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Elementary School Consolidation: Stay Informed & Get InvolvedDo you have questions about the upcoming elementary school consolidation?
We invite you to submit your questions —we’re committed to transparency throughout this process. A live Q&A document will be regularly updated to keep families and staff informed, and our website will feature the transition plan, latest timeline and a comprehensive FAQ section.
A School Consolidation Committee is currently being formed, with one parent and one staff representative from each elementary school to ensure a broad range of perspectives are represented.
You’re also invited to attend one of our upcoming Community Forums to learn more and share your input:
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Monday, November 17 at 6:00 PM (Spanish)
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Wednesday, November 20 at 6:00 PM (English)
We value your voice and look forward to working together to create a strong future for all students in Sonoma Valley.
Negotiations Corner: A joint update from the
Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) & SVUSD
Working Together for Students, Safe Schools and Our Community
Negotiations Process
Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) and the SVUSD Negotiations team are negotiating changes to a few Articles in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The teams will be discussing Article 18 Health and Welfare and Article 15 Salary and Salary Schedule Placement.
SVUSD and VMTA Negotiations Continue
VMTA and SVUSD met twice in the month of September and will meet at the end of October.
Collaboration in Action
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. -Helen Keller.
Both sides remain committed to a collaborative process and are pleased with the progress made. Tentative agreements have been reached on some articles, with minor revisions to the CBA. Changes will take effect once the full agreement is finalized and approved by VMTA unit members and the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Next Steps
During the October session, both teams will share information and data to help guide future negotiations and continue to make proposals.
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October 13th Professional Development Day Recap
On October 13th, all district staff, both certificated and classified, participated in a Day of Learning.This aligns with our LCAP Action 3.4 District-Wide Professional Learning and LCAP Action 3.6 Staff Wellness.
During the day, staff engaged in sessions tailored to their roles, collaborating on instructional practices and learning about tech tools, counseling resources, and much more. We appreciate our partnership with Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Chief of Police, Project Based Learning, Sonoma County Library, Crisis Prevention Institute, and Sonoma County Office of Education. A highlight of the afternoon was the staff wellness sessions, led by our very own staff.
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Exciting Updates to Our School Breakfast Menus!
We’re serving up something new! Our school breakfast menus now include delicious new items to give students a great start to their day.
At the elementary level, we’ve added ham and cheese croissants and sausage and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Middle and high school students can now enjoy hearty breakfast burritos as part of their morning meal options.
Be sure to check your school’s menu and encourage your student to fuel up for the day ahead!
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Special Education Highlights
Our Special Education Department is hosting its 2nd Annual Fall Family Festival on Thursday, November 6th from 5 - 7 p.m. in the El Verano Multi-Use Room. Families of Pre-K - 12 students with IEPs are encouraged to attend. There will be food, fun activities for students, and updates from the Special Education Staff. We hope to see you there!
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Join us for SELPA’s next Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting taking place on Monday, November 17th. The topic will be Getting Involved in School and Your IEP with North Bay Regional Center (NBRC) Consumer Advocate presented by Ellen Sweigert. The meeting is open to all community members. We look forward to your attendance!
The meeting be in-person at SCOE, located at 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa and you may also join via Zoom: https://sonomacoe.zoom.us/j/88088033082
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The Sebastiani Theater and Sweetwater Spectrum are hosting a movie screening of Life Animated on Saturday, October 25th at 7 p.m. The movie is a story of a boy with autism finding his voice through Disney films. Purchase tickets by following the link below: https://events.sebastianitheatre.com/screening-of-life-animated-presented-by-sweet-water-spectrum/
In the Spotlight: Recognizing the Dedication & Excellence of SVUSD Staff
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Irma Barragan, Kitchen Manager at Prestwood
Q: How long have you been working for SVUSD?
A: 20 years, I've worked at Flowery and Prestwood.
Q: What's a moment from your time at SVUSD that made you feel proud to work here?
A: The students at Flowery came to me one day and gave me huge hugs of appreciation and remember me from my time at that school.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, who was a mentor or champion in your life who helped you get where you are today?A: Susan Heizer, she was a teacher at Flowery and Prestwood, she motivated me to do my best.
Q: If you could share one piece of wisdom with our students—something you wish you had known earlier in life—what would it be?
A: I love the kids all of the time and I am so happy when I see them coming.
Q:What's a song that always puts you in a good mood?
A: Cumbias, I like to Zumba class.
Q: If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be?
A: Save every school, because I do not want to see the kids crying.
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April Nield, 2nd Grade Teacher at El VeranoQ: How long have you been working for SVUSD?
A: 11 years (also was a student teacher at EV for 1 year)
Q: What's a moment from your time at SVUSD that made you feel proud to work here?
A: The students from my very first class are Seniors at the High School this year, and I can't wait until the Senior Walk-About at the end of the year, when they will come back to EV in their graduation gowns. It will be amazing to see their journey all the way from 1st graders to graduating Seniors.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, who was a mentor or champion in your life who helped you get where you are today?
A: When I was a brand new teacher, I worked with an incredible group of veteran El Verano first grade teachers that included Kevin Coates, Stephanie Cusick, and Donna Presti. These three told it like it was, taught me many things, and made my first few years very memorable (right, Megan Russell?).
Q: If you could share one piece of wisdom with our students—something you wish you had known earlier in life—what would it be?
A: Learning a new language is so much easier when you are younger. Learn a second or third language while you are young! If you already know a second language, hang on to it!
Q: What's a song that always puts you in a good mood?
A: Hard to narrow it down, but currently anything by Ed Sheeran.
Q: If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be?
A: To stop and start time so that I can get more things done!
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Molly Kiss, Principal at Sonoma Valley High School Q: How long have you been working for SVUSD?
A: 5th year at the High School, 4th year as the Principal.
Q: What's a moment from your time at SVUSD that made you feel proud to work here?
A: My proudest moment was the summer before I started here as the principal. Our team, which included administrators, teachers, and staff, collaborated to create plans that supported multiple areas on our campus, laying the foundation for a teamwork culture that continues to this day and supports our entire student population.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, who was a mentor or champion in your life who helped you get where you are today?
A: My assistant Principal at Wallenberg High School in San Francisco when I was a School Counselor. He was one of the first people in my life who saw me as a leader. Before that, I didn’t think of the possibility as a school counselor of ever moving into administration, but he opened my eyes to how administrators can help support teachers, staff, students, and families, through listening, collaboration, and bringing everyone together towards common goals.
Q: If you could share one piece of wisdom with our students—something you wish you had known earlier in life—what would it be?
A: That it is okay to change your mind about what you want to do later in life, and if you don’t know what that is yet that's okay too. I want them to know that they have the flexibility and space to do that. And to use high school to explore all of your interest and to try new things.
Q: What's a song that always puts you in a good mood?
A: Shake it off - Taylor Swift
Q: If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be?
A: To be able to be multiple places at the same time.
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