Dear Scotts Valley Community,
Can you believe it’s already October? It feels like the school year just started, yet we are nearly two months in! It has been an exciting and productive start, with many wonderful things happening across our district. From welcoming new students and staff to implementing our MTSS, PBIS, and SEL initiatives, we’re already seeing the positive impact of our efforts. Our teams have worked hard to ensure our facilities are in decent shape and support student learning at every level.
On September 27th, we held our district-wide professional development day. The dedication to continuous professional development and data-driven decision-making has been inspiring, and I’m grateful for everyone’s contributions. Our teachers gathered at Scotts Valley High School to work on our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for students. MTSS is a systemic approach teachers take to reach students where they are in their learning. Teachers also focused on various topics related to instructional routines and structures to support student learning. The day was one of active collaboration and professional learning. As we move into the heart of fall, we look forward to continuing this great momentum, celebrating our successes, and tackling the challenges ahead. Our district IT team continues to support staff and students and works hard to ensure seamless learning experiences.
Some key events during October:
October 2 was a pivotal day for school districts across California. This is when the State takes a crucial snapshot of student enrollment and attendance across all of California’s public schools. The numbers captured on that census date directly influence the resources and funding the school district receives for the following school year.
October 12: BK Fall Festival
October 14: No School - Indigenous Peoples Day
October 19: SVHS Homecoming and Parade/SVHS 25th Anniversary - Purchase tickets HERE
October 24-26: SVHS Haunted House
October serves as College & Career Readiness Month. While the high school spends much of its year supporting students with understanding both College and Career tracks, research shows students of all ages benefit from thinking about their future. This year, our district will continue its partnership with Your Future Our Business (YFOB), supporting both trade and college pathways and allowing students to explore varying options and steps to reach a goal. Schools will also share different activities they provide throughout the month, sharing the importance of College and Career Readiness. October also marks the beginning of LGBTQIA+ History Month. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. In 1994, a coalition of education-based organizations in the United States designated October as LGBTQIA+ History Month. This is an important acknowledgment, as we know that learning about LGBTQIA+ issues from a formative age will allow LGBTQIA+ youth to feel less isolated. Moreover, non-LGBTQIA+ children can learn how to become good allies with their peers as they get older.
October is Safety Awareness Month
All four schools will participate in The Great ShakeOut this month, an annual earthquake drill in California. While we do not want to be involved in a significant earthquake, practicing and being prepared will be key to keeping our students and staff safe. Please be assured that the safety of our students is a top priority.
SVUSD also practices fire drills every month at all four campuses. Please see the resources below for ideas on how to prepare your family for an emergency such as a fire. We encourage parents to review these safety conversations with their own families. Have a family plan in the event of an emergency, helping your children know the plan and how to call 911. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Fentanyl High: A Documentary 
Intended Audience: Parents or Guardians, Community Members, Middle/High School Students
In partnership with Santa Cruz Community Health and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, SVUSD presents Fentanyl High, a documentary by Kyle Santoro, a Los Gatos High School Senior (class of 2024). View this short film about the fentanyl epidemic, and then stay for a panel discussion with local experts. Seats are limited, and registration is required. You may register using this link. Admission is free.
November 7, 2024, 6:30 PM
Scotts Valley CineLux Theater #8
We are excited to announce that our SVUSD Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members are Meghann Gelter (Educational Specialist,) Regan Kingford (Parent), and Lilly Stagnaro (Parent) for the 2024-2025 school year. The CAC is an advisory committee to the North Santa Cruz County SELPA Director and Governance Council. The CAC provides input regarding the Special Education Local Plan, assisting in parent education, recruiting, information sharing, and parent awareness. The majority of the voting members must be parents of children with disabilities enrolled in public or private schools within the North Santa Cruz County SELPA. For more information, please visit: www.nsccselpa.org
Thank you for your support of our schools, students, and staff.
Sincerely,
Tanya Krause, Superintendent, and the District Office Team
Please visit school websites for important dates and events
Brook Knoll Elementary Website
Scotts Valley Middle School Website