Dear Scotts Valley Community,
Thank you for helping us start the 2025–2026 school year on such a positive note. From our dedicated staff who worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare classrooms, programs, and campuses, to our families who partnered with us to ensure students were ready for the first days of school, your efforts made a real difference.
The energy and excitement across our schools have been evident, and it is clear that this strong start is the result of our collective commitment to students.
In August, SVMS, Brook Knoll, and Vine Hill schools hosted their Back-to-School Nights. SVHS is scheduled for September 3rd.
The Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair is scheduled for September 6th at Skypark. We hope you can attend. www.scottsvalleymulticulturalfair.com
As we step into September, we’re excited to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. This special time allows us to honor and celebrate the vibrant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Throughout the month, our teachers and staff will highlight the culture and traditions of students, staff, and community members with roots in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
We also continue our district-wide focus on math across all grade levels, partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. As part of a countywide network of mathematics leadership teams, we align professional learning with the 2023 California Math Framework and Common Core Standards. This initiative fosters a shared vision for math education, helping us develop strategic plans tailored to our district and enhancing math teaching and learning in our schools. Teachers have already begun administering reading, writing, and math assessments to identify the best ways to support students in the classroom.
CAASPP Student Score Reports are visible online through ParentVUE. Unfortunately, the reports are not visible through the app on your phone or tablet. Synergy is working on updating the app so that the Student Score Report will also be visible on the app.
Every Day Counts!
September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance in supporting students' academic success. Every day in class is an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and stay connected with their peers and teachers. By working together—families, schools, and our community—we can support students in building strong attendance habits that set the foundation for lifelong success.
Since COVID, SVUSD’s positive attendance rate has improved each year, and that is in part because of you! Thank you for your partnership. Here are some ideas that you can do at home to continue encouraging your child to have on-time attendance.
Ways Parents Can Encourage On-Time School Attendance:
1. Establish a Routine – Set regular bedtimes and wake-up times so mornings feel less rushed.
2. Prepare the Night Before – Pack backpacks, choose clothes, and prep lunches ahead of time.
3. Create a Calm Morning Atmosphere – Build in extra time for breakfast and getting ready.
4. Model the Value of Punctuality – Speak positively about school and demonstrate that being on time is important. Share positive stories of when you were in school.
5. Limit Evening Screen Time – Encourage winding down with reading or quiet activities before bed.
6. Celebrate Good Attendance – Recognize your child’s effort when they get to school on time.
7. Stay Connected with School – Communicate with teachers if challenges come up, so your child feels supported.
8. Build Excitement – Ask your child about what they look forward to at school (friends, favorite subjects, activities).
Student Wellness
In case you missed this August 19th message from Superintendent Krause, here is her letter again for your convenience: Important Information for Families: Utilizing Insurance for Student Counseling Services. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at studentservices@scottsvalleyusd.org.
September Theme: Identity & Belonging
We are excited to share our new Community Connections Calendar! Each month, our schools will continue to celebrate the diversity that makes our district so special by focusing on a common district-wide theme. In September, the theme is Identity and Belonging, where students and staff will explore what it means to feel connected and valued. Each school may celebrate this theme in its own unique way, but together we will build community connections through shared experiences and honor the many identities that strengthen us all.
On our Student Services Department page, you’ll find a variety of helpful resources to support students and families. These include information about the importance of attendance, health services, counseling & student wellness, and support for families experiencing homelessness. For more information on additional topics of interest, visit the Student Services Department page today.
We are excited to welcome many new special education students to the SVUSD family this year! We understand the importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences and encourage you to reach out to the Special Parent Information Network (SPIN). SPIN is an invaluable resource for finding community, friendship, and support. Additionally, there are many other local resources available to support families with special needs children, including:
● Growing Up in Santa Cruz Guide
We are committed to supporting your family and look forward to building a strong, positive partnership with you.
We would like to thank our incredible local supporters—the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation, our PTOs/PTAs and Parent Club, the SVHS Falcon Club, Kiwanis, and Rotary. Because of your generosity and dedication, our schools are stronger, our programs are richer, and our students and staff benefit every day. We truly couldn’t do this without you! If you are considering joining our volunteer ranks and working with our students through one of these organizations, or in another capacity, please be aware that there are specific requirements, including a background check and safety training. For more information, please visit our volunteer information page on the SVUSD website.
In closing, we’d like to express our appreciation to educators Deb Avila-White, Julie Maxwell, and Sylvia Jacobson, who were recognized at the start of this school year for having each completed their 25th year of teaching in Scotts Valley USD. Their commitment and dedication, as well as that of all our staff, are the foundation of our success.
Enjoy the holiday weekend,
Tanya Krause, Superintendent, and the District Office Team
Please visit school websites for important dates and events
Brook Knoll Elementary Website
Scotts Valley Middle School Website
Scotts Valley High School Website
Scotts Valley Unified School District Website