August 2026

MSJE Office Staff

Katy Carter, Principal

Shanthi Sukumar, Secretary

Hazeena Azeez, Attendance Clerk

Office: 510-656-1200

Fax: 510 651-4211

Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mission San Jose Elementary School

43545 Bryant St. Fremont, CA 94539 [MAP]

MSJE Community Handbook 2026-2027

Hello Mission San Jose Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! The first day of school is Tuesday, August 11.

As we prepare for another exciting year, I am filled with anticipation for all that lies ahead. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to create a welcoming, engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. At MSJE, we are committed to fostering a love of learning while helping each child reach their full potential.

This year, we will continue to focus on academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and character development so students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for success. We are committed to empowering students to become caring, responsible global citizens who make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. A strong partnership between home and school is essential, and we encourage open communication and collaboration throughout the year.

We look forward to welcoming new families and reconnecting with returning ones. Together, let’s embrace the opportunities and challenges of the year with optimism and enthusiasm. If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a wonderful year filled with growth, discovery, and memorable experiences!

In Partnership,

Katy Carter, Principal

kcarter@fusdk12.net

Mission San Jose Vision Statement

Students are empowered to be caring and responsible global citizens, equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and environmental stewardship to make a positive impact on the world.

Mark Your Calendars

August 3: MSJE Office Opens (office hours 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
August 10, 1:00 PM: TK/Kinder Orientation
August 11: First Day of School
August 11-14: Minimum Days (1st-5th grade dismissal at 1:10)
August 12, 8:30 AM: Coffee with the Principal (for parents/guardians) - MUR
August 31-Spetember 4: MSJE Book Fair
September 1: MSJE Back-to-School Night
- - 5:30 - 6:00: PTC/Principal's Presentation
  - 6:00 - 6:30: Classroom Presentations

Parent/Guardian Data Confirmation

MAZE is Fremont Unified School District’s annual data confirmation process (Aeries Parent Portal) in which parents/guardians login:

Please double check your email/account information in the top right corner,
Provide required information for each enrolled student - such as emergency contacts,
Acknowledge certain parent/guardian and student rights and responsibilities, and
Access specific school forms/information.

Completing the MAZE process ensures your student’s school has accurate information, and allows families to view student schedules/classroom assignments and their teachers when that information is released. If you have not completed the data confirmation yet, please do so as soon as possible.

Any teacher/schedule information is NOT FINAL until released by the school sites a few days before the start of school.

Portal Logins (troubleshooting tips)

For Aeries support please email portalsupport@fusdk12.net or contact your student's school office.

First Day of School for 2026-2027 School Year – Tuesday, August 11th, 2026

All students are expected to attend live instruction on the first day of school, August 11, 2026. Students who do not attend the first day of school may be dropped and will not be guaranteed a seat at their school and may have to be overloaded to another school if classrooms at their school are filled. The only exception will be students who are absent due to illness. If a student is absent the first day due to illness, parents/guardians must notify the school every day the student is absent. Seats will NOT be held for students on extended vacations or other optional activities, whether or not the school is notified. Please call the school to report all absences.

Change of Address

Change of Address information and forms are available on the District website

Per Board Policy any parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the District shall notify the District prior to or within five (5) days of any change in circumstance and/or a move which would affect their student’s residency (AR 5111.1).

2026-2027 MSJE Parent & Student Handbook

Please take the time to read the MSJE Community Handbook 2026-2027 to become familiar with MSJE's policies and expectations.

MSJE Spirit Wear

New MSJE Spirit Wear is now available! To purchase t-shirts and sweatshirts, visit the SPIRIT HERO ONLINE STORE. Sale ends and prices increase after September 8th. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show your school spirit.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Water Bottles

Free breakfast and lunch for students will continue to be available for the 2026-2027 school year. Breakfast is available for students on school days from 7:45-8:15 AM in the multi-use room. Students can receive their free lunch during their designated lunch period at school according to the 2026-2027 MSJE Bell Schedule. For menus, nutrition info, and more, visit fusdcafes.org. Students may also bring lunch from home. Home lunches should be brought in containers that students are able to open by themselves. NO GLASS CONTAINERS are allowed. Students should bring a pre-filled water bottle to school daily. Students may refill water bottles at our refilling station as needed. No lunches or water bottles (or school materials) are permitted to be dropped off after the start of the school day. Students who forget to bring lunch may receive a free school lunch.

Medications at MSJE

If your student requires medication at school for the 26-27 school year, please read the instructions below. Medications and forms need to be filled out each school year, even if you stored medication at school the previous year. Paperwork from the doctor's needs to be dated 6/3/26 and on.

Obtain FUSD health forms and have the doctor fill out and sign the forms. If you do not have access to a printer, the office staff can provide you with copies of the forms. Parents please fill out and sign your portion of the forms. Make sure the doctor lists anything that may trigger symptoms in your student.
Medications should be unexpired and in their original packaging and labeled with your student's name. Prescription medication must have a pharmacy label and remain in the original packaging.
If the doctor has authorized your student to self-carry and administer their medications please fill out Form E.
Submit medications and paperwork together. Forms that are missing information and signatures will be sent back with the medications until the forms are complete.
You can start dropping off medications and forms on August 3th.

** Medications turned in without doctor orders cannot be administered or stored at school. Medication will be returned to the parent until we receive doctor's orders.**

Please reach out to MSJE's School Nurse, Brianne DiMiceli (bdimiceli@fusdk12.net), with any questions you may have.

Voluntary Classroom Supply Lists

Here is the 2026-27 MSJE Supply List. Items on this list are suggested by teachers and your contributions are greatly appreciated. Materials should be sent to school with students during the first week of school.

Communication from School

Fremont Unified is excited to continue ParentSquare, a unified platform that allows the District, schools, and teachers to communicate and engage with families and our community more effectively. Parents/Guardians who are not registered will still receive text, email, and phone notifications.

School communication may also include email, phone, and other communication apps utilized by staff. Be sure to update your email in the online MAZE day forms to receive important communication from the school. Please access our web page at fremontunified.org/msje to find the school calendar, schedule, and important announcements. Newsletters are sent through Parent Square and posted online monthly.

Welcome Teacher Day is 8/10/26

Welcome Teacher Day is an opportunity for FUSD elementary students to receive a free flower in a vase to bring to their teacher on the first day of school. To participate, join Fremont Education Foundation, Niles Rotary, and Washington Health on Monday, August 10, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at 2500 Mowry Ave.

Office Business and Visitor Policy

When possible our office staff prefers to support parents and families via email or phone. Please be sure your child(ren) has all of their belongings (backpack, lunch, water bottle, etc) upon school arrival. Our office will not accept any late drop-offs of lunches, water bottles, school materials, or other items.

All volunteers/visitors must be pre-approved by the teacher and principal. All volunteers/visitors must check in at the office prior to going into a classroom.

MSJE Lost & Found Policy

The purpose of MSJE’s Lost & Found Policy is to reduce the quantity of personal items students lose at school and to responsibly repurpose unclaimed items to maintain a clean and healthy school environment.

Every Monday, students will be encouraged to look for any lost items in the MUR at lunch time. During the 1st week of every month, all lost & found items will be brought out to the bike lock/Kindergarten area for families to search for missing items. After each monthly “claiming week,” remaining items will be properly disposed of. Items of greater value (ex. jewelry, money, glasses) may be kept at the office. Writing your child’s name on the inside of jackets and on water bottles, lunch boxes, and containers is strongly recommended and will help us return belongings to students.

This year's first Lost & Found Claiming Week will be September 7-11.

Arrival & Dismissal

To ensure the safety of our students, please follow our Arrival and Dismissal Protocols.

Drop off & Pick-up Reminders

Morning drop begins at 8:05. When dropping off and picking up students on Bryant street, please note these reminders to ensure safety for all:

Drop off in the MSJE paring lot area is ONLY for TK, Kindergarten and Special Education studnents. When driving in the MSJE parking lot, please drive slow and cautious.
Students must remain buckled up (seatbelts on) at all times when cars are moving.
When a crossing guard is present, all children and adults MUST comply with their directives.
Please be courteous of the neighbors that surround our school. Do not block driveways or mailboxes, and do not move neighbors' trash cans to park your car.
Stay in your car when in the pick-up/drop-off zone on the school side of Bryant Street.
Be slow and cautious when pulling forward.
Please watch your speed when driving on all neighborhood streets.
No left turn on Cedar Street, 8:05 - 8:20 and 2:25 - 2:40 PM.
All students should exit the car on the right side.
Students should keep their backpacks and other items in the car, not in the trunk
No U-turns on Bryant Street
Cross only at designated crosswalks. Please, no jaywalking.
Recommended drop-off time is 8:05-8:15 AM (students are at risk of being tardy if they arrive later than 8:15)
At 8:18 when the warning bell rings, students must WALK to class.
Please note: The valet area on Bryant Street is a no-idling zone; drivers of non-electric vehicles are kindly asked to turn off the engine while waiting for student(s).

2026 California Green Ribbon Award

We are thrilled to announce that MSJE has been honored with a 2026 California Green Ribbon Award (silver level). This recognition is a testament to all of the remarkable systems, programs, partnerships, and educational opportunities in place at MSJE that create a healthy school community and promote environmental sustainability.

“Our California Green Ribbon Schools reflect the very best of what is possible when innovation, equity, and environmental stewardship come together. I congratulate this year’s honorees for their leadership in creating healthy, sustainable learning environments—particularly in communities that have been historically underserved—and for empowering students with the knowledge and skills to address climate resiliency and critical local challenges. Your commitment ensures that California’s students are prepared to be thoughtful, creative, and responsible stewards of our shared future.” -Superintendent Thurmond

We look forward to a continued partnership with our community that drives our effort to expand upon the GREEN elements at MSJE.

Cell Phone / Smart Watch Policy and Agreement

Will your students be bringing a cell phone or Smart Watch to school this year?

Cell phones/Smart Watches may be brought to school for safety purposes and students must follow the following guidelines:

Cell phone/Smart Watch must be turned off between 8:20 AM and 2:25 PM.
Cell phone/Smart Watch (and any watch with a digital screen) must be kept in the student’s backpack throughout the school day.
Cell phones/Smart Watches will not be loaned to another student.
Cell phones are used to make a phone call for a ride only. It is not allowed to take pictures, listen to music, call friends, etc.

The school is not responsible if the cell phone/Smart Watch is lost or damaged. Students who use cell phones/Smart Watches at any time during the instructional day shall be subject to the following progressive discipline procedures:

First Offense: the cell phone/Smart Watch will be confiscated and sent to the office with a referral slip. Parents will be called to pick up the cell phone.
Subsequent offense(s) - (defiance): Additional parent contact and more severe disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension.

Parents must fill out the MSJE Cell Phone / Smart Watch Agreement Form in order for their student to carry a cell phone/Smart Watch. By filling out this form, students and parent/guardian are agreeing to the MSJE cell phone policy.

New Teachers at MSJE

MSJE is thrilled to welcome new staff for the 2026-2027 school year!

Ms. Vivian Nguyen (Special Education Teacher, room 11)

Sports at MSJE

MSJE participates in girls & boys basketball and soccer. This year, 4th and 5th-grade students are able to try out for the teams. Participation in school sports requires the submission of the following forms prior to tryouts:

FUSD Insurance and Permission Form
Participation Physical Evaluation Clearance Form
1. - Some doctors may use a different form which is OK as long as "unlimited participation" is noted.
  - Physical forms must be current (dated August 1, 2026 or after)
Elementary Sports Player/Parent Code of Conduct

Basketball is a winter sport. Tryouts will be held in late November. Games and practices will be scheduled from December through February.

Soccer is a spring sport. Tryouts will be held in March. Games and practices will be scheduled in April and May.

Any parent or community member who may be interested in coaching should reach out to Principal Carter (kcarter@fusdk12.net).

FUSD Family Resource Website

Welcome to the 2026 - 2027 school year! On this FUSD Family Resource Website, you will find resources, news, information about upcoming events that FUSD will host throughout the school year, past presentations, ways to encourage learning at home, and more. FUSD will continue to update this site so please be sure to bookmark this site and check back for more updates.

New Volunteer Requirements for 2026-2027

This Mandated Reporter Requirements - Volunteers document explains the new requirements. What this means for us, is that ALL volunteers will need to complete annual mandated reporting training on Keenan Safe Schools. This includes single-day field trip chaperones, FAME volunteers, and classroom volunteers. Additionally, any parent drivers for field trips (and Science Camp chaperones) will need to be fingerprinted and obtain TB clearance. This will be communicated to families now and again in August.

We require that all MSJE volunteers:

have pre-approval of the teacher/principal
sign in and out at the office
wear a visitor badge at all times
agree to uphold the FUSD Volunteer Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement
submit an application through CiviCore
- CiviCore applications are good for 1 year and all FUSD children (even if at different schools)

For more information, please see the Volunteer Page of the FUSD Website.

School Attendance Awareness

The Fremont Unified School District is excited to provide ongoing opportunities for students to learn and engage with peers and staff! As we begin a new school year, we want to make sure you know that building the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever; please make all attempts to restrict family travel to non-school days.

Good attendance helps to:

● Build routines that help reduce stress

● Make new friends or reconnect with their friends and teachers

● Engage in learning

● Gain access to meals, health care, or fun activities

Every absence is a missed day of learning. Let’s work together to make daily attendance a top priority. Too many absences, excused or unexcused, can keep students from succeeding in school and in life.

How many are too many? 10% of the school year, that’s 18 missed days or 2 days a month, can knock students off track. Remember that good attendance benefits your child’s education. Students who miss a day of school not only miss instruction but must make up work and catch up with the new material at the same time.

For more information regarding the importance of regular school attendance, please see the English | Spanish | Chinese attendance flyers.

School Site Council Membership

The 2026-2027 MSJE School Site Council currently has two open positions. The open positions include one (1) Parent/Community Member and one (1) Alternate Parent/Community Member. Please vote below by September 4, 2026. Please take a moment to vote for new members on the 2026-2027 MSJE School Site Council Membership Ballot.

The Commitment: Elected members would serve a 2-year term and attend SSC meetings 5 times per year (2nd Wednesdays of September, October, November, March, and April, 2:45 to 3:45 PM). Parent/community members work with school staff to edit and approve the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) and the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for the continued growth of student success in order to close the achievement gap and enhance and enrich the school experience for all students.

Questions: Please address any questions to the principal, Katy Carter (kcarter@fusdk12.net).

English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Attention parents/guardians of Multilingual Learners: Attending MSJE's English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) meetings in a great way to learn about MSJE's English Language Development instructional program. During these meeting, parents/guardians will be able to provide meaningful input on programs and services that support our English learners and on the development of the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).

2026-2027 MSJE ELAC meeting dates are September 28, November 2, December 14, February 22, April 12, and May 24. All meetings start at 6:00 PM (join on Zoom).

FUSD Family Resource Website

Welcome to the 2025 - 2026 school year! On this FUSD Family Resource Website, you will find resources, news, information about upcoming events that FUSD will host throughout the school year, past presentations, ways to encourage learning at home, and more. FUSD will continue to update this site so please be sure to bookmark this site and check back for more updates.

2026 - 2027 MSJE Bell Schedule.pdf

2026-2027 Bell Schedule / Minimum Days

Here you will find the 2026-2027 MSJE Bell Schedule. Please note that the dismissal time has changed this year. All 1-5 grade students will be dismissed at 2:25 on regular days and at 1:10 on minimum days.

Minimum Days:

Kindergarten:

First 4 Weeks (8/11 - 9/4)
Every Wednesday

1st-5th Grade:

First Week (8/11 - 8/14)
Halloween (10/30)
Family Conferences (11/18, 11/19)
Day Before Winter Break (12/18)
Day Before Spring Break (3/11)
Last 3 Days of School (5/27, 5/28, 6/1)

On time Arrival: To ensure that your student is on time, we recommend arriving to school between 8:05 - 8:15 AM.

FUSD School Year Calendar

2026-2027 School Year Instructional Calendar

First Day of School = Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Last Day of School = Tuesday, June 1, 2027

Reminder to Families: To ensure regular attendance, please plan travel on non-school days.

Counselor's Corner

Welcome to a new school year! I am excited to continue serving as the School Counselor at MSJE and look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff. Building strong, trusting relationships is an important part of my role, and I am committed to supporting each student's social, emotional, and academic well-being.

The Counseling Office is located in the Wellness Center (Room 12), also known as The Calm Room. School counseling services are available to help students navigate school-related challenges that may impact their learning or overall success. Support may include individual counseling, small groups (such as workshops or Lunch Bunches), classroom lessons, and school-wide initiatives that promote student wellness and positive school culture. Referrals for counseling support can be made by students, parents/guardians, or staff members. For more information about our counseling program and available services, please visit our website.

Throughout the month, I will be visiting classrooms to introduce myself, explain my role as the school counselor, and share the many ways students can access support throughout the school year. I am also excited to welcome all new students by hosting a New Student Bingo event—an opportunity to meet new friends, become familiar with our school, and start the year feeling connected to the MSJE community.

As we begin the school year, it is normal for students to experience a wide range of emotions. Whether they are feeling excited, nervous, uncertain, or somewhere in between, all feelings are welcome and valid. To help support a smooth transition back to school, I've included the resources below. If you have any concerns or feel your student could benefit from additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you and your students throughout the school year.

Transition Back-to-School Resources:

Best regards,

Ms. Vue, School Counselor

kvue@fusdk12.net

(510) 656-1200 ext. 33012

PTC Connections - Let's Do Something AMAZING Together

Stay Connected with PTC Through Our New Website! The Mission San Jose Elementary Parent Teacher Club (PTC) is excited to introduce our newly redesigned website:

https://ptcmsje.org PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BOOKMARK THIS PAGE

Beginning this school year, our goal is to make the website the central hub for all PTC news, events, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, meeting information, and other important announcements.

While the website is still under active development, we will be continuously adding new features, resources, and updates throughout the school year. We encourage all MSJE families to visit the site now, explore what's available, and become familiar with the platform that will serve as the primary hub for PTC communication moving forward.

By checking the website regularly, you'll always have access to the latest news, upcoming events, important deadlines, volunteer opportunities, and ways to stay engaged with our school community. We are excited to continue building this resource into something that benefits every MSJE family.

We look forward to an amazing school year together!

JOIN US! Want to be part of the action? Our next PTC Zoom Meeting is on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 PM — open to ALL parents and guardians. We’d love to hear your ideas and share what’s ahead!

Let’s show our kids that when the Mustang community comes together, there’s nothing we can’t do.

Thank you for your heart, your support, and your Mustang spirit!

For more information, please visit the new PTC page on the MSJE Website or email the PTC at msjeptcexecboard@gmail.com.

PTC Meeting Schedule: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 PM

Next PTC Meeting: Tuesday, September 8, at 7:00 PM - join on Zoom

MSJE Community

Paperless fliers for community events, programs, and resources can be found at https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/all/schools/51584 . To sign up for automatic notifications, go to www.peachjar.com and click on 'Sign Up'.

Remember to also check MSJE's School Website for updates and information.

Mission San Jose Elementary

43545 Bryant St. Fremont, CA 94539 [MAP]

Office: 510-656-1200 ┃Fax: 510 651-4211

Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

"Fremont Unified School District is part of a culturally and linguistically rich community. Our policies embrace a discrimination and harassment-free environment."

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