San Juan Scene - Feb. 3, 2026

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It’s time to enroll your child in transitional kindergarten or kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.

San Juan Unified offers a welcoming, nurturing environment where young learners can explore, grow and build a strong foundation for lifelong success. Families may choose from a variety of part-day and full-day options for both transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten.

• Transitional Kindergarten: Children who turn 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026, are eligible for TK.

• Kindergarten: Children who turn 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2026, may register for kindergarten.

Families may complete the process online by uploading required documents, including proof of age, immunization records and proof of address. For details and a full list of enrollment requirements, visit sanjuan.edu/enrollment.

Kingswood K-8’s Bike Bus has become a meaningful monthly tradition, one that reflects the school’s commitment to creating physically and emotionally safe learning environments. Whether they are experienced riders or just beginners, students are encouraged to participate and build their confidence through the journey.

Parents, staff and students are invited to participate in the School Experience Survey. Your feedback is important and helps school leaders identify and make changes needed in their communities. The deadline for the survey is this Friday, Feb. 6.

Surveys are available online in multiple languages at:

• Parent Survey - sanjuan.edu/parentsurvey

• Student Survey - sanjuan.edu/studentsurvey

• Staff Survey - sanjuan.edu/staffsurvey

We greatly value your feedback and thank you in advance for your participation.

Every Wednesday afternoon, the short walk from Encina High School to Greer Elementary School becomes a bridge between two classrooms and two age groups brought together by learning, creativity and connection. The weekly partnership gives Encina students hands-on experience in the education field while providing Greer first graders with additional academic and social support.

For a half hour each week, students in Encina’s Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway in education trade their high school desks for first-grade tables, teaching art and science to Greer’s youngest learners just five minutes away. Before heading out, the high school students gather to prepare materials such as paper crowns labeled “Happy New Year 2026,” designed to help first graders practice fine motor skills while celebrating the new year.

Students enrolled in the cybersecurity Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway at Mira Loma High School are putting their skills to work by supporting their school through a hands-on tech support internship that mirrors the demands of real cybersecurity and IT careers.

Every Friday, students step into the role of a real technology support team for the internship part of the class, troubleshooting and repairing minor issues across campus.

Teacher Josh Stinson describes the internship portion as a consulting-style experience where students not only fix physical computer issues, but also work directly with teachers on technology-related projects and challenges.

In an art classroom at Encina High School, students are applying their knowledge through project-based learning (PBL), an approach that emphasizes hands-on work, collaboration and real-world relevance.

Art teacher Natalie Reynoso says that she incorporates PBL into her classroom because it gives students the opportunity to explore their identities and interests, all while building skills they will carry with them long after high school.

December’s project invited students to create overhead drawings of holiday or cultural foods, an assignment that encourages creativity while honoring Encina’s diverse student population. Reynoso said the project is especially meaningful because it allows every student to participate, regardless of whether they celebrate American holidays.

Shine the spotlight on a staff member, student, community member or student group, and nominate them for a Spirit of San Juan award. San Juan Unified believes that everyone benefits when people willingly contribute to the well-being of others.

Let’s work together to recognize and celebrate the incredible difference that individuals or groups have made in our district this year. Visit sanjuan.edu/spirit to nominate someone by Feb. 6!

San Juan Education Foundation scholarship applications are open for San Juan Unified seniors. Eligible students can apply now through April 10 for a chance to earn funding for higher education.

Visit sanjuaneducationfoundation.org/students/find-your-scholarships for more information about the available scholarship opportunities.

The San Juan Unified School District community is invited to participate and support the San Juan Education Foundation at the 45th annual Fair Oaks Chicken Run on Sunday, May 3. Proceeds from the event benefit the San Juan Education Foundation, which directly supports programs and opportunities for San Juan Unified students and staff.

Choose your challenge: the five-mile run, the non-competitive two-mile run/walk or the kids race for children 12 and under – there’s a race for all!

The first spring after-hours fingerprinting clinic will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. These walk-in clinics are designed for families and community members who are unable to attend appointments during regular business hours. Additional after-hours clinics are scheduled for March and April to provide continued access and convenience. Learn more about the process at sanjuan.edu/volunteer.