District News

Russel, a CSI 3rd grader, reads his class letter to Senator Cortese about their solution to having more yard duty staff at school.

“You’re learning to put progress before ‘who’s right’, and that is a mindset change that more of us could use,” said Senator Dave Cortese to his student tour guides, Roman and Zoey, during a visit at Campbell School of Innovation (CSI). The TK-8 school teaches academics through design thinking and growth mindset and shares those teaching techniques through professional development with teachers across the district.

“We’re preparing all of our students for an undefined and fast-paced future,” said Superintendent Shelly VIramontez. “Our Profile of a Graduate competencies—self directed, innovative, critical thinker, collaborative, and empathetic—are designed to help students learn how to learn and solve problems creatively.” 

Roman described how he and his classmates solve problems at school. “There usually isn’t just one idea that has all of the right answers. It’s usually part of one person’s idea and part of another person’s, and we try it out, and we collaborate to come up with a solution that works.” 

That process resonated with the Senator. “By being able to put progress before perfection, you’ll be much better off than the older generation in being able to solve problems like climate change and adjust to situations like the ones we've seen with the pandemic. This is great stuff you’re growing up with.”

 Students at the MMS Wellness Center explain its benefits to State, County and District leaders.

Senator Dave Cortese visited Monroe Middle School’s new Wellness Center to see how a partnership between Campbell Union School District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and School-Linked Services is bringing more access to mental health support to students and families.

“Adolescence has never been easy, and we know that the impact of the pandemic has made it even more challenging,” said District Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “The Wellness Center gives them an on-demand place to decompress, regroup, and develop skills for re-engaging in school activities.”

The grant-funded Wellness Center, one of a few pilot school-based centers in the county, is staffed full time. Students can drop in or they can be referred by a teacher. Wellness Room Liaison Daisy Urisar Esquivel noted that some of the students are discovering they have leadership skills and are helping to govern operations as Wellness Student Council members. 

“This is a great place to get away from worries, do homework, and focus on wellness,” said Geonnie, one of the 20 students comprising the sixth grade Council. “There are a lot of different things to do here,” said Council member Elda, who pointed to choices such as listening to music, having a snack, drawing, talking with a friend about something troubling, getting homework help, or just being quiet and relaxed. Mike, who joined the Council because he wanted to help others know about the Wellness Center, wants to see it continue as a safe, positive place for students to relax.

“There should be more of these all across the country,” Council member Jose added. “Students need this. If there’s trouble at home or they can’t do work at home, they can come here. It’s a place where you can belong.”

The program is one of many examples of our district’s continuing commitment to support students through community partnerships, according to Student Services Director Rosanna Palomo. “Our community partnerships are incredibly valuable in helping to support the whole child. Student well being is critical to student success in and out of the classroom.”

“Schools are, and must continue to serve as, centers of wellness and centers of resilience for our students and families,” said Senator Dave Cortese after visiting our District’s new Wellness Center at Monroe Middle School. “I am so pleased that our county was able to take advantage of state funding through the Community Schools Partnership Program and the Mental Health Student Services Act to stand up these Wellness Centers across our County. I have fought hard to ensure adequate funding and augmentation of these programs.” 

Funding is at the crux of expanding programs like this, according to Dr. Viramontez. She noted that the partnership with School Linked Services of Santa Clara County has been especially helpful in “leveling the playing field” for children and youth who are burdened with economic, social and other inequities. 

Community partnerships help the district address students’ physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, allowing teachers more time to focus on teaching and learning, Viramontez said. “We value these partnerships because we know it's what our community needs. We can provide the space to improve access so the experts can do what they do best. Providing this necessary, easy-to-access support would require funding sources beyond grants.”

[Photos taken pre-COVID-19]

Creating effective partnerships with the caring adults in our students’ lives is a core tenet for Campbell Union School District. This week FEI in CUSD, one of our programs aimed at strengthening those family partnerships, became a finalist for the county’s 2022 Glenn Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award. 

FEI (Family Engagement Institute) in CUSD is a model partnership that promotes family engagement, college-going culture, school and workforce readiness, and pathways to postsecondary education for Campbell Union School District families.  Pictured here: One of many groups of parents who have graduated from the FEI in CUSD classes. (photo taken pre-pandemic)

Foothill Community College's FEI came to the District in 2017 with 25 parents from one Title 1 school thanks to a School Linked Services grant. It has grown to enroll more than 1,180 parents from 7 schools and continues to receive renewed grant funds. 

FEI Executive Director Betsy Nikolchev noted that the way CUSD implements the program makes it unique. “The leadership shows a high level of participation and support in developing the program,” she said. “The Community Liaisons, principals and superintendent help to customize the courses and facilitate communication and access to the program.”

“We know that family engagement plays a huge role in a child’s success at school,” said Director of Student Services Rosanna Palomo. “Parents tell us in person and in surveys that the program has made a big difference for them and their families. It builds their knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting their child’s education and strengthens communication at home and at school.”

The Santa Clara County School Boards Association will announce the Hoffmann award winners on February 23, 2022.

We are committed to being an Organization of Excellence, continually improving each day to be a great place to learn, work, and provide an excellent education. Part of that process is gathering input from the people we interact with every day and using what we learn to further our commitment to excellence.

We are seeking your input. On January 31, 2022, we will send the survey link to families, students (grade 3 and up), and employees. 

Our partners at Huron | Studer Education are administering the survey, providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback anonymously. The online survey will be available in English and Spanish, and you can respond via any Internet-connected computer or mobile device.

We are committed to listening and responding to your experiences in our district. We will use the feedback to celebrate and build upon our successes and to identify areas for improvement in specific areas. 

Please check your email or ParentSquare account on January 31st for our message and link to the survey.