To the San José Unified School District Board of Education,

We, the undersigned parents, families, alumni, staff, neighbors, and community members from Thousand Oaks, Tanglewood, Pinehurst, Erikson, and surrounding Blossom Valley neighborhoods, respectfully urge the San José Unified School District to keep Terrell Elementary School open as a cherished cornerstone of our vibrant South San José community—celebrating 60 years of nurturing growth, inclusion, and success for every child.

Located at 3925 Pearl Avenue in the heart of our neighborhoods, Terrell proudly serves nearly 300 students in grades TK-5 with a dedicated team of over 50 employees. This California Distinguished School has been a stable, welcoming anchor for generations, providing a rigorous, comprehensive education in a safe, caring environment where individuality, diversity, and every student's potential are honored and celebrated.

Terrell's convenient location makes it an ideal neighborhood school: just steps from key community landmarks like the local library (offering families easy access to enriching books, programs, and events) and the nearby fire station (bolstering safety, emergency readiness, and positive partnerships that keep our children protected and connected). This prime spot fosters walkability for families in Thousand Oaks, Tanglewood, Pinehurst, Erikson, and nearby areas—beautiful, family-oriented residential communities known for their tidy streets, pleasant atmosphere, and strong sense of belonging.

At Terrell, we prioritize a positive school culture through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), creating an equitable space where students feel valued, connected, and supported by caring adults. Behavior expectations are taught and reinforced school-wide, promoting kindness, responsibility, respect, and well-being for all learners.

Our school offers enriching programs that build lifelong skills and joy. The ABC Parent program (Asset Building Champions!) brings parent volunteers to lead story-based activities and discussions, helping children navigate peer pressure, build friendships, make healthy decisions, and solve problems. Monet’s Garden is a wonderful asset—students connect with nature through hands-on learning with plants, flowers, and fruits during class activities.

Terrell is committed to inclusive special education, including Special Day Class (SDC) programs such as SDC FIT classes, which provide specialized support to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities in a respectful, supportive setting where diversity is celebrated. The After School Program, offered in partnership with the YMCA, delivers no-cost extended learning for eligible students in grades TK-5, combining with the school day for up to nine hours of supervised enrichment to strengthen social-emotional skills, academics, and language development—supporting busy families with reliable, high-quality care.

Terrell Elementary is more than a school—it's the beating heart of our neighborhoods, with multi-generational ties, a strong PTA, and deep appreciation for its compassionate staff. Keeping it open preserves this 60-year legacy, maintains accessible neighborhood education right in the center of Thousand Oaks, Tanglewood, Pinehurst, Erikson, and Blossom Valley, strengthens SJUSD enrollment and resources, and upholds the district's vision of schools where every child is known, valued, and prepared to thrive.

We ask the SJUSD Board of Education to recognize Terrell's enduring strengths—including its inclusive programs, YMCA partnership, and central role in our family-friendly neighborhoods—and commit to keeping it open for current Tigers and future generations. Please sign to show your support for our community hub!

Thank you for standing with Terrell Elementary—Go Tigers ROAR!