Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we naturally approach a season that encourages reflection and thankfulness. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to focus with our students on the season of gratitude—teaching them to recognize and appreciate the many blessings in their lives, both big and small.
Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you;" it's a way of viewing the world that enhances happiness, strengthens relationships, and builds resilience. We encourage you to incorporate activities into your child’s routines that help them to notice what they're thankful for—whether it's a supportive friend, a sunny day, a helpful teacher, or the simple joy of learning something new.
Teaching gratitude helps shift focus away from what might be lacking toward what is abundant. This perspective is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and positive mental health in our children. When students practice thankfulness, they are often more empathetic, less materialistic, and better equipped to handle challenges.
We encourage you to model and discuss gratitude at home, too. Simple practices like asking your child, "What was one good thing that happened today?" during dinner can make a huge difference.
Thank you for partnering with us in nurturing thoughtful, appreciative, and engaged young citizens. I have the pleasure of observing them at school daily and remain proud and grateful for the environments we have created, instruction we are providing, and next leaders we are shaping.
With gratitude,
Jodi McClay, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
— Melody Beattie
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Families came together on October 23 for a fun-filled Family Library Night at SHPS! Students and parents enjoyed stories, activities, and the joy of reading together, a wonderful evening celebrating literacy and community. |
The 5th Grade Music Festival and St. Helena Music Academy Fall Concert, led by our talented music teacher Mr. Brandon Binder, took place on October 22 at SHES. The event showcased the dedication and musical growth of our student performers. We were delighted to welcome St. Helena Primary students for the morning performance and families and community members in the evening to celebrate our students’ wonderful achievements in music.
With guidance from Spanish Teacher Gabriela Rubio, students have been learning about the cultural importance and history of Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. Our 4th graders created their own shoebox ofrendas, and our school community built a larger campus altar to share and celebrate these personal stories and family traditions. These projects are a beautiful reflection of remembrance, creativity, and cultural pride.
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Our district came together for the annual Fiesta de Octubre, a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, and staff together in a joyful celebration of community. Students from the Primary and Elementary Schools performed beautiful dances, while families enjoyed delicious food and time together. This special event continues to unite our school community through music, culture, and shared celebration. |
October was a busy and inspiring month at RLS Middle School! Students showed incredible school spirit during National Bullying Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week, participating in activities like Cocoa with the Popo, blurry goggles bowling, pledge signing, and advisory lessons on kindness, safety, and healthy choices.
We’re also proud of our staff’s commitment to excellence — all three math teachers are supporting the new California Mathematics Framework, and members of our ELA Department attended Thinking Maps Trainer of Trainers sessions. To top it off, our talented students wowed audiences with band, orchestra, and drama performances throughout the month.
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Our SHHS Chamber Singers proudly represented St. Helena High School at the Sonoma State Choral Invitational Festival on Wednesday, October 22. The choir performed three beautiful pieces for esteemed adjudicators, including Dr. James Jordan (Westminster Choir College), Dr. Julie Yu (Bass School of Music), Dr. Dean Luethi (Washington State University), and Dr. Jennifer Sengin (University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory).
Students also had the incredible opportunity to participate in a clinic with Dr. Luethi, learning new vocal techniques and performance insights. In addition to performing, they enjoyed listening to talented choirs from across the Bay Area — an inspiring experience for all!
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Both St. Helena High School and RLS Middle School proudly celebrated Red Ribbon Week with a variety of engaging and meaningful activities promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Students participated in themed spirit days, pledge signing, and fun lunchtime events that encouraged positive choices and community connection. Students enjoyed activities like “Cocoa with the Popo,” the popular blurry goggles challenge, and interactive games, and a resource fair with partner organizations. The week was a great reminder of the power of student voice and community partnerships in promoting wellness and safety across our campuses. |
Students from SHHS, RLS, and SHPS proudly represented St. Helena at the Special Olympics Soccer Games held at Montgomery High School on October 23. It was an inspiring day of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit! |
The Wellness Center Open House at St. Helena High School was a great success! Students, families, and staff had the opportunity to tour the newly designed Student Wellness Center, learn about the resources available, and connect with support staff in a welcoming environment. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and meaningful conversations about the importance of student well-being. A special thank-you to UpValley Family Centers for their partnership and continued dedication to supporting the health and wellness of our students. |
As a reminder, all students in California, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to attend school free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or intimidation.
Recent state laws (AB 49 and SB 98) strengthen protections for immigrant families and ensure that schools remain safe and welcoming for every student.
For more information, please review the flyer below or scan the QR code to read the California Attorney General’s guidance. Please visit the District website for questions or concerns regarding immigration policies.
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As we close out October, our Saints athletes are finishing the fall season strong and gearing up for winter sports!
Cross Country had an incredible week, taking 1st place in both the boys’ and girls’ varsity divisions at Kelseyville. Top performers included Charlie Watson (3rd), Oly Dodd (5th), Corina Schlatter (1st), Penny Williams (5th), and Evelyn Falsini (6th). Five runners also competed at the Haystack Tune-Up in Hayward, all achieving personal records, great job, runners!
Football brought home a big win against Clear Lake, marking their first victory there since 2019! The Saints defense was unstoppable, holding their opponents to negative rushing yards, with standout plays by Adam Herdell, George Filippini, Ben Brakesman, and Tristan Mowe. This Friday, the Saints will honor 21 senior football players, along with senior cheerleaders, cross-country runners, and medical interns, during Senior Night before the home game vs. Willits, a matchup that could decide the league championship! Kickoff is at 7:00 PM.
Volleyball wrapped up its season with an exciting Senior Night victory over Fort Bragg in a five-set thriller. Seniors Alice Baxter, Olive Filippini, and America Garcia were celebrated for their leadership and dedication. Filippini ended her Saints career with 13 aces, 23 digs, and 66 assists in her final week—amazing work!
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Fall sports have officially come to an end.
The 7th grade girl's basketball team are back-to- back co-champions of the 2025 North Valley League (NVL) this year. Zaira Ceja and Riley Grimes led the team to an impressive 7-1 record while also scoring a combined total of 120 points over 8 games.
The 8th grade girls' team had success as well. With 6 new additions to the team, our 8th grade girls team competed hard every game and finished the season with a 3-7 record. Delia Bennet led the team offensively, scoring a total of 52 points for the season.
Winter sports are now beginning with boys' basketball and girls Volleyball gearing up for competitions within the next two weeks. Stay tuned for more information on the success from RLS athletics.
Families are encouraged to check weekly school bulletins for practice times and release information.
Congratulations to all our fall athletes for an outstanding season. Go Saints & Blue Devils!
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Lorraine Corsino and Martha Martinez are the friendly faces behind our Food Services team at the Primary School. When asked what they enjoy most about working at SHPS, they shared, “We love serving the children. This group is super fun, and they are always so polite and well-mannered!”
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Maritsa Sierra and Leticia Guijosa are part of our amazing Food Services team at SHES. When asked what their favorite thing is about working at the elementary school, they shared, “We love to cook and see the smiles on our students’ faces when they enjoy our food. It brings us joy to see them get excited to eat the meals we’ve worked hard on.”
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Ibeth Perez and Maricela Pimentel are part of our dedicated Food Services team at RLS. When asked what their favorite thing is about working there, they shared, “We like working with the students in our community! We love serving our middle schoolers, they really are a great group of kids.”
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Teresa Sepulveda and Veronica Rodriguez are our amazing Food Services team members at SHHS. When asked what their favorite thing is about working there, they shared, “We enjoy making food and preparing meals for the students in our community.”
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We’re excited to introduce Justina Ledezma, our new Food Services Director! Justina brings creativity, passion, and a love for great food to our school kitchens. A former bakery manager, school kitchen server, and wedding cake decorator, she adds both artistry and heart to everything she does. She also loves cooking from scratch and intends to bring more scratch recipes to our menus. Her favorite snack is watermelon, and she lives by the quote, “Cooking is love made visible.” We’re thrilled to have her leading the SHUSD food service team! |
Parents and guardians of English Learners are invited to attend the ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) Meeting on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at RLS Middle School. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how to support English Learner students and stay informed about school programs and resources.
The Financial Aid Workshop will also take place on Wednesday, November 12, at 5:30 PM in the St. Helena High School Library. Families can receive hands-on assistance completing the FAFSA or Dream Act Application and get important information about financial aid opportunities for college.
The DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee) Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM in the Vintage Hall Board Room. Parents and guardians of English Learners are encouraged to attend and share their input on district programs and services.
Join us for the Impact Teen Drivers Parent & Teen Workshop on Wednesday, November 19, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the St. Helena High School PAC. This workshop will cover topics such as Graduated Driver Licensing, avoiding distractions, the importance of seat belts, and the risks of speeding. Parents play a key role in shaping their teens’ safe driving habits.
Please note there will be no school on Tuesday, November 12, in observance of Veteran's Day. In addition, Thanksgiving Break will take place from November 24–28.
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Mariana serves as the Youth Diversion Coordinator at UpValley Family Centers. In this role, she oversees the diversion program in collaboration with the school resource officer at RLS and SHHS. During the school day, she provides additional student support services and offers social-emotional support to help students navigate personal and academic challenges. Mariana also plans and coordinates prevention initiatives, such as Red Ribbon Week, and facilitates restorative practice groups aimed at preventing future offenses while promoting positive decision-making among youth. |
As the Community Liaison Director, I’m here to support families with resources, connections, and questions about the district. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
Selene Robledo
Community Liaison Director
C: 707-227-0874 | P: 707-967-2708, Ext. 5011
srobledo@sthelenaunified.org
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