Dear Scotts Valley Community,
I hope you had a joyful and restful Thanksgiving holiday!
We are excited to share that the Santa Cruz County Elections Department will certify the November 5th Election results tomorrow, December 3rd, and it appears that our local facility bond, Measure O, has passed! This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of our campaign leads, Lindsey Rice and Cheryl Noble—thank you for your energy and determination. Our gratitude extends to SVEA, SVEF, BK PTO, VH and SVMS PTA, SVHS Parent Club, and Falcon Club for their unwavering support. Trustees Snyder and Shulman also dedicated significant time and effort to this important initiative. It was truly a community effort, and we thank you all!
As we step into December, the final month of 2024, it’s remarkable to reflect on how quickly the year has passed. Winter brings longer, darker days but also the warmth and brightness of the holiday season.
In line with our district’s DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) focus, our schools embrace the season by learning about and celebrating various holidays and traditions worldwide. December is a time of diverse celebrations, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and New Year’s Eve. Holiday Celebrations from around the world in the months of December and January. Additionally, in January, our schools will recognize the Lunar New Year, with celebrations of the Year of the Snake beginning on January 29. This symbol of calmness, introspection, and growth offers an inspiring message for the new year.
This month, Scotts Valley High School continues its 25th Anniversary celebrations with a special initiative: adopting 25 families to support during the holiday season. This heartwarming tradition embodies the spirit of giving and care that defines our community.
We also extend a warm invitation to new families to join us on December 5, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, for our “Welcome to SVUSD” presentation at Brook Knoll Elementary School. This event will provide an overview of our programs, registration information, and available support. Childcare will be provided. Please share this opportunity with families in your neighborhood who may be interested in joining our district! More details can be found on the Education Services website.
At all four of our schools, we emphasize kindness, respect, and compassion. We are particularly committed to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and safe. Recently, middle school students participated in The Power of Our Words, which encouraged reflection on how words and actions impact others. We are proud of this initiative and remain committed to this important work.
We are thrilled to announce the “soft opening” of the much-anticipated Wellness Center at Scotts Valley High School. Designed as a space where students feel seen and supported, the Wellness Center is now open for drop-ins before or after school, during lunch or break, or during open periods. 
If you want to make a great holiday meal, you’ve got to have the right ingredients. As we all know, nothing is better than locally sourced and homegrown. One of SVUSD’s secrets to success is our excellent team of school principals. Each began their career in our district as a classroom teacher, and this fabulous foursome averages an amazing 18 years of experience as educators in Scotts Valley. We are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, experienced, and community-oriented team leading our schools.
Our EPIC (Exploring Practical Independence Class) high school students recently embarked on their first community outing, focusing on essential skills such as financial literacy, executive functioning, communication, and exploring community and workplace settings. This hands-on experience at our local Scotts Valley Market allowed students to practice budgeting, decision-making, and teamwork in real-world environments. These outings are vital to fostering independence and preparing our students for future success. We are proud of their enthusiasm and growth and look forward to continuing these meaningful learning experiences.
As we approach the holiday season, the Business Department continues to diligently work on financial planning and resource allocation to meet the needs of our students and staff and best support our schools. We remain committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility in managing district resources.
The IT department will conduct essential network maintenance at school sites as we prepare for the holiday season. This maintenance is aimed at improving the reliability and security of our systems.
Looking ahead, a reminder: Winter Break begins on December 20, and school resumes in the new year on Monday, January 6, 2025. Thank you for your ongoing support as we close 2024 and prepare for an exciting year.
Wishing the entire Scotts Valley community a safe and joyful holiday season!
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