Blackford News

District Governing Board urges lawmakers to support greater school safety through increased funding and “common sense gun reforms.”

At their March 29 meeting, the elementary school district trustees passed Resolution 2017-18-25 calling on state and federal legislators to do more to bolster funding for services that support students’ mental, physical and emotional health and protect students from gun violence. 

“Gun violence on school campuses, while relatively rare, represents a particularly egregious and unacceptable threat to the lives of students, teachers, and staff across the country,” the resolution states. 

Prompted by the February 2018 mass shooting at a Florida high school, the resolution cites data about bullying, harassment, and student access to guns, and it asserts students’ and staff’s rights to safety at school. 

The resolution also requests for adequate funding to support students social and emotional needs in addition to their academic achievement.

“Our District partners with community health services to help students and families who need support with social-emotional and other non-instructional issues,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “The costs of educating and supporting students have been rising faster than state and federal funding, making it difficult to provide services that allow our teachers to teach while students get support for their social-emotional well-being.” 

A copy of the full resolution is available on the district’s website.

Join us for a community celebration of student inventiveness and creativity.

Here's a chance to see—all in one place—how our students are finding solutions to real-world problems, demonstrating scientific and artistic talents, and discovering new approaches to learning. Teachers, students, parents, administrators and community partners will be there and ready to show you the exciting learning that is happening in Campbell Union School District's schools.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 4-7 p.m.
1055 S. Monroe St, San Jose
(the whole Monroe Middle School campus)

Congratulations to Monroe Middle School's Team

March 13, 2018; San Jose, Calif.—A team of Monroe Middle Schoolers won top awards at the World Scholars Cup regional tournament in San Jose this week. In a series of different challenges, the 16 students, mostly 7th and 8th graders and one 5^th grader, analyzed, collaborated, tested and debated their way to earn multiple honors, including Top Junior Team and Top Junior Scholar.

The wins have earned most of the students an invitation to one of the three Global Rounds this summer. More than 5,000 scholars from over 50 countries will gather for events in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (June 18 – 23), Barcelona, Spain (July 22-27), or Melbourne, Australia (August 17-21). Top qualifiers in the global rounds are invited to compete at the annual Tournament of Champions at Yale University in the fall.

The World Scholar's Cup is an international team academic program with students participating from over 50 countries. The competition was founded in 2006 “to motivate students of all backgrounds to discover new strengths and practice new skills, and to inspire a global community of future scholars and leaders.”

Monroe Middle School is one of 12 public schools in the Campbell Union School District. Located in San Jose, California, Monroe Middle School educates more than 900 students in grades 5 through 8.

Parents and guardians are proving the adage about showing up being a big part of success for their children.

Engaging families as partners and refining how staff uses extensive attendance data has earned Campbell Union School District one of the highest attendance rates in California, improved student achievement, and a 2018 Hoffmann Exemplary School Program Award.

“We are making a difference together,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “Our approach allows us to systematically address attendance obstacles, maintain high levels of parent engagement, celebrate improvements, and provide an array of supports and resources to reduce the loss of instructional time.”

This year, for example, the district and schools focused on lowering the rate of Chronic Absences through the relationships that the Community Liaisons have with families. 

“The personal connection is very important,” said Director of Student Services Rosanna Palomo. “Each absence, each tardy, and each early pick up is an opportunity for our school office staff or teacher to communicate with the parent about the importance of good attendance for their child’s success in school… and they do!” 

The results for early 2017-18 have been commendable, with a one-year attendance improvement rate of 67% among those chronically absent students. Other improvements include noticeable academic growth among the State’s student subgroups at CUSD schools with better attendance. Overall attendance gains can also generate savings to the district’s budget. 

The Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards, sponsored by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA), celebrate school and school district programs that significantly impact student success in our region. The winners will be honored at a SCCSBA ceremony on April 25, 2018.