Board Meeting 01/10/19

Key topics include presentations on the California School Dashboard and the Instructional Technology Update as well as approval of a ground lease with Plaza del Rey and a public hearing for the approval of a resolution to impose and increase statutory school fees on residential and commercial/industrial development projects

New to SSD! Check out our three-minute overview video!

Senator Jerry Hill commends Cumberland Elementary

What an honor it was to have Senator Jerry Hill at Cumberland Elementary September 28 to recognize its being named a California Distinguished School with an official Resolution!

Fairwood girl scouts propose installing bottle filling stations to school, district leadership

Through research, the girls had identified a variety of reasons why a refilling station would benefit the community, including cleaner water dispensers and less waste from disposable water bottles. To pay for the project, the Girl Scouts plan to use money from their cookie sales, and they have applied for a grant through the water district.

Motivational speaker Blake Brandes uses hip-hop to teach Lakewood students about growth mindset and grit

On October 17, 2018, the students of Lakewood TECH EQ learned about the growth mindset and grit from Blake Brandes, who has a doctorate in hip-hop and global youth cultures and is a TEDx speaker and international youth motivational speaker.

Sunnyvale School District Board of Education Updates

The following is a summary of actions taken by the Sunnyvale School District Board at the September, October, and November meetings.

Vision to Learn and Sharks Foundation gift glasses to CMS students

Students at Columbia Middle School were delighted Oct. 16, 2018 when San Jose Sharks player Evander Kane and SJ Sharkie helped them try on their brand new glasses.

Read to Achieve Assembly at Vargas with Warriors and Reading Partners

What an amazing opportunity Vargas Elementary 2-5 graders had Sept. 18, 2018, to hear former Warriors player Adonal Foyle and Olympic gold medalist basketball player Ruthie Bolton at a Read to Achieve assembly!

City, county recognizes SSD Teacher of the Year, Alex Ha

Congratulations to Alex Ha of Lakewood for being recognized as this year’s Educator of the Year by the City of Sunnyvale at its annual State of the City event! The recognition continued a month later, where Alex, alongside the 30 other Teachers of the Year from throughout the county were celebrated at the 49th annual Teacher Recognition Celebration!

Opt in to receive text messages from SSD!

Families and staff are able to sign up for our text messaging option by texting ‘YES‘ to 67587 from the mobile number you have on file with the district.

School Facilities Thoughtexchange results to guide District planning

In October, Sunnyvale School District reached out to you to have a conversation around our school facilities.

Get to know your newly elected and re-elected Board of Education members

The Sunnyvale School District would like to welcome the newest board member, Bridget Watson, to the board as well as the newly re-elected members Jeff Arnett and Michelle Maginot!

Cumberland kindergartners explore the world of transportation

In kindergarten at Cumberland, we are learning all about transportation! We learned that transportation is a way to get from place to place and that vehicles take people or things from place to place.

Ellis families enjoy reading that the amusement park family reading night

On November 14th Ellis welcomed students and their families to come to the ‘Reading at the Amusement Park,’ a Family Reading Night.

Google and Reading Partners boost reading success at Lakewood

As the Lakewood Elementary School Reading Center sponsor, Google helped Reading Partners provide 66 kindergarten through fourth-grade students with two, 45-minute tutoring sessions each week throughout the school year.

Cumberland teachers create Sensory Walk for students

This project was put together by the Cumberland Resource Department as a brain break tool for students that may be antsy or having a hard time focusing.

SSD psychologists decode Dyslexia with parents

Did you know that Dyslexia is more than just reversals and transposals and that it is more common than uncommon?

Board Meeting 12/11/18

Key topics include: recognition of outgoing board member Anita Herrmann and the swearing in of newly elected board members Jeff Arnett, Michelle Maginot, and Bridget Watson.

Air Quality Update and Plans for November 19, 2018

We have been closely monitoring air quality conditions and forecasts throughout the weekend; and on Monday, our district will be following the same procedures as this past week. All schools will remain open.

Air Quality Updates: November 15-20

At this time, we are following the advice of the Public Health Department, and they remain firm that the current numbers do not warrant a school closure. We believe our schools provide a safe, secure location for our students under the current circumstances.

Air Quality Message from the Superintendent

Schools to remain open. Outdoor activities moved indoors.

Board Meeting 11/14/18

Key topics include presentations on school plans, Thoughtexchange results, annual election of board officers and committee representatives, and board goals, roles and responsibilities.

Board Meeting 11/01/18

Key topics include: presentations from Sunnyvale Middle School and on the California School Dashboard, authorization to request for proposals for food services and authorization of a contract for computer equipment.

Board Meeting 10/18/18

Key topics include: a presentation from Bishop Elementary School and review and discussion of a new board policy regarding drones.

Board Meeting 10/04/18

Key topics include: approving a resolution regarding sufficiency of instructional materials and the adoption of a revised board policy on school sponsored trips.

Sunnyvale Bond Measure and Board of Education Election

Board Meeting 09/20/18

Key topics include: San Miguel school presentation, installing four portable classrooms at Cumberland, a tentative agreement between the District and the Sunnyvale Education Association, proposed endorsement of FUHSD's General Obligation Bond, and a resolution in support of those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer

SSD welcomes two new assistant principals for the 2018-2019 school year

Board Meeting 09/04/18

Key topics include: a presentation on summer programs, and review and approval of the annual unaudited actuals financial report for fiscal year 2017-2018

Stay connected with Sunnyvale School District’s mobile app

Special Board Meeting 08/23/18

Key topics include: demographics and school capacity, Agenda Online, media relations and board goals, protocols, roles, and responsibilities.

Welcome back to school!

Here are a few things you can do right now to help you and your child settle in!

Sunnyvale School District recognizes 2017-2018 Employees of the Year

The Sunnyvale School District is proud to announce its 2017-18 Employees of the Year.

Vargas Elementary’s Assistant Principal John Austin named First Year SuperStar by ACSA

The Sunnyvale School District would like to congratulate Vargas Elementary School Assistant Principal John Austin for being recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) as a First Year SuperStar after completing his first year as assistant principal!

Board Meeting 08/09/18

Key topics include: presentations on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress results and open enrollment and school capacity, the public hearing for the tentative agreement between the District and California School Employees Associations, and the approval of contracts for the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services.

Triple Threat: Cherry Chase Principal Anita Lee recognized by Acknowledge Alliance, ACSA and Playworks

The Sunnyvale School District wants to congratulate Cherry Chase Elementary Principal Anita Lee for winning three awards this year from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Acknowledge Alliance, and Playworks.

Bosch invests in STEM education for SSD students, donates $75,000 to Education Foundation

The Sunnyvale School District and Sunnyvale Education Foundation would like to thank former Lakewood parent and Bosch Corporate Social Responsibility officer for Silicon Valley, Mary Dakin, for connecting the Bosch Community Fund with the Sunnyvale Education Foundation (SEF). On April 4, the fund awarded $75,000 in grants to SEF.

SMS student one of six in county to be sponsored to compete in state science and engineering fair

Sunnyvale Middle School sixth-grader Wyndia Ohm took home first prize honors for her Synopsis Science Fair project in March and as a result was given the opportunity to compete at the state level.

Cumberland named California Distinguished School

Sunnyvale School District is proud to announce that Cumberland Elementary School has been named a 2018 California Distinguished School.

Sunnyvale School District Board of Education Updates

The following is a summary of actions taken by the Sunnyvale School District Board at the March, April and May meetings.

Students recognized at Every Student Succeeding event

Nine Sunnyvale School District students and four Fremont High School Union District students were recognized at a special ceremony March 28 through the Association of California School Administrators’ (ACSA) Every Student Succeeding program. The program honors students who have overcome challenges that may be related to school, family, medical, or difference in ability and the educators who support them along the way.

Exchange students from Iizuka, Japan visit CMS

Visiting students and chaperones from Japan visited CMS in the spring

Sunnyvale Middle learns about global poverty through Hunger Banquet

The Hunger Banquet provided students with an opportunity to think about the global social issues of poverty and hunger, as well as the concept of fairness.

Bishop Elementary opens second-story classroom building

All staff came out to the new courtyard in order to assist families in finding their new classroom in April.

Hands on Bay Area brings hands-on science to San Miguel

San Miguel hosted an after-school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) event with Hands On Bay Area and Nova. A focus for all of the stations was for students to work collaboratively and use language to express ideas, negotiate, and problem solve.

Lakewood hosts third annual tech night

Families were encouraged to explore all things tech and design thinking and how to balance screen time.

Bishop Elementary hosts third annual Leadership Day

Guests are immersed in the school’s leadership culture through presentations from students and staff as well as visits to classrooms.

The King’s Academy and San Miguel Partnership celebrates 11 years of service

Over the past 11 years, The Kings Academy and San Miguel partnership has transformed and multiplied while continuing to foster lasting relationships between volunteers, teachers, students, and families.

Arthouse Kids brings Vargas students’ art to LinkedIn

A task normally left to LinkedIn’s own professional team of environmental graphic designers was given to Vargas Elementary second grade students this May. Students were given the unique opportunity to create and display an art installation in the corporate offices of the company thanks to a partnership with ArtHouse Kids and Starting Arts.

Ellis Math Olympians Show Their Skills at Annual Math Olympics Competition

Ellis staff members and their family members helped out by volunteering to be judges at several math stations by supervising groups of three students as they worked as a team to solve grade level math problems and then chose one student from each group to explain how they solved the problem.

San Miguel Elementary held first band concert

Thanks to a partnership between the San Miguel PTA and nonprofit Arts Initiative, San Miguel formed a school band program in October 2017 and had their first performance in March.

Warriors Read to Achieve Event at Ellis

The Golden State Warriors, in partnership with Ross Stores and Reading Partners, hosted a Read to Achieve Reading Rally at Ellis Elementary School on March 7, in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Board Meeting 06/21/18

Key topics include: presentations on local and state assessments and communications, a resolution ordering for a school bond election on November 6, 2018, approval of the Local Control Accountability Plan and adoption of the 2018-19 budget.

Board Meeting 05/31/18

Key topics include: presentations on substitute teachers and social-emotional learning, the public hearing for the Local Control Accountability Plan and Proposed Adoption Budget and the approval of the proposed District Mission and Vision statements.

Board Meeting 05/15/18

Key Topics include: Citizens Oversight Committee annual report, and presentations on Fairwood Explorer and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

Board Meeting 05/03/18

Key topics include: the acceptance and award of a bid for the Cherry Chase modernization project, employee of the year nominations and the approval of the mission and vision statements.

Board Meeting 04/24/18

Key topics include: possible November 2018 Bond Election, proposed mission and vision statements, and board goals, roles, and responsibilities

Unique partnership results in unique opportunities

CMS students get to play pickup basketball with Sunnyvale police officers

Board Meeting 04/05/18

Key topics include: presentations on early learning opportunities in the District and Pay for Success program, revised board bylaws and revised board policy.

Board Meeting 03/22/18

Key topics include: presentation by Lakewood Tech EQ, final offer of facilities for Spark Charter School, public hearing for the initial interest statement of the board and the California School Employees Association, and the adoption of a resolution around school safety.

Lakewood Elementary celebrates Black History Month with special assembly and read-in

Teachers Karen Currie and Kevin Davis organized a special assembly and read-in for Lakewood third through fifth-grade students on Feb. 5 in celebration of Black History Month and to reflect on the literary contributions of African-American authors.

Ellis Elementary C.A.R.E.s about Sunnyvale’s Homeless Community!

In January, Ellis Elementary held a Homeless C.A.R.E. Package Project that was created by their Community and Respect at Ellis (C.A.R.E.) Team. Lead by fifth-grade teacher Melissa Mak and organized by the student leadership team, Ellis donated multiple boxes of wish list items from Sunnyvale’s Winter Shelter

Cumberland student council helps bring safe drinking water to school in Nepal

Cumberland students chose the nonprofit organization Gravity Water as one of the beneficiaries of the Student Council’s Global-Initiative fundraiser this year.

Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI) takes Bishop girls on a field trip to Stanford

Twenty-two girls from Bishop Elementary went to a Stanford University women’s basketball game on February 11 thanks to the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI).

Student Safety and Campus Security

We do all we can to emphasize physical and emotional safety and promote wellness at each school site and hope families will partner with us to encourage healthy habits for their children as well.

Board Meeting 03/08/18

Key topics include: presentations from Cumberland and Cherry Chase, approval of the second interim fiscal solvency report, and the public hearing for the approval of the initial interest statements of the Sunnyvale School District Governing Board and the Sunnyvale Education Association.

Special Board Meeting 02/15/18

Key topics include: Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center Report of Findings from the Feasibility Study, Governance Team discussion of budgetary interests, board self-evaluation results.

Board Meeting 02/01/18

Key topics include: presentations on English Learners and enrollment projections, review and action of a resolution calling for full and fair funding of California Public Schools, and retaining campaign consultant Connell Lindh to assist with a feasibility study of placing a general obligation bond measure on the ballot at an upcoming general election.

Special Board Meeting 01/30/18

Key topics include: Review and action regarding the approval of the preliminary offer to Spark Charter School's 2018-2019 Proposition 39 Application and Draft Facilities Use Agreement

Special Board Meeting 01/18/18

Key topics include: bond update and status and discussion of board goals, roles, and responsibilities

Board Meeting 01/11/18

Key topics include: presentation by Sunnyvale Middle School, annual approval of the comprehensive school safety plans, and annual approval of the school accountability report cards.

Sunnyvale School Districtwide coin drive benefits Magical Bridge Playground

Sunnyvale School District students will be holding coin drives beginning this week and throughout the holiday season to help raise money to build the city’s first inclusive playground for people with all abilities.

Board of Education Updates

The following is a summary of actions taken by the Sunnyvale School District Board at the September, October and November meetings.

Open Enrollment for 2018-19 begins in February

Open Enrollment, the time frame during which students may request a transfer from their school of residence to another school within the Sunnyvale School District, will take February 1-10, 2018.

Lakewood Elementary community volunteer donates laptops and time to students

A generous Lakewood volunteer has decided to donate laptops to a few select students and families who would benefit most from access to computer technology at home.

San Miguel partners with Arts Initiative to start band program, asks community for support

Thanks to a partnership between the San Miguel PTA and nonprofit Arts Initiative 15 students became acquainted with their instruments in a brand new band class.

Notice of Public Hearing

The Santa Clara County Committee on School District Organization will conduct public hearings to obtain public response to a request to transfer 50 parcels from Sunnyvale School District to Cupertino Union School District.

Sunnyvale School District joins Safe Routes to School mapping project

The Sunnyvale Safe Routes to Schools Collaborative is currently collecting data from each school to produce maps with suggested routes to schools.

San Miguel receives state recognition

San Miguel Elementary has been recognized by the California School Boards Association with its Golden Bell Award. San Miguel was recognized for it's Community School Model, which works to close opportunity and achievement gaps while supporting families.

SSD congratulates staff for earning National Board Certifications

Sunnyvale School District congratulates Bishop Elementary School’s Cynthia Taylor and Jeanette Jacquot as well as SSD Instructional Coach Nicole Fiala for renewing their National Board Certifications! To date, 6,390 California teachers have achieved National Board Certification.

Get to know your Neighborhood Resource Officer!

Have you met your school’s NRO? In the city of Sunnyvale, Neighborhood Resource Officers, or NRO’s, serve as liaisons between the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS), our schools, and the community.

Construction continues to make progress at Bishop Elementary

The brand new two-story buildings are set on their foundations and are having the plumbing and electrical connected to the campus.

CMS students connect with Northrop Grumman engineers on Manufacturing Day

As part of national Manufacturing Day (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce), Northrop Grumman Marine Systems hosted 24 students from Columbia Middle School’s robotics and advanced math programs at its Sunnyvale facility.

Bishop girls benefit from Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI)

The Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI, pronounced “bossy”) is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes the women’s sports community to engage, inspire and empower the children who need it most.

BAWSI Rollers special education program provides fun, adaptive physical activities

Both girls and boys with physical, cognitive and hearing disabilities benefit

Board Meeting 12/07/17

Key topics include: presentations by Columbia Middle School and the Student Nutrition Program, financial audit report, Measure B Parcel Tax Report, Measure G Bond audit and procedures report, and resolution opposing proposed transfer of territory.

5210 Program provides students with produce tasting opportunities

Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s 5210 program is a fitness and nutrition program that encourages our students and their families to aim for 5 fruits and vegetables every day, keep recreational screen time to 2 hours or less every day, include at least 1 hour or more of active play every day, have zero sugar-sweetened beverages, and to drink more water every day.

Cumberland Cougars join Millionaires Club by reading one million words

Ellis third graders conduct mock city council meeting

While at City Hall on Oct. 27th, two City Council Members brought students to the Council Chambers where City Council meetings are held. Students asked questions of the city council members and then participated in a mock city council meeting.

Sunnyvale Wrestling Youth Wrestling League completes third season

This free program for SSD students focuses on physical literacy, technical skill, and character development. Students from six SSD sites participate on teams hosted by four SSD schools, practicing twice a week and competing once a week for 5 weeks leading up to a tournament held at Fremont High School.

SSD in the News!

Community volunteer donates laptops to six Lakewood students

SSD in the News!

San Miguel Elementary launches first ever band!

Special Board Meeting 11/14/17

Key topics include: discussion of slate of officers and committee members, and discussion of board goals, protocols, roles and responsibilities.

Board Meeting 11/02/17

Key topics include: a presentation by Bishop Elementary School, a presentation on the accountability dashboard, and revised board policies for accountability, school and district websites, comprehensive plans, and visitors.

Board Meeting 10/19/17

Key topics include: declaration of surplus property, adoption of revised board policies regarding selection and evaluation of instructional materials and goals for the school district.

Board Meeting 10/05/17

Key topics include: Ellis Elementary School Presentation, Safe Routes to School mapping, goals for the school district revised board policy and selection and evaluation of instructional materials revised board policy.

Add your voice!

SSD launches online learning process with Thoughtexchange!

Board Meeting 09/21/17

Key topics include: a network and program tools update, review of instructional materials, and revised board policies on the District's Vision and Philosophy, evaluation of the Superintendent, Governing Board elections and orientation.

Board Meeting 09/07/17

Key topics include: Presentations on CAASPP results and Stretch to Kindergarten, review and approval of the annual unaudited actuals financial report, and ratification of the revised facilities use agreement with Spark Charter School.

SSD launches new way to stay connected: Download our new mobile app today!

Sunnyvale School District is excited to announce its new App, an all-in-one information source for district families. The app was developed specifically to provide direct access to the district’s most sought after information in the most convenient format — your mobile device.

Cumberland community expands Zero Waste program

In the City of Sunnyvale, the goal is to reduce the volume of waste and conserving/recovering all resources. With that goal in mind, and in partnership with our PTA, the City of Sunnyvale, Cumberland staff members, and student helpers, we have been able to successfully teach about this topic and implement indoor and outdoor recycling of plastic containers/paper and the collection of food waste.

Middle school students with disabilities get a jumpstart on life skills through WorkAbility

Whether they are operating their own soap business at Sunnyvale Middle School, maintaining the garden at Columbia Middle, or making their infamous K9 Crunchies dog biscuits at the Fremont Union High School District Office, Sunnyvale students with disabilities are building the vocational and social skills they need to be successful when they enter the workforce.

SSD welcomes New Principal and Assistant Principals

Sunnyvale School District is excited to welcome several familiar faces and one new face to the roles of principal and assistant principals for the 2017-2018 school year.

Proactive testing finds SSD drinking water lead free

Sunnyvale School District’s schools joined 1,200 other schools statewide in voluntarily testing the quality of its water as lead-contaminated water receives increasing national attention as a public health concern. All results for the District to date have shown no traces of lead in the water.

Incoming SMS sixth graders welcomed by upper classmen

Sunnyvale Middle School welcomed approximately 350 incoming sixth graders at the WEB Orientation on Friday, August 11.

Sunnyvale recognizes SSD students and staff at annual Community Awards

Sunnyvale School District students, staff and even parents of staff were invited to step on stage to be recognized during the 2017 State of the City Community Awards held on July 29.

Construction Update

Bishop two-story building takes shape

Board of Education Updates

The following is a summary of actions taken by the Sunnyvale School District Board at the June and August meetings.

Over 1,000 students engage in Summer learning programs

From hands-on science experiments to learning new languages, students were exposed to a variety of learning opportunities at our summer programs.

How to make the most of teacher conferences

Elementary school Parent-Teacher Conferences are happening in September this year instead of November. By bumping up the conferences, we are hoping to work together with you to set goals for success for your child as early as possible.

We have a mobile app!

The Sunnyvale School District is excited to announce its new App, an all-in-one information source for district families. The app was developed specifically to provide direct access to the district’s most sought after information in the most convenient format -- your mobile device.

Special Board Meeting 08/24/17

Key topics include: Social-emotional learning initiatives, understanding the new CAASPP Dashboard, discussion of board goals, and revised board policies.

Board Meeting 08/10/17

Key topics include: a presentation on Summer School, the Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center Joint Use Feasibility Study, updates on Board Policies, among others.

Special Board Meeting 08/01/17

Key topics include: Federal Program Monitoring and updates on Board Policies.

What’s in a name? Santa Clara County schools attempt to find out

The “My Name, My Identity” initiative aims to build a more inclusive and respectful space in schools throughout the county by having educators, students and the wider community pledge to put extra effort toward pronouncing people’s names correctly.

SSD recognizes 2016-17 Employees of the Year

Congrats to our Employees of the Year Mirell Kazos, Shawn Machado, Daniel Poo and Esteban Ybarra and to all our nominees! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students!

Dr. Cheng in the house!

Congratulations to Lakewood Principal Pam Cheng on receiving her doctorate!

Lakewood Lions become “foodwise” through CUESA

First graders from Ms. Gresback’s class at Lakewood Elementary had the opportunity to visit the Ferry Building farmer’s market in San Francisco to participate in the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture’s (CUESA) Foodwise Kids program!

SSD expands early education classrooms

Sunnyvale Preschool Programs eagerly welcomed an additional 44 students at two new locations for our state-subsidized preschool program on April 17th.

CMS teacher recognized as an outstanding educator by SSD partner, Acknowledge Alliance

Acknowledge Alliance recognized CMS's Rob Felicano as an outstanding educator and honored him for his dedication to Sunnyvale youth at its 10th annual Forget-Me-Not awards dinner April 27.

More than 100 students district-wide receive free glasses

Before the end of the school year, a total of 127 free glasses will be dispensed to students at Lakewood, San Miguel, Bishop, Vargas, and Columbia Middle schools who might not have received them otherwise, thanks to a brand new partnership with Vision to Learn.

Board of Education Updates

Ellis families come together for family reading nights

Ellis had its second Family Reading Night “Superhero Reader Night” on May 10 and it was a huge success! The school had about 175 people in attendance.

Bishop fourth graders experience Gold Rush Day

History really came alive for Bishop fourth-graders on May 25 where teachers and parent volunteers transformed the campus to Gold Rush-era California.

Cherry Chase fifth graders enjoy Science Camp

Cherry Chase fifth graders enjoyed a wonderful week at Walden West this May.

Siddarth Shah represented SMS at National Geographic Geography Bee state finals

Siddarth Shah represented Sunnyvale Middle School on his fourth, and his last trip to the National Geographic Geography Bee state finals competition, at Fresno State this past March.

BAWSI UpWard Roots engages girls in community service

A group of 5th-grade BAWSI girls at Bishop Elementary decided to address bullying for their Upwards Roots project.

100% of Lakewood Lions connected with online resources at Library

Lakewood Elementary School met its goal of reaching 100% participation for the White House ConnectED Library Card challenge this April.

Board of Education welcomes newest member

On May 11, the Sunnyvale School District Board of Education appointed its newest member, Michelle Maginot.

SSD students compete in Future Chefs

Seven Sunnyvale School District elementary students competed March 29 in Sodexo’s Future Chefs Challenge.

Cumberland Student Council breaks fundraising goal

The Cumberland Student Council held its annual fundraiser earlier in the year and raised nearly $1,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF).

Students plant new trees in celebration of California Arbor Week March 7-14

San Miguel and Sunnyvale Middle students planted new Valley Oak trees with the help of the city and Sunnyvale Urban Forest Advocates

Women in tech inspire CMS girls to make their own magic

The ongoing series of free after school STEM workshops have covered engineering, circuit design, wearable technology, electrical systems and animation.

Students recognized for overcoming extraordinary challenges

The Every Student Succeeding program's purpose is to recognize students at all grade levels who have achieved success in the face of difficult challenges, which may be related to school, family, medical, or difference in ability and the educators who supported them along the way.

SMS Science Bowl Club finishes second place in regional competition

The club competed against 24 other teams in the Regional Science Bowl, a highly competitive science education and academic event among teams of middle school students who compete in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math.

San Miguel Elementary wins Hoffmann Award for Community School Model

Sunnyvale School District is proud to announce that San Miguel Elementary is a winner of the 2017 Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards!

CMS wrestling team has strong winter season

Columbia Middle wrestlers finished off a big season this winter with four students placing in Sectional finals and one student making it to County finals.

Ellis Eagles welcome new assistant principal

Stephanie Fischer has been named the new assistant principal of Ellis Elementary School replacing Kathryn Armstrong who was promoted to the Vargas principal position in November. Mrs. Fischer will begin her new role in April.

A new way to measure student growth and achievement: State’s new accountability system considers multiple factors

The Dashboard will provide a much broader overview of information than prior assessments, which can guide parents, highlight schools’ and districts’ strengths and weaknesses, identify disparities among student groups, and help educators design and implement improvement strategies.

SMS mathletes challenge their minds at school-wide math festival

The Spartan multi-use building at Sunnyvale Middle School buzzed with energy on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 with students from every grade level participating in the school’s first mathematics festival in place of their normal math class. Students had 40-minutes to go through 15 different stations that offered 12 levels of challenge.

Bryan Stow moves middle schoolers to pledge to stop bullies

In an effort to stop bullying behavior before it reaches adulthood, assault victim and San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow told Sunnyvale and Columbia middle school students about how he recovered from a brutal beating by two men after a 2011 Dodgers-Giants baseball game in Los Angeles left him in a coma for months.

Sunnyvale School District Board of Education Updates

The following is a summary of actions taken by the Sunnyvale School District Board at the December and January meetings.

Cumberland kindergarteners design their own dream cities

Kid Boss Town and Happyvale were just some of the creative names for imaginary cities that Cumberland kindergarten students invented after learning directly from Sunnyvale City Planners about how they work to help a city flourish.

New state science standards equip students with skills to pursue opportunities within and beyond STEM fields

Sunnyvale School District staff and teachers have been hard at work adapting science lessons to meet California’s new state standards for science, called the Next Generation Science Standards (CA-NGSS).

Demolition of Bishop Elementary’s north side of campus makes way for construction

Construction of Bishop Elementary’s new campus continues to move forward.

Spring District Digest Newsletter

The Digest covers programs, happenings and issues affecting our neighborhood schools, the district, and public education.

SSD in the News!

SCS and SSD partner to bring weekend groceries to families!

Calling all future chefs!

SSD and Sodexo host elementary school culinary competition for 1-5 graders! Deadline to turn in your favorite healthy comfort food recipe is Feb. 27! Click here to learn more!

Family Engagement: Presentation on districtwide initiative around cultural proficiency

Join us and Dr. Trudy Arriaga Feb. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. for an informational session about our commitment to being a culturally proficient organization.

Register for our Programs of Choice event Jan. 11

Click here to register if you'd like to attend our informational event about our schools of choice!

Check out Measure G Bond Program updates!

SSD's Department of Operations regularly posts photos and updates on district-wide construction projects!

Join us for our Programs of Choice Showcase Jan. 11!

Sunnyvale School District’s Programs of Choice cover a variety of themes: science focus, dual-language immersion, parent participation, a partnership program with Stanford University, leadership, and technology with social smarts.

Open Enrollment for 2017-18 begins in February

Open Enrollment, the time frame during which students may request a transfer from their school of residence to another school within the Sunnyvale School District, will take February 1-14, 2017. For details about Open Enrollment, visit http://sesd.schoolwires.net/Page/241. Sign up for Programs of Choice during Open Enrollment!

Lakewood Elementary in the News!

Lakewood Elementary launches new school-wide focus on using tech responsibly

Vargas Elementary welcomes new principal

Kathryn Armstrong has been named as Principal of Vargas School. Her first day at Vargas was November 8. Kathryn replaces Annette Grasty who resigned in September to accept a promotion in Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District. Kathryn joined Sunnyvale School District as a teacher at Lakewood School in 2003.

Sunnyvale Library and CMS team up to bring STEM to girls

To help increase young women’s interest in STEM subjects, the Sunnyvale Public Library decided to bring its Make-HER hands-on STEM learning program for women and girls to Columbia Middle School this fall for a special 5-week after school program.

Columbia Middle School teacher overseeing growing music program

The Sunnyvale Sun recently featured an article on CMS's music teacher, Warren Scott.

SSD in the News!

The Sunnyvale Youth Wrestling League finished a second successful season this fall.

Winter District Digest Newsletter

The Digest covers programs, happenings and issues affecting our neighborhood schools, the district, and public education.

SSD in the News!

The Sunnyvale Sun recently featured articles about the District's Parcel Tax Measure, Measure BB, that's on the November Ballot and about how the expansion of Lakewood Elementary's Zero Waste program is going at Cumberland Elementary and soon Cherry Chase.

Determined to go to Space: CMS Bulldogs experience U.S. Space Camp over the summer

Two Columbia Middle School students and a CMS science teacher went to Space Camp this summer, participating in activities such as building and launching rockets, experiencing weightlessness in an astronaut-training simulator and simulating space travel preparation. The trip was made possible by the Northrop Grumman Foundation.

Fall District Digest Newslwetter

The Digest covers programs, happenings and issues affecting our neighborhood schools, the district, and public education.

Sunnyvale School District launches new electronic flyer communication tool called “Peachjar.”

To view school-approved e-flyers, simply click the Peachjar button on your school’s website homepage.

SSD programs and staff recognized at annual State of the City Address

San Miguel, Columbia Middle and Lakewood received Community Awards for contributions to education, the arts and the environment.

Official Notice of Board Election and Parcel Tax

The district currently has two board positions open and a Parcel Tax Measure on the November 2016 election ballot.

Summer District Digest Newsletter

The Digest covers programs, happenings and issues affecting our neighborhood schools, the district, and public education.

SSD's 2016 Teacher of the Year featured in the Sunnyvale Sun

Learn more about how San Miguel's Colleen Lynch Espinoza started her education career.

Recognizing our 2016 Employees of the Year

Congratulations Colleen Lynch Espinoza, Patty Martinez, and Catherine Plevney!

Sunnyvale School District expands options to share important information

Sign up for our new text messaging option by texting 'YES' to 67587 from the mobile number you have on file with the District.

Two schools get 'beautiful' upgrades from 600 volunteers

Vargas Elementary and Columbia Middle were the beneficiaries of work done by 600 volunteers from Beautiful Day, an organization that connects churches, business and community groups to local schools for renovation projects.

Three Sunnyvale School District elementary schools named Gold Ribbon Award winners

Cumberland, San Miguel, and Vargas Elementary schools recognized for model programs

Sunnyvale School District Bond Committee Opening

District seeks new member for the Bond and Parcel Tax Oversight Committee

Columbia Middle School music students take gold and silver in competition

Students competed with 1,697 others at the annual Anaheim Heritage Festival.

Hoffmann awards given to two Sunnyvale School District Schools

Fairwood Elementary School, and Cumberland Elementary School are each being recognized for outstanding educational programs with the 2016 Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards.

Some extra 'green' donated to Bishop Buds Junior Garden Club

The green thumbs with the Bishop Buds Junior Garden Club at Bishop Elementary have received some extra cash to help with their gardening in the form of a $2,000 grant from Whole Foods.

Sunnyvale School District students recognized at Every Student Succeeding event

Families, teachers, and administrators came together March 9 to celebrate students for overcoming extraordinary challenges and demonstrating unwavering resilience and leadership.

Spring District Digest Newsletter

The Digest covers programs, happenings and issues affecting our neighborhood schools, the district, and public education.

Columbia student and twin brother top math contest

Columbia Middle School's Darren Zhang scored in the top 5 percent on the Mathematical Association of America's AMC 8 competition. Winners were announced in early January.

Homestead High student and Columbia Neighborhood Center partner to provide after-school science

Shriya Ghosh, a 17-year-old Sunnyvale resident,along with the Columbia Neighborhood Center in Sunnyvale conducts a free after-school science program for fourth- and fifth-grade Bishop Elementary School students every other Friday.

Senator Jerry Hill commends Columbia Middle School

Senator Hill congratulated the school on its 2015 Gold Ribbon School selection at an all-school rally Nov. 20.

Sunnyvale Board of Education elects 2016 officers

The Sunnyvale School District Board of Education elected Jeffrey Arnett as board president and Nancy Newkirk as board vice president for 2016 at its Dec. 10 meeting. The votes at the board meeting were unanimous.

Check out the latest District Digest quarterly newsletter

The Digest covers programs, happenings and issues affecting our neighborhood schools, the district, and public education.

Cumberland food drive collects 607 pounds of food

Sixty-four fourth and fifth graders collected the food in three short weeks

District explores reassigning new developments new boundaries

Oct. 22's board of education presentation associated with school attendance areas.

Elementary students enjoy free 6-week wrestling program

Sunnyvale Wrestling Club, in partnership with Sunnyvale School District, launched the first ever Sunnyvale Youth Wrestling League (SYWL) Sept. 12 at five elementary schools, Lakewood, San Miguel, Ellis, Vargas, and Bishop.

49ers and Reading Partners team up at Lakewood

Partnership inspires students to be more confident readers

Initial CAASPP results reflective of county

Sunnyvale School District initial results for the new state student assessment system known as the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) are reflective of results countywide.

2015 Community Award Winners

Congratulations to Vargas Elementary Principal Annette Grasty and Cherry Chase’s Green Committee for being recognized as 2015 Sunnyvale Community Award Winners!

Delay in Smarter Balanced Assessment Results

The California Department of Education (CDE) announced that it would delay, by at least a month, the release of test results in connection with the Common Core State Standards.

County schools recognized for closing student achievement gap

Ellis Elementary and Sunnyvale Middle School were selected from the Sunnyvale School District.

Two Sunnyvale teachers awarded fellowships

Teachers translate hands-on internships with host companies into classroom instruction

Summer food programs nourish Sunnyvale children

The Sunnyvale School District, along with other organizations in Sunnyvale, are assuring that students who are eligible for free or reduced­ price lunch during the school year will not go without food in the summer months when school is not in session.

Sunnyvale police chief shares love of reading

Once a week for 45 minutes, Sunnyvale Police Chief Frank Grgurina volunteers his time at Bishop Elementary to help 9-year-old Kevin Cuevas read through the national nonprofit, Reading Partners.