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VCUSD Insider

VCUSD Insider
VCUSD Insider

A Message From the Superintendent A Message From the Superintendent

Rubén Aurelio
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Dear VCUSD Families,


As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank our students, families, and staff for their continued dedication and resilience. This time of year always seems to move quickly, filled with important milestones, celebrations, and preparations for what comes next.


In the weeks ahead, we are thoughtfully planning transition events to warmly welcome new families to school communities that will be receiving students from sites that are closing. We understand that change can bring uncertainty, and we are committed to ensuring every student and family feels supported, informed, and connected. Our goal is to create opportunities for families to meet school leaders, ask questions, and begin building relationships before the new school year begins.


We are also approaching state testing season, an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and growth. We encourage families to help students do their very best by ensuring they get plenty of rest each night, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Small routines at home make a meaningful difference in helping students feel confident and prepared.


As always, thank you for your partnership and trust. Together, we will finish this school year strong and continue building a bright future for every student in Vallejo.


Rubén Aurelio

Superintendent

Vallejo City Unified School District

Celebrating Black History Month Across VCUSD Celebrating Black History Month Across VCUSD

Male student standing behind a Black History signage.
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Schools across VCUSD marked Black History Month with hands-on activities, student performances, and classroom lessons celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black leaders and communities.


At Vallejo High School, students participated in a special Q&A with local celebrity and VCUSD alum LaRussell, who shared his journey to success and words of encouragement. The celebration continues this evening as the African American Parent Network (AAPN) presents a performance at Vallejo High School.


Thank you to everyone who helped make this month meaningful for our students and community.

Where Love Takes Root: Stories from VCUSD Where Love Takes Root: Stories from VCUSD

Graphic with a navy blue background featuring heart outlines that say “I Love You,” the VCUSD logo at the top, and the headline “Love Stories.” Below are two framed photos of a Vallejo High School alumni couple: one shows them dressed up for a school dance as teenagers, smiling and standing close together; the other shows them years later dressed formally with their young son, posing together as a family.
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Love is in the air at VCUSD — and sometimes, it lasts a lifetime. This month, we’re sharing heartwarming stories from couples on social media who first met in our schools and built lasting lives together. From high school sweethearts to proud parents and dedicated staff members, these stories are a reminder that the connections formed here extend far beyond graduation.


One such couple is Vallejo High School alumni Carolina Sarahi Lopez-Gomez and her husband, whose relationship began as teenagers on campus and has grown into a partnership rooted in trust, patience, and commitment. As they celebrate 10 years together and one year of marriage — while raising their six-year-old son — Carolina now gives back to VCUSD as a bilingual tutor, coming full circle in the place where their story first began. See more of our love stories on our Facebook page.

Think VCUSD First with Brandan Harris Think VCUSD First with Brandan Harris

Think VCUSD First: Brandan Harris

For 24 years, Vallejo High’s Brandan Harris has made an impact as a teacher, basketball coach, and mentor. He’s passionate about student success and building strong relationships with students and fellow educators.


Through the Alder Teacher Residency Program, he’s helping mentor new teachers and inspiring more community members to enter the profession.


Learn more about how members of our community are Thinking VCUSD First.

VCUSD Leadership and Students Take the Stage at CALSA VCUSD Leadership and Students Take the Stage at CALSA

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VCUSD was proud to participate in the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) Focus on Results 2026 conference, where our district was well represented by district leadership and Student Trustee Sonia Valdez Jacobo. A historic moment for VCUSD came when Valdez Jacobo moderated a CALSA panel, confidently leading a powerful conversation on results, equity, and impact featuring Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education. In addition, Jesse Bethel's Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) proudly presented the colors during the event, demonstrating professionalism and school pride. This is what it looks like to elevate student voice and leadership. Thank you, CALSA, for the opportunity to share and learn together.

Leading with Purpose: Meet Armel Gregory Jones Leading with Purpose: Meet Armel Gregory Jones

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At VCUSD, student voice doesn’t just shape our schools — it shapes futures. In this story, we spotlight Hogan Middle School student Armel Gregory Jones, a proud Vallejo native and member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC), who is already making an impact both in the district and in the community. From sharing ideas that help improve campus safety and student experiences to running his own growing popcorn business with a national audience, Armel represents the confidence, creativity, and leadership we strive to cultivate in every student. Read more.

VCUSD Students Represent Vallejo at National Conference VCUSD Students Represent Vallejo at National Conference

Group of students stand behind a large sign that says NLC.
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Eight VCUSD students recently represented the City of Vallejo at the National League of Cities Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the Vallejo Youth Delegation. During the conference, students participated in workshops on communication, public planning, accessibility, and emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, while also engaging with exhibitors to explore solutions to homelessness, climate change, public safety, and youth services. They connected with city leaders and youth from across the country, toured the University of Utah—including its Dynamic Autonomous Robotics Lab—and gained valuable insight into leadership, civic engagement, and community problem-solving. This marks the sixth Youth Delegation trip, with 45 students having represented Vallejo through the program to date. Read more.

VCUSD Announces Administrator of the Year VCUSD Announces Administrator of the Year

Yvanna Wheeler stands in front of a tv screen holding flowers.
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Vallejo City Unified School District proudly recognizes Principal Yvanna Wheeler of Dan Mini Elementary as Administrator of the Year, an honor awarded by the Vallejo School Management Association for exceptional leadership and commitment to student success. Over the past six years, Wheeler has cultivated a culture of compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring students feel supported and staff feel empowered. Known for blending heart-centered leadership with a strong focus on instructional excellence and equity, she credits the recognition to the collective efforts of the Dan Mini team and community. Under her leadership, the school has seen positive gains in student behavior, attendance, academic progress, and the implementation of a strong early literacy program. VCUSD congratulates Principal Wheeler on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued dedication to students and families. Read more.

Alumni Spotlight: Amber and CC Sabathia Alumni Spotlight: Amber and CC Sabathia

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Vallejo High School alumni Amber Sabathia and Carsten “CC” Sabathia have built careers rooted in perseverance, leadership, and community — values they say were shaped early in Vallejo City Unified School District.


CC Sabathia, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, and Amber Sabathia, a sports business executive and agent, continue to invest in Vallejo through their PitCCh-In Foundation, which supports local students, families, and educators. The foundation is the largest annual donor to the Vallejo Teacher Store and has also led initiatives such as backpack giveaways and youth baseball clinics.


The Sabathias reflect on the mentors who helped shape them, the lessons they carried into high-pressure environments, and why giving back to Vallejo remains central to their family’s mission. Read more.

Did You Know? VCUSD Tips and Tricks Did You Know? VCUSD Tips and Tricks

VCUSD Family Support Center and Health Clinic

Did you know that VCUSD has a Family Support Center and Health Clinic conveniently located at 2833 Tennessee Street? This one-stop resource is designed to support our students and families in one welcoming location. Families can receive assistance with student enrollment, visit the on-site Health Clinic, meet with our McKinney-Vento counselor, and access additional student support services. Spanish-language assistance is also available to ensure all families feel informed and supported.


The Health Clinic offers a range of services, including vaccines and immunizations, preschool and first-grade physicals, sports physicals, care for minor illnesses, and vision and hearing screenings. Services are free for those who qualify. Families are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment at 707-556-8921 x59845.

Upcoming Dates to Remember Upcoming Dates to Remember

Event Information
Regular Governing Board Meeting

When?
Tuesday, Mar 10, 2026, 06:00 PM
Where?
665 Walnut Avenue, Vallejo, CA, USA
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Event Information
Registration Event

Please join us for our first in-person registration event at the Family Support Center from 2–6 p.m. We will have families come to register in person for preschool and/or school-age children for the 2026-27 school year.

When?
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026, 02:00 PM
Where?
2833 Tennessee Street, Vallejo, CA, USA
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Event Information
2x2 Meeting

When?
Thursday, Mar 26, 2026, 04:30 PM
Where?
Vallejo City Hall, Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA, USA
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Event Information
Spring Break Starts

When?
Monday, Mar 23, 2026, 07:00 AM
Where?

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665 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 | 707-556-8921 | www.vcusd.org

© Vallejo City Unified School District, 2023. All Rights Reserved

VCUSD Insider Newsletter
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