Blackford Bulletin

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Local, Sustainable, and Student-Inspired

Students and Staff Team Up for a Greener Campus

two smiling girls walking with their lunch trays

Caring for the environment is important to our students—not just on Earth Day, but every day. In surveys and focus groups, students have asked for less waste during meals. Our Child Nutrition team listened and is piloting eco-friendly changes in response.

Meals now come in cardboard trays with compostable utensils, and condiments are served from bulk dispensers instead of single-use packets. Castlemont students Greta and Ashley (pictured above) say they prefer the new dispensers. To reduce food waste, students also can place uneaten fruit and unopened milk in sharing bins for others to enjoy. Recycling bins are placed next to trash cans to support sorting.

Nearly all produce comes from local farmers through Food for Thought and the Department of Justice’s commodities program. Food for Thought also brings Farmers Markets to our schools, where students learn about food sources and practice math skills using "School Bucks" as currency to “buy” fresh produce.

As part of our commitment to helping students understand food sourcing and carbon footprints, we leverage our school gardens to extend the learning outdoors, with teachers using them for lessons in science, math, art, and more.  In many instances, students then make a yummy soup to taste the vegetables they’ve grown. (Due to USDA restrictions, we are not allowed to serve our garden grown foods in our food services offerings.)

In addition to the commitment to making more of our meals in our kitchen (scratch cooking), our Child Nutrition staff will continue exploring sustainable practices—working to build a healthier future for our students and our planet.

Your Voice Matters: District Shares 2025 Survey Results

A Message from Dr. Shelly Viramontez, Superintendent

Shelly Viramontez standing in classroom facing the camera

In Campbell Union School District, we’re committed to creating safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environments for all students—and that means listening to our community.

Recently, our families, staff, and students shared valuable feedback through our annual survey, conducted by Studer Education. Participation was greater than ever, and we thank everyone who participated. Today, we are sharing the district results with our community.

Sharing Site-level Results

Throughout April, schools and departments will share their individual results and next steps during regularly scheduled meetings. In May, we’ll work together to set goals and take action based on what we’ve learned.

Your input helps shape our continuous improvement efforts. Thank you for working with us.

Capri and Forest Hill Elementary Schools Earn Top State Honor

Award recognizes strong academic growth and supportive environments for learning

school murals with distinguished schools logo

We’re proud to announce that Capri and Forest Hill Elementary Schools have been named 2025 California Distinguished Schools—the state’s highest recognition for public schools! This is a first-time honor for Capri.

The award highlights the strong academic growth, supportive environments, and dedication to student success at both schools.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and passion for learning of our teachers, staff, students and families,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez.  “While we know all of our staff are working hard to provide our students with high quality learning, it is gratifying when our schools are publicly recognized for their hard work.” 

Both schools will be celebrated at a district event on May 22nd, and at a statewide awards ceremony on May 30th. Congratulations to the Capri and Forest Hill communities!

New Chromebook Use Policy to Support Student Health

District to Limit Late Night Student Chromebook Access This Friday

teen boy on bed using a laptop in dark room

Starting this Friday, March 28, Campbell Union School District will limit late-night access to school-issued Chromebooks for students. Devices will be automatically shut down from 9:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. each night.

“We are seeing a lot of late-night Chromebook use on our student devices,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “That doesn’t support our students getting a good night’s rest to be ready for learning.”

Health experts emphasize that getting enough sleep is essential for adolescent mental health and brain development. Research shows that improving sleep habits can reduce daytime fatigue and lead to better academic performance and behavior.

“By shutting the devices down at night, we hope to encourage healthier sleep routines while still giving students time to complete their homework,” Viramontez added.

Campbell Union School District Hosts Annual AIM Showcase

Art, Innovation & Music program supports teacher collaboration time and builds student creativity, critical thinking, and future-ready skills

collage of images from teh showcase, students interacting with digital and musical devices

Families gathered to celebrate student creativity and hands-on learning at Campbell Union School District’s (CUSD) annual Art, Innovation & Music (AIM) Showcase on March 20th. The interactive event featured colorful displays of student art, music, and engineering projects—highlighting the impact of AIM on student engagement and learning.

The AIM program provides all K–5 students with instruction in art, music, and innovation from credentialed specialists, and supports clubs and enrichment for middle schoolers. At the same time, it provides teachers with professional learning and collaboration time during the school day so that every student's learning journey is thoughtfully planned with high-quality, targeted instruction.

“AIM ensures our students receive innovative, engaging lessons aligned to academic standards and our Profile of a Graduate competencies to prepare our students with the skills needed to navigate the demands of an ever evolving future,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez.

By integrating design thinking and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards, AIM sparks curiosity and helps students grow critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

More than 350 people attended the showcase, where families explored student work, created original music, launched paper rockets, played instruments, and watched student-made videos and newscasts.

“AIM prepares students for the future by offering a space for them to express themselves creatively,” said Alicia Peterson, CUSD Art Innovation Specialist. “It offers them a place to explore things that they might have not been exposed to before.” 

Since launching in 2022, AIM has expanded across the district, now serving 4,000 K–5 students and offering middle school integration and clubs. During the 2024–25 school year, students receive over 109,000 minutes of AIM instruction, while teachers participate in 627 collaborative planning sessions. The program is already showing results, including supporting our continuous improvement work and high quality first instruction.

“Our talented AIM specialists inspire students to apply our Profile of a Graduate Competencies through art, innovation, and music lesson experiences,” said Julie Goo, CUSD Teaching and Learning Innovation Coordinator. “We are proud to design learning that is enriching and empowering for both our students and educators.”