Next week, from October 14th to 18th, schools across the nation will celebrate National School Lunch Week, themed \"School Lunch Pirates: Find Your Treasure.\" This initiative highlights the vital role of nutrition services in schools, which not only provide lunches but also breakfasts to students. Over the past 41 days, the district's nutrition staff, led by Karen Luna and Sherry Nielsen, has served nearly half a million meals, emphasizing their commitment to fostering healthy eating habits among students.

In a recent meeting, discussions also focused on enhancing the community day school program. Dr. Waddell convened a diverse group of stakeholders to explore ways to better serve students with unique needs, aiming to strengthen the program's offerings. The collaboration between the California School Employees Association (CSEA) and the United Teachers of Santa Clara (UTSC) is set to address the needs of English Learner (EL) students, with plans for innovative support strategies.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the upcoming implementation of a mobile device policy in compliance with Assembly Bill 3216, which mandates districts to establish such policies by July 2026. Early discussions are underway to ensure a smooth transition.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the BRAVE program, a new initiative by the Santa Clara Police Department aimed at fostering respect, awareness, and values among students. This program, which replaces the outdated DARE curriculum, will be piloted in seven schools this academic year, focusing on essential topics such as responsibility, peer pressure, and cyber safety. The program is designed for fourth graders and includes a graduation ceremony, reinforcing the police department's commitment to community engagement and student safety.

As the meeting concluded, participants were reminded of the importance of maintaining perspective and prioritizing meaningful connections in their lives. The collaborative efforts between educational and law enforcement entities reflect a shared commitment to nurturing a safe and supportive environment for students in Santa Clara.