Aug. 31 - 2026

Welcome back, Saints! As we begin Week 5, we are proud of the effort our students continue to show in their classrooms and throughout our campus. Each new week gives us another opportunity to strengthen positive habits, become more involved, and make progress toward our goals. We encourage students to attend every day, arrive on time, stay engaged in their learning, and seek support whenever they need it.

Title I Parent and Family Involvement Policy

Please see the post on Santa Teresa High School’s Title I School-Level Parent and Family Involvement Policy and School-Parent Compact (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese). The policy explains how our school works with families to support student achievement and ensure that parents have meaningful opportunities to participate in the Title I program. The letter describes the many ways families can remain informed and involved, including parent meetings, School Site Council and ELAC meetings, parent workshops, conferences, and ongoing communication with teachers, counselors, and support staff. It also outlines the shared responsibilities of the school, families, and students in creating a safe, supportive learning environment where every student can succeed. 

We encourage families to review the letter and take advantage of opportunities to participate, share input, and partner with us throughout the school year. Strong family involvement strengthens our entire Saints community.

Please Complete the Unduplicated Pupil Percentage Form

We are asking every family to complete the Unduplicated Pupil Percentage Form, commonly referred to as the UPP.

The UPP measures the percentage of students who are English learners, qualify for free or reduced-price meals, or are foster or homeless youth. “Unduplicated” means that a student who qualifies in more than one category is counted only once.

This information is extremely important because California uses the UPP under the Local Control Funding Formula to determine how much additional funding our district receives. That funding supports academic programs, counseling, intervention services, and other resources that directly benefit students. Eligible students may also qualify for individual benefits, including reduced fees for certain programs and exams.

The form is confidential and takes only a minute to complete. Families should submit it even if their student does not plan to eat school meals. When every family participates, ESUHSD can report an accurate count and secure the full amount of funding available to support our students. Please complete the UPP form as soon as possible.

Tuesday, September 1 – Athletics and STABC Meeting

Our Girls Water Polo team will take on Lincoln High School at 4:00 PM. We encourage our Saints community to support our student-athletes as they begin their season and represent Santa Teresa with pride.

Our Flag Football team will travel to Branham High School for an away game beginning at 5:30 PM. We wish our student-athletes the best and encourage families who are able to attend to cheer them on while demonstrating positive sportsmanship.

That evening, the Santa Teresa Athletic Booster Club will meet at 7:00 PM in the library. STABC plays an important role in supporting our athletic programs and creating opportunities for student-athletes. Parents, guardians, and community members who are interested in supporting Saints athletics are warmly encouraged to attend, learn more, and become involved.

Wednesday, September 2 – Back-to-School Night

Back-to-School Night will begin at 5:30 PM. We look forward to welcoming our families to campus for an evening of connection, learning, and Saints community spirit. This is an important opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, learn about course expectations, and better understand how to support students throughout the year. Families should obtain their student’s schedule in advance by asking their student or checking Infinite Campus. Counselors will also be available in front of the library beginning at 5:00 PM for anyone who needs assistance accessing a schedule.

Families are welcome to bring younger siblings and enjoy the outdoor games, activities, face painting, food available for purchase, and carnival-style fun taking place before, during, and after classroom visits. Whether you attend primarily to meet teachers or stay to enjoy the activities and learn more about Santa Teresa, we hope every family will feel welcomed and connected.

Thursday, September 3 – Away Athletics

Our Boys Water Polo team will travel to Leigh High School for an away match beginning at 4:00 PM. We are proud of the dedication our student-athletes bring to their sport and wish them a strong competition.

Our Flag Football team will also be on the road Thursday, traveling to James Lick High School for a 5:30 PM game. We encourage families and community members who can attend to support our Saints and help create a positive environment for everyone competing.

Friday, September 4 – Away Football Game

Our Football team will travel to The King’s Academy for an away game beginning at 4:30 PM. We wish our players and coaches a safe trip and a successful game. We encourage our Saints community to support the team and demonstrate positive sportsmanship. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines, let us represent Santa Teresa with pride and respect.

Save the Date: ESUHSD College & Career Night

ESUHSD’s free College & Career Night will take place on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at Independence High School, located at 617 North Jackson Avenue in San Jose.

Students and families will have an opportunity to connect with representatives from more than 100 colleges, universities, and organizations and learn about the many programs and pathways available after high school. This is a valuable event for students at every grade level (not only seniors) and we encourage families to begin exploring future possibilities early. Families may register online for College & Career Night.

No School Monday, September 7

Please remember that there will be no school next Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We hope our students, families, and staff enjoy a safe and restful three-day weekend. School will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Thank you for continuing to support our students and remain connected to our school. Together, we can create a strong, welcoming community in which every Saint has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Have a wonderful week and a safe Labor Day weekend. Gooooooo Saints!

Aug. 24 - 2026

Please note that the 9th-Grade Parent Presentation will not take place tomorrow. It is scheduled for September 9th, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The Zoom link and additional information will be shared as we get closer to the date.

We apologize for any confusion and look forward to having our 9th-grade families join us on September 9th!

Welcome back, Saints! As we begin Week 4, we are proud of the positive energy and effort our students continue to bring to campus. The routines students establish now (attending every day, arriving on time, completing assignments, and asking for help) will make a meaningful difference throughout the school year. We encourage every student to remain focused, take advantage of available support, and remember that progress is built one day at a time.

National Merit Scholarship and SAT Information

ESUHSD will not administer the PSAT this year. While some families may be concerned that their student could miss an opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an alternate entry process may be available for students who are unable to take the PSAT at their school.

Families interested in National Merit consideration should carefully review the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s alternate entry information. Please be aware that the alternate process includes specific requirements and deadlines, so interested students and families should begin reviewing the information as soon as possible. We are also pleased to share that ESUHSD plans to offer the SAT to 11th-grade students at no cost this spring. Additional information will be provided as the testing date approaches.

Supporting Student Mental and Emotional Wellness

Santa Teresa and ESUHSD are committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of every student. Through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, our district can bill insurance for eligible school-based wellness services without charging families copayments or out-of-pocket costs. Participating in this program does not reduce or change a family’s existing health insurance coverage. Available support may include student check-ins, stress-management tools, mindfulness activities, Wellness Center walk-in services, and assistance from trained professionals. Consent is voluntary and may be withdrawn in writing at any time. Regardless of whether a family provides insurance billing consent, students will continue to have access to school-based wellness services.

We encourage families to review the flyers below for wellness information and complete the requested consent form. Family participation helps the district sustain and expand these important services for students throughout our community.

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Monday, August 24 – Senior Counseling Updates

On Monday, our counseling team will visit Government and Economics classes during the first five to ten minutes of class. Counselors will provide seniors with updates about upcoming presentations and other important information related to their final year of high school. Seniors should listen carefully, note upcoming dates, and follow through on any action items shared by the counselors. Senior year moves quickly, and staying informed now will help students remain on track for graduation and prepare for their plans after high school.

Wednesday, August 26 – Senior Year Preparation Presentation

On Wednesday, we will hold a virtual Senior Year Preparation presentation for 12th-grade students and their families. This presentation will focus on helping seniors understand the important responsibilities, deadlines, and decisions they will encounter during their final year. We encourage all senior families to participate and begin planning early. Working together will help ensure that seniors remain focused on graduation requirements while preparing for college, careers, and other opportunities after high school. Please watch for Zoom access information and additional presentation details.

Thursday, August 27 – Cross Country

Our Cross Country team will compete at Montgomery Hill Park at 4:00 PM. We are proud of the commitment, endurance, and teamwork demonstrated by our student-athletes as they begin their season. We encourage members of our Saints community to support the team and cheer on our runners. Your presence and encouragement mean a great deal to our students.

Friday, August 28 – Home Football Game

Our Football teams will host Sacred Heart Prep on Friday. The JV game begins at 4:30 PM, with the varsity game typically beginning around 6:00 PM. We invite students, families, staff, and community members to join us and support our student-athletes as they compete at home. Please review these important event expectations before arriving:

• Backpacks are permitted this school year, but all bags are subject to search.

• There are no in-and-out privileges. Once a guest leaves the event, they may not reenter.

• Ticket sales are cashless. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit or debit cards will be accepted.

Athletic events are a great opportunity to celebrate school spirit and strengthen our Saints community. Students and guests are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, follow all school rules, and represent Santa Teresa with pride. Let’s bring positive energy to the stands and cheer on both our JV and varsity teams!

Save the Date: Back-to-School Night

Santa Teresa High School’s Back-to-School Night will take place on Wednesday, September 2, beginning at 5:30 PM. All families are welcome, including younger siblings. This year’s event will offer more than an opportunity to visit classrooms and meet teachers. Families can also enjoy outdoor games, activities, face painting, food available for purchase, and carnival-style fun for children and adults of all ages. We invite families to learn more about our school, discover ways to become involved, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Santa Teresa community.

Families should obtain their student’s schedule in advance by asking their student or checking Infinite Campus. Counselors will also be available in front of the library beginning at 5:00 PM for families who need assistance accessing a schedule. Classroom visits will be 10 minutes long, with five-minute passing periods between classes. Additional information will be shared as the event approaches.

Let us continue approaching each day with purpose, supporting one another, and making choices that move us closer to our goals. We believe in our students, and we are proud of the effort they bring to our campus each day. Have a strong and successful week. Goooooo Saints!

UPDATE:

Please note that the 9th-Grade Parent Presentation will not take place tomorrow. It is scheduled for September 9th, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The Zoom link and additional information will be shared as we get closer to the date.

We apologize for any confusion and look forward to having our 9th-grade families join us on September 9th!

Aug. 17 - 2026

Welcome back, Saints! As we begin our third week of school, we encourage every student to continue building strong habits, attending class consistently, and approaching each day with a positive attitude. Our mantra this year is “Yes, we can.” It reminds us that challenges can be overcome when we believe in ourselves, support one another, and remain committed to our goals. Whether students are adjusting to new classes, meeting new people, or working through a difficult assignment, we want them to remember: Yes, we can learn. Yes, we can improve. Yes, we can succeed.

Important Information About Schedule Changes

As we continue balancing classes, some student schedules may change. We understand that schedule changes can be difficult, especially after students have begun getting to know their teachers and classmates. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we complete this necessary process. Schedule adjustments are made in response to district directives regarding the opening and closing of classroom sections and the need to balance enrollment. If a student’s schedule is changed through this process, it cannot be changed back. These decisions are not made lightly, and our staff will continue working to ensure that every student is placed in the courses they need while maintaining balanced and effective learning environments.

Families can help by encouraging students to approach any schedule change with patience, flexibility, and a willingness to make a positive start in their new class.

Wednesday, August 19 – Latino Parent Coalition Meeting

The Latino Parent Coalition, or LPC, will meet at 6:00 PM in the library. We warmly invite our parents and guardians to attend.

The LPC provides families with an opportunity to connect with school staff, learn about programs and resources, ask questions, and share ideas about how we can better support our students. Parent participation strengthens our school community and helps ensure that family voices are included in important conversations. We hope you will join us and become an active partner in your student’s education.

Friday, August 21 – Picture Makeup Day

Friday will be Picture Makeup Day for students who did not have an opportunity to take their school picture during our original Picture Days. Students who still need to be photographed should report to the Multi-Purpose Room or MPR during break or lunch. Having a current school picture is important for student identification and school records. We encourage all students who missed their picture to take advantage of this opportunity. Students should report promptly during the designated times and follow staff directions so the process can run smoothly.

As we move forward in the school year, let us continue taking care of one another, remaining focused in class, and making choices that support success. Each day provides another opportunity to learn something new, overcome a challenge, and move closer to our goals. Let’s have a strong and successful week, Saints.

Goooooo Saints! 

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!