Campbell Weekly

Printable News

Use the latest version of Firefox to print this page. Remember to set print settings to print background colors and images and make sure ignore scaling is not checked. Also, make sure "Page Headers" and "Page Footers" are all set to "--blank--."

This help text will not show up on the print.

Prevent the Summer Slide: Keep Learning Going at Home

Resources for families to help their students retain and accelerate skills

brother and sister reading together at home

To help students retain their math and literacy skills over the summer, Campbell Union School District offers a variety of free resources for families. Visit our Help at Home web page for tools, tips, and activities you can do with your child that support learning in fun and engaging ways. 

New Buddy Bench Installed for CSI Kindergarteners!

On Monday, June 2nd, 2025 CSI’s Kindergarteners learned all about the new Buddy Bench on their playground.

buddies

The Buddy Bench is the brainchild of three Girl Scouts and CSI 5th graders, Victoria Binns, Emma Gray, and Sarah Lohr, as part of their project to achieve the Girl Scout Bronze Award. All three girls decided early on that they wanted to do a project that helps their fellow students bring kindness, inclusion, and empathy to their playtime. Thus, the CSI Buddy Bench project was born.
In November the girls met with Principal Xyzzy to present their ideas and find out what steps they would need to take to make sure their project had both her and CUSD approval. They conceived ways to make the bench more impactful on the community. Once they found out what they had to do, the girls worked hard to fundraise to pay for the bench. Through this process they received donations from community members and generous sponsorship from The Trash Punx. They also held a successful fundraiser at South Winchester BBQ! 
Their fundraising efforts allowed them to also purchase The Buddy Bench Book as a gift to the Kindergarten classes, and they plan to read the book to all the Kindergarteners at the beginning of each school year. Through this process the idea came up to also use this opportunity to remember and celebrate CSI teacher Terri Hughes, who passed away during the previous school year. With so many ideas swirling around, the girls worked to tie everything together with a presentation that was presented to the Kindergarten students. During the presentation, Emma, Sarah, and Victoria introduced the Kindergarten classes to the Buddy Bench, read the book to them, discussed situations they may face on the playground, and encouraged them to Think Like Terri! The students listened attentively and asked great questions! Emma, Sarah, and Victoria look forward to doing the same presentation in the Fall for next year’s Kindergarteners, and they hope the lessons they teach will stay with students throughout their time at CSI!
Emma, Sarah, and Victoria would like to thank Principal Xyzzy and CUSD personnel for helping to realize their vision. They would also like to thank Girl Scout Troop 62131 and Troop Leader Staci Binns for their support on this project.
Full Width

Bringing Student Performances to the Big Stage

Heritage Foundation’s Generosity Expands Theater Access for CUSD Students

stage full of young students performing Lion King Jr.

Thanks to the generosity of Friends of the Heritage Theatre, more Campbell Union School District students will have the opportunity to shine on a professional stage next year.

Through a new partnership with the district, Friends of the Heritage Theatre is providing up to $10,000 to help two upper-grades productions—Rolling Hills Middle School’s winter show and a joint spring production by Monroe Middle School and Campbell School of Innovation—take the stage at the historic Campbell Heritage Theatre during the 2025–26 season.

In addition to supporting production costs, the organization has created a $5,000 scholarship fund to help cover student participation fees, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to being part of the experience.

“This collaboration enhances our arts programs and creates lasting memories, enriching our students’ educational journey,” said Martha de Ojeda, Director of Expanded Learning. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our students and community.”

The Friends of the Heritage Theatre raise funds through tax-deductible donations from the community and concession sales during the theatre’s regular season events. Their support helps bring the arts to life for the next generation of performers.

Keeping Students Healthy and Learning This Summer

Free School-Community Programs Support Students and Families

adolescent boy with headphones holding a book and biting into an apple as he stands beside a school building

Campbell Union School District is helping children stay nourished and engaged all summer long!

Free Summer Meals
From June 23 to August 1 (closed July 4), children 18 and younger can enjoy a free lunch through the Seamless Summer Meals program.
 Lynhaven Elementary, 881 S. Cypress Ave., San Jose
 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
 No ID or school enrollment is required—just come by and enjoy a healthy meal on site.

Read, Watch, Listen, Learn
Every CUSD student also has a free library account through the Santa Clara County Library District. They can explore thousands of books, audiobooks, videos, and more—perfect for summer learning and fun!

Questions about summer meals?
 408-341-7210 | Food [at] Campbellusd.org

Celebrating Our District’s 2024–25 Honorees

Community Celebrates Employees and Volunteers of the Year 

three smiling women holding framed award certificates.

Nearly 300 people attended the May 22nd celebration where we recognized the outstanding individuals whose dedication and impact truly stood out this year. Each school’s administrator presented their 2024-25 Teacher of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year, describing their contributions to their school community. 

With so many exceptional nominees, it wasn’t easy for the District leadership to choose just one person for each category—but three individuals rose to the top to represent our entire district this year.

  • District Volunteer of the Year: Kathy Hawkes, Village School
     For more than a decade, Kathy has given her time and energy in countless ways—from field trip coordination to leading the PTA. Her inclusive leadership and strong partnerships with staff and families have helped create a connected, welcoming school community.
  • District Classified Employee of the Year: Diana Duarte, Capri Elementary
     As a Behavior Specialist, Diana plays a vital role in supporting students and staff. Her calm, practical approach and unwavering dedication foster growth, resilience, and a “we can” spirit throughout the school.
  • District Teacher of the Year: Pati Curiel, Blackford Elementary
     With over 30 years in CUSD, Pati has built a classroom where students feel seen, supported, and challenged. Her passion for education and commitment to student success make her a standout educator and leader.

The Superintendent also acknowledged two school administrators—Melissa Rojek and Sarah Williams— for receiving Administrator of the Year awards from the local chapter of the Association of California School Administrators.

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional professionals for their outstanding contributions to our schools and community!