Blackford Bulletin

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Upcoming Events

Blackford Parking Lot Safety

Safety is a top priority at Blackford.

Picture of a yellow school zone crossing sign

Dear Blackford Families,

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are writing to remind you about the importance of driving and walking safely in our school parking lot and surrounding neighborhood streets. Please use caution and care when entering, driving through, parking and exiting the Blackford parking lot. Watch out for pedestrians, bicycles and students entering and exiting car doors. Our parking lot fills up quickly, so please consider arriving to school a little early or parking on a neighborhood street without blocking any driveways or other cars.

Please remember:

  • Pull all the way over to the loading zone curb to drop off/pick up your student 
  • Do not stop and let students out in the middle of the road; this is unsafe and blocks traffic 
  • Parking in the loading zone is not allowed; do not leave your vehicle unattended
  • Only park in designated spaces
  • Do not park in the handicap parking space without a placard 
  • Use the crosswalk. Do not cross in front of vehicles
  • Please treat everyone with kindness and respect
  • Report incidents to the office 

Please also drive and walk safely on the neighborhood streets surrounding our school. Many of our families walk and bike to school, especially on Leigh Ave. Crossing the street in traffic, parking in the bike lane and making u-turns in the middle of the street are all incredibly unsafe and illegal. When walking to school, please stay on the sidewalk. Watch for cars and bicycles and keep students and younger siblings close.

Thank you for doing your part to make our neighborhood, school community, students and staff safe.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ramirez
Ms. Williams

Showing Our Appreciation: Cultivating Gratitude in CUSD

November is a month a gratitude practice in CUSD. Establishing a gratitude practice leans in directly to our District's core values.

Gratitude definition from CSI's student rally.

We know that life can be hectic and messy; school is no exception. With the bustle of lessons being taught, friendships being formed, and futures being shaped, it's easy to focus on the next goal or the immediate challenge. But sometimes, the most important lesson we can learn is to pause and give thanks. Gratitude isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a foundational value that strengthens our schools, enriches our lives, and empowers our entire community.

Acknowledging Our Shared Foundation: We Are Learners

At the heart of our mission is the value that we are learners. We recognize that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Every challenge is a lesson, and every success is a chance to grow. This spirit of continuous learning is fostered by a deep sense of gratitude for those who guide and support the process.

We are grateful for our dedicated staff—our teachers, administrators, and support personnel—who commit themselves daily to helping students reach their highest potential. Your innovation in the classroom, your tireless effort, and your commitment to every student's potential make all the difference. We are learning alongside you, and for that, we thank you.

Strengthening Our Bonds: We Are Collaborators

Our success is built on teamwork. Our core value of being collaborators highlights the essential partnerships that create a thriving educational environment. We are thankful for the incredible synergy that exists between all members of our district family.

We extend immense gratitude to our students, who are not only the reason for our work but also active collaborators in their education. Your curiosity, your energy, and your willingness to work together in groups and teams are inspiring.

To our families, your role as co-educators is invaluable. Your partnership in supporting learning at home, communicating with our schools, and volunteering your time is the foundation of a strong, collaborative system. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being such active participants in their growth.

Impacting Our World: We Are Community Builders

The commitment to being community builders means recognizing that our schools are integral parts of the larger world around us. This is where the power of community partnerships truly shines.

We are deeply grateful for the businesses, local organizations, non-profits, higher education institutes, and countless volunteers who invest their time, resources, and expertise into our schools. These partnerships provide invaluable mentorship, real-world learning opportunities, and essential support programs. These partners are the visible hands of a caring community, and we are grateful for their commitment to building a brighter future alongside us.

The Ripple Effect of Thanks

When we intentionally practice gratitude, it creates a powerful ripple effect. It enhances well-being for students and staff, fosters a more positive school climate, and strengthens the ties that bind us together.

As we move through this academic year, let us all take a moment—students, staff, families, and community partners—to recognize and appreciate the unique role each of us plays. Gratitude is not just about what we receive; it's about acknowledging the effort, commitment, and kindness that surrounds us every day.

Thank you. Your dedication allows our district to live out its core values, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow into a strong community builder.

Autumn Wellness

As we enter into cold and flu season, here are some tips on how to help keep your student healthy.

Photo of preschool students and teacher with plastic fruits and vegetables

As the weather begins to transition and we adjust to the time change, children are spending more time indoors and in close proximity to each other while at school - permitting germs to spread more easily. Keeping students healthy is a partnership between school and home.

Cornerstones for staying healthy:

  • Frequent handwashing: Teach and reinforce frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice). Key times are after using the restroom, before eating, and immediately upon returning home from school or activities.
  • Respiratory Etiquette: Teach and reinforce coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the crook of the elbow. Used tissues should be thrown away immediately, followed by handwashing.
  • Hands Off: Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is a common way for viruses to enter the body.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu shot for everyone six months and older.

To help boost the immune system:

  • Prioritize Sleep: Ensure your children get the recommended amount of sleep for their age (typically 9-12 hours for school-age children). A consistent bedtime routine is vital.
  • Fuel with Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential vitamins and minerals to bolster immunity. Think seasonal foods like apples, pumpkins, and dark leafy greens.
  • Stay Active: Regular physical activity, even simple family walks or an indoor dance party, helps support overall health.

When your student is not feeling well and needs to stay home due to a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, be sure to call the attendance line and note that your student may return to school once they are fever/symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.

Together we can create healthy environments where students can thrive.

Fueling Success: Free School Meals for Every Campbell Union Student

All Campbell Union students have access to two free meals per school day.

Photo of central kitchen folding burrittos

At Campbell Union School District, we believe that a well-fed student is a thriving student. That's why we are proud to continue participating in the California Universal Meals Program (UMP), a landmark initiative that ensures every child in our district has consistent access to the nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom—at absolutely no cost to the family.

The Universal Meals Program is far more than just a free lunch. It is a fundamental support system designed to alleviate financial stress on families, combat child hunger, and maximize every student's potential for learning.

Since the start of the 2022-2023 school year, California has led the nation by providing two free meals—breakfast and lunch—to all TK-12 public school students, regardless of their family's income status. The UMP eliminates the daily worry of packing a lunch or managing meal debt, saving families time and money on grocery bills. Studies show this program has significantly reduced stress for parents across California.

When children are properly nourished, they can concentrate better, retain information, and have the energy they need for a full day of academics, sports, and social interaction. We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to remind their children that these healthy, delicious meals are available every morning and lunchtime. It is a stable, reliable resource for our entire community.

Campbell Union School District’s Child Nutrition Services (CNS) is committed to providing tasty and nutritious meals. Our central kitchen sources organic produce and meats with the majority of meals cooked from scratch reducing the amount of processed food products.

Additional resources:

Resource Name

Description

How to Connect

CalFresh (SNAP)

California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help purchase food at most grocery stores and farmers markets.

Apply online or call the California CalFresh Benefits Helpline at 1-877-847-3663.

Local Food Bank Network

Food banks and their associated community pantries offer free groceries and fresh produce distributions in neighborhoods throughout the county.

Visit the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Food Finder to locate a distribution site near you.

2-1-1

A confidential, free referral service that connects callers to essential health and human services, including food, housing, and utility assistance.

Simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone to speak with a resource specialist.

As collaborators and community builders, we are here to support your child's success, and that begins with their health and well-being. Please reach out to your school's main office if you need assistance connecting with any of these critical community resources.

Bobcat Bulletin

Please read about exciting upcoming events and celebrations!

BOBCAT BULLETIN

As principal, I am incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our students and staff every single day. We are well into fall and the energy across our campus, from the classrooms to the playground, is focused on high-level learning and growth.

Our primary mission is to uphold high expectations and empower all students to achieve academic success.

We believe that education is a partnership. We encourage you to check our school calendar for upcoming events and to connect with your child’s teacher. Together, we can ensure this is a successful and enriching year for every student at Blackford!

Important Upcoming Dates:

  • October 16th       School Site Council Meeting 3:00 - 4:00 pm
  • October 17th       Fall Picture Day
  • October 24th       Pumpkin Patch hosted by PTA  
  • October 31st        Halloween Parade 
  • October 31st        Cafecito/Coffee with the Principals following Halloween Parade

In partnership, 

Ms. Ramirez and Ms. Williams

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