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Alisal families and community, 

 

This year, our guiding light is our theme: Beyond the Score: Igniting Curiosity, Cultivating Character.

 

When we talk about going beyond the score, we are talking about holistic excellence. But to ignite that curiosity and cultivate that character in our students, it starts with all members of the Alisal Union School District team. My vision for this school year centers on building the capacity of the adults in our district. When we continuously invest in adults—expanding our skills, deepening our knowledge, and supporting one another—we elevate the level of service we bring to our children every day. Investing in adults is investing in students. 

 

To help us ground that vision, I have challenged each of our staff members with a question inspired by author Gary Keller: "What is the ONE THING you can focus on this year such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or more impactful?"

 

Whether that ONE thing is trying a new classroom instructional strategy, streamlining an operational system in the front office, or creating a warmer, more encouraging environment for students in the cafeteria, on the bus, or on the playground—honing in on that focus is how we grow together.

 

We will ground that vision in our new hashtag: #IAmAlisal. 

 

This hashtag represents our collective identity and shared purpose. 

 

Every member of the Alisal team brings #IAmAlisal to life every single day through the service, care, and commitment they provide to each and every student who walks through our front doors.

 

Whether it is through maintaining our facilities, preparing meals, teaching in the classroom, supporting student services, or leading a school site or department —every member of the District represents its heart. Together, #IAmAlisal is a reminder that when we bring our best ONE thing each day, we are one unstoppable team.

While we build our capacity as adults, it is ultimately our students who bring this theme to life in extraordinary ways.

On August 4, our keynote experience during our Back-to-School convocation showcased exactly what happens when curiosity is ignited and character is cultivated over time. Back in 2014, a small vision started with just two drumlines—one at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary and one at Dr. Oscar F. Loya Elementary.

 

Twelve years later, that spark has grown into an incredible legacy. Today, these student musicians and performers represent Alisal at state-level competitions and perform at prestigious events across the region. They embody what it means to go beyond the score.

 

Below you’ll find a link to the introductory video of the Alisal students who are representing our #IamAlisal theme. Further down, you’ll find their presentation at Stanford University during Drum Corps International on July 5, 2026. If anybody inspires the #IamAlisal spirit, it’s these young artists. 

 

#IamAlisal video

 

Alisal USD All Stars Perform at Stanford University