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The Paradise Post

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Group of diverse young adults smiling

 

Looking to make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities?
MHUSD is proud to partner in an exciting opportunity for paraeducators and aspiring educators to earn their Special Education teaching credential—with paid tuition, mentorship, and on-the-job experience.

Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step in your career, the Special Education Apprenticeship Program is a supportive, affordable pathway to becoming a credentialed teacher.

Selection begins Fall 2025.
See the flyer for more details. 

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Announcing New Administrators

 

We’re excited to welcome three new administrators to Morgan Hill Unified School District for the 2025–26 school year. Each brings unique experience and a shared commitment to supporting students, staff, and families across our school community.  

Jennifer Lashier

Dr. Jennifer Lashier

Dr. Jennifer Lashier is honored and excited to join the Paradise Valley Engineering Academy and the Morgan Hill Unified School District community as the new principal. Throughout her 25-year career, she has been guided by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and the belief that every child deserves a joyful, inspiring, and rigorous education. Dr. Lashier is drawn to Paradise Valley’s innovative focus on technology, hands-on learning, and the Engineering Design Process, and she shares the school’s dedication to nurturing the whole child in a supportive, child-centered environment. She looks forward to partnering with Paradise Valley’s talented staff, engaged families, and vibrant students to build on the school’s tradition of excellence—empowering every learner to think critically, embrace curiosity, and reach their fullest potential. She will work to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and high expectations, ensuring that all students are prepared to thrive as compassionate, creative problem-solvers and positive contributors to our diverse, global society.

 

Sheila Murphy

Dr. Sheila Murphy

Dr. Sheila Murphy is thrilled to be joining Barrett Elementary School as the new principal. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, two Master's degrees, and over 20 years of experience working in education, Dr. Murphy brings a wealth of proven expertise in significantly increasing English Language Learner reclassification rates and successfully implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative justice practices. Her passion for educating hearts and minds, coupled with her data-driven leadership and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, makes her eager to bring these transformative approaches to the students, staff, and families of Barrett Elementary and contribute to the vibrant educational landscape of her beloved Morgan Hill community, where she enjoys life with her husband, three adult sons, two grandchildren, and over 90 rescue animals.

 

Veronica Altamirano

Veronica Altamirano 

Veronica Altamirano is honored to serve as the new assistant principal at San Martin Gwinn Environmental Science Academy/DIME. Mrs. Altamirano brings over a decade of experience in education, including roles as a bilingual classroom teacher and instructional coach, with a strong emphasis on supporting multilingual learners and fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. She is excited to join a school that values environmental education, innovation, and strong family partnerships. On a personal note, she is a proud parent of two young daughters who thrive in a dual language program, and she deeply values the power of biliteracy and cultural connection. Mrs. Altamirano looks forward to working collaboratively with the students, staff, and families of San Martin Gwinn.

Please join us in welcoming these talented leaders to their new roles as we look forward to a successful and inspiring school year ahead.  

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New Administrator Placements

 

MHUSD is pleased to announce the following Administrative Placements for the 2025-2026 academic year: 

Alex Carlson

Alex Carlson, Assistant Principal at Walsh, will be transferring to Jackson Academy of Math & Music (JAMM) for the 2025–2026 school year. During her time at Walsh, she has worked diligently to support instructional coaching and offer direct assistance to teachers, staff, and parents. Mrs. Carlson comes with years of experience as both an educator and administrator. She is passionate about student success, family engagement, and working collaboratively with teachers and staff to build a strong school community. “I am excited to contribute to JAMM’s mission of nurturing both the academic and creative talents of every student…I look forward to partnering with staff, students, and families as we work together to inspire learning, creativity, and community.“

 

Maria Rodriguez

Maria Rodriguez, Assistant Principal at Jackson Academy of Math & Music (JAMM), will be transferring to PA Walsh Elementary School for the 2025–2026 school year. During her tenure at JAMM, she was dedicated to supporting instructional programs, building relationships, and offering direct assistance to teachers, staff, and parents. Ms. Rodriguez comes with nearly 25 years of experience as both an educator and an administrator. She values student success, active family involvement, and close collaboration with educators to nurture a connected and supportive school environment. Her experience as a bilingual teacher for 12 years, as well as her experience as a principal of a dual immersion program, will continue to support the transition of Walsh to a dual immersion school.  “I am looking forward to meeting the wonderful P.A. Walsh School Community, working alongside Principal Juan Carlos Cuevas Jr., and continuing to support P.A.Walsh’s commitment to all students receiving an excellent education.”

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

We are excited to announce three new appointments who bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and leadership to their roles:   

 

Chrystal Silva

Chrystal Silva

A lifelong resident of the South County—having lived in San Martín, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy, with a few years in Idaho—Chrystal is proud to serve the community she calls home. A graduate of Live Oak High School, she pursued higher education at San José State and Boise State universities.

Over the past five years in MHUSD, she has grown within the Transportation Department, starting as a van driver and advancing to Dispatcher, Supervisor, and now Director of Transportation. Through each role, Chrystal has developed a passion for student transportation, recognizing it as a vital part of supporting student success.

She is also a proud mother of twin daughters who inspire her every day. Watching them grow, learn, and thrive in the very community she serves brings deep meaning and fulfillment to her role.

Chrystal looks forward to continuing to build a collaborative, student-centered, and service-oriented team that supports safe, reliable transportation for all MHUSD students.

We are pleased to welcome Chrystal Silva as Morgan Hill Unified School District’s new Director of Transportation.

 

Claudia Estrada Headshot

Claudia Estrada

Claudia Estrada has held various Clerical Support positions for over twenty years in Pajaro Valley, San Benito, Gilroy, and Morgan Hill, where she has enjoyed being part of numerous teams that play a critical role in helping keep schools and districts running smoothly and efficiently. This path ultimately led her to the role of Executive Assistant for the Educational Services Division in Morgan Hill and now to the Executive Assistant for the Office of the Superintendent. 

She is also a proud mother of five and grandmother to her 4-year-old grandson, Rey.

With each step in her career, Claudia’s passion for supporting students has grown, and she is excited to continue to contribute to the positive impact on student lives through her new role.

We are pleased to welcome Claudia Estrada, Morgan Hill Unified School District’s new Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.

 

Carlos Trujillo

Carlos Trujillo

A proud Central Valley native from Greenfield, CA, Mr. Trujillo brings a diverse educational background as a Middle School and High School Counselor, Visiting Teacher, and Assistant Principal. He earned his Political Science degree with a Business minor from San José State University and holds a Masters in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne, along with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and Administrative credentials.

As a first-generation college graduate, Mr. Trujillo is passionate about guiding students toward college and career readiness. He prioritizes holistic, student-centered decision-making and has significant experience in restorative practices, including restorative conversations and circles, that help foster inclusive and supportive school environments.

Mr. Trujillo values collaboration and believes in engaging all stakeholders to create a shared vision for student success. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and competing in physical challenges and half marathons, Spartan, and trail races. He looks forward to joining the Sobrato High School community.

We are pleased to welcome Carlos Trujillo as Ann Sobrato High School’s new Assistant Principal.

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Public Announcement

 

Public Announcement

May 2025

 

Morgan Hill Unified School District instructors are recommending the following instructional materials be adopted for the 2025-2026 school year. These materials are open to public examination at Sobrato and Live Oak High Schools, or on the product website. They will be on the Board of Education agenda for adoption on JUNE 10, 2025 at 7 pm.



Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Ideas in Argument, BTW Publishers, 2022
ISBS: 978-1-319-35663-7
 

Questions or concerns, please contact:
Glen Webb, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment 
Morgan Hill Unified School District 
408-201-6072  or webbgl@mhusd.org

 

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Board Members, Dr. Garcia and Michael Jochner with Shovels at FarmTECH

A bold new vision for hands-on learning and sustainability is taking root at Morgan Hill Unified School District. MHUSD Trustees, District, school and City leadership, Students Nutrition, Farm staff and community members gathered to break ground on FarmTECH—a 20-acre agricultural education site that will soon serve as a dynamic outdoor classroom for students across the district.

FarmTECH will be more than just a farm. It is designed to become a living, learning laboratory where students can explore agriculture, food systems, environmental science, and renewable energy. The site will feature both a production farm and a demonstration farm, with plans to include greenhouses, row crops, orchards, solar panels, and even beehives.

“This project brings together innovation, sustainability, and education in a powerful way,” said Michael Jochner, Student Nutrition Director and visionary behind FarmTECH. “It will be a place where students not only learn how to grow food, but also understand the systems that sustain our world.” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Garcia thanked Jochner for his ability to “... ideate a nexus between what a farm can do in connection with our students’ Career Technical Education pathway…”

One exciting aspect of the project is its future impact on school meals. The produce grown at FarmTECH will be incorporated into meals served in school cafeterias throughout the district—bringing fresh, locally grown food directly to students. This farm-to-school approach will support student health, enhance food literacy, and model environmentally responsible practices. This produce will join the lettuce already grown by the district’s Student Nutrition team in two hydroponic shipping containers located at Live Oak and Ann Sobrato High Schools.

With shovels in the ground and a shared commitment to innovation, MHUSD is preparing to grow something extraordinary. We look forward to the day FarmTECH comes to life—and to all that will grow from it.

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Upcoming Events

Welcome to Paradise

By The Numbers

22

Teachers

361

Students

TK-5

Grades

1:1

Student to Chromebook Ratio

526

Parents Signed Up on Parent Square