San Juan Scene - Oct. 6, 2026

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Walk into a classroom at Cottage Elementary School, and you may see students gathered around a table, working independently on the floor, using hands-on materials or moving throughout the room as they work on different activities.

It may look different from a more traditional classroom, but that is part of what makes Cottage unique.

As San Juan Unified’s only Montessori school, Cottage offers students a hands-on, student-centered approach to learning that encourages them to make choices, build independence and engage with concepts in ways that meet them where they are.

The STARS Awards shine a spotlight on alumni and former educators who show excellence and creativity in their career field, inspired by a San Juan Unified School District education.

The 2026 STARS Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Kevin McCarty, El Camino Fundamental High School 1990 - Mayor, City of Sacramento

• Aomboon Deasy, El Camino Fundamental High School 1994 - Entrepreneur, Pomet

• Mark Hoffmann, Mira Loma High School - President, Sports Leisure Vacations

Longtime San Juan Unified educator and Executive Director of the San Juan Teachers Association Shannan Brown will receive the Legacy STARS Award.

This year’s Bryan McKrell Shining STARS Award will be awarded to Vera Vaccaro. Honoring her impact at Mesa Verde High School, Del Campo High School, the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael and the San Juan Education Foundation Board of Directors.

Join us in celebrating these honorees at the “An Evening with the STARS” gala on Friday, Oct. 9 at Northridge Country Club at 6 p.m.

Learn more about the event and purchase tickets for the gala.

For years, Lisa Marie De Leon was a familiar face in the front office at Arden Middle School. As a secretary, she answered phones, greeted families, helped students, handled attendance and learned the many moving pieces that keep a school running each day.

But this school year, students can find De Leon at the front of her own math class.

“I've wanted to be a teacher since I was four,” De Leon said. “My mom will tell you, she would walk into my room and I was teaching my stuffed animals.”

After several years working as a secretary, she explained that it was actually another Arden educator who encouraged her to revisit the dream she'd had since childhood.

San Juan Unified School District is committed to helping every student discover pathways to success after high school. This fall, students in grades TK-12 will have opportunities to explore colleges and educational options through a variety of engaging events designed to inspire future goals and support post-secondary planning.

This year, College Week will feature:

• Monday, Oct. 12 - College door decorating

• Tuesday, Oct. 13 - Virtual college visits

• Wednesday, Oct. 14 - What To Be/CTE Wednesday

• Thursday, Oct. 15, 5-7:30 p.m. - College Fair Night at Rio Americano High School

• Friday, Oct. 16 - Wear college gear or dress like your favorite mascot for a spirit day

To learn more about College Week, visit sanjuan.edu/collegeweek.

As students and staff settle into a new school year, one thing hasn't changed across San Juan Unified School District: the energy, pride and sense of community that make each campus unique.

From spirited games and class competitions to cheer performances and school chants, students came together to celebrate the start of the year while building connections and strengthening the traditions that make their schools welcoming places to learn.

Take a look at these photos from Bella Vista High School, Casa Roble Fundamental High School and Encina High School as their school communities kicked off the year with plenty of school spirit.

Families at Mariemont Elementary School recently came together for the school's first Multicultural Literacy Night, an evening that celebrated the many ways reading can bring people and cultures together.

The event featured a special storytime with children's author Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood, opportunities to connect with local literacy organizations and interactive activities that encouraged families to embrace reading in every language and culture.

By bringing together books, storytelling and community resources, Multicultural Literacy Night helped students and families see themselves reflected in literacy while reinforcing that every language, culture and story has value.

Watch the video below to learn more about the event and hear how it helped students and families feel seen, supported and inspired to read together.

Each fall, high school seniors across San Juan Unified School District gather before the school day begins for Senior Sunrise, a tradition that brings classmates together to celebrate the start of their final year of high school.

From decorating jeans and dusting off their elementary school backpacks to watching the sunrise with friends, these moments help students reflect on how far they've come while looking ahead to the memories still to be made.

Watch students at Encina High School and El Camino Fundamental High School kick off their senior year and celebrate the tradition that marks the beginning of their final chapter.

Interested in making a difference in students' lives? San Juan Unified School District is hosting a hiring event for Instructional Assistant II & III positions supporting students in special education programs on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The event will be held at the San Juan Unified School District Office, 4825 Kenneth Ave., Carmichael.

Apply online at sanjuan.edu/jobs to save your spot.