It’s hard to believe, but as you read this, we’ve just completed six weeks of the “new” school year. And there’s a lot going on, so let’s dive in.
This month, we continue our district-wide focus on math across all grade levels, partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. As part of a countywide network of mathematics leadership teams, we align professional learning with the 2023 California Math Framework and Common Core Standards. This initiative fosters a shared vision for math education, helping us develop strategic plans tailored to our district and enhancing math teaching and learning in our schools. We have a core team of teachers at each school site who will pilot two math curricula this school year, with the intent to select a curriculum to implement during the 2027-28 school year.
Additionally, teachers have already begun administering reading, writing and math assessments to identify the best ways to support students in the classroom. This includes developing the important skills of critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. Our classrooms will utilize technology with intention, to develop those four skills while ensuring students know how and when to use technology, and when not to.
We’ve also kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month in September. This special time allows us to honor and celebrate the vibrant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Throughout the month, our teachers and staff will highlight the culture and traditions of students, staff and community members with roots in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
September is also Attendance Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance in supporting students’ academic success. Every day in class is an opportunity for students to learn, grow and stay connected with their peers and teachers. Towards that goal, our annual school calendar provides long weekends nearly every month. This gives families more opportunities to travel during non-school days, while encouraging strong in-person attendance on instructional days. By working together—families, schools and our community—we can support students in building strong attendance habits that set the foundation for lifelong success.
As we’ve kicked off the year, we couldn’t do it without the support of our valued community partners who continually demonstrate their commitment to SVUSD through generous financial support: Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF), Vine Hill PTA, Brook Knoll PTO, Scotts Valley Rotary, Kiwanis of Scotts Valley, SVMS PTA, SVHS Parent Club and SVHS Falcon Club. We really appreciate everyone who volunteers, supports and donates to our school programs.
This year SVEF has made it easy for the community to make one donation that benefits all four of our Scotts Valley schools. The annual Give Where You Live campaign has set an ambitious target to raise $395,000 to support many crucial programs, like our library staff, music programs, art programs and so much more. To learn more and donate, please check out svef.net/donate.
Why are these donations so vital? Because Scotts Valley Unified is the second-lowest funded unified school district of similar size in the state of California, on a per-pupil basis. We depend on our community to make up this difference, while we also work hard to stretch every dollar we receive. For example, your Board recently chose to skip attending the CSBA Annual Education Conference in San Diego, because of the rising costs of attending the conference. Professional Development is important for our board trustees, so we will revisit attending in 2027, when the conference will be back in Sacramento.
What School Bell article would be complete without a construction update? If you swing by Scotts Valley High, you can now really see the new Sports Complex taking shape as construction continues at a rapid pace. At our last board meeting, we approved the purchase of new playground equipment for both Brook Knoll and Vine Hill elementary schools. We also approved the expenses needed to move portable classrooms at both sites, as we anticipate the construction of new multipurpose rooms in the future. Once again, I want to thank the community for their passage of Measure O that is making this all possible.
As I mentioned last month, all Scotts Valley Falcon football “home” games will be played at Harbor High again this year. Our Homecoming games will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, so please come on down and support this wonderful annual tradition. And don’t forget that you can have fun closer to home watching our Lady Falcons playing volleyball and tennis. Check out our full Fall Sports schedule at svhsfalconclub.com.
There are a lot of other exciting opportunities for the community to participate in school-sponsored events. Our fifth annual Multicultural Faire will be held at Skypark on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 12-4pm. Through fun and festivity, this free event highlights community joy, unity and belonging in Scotts Valley and beyond. There are interactive community culture booths, vibrant stage performances arranged by Tandy Beal, multiple hands-on activities and crafts, an international fashion show, and delicious international food to try. This event demonstrates the community spirit of Scotts Valley, being driven by volunteers, with support from both District teachers and staff, and the City of Scotts Valley.
If you’ve been having World Cup withdrawal, check out Bay FC Disability Awareness Night! School districts around Santa Cruz County partnered with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the spring and are partnering with Bay FC Soccer this fall to host a Disability Awareness Game. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2pm in PayPal Park. There will be reserved seating (sections 101 or 122), a Fan Fest, sensory bags, a sensory tent and more. The event also includes child-friendly Interactive activations, picnic tables, food trucks and open space to move around and play. Go to tixr.com to purchase tickets.
Roger Snyder is the Board President of Scotts Valley Unified School District. He may be contacted at rs*****@*************sd.org.
