SLUSD Update: September Sets the SLUSD Rhythm
SLUSD Update
September Sets the SLUSD Rhythm
1 de setembro de 2026
PHOTOS BY DR. SONAL PATEL | Ms. Shaw’s third-grade class, Halkin Elementary
Dear San Leandro Unified Community,
At the start of each school year, as I visit our classrooms, I think about what we want our students to experience during their time in our schools. I want their curiosity to be encouraged and their questions to be welcomed. I want them to discover the satisfaction that comes from staying with a difficult problem when the answer isn’t immediately clear. That kind of learning grows when students have room to explore ideas and learn alongside their teachers and classmates.
Technology is already part of that experience, and its role deserves closer attention as screens take up more of children’s lives and artificial intelligence becomes easier to access. Although screen use and AI raise different issues, both require us to think carefully about when technology strengthens learning and when it takes away from the productive struggle that helps learning take hold. We want students to trust that their own ideas are worth developing and to build the judgment to recognize when technology can support their learning and when it is doing the learning for them.
Educators across SLUSD are already asking these questions and looking closely at how digital tools are being used. This year, we will convene collaborative learning groups to examine our current practices and build on our existing guidance for screen use and AI. We also want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and experiences with AI and screen use through this brief survey.
We will share what we learn and continue the conversation with students, families, and staff throughout the year.
Warmly,
Dr. Sonal Patel
Acting Superintendent
Schools Showcase
Garfield Elementary
The Gators continue a tradition begun last year: Friday Morning circles, where they feel the collective spirit of their school. There is something meaningful about bringing together staff, students, and families to celebrate, discuss, and learn.
Halkin Elementary
Dolphin TK students took their learning outside in the Halkin Garden, exploring nature, making discoveries, and enjoying a hands-on classroom under the open sky.
Jefferson Elementary
Jaguar fifth graders recently took learning into the hallway with improv activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and confidence. It’s one great example of how Jefferson engages students in their learning.
Madison Elementary
Madison Elementary kicked off the 2026–27 school year with its first family STEM event! It was inspiring to see children and families designing, investigating, testing ideas, and learning together!
McKinley Elementary
McKinley’s library has started the 2026–27 school year with students making the space their own. They are coming in to talk, work together, and enjoy a little fun along the way. Thank you to Miss Mary, our librarian, for creating a place students want to return to.
Monroe Elementary
A successful fire drill at Monroe Elementary! All students were safely accounted for, and just look at how organized Ms. Yee’s class was as they circled up after the drill!
Roosevelt Elementary
Hornets spent the first days of school learning playground expectations and practicing how to make recess a happy, healthy, and welcoming experience for everyone.
Washington Elementary
The Washington Wildcats are loving lunchtime and their reusable food trays! These trays are helping cut down on waste while giving students one more reason to feel good about lunch at school. Small change, big difference!
Bancroft Middle School
Bancroft got the year rolling with a visit from BikeMobile, helping students get their bikes tuned up and ready to ride into a great school year!
John Muir Middle School
John Muir’s art room is already bursting with color and creativity as new art teacher Nicole Austin gets the year started. Students are wasting no time bringing their ideas to life.
San Leandro High School
The sun is rising on senior year at San Leandro High School. The Class of 2027 gathered for Senior Sunrise to welcome the year together, soak in the moment, and celebrate the start of their final chapter as Pirates. Here’s to making this year one to remember!
Lincoln High School
This summer, Lincoln’s Street Soccer USA players were treated to the unforgettable experience of attending a World Cup match! Lincoln’s Street Soccer USA program is made possible through funding from the California Community Schools Partnership Program grant.
San Leandro Virtual Academy
SLVA kicked off the new school year with a Back-to-School Meet and Greet! Students and families connected with staff, enjoyed games and activities, and picked up the materials needed for a successful start to the year.
September Recognitions
Attendance Awareness Month
Showing up to school every day matters. Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically, build strong relationships, and feel connected to their school community. Missing just two days a month can add up to chronic absenteeism, which means missing 10 percent or more of the school year.
Families play an important role in building strong attendance habits. Consistent routines, arriving on time, and scheduling appointments or vacations outside the school day can make a real difference. If getting to school regularly is a challenge, we can help. Contact your school for support!
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15)
San Leandro Unified celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities. This is a special time to honor traditions, share stories, and celebrate the voices that strengthen our schools and community. Look for celebrations and learning activities happening across our schools throughout the month. See our school board resolution here.
National Suicide Prevention Month
Schools across the nation observe National Suicide Prevention Month because the mental health and safety of our communities is a collective responsibility.
Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation allows us to step in early. Changes to look for include:
- Behavioral & Social: Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities; giving away prized possessions; self-destructive choices; sudden changes in hygiene or sleep; or a sudden, unexpected boost in mood after a period of deep depression.
- Verbal & Cognitive: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, or being a burden; talking or writing about death; making statements like "I can't take it anymore"; or struggling to concentrate due to a fixation on dark thoughts.
- Emotional & Situational: Extreme mood shifts, intense irritability, or processing severe stress from recent loss, breakup, bullying, or academic pressures.
If you notice these signs in a child, friend, or family member:
- Ask directly: Initiate a calm, direct conversation about what they are feeling.
- Listen without judgment: Offer a safe, compassionate space without brushing off their feelings.
- Connect to support: Involve trusted adults (parents, school counselors, coaches) and connect them with professional help immediately.
Crisis & Mental Health Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential) or visit 988lifeline.org.
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Access community support groups and education at nami.org.
San Leandro Unified School District partners with Care Solace to make finding mental health or substance use care simple and confidential for our families and staff:
- Call: 888-515-0595 (Available 24/7/365 with multilingual support).
- Visit: caresolace.com/slusdfamilies to search independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized care navigation.
District News
What We’re Seeing With Cell Phones
As we get into the school year, we are grateful for how students are showing up for our cell phone expectations and for the support families are providing at home. At all SLUSD elementary and middle schools, cell phones are not permitted from bell to bell, while at San Leandro High School and Lincoln High School, students may not use cell phones during instructional time unless permitted by a teacher or when other extenuating circumstances apply. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping these routines take hold and keeping the focus on learning and being present at school. Learn more about SLUSD’s electronic device expectations.
Engagement Opportunities
Back to School Nights are HERE!
Join us in September for family sessions to connect with your child’s teachers and school community. Bring the whole family and stay tuned for details from your school!
- Elementary - Thursday, September 3
- Middle Schools - Thursday, September 10
- San Leandro High School - Thursday, September 17
- San Leandro Virtual Academy - Thursday, September 17
- Lincoln High School - Thursday, September 24
Stronger Schools Start With You
Parents and caregivers are the heart of a thriving school community. Your involvement, whether through working, volunteering, or joining school leadership, helps students achieve, feel supported, and stay connected. We invite you to take an active role in our schools and join us in building a stronger, more vibrant learning community for all.
- Explore Current Open Positions
- Learn About the Volunteer Process
- Join a School Leadership Group (See your school's calendar for the next meeting date)
Is Your Student’s Information Up to Date?
Do we have your current phone number? Your student’s emergency contacts? The right address?
Data Confirmation is the annual process in Aeries that allows families to review and update the information we have on file for their student.
Keeping this information up to date helps ensure we can reach you when needed.
Completing Data Confirmation may also help your family access important benefits and bring additional funding to your student’s school.
Depending on eligibility, benefits can include:
- SAT and college application fee waivers
- Free or reduced-cost child care and afterschool programs
- SUN Bucks for groceries over the summer
- Additional funding for your student’s school
Please complete Data Confirmation by October 1.
Not sure if you’ve done it yet? Check today.
Complete Data Confirmation in 3 Easy Steps
Get Ready for College Applications with SLED
College application season is almost here, and the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) and the San Leandro Public Library are teaming up to help students and families get ready.
The series begins with a San Leandro Public Library presentation on paying for college. SLED will then lead two application sessions. The first will walk students through the application process, including what to prepare, how to narrow down college and major choices, and what to know about PIQs and essays. The second will be a hands-on session where students can begin their applications and receive more individualized support.
All sessions are free, but advance registration is required. Reserve your spot at Sanleandro.libcal.com.
Quick Links
Contato
San Leandro Unified School District
2600 Teagarden Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
- 510-667-3500
- [email protected]
- www.slusd.us