October 10, 2025

As we continue into the fall season at San Bruno Park School District, I want to recognize the many ways our community comes together to learn, honor, and grow. October brings important moments of reflection and celebration across our schools, reminding us of the diverse values that shape our district.

🌟 National Principals Month
This October, we proudly celebrate National Principals Month by honoring the dedicated leaders who guide our schools with care, vision, and commitment. Our principals set the tone for learning and community, and we are deeply grateful for the impact they make each day:

🏫 Allen Elementary School – John Berry, Principal

🏫 Belle Air Elementary School – Sara-Maria Menendez, Principal

🏫 John Muir Elementary School – Colleen Hennessey, Principal

🏫 Portola Elementary School – Jaime Soria, Principal

🏫 Parkside Intermediate School – Anna Sekis, Principal

Please join us in thanking these outstanding leaders for their tireless work in supporting students, staff, and families across San Bruno Park School District.

🎉 Filipino American History Month
We celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans. Classrooms will highlight stories and learning experiences that deepen student understanding of this vibrant community.

🌎 Hispanic Heritage Month
We continue to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Students are engaging in activities and learning opportunities that celebrate the diversity and richness of these traditions.

💻 Bullying Prevention Month & Digital Citizenship Week
October also marks Bullying Prevention Month, a time to reinforce kindness, respect, and inclusion. During Digital Citizenship Week, students will explore safe, responsible, and thoughtful ways to engage online.

🌺 Indigenous People's Day

As we approach mid-October, we take time to reflect on the diverse histories and cultures that shape our community. One important observance this month is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor the first inhabitants of these lands and recognize their lasting contributions to our world.

🧹 Custodian Appreciation Day
Last week we celebrated our incredible Custodial, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation teams. Their hard work and dedication keep our campuses safe, clean, and welcoming, and we are deeply grateful for all they do each day to support our students and staff.

📝 Together, these moments reflect our shared commitment to inclusivity, respect, and community. Thank you for partnering with us in making San Bruno Park School District a place where every student belongs and thrives.

— Superintendent Duffy

October is National Principals Month, a time to recognize the incredible leaders who guide our schools with dedication, care, and vision. Principals play a vital role in shaping the culture of their campuses — supporting teachers, inspiring students, and building strong connections with families.

At San Bruno Park School District, we are proud to honor our principals for the countless ways they go above and beyond to create welcoming and thriving school communities:

🏫 Allen Elementary School – John Berry, Principal

🏫 Belle Air Elementary School – Sara-Maria Menendez, Principal

🏫 John Muir Elementary School – Colleen Hennessey, Principal

🏫 Portola Elementary School – Jaime Soria, Principal

🏫 Parkside Intermediate School – Anna Sekis, Principal

Throughout this month, we’ll be spotlighting each of our principals with photos and fun facts to help our community get to know the people behind the leadership. Please join us in celebrating their contributions and expressing our gratitude for the vital work they do every day.

🌟 Spotlight on John Berry — Principal, Allen Elementary

• A fourth-generation educator with over 30 years of experience in TK–12 education and a deep commitment to learning and community at Allen Elementary.

• Strengthened Allen’s connections with families and local partners.

• Expanded access to Music, PE, and after-school enrichment such as Chess Club, Homework Club, YMCA, and Champions programs.

• Led the transition to Allen’s new, modern campus and introduced engaging new initiatives like the STEAM and Community Garden programs.

 

🌟 Spotlight on Sara-Maria Menendez — Principal, Belle Air Elementary

• Proud Latina with roots in El Salvador, staying connected through Spanish, traditions, and food like rellenos de ejote.

• Grew up in San Bruno and is an alumna of El Crystal, Parkside, and Capuchino.

• Spent 8 years teaching Kindergarten at Belle Air. Her first class just graduated high school!

• Recently married, with her Corgi, Willow, by her side.

• Loves rap and punk rock music, and her favorite tradition is sharing coffee from her family’s farm.

🌟 Spotlight on Colleen Hennessey — Principal, John Muir Elementary

• A dedicated educator in San Bruno for 19 years, including 11 years teaching at El Crystal.

•Previously served as principal of Rollingwood School before joining John Muir this year.

• Passionate about cultural education and leading initiatives around Latinx, Black History, AAPI, and more.

• Loves spending time outdoors with her three children, especially on family bike rides.

🌟 Spotlight on Jaime Soria — Principal, Portola Elementary

• Inspired to become a principal after 9 years of teaching, coaching sports, and serving in leadership roles.

• Loves Portola’s diverse, involved school community and the teamwork that makes daily learning possible.

• A favorite highlight is the annual Mike Casey Sweeney Ridge Hike, which encourages students to push themselves and reminds us that growth happens in the journey.

• Passionate about sports and bringing the spirit of teamwork into his leadership.

 

🌟 Spotlight on Anna Sekis — Principal, Parkside Intermediate

• Believes leadership is about walking together and lifting one another up.

• Grew up in Yugoslavia, where she joined a student movement for change.

• A lifelong learner who finds inspiration in books, people, and stories.

• Loves spending time in nature! Especially hiking and connecting with the world around her.

• Passionate about building community and learning alongside students and families at San Bruno Park.

 

Join us in recognizing our incredible administrators across San Bruno Park School District who lead with vision, compassion, and dedication every day. Their commitment ensures our students, staff, and schools thrive. 

Thank you for all that you do to make SBPSD a strong and supportive learning community! 

🌺 San Bruno Education Foundation Gala: “A Night in the Tropics!”

It’s the biggest night for San Bruno schools — the 4th Annual San Bruno Education Foundation Gala: “A Night in the Tropics!”

📅 When: Saturday, November 15 · 7:00–10:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Farallon Room, Skyline College

Become an SBEF Member by donating at least $10/month or $120/year, and receive an exclusive invitation to our members-only happy hour with a hosted bar from 6:00–7:00 p.m.

🎟 Tickets available: sbefkids.org/gala

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month — honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The celebration begins on September 15, a date that marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively.

Across the nation, and here in our schools, this month is a time to highlight the many ways Hispanic and Latino communities have enriched our society — through language, art, music, food, literature, public service, and more. Students will engage in learning activities that explore these contributions and foster deeper appreciation for the diversity within our community.

We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the voices, stories, and legacies that continue to shape our shared history.

This month, we’re proud to highlight Michelle Moreno, Parent Liaison at one of our San Bruno Park schools, whose story reflects the resilience, love, and community spirit at the heart of Hispanic Heritage Month.

As the daughter of immigrants, Michelle is deeply proud of the resilience and determination that define her family’s journey. Growing up in San Bruno in a multi-status family taught her the value of hard work, sacrifice, and hope—lessons she now passes on to her own children. She celebrates her heritage through food, family traditions, and speaking Spanish at home, keeping her culture alive through everyday connection.

Michelle’s heritage also inspires her work. Having experienced the challenges immigrant families face, she approaches every part of her role with empathy, inclusivity, and compassion. Today, she serves the very school she once attended as a child—an experience she calls “coming full circle.” As a Parent Liaison, she’s committed to helping families feel supported, respected, and valued, ensuring all students see that no dream is too big.

Fun Facts about Michelle:

🎶 Favorite artists: Bad Bunny, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandra Guzmán, Carín León, and Intocable

⭐️ Favorite tradition: Family carne asada gatherings under the summer sun

🍽️  Favorite food: Anything made by her mom or mother-in-law — “their food brings back the comfort and love of my childhood summers in Mexico.”

✍️ Favorite quote: “You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.” — Paulo Coelho

 

Welcome to the 2025 Annual SBPSD / Parents Night Out Trunk or Treat! Join us at Parkside Intermediate School for a spooktacular time filled with treats, costumes, and fun. Get ready to show off your best costume and explore creatively decorated car trunks for some sweet surprises. Get ready for Parents Night Out's Annual Halloween attraction! This in-person event promises a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Don't miss out on this amazing community event!

Saturday, October 25, 2025

5:30 - 9:00

You must have a ticket to attend the free event - Scan QR to reserve a ticket

All students/children must be accompanied by an adult

Please sign up to host a trunk, volunteer at the event or donate candy!

Next week, we will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native peoples across the Americas.

This day recognizes the first inhabitants of these lands and their ongoing influence on our communities, environment, and shared history. Indigenous Peoples’ Day invites students and families to learn about the resilience of Native nations, their deep connection to the land, and their continued efforts to preserve language, art, and tradition.

At San Bruno Park School District, we are committed to fostering understanding, respect, and inclusion by highlighting the stories and perspectives of Indigenous communities. Through classroom learning and reflection, we aim to celebrate the diversity and strength that Indigenous cultures bring to our collective history.

October is Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to our nation and communities. The month-long celebration was first recognized nationally in 2009, though it has been observed in many states since the early 1990s.

The month of October was chosen because it marks the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States at Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587. Since then, Filipino Americans have played an important role in shaping American history — from farmworkers and labor rights leaders to military service members, educators, healthcare workers, artists, and innovators.

Throughout the district, we are highlighting Filipino voices and stories to deepen students’ understanding of this vibrant community. From traditions and family values to achievements across many fields, Filipino American History Month reminds us of the strength found in diversity and the importance of honoring all cultures that enrich our schools.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the impact of bullying and the importance of creating safe, supportive school communities. At San Bruno Park School District, we are committed to fostering kindness, respect, and inclusion across all of our campuses.

Bullying can take many forms — verbal, physical, social, or online. That’s why this month, we are also recognizing Digital Citizenship Week (October 14–18). Students will engage in lessons that help them build safe, responsible, and respectful habits online, including how to use technology thoughtfully and how to stand up against cyberbullying.

Families can play a vital role too: having open conversations about empathy, kindness, and respect can empower children to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Together, we can ensure every student feels safe, valued, and supported.

Yesterday was National Custodian Appreciation Day, and we recognized our custodians along with our Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation (MOT) team for keeping our campuses running smoothly, safe, and beautiful day in and day out! Your hard work, care, and dedication make an incredible difference in the daily lives of our students and staff.

Custodians and the MOT team play a vital role in creating safe, clean, and welcoming environments where students can learn and thrive. We are deeply grateful for all you do — thank you for making San Bruno Park School District a better place every day.

Don't forget to review this year's Learner Profile! 

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! It is an exciting time in the San Bruno Park School District, and there is so much to celebrate as we begin the year together.

We are fully staffed and ready to welcome students back to classrooms. Our schools have seen important improvements, our programs are expanding, and we are continuing to focus on student success, staff support, and family engagement. Thanks to the strong partnership of our community, our district is moving forward with great momentum.

This is just a glimpse of the progress happening across our schools.

We encourage you to explore the full update to learn more about our accomplishments, new initiatives, and exciting plans for the year ahead.

Check out this year's school calendar!