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Upcoming Events

Building Community and Empowering Newcomers  

Campbell Union School District's Newcomer Initiatives  

Student of Asian heritage saying welcome

Campbell Union School District (CUSD) is making strides in supporting a growing number of "newcomer students"—those who are new to the country and the U.S. school system—who enroll in our schools. In response to this trend, CUSD, under the direction of the Governing Board, launched several initiatives to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for these students and their families.  

“Our new students, many from Latin America and Southeast Asia, often have strong educational backgrounds but lack English language skills,” said Campbell Union School District Board President Danielle Cohen.


Student reads lesson translated into Tagalog.

“It’s a unique challenge: they are educated but not proficient in English, making integration into our schools difficult. By improving access to lesson content and building a strong sense of community for them and their families, the District is helping these students succeed academically and setting the stage for a bright future in their new home.” 

Leading these efforts is Denise Kilpatrick, the district’s Coordinator of English Language Development (ELD) Programs. Under her guidance, the school district introduced specialized newcomer resources to help students acclimate socially and academically. One of the standout initiatives was a pilot program at a middle school.

“Last year, we piloted a program at a middle school, which provided dedicated newcomer support,” Kilpatrick explained. “The teacher in charge built strong relationships with students and their families, while collaborating with other teachers to provide necessary resources. Due to its success, we’ve expanded this support across the district.”

Program Expands

In January 2024, to support teachers with newcomer students in their classrooms, the school district assigned two full-time ELD specialists to work across four schools. These specialists provided instruction and resources for newcomer students and their families, to equip the entire family for success. Community liaisons also play a pivotal role in the district’s support network, linking families with vital resources and organizing family connection events.

“We are formalizing the support systems we used last year and ensuring that teachers are ready to help newcomers, regardless of when they arrive or their current skill level,” said Cohen.

Technology Supports Language Access

Technology is also playing a key role in these efforts. Through a loaner iPad program, CUSD ensures that students have access to educational and informational apps that ease their transition into the U.S. school system. Additionally, parents can use the iPads to access community services, take English language classes, and more, helping them establish a support network for their families.

By placing the needs of newcomer students and their families at the forefront, CUSD is fulfilling its mission to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

“With the right support early on, these students will need fewer resources over time. Just as we do with our focus on TK and Kindergarten readiness, addressing newcomers’ needs early helps them acclimate and integrate into the community more quickly,” Cohen added.

“Our goal is to ensure that every newcomer feels embraced and supported from the moment they step into our district,” said Kilpatrick. “Students can only succeed when they feel safe, and we are committed to providing that environment for all of our students.”

As the district moves forward, the success and expansion of the newcomer program will continue to depend on the needs of the community. One thing is clear: CUSD is dedicated to creating a welcoming space for all students, regardless of where they come from or what challenges they face.

More Than Meals: A Simple Form That Makes a Big Difference

Parents can unlock crucial funding for schools 

elementary school boy smiles and gives 2 thumbs up

By completing a school funding form, you can help our schools receive over $1,000 in additional state grants for each qualifying form. Through the Universal Meals program, the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals at the school makes a difference to overall school funding to enhance programs and resources that benefit all students.

Completing Your Form Helps:

  • Technology: Provides up-to-date tools for students and classrooms.
  • Intervention Support: Offers extra help for students in need.
  • Afterschool Programs: Ensures safe, engaging environments after school.
  • Counseling Services: Supports student mental health.
  • School Kitchen Equipment: Improves facilities for nutritious meals.

Additional Family Benefits: Qualifying families may also get discounts on services like internet access and summer camps.

Do Your Part: Applying is quick and easy—just visit this link, or contact us at food [at] campbellusd.org for assistance. Your application helps  secure the resources that make our schools a better place for all students. It helps individual families and strengthens the overall school community by ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Tuesday Tip: ParentSquare Notifications

You have control over how and when you receive ParentSquare notifications from your child's school and district. The attached handout in both English and Spanish can tell you how. It can be especially helpful for families who have several students, because…

You have control over how and when you receive ParentSquare notifications from your child's school and district. The attached handout in both English and Spanish can tell you how.

It can be especially helpful for families who have several students, because it gives you one place to get all messages from your child's teachers,  the school office, and the district. 

You can choose to receive notices by email, text and/or the free ParentSquare app. 
Want to be a ParentSquare Pro? 

Check out ParentSquare's robust index of Help articles. From the mobile app, select the stack of lines in the upper left corner, then choose the Help option.

Special Discount to SJ Earthquakes Soccer - 8/31/24

Campbell Union School District families and employees! Use the QR code below to get discount tickets to the August 31st Earthquakes game at Pay Pal Park in San Jose. Questions? Contact Fiona.Lindsay@SJEarthquakes.com or 408-556-7777.  …

Campbell Union School District families and employees!
Use the QR code below to get discount tickets to the August 31st Earthquakes game at Pay Pal Park in San Jose.

Questions? Contact Fiona.Lindsay [at] SJEarthquakes.com or 408-556-7777.

 

District Launches 2024-25 School Year with Focus on Equity

Continuing dedication to fostering success through equity in education.

On August 16th, Campbell Union School District kicked off the 2024-25 school year with a lively welcome-back symposium for all staff. Over 850 teachers and staff gathered to celebrate service milestones and focus on the year ahead.

Superintendent Shelly Viramontez thanked the support teams who worked through the summer to ready classrooms and emphasized the district's commitment to diversity and inclusive practices. Keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade delivered an inspiring talk on the difference between equality and equity, urging staff to deeply understand and meet students' needs.

Watch the event recap.