Mavericks Memo

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Upcoming Events

Family Communication

May 6, 2026

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

May 6, 2026

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

Spring Testing Schedule continues through May 13th (Testing Session 9:38 AM to 11:18 AM).  If students need additional time or were absence we will be conducting extended time and make-up sessions through the end of May.

 

Reminders:

  • 8th Grade Families: Please note that during Advisory, we are sharing reminders with 8th-grade students about end-of-year events and due dates.  Additionally, please take the time to review the 8th-grade end-of-year memo sent on April 27th to 8th-grade families.

 

Health and Safety

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.


The Tdap vaccine and 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine are required for all incoming 7th graders. 

Please check your student's immunization records and/or check with your doctor. Please email murquhart [at] campbellusd.org () if you have any questions. 

Principal's Corner 

This week we celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.  I find myself reflecting on the incredible heart and soul of our school. While we see the results of our students' hard work every day, I want to take a moment to shine a light on the people who make those successes possible: our dedicated educators and staff members.

What Makes Our Team Special?

  • Unwavering Dedication: Whether it’s staying late to provide extra help, sponsoring a new club, or meticulously planning a lesson that "clicks," our staff goes above and beyond the call of duty.

  • A Culture of Collaboration: Great schools don’t happen in isolation. I am constantly inspired by how our teachers work across departments and grade levels to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and seen.

  • Strong Relationships: We believe that learning starts with connection. Our staff prides itself on building authentic relationships with students, creating a safe and welcoming environment where every Mustang feels they belong.

Join Us in Saying "Thank You"

Our staff doesn't do this for the recognition, but a kind word from a family member or a student can truly fuel their spirit for the rest of the year.

As we head into this special week, I encourage you to reach out—via a quick email, a handwritten note, or a simple "thank you" in the hallway—to the teachers and staff members who have made a difference in your student’s life this year.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our school community and for trusting us with your children’s education.

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

 

After 30 Years of CUSD Service, Superintendent Viramontez Announces Retirement

In a community letter, Dr. Viramontez announces her retirement.

Banner photo with students from the 1960's Cherry Lane Elementary, CUSD logo and Dr. Viramontez headshot

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

After 30 years of service and learning in this district, I am writing to share that I have decided to retire at the conclusion of this school year.

My history here runs deep. As a student at Cherry Lane Elementary (now CSI) and Hamilton Elementary (now Home Depot), I never could have imagined that my path would lead me back to this district—first as a substitute teacher, then through the ranks of teaching, site leadership, department administration, and finally as your Superintendent. I have truly enjoyed every phase of this journey; each role has been a gift.

The past few years have brought changes for several of my loved ones that have caused me to reflect deeply on the fact that time is never guaranteed. This realization has led me to prioritize being present for those who mean the most to me. While I will always be available for a chat or a cup of coffee with my colleagues, I am looking forward to the next chapter. Joe and I are particularly excited to travel more—especially during those midweek windows when flights are cheaper!

The Governing Board is fully committed to ensuring continuous, stable leadership for the district and will announce the transition plan in the near future. My priority over the coming months is to ensure a seamless transition so that the incredible momentum we’ve built together continues without interruption.

I am immensely proud of the people and the work in this district. You make this a world-class place to learn and an inspiring place to work. It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside you.

With deep appreciation,

Shelly 

Family Communication

April 22, 2026

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

April 22, 2026

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

  • Del Mar High School Cultural Fair, May 24th from 5-8 PM.  Please visit there website for more information.

  • Our final Cafecito for the year is May 6th at 8:30 AM- “Dreaming Big with our Teenagers” by 

De Colores Collective: Join us for an inspiring presentation focused on reconnecting with your parenting journey and strengthening positive relationships with your teenager. Led by an experienced psychologist who will share powerful tools to support your family.

  • Spring Testing Schedule begins May 4th for all students.  8th-grade students begin on April 27th with the Science test. (See below for more details)

 

Reminders:

As we approach the midpoint of Trimester 3, we encourage you to check in with your students about their academic progress. This is a great time to log into PowerSchool together to review current work completion, grades, and upcoming tests.

It is especially important to stay on track during these final months, as many of our end-of-year activities and celebrations have specific grade and behavioral requirements for participation. We want every Maverick to have the opportunity to join in these special events, and staying proactive now ensures they remain eligible.

Quick Check-In Tips:

  • Review Grades Weekly: Ask your student to show you their current progress every Monday.

  • Discuss Deadlines: Check if there are any missing assignments that can still be submitted for credit.

  • Celebrate Growth: Acknowledge the hard work they’ve put in so far this trimester.

  • Support with PowerSchool: Please check in with our office team with questions.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s success! 

 

Health and Safety

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.


The Tdap vaccine and 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine are required for all incoming 7th graders. 

Please check your student's immunization records and/or check with your doctor. Please email murquhart [at] campbellusd.org () if you have any questions. 

 

Principal's Corner

We want to provide you with a clear roadmap for our upcoming state assessments. By now, you should have received a formal notification from the district regarding these evaluations, but we want to ensure you have our specific school-site details and dates.

  • 8th Grade Science (CAST): Begins April 27. Students will complete this assessment during their regular science periods with Mr. Pizzica or Mr. vanAken.

  • ELA & Math Assessments: These will be administered during a special block schedule to allow students ample time to focus.

Date

Testing Window

May 4 & 5

9:38 AM – 11:18 AM

May 7 & 8

9:38 AM – 11:18 AM

May 11 & 12

9:38 AM – 11:18 AM

To help your student perform their best, we recommend:

  • Consistency: Ensuring they arrive at school on time, especially during the 9:38 AM testing block.

  • Rest: A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference for focus.

  • Tech Ready: Please remind students to bring their fully charged school-issued devices and headphones.

  • Appointments: Please try to schedule appointments outside the testing window.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students during this season. If you have any questions regarding the schedule or specific testing accommodations, please feel free to reach out to the main office.

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

 

 

Spring Fling This Friday!

A fun activity night for all Monroe students.

spring fling title in bright colors

We will have a fun activity night Friday, April 24th  from 4-6 p.m. in the amphitheater and surrounding courtyard.  This form will be used to purchase tickets.  Tickets will be $10 and sold  at lunch April 20th-24th at lunch.   We will not be selling tickets at the door.  Students can start checking in at 3:45.  Doors will close at 4:45 and students will be dismissed at 6 p.m.  Only students personally picked up by a parent/guardian at the door will be allowed to leave early.  Payment will be made in CASH ONLY.  Exact change only will be accepted.  Any additional money will be considered a greatly appreciated donation.  Please feel free to donate any additional funds to help cover the costs as well.  Please attach money to this form or put form and money into a sealed envelope.

 The cost of the ticket INCLUDES the following options:

●     DJ music and activities

●     Photobooth

●     2 henna artists

●     Inflatable obstacle course, soccer darts and basketball

 Students will need to PAY ADDITIONAL money for the following options:

●     Kona Ice Truck ($5-8 at the event)

●     Snack Shack (candy, sodas, water, etc. $1-2 at the event)

●     Homemade tamales and beef tacos ($3 each) and flautas (2 for

$5) includes all of the fixings to go with each item.

IMPORTANT: This is for 6-8 Monroe students ONLY.  Students must have appropriate behavior and CANNOT have any F’s.  The dress code for the dance is the same as it is for school (torso covered, no undergarments showing, appropriate footwear).  This is NOT an event that you need to have a date or someone to go with.  It will be a lot more fun to go with a group of friends.  No school backpacks or large bags allowed inside.

Permission slip is linked below.

Monroe Students Give Opinions on School Lunch

Students share what they dislike and like for lunch as well as offer suggestions.

picture of the salad bar

School lunch is an important part of the school day because it gives students energy to learn and focus in class. In a student survey conducted by the leadership class, students shared their opinions on school lunch. The students provided honest feedback about what they enjoy and what they would like to change.

The students’ favorite school lunches include pizza, grilled cheese with tomato soup, ramen, fruit, salad, parfaits, Taco-nadas, and carne asada tacos. They especially enjoy pepperoni pizza and would like to see it served more because pepperoni pizza often runs out more than cheese pizza. They also like having fruit and would enjoy more variety, such as fruit bowls and olives. The students mentioned that they prefer food that is fresh rather than frozen or overcooked.

Some foods students do not enjoy include wings, hot dogs, corn dogs, pancakes with sausage, gravy with mashed potatoes, and leftover apples. They also said they would like fewer oranges served at lunch because many students do not like them or often leave them uneaten.

When asked what they would like to see added to the menu, students suggested more tacos and a wider variety of cultural foods. They also think it would be nice to have Tajín packets available for fruit. In addition, they would like more side dishes, chips, and a greater variety of drinks instead of just milk.

Overall, the students’ feedback shows that while they enjoy many school lunch options, there are clear areas for improvement. Adding more variety, cultural foods, and fresh options could make lunch more enjoyable and satisfying for everyone.

By: Arianna M. and Azul A.