Blackford Elementary School

District News

Updated Wed, Aug 23rd

Campbell Union School District is committed to partnering with families to support our students in engaging effectively and safely with technology and social media. 

As we begin a new school year, please keep in mind the risk of harm from social media and its impact on social emotional well-being. 

In our schools, we encourage digital wellness and educate our students to be critical thinkers, not passive consumers of media. We provide high quality instruction and partner with parents to encourage responsible use of technology and reduce harmful associated risks. 

  • Nearly 40% of children 8-12 years old also use social media. Those are peak years for brain development and risk-taking behavior.
  • Children and adolescents on social media are commonly exposed to extreme, inappropriate, and harmful content.
  • Those spending 3-plus hours/day on social media face twice the risk of poor mental health, including depression and anxiety symptoms.
  • Studies limiting use of social media resulted in mental health benefits for young adults.
  • Excessive use linked to sleep problems, attention problems and feelings of exclusion.

#DigitalWellnessCUSD

Updated Wed, Aug 23rd

This summer, Monroe Middle School’s Zero Robotics team landed in the top 10 of the final round of the 2023 international Zero Robotics competition. Their dedication to the mission resulted in them being included in NASA’s logs and history and making them an official part of human space exploration.

The five-week STEM program involves hands-on programming of mini robot satellites by collaborating on writing, editing, and simulating computer code to fulfill mission tasks. In addition to gaining skills in computer programming, robotics, and space engineering, the diverse group of students acquired self-confidence, new aspirations, passion for space exploration, and a global sense of camaraderie.

girl in orange NASA space suit holds the Astrobee robot as others look onDuring the Alliance Phase, they collaborated with four other teams to refine their codes and data collection. They also visited NASA AMES, where they toured the lab and met the engineers behind the competition’s robot, Astrobee.

The team entered the semi-finals with the second-highest score. The final round, conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), was exciting but stymied by signal losses due to storms. The Monroe team’s code performed admirably despite the challenges of unexpected space turbulence. The team placed 8th out of 10 finalists. 

This is not the first time that the district had a team in the Zero Robotics competition. This documentary, Zero Gravity, describes the program and what difference it has made in our students’ lives.

Updated Mon, Jul 24th

According to the American Educational Research Journal, on average, children lose 17-34% of their previous school year's learning during summer break. However, with access to community resources and the support of parents and other important people in their lives, children can retain more of what they have learned and continue to gain knowledge all year round.

Here are a few resources and ideas that can help your student prevent learning loss this summer.

  • Join a Reading Program. The Santa Clara County Library District is hosting a summer reading program, “Find your Voice”. This is a free program that encourages youth to read in order to win prizes. The summer reading program will continue through July 31. You can learn more by visiting the link, https://sccld.org/summer2023/  
    In-person or online access is easier for all CUSD students, because the Campbell public library accounts they have during the school year are good even while schools are closed for summer break. 
  • Play Unplugged Number Games. Research indicates that young children can improve their intuitive understanding of numbers by playing board games that involve counting.
  • Take Trips to Museums, Zoos, and Nature Sites. Don’t merely attend. Help children enjoy hands-on experiences, and engage in family conversations about what they saw and did. Santa Clara County is home to more than 24 parks that offer opportunities to explore and learn. 
  • Try the National PTA-Recommended Readiness Check. It’s a game in which your child answers 3-5 short questions relating to reading and math at their grade level. 
  • Seek More Resources. The National Education Association (NEA) also has resources to assist families and educators during the summer months when youth are at home. These resources can be viewed at https://www.nea.org/resource-library/resources-support-summer-learning 

Our students made some notable gains in the 2022-23 school year. Let’s work together to keep that momentum going!

Updated Wed, Jul 19th

Parents and other family members can enhance student experiences at The Tech Interactive. The Tech is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is a group that advises the Tech Interactive on how to become more accepting and welcoming on a multilingual scale. CAC is seeking Hispanic/Latinx or Vietnamese community members for this role.

To learn more, visit: bit.ly/TTI-CommAdv

Updated Tue, Jun 20th

Dear families and staff:

As we approach the end of the 2022-23 school year, I want to reflect on our achievements and express how grateful we are for the dedication shown by our school community.

Together, we made a difference. With support from families and partners, we advocated for safer streets, brought back school events and activities we missed during COVID, and ensured uninterrupted learning despite challenges of storms and power outages.

We witnessed growth in reading and math achievement, expanded art, music, and innovation instruction, celebrated award winners, and bid farewell to retiring staff.

five pillars for successLooking ahead, our commitment to improvement continues. We are learners, collaborators, and community builders focused on safe schools and high-quality education. We aim to close learning gaps, promote equity, improve communication, and foster positive school climates.

While more work awaits, we're excited about the upcoming school year. Our intentional steps and data-driven decisions are showing progress. Together with families and the community, we will build upon our successes by focusing on our five pillars for success.

Thank you for your support. Wishing you a restful summer, and I look forward to another productive year.

Updated Tue, Jun 20th

Please note that Gaggle, one of our district’s online student safety management systems, will not be active from June 10 through August 15.

During this time, student-generated documents will not be reviewed by district staff. Parents and guardians may wish to ramp up supervision of their children’s use of online interactions.

Gaggle reviews student-generated documents for words and phrases that trigger a concern for student safety. For those students retaining district-owned Chromebooks during the summer, will still have web filtering in place to protect students from accessing harmful or malicious websites.

A Word About Wellness

Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health highlights the potential harm social media can have on young people's mental health.  The May 23 report mentions exposure to violent, sexual, bullying, and harassing content, as well as the negative impact on sleep and in-person interactions. The advisory suggests that parents and caregivers can take steps to protect their children, such as establishing tech-free zones, foster in-person relationships, teaching responsible online behavior, modeling good behavior, and reporting problematic content and activity.

Tips for Family Supervision and Parental Control
father and son looking at laptop
The nonprofit Common Sense Media offers a multitude of resources and information to help families navigate the benefits and pitfalls of screen time and social media use. Parents and caregivers may find the following articles helpful.

We encourage parents and guardians to stay vigilant and actively supervise their children's online activities, especially during the period when Gaggle is inactive. By fostering responsible digital behavior and maintaining open communication, families can help ensure a safe and healthy online experience for their children.

Updated Wed, Jun 14th

In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the Natural Resources Agency, the California State Park Adventure Pass provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 19 amazing state parks throughout the state. Mountains, deserts, forests, rivers… the choice of where to visit is yours.  

Enjoy all sorts of adventures at 19 state parks this summer. This Pass is valid during the child's a 4th grader or 4th grade equivalent, and expires August 31. For full terms and conditions, click here.

To sign up, go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275. 

Updated Wed, Jun 14th

Sometimes, a change in one part of a system leads to changes in other parts. As two of our current school principals retire in June, the vacancies opened opportunities for others. Because of this, several of our schools will experience a change in leadership. 

Also, as school principals’ responsibilities have expanded over the years, we have added part-time assistant principals to two of our elementary schools. They will spend the other half of their time supporting programs for students with additional learning needs.

Blackford: Current Principal Anne Ajlouni is retiring. Blackford’s new principal in 2023-24 will be Veronica Valencia. She has worked in our district for 16 years as a teacher and site administrator, most recently as Assistant Principal at Monroe Middle School.

Campbell School of Innovation: Principal Kami Thordarson is retiring. Xyzzy Godfrey, currently the principal of Village School. An employee of CUSD for 16 years, she has been a teacher and site administrator, and will join Assistant Principal Stephanie Day in furthering the CSI mission. 

Capri: The new school year will bring a new part-time Assistant Principal: Lisa Wiseman. She has worked in our district for 15 years as a teacher and district-level Teacher on Special Assignment.

Village: The new principal for our parent participation school will be Alicia Mommer. Principal Mommer brings a unique combination of administrative experience in both public schools and the nonprofit sector, as well as extensive experience as a classroom teacher at a parent participation school.

Monroe Middle: Current Marshall Lane Principal Patrick Sieler, who has extensive experience as a middle school teacher and administrator, will be moving to Monroe Middle School, working as co-administrator with Principal Ruth Stephens Radle.

Marshall Lane: Marshall Lane’s new Principal for 2023-24 will be Amy Vanderbosch, current assistant principal at Rolling Hills. She will be joined by new Assistant Principal Michelle Beddo for 50% of her time.  She has worked in our district for 19 years, first as a teacher, and currently as Administrator of Accountability & Learning

Rolling Hills Middle: The district has begun the hiring process for a new assistant principal for Rolling Hills. When the new administrator has been hired, we will notify Rolling Hills staff and families.

In the words of Socrates, "the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."  We are confident in these new leadership teams and hope you will join us in welcoming them.

Updated Fri, Jun 9th

The Campbell Union School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on Thu., June 1, 2023, at 6:30pm, at 155 N. 3rd Street, in Campbell CA.

PUBLIC HEARING TOPIC: 

Proposed Budget and Local Control and Accountability Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 

Budget Overview for Parents and Proposed 2023-2024 Budget for Campbell Union School District 

Public Hearing 

Public comments are invited. A copy of the Proposed Budget and Local Control and Accountability Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 will be available for public review at https://www.campbellusd.org/lcap, https://www.campbellusd.org/budget and at the Campbell Union School District Office 155 N. Third Street, Campbell during the hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm from May 23 – June 1, 2023. 

Si le gustaría ver nuestro Plan de LCAP en español, por favor contacte a Nairovy Aguilar - naguilar [at] campbellusd.org. 

Updated Tue, Jun 6th

“The Innovation Grant program encourages students to take ownership of their education and school experience,” said District Superintendent Shelly Viramontez.

Through the grant program, 10 student teams are using the design-thinking process to generate, test and implement ideas for two areas identified in our student survey data as needs: campus cleanliness and building a sense of belonging at their schools. 

“When we provide students with real-world challenges, they see the connections to what they learn in school and recognize they have the ability to make a difference in their everyday lives,” Viramontez added. 

Here are stories of progress at two schools.

Capri School: Using the idea of prevention, not punishment, the Capri Innovation Team set about promoting positive behavior focused on three challenges: campus cleanliness, maintaining play equipment, and reducing conflicts at recess..  

“Our student leadership team has taken the initiative to build community across grade levels through PE Buddies, Recess Buddies, Leadership Club, Design Challenges, and Teacher Green Team (campus clean-up),” said Gloria McGriff. “The students create, collaborate, communicate, and are empathetic.”

The Green Team is a group of students who choose to check out buckets, gloves and “garbage grabbers” to collect litter. “Before, the Green Team was being used for consequences instead of a fun activity to do,” said student Saveh. “We changed it so students and classes that participate earn rewards like a popsicle party, or extra STEAM Lab time.”

The PE Leaders are trained 4th and 5th grade students who join the students in grades K-2 at recess to lead games, resolve conflicts, and reinforce positive behavior among the younger students. The Innovation Grant helped to pay for training student leaders in conflict resolution with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and in the use and care of STEAM Lab and playground equipment.

The students and staff are noticing the difference. The office is seeing fewer students being sent there for making poor choices, and students are more aware of how individual behaviors, like not playing fair or not returning equipment, impact others at the school. 

Monroe Middle School: “The challenge was to try to find a way to communicate with people who don’t speak English so they can learn better and feel welcome,” said Gabriel, one of Monroe's Innovation Team members. The team’s solution: Newcomer Ambassadors. 

Schools across the U.S. have experienced increasing numbers of students arriving from other countries, such as Ukraine and Afghanistan, who have little or no English skills. The Ambassadors help the new students access translation applications on a school iPad.  

“It helps our students continue to be successful in school, by accessing content-specific material in their home language,” said Teacher Cheryl Lee. The project does more than assist students with their studies. It also builds a sense of belonging as communication between all peers increases. “It also helps students know that they can help themselves,” said student Mobasher.

We will know that this project is successful by analyzing student work production and engagement along with student surveys & interviews.