Dear Scotts Valley Community,
As we move through the school year, it's been inspiring to see all the fun and educational events taking place at the school sites. The SVHS 25th Anniversary and Homecoming events were full of excitement and joy, creating wonderful memories. Thank you to all the hands that made these events possible. Your hard work, time, and planning are greatly appreciated.
November brings a season of gratitude and generosity, a time to appreciate those around us and support those in need. It’s a month dedicated to thanks and giving, with countless opportunities to acknowledge the people who make a difference and to extend help to those who could use it. Let’s come together as a community to nurture our children, support each other, and lend a hand to those facing challenges.
As a continued part of our focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, we are moving into November, which is appropriately focused on Indigenous People’s Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of our nation’s first people. Scotts Valley Unified School District recognizes the land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe; the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is comprised of the descendants of indigenous people taken to missions Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista during the Spanish colonization of the Central Coast. Today, working hard to restore traditional stewardship practices on these lands and heal from historical trauma, Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions, hold a deeply rooted sense of community, and have made and continue to make distinct and vital contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including the fields of agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art.
For those friends and families who celebrate Diwali, may this season bring you joy, peace, and laughter.
While it is only November, we are already working hard to prepare for the next school year. On December 5, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., we will host our “Welcome to SVUSD” presentation for new and prospective students. This will be held at Brook Knoll Elementary School and will provide families with an overview of our available programming, registration information, and support. Childcare will be available during this presentation. Please share with families in your neighborhood who may be interested in starting their educational journey with SVUSD! This information may also be viewed on the Education Services website.
In partnership with 
the Santa Cruz County Department of Education, Scotts Valley Unified School District will host a screening of the acclaimed documentary Fentanyl High on November 7th at 6:30 PM. Created by a senior at Los Gatos High School, this documentary explores how teens discuss the Fentanyl epidemic. Following the film, a panel featuring Billy Burnett, head of the Santa Cruz Fentanyl Crisis Response Team, and Dr. Rose Lovell will engage in a Q&A session with the audience. The team at SVUSD aims to inform our community, reduce the stigma surrounding Fentanyl overdoses, and provide attendees with Narcan, the life-saving nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Seats at the SV Cinelux Theater #8 are free but limited, and pre-registration is required. Reserve your spot here. If the event reaches capacity, you may add your name to a waitlist and will be contacted as seats open up. We encourage middle and high school students, college-aged adults, parents, and community members to attend.
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
If your family is currently experiencing homelessness or you know of an SVUSD family who is, you may email our District Liaison for Families Experiencing Homelessness at noskolkoff@scottsvalleyusd.org. She can help guide you to resources and support for your family. The Federal Education definition of homelessness may be viewed here. Also, please let your principal know so that your students can receive any school supplies or needs they may have. We care about our families and want to help in all ways possible.
November is Election Month!
Here are some resources to watch or read with your children.
● Election 2024 for Kids (3:30 minute video)
● What is the Electoral College (9-minute video)
November is Native American Heritage Month (Indigenous People’s Month)
November is traditionally the end of the harvest season and a time of thanksgiving and celebration for Native Americans. Since 1990, our country has designated National Native American Heritage Month in November. Here are two resources you can use to learn more about this month.
● Native American Heritage Month 4 Kids resources
● US Department of Interior Indian Affairs
They say it takes a village to raise a child. How about two thousand children? This year, our district has employed a dedicated team of over 300 public servants who collectively create and run our schools. This includes 133 certificated staff such as teachers, counselors, and principals; 70 classified staff such as facilities, kitchen, and office team members; 15 walk-on athletic coaches for the fall season; 36 substitute teachers; and more than 50 supplemental employees that include many of our yard supervisors and classroom aides.
A huge shout-out to our incredible instructional aides who work tirel
essly with our students who have special needs. These dedicated individuals provide invaluable support, helping students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. We are so thankful for our partnerships with Honu Interventions, Balance, and Easter Seals, as we wouldn't be able to staff for our student 1:1 needs without your support. If you're looking for a deeply rewarding job where you can make a real difference in students' lives, consider joining our special education team! Please see our HR department webpage for more information: HR SVUSD.
Nearly half of our employees live in Scotts Valley, with the majority of the others spread from Boulder Creek to Watsonville. This wonderful team, along with our families, volunteers, and local organization partners, truly are the community that raises our children, and we are thankful to have so many helping hands.
November is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and our IT Department will be focusing on safe online practices with SVUSD staff. We are implementing network upgrades to improve connectivity across all school sites and appreciate your patience during this process.
Date to Remember
● Friday, November 1st: Non-Student and Staff Day - School is Closed
● Sunday, November 3rd: Daylight Savings - clocks fall back an hour
● Monday, November 11th: Veterans Day observed - School Sites & District Office will be Closed
● Wednesday, November 13th: World Kindness Day
● Monday, November 18th - Friday, November 22nd: Elementary Conferences - minimum day schedule all week
● Monday, November 25th - Friday, November 29th: Thanksgiving Break - School Sites and District Office will be Closed. School resumes and the District Office resumes regular business hours on Monday, December 2, 2024.
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
Scotts Valley High School Website
Scotts Valley Unified School District Website