Blackford Elementary School

District News

Updated Fri, Dec 6th

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the winter break, we want to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. This is a special time of year, and we hope it brings you opportunities to create happy memories together.

We also want to express our gratitude for your ongoing partnership in your child’s education. We greatly appreciate all of your efforts in ensuring your child has attended school as much as possible so far this year.

We understand that families sometimes wish to extend their time together by planning vacations that last longer than the dates assigned to the school break. While we fully appreciate the value of family time, we want to encourage you to limit trips and vacations to the days indicated on the school calendar for the break. By doing so, you help your child stay on track academically and ensure they don’t miss out on valuable learning opportunities.

Thank you for being mindful of this and for continuing to prioritize your child’s attendance and education. 

Wishing you a safe and happy winter break, and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to learn in the new year!

Warm regards,

Dr. Shelly Viramontez
Superintendent

Updated Wed, Dec 4th

Campbell Union School District’s mission is clear: to educate every student to their highest potential. By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, we work together—students, families, and educators—to ensure that every child has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Our commitment to our mission is rooted in our core values, which guide our efforts to create supportive, engaging, and equitable learning environments. 

We Are Learners.Two boys gather data as they prepare to tackle some math problems.

  • We listen to understand and build clarity
  • We are curious and operate with a growth mindset
  • We are open to growing pains and discomfort
  • We persevere through failure
  • We offer and solicit honest feedback
  • We make time to reflect
  • We celebrate growth and impact

We Are Collaborators.Six middle school students (boys and girls) seated at a classroom table discussing plans together and working with their open laptop computers

  • We share our voice and share the air
  • We build trusting relationships
  • We are open and willing to learn from all perspectives
  • We create intentional opportunities for all to share
  • We are responsible to ourselves and others
  • We demonstrate vulnerability

We Are Community Builders.  A mother and daughter smile at the camera as they participate in math games inside a school auditorium.

  • We uplift marginalized voices
  • We create a culture of kindness
  • We take time to know and care for each other
  • We listen with an open mind
  • We respect confidentiality
  • We build trust
  • We create buy in
Updated Wed, Dec 4th

These next few weeks may be especially busy for families, so we want to remind you of some key dates to consider noting in your calendar.

  • Dec. 23: Begin Winter Break
  • Jan. 5: End Winter Break. Students return Mon., Jan. 6.
  • Jan-Feb. 2025: Elementary school tours for families enrolling students for the new school year. See tour dates here.
  • Jan. 14: Begin Annual School Experience Survey of students, staff and families
  • Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

To subscribe to the calendar for your own child's school, visit our calendar website and select the school calendar(s) you want.

Updated Wed, Dec 4th

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to express our gratitude to the amazing community partners who enrich our students’ school experiences. From Elevate Math tutors supporting middle schoolers to Stanford’s Dr. Jo Boaler fostering a growth mindset in elementary math, and volunteers from Tzu Chi, Women’s League, and Foster Grandparents, your dedication fuels student success.

PTAs, Home-School Clubs, Boosters, and committees like the Innovation Council and Parent  Advisory Committees amplify these efforts, creating more opportunities and connections.

Thank you for helping us build a strong, supportive community. Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Ver el video en español.

Updated Wed, Nov 27th

In the past two annual surveys, parents told us they wanted to receive more positive messages from the school about their child. Our teachers listened and are using our ParentSquare tools and other ideas to do just that!

In the first few months of this school year, teachers increased direct messages (DMs) by 17% district wide compared to the same period last year. Many schools are also sending “positive postcards” to families by mail, letting parents know about good things they notice about their students.

  • See answers to parents’ frequently asked questions here.
    ParentSquare FAQs  
  • Download the ParentSquare app.
Updated Wed, Nov 20th

New resources in our school libraries and online are the latest examples of our district’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and support for all students. Thanks to the California State Superintendent's Anti Bias Education Grant, awarded to the Campbell Union School District in 2023, we’ve expanded our library resources to foster inclusion and a sense of belonging for all.  We want to honor students’ diverse cultures, heritage and perspectives as part of what enriches their learning experience.

“Our Anti-Bias Mission is to make time and space to continually challenge ourselves and invite others to identify and address barriers that impact our students and their communities,” said Dr. Pamela Cheng, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. "This project is building community. It has helped our community liaisons and administrators connect with our newest families by using books to build a bridge between our school communities and home cultures."

The library websites will feature carefully curated books, articles, and digital tools that promote awareness of diversity and inclusion. One unique section celebrates special days from different cultures, showing how our shared values unite us, no matter our traditions, heroes, or holidays. See it online at our Celebrations and Values website.

We invite you to explore the resources available, and join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment for everyone.

Updated Wed, Nov 13th

The dedicated community members who serve on our volunteer committees strengthen our district in many ways. These individuals, many of whom do not work in education, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an essential layer of transparency to district decision-making.

2 men talking and writing ideas on large white paper
Two Innovation Council members discuss what is
needed to prepare students for the future. 

For example, our Innovation Council, composed of district, business, and community leaders, closely examines workforce trends and student needs. Together, they discuss how we can enhance learning to ensure that our students are prepared for future success. This group was instrumental in developing our five Profile of a Graduate competenciesour commitment to preparing ALL students for their yet-to-be-defined workplace.

logo for school linked servicesCampus Collaboratives, formed through our School Linked Services partnership, connect local service agency representatives, civic and municipal leaders, and school administrators who work together to identify local needs and coordinate resources that benefit our students and families. 

The Citizens Oversight Committee, another crucial group, reviews expenditures tied to voter-approved bonds and parcel taxes, ensuring that funds are allocated as promised. Members serve two-year terms.

icon for Community BuildersMembers of the District English Language Acquisition Committee (DELAC) meet to advocate for students and support programs that enhance language learning, further enriching our educational community.

“Educating students to their highest potential is a big job, and one that we cannot do alone,” said Superintendent Shelly VIramontez. “These committees are invaluable to our schools, and we thank each member for their time and commitment to partnering with us to support student success.”

Updated Wed, Nov 13th
Campbell Union School District
BOARD MEMO
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING ON OCTOBER 17, 2024
To provide our community with timely and transparent information about actions taken at our Governing Board meetings, please enjoy our inaugural edition of Board Memo.
 
Principal Amy Vanderbosch presenting


Principal Amy Vanderbosch presenting


Marshall Lane Presents Plans for Addressing Learning Gaps for ELLs
Principal Amy Vanderbosch and Assistant Principal Michelle Beddo presented an overview of the school's continuous improvement work and how the work is aligned to the district's core values, pillars, and Local
Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals. The presentation was candid and focused on the strategies being used to address the learning gap among students who are English Language Learners (ELL).

Transparency and Progress in Student Achievement Data
Dr. Pamela Cheng, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Emalie McGinnis, Director of Data Analysis and Accountability, presented the district's 2024 CAASPP results, offering a yearly snapshot of student performance. Although overall data shows little change, key strategies like Common Formative Assessments (CFA) analyzed in the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are allowing for more frequent and targeted response to address skill gaps. The district plans to expand these efforts across all schools. See the PDF of the slides or visit Board agenda Item 10.6.
 


Safe and Adaptive Infrastructure


Engaged Families and Communities


Good News from Independent Auditors
Independent auditors from Eide Bailly, Certified Public Accountants, commended the district’s prudent fiscal management and sound practices as they presented the financial and performance audit results for the 2023-24 fiscal year, Measure CC, Measure G, and Measure T.
See Budget web page, www.campbellusd.org/budget


Thank You, Donors!
  • $2,077 donated by Angel Island Immigration Foundation to Sherman Oaks for Angel Island field trip
  • $500 donated by Hong Liu to Marshall Lane for general school needs


Policy Updates
The Board unanimously approved updates to the policies in the Guide Sheet (PDF) found under Item 11.3 on the agenda. These revisions will be added to district’s online Policy Manual.


 
test
Next Meeting: November 14, 2024
Governing Board:
Danielle M.S. Cohen,
Chris Miller,
Richard Nguyen,
William Slade,
Michael Snyder
Superintendent
Dr. Shelly Viramontez
 
CampbellUSD’s Board Memo is published within one week of regular board meetings and does not represent officially approved meeting minutes. For official minutes, agendas, and other information about the governing Board, please visit our website. www.campbellusd.org/board
WE ARE LEARNERS. WE ARE COLLABORATORS. WE ARE COMMUNITY BUILDERS.
Updated Wed, Nov 13th

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of teachers, support staff, administrators, and community partners, Campbell Union School District (CUSD) is becoming a model district locally and nationally.

“When other districts seek our input and advice, it’s a clear sign we’re on the right path,” said Governing Board Member Michael Snyder.

Superintendent Dr. Shelly Viramontez and district leaders have been invited to speak at several conferences and legislative hearings, sharing CUSD’s progress on topics like educational equity, student wellness, community partnerships, and leadership.

Recent Speaking Engagements:

  • California legislative budget and education subcommittee hearings
  • UCSF: Reopening CA Schools Safely (Feb 2021)
  • CSBA Conference: Educational Equity (Dec 2022)
  • National Association of School Superintendents: Navigating Social Media (Feb 2023)
  • What’s Right in Education: Continuous Improvement (Oct 2023)

Key Accomplishments:

  • Golden Bell Award for Every Child a Reader
  • California Model SARB Award
  • Triple-A financial ratings from Moody’s and Fitch
  • Strong community partnerships

CUSD’s achievements continue to gain recognition, setting a positive example for districts nationwide. The CUSD is off to a strong start for the 2024-25 school year, and the Governing Board extends its gratitude to the staff, students, and families for their contributions to our success.

Updated Wed, Oct 30th

In response to feedback from parents and teachers, the AIM program was designed to offer hands-on, engaging experiences in art, innovation, and music for all K-5 students across the district throughout the school year. Middle school students can also enjoy AIM programs through lunchtime clubs and integrated opportunities.

While students enjoy learning from a skilled team of AIM specialists, their classroom teachers have time to review student progress data and collaborate on lessons targeted to support achievement at every level.

The program was created through the one-time Art & Music Block Grant funds, and we are able to sustain it through the new Proposition 28 Arts & Music funding. Parents can explore grade-specific examples on the AIM Blog.