Week of Sept. 9-15, 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

Board of Education to Meet Sept. 10, 2024


The Board of Education is meeting Sept. 10, 2024 at the District office. Closed session is at 5 p.m.; public session is at 6:30 p.m. Visit our site here to read the agenda, submit a public comment, and watch live.

Statement on Air Conditioning System Repairs


We recognize the importance of a comfortable learning environment for both students and staff. While most of our school buildings have fully functioning air conditioning systems, our facilities teams have been working diligently through the weekend to address any issues at sites where systems are not operating as expected. Crews are prioritizing repairs to minimize disruptions and ensure optimal temperatures in all learning spaces. Temporary cooling units may be installed in some classrooms while central units are being repaired. We appreciate your patience and will keep you informed of any major updates.

SAUSD Leaders Attend 2024 UC Irvine OCEAN Annual Convening


SAUSD leaders, including Board Member Dr. Rigo Rodriguez and Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, recently participated in the 2024 UC Irvine OCEAN Annual Convening, which focused on fostering community and school partnerships. The event highlighted SAUSD's strong partnership with OCEAN and showcased innovative research and future plans aimed at improving student outcomes. Through collaboration with districts and universities like UCI, SAUSD is committed to shaping the future of education for all students. Click here to see photos!

ASB High School President & Advisor Council Holds First Meeting of the Year


The ASB High School President & Advisor Council kicked off the new school year with a productive first meeting at the District Office. SAUSD leaders, including Board Clerk Hector Bustos and Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, welcomed the group and participated in an engaging icebreaker activity to help everyone connect. It was a great start to a year of collaboration and leadership development. Click here to view photos.

3rd Annual College & Career Community Resource Fair Coming this Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024


Join us this Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Santa Ana Zoo for our 3rd Annual College and Career Community Resource Fair! Superintendent Jerry Almendarez invites the SAUSD community to this exciting event, featuring valuable resources and opportunities for students and families. Enjoy entertainment, free zoo admission, and the chance to connect with college and career representatives. For more details, watch Superintendent Almendarez's special message here (for Spanish version click here) and visit www.sausd.us/collegeandcareer. We look forward to seeing you there!

Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Sept. 16, 2024


We are excited to announce the induction of seven outstanding athletes into our SAUSD Wall of Fame on Sept. 16, 2024. Celebrate with us as we honor these exceptional individuals who have made remarkable contributions to our district. For more details, please click here. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

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!

SAUSD Warns Parents About Virtual Kidnapping Scam


Santa Ana Unified has received reports of scammers targeting district parents with fake kidnapping claims, demanding ransom for their child’s safe return. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and avoid confirming any personal details, including your child’s name. Be cautious of calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller insists on keeping you on the line and requests ransom through wire transfers or payment apps. If you suspect a real kidnapping, contact law enforcement right away. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. For more information, visit: https://ors.od.nih.gov/News/Pages/Beware-of-Virtual-Kidnapping-Ransom-Scam.aspx.

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. 4-10, 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

Villa Fundamental Marked 25 Years with a Trip Down Memory Lane


The highlight of the celebration was the opening of a 1999 time capsule, filled with nostalgic treasures like cassettes, photos, and other memorabilia. The event brought together current and former students, families, and community members to celebrate, with special guests including Board Members Carolyn Torres and Hector Bustos. Click here to watch this highlight video of the event! 

High Schools Celebrate Back to School Night


High schools across SAUSD recently hosted their Back to School Night events. Click here for a glimpse of how some of our schools celebrated!

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Sept. 2-6, 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