Week of Oct. 14-20, 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, Oct. 8, 2024


The Board of Education met Oct. 8, 2024 at the District Office. Click here to watch a video of the meeting.

SAUSD Board of Education Honors Nicholas Academic Center Leaders for Their Impact on Youth


The SAUSD Board of Education recognized the exceptional leaders of the Nicholas Academic Center (NAC) for their dedication to empowering underserved youth during the Oct. 8, 2024 Board meeting. Since the 1990s, this team has made a profound difference through mentorship, academic guidance, and operational excellence, leaving a lasting legacy in the community. Special recognition was given to Rodolfo Duarte, Jose Luis Ochoa, Diana Tercero, Elizabeth Mootz, Julieth Duarte, Miguel Beltran, Maddy Gonzalez Stoermer, Ilda Oropeza Zepeda, Fernando Martinez, Rosa Diaz, Pats Vazquez, and Valerie Magdaleno. Their unwavering commitment continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Click here to learn more. 

October 2024 Heartbeat of SAUSD Honorees, the Castro and Contreras Families, Recognized During Board of Education Meeting


Congratulations to the October 2024 honorees of the Heartbeat of SAUSD recognition: the Castro and Contreras Families! They were acknowledged during the Oct. 8, 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 Hosts First Youth Mental Health Convening


On Oct. 7, 2024, SAUSD hosted its inaugural Santa Ana Youth Mental Health Convening, gathering local agencies and organizations to collaborate with district staff. The event focused on sharing updates about mental health in Santa Ana and exploring strategies to meet the mental health needs of youth. By partnering with the community, we are working to enhance the support network for our students! Click here to watch a short highlight video.

SAUSD Celebrates Walk to School Day at Washington Elementary


On Oct. 9, 2024, SAUSD participated in Walk to School Day with a fun and active event at Washington Elementary School. Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, along with students, staff, district leaders, parents, and community members, joined together for a morning walk through the neighborhood to the school. The event concluded with a special assembly, highlighting the importance of safe walking habits every day. Click here for photos.

2024 SAUSD State of the District Breakfast: Nov. 1, 2024


SAUSD community partners, parents, and guardians are invited to the 2024 SAUSD State of the District Breakfast on Nov. 1, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Godinez Fundamental High School. This year's theme, "Imagine the Unimaginable," encourages us to envision a future where our students' potential knows no bounds. Hosted by SAUSD and the Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation, the event will bring together leaders, educators, and our community to celebrate our achievements and explore the limitless possibilities for our district's future. Be sure to RSVP by Oct. 18 at bit.ly/2024SOTD

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 Oct. 2-8, 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.

Classroom Spark Grant - Invitation to Apply


The Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation is providing up to $1,500 to educators for innovative, curriculum-based classroom projects that do not have an available funding source. Applications are due Oct. 14, 2024. To learn more and complete the application, please visit https://santaanapublicschoolsfoundation.org/mini-grants/ 

VIDEOS

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Oct. 7-11, 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