San Juan Scene - Nov. 3, 2026

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During Week of the School Administrator, Oct. 12-18, San Juan Unified School District celebrated the dedicated principals, vice principals and district manager who help create welcoming learning environments where students and staff can thrive.

Watch as school and district leaders share what inspires them to show up and make a difference every day.

San Juan Unified is seeking student, family and staff input on proposed instructional materials for the following subjects now through Dec. 16:

History-Social Science

• Personal Finance

• International Baccalaureate Global Studies

• International Baccalaureate History of the Americas

• International Baccalaureate Global Politics

World Languages

• Advanced Placement Spanish Literature

Feedback is crucial to making informed decisions about proposed instructional materials. Families, students, community members and staff play a crucial role in reviewing materials and providing input. The feedback gathered from these materials will guide each curriculum adoption committee to make the most informed recommendations.

There are many ways to get involved in the materials selection feedback process. Anyone can provide in-person feedback by scheduling an appointment or via the online form. Proposed instructional materials and full details on how to provide feedback are available on the curriculum webpage.

For students at Mesa Verde High School, learning about elections means doing more than reading about the voting process in a textbook.

Students had the chance to step into a mock polling place, where they received a ballot, reviewed their choices and cast their votes as part of a hands-on mock election designed to give them experience with the process before they are old enough to participate in an actual election.

The activity, organized in partnership with Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections, was part of Mesa Verde's Constitution Week, which gave students several opportunities to explore government, civic participation and the role their voices can play in their communities.

Students at Meraki High School and El Sereno Independent Study High School recently attended a dual enrollment workshop to learn how they can earn college credits while still in high school through San Juan Unified’s partnership with American River College (ARC). 📚

And they’re not alone! Across San Juan Unified, students are taking advantage of opportunities to explore their interests, get a jump start on college and prepare for their futures.

• 930 students are currently enrolled in dual enrollment classes at ARC.

• During the Fall 2026 semester, 819 students are taking general education courses, while 111 students are participating in career education courses.

• During the 2025-26 school year, San Juan Unified students earned 5,235 college credits through dual enrollment general education courses!

Through opportunities like dual enrollment, San Juan Unified helps students build confidence, explore college and career pathways, and take meaningful steps toward success after high school.

Students and families gathered to explore the many paths available after high school. With more than 80 college and university representatives in attendance, including public and private universities, community colleges and technical schools and representatives from the different branches of the military, attendees could ask questions, gather resources and learn about financial aid, scholarships and more.

College Night helped students and families explore their options, consider their educational goals and make informed decisions about their next steps after high school!

Mira Loma High School is starting the school year with modernized locker rooms and athletic spaces designed to better support students and student-athletes.

Funded through the San Juan Unified School District’s bond program, the project upgraded existing locker rooms, showers, team rooms and equipment rooms. Improvements include updated lighting, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, new finishes and more accessible pathways.

Mira Loma seniors and student-athletes Haley and Josue shared what they’re most excited about, from more storage space to having updated facilities to support their sports.

Through bond-funded projects like this one, San Juan Unified continues to invest in safe, accessible and high-quality facilities for students and staff across the district.

From nursing and medicine to graphic design and law, Bella Vista High School students explored a wide range of career opportunities during the school's Career Day on Oct. 21.

More than 90 community professionals representing more than 60 careers shared their experiences, answered questions and helped students understand the education and skills needed for different jobs.

For Bella Vista senior Keira Martin, the event offered a closer look at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing. NICU nurses care for newborns who need extra medical support, and Keira hopes to pursue this career after high school.

Students, parents, staff and community members are encouraged to attend the following Board of Education and committee meetings:

• Facilities Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m.

• Curriculum & Standards Committee Meeting (C&S) - Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m.

• Board of Education Meeting - Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

• American Indian/Alaska Native Parent Advisory Committee Meeting - Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.

Meeting locations:

• Facilities Committee: District Office Digital Edge, 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael.

• Curriculum & Standards Committee: Choices Charter School, 4425 Laurelwood Way, Sacramento.

• Board of Education and American Indian/Alaska Native Parent Advisory Committee: San Juan Unified School District Office (Board Room), 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael.

To stay up to date on all committee meetings or learn more about each committee, visit sanjuan.edu/committees.

Research shows that the majority of 11- and 12-year-olds use social media despite being underage. To learn to navigate this world safely, they need adult guidance. To help:

• Set behavior standards. No hurtful posts. No posting anything your child wouldn’t want the whole world to see.

• Protect privacy. Review settings and limit who can see your child’s posts.

• Demonstrate balance. Put phones away during time with your child.

• Ask your child to tell you about posts that are confusing or scary