Week of Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 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, Sept. 24, 2024


The Board of Education met Sept. 24, 2024 at the District Office. Click here to watch a video of the meeting.

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


The District’s Employees of the Month for September 2024 were highlighted during the Sept. 24, 2024 Board of Education meeting. The Certificated Employee of the Month is Andrea Yepiz, Behavior Analyst, Special Education Department. The Classified Employee of the Month is Kathleen Gil, Facilities Planning Technician, Facilities & Governmental Relations Department. Learn more about them here.

School Budget Town Hall Meetings Scheduled for Sept. 30, 2024


The District is hosting two community town hall meetings on Sept. 30, 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.

SAUSD Board of Education Proclaims October 2024 as World Blind Awareness Month


The SAUSD Board of Education has officially proclaimed October 2024 as World Blind Awareness Month. This resolution recognizes the experiences, achievements, and contributions of individuals with blindness, low vision, and visual impairments. By increasing awareness and celebrating their successes, SAUSD aims to foster a more inclusive community. Click here to read the resolution.

SAUSD Board of Education Proclaims October 2024 as National Physical Therapy Month


The SAUSD Board of Education has officially designated October 2024 as National Physical Therapy Month. This proclamation highlights the essential role physical therapists play in supporting students with disabilities by improving their mobility and helping them succeed in the classroom. Their expertise and dedication ensure that all students have access to the educational resources they need to reach their full potential. To read the full resolution, click here.

SAUSD Board of Education Declares October 2024 as National Farm to School Month


The SAUSD Board of Education has officially proclaimed October 2024 as National Farm to School Month. This recognition celebrates the district’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthy eating habits, supporting local farmers, strengthening the local economy, and fostering a sustainable and resilient food system. To read the full resolution, click here. 

SAUSD Board of Education Proclaims October 2024 as LGBTQ+ History Month


On Sept. 24, 2024, the Board of Education adopted a resolution declaring October 2024 as LGBTQ+ History Month to honor the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community within the Santa Ana Unified School District. This resolution also acknowledges Oct. 11, 2024 as National Coming Out Day and Nov. 20, 2024 as Transgender Day of Remembrance. Additionally, it recognizes April 12, 2025, as National Day of Silence, promoting a movement against harassment and bullying of LGBTQ+ individuals, and celebrates June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Click here to read the resolution.

Share Your Thoughts on Renaming John C. Fremont Elementary


We are seeking your thoughts on renaming John C. Fremont Elementary School and invite you to share your input. Click here to take a short survey. Your voice matters, so don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the conversation!

‘Amplifying Leadership’ Podcast Episode 14: A Champion for Justice and Equality: Dorothy Mulkey’s Trailblazing Path from Local Activist to National Civil Rights Hero


SAUSD’s Amplifying Leadership,‘14. A Champion for Justice and Equality: Dorothy Mulkey’s Trailblazing Path from Local Activist to National Civil Rights Hero’, is now streaming! Find us at https://bit.ly/3ExmiTk or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hear how Dorothy’s courageous fight for fair housing in Santa Ana set a nationwide Civil Rights precedent.

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 at bit.ly/2024SOTD

Celebrate Our Heartbeat of SAUSD: Nominations Open for 2024


As we embark on a new school year, 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 Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, 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

Exploring Santa Ana's Vibrant Culture through Ethnic Studies


SAUSD students recently participated in a meaningful field trip that highlighted the rich history of our community. Led by Dorothy Mulkey, a local civil rights advocate, the experience deepened students' understanding of Santa Ana’s heritage and the lasting impact of Mulkey’s work for social justice. Her lifelong dedication continues to inspire and educate the next generation. Watch a preview highlight video here and the full video here.

SAUSD Social Media Ambassadors Program Kicks Off


Last week, we launched the 2024-25 SAUSD Social Media Ambassadors program with great energy, uniting staff from all 53 schools and district departments. The event was a vibrant start to a year full of collaboration and creativity. Click here to catch a glimpse of the excitement.

Highlights from the 2024 SAUSD Speech and Debate Warm-Up Tournament


Hundreds of students from grades 3-8 showcased their skills and teamwork at SAUSD’s 2024 Speech and Debate Warm-Up Tournament on Sept. 21, 2024 at Saddleback H.S. The event was a great success, thanks to the dedication and passion of all who participated. We’re incredibly proud of our students for bringing their best to the competition and representing their schools with pride! Click here to watch a short highlight video. 

High Schools Celebrate Senior Sunrise with the Class of 2025


High schools across SAUSD recently celebrated Senior Sunrise, a beloved tradition marking the start of the school year for the Class of 2025. Students gathered early to watch the sunrise together, symbolizing the beginning of their final year. Click here to see highlights from these memorable events that were shared by Valley, Segerstrom, Circulos, Godinez Fundamental, and Saddleback high schools.

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Sept. 23-27, 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 
  • Sep. 30, 2024 - Budget Town Halls
  • Oct. 2, 2024 - Modified Day - Elementary & Intermediate
  • Oct. 7, 2024 - Duty Day/Student Free Day (Intermediate)
  • Oct. 8, 2024 - Regular Board Meeting
  • Oct. 8-10, 2024 - Modified Day - Educational Options
  • Oct. 9, 2024 - Modified Day - Elementary & Intermediate
  • Oct. 11, 2024 - Duty Day/Student Free Day (Educational Options)
  • Oct. 16, 2024 - Modified Day - Elementary & Intermediate
  • Oct. 22, 2024 - Regular Board Meeting
  • Oct. 23, 2024 - Modified Day - Elementary & Intermediate
  • Oct. 30, 2024 - Modified Day - Elementary & Intermediate


COMMUNITY RESOURCES