Soquel Scoop # 7

👋 Hello SUESD Families,

Another great week of teaching and learning in our wonderful schools is in the books! I want to thank everyone for an outstanding start to the school year when it comes to student attendance. Now 32 days into the 2026–27 school year, our districtwide attendance rate is 96.7%! We know that consistent attendance helps students benefit fully from the excellent instruction taking place in our classrooms each day. And a special shout-out to our NBMS students, families, and staff: NBMS has an incredible attendance rate of 97.4% so far this year. All I can say is, “Wow!” Thank you, everyone, and let’s keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

Scott Turnbull
SUESD Superintendent

The SUESD Board of Trustees held its most recent Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Board heard a very thorough and engaging presentation on 2025–26 Unaudited Actuals and the District’s year-end financial results to formally close the books for the fiscal year, subject to the annual independent audit. The Board approved those items. The Board also approved the date for the 2026-27 Community Voice Gathering. More information on that event can be found later in this newsletter. The Board agendas, dockets, minutes, supporting materials, livestream information, and other meeting details are available on our Board website.

Each year from September 15 through October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month, also sometimes referred to as Latino, Latina, or Latinx/e Heritage Month, recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose families come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The SUESD Board of Trustees recently passed Resolution #7-2026-27 recognizing this month and honoring the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to our community and country. Families can explore stories, art, music, and historical collections through the National Hispanic Heritage Month website, The Smithsonian, and PBS Kids.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an important opportunity to reduce stigma, encourage open and caring conversations about mental health, and remind our community that seeking help is a sign of strength. The SUESD Board of Trustees recently adopted Resolution #6-2026-27, affirming the district’s commitment to safe and supportive schools where every student feels connected, valued, and empowered to ask for help. Families seeking assistance can review these mental health and suicide-prevention resources, developed by the SUESD counseling team. If you or someone you know needs immediate emotional support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988; trained counselors are available 24 hours a day.

It is never too early for students and families to begin exploring possibilities for the future! Cabrillo College will host its free College & Career Family Night on Monday, October 19, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Families can meet representatives from public, private, and out-of-state colleges and universities; explore Cabrillo’s academic and career pathways; and attend workshops on financial aid, dual enrollment, transfer opportunities, and campus housing. Workshops will be offered in both English and Spanish. The SUESD Board of Trustees recently passed Resolution #5-2026-27, recognizing the importance of College and Career Events. This event complements the College and Career Weeks planned throughout our district this fall: Main Street Elementary, October 5–9; Soquel Elementary, October 14–16; Santa Cruz Countywide College and Career Week, October 19–23; Santa Cruz Gardens, November 2–6; and New Brighton Middle School, November 16–20.

Please join us for SUESD’s annual Community Voice Gathering on Wednesday, January 27, 2027, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. in the New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Center. This gathering will be an important opportunity for families and community members to learn about district priorities and Measure P bond projects, ask questions, and, most importantly, provide input as we develop our updated Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Your voice will help shape the district’s goals, actions, and priorities for the coming years. Free childcare, refreshments, and Spanish interpretation will be provided, and our entire site and district leadership team will be there to listen and engage with you.

Student mental and behavioral health is the foundation for academic success. Every SUESD school has skilled, caring counselors, wellness coaches, and related support staff — and through California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), our district can now be reimbursed for the mental and behavioral health supports we already provide. Please see the flyer for all the awesome details.

The Safe Schools Project will host the annual Rainbow Conference at Watsonville High School on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to - 2:30 pm. This is one of the best events of the school year, specifically designed to support our LGBTQ+ Community. There is something for everyone, including students, family members, and allies.

SUESD families are invited to join Bay FC for Disability Awareness Night on Sunday, September 27, as Bay FC takes on the Orlando Pride at 2:00 p.m. This special event, presented in partnership with North Santa Cruz County SELPA and SPIN, is designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming matchday experience for individuals with disabilities and their families. Gates open at noon, and accommodations include accessible seating options, sensory bags, a dedicated sensory room, ADA parking and entry, and a family-friendly Fan Fest area.

This fall, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Common Sense Media are offering Navigating Tech & Screen Time Together, a three-part virtual series for families focused on technology in the classroom, digital balance at home and school, and digital well-being. The series kicks off during Digital Citizenship Week (October 19-23). You can find the promotional flyer with more information and can register for the series here:sccoe.link/screentime.

In 2024, our community approved Measure P, SUESD’s $73 million general obligation bond. We were, and remain, deeply grateful for that support. These funds are helping us create modern, high-quality facilities for our students. Our primary projects currently underway include replacing the fields at Main Street Elementary, Soquel Elementary, and Santa Cruz Gardens, as well as adding shaded outdoor amphitheaters. We appreciate everyone’s patience with the temporary inconveniences that naturally accompany construction, and we believe the completed projects, expected this spring, will be well worth it. At the same time, behind-the-scenes planning is moving forward for classroom modernization projects at Soquel Elementary and New Brighton Middle School. In short, our district has not wasted a moment in putting Measure P funds to immediate and meaningful use for the benefit of our students and schools. Below are some "before and after" type photos of current projects, including the area formerly known as "the pit" in the middle of the Main Street campus, the front entry way (now ADA accessible) at Soquel Elementary, and a look at how the field and new parking are shaping up at Santa Cruz Gardens. Also included are photos of the restored pathway project to Monterey Park, adjacent to New Brighton Middle School's new turf track and field.

We want to make sure no family in SUESD leaves free money for college on the table. CalKids is an amazing program that invests in our youth from an early age. Can you imagine what a college degree will cost in 2037? Every penny counts. As such, please take a few minutes to log in. Qualifying families will find funds already waiting in their child's account.