Index

June 5, 2025

Dear GUSD Community,

As we close out the school year, I want to thank you for the heart you bring to our school district. In my first year as superintendent, one thing has stood out above all else—our incredible sense of community. You can feel it the moment you walk onto a campus, attend a school event, or see a child welcomed with care and kindness at the start of the day.

Throughout the year, I had the privilege of visiting schools regularly and connecting with students, staff, and families across the district. I saw students eagerly engaged in learning—building foundational reading skills, collaborating to solve complex math problems, diving into research for passion projects, and developing meaningful friendships along the way. Our classrooms are filled with curiosity and creativity—from joyful read-alouds and hands-on science experiments to student leadership, community service, and buddy programs that bring younger and older students together.

Outside the classroom, I saw parents organizing glow dance parties, volunteering in Art, Library and STEAM classes, running games during recess or PE, and fundraising to make field trips and camp experiences possible. These moments are more than just fun—they reflect the spirit of partnership that makes GUSD a place where every child can learn, grow, and feel like they belong.

Our staff bring tremendous skill and care to their work, and our families enrich our schools through their time, advocacy, and support. Thank you for all the ways you contribute—not just for your own child, but for every student in our care.

As we reflect on this year, we know there’s still important work ahead. We’re continuing to learn how best to guide children in navigating digital spaces safely and ensuring that screen time truly adds value to their learning. At the same time, we’re deepening our efforts to help students build the skills they need to manage their emotions and behavior in healthy ways. We’re also committed to creating more inclusive and equitable school environments—places where every student feels safe, experiences a strong sense of belonging, and has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

To families celebrating a promotion or transition—congratulations! If your time in GUSD is coming to a close, thank you for being part of our community. We wish you all the best in your next chapter.

With deep gratitude for your partnership, I wish you and your family a joyful, fun-filled summer. I look forward to continuing our shared work in the year ahead: strengthening student learning, building inclusive schools, and creating opportunities for every child to thrive. We can’t wait to welcome you back in August, together as a community.

Warmly,
Mary Kahn
Superintendent

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