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Upcoming Events

Winter Break Adventures: Keeping the Learning Alive and the Fun Flowing!

How to keep your student engaged in learning over the winter break.

Photo collage of student activities

While a well-deserved rest is certainly in order, these next two weeks offer a fantastic opportunity to explore, create, and keep those bright minds engaged. This break isn't just a pause—it's a chance to turn everyday activities into exciting learning adventures! 

Here are some fun, low-cost, and easy ways for students of all ages to continue learning and stay busy until the new year begins:

At-Home Learning and Creativity

The best classroom might just be your living room!

  • Become a Kitchen Chemist: Cooking and baking are perfect ways to practice math (measuring, fractions, ratios) and following directions. Try a new recipe together—it's delicious learning!
  • Family Book Club: Dedicate 30 minutes each day to family reading time. Have each family member choose a book, a comfortable spot, and read. Or read a book together. Follow up with a simple discussion: What was your favorite part? What do you predict will happen next? This boosts literacy and comprehension.
  • The Power of Play: Dust off the board games! Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or even a simple deck of cards teach strategic thinking, basic arithmetic, and vocabulary in a competitive, fun setting.
  • Design & Build Challenge: Use materials found around the house (cardboard, paper tubes, tape) to tackle a challenge: build the tallest tower, a vehicle that rolls, or a cozy home for a toy. This promotes engineering and problem-solving skills.

Exploring the Local Community

Check your local area for unique, enriching experiences—many are free or low-cost!

  • Library Liftoff: Local libraries are a treasure trove! Beyond books, check out their free programs, movie screenings, and computer access. Ask a librarian for recommendations based on your child's favorite school subject.
  • Museum Marvels: Many local history, science, or art museums offer discounted or free days. Exploring exhibits connects classroom concepts to the real world and sparks curiosity.
  • Volunteering Vibe: Spend an afternoon helping others. Contact a local food bank or animal shelter. This teaches invaluable lessons in community service, empathy, and social studies through direct action.
  • Nature Walks and Observation: Even in the cold, a trip to a local park is great for physical education and science. Bundle up and look for animal tracks, identify different types of trees, or collect pinecones and leaves for a craft project.

 The 'Three P's' of Productivity

These simple habits can keep minds sharp and bodies active:

  1. Project: Start a personal project. This could be writing a short story, learning a few chords on a ukulele, creating a photo album, or coding a simple game. The goal is self-directed learning and skill-building.
  2. Physical Activity: Don't let the cold sideline fitness! Use a rainy day to create an indoor obstacle course, look up a fun kids' yoga video on YouTube, or just play freeze tag. Movement is essential for brain health and boosts mental health.
  3. Planning Ahead: Take an hour near the end of the break to organize school supplies, decorate a planner for the new year, or write down a few academic goals. This eases the transition back into the classroom routine.

Wishing all our students, families, and staff a restorative, joyful, and knowledge-filled winter break! We can't wait to see you back, refreshed and ready in the new year!

Family Communication

December 17, 2025

board of post-it in different colors with writing and a sign in the middle with community bulletin

December 17, 2025

Dear Monroe Families,

I hope this message finds you well. Please check out our website at monroe.campbellusd.org for up-to-date information, as well as be on the lookout for our communication that comes out on Wednesdays every two weeks.  For a student perspective on school news, please check out the Monday Minutes, our weekly student broadcast.

 

Upcoming Events

  • There is no school from December 22nd through January 2nd.  School Resumes on January 5th at 8 AM.

  • January 5-9, we will be doing a school-wide Yondr Pouch classroom check-ins and resets.

 

Reminders

  • Parent/Guardian To Do List: 

  1. If you haven’t filled out your parental agreement form for this year, please do so with this link.

  2. If you have not filled out your student health information for this year, please do so with this link.

  3. If you have not downloaded ParentSquare please do so to receive all updated information and school communications with the link below:

  1.  Apple Phones

  2.  Android Phones

 

Family and Community Engagement: 

  • Cafecito January 7th 8:30 AM or 6 PM: 

    • 8th Grade Families: Our AVID students and teachers will be hosting two sessions for families to help prepare for the High School transition.  There will be reminders on ParentSquare with additional information.

 

Health and Safety

Attendance

  • Report an absence, please call our 24-hour voicemail line at 408-341-7022 or monroe_attendance [at] campbellusd.org (when leaving a message or sending an email please let me know the student's first and last name, grade, and the reason for the absence)

  • For information regarding the CUSD Attendance policy please click here

  • ATTENDANCE MATTERS - REPORT STUDENT ABSENCES
    Students that are marked unexcused are unable to receive credit for assignments missed that day. If you call the school to verify your child’s absence with an allowed reason, your child can receive full credit for assignments missed that day. Please call the main office to report your child’s absence and refer to our student handbook for additional school policies.

Please review these important guidelines with your student to ensure a safe and healthy school year.

💊 Medication Policy and Procedures

For the safety of all students, we have strict rules regarding medication at school.

  • No Student-Carried Medication: Students are not permitted to carry any type of medication (including over-the-counter items like Tylenol or cough drops) in their backpacks or pockets.

  • Exception for Self-Administration: The only exception is if your student has a completed "Authorization for Student to Carry and Self-Administer" form on file, with both a doctor's signature and a parent/guardian signature. This form must be turned into the Health Office before the student carries the medication.

  • All Other Medication: All other prescribed or over-the-counter medications must be dropped off and stored in the Health Office and administered by Health Office staff, with a signed medication authorization form on file.

📞 Contacting School During Illness

If your student is feeling unwell, the Health Office must be the first point of contact.

  • Official Procedure: Students who are not feeling well must report to the Health Office. All necessary calls to parents/guardians will be made only by Health Office staff.

  • Safety and Checkout: This ensures proper student safety, guarantees your student is logged out correctly, and provides official documentation of their illness and departure time.

  • Cell Phones: Students are not permitted to contact parents from their personal cell phones during school hours if they are feeling sick. Please discuss this policy with your child to ensure they know to report directly to the Health Office.

Principal's Corner

As the calendar year draws to a close and the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and send you our warmest wishes for a wonderful and restful break.

On behalf of the entire staff, we would like to thank you sincerely for the incredible support and trust you place in us every day. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with your children—our wonderful students—and witness their curiosity, dedication, and growth.

Your partnership in your student’s learning and growth as people is truly invaluable. The success we see in the classroom is a direct result of the strong home-school connection we share. Thank you for making this journey with us.

We hope this holiday season provides your family with a chance to rest and reset. The school year is demanding, and we encourage everyone to step away from the daily routine, enjoy time together, and recharge.

We also encourage a moment of reflection on the accomplishments, lessons, and growth experienced over the past year. Celebrating these milestones, big and small, is an important part of personal development.

May your holiday break be filled with peace, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones. We wish you all the very best and look forward to welcoming our students back, refreshed and ready for a bright new year!

As always, we are here to answer your questions.  We appreciate you and your support for our school.

Regards,

Ruth Stephens Radle                     

rstephensradle [at] campbellusd.org       

Principal

Pat Sieler 

psieler [at] campbellusd.org

Assistant Principal        

 

Laura Hammersmith

lhammersmith [at] campbellusd.org

Dean of Students    

 

Family Communication

December 3, 2025

cup of coffee and notebook with brief written and a set of glasses

December 3, 2025

Dear Monroe Families,

I hope this message finds you well. Please check out our website at monroe.campbellusd.org for up-to-date information, as well as be on the lookout for our communication that comes out on Wednesdays every two weeks.  For a student perspective on school news, please check out the Monday Minutes, our weekly student broadcast.

 

Upcoming Events

  • 12/7 9 AM to 2 PM is our PTA Goodwill Donation Drive. 

  • 12/12 6 PM Family Movie Night

  • 12/17 5:30 PM Family Paint Night

 

Reminders

  • Parent/Guardian To Do List: 

  1. If you haven’t filled out your parental agreement form for this year please do so with this link.

  2. If you have not filled out your student health information for this year  please do so with this link.

  3. If you have not downloaded Parentsquare please do so to receive all updated information and school communications with the link below:

  1.  Apple Phones

  2.  Android Phones

 

Family and Community Engagement: 

Join us for a Family Paint Night at Monroe, hosted by AACI! All families are welcome to enjoy a fun and creative evening together. Children ages 5 and up will receive their own canvas to paint, and light snacks will be provided. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Health and Safety

As the days grow shorter and the sun rises later, we must remind our students to be extra cautious when traveling to and from school. With reduced daylight in the mornings and evenings, road visibility is lower, and we want to ensure every child gets to school safely.

Please take a moment to review these safety tips with your child:

  1. Stay Visible: Encourage your child to wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Consider adding reflective tape to backpacks, bikes, and scooters.

  2. Use Crosswalks and Sidewalks: Remind your child to always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. When riding bikes or scooters, they should stay on bike paths or sidewalks where possible and avoid busy roads.

  3. Be Aware of Surroundings: It’s important that students stay alert by keeping headphones and mobile devices put away while crossing streets or riding.

  4. Helmets and Safety Gear: If your child is riding a bike or scooter, make sure they are wearing a helmet and any other necessary safety gear.

  5. Buddy System: Walking or riding with a friend can increase safety and make the journey to and from school more enjoyable.

Principal's Corner

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and had time to rest, recharge, and connect with loved ones. As we return to school, we have three weeks ahead of us before winter break. This time of year can feel both exciting and overwhelming, and we want you to know we’re here to support you.

If you or a Monroe family you know could use any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Ms. Yesenia ymacshate [at] campbellusd.org (), our incredible community liaison, is here every day and has resources and supports available for our families.

During this busy season, we encourage everyone to prioritize self-care and take moments to nurture their well-being. Together, we can make this month meaningful and manageable for everyone in our community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let’s make these next few weeks productive and positive!

Attendance

  • Report an absence, please call our 24-hour voicemail line at 408-341-7022 or monroe_attendance [at] campbellusd.org (when leaving a message or sending an email please let me know the student's first and last name, grade, and the reason for the absence)

  • For information regarding the CUSD Attendance policy please click here

  • ATTENDANCE MATTERS - REPORT STUDENT ABSENCES
    Students that are marked unexcused are unable to receive credit for assignments missed that day. If you call the school to verify your child’s absence with an allowed reason, your child can receive full credit for assignments missed that day. Please call the main office to report your child’s absence and refer to our student handbook for additional school policies.

Please review these important guidelines with your student to ensure a safe and healthy school year.

💊 Medication Policy and Procedures

For the safety of all students, we have strict rules regarding medication at school.

  • No Student-Carried Medication: Students are not permitted to carry any type of medication (including over-the-counter items like Tylenol or cough drops) in their backpacks or pockets.

  • Exception for Self-Administration: The only exception is if your student has a completed "Authorization for Student to Carry and Self-Administer" form on file, with both a doctor's signature and a parent/guardian signature. This form must be turned into the Health Office before the student carries the medication.

  • All Other Medication: All other prescribed or over-the-counter medications must be dropped off and stored in the Health Office and administered by Health Office staff, with a signed medication authorization form on file.

📞 Contacting Parents During Illness

If your student is feeling unwell, the Health Office must be the first point of contact.

  • Official Procedure: Students who are not feeling well must report to the Health Office. All necessary calls to parents/guardians will be made only by Health Office staff.

  • Safety and Checkout: This ensures proper student safety, guarantees your student is logged out correctly, and provides official documentation of their illness and departure time.

  • Cell Phones: Students are not permitted to contact parents from their personal cell phones during school hours if they are feeling sick. Please discuss this policy with your child to ensure they know to report directly to the Health Office.

Regards,

As always, we are here to answer your questions.  We appreciate you and your support for our school.

Regards,

Ruth Stephens Radle                     

rstephensradle [at] campbellusd.org       

Principal

Pat Sieler 

psieler [at] campbellusd.org

Assistant Principal        

 

Laura Hammersmith

lhammersmith [at] campbellusd.org

Dean of Students    

 

Embracing Our Diverse Winter Traditions

The winter holidays offer an amazing opportunity to explore diversity, traditions, and acceptance.

Photo of snowflake on a pine tree

The winter season is a tapestry woven with traditions from around the globe. In Campbell Union School District, we encourage students to share the unique ways their families mark this special time, fostering an environment of respect, understanding, and curiosity.

  • Global Festivities: Beyond familiar celebrations, our students teach us about the significance of holidays like Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights; Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-American heritage and community principles; Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Day) in many Latin American cultures; and festivals like Bodhi Day in Buddhism.
  • Learning Through Sharing: Classroom activities, cultural exhibits, and school-wide events provide platforms for students to discuss the history, customs, and symbolic importance of these different holidays. This shared learning deepens empathy and strengthens the bond among our student body.
  • The Power of Inclusion: By acknowledging and celebrating these diverse traditions, we send a clear message: every student's background is valued and integral to the fabric of our district.

We invite all members of our school community to participate fully in the spirit of this season:

  • Share Your Story: Speak with your child’s teacher about sharing a simple, appropriate aspect of your family's winter tradition with the class.
  • Attend School Events: Check your school's calendar and join us for the winter performances and gatherings. Your presence is the best gift!
  • Focus on Joy: Take a moment to pause, reflect, and consciously create a happy memory with your children this winter. These are the threads that build a strong family and a unified community.

We know that this time of year is a busy one and often involves family engagements and travel. While we encourage you to make the most of family time, it is also important that students are maximizing their instructional time. Please plan your travels around the planned winter break. 

The winter break is also an opportunity to visit your local library, museums, and parks. Learning can continue in conversations in the car, at the dinner table, and while running errands. Together, let's continue to illuminate our students’ lives with celebration, acceptance, and the beautiful memories we create side-by-side.

Showing Our Appreciation: Cultivating Gratitude in CUSD

November is a month a gratitude practice in CUSD. Establishing a gratitude practice leans in directly to our District's core values.

Gratitude definition from CSI's student rally.

We know that life can be hectic and messy; school is no exception. With the bustle of lessons being taught, friendships being formed, and futures being shaped, it's easy to focus on the next goal or the immediate challenge. But sometimes, the most important lesson we can learn is to pause and give thanks. Gratitude isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a foundational value that strengthens our schools, enriches our lives, and empowers our entire community.

Acknowledging Our Shared Foundation: We Are Learners

At the heart of our mission is the value that we are learners. We recognize that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Every challenge is a lesson, and every success is a chance to grow. This spirit of continuous learning is fostered by a deep sense of gratitude for those who guide and support the process.

We are grateful for our dedicated staff—our teachers, administrators, and support personnel—who commit themselves daily to helping students reach their highest potential. Your innovation in the classroom, your tireless effort, and your commitment to every student's potential make all the difference. We are learning alongside you, and for that, we thank you.

Strengthening Our Bonds: We Are Collaborators

Our success is built on teamwork. Our core value of being collaborators highlights the essential partnerships that create a thriving educational environment. We are thankful for the incredible synergy that exists between all members of our district family.

We extend immense gratitude to our students, who are not only the reason for our work but also active collaborators in their education. Your curiosity, your energy, and your willingness to work together in groups and teams are inspiring.

To our families, your role as co-educators is invaluable. Your partnership in supporting learning at home, communicating with our schools, and volunteering your time is the foundation of a strong, collaborative system. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being such active participants in their growth.

Impacting Our World: We Are Community Builders

The commitment to being community builders means recognizing that our schools are integral parts of the larger world around us. This is where the power of community partnerships truly shines.

We are deeply grateful for the businesses, local organizations, non-profits, higher education institutes, and countless volunteers who invest their time, resources, and expertise into our schools. These partnerships provide invaluable mentorship, real-world learning opportunities, and essential support programs. These partners are the visible hands of a caring community, and we are grateful for their commitment to building a brighter future alongside us.

The Ripple Effect of Thanks

When we intentionally practice gratitude, it creates a powerful ripple effect. It enhances well-being for students and staff, fosters a more positive school climate, and strengthens the ties that bind us together.

As we move through this academic year, let us all take a moment—students, staff, families, and community partners—to recognize and appreciate the unique role each of us plays. Gratitude is not just about what we receive; it's about acknowledging the effort, commitment, and kindness that surrounds us every day.

Thank you. Your dedication allows our district to live out its core values, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow into a strong community builder.