A note from Superintendent Bassanelli: The power of arts in education

Greetings San Juan Unified families!

March is Arts Education Month, a time to celebrate the role of the arts in helping students grow into confident, creative and well-rounded individuals. Across San Juan Unified, we know that access to arts education is not just about creativity—it strengthens critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that students will carry into their academic and professional lives.

We are proud to share that this year, 100 percent of elementary and K-8 students now have access to arts education, and 60 percent of secondary students are enrolled in an arts-based course or club. Thanks to voter-approved state funding, we’ve been able to expand arts course offerings, ensuring that more students than ever can participate in music, theater, dance, media and visual arts.

From Encina High School’s Black History Month art showcase to Del Paso Manor Elementary’s hip-hop dance program, the arts provide students with meaningful ways to express themselves. Mira Loma High School’s Asian Culture Festival recently highlighted how the arts can bring students together in celebration of diversity, while Mesa Verde High School’s Theatre Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway is preparing students for careers both on and off the stage.

At San Juan Unified, we believe that the arts are essential to student success and are committed to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, engaging and culturally inclusive creative experiences. As we celebrate Arts Education Month, I invite you to reflect on the role the arts have played in your own life and the impact they have on our students.

Thank you for being our partners in supporting the arts as an integral part of your child’s education.

In community,

Melissa Bassanelli
Superintendent