SHUSD Monthly Family Newsletter

SHUSD Parents/Guardians and Community,

As we complete our first few weeks of school, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible, energizing start we have had across all of our campuses.

Walking through our schools and visiting classrooms over the past few weeks, I remain deeply inspired by the enthusiasm of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the warm welcome from our entire community. From our youngest learners to our high school seniors, the energy across the district remains palpable.

To our parents and guardians: thank you again for trusting us with your children’s education and for preparing them to arrive each day curious, kind, and ready to learn. Seeing so many parents and family members at each of our Back-to-School Nights, committee meetings, and early athletic events reminds us of how lucky we are to have such involved partners. To our teachers and support staff: thank you for the heart, passion, and tireless preparation you bring to every student interaction. And to our broader community: thank you for your ongoing support of our schools and programs.

Please keep an eye out for regular updates from your child's school regarding upcoming events, parent-teacher opportunities, and district announcements.

Thank you once again for making the start of this school year so special. Together, I know we are going to make this an awesome year!

Warm regards,

Jodi McClay, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Please take a moment to read our District Strategic Goals established by our Governing Board. These will serve as a foundation and guide for our work in 2026-2027.

Thank you to all of our families who joined us for Back to School Night! Each of our campuses welcomed families for an opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the year ahead. We loved seeing so many families on campus and appreciate your partnership in supporting our students.

S.H.O.P is a community-based program designed for individuals ages 18-22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have received a Certificate of Completion from high school. 

Like all of our schools and programs, the SHOP program is off to a great start! Students kicked off the year with an orientation at Hall Winery, where they toured the facility and learned about the different jobs and opportunities they will be exploring throughout the program. They have also been putting their hands to work building furniture for the Life Skills Lab, made possible through a grant from Community Projects, Inc. We’re excited to see what they create and accomplish this year!

Please join us in welcoming four new members to the SHUSD team! We are excited to have Lily Prudhomme, Data Integration Specialist; Lorenzo Larry Ramirez Garcia, Paraprofessional; Chris Anspach, Math Teacher at SHHS; and Raen Gallup, Paraprofessional joining our district. We are grateful to have them as part of our team and look forward to all they will bring to our students, schools, and community. Welcome to SHUSD!

Join us for our first ELAC meeting and Hidden in Plain Sight workshop. This Parent workshop is designed to help families better understand and respond to substance abuse among youth. Parents will learn how to recognize early warning signs, identify potential indicators of drug use, and learn strategies for how to intervene and support their children.

Every school day matters! Missing just 10% of the school year, about two days per month, can make it harder for students to keep up and stay on track and becomes what is considered "chronic" absenteeism. We’re partnering with Napa County Office of Education to encourage families and our community to make attendance a priority. If your family is facing challenges with regular attendance, please reach out to your child’s school—we’re here to help. For tips and resources, visit Napa County’s Attendance Resources. Let’s help every student "start strong, show up, and shine."

Our district partners with local organizations and service providers to connect students and families with additional supports. These community partners offer a variety of services, including mental health support, family resources, youth programs, and wellness services.

We are also looking for parents / guardians and community members to join our district and school committees. If you are interested in signing on any of the following, please reach out for more information.