District News

Campbell Union School District hosts a free, community screening: 

Race To Be Human

Tue., Sept. 12 • 6:30 p.m.

Campbell Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell CA

This 45-minute film weaves together personal testimonials and insights from students and parents with perspectives and data from educators, mental health practitioners and diversity and inclusion experts. They discuss topics of trust, respect, and mental health for youth and families. (Spanish subtitles are included.) 

A panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Shelly Viramontez will occur following the film with panelists Catherine Aspiras, LMFT, Division Director, School LInked Services Division, County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department; Marcos Pizarro, Associate Dean, College of Education, and Professor of Chicanx Studies at San Jose State University; and Whitney Holton, Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Campbell Union School District.

The filmmaker suggests the film is appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available for the panel discussion.

Evidence of success with improving outcomes for students who struggle most with literacy has made the district’s Every Child a Reader by Grade 3 (ECaR3) initiative a finalist for the Golden Bell Award. The award, given by the California School Boards Association (CSBA), recognizes outstanding programs and governance practices in school districts throughout California. 

“ECaR3 initiative provides promise to students who have persistent literacy gaps,” said Dr. Shelly Viramontez, CUSD Superintendent. “We provide teachers with a research-based, coherent curriculum that arms them with tools and training to confidently meet the needs of ALL learners.”

District educators were facing the reality that certain student groups (English learners, students with disabilities, those from low socioeconomic households) were not experiencing reading success within the district’s system. That fact led the district to engage in a full system reading transformation, according to Whitney Holton, Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning.  

“We launched our Every Child a Reader by 3rd Grade (ECaR3) initiative to transparently address inequities and increase educational outcomes for all,” she said. “Data from our work shows that ECaR3 is empowering teachers and raising literacy levels and achievement not only for English learners and students with disabilities but for all students. Data demonstrates evidence of growth for advanced learners that is exceeding statewide trends.”

Whether it is extreme heat or poor air quality, our teachers and staff know what to do to keep students safe while learning at school.

School and district administrators base decisions on local conditions and recommendations from the National Weather Service’s Heat Risk Prototype and U.S. Air Quality Index - AirNow.gov.

In addition to being watchful for any health issues, our teachers and school staff may also:

• Increase water breaks
• Limit outdoor activities/strenuous activities
• Follow a “rainy day” schedule, spending recess time in air conditioned rooms, playing board games, reading, watching a short film, or similar activities.

Classrooms, offices and common rooms are equipped with air conditioning and highly effective MERV-13 air filters to keep the indoor air safe and cool. If older AC units fail, our staff works quickly to fix them and/or place students in other rooms with functioning AC.

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