Dear District Families,
Thank you to all who have offered me such a warm welcome to Sunnyvale!
Since beginning my new role in July, I have had the joy of meeting families, neighbors, community partners, and our incredible SSD team. Their support makes it possible for our students to learn and thrive.
I also had the pleasure of meeting many of our students on the first day of school. It was a great start to what I know will be a tremendous year for our children, as we honor their individual stories and support them in their learning journeys.
My own academic journey was less than traditional. I was raised by a wonderful single mother who, as I pursued higher education, never failed to remind me with a smile that she was my first teacher. With only a second-grade education herself, she taught me to value the things that matter most while she worked hard to provide what I needed to thrive.
As a child, I often felt disconnected from school and did not fully understand the transformative power of education. Over time, I came to see how education can broaden perspectives and change life trajectories. With that understanding, I chose to become a teacher, where I witnessed young people discover their talents and passions, learn to overcome challenges, and become inspired to pursue greatness while making our world a better place.
These are the moments that light the students’ learning journey, fueling them to dream big and work hard to realize those dreams. As I had learned from my 8th grade teacher, Mr. McKernan, when children are valued, respected, and met wherever they are, regardless of background or circumstance, they can exceed our highest expectations.
From my first encounter with the Sunnyvale School District, it was clear that its values align with my own. Sunnyvale believes in all children and their potential, respects them as individuals, and works to provide equitable opportunities for learning by delivering the resources they need to thrive. It’s on this indispensable foundation that we will collectively build our legacy of excellence in service to every student.
I am excited for our work together! Thank you again for welcoming me to this wonderful community and for all you do to benefit our students.
Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D.
Superintendent
