Falcon Features

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San Jose Sharkie visits campus

Mrs. VanderKoois class wins the San Jose Sharks Reading is Cool contest!

Sharkie congratulates 2nd grade students.

The official Sharkie of the San Jose Sharks came to congratulate Mrs. Vanderkooi's 2nd grade class for being tops in their Reading is Cool program.  First, Sharkie met Principal Burbank and helped himself to teacher snacks from her cabinet, and he hid his snacks inside his jumbo shoe!  Then, Sharkie visited the winning class and made himself at home with his feet on the desk!  He asked where students had visited during their vacation last week, even getting the Sharks to guarantee him a trip to Maui next year -- we'll see!  Sharkie asked what books the learners had read; Harry Potter and DogMan were tops.  Finally, Sharkie gifted some new books about sharks to Mrs. Vanderkooi's classroom library.  Go San Jose Sharks!

District Explores AI’s Role in Education

Ensuring CUSD students are prepared for the demands of an AI-driven workforce

young woman wearing eye protection is fixing the end of a robotic arm

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, Campbell Union School District (CUSD) is taking proactive steps to ensure students are prepared for the future. Speaking at the AIM FOR IMPACT summit, Superintendent Dr. Shelly Viramontez stressed that education must evolve along with technology to meet the demands of an AI-driven workforce.

“We’re embracing our core value of ‘We Are Learners’ by actively exploring how AI can enhance teaching and learning,” Dr. Viramontez said. “We are inviting staff to learn more about AI, its applications and potential for strengthening students’ skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.”

Recognizing that AI is already woven into daily life, she added, “Even our youngest students are engaging with AI—whether they’re interacting with Alexa, learning from YouTube, or independently exploring digital tools.”

For CUSD, responsible AI integration is a commitment to innovation and student empowerment. By breaking down traditional learning silos and integrating real-world applications, the district is working to reimagine education to ensure every student is equipped for success—no matter what the future holds.

AIM Showcase: Celebrating Future-Ready Students!

Save the Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

two children and their mom look at a colorful and glowing display of geometric artwork

Join us for the annual Art-Innovation-Music (AIM) Showcase, where CUSD students share their creative and innovative learning through this year’s theme, “Future Ready.” The event will feature art displays, original music, and design projects, showcasing students’ talents and learning journeys. 

AIM empowers students to explore interests, embrace challenges with a growth mindset, and take ownership of their learning. It also strengthens teacher collaboration and targeted instruction to meet students’ learning needs. 

Lessons spark curiosity and foster growth through hands-on experiences in the arts, innovation, and music. Students develop essential skills—critical thinking, collaboration, self-direction, empathy, and innovation—aligned with CUSD’s Profile of a Graduate competencies. By integrating Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) learning targets with design thinking strategies, AIM helps students develop the skills necessary for real-world problem-solving.

Come celebrate our future-ready students at this inspiring event!   Click here for the event flyer.

Students Take the Lead in Solving School Challenges

An example of continuous improvement through survey feedback

middle school girl wearing an orange safety vest stands at a participation sign up station as several students stand waiting to sign up

At our schools, we believe students should have a voice in making positive changes. One example is how we’re tackling school cleanliness.

In student surveys from 2023 and 2024, many rated school cleanliness lower than expected. To understand why, district administrators invited students to participate in focus groups. Students’ insights were enlightening. They noted common issues like littering in shared spaces, messy bathroom habits, and a lack of awareness about the hard work custodians do each day.

When asked how to improve cleanliness, some students suggested more adult intervention. However, through discussions and empathy interviews with custodians, students realized the importance of taking responsibility for their school environment.

7 5th grade students in yellow safety vests represent the school's trash patrolWorking together, students and staff developed solutions, including:

  • Student-led cleanliness campaigns to promote responsibility
  • Incentive programs to align with the schools’ Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)
  • Signage to create awareness and expectations on keeping shared spaces clean
  • Acknowledgment and appreciation for custodial staff
  • Better maintenance strategies for bathrooms and high-traffic areas

“By giving students a role in solving real problems, we empower them to take responsibility and build pride in their school community,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “With these new initiatives, we expect to see a cleaner, more respectful environment that benefits everyone.”

Want to support these efforts at home? Encourage your child to take responsibility for their surroundings and appreciate those who help maintain them.

Continuous improvement at your child's school

…

Parent feedback is an important factor for our decisions about your child's school experience.
That's why we're hoping all of our parents and guardians will participate in our annual survey.

P.S.
This video gives you a glimpse of the difference it makes!