GUSD In Touch: May 2024 💜

Dr. Anisha Munshi

Superintendent

Gilroy Unified School District

May News from GUSD

It’s hard to believe that the school-year is almost over and soon our students will be wrapping up another year of learning and exploration. I am proud to see our students advance to the next phase of their educational journey. The graduation and promotion ceremonies that we celebrate in the upcoming weeks are a testimony of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and families.

At the beginning of the year, we identified three District goals that are essential for the success of all students. As I reflect on our progress in each area, I feel confident that we are moving in the right direction by focusing on the whole child and ensuring that all students are healthy, safe, engaged, challenged and supported. We started the year with an assessment of our programs and practices, and determining what levels of support students need. In the past few months, parents, staff and students have provided feedback through surveys that will guide us in determining goals and action steps for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). We have a clear plan that will guide us in creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all students.

There are many successes to celebrate. We have strengthened our academic programs and one such example is the expansion of the Dual Immersion program, which will now include Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten. We are also looking at creating stronger Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways that will allow more opportunities for high school students. Next year, the middle schools will offer an array of electives that are open to all students. Every middle school student in our District will have an opportunity to take an elective course during the school day. It is our goal to offer more enrichment opportunities through the after-school program.

One of the highlights for the year was the opening of Wellness Centers at all three middle schools. We hope to extend this to high schools next year. Recently, GECA received the prestigious California Distinguished School award. We were also informed that the California Department of Education identified Mount Madonna High School for Civic Learning Honorable Mention. Both the middle schools construction projects are completed and several schools now have solar shade structures. In March, we held the inaugural Superintendent's Youth Advisory Committee meeting, where students from our middle and high schools develop leadership skills and connections to provide support to their schools and our District. There is much to be done but we are making great progress.

I would like to close the year by thanking our families and community partners for their partnership. This collaboration is critical for the success of our students. I wish you a restful summer and look forward to seeing you at our year-end celebrations.

My best,

Anisha Munshi, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Gilroy Unified School District

Dual Immersion Preschool (DI PS) enrollment is open!

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, GUSD will offer a Dual Immersion Preschool program at the Glen View State Preschool campus. The DI PS program is in addition to the existing preschool programming offered in our District. The program is FREE, and offers half-day programming for students, Monday through Friday. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

Students are eligible if they meet income requirements, live in Gilroy, and if they will turn 3 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024. (Students who turn 3 after Dec. 1, 2024, can enroll on or after their birthday.)

Complete this interest form to receive updates about the DI Preschool program.

Learn more about GUSD Preschool

New for 2024-25: Changes to Middle School Bell Schedules

Due to the new law (SB 291), the middle school bell schedule for all three schools will change beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Beginning in August, middle schools will start at 8:15 AM, and end at 2:59 PM. This new schedule will provide all middle school students with 30-minutes of break time.

Thank you to our school community members who provided input on the new bell schedules, via survey or in-person community planning sessions. In addition to the change in middle school bell schedules, middle school students will have the opportunity to take an elective class, beginning in the 2024-25 school year.

** School websites will be updated to reflect the new bell schedules following the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year.*

Mt. Madonna High School receives 2024 Civic Learning Award

Congratulations to Mt. Madonna High School for receiving a 2024 Civic Learning Award from the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initative.

The awards recognize and celebrate public schools that demonstrate a commitment to providing rich civic learning opportunities for students.

The program is co-sponsored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, and have recognized more than 350 public schools of all grade levels across California. Mt. Madonna is one of only 21 schools to be recognized in 2024.

This year, Mount Madonna has included Ethnic Studies as an elective course that any student may take. The Ethnic Studies curriculum was written by GUSD teachers and is aligned to the California standards for English, Social Studies and Ethnic Studies.

The curriculum was written to promote empathy within our student population, an understanding of what it means to be a part of a larger democratic society and to find ways to increase one’s voice and understanding of the society in which we all live.

Read the release

GUSD Student Showcases and Performances

As the 2023-24 school year comes to a close, you're invited to join our students who participate in band, choir, and the arts for their end-of-year performances.

On May 17, art students from Gilroy High, Christopher High, and Mt. Madonna High Schools will hold the third annual Spring High School Art Show in Downtown Gilroy, during the third Friday Art Walk. The show is from 5-8 pm and is FREE to attend.

Also on May 17, dance students from Gilroy High School will perform the Mustang Dance Spring Showcase, beginning at 6:30 pm, in the Gilroy High Theater. The event is FREE to attend.

On May 21, GUSD middle school choir students will perform their Farewell Concert. The event takes place in the Dr. Deborah Flores Student Center on the campus of Gilroy High (750 W. Tenth Street) and is FREE to attend.

On May 22 and 23, you are invited to attend "Wild Forces: An Exploration of What Makes Us Beautifully Unique," presented by the GUSD High School Choral Ensembles. Tickets are on sale now . Performances begin at 7:30 pm in the Dr. Deborah Flores Student Center on the campus of Gilroy High (750 W. Tenth Street).

On May 28, Brownell Band students will perform their Farewell Concert. The concert begins at 7:00 pm, in the Gilroy High School Theater (750 W. Tenth Street). Admission is FREE, but donations are accepted at the door.

On May 30, South Valley Band students will perform their Farewell Concert. The concert begins at 6:45 pm, in the Gilroy High Theater (750 W. Tenth Street). Admission is FREE, but donations are accepted at the door.

Finally, also on May 30, the GUSD High School Bands will play their final concert of the year, featuring pops music, in the Gilroy High Theater (750 W. Tenth Street). The concert begins at 7:30 pm. Admission is FREE.

May 16-- Board Meeting, 7 pm (7810 Arroyo Circle). Watch the livestream.
May 24-- Minimum Day. Early dismissal for all students.
May 27-- Memorial Day. No school for students.
May 28-- No school for grades TK-5. Teacher Work Day.
May 29-- Adult Education Graduation
May 30-- Board Meeting, 7 pm (7810 Arroyo Circle). Watch the livestream.
June 4-- Mt. Madonna High School Graduation
June 5-- 8th Grade Promotion ceremonies
June 6-- Christopher High School Graduation
June 7-- Last day of school and Gilroy High School Graduation
June 13-- GUSD regular board meeting. Watch the livestream

What's Up in GUSD

We want you to join Team GUSD! The Gilroy Unified School District is currently hiring for a number of positions, including: teaching staff (all grades), campus supervisors, SLPs, Senior Staff Secretary, payroll clerk, coaches, bus drivers, and substitute teachers. For more information, contact our Human Resources Department.

Available Jobs

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Gilroy Unified School District | (669) 205-4000 | 7810 Arroyo Cir., Gilroy, 95020 | gilroyunified.org