Important Information for the 2022-2023 School Year

We hope you are enjoying a safe and restful summer.  We are excited to welcome our students back to school on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.  Our teachers and staff are returning to work and preparing for a great start to the 2022-2023 school year.

We want to share some information and updates about the school year with you.  Thank you for carefully reviewing the information and completing the beginning of the year packet for each of your students.

COVID Health and Safety
San José Unified’s top priority continues to be the health and safety of our students, families, employees, and community.  We are entering our fourth school year with COVID, and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to monitor the situation and update guidance on safety protocols for schools.  Our mitigation strategies are consistent with CDPH guidance, and we will continue to use a layered approach to minimize COVID transmission at school.  Highlights include:

• High-quality and well-fitting masks are strongly recommended while indoors with others
• Masks are available for students and employees who want to wear a mask and forget to bring one
• COVID positives should be reported at go.sjusd.org/COVIDtracker
• Antigen tests for at-home use are available for students and staff at all schools/work locations

San José Unified COVID Health and Safety  

Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students
All students are eligible to receive one complimentary breakfast and lunch every school day.  We ask families to complete the Household Income form as part of the beginning of the year packet because it helps ensure that families and the district receive all the benefits to which they are entitled.  If your family falls within specific income levels, you may qualify for prioritization for some San José Unified programs.  We will send you a letter confirming your status, which may also be used to qualify for discounts or special pricing for services from outside vendors.  Breakfast and lunch menus are available at www.sjusd.org.

Teacher Staffing
You may have seen or heard news about teacher staffing shortages across the state and nation.  We have been intensely focused on recruitment and retention and will start the school year with a full-time, credentialed teacher in almost every classroom.  A small number of classrooms may start with a qualified, long-term substitute as we continue to recruit and hire permanent employees. 

All teachers participate in professional development prior to the start of the school year.  This year, teachers will receive training and support on social-emotional learning and ensuring that our classrooms are free from discrimination, bullying, or harassment and are a safe space for all students.

Parent/Student Handbook
The Parent/Student Handbook has information on our policies and procedures, and most questions can be answered by referring to the handbook.  Please review the handbook with your student(s) prior to signing the handbook acknowledgment. 

Beginning of the Year Packet
All the required forms and acknowledgments are available in one online packet.  You will receive a separate email with a unique link to complete the packet for each of your students.  The packet will be sent to all parents and/or guardians of students.  Only one parent or guardian needs to complete the packet, and once the packet is completed for a student, other parents or guardians will not be able to complete the packet for the same student.  The packet is required for all students and must be completed by Friday, August 26, 2022.  Please contact your school if you need assistance.

We look forward to seeing all of you on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 for the first day of school!