 2024-2025 School Year Runs Through Feb. 28, 2024


Open enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year has begun and runs through Feb. 28, 2024. During this time parents may enroll new students, request transfers, and participate in the lottery process for fundamental schools. Check ParentSquare for important announcements, and visit www.sausd.us/enroll for the enrollment calendar and links.

Community Alert: Protect Our Schools! Report Suspicious Activity in SAUSD Now


We are witnessing a concerning rise in thefts and vandalism at our school sites in the Santa Ana Unified School District and across the region. Our schools are vital to the education and wellbeing of our children, and we must all play a part in protecting these precious spaces. If you see anything suspicious around our school sites, please don't hesitate to act. Your vigilance is key in safeguarding our educational environments. By working together, we can ensure that our schools remain safe and nurturing places for our students to learn and grow. Report any suspicious activities immediately to our School Police at 714-558-5535. 

Flyers: Community Resources and More: Week of Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2024


Looking for Covid resources and 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.

VIDEOS

SAUSD Board of Education Declares February 21st 'We Care' Day in Unanimous Resolution, Prioritizing Emotional Well-being for All


With unanimous support, our Board of Education proudly approved a resolution at its recent meeting, officially designating February 21st as "We Care" Day. This day serves as a testament to our dedication to fostering the emotional and mental well-being of our students, staff, and families. To learn more, watch a short video by clicking here.

February Spotlight: SAUSD Community Voices Share Heartfelt Stories on the Impact of 'We Care, Get Help’


In February, we are featuring voices from the SAUSD community, with individuals sharing heartfelt stories about the real impact of 'We Care, Get Help.' Click here to listen to Brandon Gernux, a counselor at Madison Elementary School, and click here to hear from Arlette Ridoutt, a counselor at Santa Ana High School.

SAUSD Rewind for the Week of Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2024


Join us in taking a look back at our top headlines of the week. Click here to watch. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 
COMMUNITY RESOURCES