August 2025

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 Parent & Student Handbook 2025-2026

Hello Mission San Jose Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! The first day of school is Tuesday, August 12.

As we gear up for an exciting year ahead, I am filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for what’s to come. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. At MSJE, we are committed to fostering a love of learning and helping each child discover their unique potential.

This year, we will continue to focus on the development of students' academic excellence, social-emotional development, and character & behavior education, ensuring that our students not only excel in their studies but also build the skills needed for personal success and happiness. Throughout the year, students will be 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. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is key to a successful year, and we encourage open communication and collaboration to support your child's journey.

As we welcome you back, we look forward to meeting new faces and reconnecting with returning families. Together, let’s embrace the opportunities and challenges of this school year with optimism and enthusiasm. If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a fantastic year filled with growth, discovery, and countless memorable moments!

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 4: MSJE Office Opens (office hours 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
August 8, 1:00 PM: Kinder Orientation
August 11, 2:00 PM: TK Orientation
August 12: First Day of School
August 12-15: Minimum Days (1st-5th grade dismissal at 1:30)
August 13, 8:30 AM: Coffee with the Principal (for parents/guardians) - MUR
August 26: Minimum Day (1st-5th grade dismissal at 1:30)
August 26: MSJE Back-to-School Night
- - 6:00 - 6:30: Principal/PTC Welcome - MUR
  - 6:35 - 7:05: TK-5th Grade Classroom Presentations
September 1: Labor Day (No School)

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 2025-2026 School Year – Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

BP/AR 5113.1 – Students Must Be Present on the First Day of School

All students must attend live instruction on the first day of school, August 12, 2025. Students who do not attend the first day of school will 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.

Board Policy 5111.1 states that if you move, you must notify the school prior to or within 5 days of any changes in residency. If you don’t, your enrollment may be revoked.

2025-2026 MSJE Parent & Student Handbook

Please take the time to read the MSJE Parent & Student Handbook 2025-2026 to become familiar with MSJE's policies and expectations.

Medications at MSJE

If your student requires medication at school for the 25-26 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 6/1/25 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 4th.

** 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Water Bottles

Free breakfast and lunch for students will continue to be available for the 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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.

Voluntary Classroom Supply Lists

Here is the 2025-26 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.

New 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 2-5.

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.

Arrival & Dismissal

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

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 2:40 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.

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 12, 2025 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).

2025 California Green Ribbon Award

We are thrilled to announce that MSJE has been honored with a 2025 California Green Ribbon Award. 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 exemplify the values of innovation, resiliency, and creativity that drive our efforts to make every school community a healthy and sustainable learning environment for our students.” Superintendent Tony Thurmond

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

New Staff at MSJE

MSJE is thrilled to welcome new staff for the 2025-2026 school year!

Ms. Priya Aggarwal (Science Teacher)
Ms. Warda Elmashni (Librarian)
Ms. Samantha Salwasser (Intervention Specialist - beginning March 2026)

Noon Duty Supervisors Needed

Paid Positions are available for the 2025-2026 School Year! We are looking to add additional noon supervisors at Mission San Jose Elementary School. The position would be daily from 11:05- 12:35. If you are interested, please contact Katy Carter (kcarter@fusdk12.net).

School Site Council Membership

The 2025-2026 MSJE School Site Council currently has four open positions. Please take a moment to vote for new members on the 2025-2026 MSJE School Site Council Membership Ballot. We are still in need of new members. If you are interested in serving on the SSC as a member or alternate, please contact Principal Carter.

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, 3:00 to 4:00 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).

Reminders for MSJE Volunteers

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
- Volunteers who are transporting students must submit proof of insurance
- CiviCore applications are good for 1 year and all FUSD children (even if at different schools)
- Science Camp chaperone volunteers who are independently supervising students must also undergo fingerprinting and a background check.

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

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.

2025 - 2026 MSJE Bell Schedule

2024-2025 Bell Schedule / Minimum Days

Here you will find the 2025-2026 MSJE Bell Schedule.

Minimum Days:

Kindergarten:

First 4 Weeks (8/12 - 9/5) and Every Wednesday

1st-5th Grade:

First Week (8/12 - 8/15)
Back-to-School Night (8/26)
Halloween (10/31)
Family Conferences (11/19, 11/20)
Day Before Winter Break (12/19)
Day Before Spring Break (3/12)
Last 4 Days of School (5/28, 5/29, 6/1, 6/2)

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

2025-2026 School Year Instructional Calendar

School starts on August 12, 2025

Counselor's Corner

Hello Families,

Welcome to a new school year! I look forward to another year as your School Counselor at MSJE. I value building trusting relationships with our students and families to provide the best support for our students' social, emotional and academic needs. Counseling support is available to students to address school based concerns that create barriers to learning (for example: transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, friendship conflicts, etc.) Counseling referrals for students can be made through the request of a student, parent or staff member. You may visit our website for more information about our program.

The Counseling Office is located in the Wellness Center (room 12), also known as The Calm Room. School counselors offer a wide range of support which includes individual counseling, groups (workshops or lunch bunches), and school-wide initiatives. This month, I will be visiting the classrooms to introduce my role and share how students can reach out for support. In addition, all new students will be invited to a game of Bingo for an opportunity to socialize with new friends and learn about our school.

As the new school year begins, it is typical for students to present a variety of different emotions. Remember, all feelings are okay. Here is a list of books to help guide your student for a smooth transition to school. In addition, this resource can be a helpful tool for parents with Kindergarteners who experience anxiety during the start of school. Please feel free to reach out if your student needs additional support. I look forward to working with you and your students this year.

Best Regards,

Ms. Vue, School Counselor

kvue@fusdk12.net

(510) 656-1200 ext. 33012

PTC Connections - Let's Do Something AMAZING Together

Dear Mustang Families,

The 2025–2026 school year is here — and we’re dreaming BIG for our incredible students! Imagine a school year packed with engaging programs, creative assemblies, exciting clubs, classroom upgrades, and enriching activities that light up your child’s face with joy and curiosity. Together, we can make all of this possible — and it starts with you.

This is your moment to make an impact!
Our MSJE Parent Teacher Club (PTC) is on a mission to go beyond the basics and bring extraordinary experiences to every Mustang on campus. We’re talking:

STEM adventures like Math Counts, Olympiad, and Robotics
Creative sparks through FAME, music, art, and assemblies
Classroom essentials for every teacher and student
Clubs and enrichment like Chess, Coding, and more
Technology tools, library upgrades, and much more
School-wide upgrades like new picnic benches, digital marquee, and more

This goes beyond what the school district provides — it’s all funded by parents like YOU. The sooner we hit our goal, the sooner the magic begins!

2025–2026 Goal:
We’re asking for a one-time donation of $300 per student to kick-start this amazing journey. If every family gives what they can, we’ll hit our goal fast — and your child will directly benefit from every single dollar.

Why now?
The earlier we raise the funds, the earlier we can launch programs and support classrooms. Let’s give our students the tools, creativity, and joy they deserve — starting right now!

Donate in Seconds:
Just scan the QR code on our Contribution Drive Flyer and tap the link that pops up. That’s it. No forms, no hassle — just one powerful step toward making MSJE even more amazing.

JOIN US!
Want to be part of the action? Our first PTC Zoom Meeting is on Tuesday, September 9th 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 PTC page on the MSJE Website or email the PTC at msjeptcexecboard@gmail.com.

PTC Meeting Schedule: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 PM (exception 11/18 instead of 11/11)

Next PTC Meeting: Tuesday, September 9, 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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