San Juan Scene - April 7, 2026
Date
News for San Juan Unified - April 7, 2026
Check out our latest issue of San Juan Scene! For the best viewing experience, try viewing this newsletter in your browser to easily navigate sections using the Table of Contents.
San Juan High School stadium modernization ribbon-cutting on April 23
San Juan High School will celebrate a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly modernized stadium on Thursday, April 23, at 9 a.m. Students, families, staff and community members are invited to attend and take part in this exciting moment for the school.
The upgraded stadium features a new synthetic all-weather track and field, a new scoreboard, two new tennis courts, and enhanced facilities, including a ticket booth, concession area and restrooms.
For more details and updates on the project, visit sanjuan.edu/sjstadium.
Explore summer learning opportunities in San Juan Unified
Students across San Juan Unified School District will have opportunities to learn, explore and stay engaged this summer through a variety of programs designed to support academic growth and hands-on experiences.
Celebrating Our 2026 Classified Employees of the Year
San Juan Unified is proud to announce our 2026 Classified Employees of the Year. These exceptional staff members are recognized for their dedication and expertise that contribute to student success every day.
Each of this year’s recipients was nominated by colleagues, students or families who highlighted their professionalism, care and commitment to service. From supporting safe and welcoming schools to keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes, these honorees represent the important role classified staff play across our district.
This year, our honorees are:
Debbie Armstrong, Nutrition Services Cook at Del Campo High School
William Dreifus, Technology Support Specialist for Technology Services
Joseph Lausmann, Operations Technician for Transportation
Cortney Lloret, Instructional Assistant, Alternative Learning Center at Meraki High School
Mikalai Lutsyk, Lead Custodian at Grand Oaks Elementary School
Omar Marroquin, School Community Specialist at Encina High School
Peter McGuinness, Lead Electrician for Maintenance and Operations
Joanne McLaughlin Strauch, Site Secretary at Earl LeGette Elementary School
Jamileh Piran, Health Instructional Assistant for Health Services
We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to these outstanding employees for the difference they make in the lives of our students and school communities.
The annual Spirit of San Juan Awards to be celebrated on May 14
San Juan Unified will be celebrating its 13th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at El Camino Fundamental High School’s Center for the Arts, located at 4300 Eastern Ave. in Sacramento.
This award recognizes individuals within our school communities who exhibit exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all. This year’s honorees include:
Ojehi Benito-Oserogho - Student, Encina High School
Nia Blunt - Student, Mesa Verde High School
Kim Minugh - Teacher, Encina High School
San Juan High School Ambassador Program - Student Leadership Group, San Juan High School
In addition to honoring our Spirit of San Juan recipients, we will also celebrate our 2026 Classified Employees of the Year and 2027 Teachers of the Year.
Learn more about this event on the Spirit of San Juan webpage.
Save the date for San Juan Unified’s classified job fair on April 25
Our classified employees are the heart of our schools — helping students learn, stay safe and feel welcome every day! Join us in creating great learning environments for every student.
Apply for a position and schedule an interview during the job fair on Saturday, April 25, at Mesa Verde High School, located at 7501 Carriage Drive in Citrus Heights.
Open positions include:
Custodial
Transportation
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Nutrition Services
Clerical
We look forward to meeting you!
Last chance: Apply for a scholarship through the San Juan Education Foundation
Graduating seniors, it is your last chance to apply for a scholarship offered by the San Juan Education Foundation. Applications close this Friday, April 10.
A note from Superintendent Bassanelli: Access in action
San Juan Unified School District is ensuring that every student has a clear, supported and meaningful pathway to success.
Co-teaching is a key strategy for increasing students' access to opportunities. Through this method, general education and special education teachers work together in the same classroom to provide high-quality instruction while offering specialized student supports.
Watch the video to see co-teaching in practice at San Juan High School and how it creates access to general education instruction with the right supports in place.
Lichen students are building their own cities
In Lichen’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) City elective, middle school students design and build their own scale-model cities while exploring real-world concepts like architecture, construction and robotics.
Through hands-on learning and creative problem-solving, students apply STEAM principles in meaningful ways, developing critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills that support future success in college, career and life.
Students showcased their projects to peers across all grade levels, building confidence as they presented, explained their designs and shared their learning.
This is what engaging, real-world learning looks like in San Juan Unified. Watch how they’re bringing their ideas to life.
What's happening this month
Students, parents, staff and community members are encouraged to attend the following Board of Education and committee meetings:
AIEP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting – Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m.
Curriculum, Standards, Instructional & Student Services Committee Meeting – Wednesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m.
The AIEP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting will be held at the San Juan Unified School District Office (Conference Room A), 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael.
The Curriculum, Standards, Instructional & Student Services Committee Meeting will be held at Choices Charter School, 4425 Laurelwood Way, Sacramento.
Board of Education meetings will be held at the San Juan Unified School District Office (Board Room), 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael.
To stay up to date on all committee meetings or learn more about each committee, visit www.sanjuan.edu/committees.
Final volunteer fingerprinting clinic of the school year on April 8
San Juan Unified School District will host a free, walk-in volunteer fingerprinting clinic on April 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the District Office Board Room (3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael). No appointment is required; a valid photo ID is needed. Learn more about the volunteer process at sanjuan.edu/volunteer.
Upcoming workshops and events for families in April
Families are invited to these upcoming workshops and events in April:
The next Community Care Hub is on April 23, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at San Juan High School. This month’s hub will highlight transitions and kindergarten readiness.
The next Families Matter virtual session will take place on April 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will focus on learning about summer programs that can support your child’s learning and social-emotional wellness during the summer break.
A session on Understanding Special Education and Your IEP will take place in Spanish on April 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at San Juan Unified’s district office.
Talleres Familiares on April 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will take place at Skycrest Elementary School and will focus on Medi-Cal updates and information. This session is presented in Spanish.
Learn more about these upcoming events at sanjuan.edu/familyed.
Save the date! The annual FamFest will be on May 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dyer-Kelly Elementary School. This free health, wellness and family engagement event will be a community celebration that connects families with resources, promotes student well-being and showcases the ways families can have fun together.
Families can also visit the video library to watch a video on “Supporting Read Aloud at Home.”
Family tip of the month: Model aspects of respect
Respectful behavior takes many forms. Help your child learn how to show them by experiencing them. Show your child:
Consideration. Avoid embarrassing or making fun of your child.
Fairness. Don’t pass judgment on your child before learning all the facts.
Dependability. If you tell your child you’ll do something, do it.