Week of January 6-12, 2025

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

Video: Board of Education Meeting, Dec. 17, 2024


The Board of Education met Dec. 17, 2024 and Dec. 19, 2024 at the District Office. Click here to watch a video of the meetings.

New Leadership Takes Oath of Office at SAUSD


Congratulations to Brenda Lebsack and Valerie Magdaleno, who were officially sworn in as the newest members of the SAUSD Board of Education during the annual organizational meeting on December 17, 2024. Re-elected member Dr. Alfonso Alvarez also took the oath of office. The Board elected Hector Bustos as president, Katelyn Brazer Aceves as vice president, and Valerie Magdaleno as clerk. We wish all our Board members continued success as they lead and serve the SAUSD community. Click here for photos. 

SAUSD Board of Education Adopts Resolution Reaffirming the Values of SAUSD as a Welcoming District for All Students


The SAUSD Board of Education has adopted a resolution reaffirming the values of SAUSD as a welcoming District for all students. This resolution declares all district sites as safe havens and welcoming spaces, ensuring that every student and family feels supported. It reinforces SAUSD’s long-standing policies of equity and safety, prohibiting the use of district resources for immigration enforcement. Together, we remain dedicated to creating inclusive, empowering environments for our community. Click here to read the resolution.

Honoring Our SAUSD Board of Education this School Board Recognition Month


January is School Board Recognition Month, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SAUSD Board of Education. Their unwavering commitment to supporting the academic, social-emotional, physical, and mental well-being of our scholars is truly inspiring. On Dec. 17, 2024, the Board passed a resolution acknowledging the vital role school boards play in fostering thriving schools and communities. Click here to read it.

SAUSD Board of Education Passes Resolution Proclaiming January 2025 as National Braille Literacy Month


January is National Braille Literacy Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals who use braille and acknowledge the educators who play a vital role in supporting their success. Braille is an essential tool for providing access to education, independence, and equal opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. At its Dec. 17 meeting, the SAUSD Board of Education passed a resolution recognizing the importance of braille literacy and its role in fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers for all students. Click here to read it.

SAUSD Board of Education Passes Resolution Proclaiming January 2025 as National Mentoring Month


The SAUSD Board of Education at its Dec. 17, 2024 meeting adopted a resolution proclaiming January 2025 as National Mentoring Month! A big thank you to the amazing mentors who are making a lasting impact in our schools. Click here to read the full resolution.

SAUSD December 2024 Employees of the Month Highlighted During Board of Education Meeting


The District’s Employees of the Month for December 2024 were highlighted during the Dec. 17, 2024 Board of Education meeting. The Certificated Employee of the Month is Kristi Almanzar, Instructional Coach at Harvey Elementary School. The Classified Employee of the Month is Hanh Kim, Library Media Technician at Heninger Elementary School.  Learn more about them here.

Share Your Input on SAUSD’s LCAP


SAUSD is committed to supporting every student by using resources effectively. Help shape our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which outlines our vision for student success and how the district’s budget supports those goals. Join an LCAP input session by contacting your school, or share your thoughts by taking our survey at https://bit.ly/LCAP-24-25 or scanning the QR code in the image. Click here to learn more about the process. Your voice matters!

Join Us for LCAP Input Meetings


SAUSD is hosting a series of parent and community input meetings to gather your thoughts on how we can best support student success. Your voice matters! To participate, contact your child’s school for meeting details. Virtual options will be available, and dinner, childcare, and transportation will be provided. Let’s work together to make every student successful! Click here to learn more about the process. Your voice matters!

AB 469 Reminder: SAUSD Seniors Required To Submit Financial Aid Applications By March 2, 2025


SAUSD seniors have until March 2, 2025 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 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.

Free Virtual Doctor Visits for SAUSD Families


Exciting news for SAUSD families! Students now have access to free virtual doctor visits at home through Hazel Health. To get started, simply log into the Aeries parent portal, give permission to share your student's data, and complete Hazel’s consent form. Ensure your student has access to care anytime they need it! Get started today at: getstarted.hazel.co/district/sausd

Celebrate Our Heartbeat of SAUSD: Nominations Open for 2024-25


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 Jan. 1-7, 2025


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.

VIDEOS

Thank You SAUSD Community for Passing Measure I


Click here to watch a heartfelt thank you message from Superintendent Jerry Almendarez to our incredible SAUSD community for passing Measure I. Your unwavering support is paving the way for exciting improvements in our schools and creating more opportunities for our students. Together, we’re building a brighter future for all!

What a Year for SAUSD! 


2024 was filled with remarkable achievements, unforgettable memories, and tremendous growth for our students, staff, and community. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue building an even brighter future together. Click here to watch a highlight video.

Winter Chill Brings the Magic!


The Adult Transition Program captivated families and students from across SAUSD with their enchanting "Winter Chill" musical skit. Click here to relive the magical moments with these highlights!

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Dec. 16-20, 2024


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

UPCOMING EVENTS 
COMMUNITY RESOURCES