For many students, this was their very first time trying a mulberry, which made the experience even more exciting. Students kept coming back for more and were so excited to learn that these berries are grown locally right here in our community!
Last week, our team had the opportunity to visit the farm where owner Anil gave us a behind-the-scenes tour and shared how these certified organic mulberries are grown and harvested with care.
Mulberries are small, juicy berries similar to blackberries with a sweet, slightly tart flavor. The deep purple berries are packed with vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants — making them both delicious and nutritious for our students. 🌱
We are so grateful for this partnership with Very Mulberry and the opportunity to bring fresh, local foods directly to our students. Being able to connect students with farms in their own hometown is such a special experience, and we are proud to continue serving our students nothing but the best! #WeAreBUSD
With 27 years of dedication to BUSD, Rebecca continues to make a lasting impact through her commitment to building strong relationships, fostering student growth, and inspiring a love of learning.
We are proud to celebrate her and this well-deserved recognition! #WeAreBUSD
The full press release can be found via the link below: https://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/Announcements/?capostid=137858
Hands-on learning at its best! 🌮 #WeAreBUSD
Brentwood Union School District Special Education Department held a Spring Social Carnival on April 22nd for their Instructional Aides and Registered Behavior Techs. There were games, prizes, popcorn, root beer floats, a magician, a fortune teller, music, and crafts. Joining the nun were Dr. Dana Eaton, Superintendent of B.U.S.D., Justine Melendez, Director of Special Education, and School Board Members Dr. Thornhill and Emil Geddes. The entire event was put on by generous donations from our Brentwood Community.
Please support those who supported these dedicated, hardworking individuals of the Brentwood Union School District!
Lucky Strike Bowling 5000 Balfour Rd, Brentwood (925) 626-9007
Ace Hardware 8900 Brentwood Blvd Suite J (925) 634-3201
Digger’s Basket 2261 Balfour Rd, Brentwood (925) 240-8958
Gursky Ranch 1921 Apricot Way, Brentwood (925) 634-4913
Starbucks “The Streets” 2375 Sand Creek Rd. Brentwood 925-308-7589
Perez Nursery 2601 Walnut Blvd. Brentwood (925) 516-1052
Brentwood Fine Meats 3877 Walnut Blvd A Brentwood (925) 513-0595
8 Acres Kitchen and Bar (925) 848-0858
Willy’s Bagels 1155 2nd Street Brentwood (925) 634-2245
Mt. Mikes 1185 2nd street, Brentwood
Krispy Kreme Donuts 2530 Sand Creek Rd, Brentwood (925) 516-4649
Red Robin 2385 Sand Creek Rd, Brentwood (925) 516-9020
Extreme Pizza 3120 Balfour Rd Suite F, Brentwood (925) 513-3001
Mr. Pickles 3130 Balfour Rd Brentwood (925) 634-4102
Jamba Juice 8630 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, CA (925) 240-2999
Thatcher’s Gourmet Popcorn 705 Bliss Ave, Pittsburg (415) 643-9945
Walgreens Walnut 4520 Balfour Rd., Brentwood 925-513-4055
Best Day Ever Photo Booth - Kelsey Philley, Email: bestdayeverbrentwood@gmail.com
or Call us (805) 423-3062
Thank you to the individuals who donated prizes:
Justine Melendez
Nuria Aguilar
Teresa Ward Bustos
Rachel Colwell
Vela Family
#WeareBUSD
The Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship is a highly competitive, national program designed for experienced school food professionals who are committed to advancing healthy, sustainable, and scratch-cooked meals in schools. Over the course of 13 months, fellows participate in hands-on learning, leadership development, and collaborative projects that directly benefit their home districts.
As part of the program, fellows also complete coursework through the School Food Institute, which provides in-depth training on scratch cooking, nutrition, operations, and building strong, sustainable school meal programs.
Esther’s selection reflects her passion and dedication to improving school meals for our students. Through this fellowship, she will continue to strengthen her leadership skills and bring innovative ideas back to BUSD that support fresh, nutritious, and high-quality meals for all students.
Please join us in congratulating Esther on this outstanding achievement!
#WeAreBUSD
Secondary Co-Principal of the Year, Kara Ravina, Vice Principal, Bristow Middle School
Kara Ravina joined BUSD in July 2022 as Vice Principal at Bristow Middle School. Prior to BUSD, she served as a vice principal in the Mount Diablo Unified School District and taught music in both the Acalanes Union High School District and Albany Unified School District. Kara supports school-wide operations, student services, and instructional programs, bringing a strong blend of classroom experience and site leadership to her work.
Secondary Principal of the Year, Angela Mullen, Principal, Harvest Grove Virtual Academy
Angela Mullen joined BUSD in 2021 as a Teacher on Special Assignment, leading the Intervention Program at Krey Elementary. In 2023, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Krey and Marsh Creek Elementary Schools and later advanced to Principal of Harvest Grove Virtual Academy in 2024. Angela began her teaching career in 2004 out of state and brings more than two decades of educational experience to her leadership. Her commitment to innovation, student support, and instructional excellence continues to strengthen our district.
Elementary Principal of the Year, Allison Martin, Principal, Garin Elementary
Allison Martin began her BUSD career in 2002 as a teacher at Krey Elementary. She previously worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher before transitioning into an instructional coaching role as a Teacher on Special Assignment in 2015. In 2017, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Pioneer Elementary and, in 2022, became Principal of Garin Elementary School. Allison’s experience across early learning, classroom instruction, coaching, and site leadership informs her thoughtful and effective support of students, staff, and families.
Special Education Administrator of the Year, Justine Melendez, Director of Special Education
Justine Melendez joined BUSD in 2023 as Director of Special Education. Prior to BUSD, she served with the Contra Costa SELPA as both a Program Specialist and Program Coordinator, supporting districts with compliance, staff training, and program improvement. Justine also spent nine years as a Special Day Class teacher and worked as a general education teacher, giving her a comprehensive understanding of student needs and instructional collaboration. Her leadership continues to strengthen services for students with disabilities across our district. Justine was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient.
Elementary Co-Principal of the Year, Julie France, Vice Principal, Ron Nunn Elementary
Julie France began her career with BUSD in 2002 as a teacher at Loma Vista Elementary and later taught at Pioneer Elementary. In 2023, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Ron Nunn Elementary. Prior to joining BUSD, Julie taught in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Her deep instructional background, institutional knowledge, and commitment to students and staff continue to positively impact the Ron Nunn school community. Julie was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient.
Confidential Employee of the Year, Emily Cooper, Recruitment Specialist, Human Resources
Emily Cooper joined BUSD in December 2021 as a Secretary II in Human Resources and was promoted to Employee Recruitment Specialist in January 2023. In her current role, she coordinates recruitment and onboarding for both certificated and classified staff, ensuring clear communication and a positive experience for applicants and school sites. Prior to BUSD, Emily worked in the Liberty Union High School District as Principal Secretary at Heritage High School. Her organization, consistency, and professionalism have significantly strengthened our recruitment processes. Emily was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient representing all of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Through our partnership with Brigaid and the guidance of Chef Bernard, alongside BUSD Culinary Supervisor Kelly and our talented school site Cooks, our team has been hard at work developing delicious, student-approved entrées, with the majority prepared from scratch right in our school kitchens.
Each of these recipes was supported by student-led focus groups, giving students a voice in shaping the meals served at their schools.
Here are just a few recent recipe development wins:
Cinnamon Roll with Apple Crumble – A sweet success!
Great job Mariah (Adams) & Victoria (Bristow)
Loaded Scrambled Eggs – A big hit with students!
Thank you Elise (Mary Casey Black) & Christina (Marsh Creek)
Sheet Pan Pancakes – A huge success!
Great work Deanna (Isaac Montañez) & Starr (Loma Vista)
Birria Quesadillas – Another student favorite!
Shout out to Ana (Pioneer) & Irene (Krey)
Sloppy Joes – Another winner!
Thank you Carolyn (Garin)
These projects are truly a team effort. Thank you to our Kitchen Production Managers, Assistants, and Support Staff for helping prep, test, and serve each recipe. Your teamwork makes this work possible!
We are so grateful for this collaboration and incredibly proud of our entire BUSD Food Service team as we continue elevating school meals across the District.
Follow us for more updates and behind-the-scenes highlights on Instagram: @busdnutrition
#WeAreBUSD
Come see us tomorrow! #WeAreBUSD
We are thrilled to share that Kelsey Philley has been selected as the recipient of the Fifth Annual Community Advisory Committee Award from Brentwood Union School District! Kelsey is one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts who supports Pioneer, Mary Casey, and Krey Elementary. She was nominated for exhibiting exceptional work with our families and students in Special Education.
Kelsey consistently demonstrates outstanding professionalism, compassion, and expertise, and her work reflects a deep commitment to student success and inclusive, effective educational practices.
Kelsey is profoundly student-centered in her approach, always prioritizing the individual needs, strengths, and well-being of each student she serves. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she brings a thoughtful, strengths-based perspective to her work and ensures that behavioral supports are respectful, meaningful, and designed to promote independence and access to learning.
One of Kelsey’s greatest strengths is her ability to train and communicate effectively with staff at all levels. She excels at translating complex behavioral concepts into clear, practical strategies that staff can confidently implement. Kelsey goes above and beyond in her collaborative efforts, working closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and related service providers to ensure consistency and fidelity across settings. She proactively builds staff capacity by training and mentoring teams, setting clear expectations, and establishing sustainable systems that support positive student outcomes.
Kelsey Philley exemplifies excellence in special education through her leadership, integrity, and unwavering advocacy for students with disabilities. Her dedication and collaborative spirit align strongly with the mission of the CAC and Contra Costa SELPA, and she is highly deserving of recognition for the positive and lasting impact she makes on students, staff, and school communities. Congratulations Kelsey!
Kelsey will be recognized for this achievement at the next virtual Community Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 4th at 5:15 p.m., following a brief regular CAC meeting beginning at 5:00. Please join me if you are able!
Below is the Zoom login information for the meeting, if you wish to attend!
Topic: Community Advisory Committee Meeting & CAC Awards
Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872891817?pwd=RCaZOBt0VZV9uArekZDXAFomdaZ8kS.1
