SLUSD November Update: So Much to Be Grateful For
SLUSD Update
So Much to Be Grateful For
November 3, 2026
Dear San Leandro Unified Staff and Families,
Dear San Leandro Unified Staff and Families,
On this Election Day, I've been thinking about Dolores Huerta, the civil rights and labor leader who passed away last week. Before she became a national figure, she was a teacher who watched children arrive at school hungry while their families worked long days in the fields. She understood that helping them meant addressing the conditions their families faced, and she went on to dedicate her life to organizing alongside farmworkers so they could have a greater voice in decisions that affected them. Her legacy reminds me why it's so important that our students grow up knowing they, too, will influence what happens in their communities.
In San Leandro, that belief is part of our Graduate Profile, which calls on students to become ethical and cultural leaders who work to shape a better world. As our students work toward earning California's State Seal of Civic Engagement, they have an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment by examining issues they care about and taking action. Many may not be old enough to vote, but they are already members of our community with perspectives worth hearing and ideas worth pursuing. I want their first experience of civic participation to happen long before they cast their first ballot, and I want our schools to be the places where they discover their voices and how much those voices matter. I'm grateful for the educators and families who help our students find that confidence every day.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful November break, with time to enjoy the people and moments that remind you of what's good in the world.
Warmly,
Dr. Sonal Patel
Acting Superintendent
San Leandro Unified School District
Schools Showcase
Garfield Elementary
The Garfield PTO was at the school bright and early to unload pumpkins and volunteer at our annual pumpkin patch. We want to give this team a huge shout out for all that they have done this school year to bring joy and community to our school. The pumpkin patch event was a huge success!
Halkin Elementary
Fall fun was in full swing as Mrs. Deanna Pinomaki’s first-graders explored the Halkin Pumpkin Patch! Judging by those big smiles, the day was filled with all the magic and excitement of the season!
Jefferson Elementary
There’s a Secret Jaguar at Jefferson Elementary! This mystery student leader is spreading school spirit across campus, with their identity staying under wraps until the end of the year! Recently, the Secret Jaguar celebrated Miss Saucedo’s first-graders for demonstrating their ROAR expectations in the cafeteria and recognized the amazing young scientists in Miss Ruiz’s class. Jaguar pride is everywhere at Jefferson!
Madison Elementary
Madison Elementary’s 4th- and 5th-grade Mustangs enjoyed a day of discovery at EBMUD’s STEAM Discovery Day at Siesta Valley! From exploring wildlife and water conservation to enjoying a performance by Grammy Award-winning Alphabet Rockers, students experienced science in exciting new ways. Thank you, EBMUD, for inspiring our young scientists and showing them that discovery is everywhere!
McKinley Elementary
McKinley Elementary was crawling with characters, and not all of them were students! From spooky surprises to costumes that stole the show, Trunk or Treat brought out the Halloween spirit in a BIG way. And judging by the turnout, McKinley families wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Monroe Elementary
Monroe wrapped up Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month with a Fiesta! Families planned everything, from delicious homemade food from multiple countries to a slideshow and student performances. We had so much fun celebrating together!
Roosevelt Elementary
Live theater came to Roosevelt Elementary thanks to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival! Younger students enjoyed spooky stories and poetry, while older students experienced the drama of Hamlet. A special thank you to actors Jacquir and Hannah for bringing literature to life through performances and interactive workshops!
Washington Elementary
Fall fun was in full swing at Washington Elementary’s annual Fall Carnival! A big thank you to the PTO, San Leandro High School student volunteers, staff, and community members who helped make this special tradition such a fun day for our Washington families!
Bancroft Middle School
Bancroft Middle School’s Razas Unidas students spent the day exploring Oakland’s Fruitvale District! From making Pan de Muerto to enjoying Native American cuisine, students experienced local cultural traditions and even contributed artwork to a community quilt. What a memorable day beyond the classroom!
John Muir Middle School
Career Day brought a little bit of the working world into John Muir Middle School! Students had the chance to hear firsthand from professionals about their careers, ask questions, and discover opportunities they may not have considered before. A big thank you to our guest presenters for sharing their experiences and giving our students a glimpse of what life after school can look like!
San Leandro High School
The San Leandro High School library is honoring Día de los Muertos with a beautiful ofrenda dedicated to members of our Pirate family who have passed away. This special tribute offers a space to remember and celebrate the lives of those who will always be part of our Pirate community.
Lincoln High School
Lincoln High School served up a delicious celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! Mr. K’s culinary students prepared Latin American favorites, from grilled elotes to Cuban sliders, while the Lupian family band brought the lunchtime crowd to life with music. A wonderful celebration of culture, family, and Lincoln pride!
San Leandro Virtual Academy
SLVA students took learning beyond the classroom with a behind-the-scenes visit to Bay Area favorite Torani! Students worked alongside food engineers to explore how new flavors come to life before heading to Chabot College to discover careers in advanced manufacturing, architecture, and automotive technology. A day of hands-on discovery and new possibilities for our students!
San Leandro Adult & Career Education Center
New connections, fresh possibilities, and plenty of opportunities! The San Leandro Adult and Career Education Center teamed up with Rubicon to host the Alameda County Resource and Career Fair, bringing together more than 40 vendors to connect community members with career pathways and local resources. A fantastic turnout and a great day of opening doors to what’s next!
After School Spotlight
On October 22, all ten of SLUSD’s Expanded Learning Programs joined communities across the country in celebrating Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide event highlighting the importance of afterschool programs. In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro, our programs provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships, and continue learning beyond the school day. A special thank you to our Boys & Girls Clubs staff for the care and dedication they bring to our students every day!
November Recognitions
Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month
San Leandro’s story began long before our city had a name. The Ohlone peoples have deep roots in this region, and their histories, cultures, and living communities remain essential to understanding the place we call home.
As SLUSD celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month through Resolution 26-38, we invite everyone to discover more of this local history. The San Leandro History Museum offers resources developed with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, and the Hayward Area Historical Society’s Ohlone curriculum provides opportunities to bring these stories to life
Honoring Veterans Day
Every veteran leaves a story worth remembering. Some are here to share their experiences, while others live on in the memories of the families and communities they helped shape.
This Veterans Day, SLUSD honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who are no longer with us. We extend special gratitude to the veterans who are part of our SLUSD family, past and present.
Through Resolution 26-39, we join our San Leandro community in recognizing their service, remembering those we have lost, and expressing our gratitude to all who have worn the uniform.
District News
Alameda County Public Health is hosting a free vaccine clinic for SLUSD staff, parents, and students ages 5 and older.
Alameda County Public Health is hosting a free vaccine clinic for SLUSD staff, parents, and students ages 5 and older.
Dates: November 5 & 6
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Barbara Lee Center for Health and Wellness
2251 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94578
Cost: Free
Register today using the QR code on the flyer or visit bit.ly/SLVIP-SLUSD26.
Engagement Opportunities
Join Us for an Upcoming SLUSD Family Learning Series!
SLUSD offers online parent and community educational support sessions that provide essential information and strategies for parents/caregivers to support their child’s growth and development. Here are the upcoming sessions:
Family Landing Pad
Wednesday, November 4⋅5:00 – 6:00pm
Join the session here:
https://slusd-us.zoom.us/j/88239875967?pwd=3iVyYIfXa47zhA2eTFtiAKbxOR2acN.1
Cultivating Gratitude at Home
In a world filled with advertising, social media, and constant messages urging us to want more, how can we help our children appreciate what matters most? Join other parents and caregivers for an interactive conversation about cultivating gratitude in ways that are meaningful, age-appropriate, and authentic. We'll explore how to nurture appreciation without guilt or pressure, honor our children's feelings and independence, and encourage critical thinking about the messages they receive. Together, we'll share simple ways to foster gratitude, generosity, and connection at home.
The session is open to all San Leandro parents and caregivers with TK–12th grade students. Raffle prizes at every session! Spanish and Chinese interpretation will be provided!
Students Invited to Participate in the 2027 MLK Oratorical Festival & Poetry Slam
San Leandro students in grades 3–12 are invited to share their voices at the City of San Leandro's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Festival & Poetry Slam on Saturday, January 16, 2027, at 10:30 a.m. at the Marina Community Center. Students can perform an original or well-known essay, speech, or poem celebrating Dr. King's message of peace, tolerance, and social justice. Gift card prizes of $100 for first place and $50 for second place will be awarded.
The deadline to enter is January 11, 2027, or when 25 entries have been received. Students and families are encouraged to sign up early! Visit SanLeandro.org/MLK for more information.
Support SLED, Support Our Students!
See what a year of community support can make possible! The San Leandro Education Foundation's 2025–2026 Annual Report highlights the impact of generosity, partnership, and a shared commitment to our students. Take a look at what we've accomplished together!
Quick Links
Contact
San Leandro Unified School District
2600 Teagarden Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
- 510-667-3500
- [email protected]
- www.slusd.us