USD School Bell

As we head into the last week of the first month of 2022, I want to recognize all the members of our USD community who continue to work together as we have navigated changing conditions during this challenging yet rewarding start of the 2022 year. Thank you for being our partners in our children’s education as we adapt together.

Even while navigating new challenges, I’m constantly struck by the kindness and compassion shown by our students, families and staff as we work together. This week is the Great Kindness Challenge, and many of our schools are taking part as kindness spreads and leaves a positive impact regardless of age.

Given the Great Kindness Challenge, I would like to hear from you about small moments of kindness you experienced or helped create this week in our community. Send us an email at unionsd@unionsd.org with the subject line Kindness to share a picture or story from across Union School District. Or you can share with on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #USDkindness.

Kindness matters and we can all do our part of acknowledging those around us #USDKindess.

• February 1, 2022 - Open Enrollment/Registration Starts

• February 7, 2022 (6pm) - School Board Meeting

• February 21-25, 2022 - Presidents’ Week Break (No School)

• March 14, 2022 (6pm) - School Board Meeting

• April 4-8, 2022 - Spring Break (No School)

The 2022-23 School Year calendar is available on our District website.

New to USD or know someone enrolling their child for the first time? Enrollment will open for the 2022-23 school year on February 1, 2022. Help us get the word out that USD will be enrolling for the 2022-23 school year.

For registration information, required documentation, and online registration links, visit our website at: https://www.unionsd.org/families/enroll-in-usd

Does your student turn 5 between September 2nd, 2022 and February 2nd, 2023? If so, they are eligible to start Transitional Kindergarten in August!

In Union School District, we are proud of our Transitional Kindergarten program which nurtures our youngest learners. Early learning is a vehicle which allows us to focus on children's needs and help them to become lifelong learners. With thematic based units of study emphasizing our youngest students enjoy hands-on learning as they learn the basics of literacy and math such as the sounds that each letter makes as they embark on their reading journey, to counting objects as they begin their foundations in numeracy.

As our teachers share, “TK is a place where a kid can be a kid.” Most importantly, this pivotal year of schooling allows students a time to practice how to interact with others as they delve into social emotional learning. Through play-based interactions and an introduction to the vocabulary of emotions, students learn both individualization and collaboration.

For the 2022-23 school year, age eligibility for Transitional Kindergarten has expanded to include all students who turn 5 between September 2nd, 2022 and February 2nd, 2023.

Depending on enrollment, we are looking to offer at least one Transitional Kindergarten class at each of our USD elementary schools. In addition, our TK program will move to an extended day schedule aligning with our Kindergarten program starting next year. We are very excited to expand our program to all schools and look forward to welcoming additional families to USD.

Noddin rang in the New Year on January 3rd with SmartStart, a day of engagement and creativity for students! Teachers and grade-levels collaborated to provide activities and projects to re-engage and re-ignite student learning and focus as we head into the second half of the school year. Activities include art projects, STEAM challenges, coding, and collaborative opportunities. Noddin students enjoyed engaging in a wide variety of experiences provided by their teachers!

Guadalupe Elementary School 4th grader Sonia Wang (from Ms Paras class) used acrylic paint to draw a dragon character in "Wings on Fire" book series written by Tui T. Sutherland.

She shared the reasons she like the book series, "It is a mystery book mixed with adventure. You don't know what is going to happen next. I also like dragons because they are cool and have different powers."

Sonia’s painting is now displayed on the wall of Los Gatos Library's children room since January 13, 2022. It is part of Los Gatos Library's program of inviting children to draw a canvas painting based on a book they have read. Congratulations Sonia! We look forward to seeing the art you create in the future.

Calling all USD Students!

In partnership with HP Inc., the San José Public Library and the San José Public Library Foundation are hosting a Laptop Donation Drive to refresh and repurpose used Windows laptops. Donated laptops will provide local students and adults participating in Library programs with access to the technology they need to thrive!

If you upgraded your device this holiday season, please consider donating your used device between January 3 and February 12, 2022. Donations can be dropped off inside any San Jose Public Library location, Monday–Saturday during branch hours.

NOTE: Windows-equipped laptops or tablets are preferred, but we will accept all donations. Don't forget to include any power cords and other device accessories! We cannot repurpose Apple devices.

USD has several opportunities to join our amazing team. If you or anyone you know might be interested in any of our open positions, feel free to share this information and apply at https://www.edjoin.org/usd

Current Openings!

• Instructional Assistants
• Food Services Assistants
• Extended Care Activity Leaders
• Yard Duties and more!

View all current openings on EdJoin.

Crossing Guards Needed

The City of Los Gatos is looking for crossing guards. View more information here or call Area Supervisor LouAnn Coca (650-276-8684)

SJPD is looking for crossing guards to support busy intersections around our schools. Hiring and training is done through the San Jose Police Department. Interested? Fill out an application here.

Board of Trustees

Sheila Billings

Vickie Brown

Doug Evans

Jennifer Petroff

Thomas E. Rossmeissl

Superintendent

Dr. Carrie Andrews

Email: vanherkl@unionsd.org
Website: www.unionsd.org
Location: 5175 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 408-377-8010
Facebook: facebook.com/UnionSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @USDUpdates