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National Librarian Day is April 16th and the Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) is proud to honor the remarkable efforts of our librarians. These staff members extend far beyond their role as book caretakers; they guide our student's intellectual and creative journeys. Through their dedication, our librarians create learning spaces, inviting creativity, exploration, and a deep love for reading to flourish.

At the core of our libraries is the unwavering commitment of our librarians to foster a nurturing environment where every student finds joy in learning and reading. "I feel like the library is the heart of the school," says Amy Bassett, the Chaparral Elementary Library Media Assistant. This sentiment echoes across CUSD as our librarians tirelessly work to make the library a beacon of hope, inclusivity, and inspiration. From engaging book clubs during lunch to creative programs like March Madness book voting, they ensure that our libraries are lively centers where students eagerly anticipate their next literary adventure.

As we celebrate National Librarian Day, we thank these remarkable individuals for their passion and dedication. Their innovative efforts in transforming our libraries into dynamic, welcoming spaces play a crucial role in shaping the minds and hearts of our students. The CUSD community is better today because of their contributions, and we look forward to the continued impact of their work in cultivating a lifelong love for reading among our students.

Claremont High School (CHS) proudly celebrates the achievement of two of its students, Katie Truttmann and Mayo Ou, for whom the Goethe-Institut has awarded all-expense-paid scholarships for an immersive study program in Karlsruhe, Germany. This prestigious opportunity is extended each year to two highly qualified CHS students enrolled in German 3, German 3 Honors, or above, recognizing their exceptional dedication and proficiency in the German language. Katie and Mayo, through their hard work and passion for German culture, have distinguished themselves as the recipients of this year's scholarships. "Being selected for this scholarship is a dream come true. It validates all the hard work and shows that immersing yourself in a new culture and language is truly rewarding," Katie shared upon learning of her selection.

The scholarship program, from June 30th to July 20th, 2024, offers a unique blend of language education and cultural immersion. It allows students to deepen their understanding of German life and customs while enhancing their language skills in a real-world setting. Jennifer Tsai, the German teacher at CHS, has been instrumental in preparing her students for such opportunities. Under her guidance, students like Katie and Mayo excel in the language and develop a genuine appreciation for German culture, engaging in activities beyond the classroom that enrich their learning experience. Mayo reflected, "Frau Tsai encouraged us to apply and made us believe in the possibility. Her support and the hands-on learning approach in our German classes were key to winning this scholarship."

This achievement highlights the strength of the German program at CHS and the exceptional opportunities it offers students. The Goethe Institute's recognition of CHS students underscores the quality of education and the supportive, immersive learning environment fostered by teachers like Jennifer Tsai. As Katie and Mayo prepare for their upcoming adventure in Karlsruhe, they carry with them the high hopes of their community and the promise of furthering their knowledge and appreciation of German culture.

Claremont High School is a PASCH School (1 of only 14 schools in the US, directly supported by the Goethe Institute). As a PASCH School, we are part of huge network of partner schools all over the world that promote German language and culture. Students participate in many activities such as sending postcards to other German learners all over the world and learning how to code with the supercomputers “Calliope Mini” or exploring a virtual reality with VR glasses (all sponsored by the Goethe Institute). Frau Tsai frequently attends conferences and professional development seminars to further her teaching methodologies and next fall, CHS will be sending two students to compete in the PASCH Triathlon in Colorado.

Every Wednesday morning, the sixth grade students in Mrs. Free’s class engage in reading sessions with Ms. Cazier and Mrs. Ramos TK classroom. These sessions serve to reinforce concepts of print. These students have built relationships, formed strong connections and enjoy working together. Both classrooms eagerly look forward to their weekly reading buddy sessions!

Claremont Unified School District is thrilled to celebrate the exceptional talent of Emma DeWees, a 10th grader at Claremont High School, whose artwork was honored at the prestigious 15th Annual Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition. Emma's piece, titled "On Strike," captures the struggles and determination of nurses during challenging times, earning her recognition at both state and national levels.

Emma's inspiration for "On Strike" stemmed from a contest commemorating Cesar Chavez. The artwork powerfully portrays nurses in scrubs, striking for patient welfare.

When asked about the motivation behind her work, Emma shared, "I was trying to think along the lines of what Cesar Chavez would support today, and it struck me—supporting those working in dire conditions. My aunt is a nurse; she inspired me to portray this reality through my art."

Emma's journey with "On Strike" didn't stop at the initial contest. Her art teacher, Tamara Kirkpatrick, recognized the piece's message and compelling execution and encouraged Emma to enter it into the Congressional Art Competition. Tamara's support has been instrumental in Emma's artistic development, so much so that during her speech, Emma thanked her teacher for helping her see art as a viable career path.

Representative Judy Chu, host of the competition, praised the young artists who submitted for the competition for their creativity and the depth of their social engagement through art. "The Congressional Art Competition is a platform for talented young individuals like Emma to express their views and engage with societal issues creatively," Rep. Chu remarked. "We are proud to display such meaningful work."

Emma's art will be displayed at Rep. Chu's Claremont office. CUSD applauds Emma's achievements and looks forward to her future contributions to the art world. With such profound talent and passion, Emma DeWees is undoubtedly a name to watch.

Students across Claremont Unified School District experienced the awe of astronomy firsthand during the recent solar eclipse. Chaparral Elementary and Sycamore Elementary schools orchestrated engaging viewing opportunities, enabling students to witness and learn from the solar eclipse right from their playgrounds.

At Chaparral Elementary, Erik Dahl, a passionate 5th-grade teacher, prepared his students well in advance for the event. Dahl equipped his telescope with a solar filter, allowing students to observe the sun and its transformation safely. Leading up to the eclipse, Dahl's classes delved into the mechanics of eclipses, discussing the differences between umbra and penumbra and what it means to witness such a rare event.

Dahl described the impact of these observations on students, "When they can take what they learn in the classroom and see it unfold in real life, it makes their learning tangible. This real-time discovery of our world is crucial for inspiring the next generation of scientists." To enhance the viewing experience, Dahl also took out a disco ball to create a field of half-moon shadows, a creative twist that captivated the students.

At Sycamore Elementary, teachers passed out eclipse glasses, allowing students to observe the eclipse.

The eclipse in Claremont was observed as a partial solar eclipse, with the moon covering 34 percent of the sun's diameter at its peak. This rare phenomenon provided a perfect teaching moment for students to understand the scale and mechanics of celestial movements.

As students at both schools looked up to the sky, outfitted with their eclipse glasses and surrounded by the excited chatter of their peers, the event left a lasting impression, likely sparking curiosity and a deeper interest in the sciences.

The Claremont Unified School District proudly celebrates Dr. Julie Olesniewicz, our Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, for being named a 2024 Woman of Distinction. This honor, awarded as part of the 41st Assembly District's Women's History Month celebrations, highlights the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant contributions to their communities across California. Dr. Olesniewicz's journey in education and leadership, from teaching to her current role in CUSD, and her active involvement in local and state educational boards showcase her dedication to fostering excellence in education.

Dr. Olesniewicz is not just a leader in education; she is a pioneer for women's leadership within the educational community. She founded the PAW – Powerful Awesome Women network, an initiative to mentor and support female administrators in the district. This program underscores her commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive environment for women in leadership roles.

The recognition of Dr. Olesniewicz as a Woman of Distinction is a testament to her impactful leadership, mentorship, and community service. Her work extends beyond the confines of educational administration, touching the lives of many through her volunteering and leadership in various community organizations. Claremont Unified School District is honored to have Dr. Olesniewicz as a leading figure who inspires change and promotes inclusivity and support for women in education. Her award is a well-deserved accolade that reflects her unwavering commitment to the community and the advancement of women in leadership positions.

Alexander Vance, an 8th grader at El Roble Intermediate and a Boy Scout of America, Life Scout in Troop 407, significantly impacted the Claremont Community School of Music (CCSM) through his Eagle Scout Project. Identifying a need for better storage in CCSM's Keyboard Lab, Alexander launched "The Battle of the Genres" concert on March 16, 2024. This event showcased his musical talent across various genres and raised more than $2,100 through ticket sales and donations. These funds are earmarked for building storage shelves in the lab and supporting CCSM's initiative to renew aging pianos as part of their 88-Key Campaign.

Reflecting on the project's start, Alexander shared his parents' advice that it was "a great opportunity to learn how to earn funds for a worthy goal." His concert underscores his commitment to community service and highlights his ability to creatively and effectively address a community need.

Alexander's project stands as a testament to the positive impact young individuals can have on their communities. It reflects the CUSD Core Values of excellence, innovation, and integrity that the Claremont Unified School District aims to instill in its students.

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