San Juan Scene - Aug. 4, 2026

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As we begin to prepare for the first day of school on Aug. 13, San Juan Unified School District would like to encourage families to complete the Annual Student Information Update as soon as possible.

The Annual Student Information Update asks families to:

• Update Emergency Contact Information: All students are required to have updated emergency contact information on file so the district and your school can communicate with you in case of an emergency.

• Complete the School Funding Form: All families are asked to complete one school funding form per household to help our schools receive funds to support your students’ success.

• Get the 2026-27 Family Handbook: Review and acknowledge receipt of this year’s family handbook containing district resources and information regarding your rights and responsibilities.

Visit sanjuan.edu/parentportal to complete the Annual Student Information Update by Aug. 31.

After moving from Afghanistan to California as an elementary student, Maryam Basiri worked hard to learn English, was reclassified by seventh grade and discovered a passion for helping others along the way.

This summer, the incoming Mira Loma High School senior returned to Dyer-Kelly Elementary School as a student intern supporting young learners in the very classrooms where her own journey began. During her assignment, Basiri encouraged elementary students, built their confidence and served as a role model for multilingual learners.

As students return to school, San Juan Unified reminds families of the district's e-transportation expectations to help keep our campuses safe.

Beginning this school year, only Class 1 e-bikes are permitted at elementary, K-8 and middle school campuses. High school students may continue to ride Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards if they meet California's minimum age and licensing requirements.

Please keep these important reminders in mind:

• Helmets are required for all riders.

• E-motos are not permitted on any San Juan Unified campus.

• Elementary, K-8 and middle school students may only ride Class 1 e-bikes.

• High school students may ride Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards if they meet state age and licensing requirements.

• All transportation devices must be walked while on school property.

We encourage families to talk with their students about transportation safety and ensure any device ridden to school meets district expectations.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, students at San Juan Unified elementary, K-8 and middle schools must keep personal mobile devices stored away and set to silent or off throughout the school day, including during lunch and passing periods.

The change is intended to reduce distractions, increase engagement and encourage face-to-face interaction. Research and local feedback show that limiting phone use during the school day can help students stay focused and strengthen peer connections.

Students may still bring phones to school, but devices must remain stored during the school day. Students will be able to access devices in emergency situations and if they have an approved exception (such as medical need). Families can continue to communicate with students through school offices when needed.

The updated expectations reflect feedback and support positive, focused learning environments where students can thrive.

Over a decade ago, Angela Nicholas and Angela Spalding began their teaching careers at Thomas Edison Language Institute together. This year, they are both recognized as San Juan Unified’s 2027 Teachers of the Year.

Though their journeys have taken them in different directions, both have made lasting impacts through their leadership, advocacy and unwavering commitment to students.

Like many first-time parents, Craig and Carolina were learning as they went. They planned to wait until kindergarten before enrolling their oldest son in school, but everything changed when they decided to stop by Marvin Marshall to learn more about the programs offered.

Looking back, Craig and Carolina say Early Head Start gave their family much more than a place for their children to learn; it guided them through important milestones and the confidence to support their children's growth. Today, both of their sons continue to attend preschool as they prepare for kindergarten.

San Juan High School’s automotive CTE class came together to help one of their own in a powerful way.

When Juno, a 12th-grade student at La Entrada High School who attends the program at San Juan High School, was hospitalized and in a coma after being hit by a car, her classmates wanted to do something special for her.

Juno had been working on restoring her 1999 Mustang as a project car, so her fellow automotive students came together to finish it for her. Classmates even spent some of their weekends working on the vehicle, partnering with a local company to help repaint the car and bring the project to life.

When Juno was able to return to school during the start of her recovery, she reunited with her classmates and joined them in finishing the Mustang. The completed project was later showcased at a car show, where it earned a trophy for Best Paint.

This project is a powerful example of the community, compassion and connections students build through San Juan Unified’s CTE programs.

San Juan Unified School District is proud to offer a variety of summer learning opportunities that keep students engaged, exploring their interests and building new skills beyond the traditional classroom. From art and science to cooking and more, summer enrichment programs help students continue learning while having fun.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Cooking with Cook and see how students turned fresh ingredients into delicious creations in this short video!