Introducing San Antonio High School's New Principal, Andrea Deligio!

We are excited to announce the appointment of Andrea Deligio as the new Principal of San Antonio High School for the 2024-2025 School Year! The Board of Education made the announcement at the March 7 Public Board Meeting.

Andrea comes to us with an impressive 26-year background in public education at the high school level, making her an excellent fit for this role. Since 2019, she has served as an Assistant Principal at Claremont High School, contributing to our Leadership Team Council and the overall educational community.

A Claremont resident and a parent within our district, Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Cal Poly Pomona and a Master's in Education, alongside Pupil Personnel Services and Administrative Credentials from the University of La Verne. Her dedication to our district and her vision for fostering a thriving educational environment at San Antonio High School is truly inspiring.

Andrea will work closely with Interim Principal Dr. Brett O'Connor over the next few months to ensure a smooth leadership transition. This partnership promises to continue the legacy of excellence at San Antonio High School, supporting our students, staff, and families in achieving their highest potential.

Please join us in welcoming Andrea Deligio to her new role!

CMS Athletes Champion Literacy at Sumner Danbury Elementary

The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) basketball team recently took their talents beyond the basketball court to Sumner Danbury Elementary School, participating in Read Across America activities. This initiative saw the student-athletes stepping into TK-2nd grade classrooms to read and discuss stories, underscoring their commitment to community engagement and the importance of literacy. The visit aimed to inspire young students by demonstrating that one can excel in academics and athletics, fostering a love for reading and learning among the future generation.

Claremont High's Theatre Takes Flight with "James and the Giant Peach"

The stage is set for a mesmerizing rendition of "James and the Giant Peach." This much-anticipated performance, brought to life by the talented students of the Children's Theatre class, promises a delightful escapade into the heart of whimsy and wonder.

Caitlin Forte, a freshman making her debut in a leading role, finds the experience exhilarating. "It's very fun... I'm really excited for my family to see," Caitlin gushes enthusiastically. The camaraderie among the cast, particularly with her fellow leads playing various insects, has been a highlight for her. "It was really fun learning the dances and the songs with them," she reflects, emphasizing the strong chemistry developed through their shared journey.

Eddie Edeson, a seasoned senior in the program, is playing the spider. She encapsulates the show's essence with a description that speaks to the curious and the imaginative: "It's weird; it doesn't make sense a lot of the time, but it's the colors, it's the dancing, it's the singing, it's the energy."

The performers invite the community to join them on this journey of discovery and enchantment. "It's full of whimsy and wonder," Eddie says, capturing the spirit of the production. She calls to the audience, "Watch the show." Scheduled from March 21st to the 23rd, "James and the Giant Peach" is not just a play; it's an experience.

Tickets

Bringing Music to Life with Isaac Li's Instrument Drive

Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) is excited to spotlight an event that symbolizes the power of community and the arts. The upcoming Musical Instrument Drive, spearheaded by Isaac Li, a Boy Scout from Troop 407 and a 10th grader at Claremont High School, could positively impact our Elementary Music Program.

The event is on March 23, 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm, at the Claremont High School main parking lot. This drive is a testament to how an individual initiative can bring collaborative benefits.

Isaac's drive was fueled by his connection to music and desire to share his passion with others. "I started playing when I was young. It sparked something in me," Isaac shared, reflecting on his musical beginnings. This drive is more than just an Eagle Scout project for Isaac; it's a mission to ensure that every child in Claremont can discover their musical talents and express themselves through music.

The initiative aims to collect instruments, cases, and accessories to support and expand the district's Elementary Music Program. Isaac says, "I hope this will spark more younger kids to play, allowing them the opportunity".
Isaac's passion for music is evident through his actions and involvement with the Colburn Youth Orchestra, where he plays the cello. For those interested in contributing or seeking more details, Isaac has made himself available for questions about drop-offs at myinstrumentdr@gmail.com.

Dr. June Hilton: Shaping Futures and Inspiring Minds in CUSD's Legacy of Excellence

As Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) prepares to bid farewell to one of its most distinguished educators, Dr. June Hilton, who will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 School Year, "CUSD Celebrates!" takes a moment to honor her outstanding contributions over the last 20 years. Dr. Hilton's educational journey spans an impressive 41 years, and her wisdom and dedication leaves a memorable mark on our community.

Dr. Hilton started her journey in Claremont as a chemistry, physics, and math teacher at Claremont High School (CHS) before moving into roles that would shape the educational landscape of our district. During her time as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, she championed expanded course access for students and innovation in teaching. Brett O'Connor, retired Principal of CHS, comments, "Dr. Hilton was a student advocate; she always went out of her way to try and find creative solutions so students could enroll in the courses they felt best met their educational goals." Her efforts to promote STEM education, especially for female students, and her pivotal role in the CUSD Robotics Competition underscore her commitment to enriching student experiences.

Dr. Hilton's career was driven by a desire to "leave the world a better place than when you found it." This guided her through various leadership roles within CUSD, including her time as an instructional coach and as two different Director roles in the Educational Services Department, always focusing on creating opportunities for students. Her innovative approach to education, particularly her emphasis on lowering the affective filter to make teaching and learning more accessible, has transformed countless students' lives. She was also well known for bringing her signature comedic timing to start presentations and meetings. CHS Science Department Chair Linda Moule says, "I will never forget Dr. Hilton in her disco headband to start the testing season. She brought levity to serious subjects to help teachers let down our guard and let us laugh together."

Hilton says, "I'm trying to help them see that if there's an issue, it's fixable," a philosophy that has empowered students throughout the district.

Dr. Hilton's passion for education is evident in her dedication to making math and science approachable and enjoyable. Her teaching methods, which include hands-on, real-world applications, have demystified these subjects and ignited a love for learning in many students. Her belief in the importance of critical thinking and application beyond the classroom has prepared students for the complexities of the 'real world.'

Under her guidance, CUSD has embraced changes and advancements in education, from implementing innovative programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Career Technical Education (CTE). Dr. Hilton's forward-thinking approach ensured that CUSD students graduated with many options, ready to confidently tackle their futures.

As Dr. Hilton steps into retirement, she leaves a legacy within CUSD of an unwavering dedication to education and a belief in the potential of every student. Her work has shaped the educational journey of thousands of students and set a high bar for academic excellence within the district. Dr. Hilton's impact will be felt for generations, a true embodiment of leaving the world a better place. As we celebrate her career and contributions, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude for her years of service and wish her a fulfilling retirement filled with new adventures and continued impact.