Embedded Files
Welcome, Cougar educators and student advocates! This page is dedicated to providing quick links and resources for our amazing staff. You'll find sections on:
IT Updates
Form Requests (i.e. Textbook/Consumable Request form, Appointment Request form)
Teaching Materials and Resources
2025 CDE Recommended Reading List
Technology Teaching Tools
DonorsChoose & Santa Clara Schools Foundation Grant Request forms
IT Updates
Tuesday, March 3, 2026:
Topic: Password Changes
Students now can reset their passwords through the SCUSD Portal.
To do this, they will need to set-up password recovery via their settings. Once their password recovery is created, students can change their passwords at any time without having to come to the library and/or calling IT for a reset.
Previous Updates
Previous Updates
Wednesday, December 11, 2025:
Topic: Loaners
Due to author projects, please be advised that Chromebook issues can be addressed during the first and last period of the day.
Please remind students that they will earn PBIS points if they return devices before the end of the day.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025:
Topic: Loaners
We issue loaner chargers to students who have devices that are not charged and powered off. For students who have left devices at home, we have loaners but require them to return the devices before the end of 6th period. If students have a broken device, they must report to their assigned VP first so that we can receive further instruction about handling their case.
Please remind students that they will earn PBIS points if they return devices before the end of the day.
Loaner chargers will be given to students with devices that are powered off due to not being fully charged.
Thursday, September 11, 2025:
Topic: Celebrations!
The library is happy to announce that all 6th graders have received their new devices and chargers! The transition was smooth and seamless — special thanks to Ms. Phillips and all of our P.E./Music teachers for their help and flexibility. A few more things to celebrate:
All 6th and 7th grade English/Reading classes completed a Library Orientation/Scavenger Hunt activity that entailed gift card prizes to Chick-fil-A or Jamba Juice! Students did exceptionally well locating different materials in the library and gained experience using Destiny Discover, our online catalog system.
DonorsChoose Projects were funded by SCSF! The library now has fun puzzles, games, and coloring books for students to use before or after school or during lunch.
Thursday, August 28, 2025:
Topic: PTSA Requests Due!
Priority requests for the 2025-2026 SY are due today!
Please submit a request form no later than Thursday, August 28th before 5:00 PM (PST).
The Executive Board will review all submissions today!
Wednesday, August 27, 2025:
Topic: New Chromebooks Have Arrived!
New devices have arrived for all 6th grade students!
All 6th grade P.E. teachers have been contacted with proposed time slots for device swaps.
Device swaps will be taking place in the library next Friday, September 5th!
Tuesday, August 19, 2025:
Topic: New Chromebook Shipment Delays
Shipments for new Chromebooks will be postponed by one week. Apologies for any inconvenience!
If students need Chromebooks, they may come to the library to check out loaners while supplies last.
Students with Dell Chromebooks, 6th grade students, and new external students transferring to SCUSD will be prioritized.
Friday, August 15, 2025:
Topic: Password Changes/Log-In Issues
Per IT, please do the following when resetting student passwords via Classlink:
Students should change their passwords only via the SCUSD Portal. Changes made in Google (Gmail) or other apps won’t apply district-wide.
Always instruct students to close all Chrome windows and tabs after a password reset. For best results, it’s recommended that they restart the entire device.
For students having issues logging on the WiFI:
Select "SCUSD Guest" and type the password (see internal email).
Once it connects, SCUSD-Student WiFi should kick-in.
If you are having issues, send the student to the library and I will "powerwash" their device.
Topic: DonorsChoose Corporate Matching Event on August 20th
Set up your DonorsChoose project by Monday, August 18 to boost your chances of getting it funded and matched by corporate donors!
Thursday, August 14, 2025:
Topic: Devices for 6th Graders/Issues with Dell Chromebooks
All Dell Chromebooks have been completely disabled. If your student has a Dell, please send them to the library to receive a refurbished Chromebook. Please note:
We have limited quantities. New students and/or external transfers and sixth graders will be prioritized.
We should receive shipments for new Chromebooks in the next week or so for 6th graders. I will e-mail all P.E. teachers to arrange a time for Chromebook swaps. Please remind your students to bring their Chromebooks and chargers, regardless if they work or not.
Encourage students to leave their chargers at home and charge their devices overnight.
Only 6th graders will receive new Chromebooks, as instructed by our District Office and IT Department.
Forms for Educators
Click to submit a request for teacher edition textbooks, student textbooks, and/or workbooks.
Teaching Materials and Resources
Curriculum Text Set:
The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande
Curriculum Text Set:
The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande
This educational resource offers a curated set of literary and multimedia works exploring the immigrant experience. It includes memoirs, fiction, poems, articles, videos, and art—geared toward fostering empathy, critical thinking, and discussion around immigration, identity, and social justice for middle school learners. Designed primarily for Grade 8 English Language Arts (and adaptable for Grade 7), it features the memoir The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande (Lexile 890L), with a Spanish edition also available. Click here to access the full curriculum text set with all embedded resources, activities, and learning materials.
Quick Glance:
Lexile: 890L
Grades: 7 & 8
Themes: Family separation and immigration, poverty and the American Dream, identity and belonging, childhood resilience, parental love and challenges, personal transformation, educational empowerment.
California Department of Education (CDE) Recommended Reading List for 2025
Each year, the Elementary, Middle, and High School CDE Recommended Reading List Committees review new titles to identify supplemental readings and materials that may be considered for district-approved adoption. You can access these recommendations, here (more user-friendly) or directly through the CDE website, here.
Filter by grade level, cultural experience, genre, curricular area, phonics and phonological awareness, and more!
Includes book guides, activities, and lessons curated for each title.
For questions about Grades 6-8 titles, please contact Ms. Dancheva, who serves on the Reading List Committee for middle school.
Technology Teaching Tools
Schedule an appointment with Cabrillo's teacher librarian, Ms. Dancheva, if you’d like a demonstration of any tools listed above or other district-approved tools in the SCUSD Portal.
DonorsChoose & Santa Clara Schools Foundation Grant Updates and Requests
Important Reminder:
Next DonorsChoose Corporate Matching Event — TBD!
Create a DonorsChoose project for any resources, supplies, or devices needed. Individual campaigns should not exceed $500, but there is no limit to the number of projects you may create.
Open to all staff (i.e. certificated and classified)!
For financial assistance with events, field trips, materials, or resources exceeding $500, please apply for a Teacher Grant after receiving approval from Principal Jennifer Doherty. All requests must clearly indicate a specific educational need or purpose.
Open to all staff (i.e. certificated and classified)!
Cabrillo Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)
Staff may use this form to request PTSA support for events, resources, materials, or other opportunities that enhance student learning, experiences, and the Cabrillo community. Requests can include financial assistance, volunteers, or other types of support.
For staff members who have pre-approved expenses and authorization from the PTSA Executive Board, you may submit a reimbursement request form by clicking on the link. Please provide original copies of receipts, along with the filled out form dated and signed, place your materials in an envelope, and submit your request by dropping it off in the PTSA mailbox. Be sure to e-mail the PTSA Treasurer and CC the President to notify them of your drop-off.
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