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Santa Clara Unified School District

BUILDING BRIDGES TO EVERY LEARNER

Special Education April/May Highlights

Posted Date: 06/21/26 (06:17 AM)


Special Education April/May Highlights

Special Education Highlights
April/May 2026

Student Highlights
kevin in a baseball uniform smiles, holding a bat.

Wilcox High School Kevin Ruvalcaba, 12th grader

Kevin is more than just a Varsity baseball player at Wilcox High School; he is the heart of the dugout. His dedication to the sport is infectious, sparking a shift in energy the moment he steps up to the plate. This season, the Wilcox culture of inclusivity has taken center stage. Despite the challenges Kevin faces, his dedication to be the best ballplayer possible remains unshakable. That spirit is mirrored by his teammates, whose voices rise in a rhythmic, unified roar of support that echoes across the entire field every time he goes up to bat. 

"Over the past four years, Kevin has really come into his own by staying resilient and maintaining a great attitude, even when the coursework gets heavy. It’s clear he’s learning how to navigate challenges by leaning on supports and putting in the consistent effort needed to stay on top of his assignments and credits." - Vance Campbell, Case Manager

"Starting out as our team manager his Sophomore year, Kevin Ruvalcaba has embodied what it means to be part of this baseball family. Through tireless practice at Wilcox and Briarwood field, Kevin’s journey is one of pure dedication. We’ve watched him grind his way from hitting in the cages, to taking reps on the field, to ultimately stepping up to the plate and taking at-bats in real games. He is the absolute heartbeat of this team, his teammates proudly gave him the well-earned nickname, Kev Goat." - Matthew Huth, Wilcox Baseball Head Coach

"Kevin plays a big role on our team. He brings a lot of energy to every game and practice. When he is not there, we feel his absence. I appreciate Kevin's positivity and always motivating the team to do well." - Gilbert Padilla, 12th grader


Kevin, your resilience and passion have left a mark on the Wilcox Baseball program. We wish you the very best of luck as you pursue your dreams and in all your future endeavors!




Jayce in a navy uniform and cap lies on the grass, smiling with hearing aid in his ear.

Santa Clara High Alumni - Jayce Dobie, Class of 2022

Jayce attended Santa Clara Unified schools and graduated from Santa Clara High School in June of 2022. After graduation he played baseball for Mission College (Santa Clara, CA) and West Valley College (Saratoga, CA). He is currently a senior at the University of Nevada and is now a potential MLB draft pick. Jayce was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss at the age of 3. As Jayce grew older, he turned his hearing loss into his super power. Read a recent article written by Mike Stefansson that shares Jayce's story

"Jayce was my student for many years in SCUSD. He never let his hearing loss hold him back from pursuing his love of baseball. I have a feeling he will get drafted in July for the MLB. I am so proud of him!" - Heidi Knutson, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher

Staff Highlights

A banner with the word 'Congratulations' in blue letters on a white background, surrounded by colorful balloons.
The Special Education Department would like to celebrate our 2025-2026 retirees. As our retirees prepare to embark on their next chapter, we wanted to share our deepest gratitude for their years of service. Their unwavering dedication to our students and their tireless hard work have made a profound impact on the Santa Clara Unified School District community.
 
Thank you for your patience, your expertise, and the heart you put into everything you do. We will miss your presence, but we are excited for the adventures ahead of you. Wishing you all a joyful, relaxing, and well-deserved retirement!

Maria Luisa Alvarado, Para Special Ed
Susan Auclair, Para Special Ed
Marla Aylaian, Para Special Ed Deaf/HOH
Theresa Caserza, Para Special Ed ED
Marie De Bello, RSP Teacher
Sandra Hauck, Para Special Ed
Robin Hulsey,  RSP Teacher
Deborah Knight, Para Special Ed
Kimberly Murphy-Sharp, Para Special Ed
Brenda Pang, SLP
Janice Pasos, Para Special Ed
Linda Pelton-Weinstein, Para Student Attendant
Rosa Sanchez-Correa, Para Special Ed
Debra Sparks, Para Special Ed ED
Karen Stephens, Para Special Ed
Lisa Therres, RSP Teacher
Catherine West, Para Student Attendant
School Highlight 

Peterson Middle School - Life Skills Program

Peterson Middle School's life skills class students are participating in a collaborative Earth Day project focused on planting succulents and creating small appreciation gifts for our school community. Through this hands-on experience, students are actively developing important life skills such as teamwork, following step-by-step directions, sequencing, and environmental responsibility.

With support from Ms. Brown (Art), students are designing and creating personalized Earth Day cards to accompany their gifts, adding a thoughtful and creative element. In collaboration with the Nature Center team (Ms. Mint and Ms. Hunter), students have engaged in planting mini succulents, further enhancing their connection to nature and sustainability practices.

This project provides meaningful opportunities for students to build independence, apply functional life skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. We are proud of their efforts to give back to the school community while promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

A teacher smiles as two students draw ladybugs at a table in an art classroom.
A row of small potted succulents in brown paper bags with rope handles are displayed on a wooden table.
Students and adults collaborate on a craft project at tables in a classroom.