Week of Nov. 18-24, 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

Video: Board of Education Meeting, Nov. 12, 2024


The Board of Education met Nov. 12, 2024 at the District Office. Click here to watch a video of the meeting.

Honoring Board President Carolyn Torres


At the Nov. 12, 2024, Board of Education meeting, SAUSD bid a heartfelt farewell to Board President Carolyn Torres. Superintendent Jerry Almendarez and community leaders, including OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Santa Ana City Council Members Ben Vazquez and Jessie Lopez, recognized Ms. Torres for her inspiring leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to academic success. Certificates of honor highlighted her lasting impact on the district.

SAY&G Program Recognized for Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement


At its Nov. 12, 2024, meeting, the SAUSD Board of Education honored the Santa Ana Youth and Government (SAY&G) program for its exceptional dedication to youth development and civic engagement. Since 2008, SAY&G has provided Santa Ana high school students with invaluable hands-on experiences in government, leadership, and civic responsibility. Many participants have gone on to achieve success in college and beyond. SAUSD extends heartfelt gratitude to SAY&G for inspiring the next generation of leaders in our community!

November 2024 Heartbeat of SAUSD Honorees, the Barrios, Castro, and Leon Families, Recognized During Board of Education Meeting


Congratulations to the November 2024 honorees of the Heartbeat of SAUSD recognition: the Barrios, Castro, and Leon Families! They were acknowledged during the Nov. 12, 2024 Board of Education meeting for exemplifying the core values of our district — a deep, enduring connection that weaves together generations of students, families, and educators into a vibrant educational tapestry. Click here to learn more about their profound and inspiring contributions to SAUSD.

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


The District’s Employees of the Month for November 2024 were highlighted during the Nov. 12, 2024 Board of Education meeting. The Certificated Employee of the Month is Daniel Tena, Teacher at Godinez Fundamental High School. The Classified Employee of the Month is Ximena Luna Parra, FACE Liaison at Godinez Fundamental High School. Learn more about them here.

Celebrating New Upgrades at Santa Ana High School


On Nov. 14, 2024, SAUSD leaders, including Board Clerk Hector Bustos and Board Member Katelyn Brazer Aceves, joined the Santa Ana High School community to celebrate exciting campus upgrades. The improvements, which include a new counseling center, dedicated arts spaces, and enhanced accessibility, reflect our ongoing commitment to creating safe and inspiring learning environments. Click here for photos.

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 to 10:30 a.m. at McFadden Institute of Technology, 2701 S. Raitt St.. The second takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Century High School, 1401 S. Grand Ave. Click here for more information.

‘Amplifying Leadership’ Podcast Episode 16: Preparing and Supporting Our Students for the Future: High School Inc. and the Power of Community Partnerships, Part 2


SAUSD’s Amplifying Leadership, Episode 16. Preparing and Supporting Our Students for the Future: High School Inc. and the Power of Community Partnerships, Part 2 is now streaming! Find us at https://bit.ly/3ExmiTk or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hear how our incredible community business partnerships create pathways to success beyond the classroom at SAUSD.

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. 13-19, 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

SAUSD Strengthens Partnerships at Community Schools Convening


SAUSD recently held a Community Schools Convening at the Delhi Center, uniting educators, community partners, and families to foster collaboration and better support for students. Special thanks to Board Members Katelyn Brazer Aceves and Dr. Rigo Rodriguez for attending and showing their support! Click here to watch a short video. 

Santa Ana High School Students Shine in Culinary Creativity


Santa Ana High School’s Level 2 Restaurant Management students showcased their creativity and dedication by launching their own “restaurants” as part of a semester project. From crafting business plans to preparing and serving delicious dishes to staff, these talented students delivered an unforgettable culinary experience. Click here to watch a short video. 

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Nov. 11-15, 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 
COMMUNITY RESOURCES