Aug. 10 - 2026

Welcome back, Saints! We hope everyone is ready for our first full week of the 2026–2027 school year. Last week was a successful start, and we were especially pleased with the strong attendance across our campus. Thank you to our students, families, teachers, and staff for helping us begin the year on such a positive note. As we settle into our regular routines, let us continue building good habits, arriving on time, and making every school day count.

Important Reminder: Electronic Device Policy

We want to remind all students and families that Santa Teresa High School is an electronic device-free learning environment. In accordance with California’s Phone-Free Schools Act, students are expected to keep cell phones and other personal electronic devices put away during instructional time. Our goal is to provide classrooms where students can focus on learning, participate fully, connect with their teachers and classmates, and avoid unnecessary distractions. The school-wide five-strike consequence system applies across all classes, not separately in each classroom. Consequences progress from a verbal reminder and documented warning to device confiscation, parent or guardian pickup, and ultimately the loss of on-campus device privileges.

We ask families to review these expectations with their students and help reinforce the importance of following the policy consistently. If families need to reach a student during the school day because of an urgent matter, they may contact the school office. Accommodations for documented medical needs and IEP/504 plans will continue to be honored.

Students with an Open First or Seventh Period

Students who have an open first period or seventh period must follow our campus supervision expectations. If a student is on campus during an open period, they may not wander around or gather in unsupervised areas. Students with an open first period who arrive on campus before their first scheduled class must check in at the library. The library provides students with a safe, supervised space that also protects them from heat, rain, or other weather conditions. We understand that transportation or family schedules may require some students with a late start to be dropped off early. Those students are welcome to come to campus, but they must report directly to the library and remain there until approximately 10 minutes before the bell rings for their first class.

The same expectation applies to students with an open seventh period. They may leave campus after their final scheduled class. If they choose or need to remain on campus, they must check in at the library and stay there until they are ready and permitted to leave. Families, please review these expectations with your students. This procedure helps us maintain a safe and orderly campus while ensuring that students have a comfortable place to wait before or after their scheduled classes.

Monday, August 10 – Band Popcorn Fundraiser Kickoff

On Monday, the Santa Teresa Band will kick off its popcorn fundraiser. Our band program brings music, school spirit, and pride to performances and community events throughout the year. Fundraisers like this help provide important resources and opportunities for our student musicians. We encourage our Saints community to support the fundraiser whenever possible. Every purchase and contribution helps strengthen the program and supports the hard work and dedication of our band students.

Tuesday, August 11 – STMAA Band Booster Meeting

The Santa Teresa Music and Arts Association (STMAA) Band Boosters will meet at 7:00 PM in the Band Room. Parents, guardians, and community members who want to support our music program are encouraged to attend. The Band Boosters play an important role in supporting students, coordinating activities, and helping the program provide meaningful musical experiences. Attending the meeting is a great way to learn more about upcoming events, become involved, and connect with other families who support the arts at Santa Teresa.

Wednesday, August 12 – Welcome Rally and STPTO Meeting

Students are invited to our Welcome Rally in the gym during lunch. The rally is an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the school year, build school spirit, and come together as a Saints community. We encourage students to attend, participate, and help create a welcoming environment for everyone on campus.

That evening, the Santa Teresa Parent Teacher Organization (STPTO) will hold its meeting at 6:30 PM in the library. All parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. STPTO meetings provide families with an opportunity to learn more about what is happening at school, connect with staff and other parents, share ideas, and support activities that benefit our students. Family participation is an important part of a strong school community, and we hope to see many of you there.

Thursday, August 13 – ESUHSD Board Meeting

The East Side Union High School District Board of Trustees will meet at 6:00 PM at the District Office. Board meetings give families and community members an opportunity to stay informed about district priorities, programs, policies, and decisions that affect our schools and students. We encourage interested families to attend and remain engaged in the work of our district. Community participation and public input are important parts of the decision-making process.

Friday, August 14 – First Club Rush

Our first Club Rush of the year will take place during lunch on Friday. Club Rush gives students the opportunity to explore the many clubs and organizations available at Santa Teresa, meet students with similar interests, and discover new ways to become involved on campus. Participation in a club can help students develop leadership skills, form friendships, explore personal and academic interests, and build a stronger connection to school. We encourage every student to visit Club Rush, ask questions, and consider joining at least one organization that interests them. High school is more meaningful when students find ways to participate beyond the classroom.

Save the Date: Back-to-School Night

Please mark your calendars for September 2 for Santa Teresa High School’s Back-to-School Night. This will be an important opportunity for families to meet teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and better understand how to support their students throughout the year. Additional details will be shared as we get closer to the event.

Thank you again for helping us begin the school year with such strong attendance and positive energy. Let us continue looking out for one another, following campus expectations, and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and become involved. Let’s have a great week. Gooooooo Saints!