Principal's Message

July 28, 2025

Dear Dewey Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with joy, rest, and special memories with those you love. As we get ready to launch a new school year, I’m thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a heartfelt greeting to those joining the Dewey community for the first time.

Class Assignments Please know that we take great care in placing each student, considering multiple factors to support their growth and success. At this time, we are unable to accommodate requests for classroom changes. If, after the first two weeks of school, you continue to have concerns, I encourage you to schedule a meeting with me. If for some reason your child is not able to attend the first day of school, please contact the office.

Staffing Updates We are excited to welcome several new staff members to our Dewey community:

●        Danette Brush – ASD

●        Amy Givens – .5 Resource Specialist

●        Nati Lopez – School Psychologist

●        Anna Gaona Botello – School Social Worker

We are in the process of hiring an additional ASD teacher.

Key Back to School Dates

●        August 7th: Back to School Family Picnic & Resource Fair (5:30–7:30 p.m.)

○        Bring your picnic dinner and reconnect with the Dewey community.

○        Learn more about resources available at Dewey and within SJUSD.

○        New Family School Tour @ 6:00 p.m.

○        Snowie Shaved Ice Truck and Crumbl Cookie

●        August 14th: First Day of School *1st-6th grade 8:55-2:15

○        Please ensure your child arrives on time to start the year off right.

○        Parents, join us for coffee and donuts from 8:55–9:20 a.m. at the overhang to meet other families and learn more about Dewey’s Parent Faculty Organization (PFO).

●        Back to School Night (Adult-only event):

○        TK and Kindergarten: August 11th, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

○        Grades 1–6: August 21st

■        4th–6th Grade Presentations: 5:30–6:15 p.m.

■        Whole School Presentation: 6:20–6:40 p.m.

■        1st–3rd Grade Presentations: 6:45–7:30 p.m.

Academic Excellence We are committed to providing a challenging and enriching academic experience for all students. Before- and after-school enrichment opportunities will be offered later this fall, alongside additional support to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

Communication Open and effective communication is key to our partnership. Please stay connected through:

●        Our website: www.sanjuan.edu/dewey

●        Weekly Tiger Tale email newsletter (every Monday)

●        Social media: Facebook (/Harrydeweyfundamental) & Instagram (@Dewey_Tigers)

●        PFO website: www.deweypfo.com

●        Talking Points two-way text messaging

●        Teacher newsletters and emails

School Safety Safety is a top priority at Dewey. Please review the enclosed “Drop-Off and Dismissal” flyer. Dogs are not allowed on campus when students are present. Additional information is available in the SJUSD Family Handbook and Dewey’s Student Handbook, which will be distributed at Back to School Night.

Family Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities We believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential to a thriving learning environment. Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, your time, talents, and voice make a difference.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer verification form at www.sanjuan.edu/volunteer. If you’ve already submitted the form, you’re good to go!

In addition, we are currently seeking three parent representatives to serve on our School Site Council, a collaborative group that helps shape school goals and funding decisions. Nomination forms will be sent home shortly after school begins. This is a great way to get involved and help guide our school’s future.

As we begin this new year together, thank you for your continued partnership and trust. I look forward to working alongside you to make 2025–2026 a year of growth, learning, and connection for every student. If you have questions, our front office reopens to the public on Monday, August 4.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!

Warmly,

Sabrina Parsley
Principal
sabrina.parsley@sanjuan.edu