CVUSD Community Connection Newsletter - October 16, 2026

CVHS Drama invites families from across CVUSD to enjoy its upcoming production of Disney’s Freaky Friday, opening this Friday!

This entertaining, family-friendly musical tells the story of a mother and daughter who magically switch bodies and must learn to see the world through each other’s eyes. Filled with music, humor, and heart, the show celebrates family, understanding, and the importance of appreciating one another.

Come support our talented CVHS student performers and the students working behind the scenes to bring this production to life!

🎟️ Performance dates and tickets: https://www.cvcfa.com/events

We hope you will join us for a fun evening of live theatre!

Marshall Elementary students brought plenty of energy and school spirit to the Walk-the-Plank-a-Thon!

Students enjoyed being active, cheering one another on, and spending time together as a school community. Thank you to the staff, families, and volunteers who helped make this fun and memorable event possible. Way to go, Marshall!

Second-grade students welcomed naturalists from the East Bay Regional Park District for a hands-on lesson about birds of prey.

Students learned about the important role these birds play in our local ecosystem and became young scientists as they dissected owl pellets to discover what owls eat. Judy Santos’s class and the entire second-grade team enjoyed this engaging opportunity to investigate, ask questions, and connect classroom learning with the natural world.

In recognition of Inclusion Day, students reflected on the actions each of us can take to help others feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

Students created colorful flowers featuring personal commitments to being more inclusive. Together, the flowers demonstrate how individual acts of kindness, understanding, and belonging can grow into a stronger and more connected school community.

A new student leadership program is giving younger students an opportunity to make a positive difference on campus.

Building on the work of the fifth-grade Courageous Cougars leadership team, teachers launched Courageous Cubs this year to involve students in the primary grades. Members of the Green Team recently trained the Cubs in proper waste sorting and management.

The Courageous Cubs are now putting their learning into action by helping during first- and second-grade snack recesses and lunches. Through this experience, students are developing leadership skills, supporting their peers, and helping create a cleaner and more environmentally responsible school community.

On October 8, CVUSD recognized Inclusion Day, a reminder that every student deserves to feel welcomed, valued, respected, and supported.

Inclusion means creating learning environments where differences are celebrated, barriers are removed, and all students have meaningful opportunities to participate, learn, build relationships, and succeed.

Although Inclusion Day is one moment of recognition, the work continues throughout the year. Our promise that All Means All reflects our shared responsibility to ensure every student experiences a genuine sense of belonging in our schools.

Earlier this week, the CVUSD Child Nutrition Department took a field trip to Stillwater Orchards in Courtland, CA! 🍐 We toured the orchards and packing facility to see firsthand how California pears are grown and harvested. Fun fact: while pears from other regions can sit in cold storage for up to a year, California-grown pears go straight from the tree to our schools without long-term cold storage. You can't beat the fresh, local flavor! 

Independent Elementary Principal Patrick Hansen-Schmitt shared the school’s work to strengthen partnerships with families and help every student succeed.

Guided by family feedback, Independent is making information about student learning clearer, more practical, and easier to access. Current efforts include family-requested presentations, multilingual learning resources, ParentSquare support, playdates, surveys, affinity groups, and connections to school and community resources.

Next steps include developing grade-level learning guides, sharing simple activities families can try at home, offering resources in multiple formats and languages, and creating a Family Learning Hub accessible through ParentSquare and the school website.

The Board of Education recognized two outstanding members of the Independent Elementary community.

Student Board Member Sophia Bonilla presented Linxi Xue with a certificate recognizing her as an outstanding student. Trustee Dolly Adams presented Ingrid Ibarra with a certificate honoring her exceptional service as a school volunteer.

Congratulations to Linxi and Ingrid, and thank you for the positive contributions you make to Independent Elementary and the CVUSD community!

The Board approved CVUSD’s updated Comprehensive Plan for Multilingual Learners, which guides the district’s programs, instruction, family engagement, professional learning, and student-progress monitoring.

Multilingual learners represent approximately 12% of CVUSD students and bring a rich range of languages and cultures to our schools. The updated plan takes an asset-based approach that recognizes students’ home languages and cultural backgrounds as strengths.

The plan includes integrated and designated English Language Development, multilingual learner coaching, AVID Excel for long-term multilingual learners, Spanish Dual Language Immersion at Vannoy Elementary, family and community involvement, and continued professional learning for staff.

The Board received an update on CVUSD’s work to address the disproportionate identification of Black/African American students for special education services under Other Health Impairment.

The district’s improvement plan focuses on creating consistent and equitable systems of support before students are referred for special education. Key strategies include strengthening the districtwide Multi-Tiered System of Supports, incorporating culturally responsive practices, building stronger partnerships with families, and expanding restorative and non-exclusionary approaches to discipline.

CVUSD will continue monitoring implementation through student and family feedback, staff collaboration, data review, and non-evaluative Equity Practices Learning Walks at participating schools.

CVUSD’s “Where Should I Go for Help?” resource can help families identify the best person to contact with a question or concern.

Starting with the staff member closest to the situation, such as a teacher, counselor, or principal, is often the quickest way to receive information and support. If additional assistance is needed, the resource also outlines the next steps and appropriate district contacts.