San Juan Scene - Jan. 6, 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.

Students and staff at Cottage Elementary School share a common goal: reclassification. The conversations between ELD teachers and classroom teachers become more frequent to celebrate growth and address gaps.

In alignment with the E.L. Achieve curriculum, ELD teacher Molly Messner has incorporated exit tickets as a way to share progress with classroom teachers at Cottage Elementary School.

San Juan Unified will celebrate its 13th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards this year, honoring those who showcase exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all.

• Do you know a student who has been a role model for others?

• A group that has made a difference for our students this past year?

• An educator whose dedication shines through their work, no matter the setting?

Nominate them for a Spirit of San Juan award and help recognize their outstanding contributions in our district this year. Visit sanjuan.edu/spirit to nominate someone today! Nominations are due Feb. 6.

The San Juan Unified School District has renamed its annual district climate survey to the School Experience Survey. This new name better reflects what the survey is about: your experience at your school!

Parents, staff and students are invited to participate in the School Experience Survey. Your feedback is important and helps school and district leaders identify and make changes needed in their communities. The deadline for the survey is Feb. 6.

Surveys are available online in multiple languages at:

• Parent Survey - sanjuan.edu/parentsurvey

• Student Survey - sanjuan.edu/studentsurvey

• Staff Survey - sanjuan.edu/staffsurvey

We greatly value your feedback and thank you in advance for your participation.

Last year, the Katherine Johnson Middle School community gathered for their campus launch event to celebrate the opening of a modern, future-ready campus. When students returned from winter break, they officially moved into their new school, marking a mid-year transition full of possibility.

Celebrate a year of learning, growth and community in this remarkable space in the video below.

Seven talented Mira Loma High School musicians have been selected for the California Band Directors Association (CBDA) and California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) All-State Honor Band and Orchestra — the highest number of students accepted from any school in our region.

This prestigious recognition reflects the students’ dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence in music. The students will perform at the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) this January.

Encina High School students organized a community donation drive, Encina Cares, on Dec. 8 to support local families in meeting basic needs ahead of winter break.

Held in the school cafeteria, the event collected a wide range of donated items, including canned food, clothing for all ages and infant supplies such as diapers, toys and household goods.

To help your student learn to face up to problems and take responsibility for actions:

• Let your child be the one to talk to the teacher first about issues with grades.

• Ask questions to help your child think about potential results of actions before taking them.

• Let your child experience and learn from consequences.