Dear Scotts Valley Community,
We are entering the month of April and are ready to enjoy spring break!
Here are a few highlights from March:
On March 7, while students were able to take a break from school, teachers spent the full day of Professional Development in grade-level collaboration, continuing their work on vertical alignment for grades 6-12. Elementary teachers and secondary math teachers participated in math-focused PD with our math coach from Colorado’s Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC) here in person to facilitate the day of learning about the 2023 CA Math Framework and to begin to identify instructional strategies that will be incorporated in the 2025-26 school year.
March begins the season of state assessments. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is the state academic testing program used throughout California. Students in 3rd through 8th grade will be taking both English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments. 5th, 8th, and 11th grade students also participate in the California Assessment of Science (CAST). Scotts Valley High School launched this annual assessment in partnership with the SVHS Parent Club to provide juniors with breakfast before their two days of testing earlier this month. SVMS, BK, and VH will administer CAASPP testing after Spring break. These assessments are only a snapshot of your child's growth over the past school year, and while we want our students to show all they know, we recognize that this is just one part of the larger picture of student achievement. Student reports for families will be available on ParentVue in August 2025.
During March, the County Office of Education sent a letter to families regarding changes in federal education policy. (Letter to Families)
At our March 25 School Board meeting, we celebrated the 23 students in
grades 1-9 who meet the requirements to be reclassified as English proficient. This accomplishment results from each student’s hard work and the support they have received from their teachers and families. We are very proud of each student who has met this milestone in their English language learning.
We acknowledge April as Arab and Persian American Heritage Month and Environment Awareness Month. During April, Arab Americans' achievements are recognized to celebrate their numerous contributions to our community in business, politics, education, and other areas. Earth Day is on April 22, 2025, celebrating its 55th year of national recognition as a day to promote environmental conservation and sustainability.
SVUSD will continue the valuable work around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging through our DEIB Steering Committee, which is entering its fourth year in 2025-26. The DEIB Steering Committee is a district-supported task force of diverse SVUSD community members who are responsible for helping bring about the cultural changes necessary for our district. The Committee includes current members of school and district leadership, staff, parents/guardians (of students currently enrolled in the district), and Board members. If you would like to be considered for the Committee, please use the link for more information and to access the 2025-26 application, which will close on Friday, April 18, 2025.
DEIB Steering Committee Information and Application
Over the last three months, stakeholders engaged in input meetings regarding our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This input is an essential part of our process for developing next year’s LCAP, and we appreciate the input from each student, staff member, and community group. The 2025-26 LCAP will be presented to the School Board in May.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force is now in its second year, bringing together students, staff, and parents to discuss developments in AI and how SVUSD can support teachers and students in utilizing this ever-evolving technology. We are partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to continue this work. At our most recent meeting, we reviewed evaluation rubrics and valuable tools for critically evaluating AI tools. At the March 26 Curriculum Council, secondary department chairs discussed how students and educators can incorporate AI in our schools. SVUSD AI Guidelines
We had an incredible month of March celebrating Disability Awareness. We would like to take a moment to share the joy, learning, and meaningful discussions that took place across our schools. Seeing our students engage in activities promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusion has been inspiring.
Throughout the month, students participated in assemblies, classroom discussions, engaging read-alouds, and hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of disabilities—both visible and invisible. They learned about remarkable individuals who have overcome challenges, made history, and continue to inspire the world with their resilience and accomplishments.
These experiences have helped foster a culture of acceptance, kindness, and advocacy, empowering our students to recognize and celebrate the diverse abilities of all individuals. We are proud of their enthusiasm and the thoughtful conversations that emerged from these lessons.
Thank you for your continued support in making SVUSD a place where every student feels seen, valued, and included. We encourage you to keep the conversations going at home and celebrate the incredible diversity that strengthens our community.
A heartfelt thank you to our community partners who support our school programs with their generous donations and determined fundraising. As we move increasingly away from the pandemic and the emergency relief funds that came with it, districts across California are facing the dilemma of maintaining their staffing footprint with reduced funding. Many academic and counseling interventions and supports our students have relied on in recent years are now facing an uncertain future. Recently, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) announced that it will donate $115k next school year to assist the District in maintaining as many school counselor positions as possible.
SVUSD’s Wellness Committee recently updated Wellness Policy 5030, which the School Board approved on February 25, 2025. The policy addresses the importance of nutrition, teaching healthy habits, and providing opportunities for physical movement for students. If you have any questions or comments after reading it, please contact Nadia Oskolkoff, Director of Student Services, at noskolkoff@scottsvalleyusd.org.
If your child is on an inter-district transfer into our schools and you wish to continue next school year, please complete an application as soon as possible and submit it to SVUSD District Transfers.
Three of our four schools have successfully converted to solar power generation. Over spring break, ground-mounted solar panels will be installed at Vine Hill.
Upon returning from spring break, we will have seven weeks remaining for this school year! Please be sure to check out all of the events coming up at the school sites.
Join us for Scotts Valley High School’s 25th Anniversary Gala on April 26, 2025! More information and ticket purchase options are available here: SVHS 25th Anniversary Gala
Food Truck Friday is back, kicking off the first event of the season on April 25, 2025, at Skypark. Once again, Food Trucks a Go Go has partnered with the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) to host the beverage garden. For details, please visit Food Truck Friday at Skypark - 2025.
Sincerely,
Tanya Krause, Superintendent, and the District Office Team
SVUSD Spring Break Dates:
All SVUSD school sites will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, April 7, 2025, through Friday, April 11, 2025. Campuses reopen and school resumes on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Brook Knoll Elementary Website
Scotts Valley Middle School Website
Scotts Valley High School Website
Scotts Valley Unified School District Website