Simi Valley Unified School District

10/07/2026

The first Wednesday in October is always National Walk and Bike to School Day! Created to promote physical health, pedestrian safety and active commuting, our Simi Valley schools bring together parents, students, staff, police, fire and community leaders to celebrate the joys of walking to school. Today, Arroyo Elementary School and White Oak Elementary School held their events. Last Friday, Katherine Elementary School held its event. Other schools schedule their events around their specific calendars. Regardless of when the school held or will hold its event, it's clear that our Simi Valley Schools students love walking to school!

10/06/2026

The SVUSD 4-day Classified Employee Fall Institute offered multiple professional development sessions for employees to learn, connect, and grow!

A variety of topics were offered including supporting students, understanding behavior, building relationships, navigating difficult conversations, professionalism, technology, and more.

Thank you to our presenters and participants for making the week a success!

Additional professional development opportunities will be offered throughout the year. Stay tuned for information regarding October 30!

Every employee makes an IMPACT!

10/02/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to Lisa Greenlinger from Garden Grove Elementary School for being named the Simi Valley Education Foundation's Teacher of the Month!

We are proud to announce our 2026 October Teacher of the Month (TOTM) Lisa Greenlinger from Garden Grove Elementary.

Lisa consistently demonstrates an outstanding dedication to her 4th grade students through her innovative instructional practices, strong relationships with families, and unwavering commitment to student success. Lisa creates a classroom environment where all students are valued, challenged, and supported. She provides multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate proficiency and mastery of concepts, recognizing that students learn in different ways and at different paces. Through differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment, she ensures that every student has access to meaningful learning experiences and opportunities to succeed. Beyond her daily classroom responsibilities, Lisa willingly embraces new challenges that enrich the educational experience for her students.

The Teacher of the Month Program highlights educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who demonstrate outstanding performance and make meaningful contributions to their students and schools.

Each month, honorees are celebrated with tokens of appreciation from generous community partners, including Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Kleintob Supercuts, Logix Federal Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, Ventura County Credit Union, and the Walt Fuller Foundation. Local dignitaries also present personalized certificates of recognition, reinforcing the strong bond between schools and the broader community.

“Together, we send a clear message that the business community supports and values the dedication of our teachers,” said Ryan Fowler, Board President of the Simi Valley Education Foundation.

Since its founding in 1989, the Simi Valley Education Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million into Simi Valley public schools through innovative classroom grants, school-wide projects, department enhancements, and scholarships for graduating seniors.

For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Cindy Jacoby at (877) SIMI-KID or visit svef.org.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from the left at Garden Grove Elementary from the left are: Nicholas Gutierrez, from the YMCA; Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Superintendent; Eric Little, State Farm Insurance; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board President; Tarja Little, SVEF Board Member; Lisa Greenlinger; Principal Tim Bednar; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board President; Michael Flores, Logix Federal Credit Union; Lori Neiman; SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Sue Roth, SVEF Board Member; Vidhya Ganesh, SVEF Board Member; and Mike Kort, Representative for Supervisor Janice Parvin.

09/29/2026

Congratulations to Santa Susana High School teacher Julia Pinhey, who was recognized last week by the Creative Educators Network with the Mitchell McClung Award for her work as the Visual and Performing Arts Director and Technical Theatre instructor.

“This year's winner embodies the service and commitment to the field that the Mitchell McClung Award celebrates,” said Ashley Adams, Executive Director of Creative Educators Network. “Julia Pinhey's rigorous, industry-connected Technical Theatre program at Santa Susana prepares students to turn their passion into careers, with many going on to work professionally across Los Angeles.”

We are so proud of Ms Pinhey and all of our staff who work so hard to help our students become the best versions of themselves.

The Creative Educators Network (formerly the AME Institute) envisions a world where all students, and particularly those furthest from opportunity, have the access and preparation needed to succeed in the creative workforce of today and tomorrow. They provide educators with the tools and training they need to empower the next generation of the creative workforce.

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

The other day, one of our Community Liaisons called the District Office to see if we had any resources for getting a new bicycle for a student at her elementary school? This fifth grader rides his bike to and from school every day and the bike was broken beyond repair. He would not be able to get to school without a bike.

Simi Valley is blessed with many generous and kind-hearted community service clubs. In this case, a call-out to the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise for help garnered gift cards that were used to purchase our student a new bicycle from Walmart. The Community Liaison went and purchased the bike, and our student was quietly presented with the bike in the school’s office today. We were told he was crying with gratitude and relief.

Ironically, we found out after that the gift cards we received and used to purchase the bike came from a Rotarian who was a retired SVUSD kindergarten teacher. When all of the facts were laid out, we—and this Rotarian—realized that the boy had been one of her kindergarten students before she retired! This made her loving and anonymous donation even more touching for all of us involved.

There are so many education issues debated these days that it can be easy to forget that our primary concern is always to teach and care for our students. When our community partners step up and help us to support our students, everything works better and our students achieve more.

We want to give a huge thank you to the many community partners and organizations that come to us every day to provide phenomenal support to ALL of our students, whether with school supplies, backpacks, scholarships, prom dresses or the many volunteer efforts on our campuses. We could not do this without each of you! .

09/17/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to Simi Valley High School alum actor Shailene Woodley! Shailene won her first Emmy award this week for her guest role on “Paradise.” Shailene, who attended the ceremony with her mother, Lori, graduated from Simi Valley High School in 2009. During her time with SVUSD, she also attended Township Elementary School and Valley View Middle School. Way to go, Shailene! We are so proud of you!

https://fb.watch/v/4MZKcdFV-/

09/15/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO SIMI VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL!

Simi Valley High School is proud to be recognized as a nationally recognized Special Olympics Unified Champion School. This honor belongs to the incredible students and staff who lead with kindness, compete together and make sure everyone feels like they belong.

This is what inclusion looks like.

Different strengths. One Pioneer Family

09/11/2026

Every year since the Air Force Junior ROTC corps at Royal High School was formed, the student cadets conduct a moving memorial ceremony for 9-11. Today’s was exceptional and we thank the students and staff for their service.

09/11/2026

College and Career Fair = more than 70 representatives from colleges, universities, military branches, and trade schools. From here to anywhere.