San Juan Scene - March 3, 2026
Date
News for San Juan Unified - March 3, 2026
Check out our latest issue of San Juan Scene! For the best viewing experience, try viewing this newsletter in your browser to easily navigate sections using the Table of Contents.
Connecting sounds to print: Building confident young learners at Del Dayo
In Violet Nye’s kindergarten classroom at Del Dayo Elementary School, students begin their day with sharing time. An opportunity for them to build sentences about something that is important to them and share with their classmates.
While sharing time may feel simple, it plays an important role in how students develop early language skills. Beyond building language skills, sharing time also helps create a strong community in the classroom.
Learning through engagement in math classrooms
What does it look like when classrooms are intentionally designed to make student thinking visible?
Building Thinking Classrooms is happening in schools across San Juan Unified, and John Barrett Middle School is one example of this work in action.
Watch to see how math classrooms across our district are strengthening problem-solving and student ownership.
Building belonging through the House System at Northridge Elementary
A school “House System” is not an uncommon sight for schools within the San Juan Unified School District. But at Northridge Elementary School, a recent push for more involvement in their House System has become a meaningful way to bring students, staff and even families together while building a strong sense of belonging.
“The houses have gone through different phases,” said Principal Jana Conli. “For me over the past year, we really want it to remain a key part of the community for our kids and our families.”
Basketball royalty comes to Encina High School
Thanks to Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), students had the opportunity to meet Sacramento Kings players Nique Clifford, Doug McDermott and Dylan Cardwell during a special after-school experience. The visit gave students a chance to connect with professional athletes in a meaningful and personal way.
Players joined students for a short writing activity followed by a Q&A session, sharing their personal life experiences. Students asked thoughtful questions and gained insight into perseverance, growth and finding purpose both on and off the court.
SAYS continues to empower students through critical literacy, youth voice, civic engagement and access to higher education. San Juan Unified is proud to partner with organizations that open doors, elevate student voices and create experiences that extend learning far beyond the classroom.
Seniors, get funding for higher education with scholarships
San Juan Unified seniors are invited to apply for scholarships through the San Juan Education Foundation. Eligible students can apply now through April 10.
Don’t miss your chance to earn funding for higher education.
Attend an upcoming volunteer fingerprinting clinic on March 12
San Juan Unified will host a free, walk-in volunteer fingerprinting clinic on March 12, from 5–6:30 p.m., in the District Office Board Room, located at 3738 Walnut Ave. in Carmichael. No appointment required; valid photo ID needed. Learn more about becoming a volunteer at sanjuan.edu/volunteer.
What's happening this month
Students, parents, staff and community members are encouraged to attend the following Board of Education and committee meetings:
Facilities Committee Meeting – Tuesday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Curriculum, Standards, Instructional & Student Services Committee Meeting – Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m.
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) Meeting – Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m.
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m.
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting – Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m.
All meetings will be held at the San Juan Unified School District Office (Board Room), 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael.
Upcoming workshops and events for families in March
Families are invited to these upcoming workshops and events in March:
The next Community Care Hub is on March 26 at El Camino Fundamental High School from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This month’s Care Hub will feature additional health-focused resources, as well as a job fair.
Join us for a virtual session on Navigating the CAASPP Journey: Strategies for Student Success on March 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. Discover valuable tips and effective strategies to help your child succeed in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).
Attend a session on Understanding Special Education and Your IEP on March 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the San Juan Unified School District office. This session is for parents and caregivers with a child on an IEP (Individualized Educational Program) in Special Education.
Join us for Talleres Familiares: Keys to High School Success (presented in Spanish) on March 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Learn important information to help your student have a smooth transition and start high school.
Learn more about these upcoming events at sanjuan.edu/familyed.
Families can also visit the video library to watch a video on “Fostering Conflict Resolution Skills.”
Family tip of the month: Choose motivating words
The way you talk about your child to others can provide a motivation boost—or discourage further effort. For a positive effect:
Do assume your child is listening if within earshot. Kids pick up on tone and context as well as words.
Do praise your child for demonstrating things that are important to you: learning, responsibility, persistence, etc.