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St. Helena Opportunities Program

Working Together for a More Promising Future

8.22.2025

Posted Date: 8/22/25 (1:01 PM)

SHUSD Monthly Harvest

Connecting Schools, Families, and Staff Across St. Helena

August 22, 2025

A Message from Our Superintendent

 

Meet Your Principal

Rebekah Rocha

Primary School Principal
Favorite snack: Anything salty
First job: Washing dishes in my parents' restaurant
Hidden talent: Investigating anything mysterious!
Dream vacation spot: Vietnam
A quote or motto you live by: Tomorrow is a new day, no matter how hard today was, tomorrow is a fresh start.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you: I love listening to Dr. Laura (though I don’t agree with everything she says) and want to have my own talk show or call-in podcast! I think I can give really good advice!

Catherine O'Connor

Interim Elementary School Principal
Favorite snack: Gummy Bears
First job: I worked in the Research Winemaking Lab at Beringer Vineyards.
Hidden talent: Making cute homemade gifts Dream vacation spot: Kyoto, Japan, during cherry blossom season.
A quote or motto I live by: "Do one thing every day that scares you." – Eleanor Roosevelt Something people might be surprised to learn about me: I spent nearly three weeks trekking over 100 miles in the Himalayas of Nepal—one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

Andrew Ryan

RLS Middle School Principal
Favorite snack: Honey Nut and regular Cheerios
First job: Paperboy
Hidden talent: I'm not a half-bad dancer.
Dream vacation spot: Hawaii or Crete.
A quote or motto you live by: "Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure, most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. We are what they grow beyond.” – Yoda, to Luke in The Last Jedi.
Something people might be surprised to learn about me: In middle school, I was in the Ham Radio Club. As a 6-foot-tall, 12-year-old with acne and a JFK Jr. wannabe hairdo, I was clearly killing it in the popularity department.

Greg Fetters

High School Vice Principal
Favorite snack: Charcuterie, but I also like Cheez-Its.
First job: Part-time Janitor
Hidden talent: I'm a good artist and I can draw. Dream vacation spot: Hawaii or Italy.
A quote or motto you live by: "Work first, get it done, play later, have more fun."
Something people might be surprised to learn about me: I'm actually pretty funny.

Benjamin Scinto

High School Principal
Favorite snack: Smoked Ika (Squid) from Hawaii (thanks, Charlene!).
First job: Paper route.
Hidden talent: Plant whisperer (good at bringing plants back to life).
Dream vacation spot: Italy. I am 100% ethnic Italian, but I have never been.
A quote or motto you live by: "If you’re not early, you’re late."
Something people might be surprised to learn about you: I have completed an Ironman Triathlon, several ultramarathons, and about 25 marathons.
 

Saints Sports Corner

Welcome back, Saints families! Our athletes and coaches have been working hard all summer, and we’re excited for a great year of SHHS Athletics.
Highlights:
  • Booster Passes: Adult $50 | Student $20 | Business $400 (includes 4 passes). [Purchase here]
  • Live Streaming: Home games now on NFHS Network (Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling). Baseball & Softball will continue on GameChanger. [Register here]
  • Homecoming: Sept. 29 – Oct. 4 | Parade & Football vs. Middletown on Oct. 3 (JV 5:00 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM).
This Week:
  • Tues 8/25 – Volleyball scrimmage vs. Justin-Siena (Home, 5:00 & 6:00 PM)
  • Fri 8/29 – Football scrimmage vs. Napa, Justin-Siena & Newark Memorial (Home, 5:00 & 7:00 PM)
  • Fri 8/29 – First football game vs. Fortuna (Home)
Stay connected: SHHS Athletics Website
 

Back-to-School Nights – Save the Dates

St. Helena Primary School (SHPS)
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Address: 1701 Grayson Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574

St. Helena Elementary School (SHES)
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Address: 1325 Adams Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

St. Helena High School (SHHS)
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Address: 1401 Grayson Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574

Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School (RLS)
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:15 PM
Address: 1316 Hillview Place, St. Helena, CA 94574 
 

Your Voice Matters Parent Engagement Starts Here

We want to hear from you. Your ideas, feedback, and experiences matter. Please take a moment to complete our Parent Engagement Survey by scanning the QR code. Your input will help us understand how we, as a district, can continue to grow and improve the programs, resources, and services we offer this year.
 

Please Complete the 2025–2026 Household Income Survey

The purpose of this survey is to determine the Unduplicated Pupil Count (UPC), which is used to calculate supplemental and concentration grant funding for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and to determine eligibility for other state funding programs.
School districts must identify students whose household income falls below federal poverty levels. We use alternative income forms, such as the Household Income Survey, along with federal meal applications, to determine student eligibility.
Benefits to the District (LEA):
  • Identify students who meet Free and Reduced-Price Meal (FRPM) eligibility levels
  • Maximize the UPC used to calculate LCFF funding
  • Maintain eligibility for other state funding programs
Benefits to Families:
  • Increased and improved student services
  • College application fee waivers
  • Testing fee waivers
  • Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) or similar benefits
The survey is quick, confidential, and helps secure funding and resources for our schools and students. Forms are available at your school office, at the district office or online: [HERE]
You can give them to your school office secretary, email them to srobledo@sthelenaunified.org or drop them off at the district office. Thank you for your participation.
 
 

Community Partners Spotlight

Yessi Martinez

Hello SHHS Parents! I'm Yessi Martinez, the Student Wellness Specialist at UpValley Family Centers, and I'll be coordinating the new SHHS Wellness Center. The Wellness Center is a safe space on campus that provides valuable curriculum, services, and resources tailored to students' needs. Our aim is to equip students with tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I'm thrilled to work alongside students this year, helping them navigate their journey and achieve their fullest potential.
Email: wellness@student.sthelenaunified.org
Phone: 707-513-5570

Alejandra Olvera

Hi, my name is Alejandra Olvera, and I'm so excited to be part of the CLARA program this year! My passion is creating safe and welcoming spaces where young people can grow, connect, and feel supported. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and am currently working toward my Master's in Social Work, which helps me bring both knowledge and heart to my work. In CLARA, I focus on helping students build resilience, discover their strengths, and develop tools they can use in school and in life. My goal is for every student to feel seen, heard, and empowered to be their best selves.
Email: aolvera@upvalleyfamilycenters.org
Phone: (707) 513-7685

Jose Hernandez Aleman

Hi, I'm Jose Hernandez, and I'm looking forward to meeting with students to talk about their future plans and aspirations! I enjoy partnering with schools to provide programs that support and enrich students as they grow into future leaders. My mission is to help students discover their strengths, explore career opportunities, and develop into confident, capable individuals. College is more than just attending classes—it's a launchpad for their future, giving them the advantage of stepping into their careers a step ahead.
Email: JaHernandez@upvalleyfamilycenters.org 
Phone: 707-513-5962
 
Selene Robledo

Your Family’s Connection to Resources

As the Community Liaison Director, I’m here to support families with resources, connections, and questions about the district. Please feel free to reach out anytime.

Selene Robledo
Community Liaison Director
C: 707-227-0874 | P: 707-967-2708, Ext. 5011
srobledo@sthelenaunified.org 
 
www.sthelenaunified.org