VCUSD Insider
A Message From the Superintendent
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
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
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.
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
Leading with Purpose: Meet Armel Gregory Jones
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 Announces Administrator of the Year
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
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
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.
Event Information
Event Information
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.
Event Information
Event Information
Have a story idea for the VCUSD Insider Newsletter? Share it with us!
665 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 | 707-556-8921 | www.vcusd.org
© Vallejo City Unified School District, 2023. All Rights Reserved