SLUSD October Update: Fall is in Full Swing!
SLUSD Update
6 أكتوبر 2026
Dear San Leandro Unified Staff and Families,
Last month, we asked families and staff to share their thoughts about screen time and artificial intelligence in our schools. I have been reading through your responses, and I was struck by how many of you are wrestling with the same questions we are.
Two out of three respondents expressed a high level of concern about screen time at school, and many raised similar questions about AI. Behind those responses, I heard a desire to be more intentional about when we use technology and what it adds to a student’s learning.
That brings me back to our Graduate Profile, which describes the skills and qualities we want every San Leandro student to develop by the time they leave us. We want students who can think for themselves, communicate with others, stay curious, and create. As we consider screen time and the growing role of AI in learning, our Graduate Profile offers an important lens. Are the choices we make about technology strengthening those qualities in our students? And when might a different kind of learning experience serve them better?
We have asked our school leaders to keep this conversation going at each of our schools, so look for opportunities to share your thoughts there. You are also always welcome to reach out to me directly. I want to keep hearing from you as we think about what role technology and AI should play in our students’ learning.
Dr. Sonal Patel
Acting Superintendent
Schools Showcase
Garfield Elementary
During Friday Morning Circle, the Garfield community celebrated Art Ramirez, a beloved colleague who is retiring at the end of the month. Art has been at Garfield for a long time, and the Gators will miss him. Congratulations, Art, on your retirement!
Halkin Elementary
Laughter, music, and wisdom filled the halls at Halkin Elementary School’s 2nd Annual Grandparents Day. Students joined their grandparents for an energetic event packed with games and dancing. The highlight came when grandparents offered heartfelt advice, reflecting on the journeys behind them and sharing the priceless insights they've gained along the way.
Jefferson Elementary
The Jaguars celebrated 29 students who reached an exciting milestone through reclassification, reflecting their strong growth in English language development. Twenty students were honored at a special ceremony, while nine have already moved on to middle school. Congratulations to all of our students on this wonderful accomplishment!
Madison Elementary
Madison Elementary came together for a joyful Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration, bringing students and families together to honor the full moon, family, and community. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening so special!
McKinley Elementary
McKinley TK students have been learning about the moon and exploring the topic through fun, hands-on activities that sparked plenty of curiosity and excitement.
Monroe Elementary
Monroe students are strumming into music class with brand-new ukuleles and plenty of enthusiasm as they learn the basics and start making music together.
Roosevelt Elementary
Students in Natasha Weidner’s class took farm-to-table learning to a whole new level by growing lettuce in the school’s hydroponic farm, harvesting it, and then seeing it served in the cafeteria salad bar. It was a pretty great way to enjoy the fruits, or in this case, the greens, of their labor.
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary marked Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with a special celebration featuring an Aztec Dance performance by a Washington family and a lively Caballo Dorado performance by Ms. Gomez’s 4th-grade DLI class. It was a joyful afternoon filled with culture, tradition, and community pride.
Bancroft Middle School
Club Rush brought plenty of energy to Bancroft Middle School as students checked out the clubs and activities happening across campus. It’s a chance to meet other students, discover new interests, and find a group that feels like a good fit. Club Rush is all about getting involved and having fun along the way.
John Muir Middle School
John Muir Middle School students took learning beyond the classroom with the first community school field trip of the year. In partnership with East Bay Regional Parks and SLED, students spent the day exploring outdoors, learning through hands-on experiences, and discovering more about the natural world around them. It was a great way to kick off a year of new adventures for the JMMS community.
San Leandro High School
The San Leandro High School College and Career Center has a fresh new look and continues to be a go-to resource for students as they think about life after high school. Students can get support exploring colleges and career pathways, finding scholarships and financial aid resources, completing applications, and connecting with opportunities that match their interests and goals.
Lincoln High School
Lincoln students recently welcomed representatives from AC Vote for an on-campus voter registration event. Eligible students had the opportunity to register, ask questions about the voting process, and learn more about participating in upcoming elections.
San Leandro Virtual Academy
SLVA kicked off its first field trip of the year with a day on the Bay! Middle and high school students visited Jack London Square and cruised aboard the historic USS Potomac, learning about President Franklin D. Roosevelt along the way. A beautiful day to experience history beyond the classroom!
San Leandro Adult & Career Education Center
Join San Leandro Adult & Career Education Center and Rubicon Programs for a Job & Resource Fair on Friday, October 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet local employers, explore career opportunities, and connect with community resources at 1448 Williams Street.
Spotlight on After School Expanded Learning Programs (ASES & ELO-P)
What started as one skateboarding class at Bancroft Middle School in spring 2024 has grown into a popular ELO-P offering across SLUSD. Through a partnership between the Boys & Girls Club and Rob Skate Academy, students use skateboarding to build confidence, practice focus, manage emotions, and connect with one another.
The program has expanded to all eight elementary schools and both middle schools. Classes are currently being offered at Halkin, Madison, McKinley, and Roosevelt.
October Recognitions
Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and this year there is added attention on cyberbullying and how online behavior can affect students at school. Group chats, social media, and other digital spaces can sometimes carry conflicts onto campus and impact students’ sense of safety.
Families can learn more about bullying and cyberbullying through the California Department of Education’s Bullying Frequently Asked Questions.
Filipino History Month
October is Filipino American History Month, a time to recognize the stories and contributions of Filipino Americans across our schools and communities. Filipino students, families, and staff are an important part of SLUSD and of the history we continue to share.
Throughout the month, our schools will highlight Filipino American voices and experiences in ways that help students learn more about the people and stories that have shaped California and beyond.
Happy Filipino American History Month to our SLUSD community. You can also read the SLUSD School Board resolution here.
LGBTQ+ History Month
October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to learn more about the people and stories that are part of our shared history. Families can explore the 2026 LGBTQ+ History Month site, which highlights a different LGBTQ+ individual each day in October through short biographies, videos, and other resources. It’s an easy way to discover people and stories you may not already know.
- Explore the 2026 LGBTQ+ History Month resources
- Read SLUSD Board Resolution 26-34 recognizing LGBTQ+ History Month
Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month
October is Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about dating and domestic violence, support survivors, and promote healthy relationships. At San Leandro High School, students honor and remember Myrna Umanzor, Mariah Davis, and Nayanci Gonzalez.
The Myrna and Mariah Resolution was initiated by students in the SLHS Social Justice Academy in memory of Myrna Umanzor and Mariah Davis, both former San Leandro High School students who tragically lost their lives in situations of intimate partner violence. The resolution continues to guide awareness and education efforts across our schools.
Read Resolution 26-33 in its entirety here.
District News
Cary-Haas Pedestrian Bridge Breaks Ground
The City of San Leandro and San Leandro Unified School District recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Cary-Haas Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project, an exciting step toward restoring an important connection for our community.
Located near Bancroft Middle School, Memorial Park and the San Leandro Main Library, the bridge has long provided a convenient route for students, families and neighbors traveling between Cary Drive and Haas Avenue. The original bridge, built in 1972, was damaged during a severe storm in March 2023 and later removed.
“This week’s groundbreaking reflects what is possible when the City and the School District are committed to a shared goal,” said SLUSD Board President Jackie Perl. “This bridge will strengthen an important connection for our students, families, staff, and the broader San Leandro community, and we are proud to see years of planning and partnership moving forward.”
Construction is now underway, with completion expected in spring 2027. Learn more about the project at sanleandro.org/cityprojects.
City of San Leandro and San Leandro Unified School District officials, community members and project partners celebrate the groundbreaking of the Cary-Haas Pedestrian Bridge.
Rendering of the new Cary-Haas Pedestrian Bridge.
When Everything Starts Shaking, Do You Know What to Do?
On Thursday, October 15 at 10:15 a.m., SLUSD schools will take part in the Great California ShakeOut. Students and staff will practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On, the recommended action during earthquake shaking.
Families can help reinforce that practice at home by talking with children about what to do during an earthquake and reviewing a household emergency plan. The official ShakeOut site has a section specifically for individuals and families, with preparedness tips and ideas for practicing together. Explore ShakeOut resources for families
E-Bikes and E-Scooters
More students are using e-bikes and e-scooters for transportation. If your student rides one, please make sure they understand the rules for their device.
E-bikes: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes assist up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes assist up to 28 mph, and riders must be at least 16 years old. A driver’s license is not required for Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes.
E-scooters: Riders must have a valid California learner’s permit or driver’s license. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. E-scooters are limited to 15 mph, may carry only one rider, and may not be ridden on sidewalks.
Please make sure students have the right safety equipment, understand the rules for their device, and follow school expectations for parking and storage.
For an overview of California’s e-bike and e-scooter rules, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety’s E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety — Go Safely California
Engagement Opportunities
Celebrating Our Latino Community
Join us for an evening that celebrates the experiences, strengths, and voices of our Latino families and students. We’ll come together for conversation, connection, and ideas for supporting our young people at school and beyond.
Wednesday, October 14
5:00–6:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom
This session is part of SLUSD’s Family Learning Series, offering families opportunities to connect, learn, and find support throughout the school year.
Support SLED, Support Our Students!
This year, the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) launched a new grant specifically for teachers new to SLUSD, helping them get their classrooms ready and giving students access to resources from the very start of the school year.
And we love seeing those grants in action! Ms. Spranza recently shared photos of students at Garfield and Jefferson making music with new glockenspiel mallets purchased through her grant.
Through SLED’s partnership with SLUSD, grants help bring classroom resources, field trips, and enrichment opportunities directly to our students. It’s a great example of what happens when our community invests in our schools.
Learn more about SLED, its programs, and ways to get involved at www.sledfund.org.
Quick Links
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San Leandro Unified School District
2600 Teagarden Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
- 510-667-3500
- [email protected]
- www.slusd.us