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Welcome to Lichen
Home of the Lichen Bears
Where every child is known, inspired, and prepared for the future.
We're building cities!
In our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) City elective, middle school students are designing and building their own scale-model cities while exploring real-world concepts like construction, architectural design and robotics!
News & Events
Latest News
![A graphic that says "Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year" under superintendent Melissa Bassanelli's headshot. The graphic is also labled with the date, Aug. 11, 2026.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786482416/sanjuanedu/kwsqjmzbkqeiv1hy6cq0/AugustSupmessageGraphicforFinalsite_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786482416/sanjuanedu/kwsqjmzbkqeiv1hy6cq0/AugustSupmessageGraphicforFinalsite_1.jpg","width":512}])
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! Whether you’re joining San Juan Unified for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we are so glad you’re a part of our community. Our first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 13, and our staff has been working hard to prepare for a successful start.
![Board Briefs with icon of document, check mark and gavel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691596686/sanjuanedu/fiksovrdccpfo2htrnam/BoardBriefsnewsitemimage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1691596686/sanjuanedu/fiksovrdccpfo2htrnam/BoardBriefsnewsitemimage.png","width":512}])
Check here for highlights from the latest board meeting on Aug. 11.
![A young student at a desk writing or drawing.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786141352/sanjuanedu/bnlbkoaiz2zxmasazjb6/1M1A9861CampKinderWebArticleThumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786141352/sanjuanedu/bnlbkoaiz2zxmasazjb6/1M1A9861CampKinderWebArticleThumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786141352/sanjuanedu/bnlbkoaiz2zxmasazjb6/1M1A9861CampKinderWebArticleThumb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786141352/sanjuanedu/bnlbkoaiz2zxmasazjb6/1M1A9861CampKinderWebArticleThumb.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786141352/sanjuanedu/bnlbkoaiz2zxmasazjb6/1M1A9861CampKinderWebArticleThumb.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786141352/sanjuanedu/bnlbkoaiz2zxmasazjb6/1M1A9861CampKinderWebArticleThumb.jpg","width":2048}])
This summer, San Juan Unified School District welcomed incoming kindergarten students to Camp Kinder, a two-week program designed to help young learners build confidence and prepare for their first day of school
![Mom walking with son in front of school office]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785269118/ft0lutshaasfjcfgsqdl/FamilyPostcard-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785269118/ft0lutshaasfjcfgsqdl/FamilyPostcard-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785269118/ft0lutshaasfjcfgsqdl/FamilyPostcard-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785269118/ft0lutshaasfjcfgsqdl/FamilyPostcard-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785269118/ft0lutshaasfjcfgsqdl/FamilyPostcard-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1785269118/ft0lutshaasfjcfgsqdl/FamilyPostcard-2.jpg","width":2200}])
As we begin to prepare for the first day of school on Aug. 13, San Juan Unified School District would like to encourage families to complete the Annual Student Information Update as soon as possible.
![Away for the Day with photo of a group of elementary-aged students. Graphic of a crossed out cell phone icon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783363435/sanjuanedu/bxjvvpfkk4vq1icvd2rf/Awayforthedaywebsitegraphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783363435/sanjuanedu/bxjvvpfkk4vq1icvd2rf/Awayforthedaywebsitegraphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783363435/sanjuanedu/bxjvvpfkk4vq1icvd2rf/Awayforthedaywebsitegraphic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783363435/sanjuanedu/bxjvvpfkk4vq1icvd2rf/Awayforthedaywebsitegraphic.png","width":1050}])
To support student learning and well-being, the San Juan Unified Board of Education recently approved revisions to the district's mobile device policy that will require personal mobile devices to be restricted for the entire school day at elementary, K-8 and middle schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
![Graphic if loud speaker with Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782848199/sanjuanedu/bxjuzzjmutrxtoefohvg/Socialgraphic-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782848199/sanjuanedu/bxjuzzjmutrxtoefohvg/Socialgraphic-4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782848199/sanjuanedu/bxjuzzjmutrxtoefohvg/Socialgraphic-4.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782848199/sanjuanedu/bxjuzzjmutrxtoefohvg/Socialgraphic-4.png","width":1080}])
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, San Juan Unified has updated its e-transportation guidelines to support student and staff safety. Families are encouraged to review the new campus expectations, safety requirements and permitted devices before the start of the school year.
Check here for highlights from the latest board meeting on June 9.
Check here for highlights from the latest board meeting on May 26.
Upcoming Events
![Growing Together. Collectively Strong. Individually Nurtured. with three images of students in collage]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731012231/sanjuanedu/uw3zwrqzsjv6ekfnfp3i/GrowingTogetherShowcaseGraphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731012231/sanjuanedu/uw3zwrqzsjv6ekfnfp3i/GrowingTogetherShowcaseGraphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731012231/sanjuanedu/uw3zwrqzsjv6ekfnfp3i/GrowingTogetherShowcaseGraphic.png","width":800}])
Access San Juan Unified's 2024-29 Strategic Plan.
![Teacher working with young student at table]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1688334333/sanjuanedu/wr9vrwhhp5qgeqybf0j8/TKstudentandteacher.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1688334333/sanjuanedu/wr9vrwhhp5qgeqybf0j8/TKstudentandteacher.png","width":512}])
San Juan Unified uses an equity lens to target and eliminate barriers for all students.
![Bus driver]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1688355379/sanjuanedu/t4smum4rrgv6l4o9x7ya/Busdriver.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1688355379/sanjuanedu/t4smum4rrgv6l4o9x7ya/Busdriver.png","width":512}])
If you want to be a part of a diverse school district committed to ensuring each student's success - we want to meet you.
![Arden Middle School new campus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680814556/sanjuanedu/embt8qkf4ctx0p805jbh/017028_INT014_HI.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680814556/sanjuanedu/embt8qkf4ctx0p805jbh/017028_INT014_HI.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680814556/sanjuanedu/embt8qkf4ctx0p805jbh/017028_INT014_HI.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680814556/sanjuanedu/embt8qkf4ctx0p805jbh/017028_INT014_HI.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680814556/sanjuanedu/embt8qkf4ctx0p805jbh/017028_INT014_HI.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680814556/sanjuanedu/embt8qkf4ctx0p805jbh/017028_INT014_HI.jpg","width":2200}])
San Juan Unified School District is invested in providing 21st-century learning opportunities for all students.
![Kindergarten students raising hands]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680812300/sanjuanedu/k3jlsynybqoqop0z2uc0/IMG_9642.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680812300/sanjuanedu/k3jlsynybqoqop0z2uc0/IMG_9642.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680812300/sanjuanedu/k3jlsynybqoqop0z2uc0/IMG_9642.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680812300/sanjuanedu/k3jlsynybqoqop0z2uc0/IMG_9642.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680812300/sanjuanedu/k3jlsynybqoqop0z2uc0/IMG_9642.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680812300/sanjuanedu/k3jlsynybqoqop0z2uc0/IMG_9642.jpg","width":2200}])
The San Juan Education Foundation supports and advances excellent education for all students in San Juan Unified.
![Stack of books at a library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685478582/sanjuanedu/nqqhiprtm6ufx1xmuxjv/Stackofbooks.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1685478582/sanjuanedu/nqqhiprtm6ufx1xmuxjv/Stackofbooks.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1685478582/sanjuanedu/nqqhiprtm6ufx1xmuxjv/Stackofbooks.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1685478582/sanjuanedu/nqqhiprtm6ufx1xmuxjv/Stackofbooks.png","width":1080}])
Learn about curriculum and instructional materials adoption throughout the district.