03/13/2026
Superintendent's Message for March 12, 2026 (Spanish & Mandarin translations link included)
Dear New Haven Families,
This Thursday update is a good reminder that our schools are closed tomorrow. The district office will remain open during our usual hours.
When our schools reopen on Monday, we will begin the busy push to the end of the school year. Some events to look forward to include:
Celebrating Schools - Tuesday, March 17
New Haven Family Collaborative - Tuesday, March 31
Spring Break - April 6 - April 10, 2026
Once we return from Spring Break, the calendar is filled with end-of-year events and activities. Be sure to mark your calendar for this year’s New Haven Day on Saturday, May 2. As usual, New Haven Day will begin with a fun run coordinated by the New Haven Schools Foundation. This is a great way to get some exercise and support our foundation. Tickets will be on sale soon. You can find out more information about the fun run here.
We learned this week that Conley-Caraballo High School (CCHS) has been named a California Department of Education Model Continuation High School. Congratulations to everyone at CCHS on your hard work in earning this prestigious award. CCHS provides a supportive learning environment for students seeking an alternative pathway to graduation. To learn more about CCHS, you can visit their website here or contact the site directly.
That’s it for this week. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
John Thompson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
SPANISH AND MANDARIN TRANSLATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE
https://mynhusd.org/blog/uncategorized/a-message-from-superintendent-thompson-March-12-2026/
03/09/2026
Welcome to our second Literacy Newsletter!
Every 4–6 weeks, we will share short updates focused on key literacy themes such as foundational literacy, reading, and writing. Our goal is to partner with families by providing helpful information and practical strategies to support student learning at home. Please use the QR code to complete a brief survey and let us know what literacy topics you would like to learn more about.
03/04/2026
Proud of our basketball team! 2026 CHAMPIONS!!!! Congrats to our athletes and Coach G! Thank you for an amazing UNDEFEATED season! 🏀🏀🏀
03/03/2026
The New Haven Unified Board of Education holds its Regular Meeting TONIGHT, Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Closed Session Begins at 5:00 PM
Open Session Begins at 7:00 PM
Join / Comment in person or remotely. Agenda, public comment instructions, and streaming are available here: https://mynhusd.org/school-board/board-agendas-meetings/
Direct link to the agenda can be found here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031910&MID=54265
03/03/2026
The New Haven Unified Board of Education holds its Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Closed Session Begins at 5:00 PM
Open Session Begins at 7:00 PM
Join / Comment in person or remotely. Agenda, public comment instructions, and streaming are available here: https://mynhusd.org/school-board/board-agendas-meetings/
Direct link to the board meeting agenda platform can be found here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/csba/newhavenusd
03/02/2026
Happy Women’s History Month, New Haven Unified community! ✨
This March, we are proud to join the celebration of the 2026 theme: Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.
From the peaks of Mount Everest to the laboratories unlocking the secrets of DNA, women have always been at the forefront of breaking barriers and building a better world. This month, our graphics feature a global group of trailblazers who redefined what was possible in their fields.
🧬 The Scientists & Innovators
Margaret Hamilton: Computer Scientist & Systems Engineer who developed the on-board flight software for NASA's Apollo Moon missions.
Rosalind Franklin: Chemist & X-ray Crystallographer whose work was central to understanding the molecular structure of DNA.
Marie Curie: Physicist & Chemist, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes and a pioneer in the study of radioactivity.
🎨 The Artists & Visionaries
Frida Kahlo: Mexican Painter known for her uncompromising self-portraits and exploration of identity, postcolonialism, and class.
Sarojini Naidu: Political Activist & Poet, known as the "Nightingale of India" and a major figure in India's struggle for independence.
🌍 The Changemakers & Humanitarians
Wangarĩ Maathai: Environmentalist & Founder of the Green Belt Movement, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Diana, Princess of Wales: Humanitarian known for her groundbreaking advocacy in banning landmines and raising HIV/AIDS awareness.
Claudette Colvin: Civil Rights Activist who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, at age 15—nine months before Rosa Parks.
🏅 The Barrier Breakers
Soraya Jiménez: Weightlifter who became the first female athlete from Mexico to win an Olympic gold medal.
Junko Tabei: Mountaineer who became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and the first to climb the Seven Summits.
Bessie Coleman: Aviator who broke racial and gender barriers to become the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot license.
Let’s honor their legacy by continuing to lead the change in our own classrooms and community!
03/02/2026
Hear ye, hear ye! 🏰✨ The quest for greatness begins with a legendary breakfast!
This week is National School Breakfast Week, and we’re on a mission to fuel our young heroes for the adventures ahead. From "Knight’s Toast" to "Princess Pancakes," our cafeteria has been transformed into a kingdom of nutrition. 🛡️🍎
Did you know? Students who eat school breakfast are more likely to reach their academic goals and stay energized all day long. Join the quest!
02/23/2026
High school parents, Logan is hosting a Parent Information Night about Conley-Caraballo High School (our smaller alternative high school). Come learn about their graduation requirements, programs available and day to day student life at CCHS. Meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd 6:00-7:00 PM at JLHS Cafeteria/The Spot.
02/17/2026
The New Haven Unified Board of Education holds its Regular Meeting TONIGHT, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Closed Session Begins at 5:30 PM
Open Session Begins at 7:00 PM
Join / Comment in person or remotely. Agenda, public comment instructions, and streaming are available here: https://mynhusd.org/school-board/board-agendas-meetings/
Direct link to the agenda can be found here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031910&MID=51146
02/13/2026
Superintendent's Message for Friday, February 13, 2026 (Spanish & Mandarin translations link included)
Dear NHUSD Families,
Saturday is Valentine’s Day, which offers a simple but meaningful reminder of what makes our schools so special: the kindness, friendship, and strong sense of community we build together each day. I am deeply grateful to our families and staff members for the care you show in supporting our students and schools. Your commitment helps nurture a culture grounded in dignity and belonging. Thank you for all you do to make our schools welcoming places for everyone.
A defining strength of our district is the rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds represented by our students, families, and staff. Recognizing and celebrating the significant cultural events that matter to our community is an important part of our Dignity and Belonging work and reflects our commitment to ensuring everyone feels seen, valued, and respected. Next week marks the beginning of several significant events for many members of the NHUSD community.
Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and is celebrated for about 15 days, concluding with the Lantern Festival. Marking the start of the lunar calendar, it is one of the most important holidays in many East and Southeast Asian cultures; a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and welcoming renewal and hope for the year ahead. Traditions such as special meals, red envelopes, and cultural performances symbolize wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune. 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Next, Ramadan begins on Tuesday, February 17, and runs through Wednesday, March 18. During this period, some students and staff members will observe a fast, abstaining from food and drink during school and daylight hours. We are committed to supporting students who are observing and providing reasonable accommodations as needed. Please contact your school site administration if you have a fasting student who requires assistance. For those unfamiliar with Ramadan who would like to deepen their understanding, we encourage you to review this link: Ramadan Information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v19n7U3Uus0yeBw0ogfIPcbgiTGgQOAC/view?usp=drive_link
Also beginning next Tuesday is Lent. Lent is a 40-day season in the Christian calendar that leads up to Easter. It’s a time set aside for reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. A common practice during Lent is for Christians to give up something, which often includes food.
For students fasting for Lent or Ramadan, our Student Nutrition Services Department is committed to providing meal options that accommodate their dietary and religious needs. For students observing Lent, we will offer Lent-friendly meals and salads every Friday in addition to our regular menu. For students observing Ramadan, we will allow meals to be taken home. Students can come to the cafeteria after school to request their meals. Thanks to our director, Yaz Widatalla, and his team for responding to our students' needs.
That’s it for this week. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
John Thompson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
SPANISH AND MANDARIN TRANSLATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE
https://mynhusd.org/blog/uncategorized/a-message-from-superintendent-thompson-february-13-2026/
02/11/2026
An invitation from Mission Valley SELPA
Dear Families,
We’re excited to share our upcoming Garfield Movie Night, sponsored by Mission Valley SELPA! This fun and inclusive event is for children with special needs of all ages and their families and will take place on February 22, 2026 at Cinemark Century Fremont. This is a free event. We look forward to welcoming families for an evening of laughter, community, and a relaxed movie experience.