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Home of the Lichen Bears
BEING A LICHEN BEAR MEANS...
Enrichment Opportunities
From applied art to music class, Maker's Space to spring musical and everything in between, Lichen Bears get to expand their learning beyond the classroom with hands-on enrichment activities that bring learning to life.
Lichen K-8
BEING A LICHEN BEAR MEANS...
Social-Emotional growth
Skills like sharing, taking turns, conflict-resolution and mental health practices are a critical piece of our instruction, ensuring students thrive in all areas of their lives.
Welcome to Lichen
BEING A LICHEN BEAR MEANS...
Evidence-based learning
We use thoughtfully applied assessments with evidence-based instructional strategies to ensure instruction is tailored to every learner's needs.
Just another Morning at Lichen
Morning routine at Lichen P-8
News & Events
Latest News
![A note from Superintendent Bassanelli March 15, 2024 with photo of superintendent]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747867365/sanjuanedu/bkog9jaabimzq1yagpdh/SupmessageGraphicforFinalsite_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747867365/sanjuanedu/bkog9jaabimzq1yagpdh/SupmessageGraphicforFinalsite_1.jpg","width":512}])
As we approach the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year, I am filled with pride as I reflect on the remarkable achievements of our students. Their dedication, creativity and resilience embody the core values of our district's Strategic Plan, focusing on voice, resilience and innovation.
![Anvitha Samineni holding her certificate received at the 2025 California State Seal of Biliteracy Recognition Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747350570/sanjuanedu/o6omuc3smonsnxtqry72/AnvithaSamineniThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747350570/sanjuanedu/o6omuc3smonsnxtqry72/AnvithaSamineniThumbnail.png","width":512}])
Anvitha Samineni, a 12th grader from Mira Loma High School, was in the spotlight as a student speaker at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) 2025 California State Seal of Biliteracy Recognition Ceremony.
Samineni was one of the over 400 students across the San Juan Unified School District to receive the California State Seal of Biliteracy.
![Three women stand together smiling for a photo. The woman in the center is holding a clear glass award that reads "Spirit of San Juan." She is wearing a richly colored traditional outfit with maroon, green, and gold embroidery. The woman on the left is wearing a multicolored blouse with a lanyard, and the woman on the right is in a light blue floral dress. They are posed in front of a white background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747671324/sanjuanedu/dspgpwzvphypvkqueopr/SaraSOSJCeremony.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747671324/sanjuanedu/dspgpwzvphypvkqueopr/SaraSOSJCeremony.jpg","width":512}])
Ms. Opeyany goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging. She founded the Students of Color at Lichen and the Upstanders Club, both designed to empower students, celebrate diversity, and promote social justice on campus. Her advocacy for staff and students alike has made a lasting impact on our school culture.
![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 May 13.
![Group photo of the six honorees from the 2025 Spirit of San Juan Awards. Pictured from left to right, Taya Baggett, Kristi Char, Sara Opeyany, Anna Stellmacher, Sonia Botello and Baryalai Talash.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746812069/sanjuanedu/jmyxqms5vjhk0pd22wnp/SpiritofSanJuan2025Thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746812069/sanjuanedu/jmyxqms5vjhk0pd22wnp/SpiritofSanJuan2025Thumbnail.png","width":512}])
San Juan Unified School District rolled out the red carpet at San Juan High School’s Theater on May 8 for the 12th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards.
![Ana Soto facing the camera smiling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746031058/sanjuanedu/sunb9eobuwndr6zxodmd/AnaSotoThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746031058/sanjuanedu/sunb9eobuwndr6zxodmd/AnaSotoThumbnail.png","width":512}])
Whether it is related to their academic success or overcoming a rough day, Spanish-speaking students seek Ana Soto’s support in navigating school.
Check here for highlights for the most recent board meeting on April 22.
![Split screen photo of Marythony Sohl and Dave Wilkerson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745334208/sanjuanedu/zsjxp9lsem8fcfyu2b8w/SCOEClassifiedof2025Thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745334208/sanjuanedu/zsjxp9lsem8fcfyu2b8w/SCOEClassifiedof2025Thumbnail.png","width":512}])
San Juan Unified School District is honored and excited to announce that two of our 2025 Classified Employees of the Year have been recognized as Sacramento County Classified Employees of the Year 2025. Marythony Sohl and Dave Wilkerson will advance to the state competition.
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.