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This production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. marks the grand finale of Santiago’s 10th anniversary season of exceptional theater arts.
Our 4th–8th graders explored real-world careers beyond the classroom. Thank you to our incredible presenters for inspiring students and showing what’s possible!
Santiago’s Title-waves Take 1st Place!
Santiago’s Title-waves earned 1st Place in the SAUSD Battle of the Books! Congratulations to our amazing students on this outstanding achievement. We are so proud of their teamwork and love of reading!
We are grateful to our volunteer readers, planning team, and dedicated staff for making Read Across America Week at Santiago a success. A special thank you to the community members who joined us to share their love of literacy with our students.
We thank Board Members Bustos and Magdaleno for recognizing the incredible work of SAUSD Drama at Santiago TK-8, and we appreciate our dedicated staff for bringing 10 years of Disney musical magic to life at our school.
Santiago’s 6th Grade Students Visit Santa Ana College! Students toured the campus and enjoyed an up-close look at the Automotive and Medical Assistant programs. Experiences like this help ensure our Santiago Scholars are truly college and career ready!
Our students practiced being Ready, Responsible & Respectful through fun PBIS activities around campus.
Celebrating 10 years of Disney Musicals in Schools at Santiago with Alice in Wonderland Jr.—a spectacular show and outstanding student performances enjoyed by all!
Ten years of Disney Musicals in Schools at Santiago is a milestone made possible by the dedication and teamwork of Mrs. Curiel, Mr. Santana, Mrs. Rivera, and Ms. Winant. Their passion and leadership have helped the program flourish, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting opportunities for our students and school community,
A perfect finale to our 10-Year Disney Musicals in Schools, with Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua in attendance—thank you for supporting our students for the past ten years!
We proudly celebrate Denisse Ramirez, Nutrition Services Lead at Santiago Elementary School, as our SAUSD 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year! Thank you for all you do for our students and community.
Santiago AVID students visited Suavecito headquarters and learned about entrepreneurship, hard work, perseverance, and pursuing their passions.
Families participated in PBS Kids Family Math Worshops to help their children count, create, explore, and develop fine motor skills.
Santiago kicks off its 10th anniversary show season with the advanced drama presentation of Grease: School Edition! The performance was full of energy and talent, marking a memorable start to this milestone anniversary year.
UCLA College Tour
Our 7th graders joined @mendezmustangs for a UCLA college tour—an inspiring day to dream big and plan for the future!
Speedy Spirit Squad 2025
Introducing the Speedy Spirit Squad—middle schoolers on a mission to boost school spirit at Santiago!
Santiago Band performed at the College and Career Resource Fair at Santa Ana College. Thank you, Mr. Ortiz and students, for your participation.
Fall Parent Night
It was a wonderful evening celebrating our students’ and parents’ creativity!
Santiago Girls Volleyball Team are four-time District Champions in the Santa Ana Unified School District.
Big thanks to everyone who made our Jog-a-thon Fun Run amazing — volunteers, runners, walkers, cheerleaders, and donors!
Santiago Pep & Cheer
Santiago Pep & Cheer promotes school spirit through dance and cheer, supporting the Turtles’ athletics and events while building teamwork, confidence, and leadership.
Our 4th–8th graders explored real-world careers beyond the classroom. Thank you to our incredible presenters for inspiring students and showing what’s possible!
The Principal's Message
Mrs. Kimberly Ahvari, School Principal
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Santiago Elementary—Home of the Terrific Turtles! 🐢 I’m thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm greeting to those joining us for the first time. At Santiago, we believe in moving forward together—steadily, purposefully, and with heart.
This year, we are focused on key goals that support every student’s success:
🛡️ Create a Safe and Welcoming Environment
Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and included. We are committed to building a positive school culture where students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
➕ Strengthen Math Instruction with an ELD Lens
Our teachers are working hard to ensure math instruction is both rigorous and accessible—especially for our English Learners—so every student can develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
📚 Ensure All Students Are Reading by 3rd Grade
Reading is the foundation for all learning. We are using targeted strategies and high-quality materials to help every student become a confident reader by the end of third grade.
🌟 Support English Learners to Reclassify by 5th Grade
Language development is essential for academic success. We are providing focused instruction and support to help our English Learners reach fluency and reclassify by 5th grade.
🎓 Prepare All Students to Be College and Career Ready
From the earliest grades, we are building skills, habits, and mindsets that will prepare students for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.
With your partnership and our dedicated staff, I am confident we will make this a truly Terrific Turtle year. Let’s work together to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to do their best.
In gratitude,
Kimberly Ahvari
Santiago Daily Start & Dismissal Times
Year At-A-Glance School Calendar 2025-2026
Santiago Hub — Easy Access to Key Resources
 STAFF Aeries |
PARENT Aeries |
 Santiago School Calendar |
 Practice and Training Tests |
 Teacher & Staff Links |
The Future Begins Here
About Us
At Santiago, we believe every child deserves the foundation and opportunities to thrive. Guided by our Three Rs—Ready, Responsible, and Respectful—we nurture strong academic and STEAM skills while encouraging creativity through athletics and the arts, including drama. By combining engaging learning experiences with real-world connections, we empower every Turtle to explore their passions, develop future-ready skills, and shine with pride.
College & Career Readiness
Opportunities to explore future pathways starting in middle school.
Sports & Physical Education
Encouraging teamwork, fitness, and healthy habits
Thriving Drama Program
Opportunities for creativity, expression, and confidence-building
Active PTA & Family Engagement
Active parent involvement through programs, events, and fundraisers like the annual Jog-a-thon.
Strong Academics & STEAM Learning
Engaging instruction that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Safe and Welcoming Environment
Students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically
Slow and Steady, Building Bright Futures
Why Santiago?
At Santiago Elementary—Home of the Terrific Turtles —students grow steadily, purposefully, and with heart. With a safe and welcoming environment, strong academics, hands-on STEAM learning, and a thriving drama program, every child is supported to build confidence, creativity, and the skills needed for future success.
Stay in the Know
The Latest News
Stay connected to all that’s happening across Santiago. From important announcements and Board updates to inspiring stories from our schools and community, this is your hub for the latest news, events, and highlights. Visit often to learn how Santiago is preparing students for success today and into the future.
![Santiago TK-8 Spring Break 2026 | April 6–10 | Classes Resume Monday, April 13]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774598427/g6uptjw14fohvrgufgfw/Spring_break26.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774598427/g6uptjw14fohvrgufgfw/Spring_break26.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774598427/g6uptjw14fohvrgufgfw/Spring_break26.png","width":701}])
Santiago TK-8 Spring Break 2026 | April 6–10 | Classes Resume Monday, April 13
Enjoy a safe and restful break with your family! School is closed during this time.
Classes resume Monday, April 13
![Santiago 6th Grade Summer Bridge Program – Save the Date | July 30–31, 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775119083/adtlh0j2v7ejgnjwox3i/Screenshot_2026-04-02_at_01-31-19_Instagram.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775119083/adtlh0j2v7ejgnjwox3i/Screenshot_2026-04-02_at_01-31-19_Instagram.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775119083/adtlh0j2v7ejgnjwox3i/Screenshot_2026-04-02_at_01-31-19_Instagram.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775119083/adtlh0j2v7ejgnjwox3i/Screenshot_2026-04-02_at_01-31-19_Instagram.png","width":822}])
Santiago 6th Grade Summer Bridge Program – Save the Date | July 30–31, 2026
Attention incoming 6th Grade Families! Join us for our Summer Bridge Program on July 30th and 31st. This is the ultimate “sneak peek” into middle school life to help your student start the year with confidence!
![Celebrating Growth: 29 Santiago Students Reclassified as Multilingual Learners and First to Enjoy New Book Vending Machine!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770337748/xq3dwbkccnofceafsmte/Mrs_Ahvari_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770337748/xq3dwbkccnofceafsmte/Mrs_Ahvari_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770337748/xq3dwbkccnofceafsmte/Mrs_Ahvari_1.png","width":560}])
Celebrating Growth: 29 Santiago Students Reclassified as Multilingual Learners and First to Enjoy New Book Vending Machine!
Santiago Elementary celebrated a proud milestone as 29 students were reclassified, highlighting their growth and success as multilingual learners!
![What Families Need to Know About Spring 2026 CAASSP and ELPAC Testing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767769525/kbnkr0hmhbwmzvocdzxe/ELPAC-CAASSP_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767769525/kbnkr0hmhbwmzvocdzxe/ELPAC-CAASSP_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767769525/kbnkr0hmhbwmzvocdzxe/ELPAC-CAASSP_2026.png","width":706}])
What Families Need to Know About Spring 2026 CAASSP and ELPAC Testing
At SAUSD, student learning is measured in multiple ways, including classroom work, report card grades, teacher observations, and statewide assessments. During the Spring 2026 testing window, s
![Santiago Turtle Store Opens on the Last Friday of Each Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769386829/htohfgml0a9tmsh83mlu/Turtle_store.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769386829/htohfgml0a9tmsh83mlu/Turtle_store.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769386829/htohfgml0a9tmsh83mlu/Turtle_store.jpg","width":800}])
Santiago Turtle Store Opens on the Last Friday of Each Month
Got Turtle Dollars? Spend Them at the Santiago Turtle Store—Open the Last Friday of Each Month!
![Enrollment Opens January 8, 2026! TK & Kindergarten for the 2026–27 School Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767603323/qx3bislp4k36p4mxmilj/TK-K_enrollment1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767603323/qx3bislp4k36p4mxmilj/TK-K_enrollment1.png","width":502}])
Enrollment Opens January 8, 2026! TK & Kindergarten for the 2026–27 School Year
Enrollment for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten opens on January 8, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a caring, and supportive school community focused on learning, growth, and success.
![Thank You to Our Supportive School Board and Superintendent!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762756377/hntjzixyxd5mmrtedn06/Grease_supporter.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762756377/hntjzixyxd5mmrtedn06/Grease_supporter.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762756377/hntjzixyxd5mmrtedn06/Grease_supporter.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762756377/hntjzixyxd5mmrtedn06/Grease_supporter.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762756377/hntjzixyxd5mmrtedn06/Grease_supporter.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762756377/hntjzixyxd5mmrtedn06/Grease_supporter.png","width":2021}])
Thank You to Our Supportive School Board and Superintendent!
The arts are truly thriving in Santa Ana USD thanks to the incredible support of our School Board and Superintendent. A special thank you to
Upcoming Events
Happening Around Santiago
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
ELPAC 1:1 Testing Begins
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Kinder Musical - Weir
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Kinder Musical -James & Littlefield
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1st Grade Musical
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Gr.3-8 SBAC Assemblies
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SBAC Testing Gr.3-8 | ELA
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SBAC Testing Gr.3-8 | ELA
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
SBAC Testing Gr.3-8 | ELA
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
SBAC Testing Gr.3-8 | ELA
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
SBAC Testing Gr.3-8 | ELA
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Modified Day
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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Santiago TK-8 Calendar
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