WEEK OF AUGUST 30, 2021
Official newsletter of the Santa Ana Unified School District, designed to inform the community about District related news, opportunities, and resources. 
Please share and follow SAUSD online!
DISTRICT NEWS
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM SUPERINTENDENT JERRY ALMENDAREZ: AUG. 30
In his weekly newsletter to the community, Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Superintendent Jerry Almendarez provides information on Covid testing, vaccination opportunities and more. To read it in English, click here. To read it in Spanish, click here.
SAUSD TO PROVIDE FREE WEEKLY COVID-19 TESTING TO STUDENTS AND STAFF
Superintendent Jerry Almendarez has issued an important community update regarding the District's plans to provide free weekly COVID-19 testing for all students and staff as part of an effort to maintain a safe learning and working environment for everyone. Click here to read the superintendent’s message in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING, AUG. 24
The SAUSD Board of Education met on Aug. 24 at the District Office. Click here to watch a video of the public part of the meeting.
WINNERS CHOSEN IN SAUSD'S 2021 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTO CONTEST
The public has spoken! The top three winners in SAUSD's 2021 First Day of School Photo Contest, as voted on by Facebook users, have been identified. The District received over 220 entries this year to the popular contest. Click here to view all of the submissions.
SAUSD BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES DR. KIRT K. PATEL FOR BEING KEY PARTNER IN COVID VACCINATION EFFORTS
The Board of Education on Aug. 24 recognized Dr. Kirt K. Patel from Rite-Aid for being a key partner in SAUSD’s Covid vaccination efforts and for his commitment to address vaccination inequities in Santa Ana. His dedication to the community has resulted in the administration of nearly 32,000 vaccines through 17 clinics held at Segerstrom High School and Villa Fundamental Intermediate School.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
The District recently celebrated the completion of a modernization project at Garfield Elementary with an on-campus dedication ceremony. The school received new paint, furniture, and classroom improvements as part of the project, which was funded through Measure I. It also received a new lunch shelter, a new STEAM lab, a new Kindergarten area and a front office reconfiguration. Click here to watch.
#SAUSDCLASSOF2021
#SAUSDCLASSOF2021
SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES
The District asked our Class of 2021 graduates to tell us about their post high school plans and they responded! From those who will be entering the military, to those attending four-year colleges and universities, many of our scholars sent in their stories. Our last profile in the series comes from Francisco Roman, who is heading to the Army. To read them all, click here.
SAUSD COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Looking for COVID-19 resources? Click here for information regarding SAUSD’s facemask requirements, COVID-19 guidelines for students and staff, COVID-19 dashboard, virtual learning options, and COVID-19 services available for parents, students, and staff.
RETURN TO SCHOOL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
SAUSD has prepared an FAQ document to address key concerns received from the community regarding the return to school. The FAQs are available here in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
GRAPHIC: STUDENT SYMPTOM DECISION TREE
As students return to in-person instruction, it is important that all students and staff follow all safety protocols to help provide a safe environment for learning. This includes staying home when someone feels sick. Please see this guide to help identify symptoms, and what schools will do when staff identifies these symptoms in students and others.
DOWNLOAD PARENTSQUARE APP TODAY
SAUSD is now using the ParentSquare app to increase communication among families, schools and the District. Download the app today at the Apple AppStore or Google Play to begin receiving important news and updates from SAUSD teachers, schools, and departments. Click here for more information.
SCHOOL NEWS
BEST BEST & KRIEGER LLP DONATES BACKPACKS TO KING STUDENTS 
Best Best & Krieger LLP donated 565 backpacks filled with school supplies to every student at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary on the first day of school. This is the 12th year that BB&K has participated in Operation Backpack. “At King, we are committed to preparing students to be scholars and successful, responsible global citizens who will contribute to their communities and thrive,” said Principal Adolfo Herrera. “The backpacks and supplies will ensure that every student starts the school year off on a path to those goals.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Sept. 6, 2021 - Holiday - Labor Day (All SAUSD offices and schools closed)
  • Sept. 14, 2021 - Regular Board Meeting
  • Sept. 28, 2021 - Regular Board Meeting
  • Oct. 12, 2021 - Regular Board Meeting
RESOURCES