
August 26, 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are honored to welcome parents, teachers, district staff, and nearly 7,000 students back to our Sunnyvale School District for the 2015-16 school year. For parents and guardians whose students are entering our schools for the first time, a special welcome and a heartfelt thank you for the trust that you have placed in us.
We have spent the summer eagerly preparing for your student’s return and we look forward to sharing new learning experiences with each of you.
To truly take advantage of all learning experiences, every day counts when it comes to attendance. Attendance is essential to school success. Missing just 2-3 days a month may delay a third-grader’s mastery of reading, or contribute to sixth-graders falling behind in their new middle school courses.
We pride ourselves on employing the best and the brightest teachers and staff to deliver daily, high-quality instruction to your children. Having every student every day in school is an important step to provide them with the skills and knowledge that they will need to thrive academically.
Student safety to and from school is also a top priority as we welcome back our Preschool–8th graders. When taking your children to school, please be aware of your speed when traveling in school zones and make sure to yield to crossing guards. Talk with your kids about getting to and from school safely so that they maintain that mindset throughout the school year.
The start of a new year is an exciting time for us all. This year, the district proudly welcomes new faces, new programs and newly improved facilities.
San Miguel Elementary officially launched its Juntos Spanish Dual-Immersion program this month with two kindergarten classes. Renovations at Lakewood Elementary are being completed and renovations at Bishop Elementary are currently being designed.
Our continuous improvement efforts are critical to our students and staff members, ensuring that the high quality of all our schools is maintained. On behalf of our District, please accept my thanks for your support of our schools and our students and, on a personal level, for the opportunity to lead and work with you as your superintendent.
Yours truly,
Benjamin H. Picard, Ed. D.