Hello Students and Families,

Earlier this week, we shared some deeply disturbing and upsetting news. I know how heavy and difficult this information is for our families, students, and staff. 

While we hold space for the seriousness of this situation, I also believe it is vital that we continue to shine a light on the incredible achievements, dedication, and joy that define the true spirit of our school. Our students and staff have accomplished remarkable things this week, and we want to celebrate them fully.

Celebrating Classified Appreciation Week

First, a massive shout-out to our incredible Classified Staff! This week was Classified Appreciation Week, and we want to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated professionals who keep our campus running smoothly every single day. From our custodial crew and food service workers to our campus supervisors, instructional aides, and office staff—you are the backbone of SRHS. Thank you for everything you do to support our students and teachers!

HeadsUP Consistent Achiever Awards 

On Wednesday evening, we had the privilege of honoring two outstanding seniors at the HeadsUP Consistent Achiever awards. These awards recognize students whose excellence reveals itself through steady effort, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering character.

• Henry Ucan: Henry has quietly and consistently distinguished himself over the last four years as an exceptional scholar and role model. Deeply curious and extraordinarily intellectual, Henry loves learning for its own sake. Despite his brilliance, Henry remains incredibly humble, resilient, and kind, leading purely by example. We are thrilled to celebrate his hard work, which has earned him a full scholarship to UC Davis, where he will study Economics and Statistics!
  
  

• James Ward: James approaches every opportunity with focus, maturity, and an incredible work ethic. Academically, he has challenged himself at the highest level. James is also deeply involved as a student-athlete on the soccer team, a participant in California Boys State, and a talented trumpet player in our Jazz Band. Described by teachers as professional, dependable, and helpful, James has an incredibly bright future ahead beginning at UC Berkeley where he will study Mechanical Engineering in the fall! 

Congratulations, Henry and James! You both represent the very best of SR.

Annual Golden Bell Award Winners 

We also want to give a special congratulations to two phenomenal staff members who received the annual Golden Bell Award for their outstanding commitment to our students:
 
Donni Jo Pipkin (our Registrar) and Annie Yi (our Art teacher). Donni Jo and Annie show up to campus every single day completely committed to making SR a better place. Their loyalty, dedication, and invaluable spirit fully embody what being a Bulldog is all about. We are so proud to have them on our team!

A Week of Celebrations & School Spirit 

It has been a week filled with beautiful milestones across our campus:

• On Wednesday evening, we hosted a joyful and moving celebration honoring the graduating seniors in our English Language Development (ELD) program. Seeing these students celebrated for their hard work and determination was incredibly inspiring.
  
  

• On Thursday evening, our Media Academy hosted their final presentations. The creativity, technical skill, and storytelling on display from our students was absolutely phenomenal.
  
  

• Today, we capped off the week with an energetic, fun-filled final rally and the much-anticipated return of our Lip Dub! The energy on campus was electric, and we can’t wait to share the finished video with all of you in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead: The Final Three Weeks! 

We are now entering the final three weeks of the school year, and the excitement is building as we get ready to celebrate the incredible Class of 2026! We have so many wonderful traditions right around the corner, including Junior/Senior Prom, Senior Awards Night, and ultimately, Graduation. Let's keep our energy high, support one another, and finish this school year strong and full of Bulldog pride.

Thank you for your continued partnership, resilience, and support of our school community. Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Warmly,

Principal Dominguez (he/him)

Principal | San Rafael High School