Dear Scotts Valley Community,
As we come to the close of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective journey and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and community.
This year has been extraordinary in so many ways. To our dedicated faculty and staff, your unwavering commitment to our student success is truly inspiring. Your hard work, passion, and perseverance have made a profound difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for your dedication and for fostering an environment where learning and growth flourish.
To our parents and guardians, your support and partnership have been invaluable. Your encouragement and involvement have helped our students thrive, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Thank you for being an essential part of our educational community.
To our graduates and the eighth graders moving on to high school, congratulations on reaching significant milestones! Your journey is just beginning, and I have no doubt that you will achieve great things.
We are excited to announce that the State of California has released individual student scores for the state testing completed in April and May of this year. Students in 3rd-8th and 11th grade participated in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English Language Arts & Math. 5th, 8th, and 11th grade students also participated in science.
Families can access their child’s report through the Synergy Parent Portal. Once you log in as a parent, you can choose the “State Test” button in the left column. Click on CAASPP English 2024, and it will take you to your child’s test results.
The State has also redesigned the student report to show a student’s growth over time. Below is the website that explains the new student report, provides additional information about the testing, and resources for you to review. If you have questions about your child’s scores, please contact your child’s principal. https://ca.startingsmarter.org/
As families roll into summer, it is important to maintain some of the academic gains your children have made this year. First and foremost, reading daily will help students continue to grow in their learning. There are fun ways to go about this as a family, which may include reading programs through the public library or local bookshops. You can find a few of these links below:
● Friends of the Scotts Valley Library Summer Reading Program
● Bookshop Santa Cruz Summer Reading Program
Students will also have uninterrupted access to the online programs available throughout the school year, including Lexia, IXL math, and other online resources. You can log into your child’s account at any time to access all of these programs. If you want math practice, using real-world problem-solving to support your children is the best practice. No matter their age, they can help you solve problems like the cost of attending concerts, paying for food, or other activities you plan for the summer. Include your kids in these activities and encourage them to use math! These small activities will help your child prepare for the new school year.
The 2023-24 school year begins on August 8, 2024. An online Back to School update must be completed annually by all continuing/returning students from the current year and by any new students who are pre-enrolled at one of our schools. An email with directions for completing the online Back to School update will be sent on July 8, 2024, and must be completed by July 26, 2024.
Now that summer is here, it's time for a well-deserved break. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and recharge. Whether your family plans to travel, spend time with family and friends, dive into a good book, or explore new hobbies, the staff of SVUSD hopes you make the most of every moment. Remember to stay safe, be kind to those around you, and take care of yourselves. You've earned this time to unwind and enjoy all the beautiful summer experiences.
❖ 100 Summer Activities for Kids!
❖ Four Tips for Teens Looking for a Summer Job
❖ Babysitting Classes by the RedCross
Here are some summer resources, activities, camps, and events for students with different abilities:
❖ Summer Camps in California For Individuals With Special Needs
❖ Special Olympics Northern California
Please join us in celebrating the upcoming end-of-year retirements of Mary Navas, our Chief Business Officer; Ann Smith, our Vine Hill Food Service Staff; and Barbara Tansy, our SVHS Registrar. We deeply appreciate their service to our students, schools, and community. Each, in their own way, they have made a positive difference in the lives of many.
As we move into summer and our hiring season continues, we acknowledge that it is difficult for staff to find affordable housing in the area. If you happen to have a reasonably priced rental available and are interested in supporting an educator, please feel free to contact our HR department at mhanson@scottsvalleyusd.org.
The Business Department is finalizing its 2024-25 adopted budget, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the June 18, 2024, Board meeting. This budget will include the proceeds from the recently approved Parcel Tax, Measure V, passed by our community. The District is establishing a CItizens’ Oversight Committee to monitor the expenditures of these proceeds. The District is seeking the following members for the committee:
A taxpayer in the District and active in a service organization operating within the District,
A taxpayer in the District and active in a senior citizens organization,
A taxpayer in the District and not a member of either (a) or (b)
If you are interested in applying, I have attached the application here for your convenience. Please submit your application to Tanya Krause. If you know a district community member who might be interested in serving, please pass this along to them as well.
The District will be completing many facility upgrades and improvements over the summer. A separate letter will be provided with the details shortly. Stay tuned!
Thank you for an incredible year. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing all of you again next year, ready to embark on another exciting chapter.
Warmest regards,
Tanya Krause, Superintendent, and the District Office Team
Summer Break
Summer Break is May 31, 2024 - August 7, 2024
School resumes on Thursday, August 8, 2024
School Site Offices Close for Summer Break: School site offices will be closed beginning Mon, June 10th. School offices will reopen on Wed. July 24.
SVUSD District Office Summer Business Hours: The District Office will remain open during the summer, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The District Office will be closed on Friday, 6/14/24, Friday, 6/28/24, Friday, 7/12/24, Friday, 7/19/24, and Friday, 7/26/24.
The District Office will be closed for the following holidays: Juneteenth (Wednesday, 6/19/24), 4th of July Holiday Weekend (Thursday, 7/4/24 and Friday, 7/5/24).
Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair has been rescheduled!
September 7th, 2024, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm! Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair
We look forward to welcoming you on September 7th for a vibrant and memorable celebration at Sky Park.