Oct. 21 - 2025

We’re cruising through October and can you believe the end of the second marking period is right around the corner? Thank you for showing up, supporting one another, and keeping the positive Saint spirit alive. Let’s keep our momentum strong as we move into another busy and exciting week!

School Site Council Meeting — Monday, October 20

Our School Site Council (SSC) meets today at 3:45 PM in the Library. The SSC includes parents, students, teachers, and staff who collaborate on school goals and funding priorities. Thank you to our SSC members for your continued service and dedication to improving our school community!

Athletics — Week of October 20–24

Tuesday, October 21

• Girls Tennis vs Gilroy HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Volleyball vs Del Mar HS (Home) — 5:30 PM

• Girls Flag Football vs Silver Creek HS (Home) — 7:00 PM

Thursday, October 23

• Girls Tennis vs Oak Grove HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Boys Water Polo at Silver Creek HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Football at Christopher HS (Away) — 4:30 PM

• Girls Volleyball at Mt. Pleasant HS (Away) — 5:30 PM

• Girls Water Polo at Silver Creek HS (Away) — 6:00 PM

• Girls Flag Football vs Independence HS (Home) — 7:00 PM

Come out and support our athletes as they wrap up their fall season. Your cheers make all the difference! 

Mental Health & Wellness Center

Monday, October 20

• Calming Space (Room 802) will be closed all day, but the MHWC team will still be calling students for their scheduled appointments.

Wednesday, October 22

• Wellness Wednesday @ Lunch — Join us outside for fun, relaxing activities (weather permitting). It’s the perfect midweek mental reset!
  Follow @STWellnessCenter on Instagram or listen to morning announcements for updates on what’s happening each week.

• Wellness Club Fundraiser @ Chipotle (Cottle Rd) — 4:00–8:00 PM!
  Support the Wellness Club by dining at Chipotle after school—show the flyer (attached to this post) in person or online. Proceeds help fund future wellness activities and events for students.

Thursday, October 23

• Furry Friends Are Back!
  Visit the quad during lunch to spend time with certified therapy dogs from Furry Friends. It’s a great way to relax, smile, and take care of your mental health.

UPP Funding Form — One Minute That Can Bring Millions

Families, we need your help! Completing the UPP form (sent via text, email, or phone call from ESUHSD) takes less than one minute, but it makes a huge impact on how much funding our schools receive.

• The UPP form helps the district secure up to $40 million in state and federal funding that supports technology, tutoring, wellness programs, and academic resources.

• Even if you think you won’t qualify, please fill it out—you never know!

• Our district’s goal is to have at least 60% of families qualify, so every submission counts toward that goal.

Thank you to those who have already completed it. Your action directly benefits our students and school community.

Panorama Survey — Your Voice Matters!

The Panorama Survey gives students, families, and staff a chance to share their thoughts on school climate, connectedness, and supports. So far, only a small number of families have completed it, and we’d love to hear from more of you!

Your feedback helps us understand what’s going well and what we can improve so please take a few minutes this week to complete the survey before the window closes on October 31.

• Students: surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion → Access code: Student ID → choose language → click Submit when done.

• Families: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family → select Santa Teresa High School → choose your language → begin.

• Staff: Use your Panorama email link (check Junk/Spam if needed). If missing, contact support+eastsideunion@panoramaed.com.

Marking Period 2 Ends Soon — October 31

The second marking period is coming to an end! Now’s the time to check grades, submit missing work, and get extra help if needed.

If you’re struggling or want to improve before the deadline:

• Visit our Academic Supports page: https://santateresahigh.esuhsd.org/academics/academic-supports

• Attend tutorials or after-school sessions with your teachers.

• Use Paper, our free 24/7 online tutoring program—available through your ARMS portal.

Let’s finish this grading period strong and set ourselves up for success heading into November!

Safety Reminder — Be Alert and Stay Aware

As the days get shorter and it begins getting darker around 5–6 PM, we encourage all students to be extra vigilant when coming to or leaving campus.

• Avoid walking alone, especially in dimly lit or quiet areas. Go with a friend or group whenever possible.

• Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like phones or headphones when walking.

• If you ever feel unsafe, reach out to a trusted adult or a staff member for help.

Your safety matters. Please take care of yourself and look out for each other.

Thank you for all the energy, positivity, and pride you bring to campus every day. Whether you’re studying, performing, competing, or connecting with others, you make Santa Teresa a special place to learn and grow.

Let's finish strong, stay positive, and as always.....Goooooo Saints!

Sep. 29 - 2025

Welcome back, Saints! We hope everyone had a restful and refreshing Fall Break. Maybe you slept in, took a trip, spent time with loved ones, or just enjoyed doing absolutely nothing (which totally counts as self-care). Now that we’re re-energized, it’s time to jump back into routines, celebrate achievements, and finish October strong.

Community Meetings & Parent Engagement

Monday, October 13 — STPTO Meeting (6:30 PM, Library)

Our Parent-Teacher Organization is the heart of our school community, bringing parents, staff, and students together to support school events, teacher needs, and fundraising initiatives. Whether you’re new to ST or a returning family, your participation helps shape the experience for all students.

Tuesday, October 14 — Community & Booster Meetings (Library & Band Room)

It’s a big night for parent and community engagement!

 • Community Advisory Committee (CAC) — 5:00 PM, Library
The CAC is a partnership of staff, students, parents/guardians, and neighbors who work together to ensure a positive relationship between Santa Teresa High School and our local community. The CAC meets throughout the year to maintain open communication and collaboration.

 • STABC (Athletic Booster Club) — 7:00 PM, Library

Learn about how our athletics program is funded, what’s ahead for the winter season, and how you can volunteer or contribute to support our student-athletes.

 • STMAA (Band Booster Association) — 7:00 PM, Band Room

Support our marching band and music programs as they prepare for upcoming performances and competitions. Parent involvement keeps our music programs thriving!

Wednesday, October 15 — Latino Parent Coalition (6:00 PM, Library)

Join our LPC for an evening of collaboration and discussion. The group focuses on empowering families through communication, access to resources, and celebrating cultural contributions that strengthen our school community. Spanish interpretation is provided.

Thursday, October 16 — ESUHSD Board Meeting (4:00 PM, District Office)

Our district’s regular Board of Trustees Meeting will take place at the board room, 830 N. Capitol Avenue, San Jose. Families, staff, and community members are always welcome to attend or listen in to stay informed about district decisions and initiatives.

Athletics — Week of October 13–17

Tuesday, October 14

    •    Girls Water Polo vs Christopher HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

    •    Boys Water Polo vs Christopher HS (Home) — 6:00 PM

    •    Girls Volleyball at Live Oak HS (Away) — 5:30 PM

    •    Girls Flag Football at Overfelt HS (Away) — 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 15

    •    Cross Country Meet at Montgomery Hill — 4:00 PM. Our runners continue their season on one of the toughest local courses. Come out to cheer them on!

Thursday, October 16

    •    Boys Water Polo vs Independence HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

    •    Girls Volleyball at James Lick HS (Away) — 5:30 PM

    •    Girls Water Polo vs Independence HS (Home) — 6:00 PM

Friday, October 17

    •    Football vs Leigh HS (Home) — 4:30 PM

Join us for a great evening under the lights. Wear your blue and gold, bring your school spirit, and let’s cheer our team to victory!

(Reminder: no backpacks, no ins and outs during the game.)

Mental Health & Wellness Center — This Week’s Schedule

Wednesday, October 15 — Wellness Wednesday at Lunch

Take a break and have some fun! The MHWC team will host outdoor activities and lawn games during lunch to promote positive mental health and connection. Follow @STWellnessCenter and @STASB on Instagram or listen to the morning announcements for specific activity details.

Thursday, October 16

    •    Calming Space (Room 802) will be closed all day except during 7th period.

    •    Wellness Club Activity — 12:00–12:30 PM in Room 801.

Students are invited to join this week’s activity, which will focus on mindfulness and creativity—a great way to recharge mid-day and connect with peers.

Friday, October 17 — Calming Space (Room 802)

The Calming Space will be closed for 6th period only for a short staff meeting but open for the rest of the day for students seeking a quiet place to reset and reflect.

Districtwide Opportunities & Surveys

UPP Funding Form — One Minute That Can Bring Millions!

Families, this is one of the most important actions you can take this school year. Completing the UPP form (sent by text, email, or phone message from ESUHSD) takes less than a minute and helps the district secure up to $40 million in vital funding. These dollars support programs like tutoring, mental health services, technology, and extracurriculars.

• It’s quick.

• It’s safe and legitimate.

• It directly benefits our students.

Once you complete the form, you won’t receive further reminders. Thank you for taking the time to support our school community!

Panorama Survey — Share Your Voice!

The Panorama Survey helps us understand student and family experiences at Santa Teresa. Your responses guide improvements in academic supports, school climate, and student well-being. If you haven’t taken it yet, please do so before the October 31 deadline.

    •    Students: surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion → Access code: Student ID → available in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese → click Submit when done.

    •    Families: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family → select Santa Teresa High School → choose your language → begin.

    •    Staff: Check your Panorama email for your unique link (check Junk/Spam if needed). If you can’t find it, contact support+eastsideunion@panoramaed.com.

Every response helps us strengthen our programs and better support the needs of our Saints community.

It’s a busy, energizing week ahead—filled with athletic matchups, family engagement meetings, and wellness events. Show up, get involved, and keep that positive momentum going. Thank you for continuing to make Santa Teresa a place where every student feels connected, supported, and celebrated.

Sep. 29 - 2025

It’s our last week of September and the first week of October and boy does time really does fly! And, a big shoutout to Saints Football for a big win over Oak Grove last Friday. Thanks to our athletes, coaches, cheer, and fans for the great game-day energy.

Counseling — Grade 9 CCGI Personality Assessment (Monday, September 29)

During PE, 9th graders will rotate to the MPR to complete the CCGI personality/interest activity that helps students explore careers and align coursework. Please bring a charged Chromebook and your school login. Counselors will be on hand to support.

District College Fair (Tuesday, September 30, 5:00–7:00 PM at Independence HS)

This free, districtwide event is an easy way to meet college reps, learn about majors, financial aid, and campus life, and start (or refine) your college list. All grade levels are encouraged to attend. Tip: bring a short question list, a notepad/phone for notes, and consider a parent/guardian partner for extra listening power.

Financial Aid Night + FAFSA/CADAA Opens (Wednesday, October 1)

Join us in the Theatre and MPR for Financial Aid Night. We’ll cover the FAFSA and CADAA applications (which open October 1), timelines, required documents, scholarships, and how colleges build aid packages. Students and families are highly encouraged to attend—come with questions and your planning calendar.

Picture Make-Up Day (Friday, October 3)

Make-ups are for redos and new transfers only, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM in the MPR. Students should come during release time or as directed by teachers. Dress school-appropriate; if redoing, bring your original proof if available.

This Week in Athletics

Tuesday, September 30

• Girls Tennis vs Oak Grove HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

• Boys Water Polo at Yerba Buena HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Volleyball vs San Jose HS (Home) — 5:30 PM

• Girls Water Polo at Silver Creek HS (Away) — 6:00 PM

• Girls Flag Football at Independence HS (Away) — 7:00 PM

Thursday, October 2

• Girls Tennis vs Sobrato HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Water Polo at Mt. Pleasant HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Volleyball vs Oak Grove HS (Home) — 5:30 PM

• Boys Water Polo at Mt. Pleasant HS (Away) — 6:00 PM

• Girls Flag Football vs Gunderson HS (Home) — 7:00 PM

Schedules can change. Please check team/coach communications or the ST Athletics page before heading out. Thank you for representing ST with positivity and sportsmanship.

Panorama Survey — Students, Families, and Staff (Open through October 31)

Your feedback directly informs our work on school climate, inclusion, wellness, and academics. If you haven’t completed it yet, please do:

• Students (completed at school): https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion → Access code: Student ID → English/Spanish/Vietnamese → read-aloud available (bring headphones) → click Submit at the end.

• Families: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family → select Santa Teresa High School → choose your language → begin.

• Staff: Use the Panorama email with your unique link (check Junk/Spam). If missing, contact support+eastsideunion@panoramaed.com.

UPP Funding Form — One Minute, Big Impact

As a friendly reminder, families may receive legitimate texts/emails/calls from ESUHSD with a quick UPP form. It takes under a minute, stops further reminders once completed, and helps unlock critical funding that supports programs and services at ST. Thank you for completing it as soon as you receive the link.

Looking Ahead — Fall Break (October 6–10)

Next week is Fall Break—no school for students Monday through Friday (October 6–10). Enjoy a safe, restful week. Note: there will be no Week 10 update due to the break.

Let's continue to show up, be kind, and take advantage of the college and financial-aid events. Proud of you, Saints! Let’s finish September strong and step into October with momentum! Gooooooo Saints! 

Sep. 22 - 2025

Week 8 Update (September 22–26)

Hello, Saints! We’re rolling into Week 8 with great energy—thank you for the strong attendance, on-time arrivals, and partnership at home. This week brings important chances to lend your voice (SSC), support our student leaders (blood drive), cheer on our athletes, celebrate student journalism, and engage at the district level.

School Site Council (SSC) — Today

Our first SSC meeting is today, Monday, September 22, 3:50–4:50 PM in the Library. If you can’t join in person, please use our Zoom link: https://esuhsd.zoom.us/j/87072444357?pwd=l1d9ufk55a8RH2WudexXjggvkaDwlX.1

SSC is where families, students, and staff shape campus goals, funding priorities, and programs that directly impact teaching and learning. Your voice matters so please join us.

This Week in Athletics

• Note from last week: The Friday, September 19 football game vs Leland HS was forfeited by Leland due to multiple injuries.

• Monday, September 22: Boys Water Polo vs Gunderson HS (Home) — 6:00 PM

• Tuesday, September 23:

  • Girls Tennis vs Christopher HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

  • Girls Water Polo vs Silver Creek HS (Home) — 4:00 PM

  • Girls Volleyball vs Mt. Pleasant HS (Home) — 5:30 PM

  • Boys Water Polo vs Silver Creek HS (Home) — 6:00 PM

• Thursday, September 25:

  • Girls Tennis at Gilroy HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

  • Boys Water Polo at Gunderson HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

  • Girls Volleyball at Overfelt HS (Away) — 5:30 PM

  • Girls Water Polo at Gunderson HS (Away) — 6:00 PM

  • Girls Flag Football at Silver Creek HS (Away) — 7:00 PM

• Friday, September 26: Football at Oak Grove HS (Away) — 4:30 PM
  (Schedules can change; please check team communications/athletics page before heading out.)

9th–11th Grade Parent Presentations — Thursday, September 25, 6:00 PM (Theater)

Families of 9th–11th graders are invited to an evening presentation in the Theater at 6:00 PM covering graduation & A–G requirements, AP courses, upcoming events, on-campus resources, and tips & strategies for success.

Red Cross Fall Blood Drive — Thursday, September 25 (MPR)

Hosted by our Red Cross Club in the MPR from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (last donor appointment at 2:15 PM).

• Students (16+): Pick up donor permission slips in Room 401. Student volunteers also need a permission slip signed by periods 1, 3, 5, 7 teachers; please do not sign if the student cannot miss class (exam/quiz/lab, etc.). We’ll reschedule their volunteer period.

• Staff & Adults: Sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=STHSsaints
  Classroom visits during Tutorial will advertise and distribute permission slips (no visits to 4th-period freshman classes). Questions? Contact Ms. Szelong (Room 401).

Mental Health & Wellness Center — This Week

• Wellness Wednesday (Lunch): Outdoor activities & lawn games—taking a break and having fun is good for your mental health.

• Wellness Club (Thursday, Lunch): Student-led activity (details shared at school).

• Stay updated on Instagram: @STWellnessCenter. Families and students can check recent and upcoming happenings. For support, call (408) 347-6246 or submit a CARE Team Referral.

District Public Hearing — Textbooks/Instructional Materials (Thursday, September 25, ~7:30 PM)

The ESUHSD Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing during its regular meeting to consider whether students have sufficient textbooks or instructional materials aligned to state standards. Location: Board Room, Education Center, 830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose. All staff, parents, and community members are invited. For more information, contact the Instructional Services Division at (408) 347-5060. (Education Code §60119.)

Read The Halo Tribune — New Edition Live!

Our student newspaper, The Halo Tribune, just released its latest edition—written, edited, and published by our Saints. Catch student life, campus events, sports highlights, opinion pieces, and more at sthsnews.com. We’re proud of our student journalists so take a moment to check out their work!

Panorama Survey — Students, Families, and Staff (Open through October 31)

Your feedback guides our equity, climate, and support work. Please participate:

• Students (completed at school): surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion → Access code: Student ID → available in English/Spanish/Vietnamese; read-aloud enabled (bring headphones) → budget 15–25 minutes and click Submit.

• Families: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family → select Santa Teresa High School → choose language → begin.

• Staff: Look for an email from Panorama with your unique link (check Junk/Spam if needed). If you can’t find it, contact support+eastsideunion@panoramaed.com; a backup option is available using your email handle (before “@”, lowercase) as the access code.

UPP Funding Form — 60 Seconds That Helps Our Students

Families are receiving legitimate texts/emails/calls from ESUHSD (CTO Randy Phelps, site principals, PCIS, etc.) with a quick UPP form. Completing it takes under a minute, stops further messages once finished, and helps secure significant funding for our students and schools. Thank you for submitting as soon as you receive the link.

Thank you for staying engaged with us—whether it’s SSC, cheering at games, donating at the blood drive, or completing Panorama/UPP. Let’s make Week 8 focused, supportive, and spirited. Gooooo Saints!

Sep. 15 - 2025

Welcome to Week 7 (…yes, Week 7!)

I accidentally skipped counting our first two days of school (Thursday–Friday) as Week 1—so here we are in “Week 7” instead of 6. Math is hard before coffee or an energy drink. Thanks for rolling with me and for keeping up the strong daily attendance and on-time arrivals.

New Grading Period Begins

Grading Period 1 closed last Friday. Those grades are a progress snapshot, not the final word. Students can:

• Schedule Tutorial with the teacher for the class where they need the most help.

• Attend Office Hours this Wednesday, September 17 to ask questions, catch up, or preview upcoming work.

• Explore tutoring and supports on our Academic Supports page: https://santateresahigh.esuhsd.org/academics/academic-supports.

Seniors: 1:1 Credit Evaluation Meetings

Our academic counselors continue meeting with seniors this week for individualized credit checks, graduation planning, and post-secondary next steps. Seniors should watch their email/ParentSquare for appointment times and arrive prepared with questions.

Wellness Update — Calming Space (Monday, September 15)

The Calming Space will be closed all day Monday, September 15. Social Workers and Counselors will still be on site in the Mental Health & Wellness Center (MHWC) for emergencies and will call students for scheduled appointments.

This Week in Athletics

Tuesday, September 16

• Girls Tennis at Sobrato HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Water Polo at Independence HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Volleyball vs James Lick HS (Home) — 5:30 PM

• Boys Water Polo at Independence HS (Away) — 6:00 PM

• Girls Flag Football at James Lick HS (Away) — 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 18

• Girls Tennis at Independence HS (Away) — 4:00 PM

• Girls Volleyball at Del Mar HS (Away) — 5:30 PM

• Girls Flag Football vs Overfelt HS (Home) — 7:00 PM

Friday, September 19

• Football vs Leland HS (Home) — 4:30 PM

  • Stadium Rules: No backpacks; no ins-and-outs. 

(Schedules may change; please confirm with coaches or the ST Athletics page before heading out.)

Latino Parent Coalition (LPC)

Join us on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:00 PM in the Library for our LPC meeting. All families are welcome—come build community and learn about supports for students.

Panorama Survey — Students & Families (Opens Monday, September 15)

Your voice matters. Panorama helps us understand school climate, inclusion, and student supports so we can keep improving.

• Students: You’ll complete the survey at school during the window (September 15–October 31).

  • Go to surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion

  • Access code: your Student ID

  • Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese

  • A read-aloud option is built in—please bring headphones if you plan to use it.

  • Budget 15–25 minutes and be sure to click the blue Submit button so your responses are saved.

• Families: Please take the family survey during the window (September 15–October 31).

  • Link: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family

  • Select Santa Teresa High School from the drop-down and choose your preferred language, then begin.

  • Your input helps shape site goals and supports (LCAP, local indicators, and school planning).

• Staff (Sept 15–Oct 31):

  • Look for an email from Panorama with your unique link on Monday, September 15 (reminders will follow). If you don’t see it, please check Junk/Spam/Trash. If it’s still missing, contact support+eastsideunion@panoramaed.com.

UPP Funding Form — Please Respond (1 Minute)

As a reminder, ESUHSD launched a simple online UPP form that helps secure critical funding for students. Families may receive texts, emails, or phone calls from ESUHSD (including messages from District CTO Randy Phelps, site principals, or PCIS staff) with a legitimate link to complete. It takes under a minute, stops further messages once finished, and directly supports ST—districtwide, this effort could bring in up to $40 million for students and schools. Thank you for completing the form as soon as you receive it.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership—whether you’re meeting with counselors, cheering at games, or sharing your voice through Panorama, it all helps our students thrive. Here’s to a focused, encouraging week ahead. Goooooo Saints! 

Aug. 4 - 2025

Dear Students, Staff, and Families,

Welcome to a brand new school year! My name is Truc Chau, and I’m honored to serve as your principal. I’m excited to kick off the year of learning, growth, and community here at Santa Teresa High School.

Freshmen/New Student Orientation – August 6th

We’re looking forward to welcoming our Class of 2029! Please see the schedule and details below to help you plan ahead:

Location: Santa Teresa High School

Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Orientation takes approximately 45–60 minutes per student. Students are welcome to stay longer at the final station to learn more about our school’s clubs and athletics.

Arrival Times by Last Name:

• A–C: 8:00 AM

• D–H: 8:45 AM

• I–M: 9:30 AM

• N–R: 10:15 AM

• S–Z: 11:00 AM

If you arrive late, no worries—just head straight to the Gym and we’ll get you started!

Orientation Stations in Order:

      1. Gym: School photos + student ID cards

      2. Counseling Office: Pick up class schedules

      3. Book Room: Chromebook distribution

      4. Theater: Help with student account access

      5. MPR Area: Learn about clubs and sports opportunities

First Day of School – August 7th

We can’t wait to see everyone back on campus! Both August 7 and 8 will follow our Monday schedule (Periods 1–7).

Let’s make it a great year, Saints! ​