Embedded Files
I am honored to receive the endorsements of the San Mateo Daily Journal, the San Mateo County Democratic Party and the DemFems of Silicon Valley.
I am honored to receive the endorsements of the San Mateo Daily Journal, the San Mateo County Democratic Party and the DemFems of Silicon Valley.
“Suvarna is an effective advocate for students in Belmont and Redwood Shores. In the five years we have worked together on the School Board, she’s been a strong member of the District’s governance team. She is always prepared, understands the issues, and speaks her mind. I am proud to endorse her for re-election.”
“Suvarna is an effective advocate for students in Belmont and Redwood Shores. In the five years we have worked together on the School Board, she’s been a strong member of the District’s governance team. She is always prepared, understands the issues, and speaks her mind. I am proud to endorse her for re-election.”
Rob Tashjian, Current BRSSD Trustee, Cipriani Parent
Rob Tashjian, Current BRSSD Trustee, Cipriani Parent
"Suvarna and I served on the school board together for nearly four years. As an educator, I appreciated her respect and support for the work of our teachers and staff and her goal of consistently improving our educational programs. I enthusiastically endorse her for re-election."
"Suvarna and I served on the school board together for nearly four years. As an educator, I appreciated her respect and support for the work of our teachers and staff and her goal of consistently improving our educational programs. I enthusiastically endorse her for re-election."
Chuck Velschow, Former BRSSD Trustee & Current Vice Principal, Woodside High School
Chuck Velschow, Former BRSSD Trustee & Current Vice Principal, Woodside High School
Aug. 15 - New Family Orientation at Nesbit
Aug. 15 - New Family Orientation at Nesbit
Great turnout - over 200 parents - attended, the majority of whom were kindergarten parents. Since 2004, our district has experienced 82% enrollment growth, unprecedented as compared to similarly situated districts in our area.
Great turnout - over 200 parents - attended, the majority of whom were kindergarten parents. Since 2004, our district has experienced 82% enrollment growth, unprecedented as compared to similarly situated districts in our area.
Aug. 16 - BRSSD Board Meeting
Aug. 16 - BRSSD Board Meeting
One item that we will discuss in a future board meeting is feedback from parents and students regarding extension of the kindergarten day. I'd like to hear your views. Please respond via my Feedback tab.
One item that we will discuss in a future board meeting is feedback from parents and students regarding extension of the kindergarten day. I'd like to hear your views. Please respond via my Feedback tab.
Aug. 17 - Senior Scam Stopper
Aug. 17 - Senior Scam Stopper
Enjoyed taking my elderly parents to this seminar hosted by Assembly Member, Kevin Mullin. The best advice for avoiding scams is ignore the telephone call or other interaction, and never give out your personal information.
Enjoyed taking my elderly parents to this seminar hosted by Assembly Member, Kevin Mullin. The best advice for avoiding scams is ignore the telephone call or other interaction, and never give out your personal information.
Aug. 18 - Door to Door Canvassing Begins!
Aug. 18 - Door to Door Canvassing Begins!
Aug. 20 - Welcome Back Events
Aug. 20 - Welcome Back Events
All BRSSD Staff celebrated a Welcome Back event at the SMCOE, rather than at Ralston, this year due to the construction on Ralston Avenue. BRSSD is so fortunate to have such dedicated teachers and staff.
All BRSSD Staff celebrated a Welcome Back event at the SMCOE, rather than at Ralston, this year due to the construction on Ralston Avenue. BRSSD is so fortunate to have such dedicated teachers and staff.
Today, Nesbit and Sandpiper held their Orientations for incoming middle school students, and Fox held its Back to School Night.
Today, Nesbit and Sandpiper held their Orientations for incoming middle school students, and Fox held its Back to School Night.
Aug. 21 - Meet & Greets
Aug. 21 - Meet & Greets
I saw lots of smiling, kinder faces at Nesbit and Redwood Shores Elementary Schools for their new family, meet and greet sessions. RWSE also held its Welcome Back event, and Ralston held its 6th grade BBQ lunch and Orientation.
I saw lots of smiling, kinder faces at Nesbit and Redwood Shores Elementary Schools for their new family, meet and greet sessions. RWSE also held its Welcome Back event, and Ralston held its 6th grade BBQ lunch and Orientation.
Aug. 22 - First Day of School!
Aug. 22 - First Day of School!
Thank you to our teachers, administrators and staff, who worked so hard to get ready for welcoming students on the first day.
Thank you to our teachers, administrators and staff, who worked so hard to get ready for welcoming students on the first day.
Aug. 23 - Welcome Back Coffee at Central School
Aug. 23 - Welcome Back Coffee at Central School
I enjoyed meeting so many parents at Central, many of whom re-located to BRSSD, specifically for the strength of our schools. Central, Fox and RWSE also held their Back to School Nights.
I enjoyed meeting so many parents at Central, many of whom re-located to BRSSD, specifically for the strength of our schools. Central, Fox and RWSE also held their Back to School Nights.
Aug. 24 - Welcome Back Coffee at Sandpiper School
Aug. 24 - Welcome Back Coffee at Sandpiper School
Parents of middle school students now have the option of Ralston, Nesbit or Sandpiper. Not only does this provide choice, but our K-8 schools have reduced enrollment issues at Ralston.
Parents of middle school students now have the option of Ralston, Nesbit or Sandpiper. Not only does this provide choice, but our K-8 schools have reduced enrollment issues at Ralston.
Aug. 26 - School Force Donor Appreciation
Aug. 26 - School Force Donor Appreciation
Great music, cotton candy, face painting!
Great music, cotton candy, face painting!
Aug. 27 - Canvassing with Nesbit neighbors!
Aug. 27 - Canvassing with Nesbit neighbors!
BRSSD Board Retreat at SMCOE
BRSSD Board Retreat at SMCOE
Twice a year, our board meets to set and evaluate annual goals. In addition to fiscal sustainability, our board will consider goals related to innovation and global citizenship. Please respond with your input via my Feedback tab.
Twice a year, our board meets to set and evaluate annual goals. In addition to fiscal sustainability, our board will consider goals related to innovation and global citizenship. Please respond with your input via my Feedback tab.
Aug. 29 - School site visits to Cipriani, Ralston & Fox
Aug. 29 - School site visits to Cipriani, Ralston & Fox
Enjoyed visiting teachers and students with Dr. Milliken. We have hired 50 new teachers and staff this year due to increased enrollment, as well as attrition. New and veteran teachers were all well prepared, many engaging in assessment testing already.
Enjoyed visiting teachers and students with Dr. Milliken. We have hired 50 new teachers and staff this year due to increased enrollment, as well as attrition. New and veteran teachers were all well prepared, many engaging in assessment testing already.
Aug. 30 - Back to School Nights
Aug. 30 - Back to School Nights
Attendance was stressed at all 7 BTS Nights. Did you know that during just the 3 days before December break, the district lost nearly $30,000 in ADA funding due to absences? If we all arrange vacations during the 185 non-school days of the year, we can do our part. Consistent attendance is good for kids and our district!
Attendance was stressed at all 7 BTS Nights. Did you know that during just the 3 days before December break, the district lost nearly $30,000 in ADA funding due to absences? If we all arrange vacations during the 185 non-school days of the year, we can do our part. Consistent attendance is good for kids and our district!
Thanks to RWSE parents for their support!
Thanks to RWSE parents for their support!
Sept. 1 - Labor Day Weekend
Sept. 1 - Labor Day Weekend
Starting door to door canvassing with my kids early this morning!
Starting door to door canvassing with my kids early this morning!
Yesterday, I met a voter who became a citizen after living in the U.S. for decades. Remember that you can still register to vote online https://www.smcacre.org/voter-registration. High school students: pre-register to vote now, so you can vote at 18!
Yesterday, I met a voter who became a citizen after living in the U.S. for decades. Remember that you can still register to vote online https://www.smcacre.org/voter-registration. High school students: pre-register to vote now, so you can vote at 18!
Sept. 4 - Central School
Sept. 4 - Central School
Enjoyed meeting so many Central parents this morning and at the Coffee. The walk down Middle is great; the hike up is something else!
Enjoyed meeting so many Central parents this morning and at the Coffee. The walk down Middle is great; the hike up is something else!
Sept. 5 - Lawn signs are here!
Sept. 5 - Lawn signs are here!
Please let me know if you can host one in your yard. sbhopale2013@gmail.com. Thanks for the support!
Please let me know if you can host one in your yard. sbhopale2013@gmail.com. Thanks for the support!
Sept. 6 - School Board Meeting
Sept. 6 - School Board Meeting
One of the agenda items we discussed was district goals: fiscal sustainability, as well as implementation of our Strategic Plan directions of Innovation/Collaboration and Global Citizenship. If you have ideas on these goals, please respond via my Feedback tab.
One of the agenda items we discussed was district goals: fiscal sustainability, as well as implementation of our Strategic Plan directions of Innovation/Collaboration and Global Citizenship. If you have ideas on these goals, please respond via my Feedback tab.
Register for the Belmont Water Dog Run!
Register for the Belmont Water Dog Run!
Enjoyed meeting Cipriani parents with my good friend and fellow BRSSD Trustee, Rob Tashjian.
Enjoyed meeting Cipriani parents with my good friend and fellow BRSSD Trustee, Rob Tashjian.
Great news! We have a Tentative Agreement with the Belmont-Redwood Shores Faculty Association for 2018-19 and beyond. This agreement represents a good balance between valuing the critical role of our educators and ensuring the long-term fiscal health of the District. See Joint Statement. https://drive.google.com/…/1G56ShFFUCsD_rJUKvSSNeEopen…/view
Great news! We have a Tentative Agreement with the Belmont-Redwood Shores Faculty Association for 2018-19 and beyond. This agreement represents a good balance between valuing the critical role of our educators and ensuring the long-term fiscal health of the District. See Joint Statement. https://drive.google.com/…/1G56ShFFUCsD_rJUKvSSNeEopen…/view
Our school board race is heating up, getting news coverage, and I need your support. https://www.smdailyjournal.com/…/article_c6cf92d4-b6e8-11e8…
Our school board race is heating up, getting news coverage, and I need your support. https://www.smdailyjournal.com/…/article_c6cf92d4-b6e8-11e8…
Your help in hosting a lawn sign, donating to my campaign, spreading the word to friends and neighbors, and remembering to VOTE by MAIL before Nov. 6, is much appreciated!
Your help in hosting a lawn sign, donating to my campaign, spreading the word to friends and neighbors, and remembering to VOTE by MAIL before Nov. 6, is much appreciated!
Sept. 14 - Sandpiper Ice Cream Social
Sept. 14 - Sandpiper Ice Cream Social
The California School Boards Association 2018 Leadership Institute’s theme was STEM success. In this short video, at 2:50 Hadi Partovi – CEO of Code.org – notes that in just 10 years, 15% of today’s jobs will either be dramatically changed or completely eliminated, and about 50% of today’s jobs will be dramatically changed or eliminated in 30-35 years. Research like this bolsters our district’s Strategic Plan focus on innovation. I am proud to be a leader in this effort on our Board.
The California School Boards Association 2018 Leadership Institute’s theme was STEM success. In this short video, at 2:50 Hadi Partovi – CEO of Code.org – notes that in just 10 years, 15% of today’s jobs will either be dramatically changed or completely eliminated, and about 50% of today’s jobs will be dramatically changed or eliminated in 30-35 years. Research like this bolsters our district’s Strategic Plan focus on innovation. I am proud to be a leader in this effort on our Board.
Because of School-Force, 26 teacher innovation grants were awarded last year, and each school site will be equipped with tinker kits. The district is also providing support to all teachers to engage their students in design challenges, like the “Tower Challenge” pictured here, made with simple materials, which follow the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
Because of School-Force, 26 teacher innovation grants were awarded last year, and each school site will be equipped with tinker kits. The district is also providing support to all teachers to engage their students in design challenges, like the “Tower Challenge” pictured here, made with simple materials, which follow the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
A big thank you to Brian and Adria Matthews for their support and for their years of service to our community. Brian was BRSSD President in difficult times, and our district’s success today is in large part due to Brian’s leadership and decisions that Board (Brian, Chuck Velschow, Rob Tashjian, Andy Stulbarg and Daniel Kaul) made at that time. See Belmont Patch Dec. 19, 2013 https://patch.com/california/belmont-ca/photos-historic-night-for-belmont-redwood-shores-school-district
A big thank you to Brian and Adria Matthews for their support and for their years of service to our community. Brian was BRSSD President in difficult times, and our district’s success today is in large part due to Brian’s leadership and decisions that Board (Brian, Chuck Velschow, Rob Tashjian, Andy Stulbarg and Daniel Kaul) made at that time. See Belmont Patch Dec. 19, 2013 https://patch.com/california/belmont-ca/photos-historic-night-for-belmont-redwood-shores-school-district
We are fortunate to live in a diverse community in Belmont and Redwood Shores, where we strive to respect each other’s unique, cultural heritage. In this auspicious, Fall season for many religions and cultures, may happiness and prosperity fill your life and homes!
We are fortunate to live in a diverse community in Belmont and Redwood Shores, where we strive to respect each other’s unique, cultural heritage. In this auspicious, Fall season for many religions and cultures, may happiness and prosperity fill your life and homes!
In January 2019, the revised California Visual and Performing Arts content standards in the subjects of dance, theater, music, visual arts and media arts will be considered and adopted. https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/vapacontentstds.asp
In January 2019, the revised California Visual and Performing Arts content standards in the subjects of dance, theater, music, visual arts and media arts will be considered and adopted. https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/vapacontentstds.asp
Arts education is vital to developing the whole child. Thank you to School-Force for funding Art in Action programs in our schools!
Arts education is vital to developing the whole child. Thank you to School-Force for funding Art in Action programs in our schools!
Sept. 20 - Redwood Shores Elementary
Sept. 20 - Redwood Shores Elementary
I have been visiting many of our school sites this week, observing PTA meetings and admiring the work of our innovative teachers. At RWSE, teachers led their students in using maker tools, along with simple cardboard, to make boats, some that were even able to float.
I have been visiting many of our school sites this week, observing PTA meetings and admiring the work of our innovative teachers. At RWSE, teachers led their students in using maker tools, along with simple cardboard, to make boats, some that were even able to float.
Sept. 21 - Cipriani Elementary
Sept. 21 - Cipriani Elementary
At Cipriani, teachers led students to create various types of moving and flying objects, again using simple materials. All of these project based learning opportunities follow the Next Generation Science Standards.
At Cipriani, teachers led students to create various types of moving and flying objects, again using simple materials. All of these project based learning opportunities follow the Next Generation Science Standards.
Sept. 22 - Elections Office Postcard
Sept. 22 - Elections Office Postcard
Today, you should have received in the mail a postcard from the Elections Office, reminding you that ballots will be mailed Oct. 8 and of the various ways that you can vote early. Like June, this is an all-mail in ballot. My name will appear last in the randomized order, so please remember to read until the end. Thanks so much for your support!
Today, you should have received in the mail a postcard from the Elections Office, reminding you that ballots will be mailed Oct. 8 and of the various ways that you can vote early. Like June, this is an all-mail in ballot. My name will appear last in the randomized order, so please remember to read until the end. Thanks so much for your support!
Next Sunday, Sept. 30, come meet the amazing women candidates who have been endorsed by DemFems of Silicon Valley for seats on city councils, school boards and other offices, while learning more about the important issues that have inspired these candidates to run in 2018.
Next Sunday, Sept. 30, come meet the amazing women candidates who have been endorsed by DemFems of Silicon Valley for seats on city councils, school boards and other offices, while learning more about the important issues that have inspired these candidates to run in 2018.
Sept. 21 - Sandpiper Bike Rodeo
Sept. 21 - Sandpiper Bike Rodeo
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national movement to improve children's safety and encourage walking and biking to school. According to SRTS, the percentage of children who walked or biked to school in 1969 (50 years ago) was nearly 50%. Today, the number is less than 13%. https://www.cdc.gov/policy/hst/hi5/saferoutes/index.html
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national movement to improve children's safety and encourage walking and biking to school. According to SRTS, the percentage of children who walked or biked to school in 1969 (50 years ago) was nearly 50%. Today, the number is less than 13%. https://www.cdc.gov/policy/hst/hi5/saferoutes/index.html
Kudos to Sandpiper's Green Team for hosting a Bike Rodeo. Over 40 bikes were repaired, and kids had a great time making bike-powered smoothies!
Kudos to Sandpiper's Green Team for hosting a Bike Rodeo. Over 40 bikes were repaired, and kids had a great time making bike-powered smoothies!
Tomorrow, Sept. 25, is National Voter Registration Day! If you’ve recently moved, changed your name, or turned 18, take just 2 minutes to update your registration. https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/register-to-vote/…
Tomorrow, Sept. 25, is National Voter Registration Day! If you’ve recently moved, changed your name, or turned 18, take just 2 minutes to update your registration. https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/register-to-vote/…
You may also attend registration events that are happening locally, including at Belmont and Redwood City Libraries. https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/events/
You may also attend registration events that are happening locally, including at Belmont and Redwood City Libraries. https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/events/
Sept. 27 - School Board Meeting
Sept. 27 - School Board Meeting
Tomorrow, Sept. 27, is our next school board meeting, when we will continue the discussion of our district goals and priorities for the 2018-19 school year. I have joined our Superintendent, Dr. Milliken, for brown bag lunches with teachers to get their input at Fox, Central and Sandpiper already, and we will meet teachers at Ralston, Cipriani, RWSE and Nesbit in the next week or so. To provide your input, please email me: sbhopale2013@gmail.com.
Tomorrow, Sept. 27, is our next school board meeting, when we will continue the discussion of our district goals and priorities for the 2018-19 school year. I have joined our Superintendent, Dr. Milliken, for brown bag lunches with teachers to get their input at Fox, Central and Sandpiper already, and we will meet teachers at Ralston, Cipriani, RWSE and Nesbit in the next week or so. To provide your input, please email me: sbhopale2013@gmail.com.
Standing room only for a lively discussion at the Candidate Forum generously hosted by the Belmont Chamber of Commerce and NDNU.
Standing room only for a lively discussion at the Candidate Forum generously hosted by the Belmont Chamber of Commerce and NDNU.
Please join us for the BRSSD Board Candidate Event hosted by RSCA & the 17th District PTA on Wednesday, Oct. 17 (6:00-7:30pm) at the Redwood Shores Library.
Please join us for the BRSSD Board Candidate Event hosted by RSCA & the 17th District PTA on Wednesday, Oct. 17 (6:00-7:30pm) at the Redwood Shores Library.
Sept. 30 - DemFems
Sept. 30 - DemFems
Endorsed Candidates Celebration
Endorsed Candidates Celebration
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and the California PTA is doing its part to improve the understanding of dyslexia, as well as support early screening for signs and symptoms of dyslexia in kindergarten through third grade. (See links for more information).
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and the California PTA is doing its part to improve the understanding of dyslexia, as well as support early screening for signs and symptoms of dyslexia in kindergarten through third grade. (See links for more information).
Oct. 9 - Ballots Drop Celebration Tea!
Oct. 9 - Ballots Drop Celebration Tea!
My sincere gratitude to Sandy & Michael, Tisa and Elsie, for organizing a wonderful Meet & Greet for me yesterday. Ours is truly a grassroots campaign that relies upon dozens of modest contributions and a wellspring of volunteer backing. We are in the final stretch. Thanks for your support!
My sincere gratitude to Sandy & Michael, Tisa and Elsie, for organizing a wonderful Meet & Greet for me yesterday. Ours is truly a grassroots campaign that relies upon dozens of modest contributions and a wellspring of volunteer backing. We are in the final stretch. Thanks for your support!
Save the Music Festival is this Sunday, Oct. 14 (11:00-5:30pm) at Twin Pines Park in Belmont. Great food, music and fun!
Save the Music Festival is this Sunday, Oct. 14 (11:00-5:30pm) at Twin Pines Park in Belmont. Great food, music and fun!
Please stop by our booth to say hello (#106 on the map), located just as you enter Main Admissions off Sixth Ave.
Please stop by our booth to say hello (#106 on the map), located just as you enter Main Admissions off Sixth Ave.
This is “Whole Child Wellness Week,” an opportunity to focus on fostering social and emotional skills and creativity, which students learn from a well-rounded, arts education. See the results of the Candidate Survey Project.
This is “Whole Child Wellness Week,” an opportunity to focus on fostering social and emotional skills and creativity, which students learn from a well-rounded, arts education. See the results of the Candidate Survey Project.
Tonight, Oct.18, is our next school board meeting, where we will receive updates from the Educational Services Dept., Special Programs Dept. and we will discuss pursuing greater collaboration with the Sequoia Union High School District.
Tonight, Oct.18, is our next school board meeting, where we will receive updates from the Educational Services Dept., Special Programs Dept. and we will discuss pursuing greater collaboration with the Sequoia Union High School District.
Oct. 21 - Door to door canvassing with a dedicated crew!
Oct. 21 - Door to door canvassing with a dedicated crew!
Oct. 23 - In Ms. Cobb’s class at RWSE, students learned to use the design thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test) to re-imagine their classroom. Seniors, Vani and Liam, from Design Tech High School helped to facilitate this process. Collaboration between BRSSD and d.Tech is an exciting opportunity for learning!
Oct. 23 - In Ms. Cobb’s class at RWSE, students learned to use the design thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test) to re-imagine their classroom. Seniors, Vani and Liam, from Design Tech High School helped to facilitate this process. Collaboration between BRSSD and d.Tech is an exciting opportunity for learning!
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