Rosemary Rockets

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Upcoming Events

Grade K-2 Grade Students Make Great Gains in Literacy

Rosemary's kindergarten growth in DIBELS (our grade K-2 early literacy assessment) is a bright spot in our winter benchmark assessments.

Reading Soars

Rosemary's kindergarten growth in DIBELS (our grade K-2 early literacy assessment) is a bright spot in our winter benchmark assessments. Between Fall 2024 to January 2025, the percentage of Rosemary kindergarten students grew one level or more in early literacy by 53%, surpassing the district's growth of 33%. The growth in achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the school's reading intervention program, which is funded with federal Title I dollars. 

CUSD Joins Leaders in Spotlighting Risks of Federal Education Cuts

Funding Reductions Could Impact Students, Staff, and Critical Programs

young boy at podium as several adults look on and listen

Fifth Grader Gael B. (pictured above), and district and county officials joined U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark at Rosemary Elementary this week for a news conference to raise awareness about the potential impact of proposed federal education budget cuts. They emphasized the local impact of losing federal support—especially for schools like Rosemary, where 81% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged and 34% of funding comes from federal sources.

Rep. Liccardo noted the many different funds being considered. “These aren’t just big budget numbers in Washington,” he said. “These cuts would affect our own schools and communities.”

Superintendent Shelly Viramontez, teacher Alyssa Sigala, and fifth grader Gael B. shared how the federal funds support English Language Development (ELD), special education, and services for foster and homeless youth in Campbell Union School District. 

Gael, described how ELD boosted his confidence, helped him make friends and gave him a love for reading: “Now, I read every night, and I even read my Bible! I feel proud every time I finish a book.”

Sigala noted that federal funding enables schools to provide reading specialists, instructional aides, and small-group instruction that free the classroom teacher to provide more individualized attention and enrich lessons to meet diverse learning needs. “Teachers are the core of instruction, but these additional staff make a huge difference for our students,” she said.

District-wide, federal grants fund approximately 115 staff positions and help support the Universal Meals Program. Without continued federal or state backfill, CUSD would need to use reserves to sustain services. As a community-funded (basic aid) district, Campbell Union may be required to absorb the cost of federally mandated programs if state support falls short—putting other student services at risk. To plan for potential reductions, CUSD has included federally funded programs in its proposed 2025–26 budget and is preparing to use reserves as a short-term solution.

“We never lose sight of the fact that children are at the heart of these numbers,” said Viramontez. “That’s who we’re working for.”

For more information, please see the Second Interim Budget Report.

Local, Sustainable, and Student-Inspired

Students and Staff Team Up for a Greener Campus

two smiling girls walking with their lunch trays

Caring for the environment is important to our students—not just on Earth Day, but every day. In surveys and focus groups, students have asked for less waste during meals. Our Child Nutrition team listened and is piloting eco-friendly changes in response.

Meals now come in cardboard trays with compostable utensils, and condiments are served from bulk dispensers instead of single-use packets. Castlemont students Greta and Ashley (pictured above) say they prefer the new dispensers. To reduce food waste, students also can place uneaten fruit and unopened milk in sharing bins for others to enjoy. Recycling bins are placed next to trash cans to support sorting.

Nearly all produce comes from local farmers through Food for Thought and the Department of Justice’s commodities program. Food for Thought also brings Farmers Markets to our schools, where students learn about food sources and practice math skills using "School Bucks" as currency to “buy” fresh produce.

As part of our commitment to helping students understand food sourcing and carbon footprints, we leverage our school gardens to extend the learning outdoors, with teachers using them for lessons in science, math, art, and more.  In many instances, students then make a yummy soup to taste the vegetables they’ve grown. (Due to USDA restrictions, we are not allowed to serve our garden grown foods in our food services offerings.)

In addition to the commitment to making more of our meals in our kitchen (scratch cooking), our Child Nutrition staff will continue exploring sustainable practices—working to build a healthier future for our students and our planet.

Your Voice Matters: District Shares 2025 Survey Results

A Message from Dr. Shelly Viramontez, Superintendent

Shelly Viramontez standing in classroom facing the camera

In Campbell Union School District, we’re committed to creating safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environments for all students—and that means listening to our community.

Recently, our families, staff, and students shared valuable feedback through our annual survey, conducted by Studer Education. Participation was greater than ever, and we thank everyone who participated. Today, we are sharing the district results with our community.

Sharing Site-level Results

Throughout April, schools and departments will share their individual results and next steps during regularly scheduled meetings. In May, we’ll work together to set goals and take action based on what we’ve learned.

Your input helps shape our continuous improvement efforts. Thank you for working with us.

Capri and Forest Hill Elementary Schools Earn Top State Honor

Award recognizes strong academic growth and supportive environments for learning

school murals with distinguished schools logo

We’re proud to announce that Capri and Forest Hill Elementary Schools have been named 2025 California Distinguished Schools—the state’s highest recognition for public schools! This is a first-time honor for Capri.

The award highlights the strong academic growth, supportive environments, and dedication to student success at both schools.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and passion for learning of our teachers, staff, students and families,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez.  “While we know all of our staff are working hard to provide our students with high quality learning, it is gratifying when our schools are publicly recognized for their hard work.” 

Both schools will be celebrated at a district event on May 22nd, and at a statewide awards ceremony on May 30th. Congratulations to the Capri and Forest Hill communities!