Building Engaged Students, Staff, and Community for 2026-2027

Dear Sierra Sands Unified School District Families,

Welcome to a new school year! Whether you are returning to our schools or joining the Sierra Sands family for the first time, we are excited to partner with you as we begin another year of learning, growth, and opportunity.

At Sierra Sands Unified School District, our vision remains clear: growing a community of engaged learners connecting to future opportunities through innovative education. This commitment drives everything we do and serves as the foundation for the work ahead.

This year, our Board of Education's objectives continue to focus on three essential areas: Engaged Students, Engaged Staff, and an Engaged Community. We know that student success is strongest when learning is supported not only in the classroom, but through meaningful partnerships among schools, families, and our community. Through effective instruction, strong classroom expectations, positive student behavior, safe learning environments, attendance, parental and family involvement, and continuous improvement, we will continue building the conditions that help every student thrive.

Just as important as what we teach is how we work together. This year, we will continue to embrace our SSUSD Community Social Contract, which serves as a shared commitment to ensuring every individual feels valued, safe, respected, and connected. We ask all members of our school community to speak respectfully, listen to understand, address concerns through constructive channels, and treat one another with dignity. These principles help strengthen our schools and create the positive culture our students deserve.

Our work is also guided by our Portrait of a Graduate, which defines the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want every Sierra Sands graduate to possess. We strive to develop students who are:

• Communicators who share ideas clearly and listen actively.

• Collaborators who work effectively with others and value diverse perspectives.

• Innovative Problem Solvers who think critically, adapt, and embrace challenges.

• Community Contributors who make positive and responsible contributions to the world around them.

• Purpose-Driven Navigators who set goals, reflect on their growth, and pursue meaningful futures.

These attributes help prepare our students not only for graduation, but for success in college, careers, military service, and life. They represent the collective aspirations of our community and the future we envision for every learner.

As we begin this new year, we are grateful for the trust you place in our schools. Together, we will continue fostering a culture of excellence, belonging, and opportunity where every student can learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for your partnership. We look forward to an outstanding year filled with achievement, connection, and celebration.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Sierra Sands.

Yours truly,

Dr. April Moore
Superintendent