This week brought a little extra joy to the District Office as our staff dressed up to welcome Alma Preschool students for their annual trick-or-treat visit. Seeing our youngest learners parade through the offices in their costumes was a wonderful reminder of the fun, connection, and sense of community that make CVUSD so special.
As we complete the first quarter, we also have much to celebrate across our schools. This issue highlights Canyon students’ achievements in the classroom and athletics, the collaborative work Palomares educators are doing to support the whole child, and the hands-on career opportunities available through our partnership with Eden Area ROP.
Behind each of these stories are dedicated employees, families, coaches, and community partners working together to help students grow and succeed. Thank you for the many ways you support our schools and contribute to a welcoming and caring district community.
As families celebrate Halloween this weekend, please stay visible, use sidewalks and crosswalks, and remind drivers to slow down and watch carefully for trick-or-treaters. Have a fun and safe Halloween!
Dr. Nia Rashidchi
Superintendent
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⏰ Fall Back This Weekend
Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night—and enjoy the extra hour!
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Third Graders Lead a Special Morning Assembly at Stanton Elementary School
Ms. Franco’s third-grade class, with support from the Garcia family, hosted a special assembly this morning for students and staff. The gathering provided an opportunity for students to take an active role in bringing the school community together.
Thank you to Ms. Franco’s class and the Garcia family for the time, preparation, and care they put into making the assembly meaningful and engaging.
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🥎 Three-Peat Champions!
Congratulations to the Canyon Middle School softball team on winning its third consecutive SACMAL Championship!
The team’s hard work, determination, and support for one another led to another outstanding season and an impressive three-peat. Thank you to Coach Christiansen and Coach Popper for their leadership and commitment to our student-athletes.
Congratulations, Canyon Condors!
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🎶 Celebrating the Trojan Brigade
The Castro Valley High School Trojan Brigade Marching Band continues to represent CVHS with tremendous talent, dedication, and Trojan pride.
Most recently, the Trojan Brigade delivered an outstanding performance at a competition in Brentwood, earning top recognition and continuing an impressive season. Their success reflects countless hours of practice and the commitment of our student performers, directors, staff, families, and volunteers.
Congratulations to the entire Trojan Brigade! Go Trojans!
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Canyon Celebrates Athletics and Student Achievement
Canyon Middle School recently celebrated Condor pride through its Battle of the Valley athletic events and first-quarter student awards.
Student-athletes represented Canyon in girls’ soccer, girls’ softball, cross country, and boys’ basketball. The girls’ soccer team earned an impressive 8–0 Battle of the Valley victory, while students across all four sports demonstrated teamwork, determination, and school spirit.
Canyon also recognized students for their accomplishments during the first quarter. Congratulations to all of the students who were honored, and thank you to the families, coaches, teachers, and staff who continue to support their success in the classroom and beyond!
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Palomares Turns Data Into Student Support
The Board received a presentation from Palomares Elementary School highlighting how collaborative data chats help teachers better understand and respond to students’ needs.
During dedicated collaboration time, teachers and support staff review student information, identify areas of strength and need, coordinate services, and adjust instruction or interventions. The team considers the whole child by looking at academic progress alongside social-emotional and behavioral needs.
This structured time helps staff provide support earlier, monitor student progress, and work together across different roles. Palomares educators also shared how these conversations turn information into meaningful action that directly supports student learning and well-being.
Student Board Member Sophia Bonilla presented Chace Roeder with a certificate recognizing him as an outstanding student. Trustee Mike Kusiak presented Annie Pak with a certificate honoring her ex
ceptional service as a school volunteer.
Congratulations to Chace and Annie , and thank you for the positive contributions you make to Palomares Elementary and the CVUSD community!
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Creating Career Pathways Through Eden Area ROP
The Board received an update on CVUSD’s partnership with Eden Area Regional Occupational Program and the career education opportunities available to students.
EAROP programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, early college credit, industry certifications, internships, and other connections to the workplace. Programs include Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Dental Assisting, Medical Careers, Culinary Science, Construction Technology, Welding, Fire Science and EMT, and the new Zero-Emission Vehicle Technology program.
Castro Valley High School students Sara Zhang and Deepsan Rai also shared their experiences in the Automotive Technology and Cybersecurity programs. The presentation included an update on the planned EAROP/Chabot Middle College program, which is expected to welcome its first group of CVUSD students in fall 2027.
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2027–28 Instructional Calendar Approved
The Board approved CVUSD’s instructional calendar for the 2027–28 school year. The calendar was developed collaboratively by the district and the Castro Valley Teachers Association and was formally ratified by CVTA.
The first day of school will be Tuesday, August 10, 2027, and the last day of school will be Wednesday, May 31, 2028. The calendar also identifies staff development days, school breaks, holidays, reporting periods, and districtwide minimum or early-release days.
The Board also asked the district to gather feedback from families about calendar priorities and preferences. An upcoming survey will provide families with an opportunity to share their perspectives and help inform calendar discussions. Because the instructional calendar is a negotiated item, family feedback will be considered alongside instructional requirements and the collective bargaining process.
Families are encouraged to review the calendar when planning appointments, travel, and other activities for the 2027–28 school year.
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Supporting the People Who Support Our Schools
The Board received the Personnel Commission’s 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting its work to recruit, select, and support the classified employees who serve CVUSD students and schools.
During the year, the Commission conducted 70 recruitments, established 62 eligibility lists, and supported the hiring of 101 new employees and 10 promotions. It also updated job classifications within Nutrition Services and supported employee orientations, the Classified Job Fair, Classified School Employee Week, and the annual Employee of the Year and Retiree Celebration.
Following a public hearing, the Board also confirmed the nomination of Monica Lee to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for reappointment to the CVUSD Personnel Commission. Her continued service will support the Commission’s work promoting fair and effective classified recruitment and employment practices.
We appreciate the Personnel Commission’s continued commitment to helping CVUSD recruit, retain, and celebrate the dedicated professionals who support our students and schools.
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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.
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Stay connected with CVUSD for district news, school and student highlights, upcoming events, important reminders, employment opportunities, and celebrations from across our community.
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For official and time-sensitive district and school communications, families should continue to monitor ParentSquare.
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Nov 11 - Veterans Day (No School)
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Nov 18 - Board of Education Meeting (6:00 PM, District Office)
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Nov 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
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