Cougar Community News

This week started with our 8th Graders having visitors from Casa Roble. The students got to meet and talk with a Vice Principal, a Counselor, and members of the ROTC. We hope these experiences help prepare our students for the new demands coming in high school!

For our TK-5th students, we celebrated our student achievement in Thoughtful Decision Making, including showing Responsibility, Integrity, and Courage on Friday! Students were also recognized for academic progress in the classroom and on iReady! Fifty-three students met their Stretch Goals in the Winter administration (goals not expected until the end of the year)! Check out our pics below. Way to go, Cougars!

Other campus news:

• Friday was National School Librarian Day! We recognize our librarian, Rita Holverstott, who keeps our school library in working order. She spends long hours dedicated to our school children and families! Thank you Mrs. Holverstott for keeping the library organized and helping children and families find the resources they need!

• Our Lost & Found is filling up! Please come by and take your items home. They will be donated next Friday, before Spring Break.
• March Attendance showed an improvement school wide to 91%. Congratulations to 4th and 6th grades AGAIN (three months in a row!) for leading the school with 94% attendance. With the upcoming CAASPP testing schedule, please keep up the efforts for getting your students to school each day on time! Reach out if we can support in any way.

Upcoming April Activities:

• CAST testing begins next week for 5th and 8th grades from 8:10-10:00am. The California Science Test is an untimed computer-based assessment that tests the CA Next Generation Science Standards (generally takes about two hours to complete). For information on the six segments, click here: SECTIONS If your student is in 5th or 8th grade, check in with teachers for planning the week. Help your Cougar be successful by getting a good night's rest, eating a healthy breakfast, arriving to school on time, and keeping a positive mindset on perseverance!
• Dance and Cheer try-out practice started April 1st for interested 5th-7th graders. Day 2 is April 7th from 2:35-3:30. Try out DAY is on April 8th. Information packets are still available. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Andino.
• Dance and Cheer Tamales Fundraiser happening now. Help support the cheerleader uniforms fund by purchasing a dozen tamales from the famous La Esperanza Baker in Sacramento. $25 a dozen, Pre-payment required. Orders due Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Download an Order Form or pick one up in the office.
• Woodside Jog-a-thon is coming up at the end of the month, April 25th. Look for more details in the coming weeks!
• Woodside's Got Talent Share your talents in our performance in May! Online Form/application due by Wed. April 9th at 7:00pm. Student performers can learn all about it in this Newsletter: Woodside's Got Talent 2025

APRIL

• Mon. April 7 - 2025-26 Dance and Cheer Try-out Practice, 2:35-3:30
• Tues. April 8 - Dance and Cheer Try-outs, 2:35-3:30
• Wed. April 9 - Round Table Pizza Dine-and-Donate 11am-10pm, Woodside's Got Talent ONLINE FORM due by 7:00pm, 8th Grade Night at San Juan High School 5:30-7:30pm, 9th Grade Registration at Casa Roble 5:30-6:30pm
• April 7-11 - CAST (California Assessment of Science Test) administered in Grades 5 and 8
• Thurs. April 10 - Spring Picture Day
• April 14-18 - SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL
• Tues. April 22 - SJUSD Board Meeting with Innovative School Update 6:30pm, Dance and Cheer Tamales order forms and money due
• Fri. April 25 - Jog-a-thon/Friendship Friday#2
• April 28-May 2 - CAASPP - ELA administered in Grades 3-8
• Tues. April 29 - PTO Meeting, 4:30pm in Art Room/Design Lab or Zoom LINK HERE
• Wed. April 30 - Woodside's Got Talent Preview Day starting at 2:40 pm in the MP Room

MAY

• Thurs. May 1 - Middle School Event 3:00-5:00pm, PTO Skate Night at Roller King 6:00-8:00pm
• Wed. May 7 - Trimester 3 Progress Reports viewable on Parent Portal
• Thurs. May 8 - Woodside Cultural Festival 5:30-7:00pm
• Wed. May 14 - Woodside's Got Talent! Rehearsal 2:30-4:00pm in the MPR
• Thurs. May 15 - Woodside's Got Talent! performance for families at 6:00pm in MPR
• Fri. May 16 - Woodside's Got Talent! Assembly performance for students at 9:00am, CAASPP closes
• Tues. May 20 - PTO Meeting, 4:30pm in Art Room/Design Lab or Zoom LINK HERE
• Fri. May 23 - Citizenship and End of the Year Awards Assemblies for TK-5th Grade, 3rd-5th 8:30am, TK-2 9:00am
• Mon. May 26 - Memorial Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
• Fri. May 30 - Fire Drill

JUNE

• Fri. June 6 - TK Fashion Show 8:30am and Kindergarten Promotion 10:00am
• Mon. June 9 - 6th & 7th Grade Trimester 3 and End-of-the-Year Awards 1:45pm
• Tues. June 10 - 8th Grade Promotion in the morning TBD

3rd-8th grade has finished ELPAC testing!

Next week is our final week of testing, and we are finishing up all K-2nd grade tests.

ELD Middle School students are working on posters for the Cultural Festival.

LatinX Club

Our club members have been meeting regularly on Tuesdays at lunch. We are working on decorations and posters for the Cultural Festival, which showcase the cities/countries our students' families come from.

Cultural Festival

Our Festival planning is coming together. We have developed our booth ideas and are collecting supplies for some really exciting crafts and activities. We have one family who will be making and selling Salvadorean pupusas for $2 a piece! We are still trying to find a local taco truck vendor if anyone has a connection to share with us. We will also be sampling foods and treats from a variety of countries. Please make sure you have saved the date, May 8th from 5:30-7 p.m. You won't want to miss this fun, family event!

Thank you for all the families who participated in the See's candy fundraiser! Our school raised an incredible amount $826. Orders have been delivered to the school. Mrs. Holverstott will be in contact to organize the pick ups on Monday and Tuesday! Thanks again for supporting our school!

Our next fundraiser is Round Table Pizza this Wednesday, April 9th from 11:00am- 10:00pm at the Citrus Heights location. Who loves pizza? Please join us for dine in, take out, or delivery. Also the Sacramento Kings will be playing, so I'm sure you could catch a quarter or two. Remember to bring the flyer or make sure to mention Woodside.

The Jog-a-Thon is coming up April 25th! This is always a school favorite because classes get to compete against each other for the most money raised. A flyer was sent home last week to all students on how to donate for their classrooms. Signups for volunteers will be coming out soon, once we figure out times. If you would like to make a poster for day of the jog-a-thon, we can hang it on the fence for your student to see.

May 1st we have our skate night at RollerKing in Roseville from 6:00-8:00pm.

Also Tamales is another fundraiser for the Dance and Cheer girls. Help support our Woodside girls.

All fundraising from the PTO go to help support our teachers, staff and students. Funds also helps us to have free family events like Cocoa, Crafts & Community and Lunch with a Loved One.

The PTO is working hard on creating fun events for the Woodside community and if there are any suggestions for next year you would like to see, you can email us woodsidekto8pto@gmail.com

Thanks,

Nicole

From PTO Nominating Committee: NOMINEES are in! Please read these short biographies of the Woodside PTO Board Nominees for the 2025-2026 School Year. Voting will occur via a Google Form that will be sent out on April 11. Voting will close on April 28th at 5:00pm with one vote per household. The April PTO meeting has been moved to April 29th, where the results of the election will be announced.

Here they are: MEET YOUR PTO BOARD NOMINEES

April is often recognized as "Celebrate Diversity Month", a time to recognize and honor the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, promoting inclusivity and understanding. "Celebrate Diversity Month" was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. It's a month of powerful observances, from honoring resilience and remembrance to advocating for inclusivity and environmental protection. These events highlight both global awareness days and cultural milestones that encourage reflection, support, and action. The month aims to foster a deeper understanding of each other and to celebrate the differences and similarities that make us stronger as a community.

On our Woodside Celebrating Diversity Bulletin Board, we recognize International Autism Acceptance Day (April 2nd) and World Autism/ Autism Acceptance Month, which celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance.

Other April Celebrations:

• International Day of Pink – April 9: This day stands against bullying, homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of discrimination, with communities worldwide encouraged to wear pink in solidarity. It’s a call for inclusivity and respect, fostering awareness and support for a safer, more accepting world.
• Earth Day – April 22: Earth Day raises global awareness about environmental protection, inspiring action to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and promote sustainability. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the planet for future generations through conscious, everyday choices.
• National Arab American Heritage Month: During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
• National Deaf History Month: The month-long celebration aims to honor the history, culture, and achievements of individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Explore exciting summer program opportunities for students

San Juan Unified is committed to providing summer learning and enrichment opportunities for our students, from Camp Kinder, to Career Technical Education summer enrichment to high school credit recovery.

Families are encouraged to visit here to explore opportunities for their children. The summer program webpage will be updated regularly with new opportunities and information.

Stay informed and engaged with your school district! Students, parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend the following meetings:

• Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room

• District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) Meeting – Thursday, April 10, at the District Office Board Room at 6 p.m.

• Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room

• Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting – Wednesday, April 30, at the District Office Board Room at 6 p.m.

These meetings are an excellent opportunity to stay informed, share your input, and connect with district leadership.

To keep up to date on all committee meetings or learn more about each committee, visit sanjuan.edu/committees.

Enrollment Dates:

Kindergarten Enrollment began February 3! Families with incoming kindergartners can visit www.sanjuan.edu/enrollment to complete their registration.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Lottery began February 10 and the priority window closes March 14. Enrollment is due by April 7. Families with incoming TK students can visit www.sanjuan.edu/TK for information.

Visit our Regional Community Care Hubs for free resources! www.sanjuan.edu/communityresources

• Thursday, April 10, 3:00-4:30 pm - San Juan High (7551 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights)

• Thursday, April 24, 3:00-4:30 pm - Encina High (1400 Bell Street, Sacramento)

FREE April FACE Family Workshops! www.sanjuan.edu/familyed

• Level up Your Leadership

  Meets on Mondays: March 31, April 7, April 21 and April 28

  6:30 - 7:30 pm

  District Office Board Room - 3738 Walnut Ave, Carmichael

  
  

  The Ride Ahead: A Film Screening on Disability, Independence, & Opportunity

  Thursday, April 3rd

  6:00 - 8:00 pm

  District Office Board Room - 3738 Walnut Ave, Carmichael

  
  

  Parent Project - Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior

  Starting on Wednesday, April 23

  Meets weekly on Wednesday from 5:45 - 7:45 pm

  Casa Roble High School - 9151 Oak Ave, Orangevale

  
  

  Talleres Familiares

  Tuesday, April 29

  6:00 - 7:30 pm

  Grand Oaks Elementary - 7901 Rosswood Dr, Citrus Heights

  
  
• Supporting Read Aloud at Home- pre-recorded video in our NEW Family Engagement Video Library at www.sanjuan.edu/familyed under the "Family Engagement Video Library" tab

Find resources, including monthly parent newsletters, family workshops and volunteer information, as well as staff resources, such as our Lending Library of Fun, Outreach Requests, and Digital Resource Library, on our website at www.sanjuan.edu/familyed.

Supports for Students with Disabilities

Inclusive Sports o Rama event for all secondary students coming up on April 11! https://bit.ly/UnifiedSports-O-Rama

Playmakers inclusive basketball for all abilities and school-age students at Mesa Verde High School, Saturdays, March - April: https://theplaymakers.org

IEP Trainings & Support Groups. FREE Year Round!

https://warmlinefrc.org

https://health.ucdavis.edu/mind-institute/resources/family-resource-centers

The César Chávez Youth Leadership Conference and Celebration is a free college and career motivational event for junior high, high school and community college students, as well as parents and community members. Taking place on May 10 from 8:00 am-3:00 pm, the goal of this annual conference is to introduce the value of attending college - particularly to individuals who may not be considering higher education due to lack of information or financial resources.

Each year, the conference delivers an engaging program that:

• Nurtures the concept that all individuals are leaders;
• Provides information on the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) admission requirements;
• Provides information on the California Community College (CCC) matriculation and enrollment process; and
• Introduces college success resources and career workforce opportunities in STEM in the public and the private sector.

This free conference averages over 1800 attendees each year, from predominantly low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Attendees leave empowered, believing they can achieve their goals and knowing the resources available to them to do so.

To learn more and register for free, visit https://diversity.ucdavis.edu/ccylc

Elementary Girls Basketball League season has started and runs Feb. 25-May 10. No practices or games during Spring Break, 4/14-4/19. Our team will practice Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:15-8:00pm. Register online to guarantee your child a spot on the team! Our team Visit sunriseparks.com and use the Team Code 8820.185. For more information regarding the league, please email rbozzalla@sunriseparks.com or call 916-725-8843.

Middle School Boys Basketball team practices Mondays & Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. They are off to a fantastic 3-0 start! Contact Sunrise Parks if you would like to join.

Each spring, students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

Depending on your child’s grade, they will take the following tests:

• Students in Grades 3–8 will take English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics tests
• Students in Grades 5, 8, and 11 will take a science test

The computer-based tests measure what your child knows and can do.

To learn more about the CAASPP system, go to the California Department of Education Parent

Guides to Understanding webpage at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp

You can become familiar with the testing format and the different types of test questions by looking at the practice or training tests at:

http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html

Woodside's CAASPP Schedule:

CAST (Science Test for 5th and 8th)

8:10-10AM, April 7-April 10

make-ups or if needed April 11

CAASPP (ELA 3rd-8th)

8:10-10AM, April 28-30 ELA Computer-Adapted Test (CAT)

8:10-10AM, April 30-May 2 ELA Performance Test (PT)

CAASPP (Math 3rd-8th)

8:10-10AM, May 5-7 Math Computer-Adapted Test (CAT)

8:10-10AM, May 8-9 Math Performance Test (PT)

Make-Ups for CAST and CAASPP 8:10-10AM

May 12-May 16

Please note that testing is scheduled for mornings. Try to refrain from scheduling appointments these mornings, and help to get your student to school on time for best performance.

Why it matters:
CAASPP tests are given statewide. They provide an opportunity to measure the skills of all students against the same academic standards, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation. The results provide information that schools can use to improve teaching and learning and ensure students graduate college and career-ready. We appreciate all Site Coordinators for their careful planning of test administration and all teachers who support and encourage students.

Office phone - (916) 971-5216

Mrs. Taylor Gonzales-Moore, Secretary - taylor.gonzalesmoore@sanjuan.edu

Mrs. Ana Johnson, Clerk - ana.johnson@sanjuan.edu

Mrs. Deb Johnston, Vice Principal - debra.johnston@sanjuan.edu

Mrs. Beth Wahl, Principal - ewahl@sanjuan.edu

Facebook Woodside TK-8

SJUSD NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The San Juan Unified School District Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in district programs and activities. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics of race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, please contact Equity Compliance Officer: Linda C. T. Simlick, General Counsel, 3738 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 971- 7110, LegalServices@sanjuan.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Katie Fabel, Legal Analyst/Title IX Coordinator, 3738 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 971-7110, TitleIX@sanjuan.edu; Section 504 Coordinator: Dominic Covello, Director, Student Support Services, 3738 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 971-7220, DCovello@sanjuan.edu.