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Las Juntas Elementary

Dedicated to Excellence

Superintendent Newsletter September 2026

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (03:10 PM)


Superintendent Newsletter

September 2026

Alhambra High School

Dear MUSD Community,

As we move into September, I am encouraged by the energy, commitment, and sense of purpose I see across Martinez Unified. It was wonderful to see so many families on our campuses for our Back-to-School Night events, connecting with their students’ teachers and learning about the year ahead. Those moments are a reminder that our District is strongest when students, staff, and families are connected and engaged in the work of helping every student succeed. There are many additional opportunities throughout the year to lend your voice, experience, and passion to our District’s work.

We are currently recruiting parent/guardian representatives and community members to serve on our Local Control Accountability Plan Executive Advisory Committee (LCAP EAC). The LCAP EAC brings together parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members to provide input on the District’s priorities and how we support student success. Members help us understand what is working, identify areas where we can improve, and ensure the voices and experiences of our community inform our planning and decision-making. The LCAP EAC meets four times per year. If you are interested in joining this committee please reach out to ed-services@martinez.k12.ca.us.

We are also seeking members for the Parcel Tax Citizens' Oversight Committee. This committee provides independent oversight of the District's voter-approved parcel tax, which generates approximately $850,000 annually to support programs in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics; attract and retain qualified teachers and counselors; provide hands-on science labs; and keep school libraries open. Committee members review parcel tax expenditures to help ensure funds are used as intended to support Martinez students. Applicants must be residents within the school district's attendance boundaries. Serving on the committee is a great opportunity to learn more about our schools, support fiscal transparency, and contribute to the success of our students and community. This Committee meets once per year in the fall. For an application or additional information, please contact Andy Cannon at acannon@martinez.k12.ca.us. 

Please consider supporting our schools by registering for the MRC-MEF Run for Education on Sunday, September 27th. Proceeds from race entries and sponsorships directly benefit our schools. MEF (Martinez Education Foundation) funds many school experiences and opportunities for students including our elementary Library Media Assistants, hands-on Community Science Workshops, field trips, updated library collections, and technology. Most recently, MEF has committed funds to open the new wellness center at Alhambra High School. Every campus benefits from programs and services funded by MEF.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools. Our schools and students benefit greatly from your interest and involvement.

Sincerely,

Janelle Eyet
Interim Superintendent
 

Important Dates

LCAP Executive Advisory Committee Meeting September 30th at 5:45 PM

Elementary Parent Teacher Conference Week October 5-9th (Minimum Day Schedule)

Homecoming Parade October 9th

Non-Student Day / Teacher Professional Development Day October 12th

Veteran's Day Holiday November 11th
important dates
 

Your Presence Matters!

September is Attendance Awareness Month.

Starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Research shows that when students are chronically absent, which means missing 10% or more of the school year (18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school.

In addition to learning losses, students also miss out on opportunities to develop socially and gain skills in problem-solving and self-regulation, all of which are needed to grow and learn.

Attendance improves when schools, families, students, district staff and community partners work together to remove barriers and support student engagement. This year our school attendance teams will review attendance data monthly, identify students needing support early, outreach with families and coordinate interventions. Our goal is that every student feels connected, supported, and attends school regularly.
 

MUSD Bridge to College Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the MUSD Bridge to College Program, a TK-12 initiative designed to help our students and families explore higher education options together! 

Through this program, students and families will visit four different types of higher education institutions—a Community College, a California State University (CSU), a University of California (UC), and a Private University—to discover the unique opportunities each campus offers. Transportation and meals will be provided for all attendees.

If interested in participating, please complete the Bridge to College Interest Form by September 25th.
 

MUSD School Safety Procedures

MUSD uses the Standard Response Protocol from I Love You Guys in response to safety issues and emergencies. Learn more about our school safety and emergency procedures by visiting our website. 

To ensure you are receiving all emergency notifications and alerts please update the contact list and permissions for each of your students via the Aeries Parent Portal.
 

Tutoring Resources

If your student is in need of live homework help and you have a Contra Costa Library card, the libraries offer an excellent free service for live tutoring: Brainfuse from Contra Costa Library
 

Elementary Math Family Resources

MUSD has recently adopted Great Minds Eureka2 Math for grades K-5. This curriculum was selected last spring after a comprehensive teacher-led review and pilot. The primary emphasis is building a deep, enduring conceptual understanding of the "why" behind math rather than relying on rote memorization or isolated procedures. There are many Family Resources available with the curriculum to help families support students in becoming proficient in math.

 

Do you have a Fourth Grader?

California State Parks’ Free Fourth Grade Pass allows for unlimited free visits to 54 participating state parks for California fourth graders and their families. Fourth grade students in the 26/27 school year can get their Free Fourth Grade Pass today!
 

MRC MEF Run for Education 2026

Volunteers are Needed! In order to make this community event a success, we need 90+ adults to volunteer. Please contact Carol McCauley at ca_mccauley@comcast.net to register as a volunteer.

The Run for Education is the signature fundraiser for the Martinez Education Foundation. Proceeds from race entries and sponsorships impact our students directly by being awarded to the Martinez Unified School District schools in the form of grants from MEF.

Register for the Run for Education here.
 

Around MUSD

kinder drawing
John Swett PALS team
Join the PTA
Student board member taking the oath of office
Ms. Flanzbaum music teacher
John Muir Elementary back to school night
AHS marching band and color guard
 

Community Events

Martinez Adult Education Career & Training Expo 2026
Bike Family Fest 2026, Sunday, September 13th
Save the Date Martinez Pride Saturday, September 19th