San Juan Scene - Sept. 2, 2025
Date
News for San Juan Unified - Sept. 2, 2025
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 Unified welcomes students to the 2025-26 school year
The 2025-26 school year has officially begun at San Juan Unified School District. Once again, the campuses of all 64 of our schools were filled with enthusiastic students, friendship reunions and proud families.
With the expansion of our transitional kindergarten program, our youngest students embarked on their journey to grow at San Juan Unified. Meanwhile, our 12th-grade students walked into their schools with a bittersweet feeling as they near the finish line of achieving here.
Alesha Gordon’s path to becoming a special education teacher
Alesha Gordon once scrolled through a San Juan Unified School District newsletter, helping her discover the next step in her career.
From participating in the San Juan Unified Teacher Residency Program in partnership with Alder Graduate School of Education to receiving an Education Specialist credential and a master's degree, Gordon is now a K-1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Special Education teacher at Albert Schweitzer Elementary School. The same school where she completed her residency.
San Juan Unified to kick off College Week on Sept. 18
College application season has begun, and San Juan Unified will host a variety of opportunities to help K-12 students explore educational options and prepare for post-secondary success. College Week kicks off its college-readiness celebrations starting Sept. 18 with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Recruitment Fair.
Many in-person events and on-campus activities will take place, including:
Thursday, Sept. 18, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - HBCU Recruitment Fair at El Camino Fundamental High School
Monday, Sept. 22 - College door decorating
Tuesday, Sept. 23 - Virtual college visits
Wednesday, Sept. 24 - What To Be/CTE Wednesday
Thursday, Sept. 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - College Night at Rio Americano High School
Friday, Sept. 26 - Dress in your college gear for a spirit day
Encina High School breaks ground on new science building
Encina High School officially broke ground on Aug. 28 for a new science building that will bring modern, hands-on learning spaces to students for years to come.
The groundbreaking ceremony included a performance by Encina’s Black Student Union, inspiring remarks from students and staff and the presentation of certificates from local officials who joined the celebration.
The new facility will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and labs designed to support real-world learning in science, technology, engineering and other fields.
Summer construction round-up: Building for our future
Across San Juan Unified, teams worked throughout the summer to improve our school facilities. From progress on stadium upgrades at San Juan High School, to new playgrounds, fencing and safety enhancements at several elementary schools, exciting progress is underway. These projects are part of our long-term Facilities Master Plan to create safe, modern learning spaces that support student success now and in the years ahead.
Progress on the San Juan High School stadium modernization
Construction crews were hard at work this summer on the stadium modernization project at San Juan High School, which will include a new synthetic track and field, new tennis courts, a new ticket booth, concession area and an upgraded restroom building.
The project is set to be completed summer 2026.
Campus upgrades created welcoming spaces at Woodside K-8
Woodside K-8 started the year with exciting campus updates, including new classroom furniture, fresh flooring and added walls in kindergarten rooms to create spaces for focused learning.
Completed over the summer, these upgrades support safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments.
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School welcomed students to a remodeled courtyard
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School’s remodeled courtyard features a shade structure, new benches, concrete walkways and drinking water fountains, offering students and staff a refreshed outdoor space.
Upgraded fencing transformed schools across San Juan Unified
School sites across the San Juan Unified School District have been undergoing improvements through upgraded and freshly painted fencing around campuses. These transformations support our efforts to maximize security, providing a safe learning experience for all.
Current fencing projects include Andrew Carnegie Middle School, Bella Vista High School, Mary Deterding Elementary School, Pasadena Avenue Elementary School, Pershing Elementary School, Sylvan Middle School and Whitney Avenue Elementary School.
Coming soon: MagicStudent AI tool to support learning
Starting in September, San Juan Unified students will have access to a new learning tool called MagicStudent AI. This program is powered by artificial intelligence and was designed specifically for students, with strong privacy protections and a focus on education.
MagicStudent gives students the chance to explore new ways of learning, practice critical thinking, and build skills for the future. Teachers will be able to guide how students use the tool by choosing which features are available, helping students be supported and safe while using AI. The platform also includes lessons on how AI works, support for multiple languages, accessibility features, and safeguards to assist in making sure it’s used responsibly.
Families can look forward to seeing MagicStudent used in classrooms this fall as one more way we’re helping students take ownership of their learning in a safe, supported environment.
What's happening this month
Students, parents, staff and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend the following Board of Education and committee meetings:
Curriculum, Standards, Instructional & Student Services Committee – Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 6:30 p.m.
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) Meeting – Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m.
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting – Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m.
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m.
All meetings will be held at the San Juan Unified School District Office (Board Room), 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael.
Upcoming workshops and events for families in September
Families are invited to these upcoming workshops and events in September:
Building Blocks for Effective Co-Parenting begins Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Will Rogers Middle School (4924 Dewey Drive, Fair Oaks). This three-session class is designed for parents, guardians and caregivers seeking practical, relatable tools for successful co-parenting.
Community Care Hub on Sept. 18 at Ralph Richardson Center (4848 Cottage Way, Carmichael) from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This month’s Care Hub will have additional resources for college/career readiness and special education.
Understanding Special Education and Your IEP takes place on Sept. 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the District Office (3738 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael). This session is for parents and caregivers with a child on an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) in special education. Learn about the IEP process, components of the IEP documents, and parent rights and responsibilities.
Learn more about these upcoming events at www.sanjuan.edu/face.
Families can also visit the video library to watch a video on Fostering Positive Habits for School Attendance.
Family tip of the month: Get back into school mode
Adjusting to school-year schedules and priorities after the summer can be a challenge. To make it easier:
Create a weekly schedule. Include time for schoolwork, play, activities and family times.
Set bedtimes and wake times for your child that allow at least nine hours of sleep and plenty of time to get ready.
Cut back on passive screen use. Set device curfews, activity limits and screen-free zones (like the dinner table).