Greetings!
I continue to be so proud of the amazing things happening in our schools everyday! From four-year-olds learning their letters and sounds and elementary students writing persuasive essays, to middle schoolers solving complex math problems and seniors receiving college acceptances, classrooms and campuses are bustling with activities and excitement!
March is National Reading Month, and I encourage you to celebrate the power of a good story with your student. Reading, or "literary magic" as I call it, allows students to dive into new worlds, sharpen their perspectives, expand their vocabulary, and improve focus, memory, and critical thinking. It is essentially "superfood" for a developing brain. Whether it's a picture book or a novel, the impact is profound and long-lasting.
Reading isn't just an academic skill; it is a gateway to empathy and imagination. It is also a bonding opportunity. If you're reading to a child, you're doing more than teaching; you're building a core memory. That shared connection creates a sense of security and intimacy that screens just cannot replicate. Plus, reading to children is a great excuse to make funny voices (which we know is fun for grown-ups, too).
I encourage you to find ten minutes this week to read with your student -or even just let them see you reading a real-life book for fun. Let's work together to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Here's to a month of curiosity and discovery!
Warmly,
Jodi
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These goals guide our daily work and long-term planning as we strive to create strong schools, engaged learners, and a thriving community of support. |
On Friday, February 27, our students experienced the joy and energy of African music during an interactive assembly with musician Onye. Nearly every student in the school had the opportunity to play the drums, while teachers joined in the fun, drumming and dancing alongside them. At several moments, the entire school was on their feet, moving to the rhythm together.
The 50-minute assembly ended on a peaceful note, as students placed their hands on their hearts and reflected on kindness while Onye gently played his gong. Onye, who performs at schools across the Bay Area, shared that St. Helena Primary School is his favorite, a compliment we are incredibly proud of!
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The Elementary school cafeteria was transformed into an underwater wonderland as families gathered for a special evening of creativity and connection. Students and their loved ones painted side-by-side, creating vibrant ocean-inspired artwork filled with sea creatures, brilliant blue waters, and lots of imagination.
The evening was full of laughter and artistic expression as families enjoyed ocean-themed snacks, aguas frescas, and fun photo booth moments together. From first-time painters to experienced artists, everyone embraced the joy of creating something unique. Events like this strengthen our Dragon community and celebrate the power of meaningful family partnerships.
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RLS Middle School is proud to celebrate the reclassification of two additional students, an important academic milestone that reflects their hard work, perseverance, and growth towards learning the English language. We commend these students for their achievement and the staff who continue to support their success.
We’re also bringing fun and energy to campus with Olympics at Lunch! Students are enjoying friendly competition, teamwork, and school spirit during lunchtime activities. It’s been a great way to build community, encourage participation, and create positive memories together.
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Every Friday during 7th period, students in the SDC class who have had a positive week earn a special reward, a free ice cream cone from our community partners at A&W. Students take the lead by presenting their coupons, ordering their cones, and thanking the staff, building confidence and independence with each visit. While the ice cream is a fun treat, the highlight is watching students practice real-world skills, strengthen communication, and take pride in their accomplishments. It’s a sweet way to celebrate positive choices and meaningful growth each week. |
Winter sports wrapped up in exciting fashion, with major milestones for wrestling and girls’ basketball.
At the NCS Individual Wrestling Championships at James Logan High School, seven Saints competed against the top athletes in the section. The standout performances came from Anais and Anakarla Hernandez, who both advanced to the finals and qualified for the CIF State Championships in Bakersfield. Anais Hernandez earned her fourth consecutive NCS medal with a runner-up finish, while Anakarla Hernandez captured her second straight NCS Championship, becoming the first two-time NCS champion in St. Helena history. The twins now head to the state meet to close out their remarkable careers.
Girls’ basketball also made history, earning their first NCS playoff appearance in 12 years and hosting a packed home playoff game. Although the Saints fell to Marin Academy in a hard-fought 29-22 contest, the season was one to celebrate: 18 wins, a second-place NCL 1 finish, and a home playoff game highlighted an exciting and successful year for the program.
As winter sports conclude for most teams, we look ahead to the start of spring athletics. Congratulations to all our student-athletes on a tremendous season. Go Saints!
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The RLS Middle School Co-Ed Wrestling Team is having an impressive season! With 20 student-athletes competing this year, more than half of them girls, our program continues to grow in both strength and representation.
In NVL dual meet competition, RLS earned victories over Comstock, Healdsburg, and Cesar Chavez, finishing the regular season with a strong 3–1 record. Sixteen wrestlers have qualified for the Tournament of Champions (TOC) on February 28 and will go on to compete in the NVL Finals on March 7. We are proud of their hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit.
A special recognition goes to our 8th grade captains, Peter Herdell, Camilia Rodriguez, Parker Pike, and Persie Pike, who are all three-year veterans of the program. Their leadership, commitment, and experience have helped guide this year’s team to success.
Looking ahead, Track & Field season is just around the corner! Practices begin Monday, March 2, and the first official meet of the season will take place on March 19 at St. Helena High School. We look forward to another exciting season of RLS athletics!
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The district proudly recognizes Patricia Coyle as Teacher of the Year for her visionary leadership in performing arts and dedication to student success. Her work building a thriving drama program, expanding academic opportunities through dual enrollment and CTE pathways, and fostering inclusive arts experiences has transformed opportunities for students. Ms. Coyle’s impact is felt across the stage and classroom, inspiring both colleagues and the community.
We celebrate her outstanding contributions to St. Helena Unified School District and the lasting legacy she continues to build for students. Congratulations, Ms. Coyle!
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Have you ever wondered how all the “extras” our students enjoy are funded?
Give BIG! is the annual fundraising campaign led by the St. Helena Public Schools Foundation in partnership with the parent groups at all four school sites. The funds raised support field trips, guest speakers, performances, classroom grants, and so much more, creating meaningful experiences that enrich student learning and growth. Without this support, many of these opportunities simply wouldn’t be possible.
Don’t forget to donate today and share with family and friends so we can keep these important programs going!
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Parent Support Group – IEPs
March 9 • 5:30–6:30 PM • St. Helena Primary School Cafeteria.
Triple P Workshop Series (Spanish)
March 5, 12, 19 • Thursdays • 5:30–7:00 PM • St. Helena High School cafeteria. Sign Up Here.
Triple P Workshop Series (English)
April 14, 21, 28 • Tuesdays • 5:30–7:00 PM • SHHS Cafeteria. Sign Up Here.
Start Smart Class with CHP
March 18 • 4:30–6:30 PM • SHHS Cafeteria • Register Here
SHHS Musical – “Little Shop of Horrors”
Performances on 3/13, 3/15, 3/20, and 3/22 • 7:00–9:00 PM. Get Tickets Here.
Phone-Free Childhood Workshop
March 16 • 5:30–6:30 PM • St. Helena Primary School.
LCAP Community Forum
March 25 • 5:00–6:30 PM • Vintage Hall Board Room.
5th Grade Spelling Bee
March 26 • 6:00–8:00 PM • St. Helena Elementary School Auditorium.
Family Math Night at Safeway
March 30 • 5:45–6:45 PM • Safeway.
Incoming 9th Grade Night
March 31 • 5:30–7:00 PM • St. Helena High School Cafeteria.
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Join us for an exciting evening of music on March 18 at St. Helena Elementary School as our students showcase the breadth of our music program!
4:00 PM – St. Helena Music Academy Performance
- Featuring our before- and after-school music classes, including Rhythm Roots (K), Singing Angels Choir (1–2), Angels Beat Drumming (1–2), Dragon Pulse (3–4), and Dragon Drummers (5).
5:00 PM – 3rd Grade Performance: “Vamos a la Mar! A Collection of Songs from the Sea”
- Our 3rd graders will perform songs celebrating creativity and musical skills through the Orff-Schulwerk approach, demonstrating pitch, rhythm, movement, and improvisation. The RLS Orchestra will join as the pit orchestra in this wonderful cross-campus collaboration.
6:00 PM – 4th Grade Performance: “Vamos a la Mar!”
- Our 4th graders will present a vibrant musical performance with the RLS Orchestra, showcasing their growth in rhythm, melody, and ensemble performance.
7:00 PM – RLS Orchestra Candlelight Concert
- Now in its second year, the candlelight concert highlights the incredible progress of our orchestra students in a truly special performance setting.
We hope you can join us for this celebration of music and student achievement! Thank you for supporting arts education in our schools.
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We were grateful to host a meaningful community event featuring the short film La Estrella and a discussion about mental health, substance use, and stigma. Parents, students, and community partners, including UpValley Family Centers, ALDEA, and the Napa Opioid Safety Coalition, engaged in important conversations aimed at supporting families and strengthening awareness.
A special thank you to Dra. Gina Malagold, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Song for Charlie, for sharing her expertise and dedication to culturally responsive prevention and education. Her work in supporting underserved communities and addressing addiction prevention made a meaningful impact on our event.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this important dialogue. Community partnerships and open conversations help us support our students and families.
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February marked National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), an important opportunity to help students understand the foundations of healthy relationships and respect. At St. Helena High School, our mentoring groups partnered with NEWS to bring awareness activities centered on the Orange4Love campaign and this year’s theme, “I’d Peel an Orange for You,” highlighting small acts of care and kindness that build healthy connections. |
As a reminder, all students in California, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to attend school free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or intimidation.
Recent California laws (AB 49 and SB 98) strengthen protections for immigrant families and ensure that schools remain safe and welcoming for every student.
For more information, please review the flyer below or scan the QR code to read the California Attorney General’s guidance. You can also visit the District website for questions or concerns regarding immigration policies.
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As the Community Liaison Director, I’m here to support families with resources, connections, and questions about the district. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
Selene Robledo
Community Liaison Director
C: 707-227-0874 | P: 707-967-2708, Ext. 5011
srobledo@sthelenaunified.org
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