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On June 4th, Claremont Unified School District held a Reclassification Celebration at Little Bridges auditorium, honoring 45 emerging multilingual students for their linguistic achievement of graduating from the CUSD English Learner program. Dr. Natalie Taylor Barbiera, the event's host, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment in her opening remarks, setting a tone of pride and celebration for the evening.

The ceremony's highlight was an inspiring speech by Dr. Oscar Leong, a von Karman Instructor at Caltech who will join UCLA in July as an assistant statistics and data science professor. Dr. Leong shared his cultural and linguistic integration journey, detailing his experiences growing up with Mexican and Chinese heritage and how language served as a crucial tool in connecting with his cultural identity. He captivated the audience with his story of learning Mandarin in an intensive 8-week course at Middlebury College to communicate with his future in-laws in China, ultimately using his new language skills to ask for his wife's hand in marriage. His story not only celebrated the power of language to bridge diverse cultures but also inspired the students and attendees by illustrating the profound personal and social impacts of embracing multilingualism.

The ceremony was filled with a sense of deep pride as parents and students listened to Dr. Leong's inspiring story, reflecting on their own journeys in it. The audience felt a strong sense of achievement, recognizing the significant linguistic strides made by these emerging multilingual students. It was a proud moment for every family, filled with hope and anticipation for the future opportunities their children's new skills would undoubtedly bring. This celebration marked not just an academic milestone but also a personal achievement for each student, empowering them with the tools to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Elsasser and Board of Education Vice President Kathryn Dunn personally congratulated each student and presented certificates and medals, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. 

The El Roble Intermediate Panther Chorus recently delighted the community with its Spring Concert at the Claremont Presbyterian Church on June 3, 2024. This final concert of the school year showcased a rich assortment of traditional choral pieces alongside popular selections from movie and Broadway soundtracks featuring the compositions of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Among the highlights was the traditional choral piece "Time To Eat," which captivated the audience with its musical charm. The event marked a high note in the school year, celebrating the students' dedication and showcasing their impressive vocal talents in a harmonious blend of classical and contemporary music.

Chaparral Elementary School's Gold Rush Day, a cherished tradition since 1993, recently celebrated its annual event with enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and staff. This educational highlight for fourth graders, originally inspired by a similar program in the area, immerses students in the pivotal era of California's Gold Rush and teaches them about its significant impact on the state's development.

The program, meticulously planned starting in late February, utilizes an interdisciplinary approach involving literature, social studies, and a variety of interactive resources such as videos, simulations, and virtual field trips. This enriching curriculum culminates in the Gold Rush Day event at the park next to Chaparral Elementary School, where students engage in historically themed activities. These include panning for gold with real mining equipment provided by Dan Taylor, the school's custodian and a mining enthusiast, and participating in various other educational stations highlighting 19th-century life.

Community involvement is not just a part of the event's success, it is the heart of it. This year, more than 30 parents, including local history enthusiasts like Mario Morales, contributed their time and resources, bringing the spirit of the times to life with their personal collections of antiques. This event not only educates our students about California's history but also strengthens our community bonds, making it a memorable experience that underscores the importance of hands-on learning and our collective effort in education.

On a sunny Friday, June 7, the heart of Claremont High School, the main quad, was completely transformed. The senior class, in their annual Senior Sit Out, turned the space into a vibrant hub of activity. This unique tradition saw seniors creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere on campus, lounging on hammocks, inflatable air mattresses, and lawn chairs. The quad was alive with a variety of activities, from the traditional signing of yearbooks to the modern gaming on 50-inch TVs brought from home.

The diversity of interests among the students was palpable, with music from heavy metal to hip-hop filling the air in different corners of the quad. In one section, a group of students enjoyed basketball, taking turns shooting free throws. Meanwhile, a live band performed, adding a concert-like feel to the day with guitars and drums. The Senior Sit Out marked a pause from the usual academic routine and a celebration of the friendships and memories forged over the years at CHS. As seniors enjoyed their final days of high school, the event highlighted the community spirit and the joy of coming together to celebrate graduation.

Claremont Unified School District's Elementary Instrumental Music program hosted its Spring Band Concert at El Roble Intermediate School, featuring performances from the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Bands. This annual event celebrates the students' musical progress throughout the school year, with the evening's performances highlighting the growing talents of these young musicians. Special performances by bands from El Roble and Claremont High School added to the festive atmosphere, showcasing the depth of musical talent across the district.

The highlight of the evening came during the Advanced Band's set, before the final acts when Elementary P.E. teacher Dino Barbiera made a special guest appearance. Known for his energetic spirit and commitment to the students, Mr. Barbiera performed "Concerto For Crash Cymbals" with the students to roaring applause. His participation showcased his musical prowess and brought a sense of community and excitement to the gym as students cheered enthusiastically for their beloved teacher. This memorable moment underscored the supportive community spirit that characterizes Claremont Unified's educational approach.

Vista Elementary School recently celebrated its Multicultural Day, which brought the world to its students through engaging cultural experiences. Community volunteers and educators, including Karina Gutierrez, a dedicated 4th and 5th-grade teacher, showcased their heritages, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Students explored the beats of traditional Japanese drums and practiced counting in several languages, while others savored the taste of El Salvador with homemade pupusas prepared by Ms. Gutierrez. In total, fifteen countries were represented, each contributing to a rich tapestry of global education.

The festivities were further enriched by the participation of the El Roble German club, which introduced Vista students to German culture through traditional games and cuisine. Thanks to the creative efforts of the school custodian, the campus buzzed with excitement as students moved from station to station, each decorated with the flags of different nations. This immersive experience deepens students’ appreciation for diversity and fosters a sense of global community within the school walls.

Initiated over a decade ago, the ArtStart program at Claremont High School has grown into a beacon of creativity and community engagement, managed by the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art in partnership with Claremont Unified School District. ArtStart connects high school students with younger peers and college mentors, fostering a multi-tiered teaching environment. 

Throughout the academic year, high school students develop and deliver art lessons to elementary students, culminating in a public exhibition of the young students' artworks.

Oliver Kolb, an 11th grader at CHS, shares his enthusiasm for ArtStart, saying, "ArtStart is more than just a program to me. It's a space where I can combine my love for art and teaching in a community-focused environment." His classmate, Wilson Brown, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the program's impact on his presentation skills, which he believes will be beneficial in any career path he chooses.

ArtStart was inspired by the collaborative vision of local educators and artists who saw the need to integrate arts more comprehensively into the educational system. Tamara Kirkpatrick, a CHS art teacher and advisor to ArtStart, highlights the program's history and impact: "ArtStart began as a small initiative and has blossomed into a significant educational force, providing invaluable artistic exposure and teaching experience to students." She adds that the program's uniqueness lies in its ability to foster genuine connections between students across grade levels, facilitated by the mentorship of college students from nearby institutions.

The ArtStart program is not just a part of Claremont's educational landscape, it is a transformative force. It serves as a shining example of how creative collaboration can deeply influence students, inspiring them to embrace both art and community service. Through ArtStart, Claremont High School students not only learn to create and appreciate art but also develop life skills that extend far beyond the classroom, making a significant impact on the community.

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