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Tiny Turtles Summer Bridge 2026
Preparing Our Youngest Turtles for a Great Year Ahead
Speedy Has Been Busy Getting Santiago Ready for an Amazing School Year!
Santiago’s 8th Grade Promotion 2026 ✨May our graduates continue their educational journey with the same excellence and heart they showed in middle school. Their futures are bright, and high school is lucky to have them!
Honoring our 8th Grade Department Award Winners—congratulations on this incredible achievement!
Honoring our 8th Grade Department Award Winners—congratulations on this incredible achievement!
Santiago’s 5th Grade Yearbook Signing Party! We clapped in our 5th grade students as they celebrated with friends and said goodbye to their elementary school years
Our talented 5th grade students proudly showcased their musical skills and hard work during the Ensembles Showcase.
Successful Elementary Trimester Awards! Congratulations to all students who received awards this trimester — pictured or not pictured! We are proud of all your hard work and achievements this year.
Honoring Our 6th & 7th Grade Track Stars
Santiago 2nd & 3rd grade students delivered incredible performances, sharing powerful reminders that “Character Matters” through their confidence and heart.
Santiago celebrated April’s PBIS Assembly, recognizing Student of the Month, CARE Club art participants, Hide the Snowman winners, and Teacher & Student Spirit Games.
Congratulations to all Santiago CARE Club Art Show Winners! We are proud of your creativity and hard work—well done!
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 production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. marks the grand finale of Santiago’s 10th anniversary season of exceptional theater arts.
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!
Thank you to our volunteers, staff, and community members for making Read Across America Week at Santiago a success.
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.
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.
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!
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,
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.
Santiago Band performed at the College and Career Resource Fair at Santa Ana College. Thank you, Mr. Ortiz and students, for your participation.
UCLA College Tour
Our 7th graders joined @mendezmustangs for a UCLA college tour—an inspiring day to dream big and plan for the future!
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.
Speedy Spirit Squad 2025
Introducing the Speedy Spirit Squad—middle schoolers on a mission to boost school spirit at Santiago!
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.
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.
Big thanks to everyone who made our Jog-a-thon Fun Run amazing — volunteers, runners, walkers, cheerleaders, and donors!
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!
Families participated in PBS Kids Family Math Worshops to help their children count, create, explore, and develop fine motor skills.
Attention incoming 6th grade families! Save the Date: July 30–31 for our Summer Bridge Program—a great “sneak peek” into middle school to help your student start the year with confidence
The Principal's Message
Mrs. Kimberly Ahvari, School Principal
Dear Santiago Students, Families, and School Community,
Welcome to an exciting new school year! I am thrilled to begin the 2026–2027 school year with our wonderful students, families, and staff. As we embark on another year of learning, growth, and connection, I am reminded of the spirit of our school—and especially our turtle mascot, who reminds us that steady progress, perseverance, and a strong sense of community help us go far!
This year, we will continue to build on what makes Santiago such a special place. Our school-wide focus areas are literacy, language, and belonging. We want every student to grow as a confident reader, writer, communicator, and learner while knowing that they are an important and valued member of our school community. Together, we will create opportunities for every student to find their voice, develop their strengths, and feel that they truly belong.
A big part of belonging is being involved! I encourage all of our students to explore the many opportunities available beyond the classroom. Whether it is sports, drama, Battle of the Books for our 4th and 5th graders, or Femineers for our middle school students, there is a place for everyone to discover new interests, build friendships, develop confidence, and have fun.
Our families are also an essential part of our school community. I encourage parents and caregivers to get involved with our PTA, which works throughout the year to bring our community together and create memorable experiences for our students. From our Jog-a-thon and Fall Festival to Movie Nights and other school-wide events, the PTA helps make Santiago a vibrant and connected place to learn and grow.
As we begin this new school year, let’s embrace every opportunity to learn, participate, encourage one another, and celebrate our successes. With our students, staff, and families working together, I know we are in for an incredible year!
Let’s keep moving forward—one step at a time, just like our turtle!
I look forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year with all of you.
Warmly,
Mrs. Ahvari
School Principal
Santiago Daily Start & Dismissal Times
Year At-A-Glance School Calendar 2026-2027
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 Back to School Night — Save the Date!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786395956/pwfjevqosr9secsnsvwc/Back_to_school_info1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786395956/pwfjevqosr9secsnsvwc/Back_to_school_info1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786395956/pwfjevqosr9secsnsvwc/Back_to_school_info1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786395956/pwfjevqosr9secsnsvwc/Back_to_school_info1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786395956/pwfjevqosr9secsnsvwc/Back_to_school_info1.png","width":1254}])
Santiago Back to School Night — Save the Date!
Back to School Night is an important opportunity for parents and guardians to meet their child’s teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and get important information about the school year.
![Show Your Turtle Pride! Spiritwear & Paleta Sale | Friday, August 14]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786393072/z0jhukeya7pnlgblwzra/Spirit-Paletas_sales1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786393072/z0jhukeya7pnlgblwzra/Spirit-Paletas_sales1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786393072/z0jhukeya7pnlgblwzra/Spirit-Paletas_sales1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786393072/z0jhukeya7pnlgblwzra/Spirit-Paletas_sales1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786393072/z0jhukeya7pnlgblwzra/Spirit-Paletas_sales1.png","width":1254}])
Show Your Turtle Pride! Spiritwear & Paleta Sale | Friday, August 14
Come show your Santiago Turtle pride! 💚 Shop for Santiago spiritwear and enjoy a refreshing paleta while supporting the Santiago PTA!
📍 In Front of the MPR
⏰ Starting at 1:30 PM
Come grab your Santiago gear and a cool treat!
![Santiago TK-8 Summer Office Hours & Back-to-School Information]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784495129/jzjohcfdpfefocrd27q4/SCHOOL_SUPPLIES_TK-5_2026-27.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784495129/jzjohcfdpfefocrd27q4/SCHOOL_SUPPLIES_TK-5_2026-27.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784495129/jzjohcfdpfefocrd27q4/SCHOOL_SUPPLIES_TK-5_2026-27.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784495129/jzjohcfdpfefocrd27q4/SCHOOL_SUPPLIES_TK-5_2026-27.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784495129/jzjohcfdpfefocrd27q4/SCHOOL_SUPPLIES_TK-5_2026-27.png","width":1241}])
Santiago TK-8 Summer Office Hours & Back-to-School Information
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we invite families to review our summer office hours, important back-to-school dates, and suggested school supply information for students in grades TK–5.
![Action Required: Complete 2026–2027 Parent Data Confirmation by August 10]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784154547/mq3cgsz1exaxwcq1ng5b/Modified_Data_conf_Flyer.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784154547/mq3cgsz1exaxwcq1ng5b/Modified_Data_conf_Flyer.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784154547/mq3cgsz1exaxwcq1ng5b/Modified_Data_conf_Flyer.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784154547/mq3cgsz1exaxwcq1ng5b/Modified_Data_conf_Flyer.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784154547/mq3cgsz1exaxwcq1ng5b/Modified_Data_conf_Flyer.png","width":1254}])
Action Required: Complete 2026–2027 Parent Data Confirmation by August 10
If your child will be attending Santiago TK-8 during the 2026–2027 school year, please complete your Aeries Data Confirmation as soon as possible. Completing this process early helps us assign your child to a teacher before the start of the school year.
![Modified Day, Friday, August 21, 2026 | Save the Date]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786522226/yszf6b6jk7lkpomwwqwy/Modified_day1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786522226/yszf6b6jk7lkpomwwqwy/Modified_day1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786522226/yszf6b6jk7lkpomwwqwy/Modified_day1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786522226/yszf6b6jk7lkpomwwqwy/Modified_day1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786522226/yszf6b6jk7lkpomwwqwy/Modified_day1.png","width":1254}])
Modified Day, Friday, August 21, 2026 | Save the Date
Students will be dismissed early. Please arrange for your child to be picked up at the scheduled dismissal time.
🚫 No after-school program will be available.
Thank you for planning ahead!
![Santiago Athletics — Sports Registration & Clearance 2026-2027]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786518824/qdznvdvmalkl3pwodmzn/Santiago_Athletics1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786518824/qdznvdvmalkl3pwodmzn/Santiago_Athletics1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786518824/qdznvdvmalkl3pwodmzn/Santiago_Athletics1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786518824/qdznvdvmalkl3pwodmzn/Santiago_Athletics1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786518824/qdznvdvmalkl3pwodmzn/Santiago_Athletics1.png","width":1254}])
Santiago Athletics — Sports Registration & Clearance 2026-2027
Welcome to Santiago TK–8 Athletics! Our athletic programs help students build commitment, character, teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride—on and off the field.
![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!
![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
![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!
Upcoming Events
Happening Around Santiago
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
First Fire Drill
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Spiritware/Paleta Sales
all day
Infront of MPR
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
ELA iReady Testing (Gr.1-8)
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
ELA iReady Testing (Gr.1-8)
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
ELA iReady Testing (Gr.1-8)
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Middle School Cross Country Begins
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Back to School Night
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Modified Day
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Math iReady Testing (Gr.1-8)
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Paletas Sales /After School
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Fall Pictures
all day
MPR
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Labor Day, Holiday
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Student Free Day
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Student Free Day
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Parent-Teacher Conference
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Parent-Teacher Conference
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Parent-Teacher Conference
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Parent-Teacher Conference
all day
Santiago TK-8 Calendar
Parent-Teacher Conference
all day
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