Our Gundo of the Week is Melissa Gomez-Blanco, instructional aide from Center Street School! 💙
Here is what Melissa’s nominator had to say about her:
“Melissa radiates positivity and enthusiasm, greeting everyone with a ready smile. A true team player, she embraces every challenge with grace and determination. Always willing to lend a hand, she goes above and beyond to support all students, not just those she directly serves. She is a deeply valued member of both our Special Education department and our school community as a whole.”
Thank you for being a valuable part of Team Gundo!
Here is what Melissa’s nominator had to say about her:
“Melissa radiates positivity and enthusiasm, greeting everyone with a ready smile. A true team player, she embraces every challenge with grace and determination. Always willing to lend a hand, she goes above and beyond to support all students, not just those she directly serves. She is a deeply valued member of both our Special Education department and our school community as a whole.”
Thank you for being a valuable part of Team Gundo!

We’re celebrating Paraprofessional Appreciation Day by recognizing the incredible contributions of paraprofessionals across all campuses! 👏
Their dedication, care, and daily support make a meaningful difference in student success. 💙
Their dedication, care, and daily support make a meaningful difference in student success. 💙

This week’s Gundo of the Week is Andrew Sarno, intensive behavior interventionist from Richmond Street School! 💙
Here is what Andrew’s nominator had to say:
“Andrew Sarno consistently steps up wherever he is needed most, willingly jumping into the most challenging situations to support our highest-need students with calm, skill, and dedication. He is a reliable and steady presence, frequently covering Instructional Aide gaps without hesitation and responding to every request with professionalism and a positive attitude. Andrew’s commitment, flexibility, and unwavering support make him an invaluable asset to our team and a true cornerstone in our students' support team.”
Thank you for being a part of Team Gundo! 👏
Here is what Andrew’s nominator had to say:
“Andrew Sarno consistently steps up wherever he is needed most, willingly jumping into the most challenging situations to support our highest-need students with calm, skill, and dedication. He is a reliable and steady presence, frequently covering Instructional Aide gaps without hesitation and responding to every request with professionalism and a positive attitude. Andrew’s commitment, flexibility, and unwavering support make him an invaluable asset to our team and a true cornerstone in our students' support team.”
Thank you for being a part of Team Gundo! 👏

“Legally Blonde” opens tonight, and our talented cast and crew at ESHS are ready to take the stage. Join us for one of this weekend’s performances and enjoy a fun, high-energy show! 🎭
Showtimes include:
⭐ Thursday, March 26, at 7:00pm
⭐ Friday, March 27, at 7:00pm
⭐ Saturday, March 28, at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
We hope to see you there! 🎟️
Showtimes include:
⭐ Thursday, March 26, at 7:00pm
⭐ Friday, March 27, at 7:00pm
⭐ Saturday, March 28, at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
We hope to see you there! 🎟️

The El Segundo Unified School District has been recognized with two Awards of Excellence from the California School Public Relations Association, highlighting outstanding communication efforts and community engagement! 🏆
The district earned awards in the following categories:
⭐ Marketing Materials - South Bay Best School Banners
⭐ Special Purpose Publication - Board Meeting Summaries
This honor reflects a strong commitment to keeping families informed and connected through clear, engaging storytelling.
The district earned awards in the following categories:
⭐ Marketing Materials - South Bay Best School Banners
⭐ Special Purpose Publication - Board Meeting Summaries
This honor reflects a strong commitment to keeping families informed and connected through clear, engaging storytelling.

This week, El Segundo Middle School counselors will be visiting Richmond Street School (on Tuesday) and Center Street School (on Wednesday) to help 5th grade students prepare for middle school.
We look forward to meeting our future students this week! 😀
We look forward to meeting our future students this week! 😀

The afterschool Wiffle Ball program wrapped up with an exciting championship game between Center Street School and Richmond Street School! ⚾
Six weeks of practice, teamwork, and growth led to a fun and competitive finale filled with great sportsmanship. Support from families made the event even more special! 💙
Six weeks of practice, teamwork, and growth led to a fun and competitive finale filled with great sportsmanship. Support from families made the event even more special! 💙






El Segundo Middle School and El Segundo High School have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education! 🎉
This outstanding achievement represents the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community members.
Learn more about the California Distinguished Schools Program: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/index.asp
This outstanding achievement represents the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community members.
Learn more about the California Distinguished Schools Program: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/index.asp

Join us on Friday, March 20, for a Cabaret featuring Laura Bell Bundy—the original Elle Woods from Broadway’s “Legally Blonde!”
The event benefits the El Segundo High School Theater Department's upcoming production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
Get your tickets here: https://gofan.co/event/6117788?schoolId=CA18813
The event benefits the El Segundo High School Theater Department's upcoming production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
Get your tickets here: https://gofan.co/event/6117788?schoolId=CA18813

This week’s Gundo of the Week is Dr. Phuong Uzoff, Artificial Intelligence (AI) instructional coach. 🌟
Here’s what her nominator had to say:
“Dr. Uzoff leads our district's AI literacy and leadership efforts. She assists teachers with integrating AI and educational technology into their instruction as well as supervises our AI clubs at the middle and high schools. She has led our district to be recognized for an AI K12 Student Agency Award and serves as a member of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She was previously named a President’s Award Finalist for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching in 2022. Her background in STEM and PLTW make her an invaluable asset to our district as we prepare future ready students. We are so grateful for her innovative instructional vision and heart for student advocacy.”
Thank you for being a valuable part of Team Gundo! 💙
Here’s what her nominator had to say:
“Dr. Uzoff leads our district's AI literacy and leadership efforts. She assists teachers with integrating AI and educational technology into their instruction as well as supervises our AI clubs at the middle and high schools. She has led our district to be recognized for an AI K12 Student Agency Award and serves as a member of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She was previously named a President’s Award Finalist for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching in 2022. Her background in STEM and PLTW make her an invaluable asset to our district as we prepare future ready students. We are so grateful for her innovative instructional vision and heart for student advocacy.”
Thank you for being a valuable part of Team Gundo! 💙

Richmond Street School is proud to celebrate Ms. Juliana Farello as its Educator of the Year! 🎉
Ms. Farello’s dedication, passion for teaching, and commitment to supporting students each day make a lasting impact across the school community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Ms. Farello’s dedication, passion for teaching, and commitment to supporting students each day make a lasting impact across the school community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!



Safety lessons in Ms. Sweeney’s transitional kindergarten classroom at Richmond Street School are engaging, thoughtful…and even a little fun! 🚸
Through age-appropriate conversations and activities, students learn the importance of safety in a positive, supportive environment.
Through age-appropriate conversations and activities, students learn the importance of safety in a positive, supportive environment.

It's National Nutrition Month, and we are shining a spotlight on the importance of good nutrition for our students.
When kids have access to healthy, balanced meals, they have the energy and focus they need to learn and perform their best! 🍎🥝
When kids have access to healthy, balanced meals, they have the energy and focus they need to learn and perform their best! 🍎🥝

Help support the ESHS Business Entrepreneurship students as they raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and apply the skills learned in the pathway. ☘️
Throughout the month of March, students are competing to raise funds to support those with neuromuscular diseases. The funds raised will contribute to global research, leading to life-changing therapies and advancements in genetics and drug development to fight the disease.
Make a donation on the MDA website to support ESHS students and a great cause: https://mda.donordrive.com/teams/23867/donate
Throughout the month of March, students are competing to raise funds to support those with neuromuscular diseases. The funds raised will contribute to global research, leading to life-changing therapies and advancements in genetics and drug development to fight the disease.
Make a donation on the MDA website to support ESHS students and a great cause: https://mda.donordrive.com/teams/23867/donate

Today, we take a moment to thank the professionals who make sure our building systems are functioning, our spaces are welcoming, and our repairs are handled quickly and efficiently. 🛠️
Happy Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day to our incredible team!
Happy Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day to our incredible team!

Athletic coaches and support staff from across ESUSD strengthened their lifesaving skills during a First Aid/CPR/AED training course, sponsored by the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.
Participants received hands-on training in the most up-to-date safety procedures to help protect students and staff. Staying CPR certified every two years can make a life-saving difference. ❤️
Participants received hands-on training in the most up-to-date safety procedures to help protect students and staff. Staying CPR certified every two years can make a life-saving difference. ❤️



Reminder: There will be no school for ESUSD students on Friday, March 6. This is a staff professional development day. ✍️

In March, we observe Women's History Month—a time to learn about and reflect on the remarkable contributions of women throughout history and in our lives today.
We appreciate the opportunity to recognize this month in partnership with our students, staff, families, and community.
We appreciate the opportunity to recognize this month in partnership with our students, staff, families, and community.

The 2026 Richmond Street School Spelling Bee Champion, Noah G, was recognized at a recent ESUSD Board Meeting. Congratulations to Noah on this outstanding achievement! 🎉


It’s National School Breakfast Week! Students who start the day with a healthy breakfast are better prepared to focus, learn, and make the most of their time in the classroom. 🍎✨

