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Xiucoatl Mejia: Bringing Art to Life Across Claremont Unified School District

Xiucoatl Mejia, a Claremont Unified School District alumnus who attended Sumner Elementary, El Roble Intermediate and graduated from Claremont High School in 2018, has made a profound impact through his artistry. Known for his vibrant and thought-provoking murals, Xiucoatl has painted three stunning works across CUSD campuses, each reflecting a unique blend of creativity, community, and cultural storytelling.

His journey began during his senior year at CHS with a mural near the Dr. Brett O'Connor building in the art quad. This piece, created with the People Arts Alliance Club he founded, features portraits of diverse creatives and historical figures, connected by two hands reaching out through art. The project aimed to celebrate multicultural diversity in the arts while inviting the entire school community to participate. Faculty, students, parents, and visitors left their mark on this collaborative masterpiece, making it a collective expression of creativity and inclusivity.

In 2021, Xiucoatl brought his vision to Vista Elementary School during the pandemic. The mural, inspired by native plants studied by students, features oversized ants and flora, creating a whimsical, immersive environment. "I wanted the kids to feel like they were part of the art," he explained, emphasizing his goal to make the environment more vibrant and engaging for students.

Xiucoatl is currently working on multiple murals at Mountain View Elementary. His latest works will include a giant Mustang emerging from rays of sunshine, symbolizing the school's mascot, and an intricate depiction of a girl surrounded by a rainbow of educational themes. Local heroes, musical instruments, math, science, and dual-language elements are interwoven into these murals, reflecting the school's values and the diverse spectrum of learning.

Beyond CUSD, Xiucoatl collaborates with his family, including his father, a muralist and tattoo artist, on large-scale projects throughout Southern California. He believes art can connect people, inspire youth, and transform environments. "Art is a responsibility," Xiucoatl shared. "If you take care of it, it'll take care of you."

For students aspiring to be artists, Xiucoatl offers this advice: "Nurture your passion and immerse yourself in your craft. Be curious, study history, and seek out mentors. Art is about connecting with the world around you and creating something that inspires others."

Through his murals, Xiucoatl Mejia continues to leave an unforgettable mark on CUSD and beyond, reminding us all of the transformative power of art to build connections, spark creativity, and celebrate diversity.

Kyle Ward Returns to Lead CHS and El Roble Choirs

Kyle Ward, Claremont High School alumnus and educator, has returned to Claremont Unified School District to lead the CHS and El Roble Intermediate School choirs. As a former student of the district, Kyle brings a full-circle perspective to his role, blending cherished traditions with innovative ideas gained from his years of teaching in Oregon.

Kyle's musical journey began unexpectedly when his friends encouraged him to audition for the choir during his 8th-grade year at El Roble. That moment sparked a passion that guided his career path, leading him to earn a degree in music and gain valuable experience teaching in a vibrant arts community in Oregon. Now back home, Kyle is committed to continuing the legacy of excellence established by his mentors while introducing new opportunities for students to collaborate, grow, and experience the transformative power of music.

Reflecting on his first two months, Kyle shared, "The students have been incredibly welcoming and willing to embrace new ideas. It's been exciting to work with them and see their dedication to making music an integral part of their lives." Despite starting mid-year, Kyle quickly settled into his role, preparing the students for a successful fall concert and beginning to outline his vision for the program's future.

Under Kyle's leadership, the choir program will expand to include innovative opportunities like professional recording sessions and collaborations with local colleges and performing arts groups. He also plans to grow the program, nurture a culture of inclusivity, and foster experiences that inspire students beyond competition.

Kyle encourages students who are considering joining the choir to take the leap. "Everyone deserves the chance to try it," he said. "If it doesn't work out, that's okay—but if it does, it could change your life, just like it did for me."

As he steps into this new chapter, Kyle remains grateful for the teachers who inspired him and looks forward to building on the strong foundation of the CHS and El Roble choir programs. Welcome back, Kyle Ward!

El Roble Students Explore Art and Climate Change at Benton Museum

The El Roble Intermediate School Endangered Species Club recently visited the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College to experience the Open Sky exhibit. This enriching field trip, organized by K-12 Education Specialist Richard Deely from the Benton Museum and club supervisor and World History teacher Kathy Felton Zetterberg, offered students a chance to explore the intersection of art and environmental advocacy. The visit was supported by Claremont Unified School District's Art Integration Program, led by Jessica Jackman Uy, Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Arts Education, who accompanied the students on their walking journey to the museum.

The Open Sky exhibit provided a unique lens through which students could view climate change through artistic expression. Club President Ben Menjivar explained, "We're here to learn how humans can change the world, not just through big actions, but through small, impactful movements." Vice President Alani Hertz added, "This visit shows how even small mistakes or actions can have a ripple effect on the environment and endangered animals." Seventh-grader Mukunta Sridharan reflected, "I've never thought of global warming in an artistic way before. This is opening up a new perspective for me."

Now Enrolling: Dual Language Immersion Program at Mountain View Elementary School

Claremont Unified School District is proud to offer the Dual Language Immersion Program at Mountain View Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year. This innovative program allows students to become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish while mastering academic content in a supportive, inclusive environment. With instruction delivered 50% in English and 50% in Spanish, students gain the skills needed to excel academically, foster cross-cultural understanding, and prepare for success in an increasingly globalized world.

The program is open to incoming kindergarteners who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025. Families are encouraged to apply by the deadline on Sunday, January 26, 2025. To learn more about the benefits of bilingual education and how to enroll, visit bit.ly/MV_Dual_Immersion or contact Mountain View Elementary School at (909) 398-0308. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to give your child the gift of bilingualism and a competitive edge for the future!

CUSD to Host Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Open Houses in January

Claremont Unified School District is excited to welcome prospective families to our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten Open Houses this January! These events are a fantastic opportunity for parents to explore our vibrant schools, meet our dedicated educators, and see firsthand the nurturing and innovative environments where children learn, grow, and thrive. Each open house will showcase the unique programs, resources, and community spirit that make CUSD schools the perfect place to begin your child’s educational journey. From award-winning academic programs to enriching opportunities in art, music, and STEM, CUSD is committed to fostering excellence and curiosity in every student.

Help us spread the word! If you know families with young children who may be considering CUSD for their child, please encourage them to attend an open house at one of our elementary schools. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year begins on March 1, 2025, and these events are an excellent way for families to learn more about our district and the opportunities available for their child. For open house dates and more information, visit https://www.cusd.claremont.edu/o/cusd/page/transitional-kindergarten. Let’s make this a successful event and welcome new families to the CUSD community!

Through this field trip, students connected their passion for protecting endangered species with broader environmental themes, deepening their understanding of how art can inspire action. A special thank you to the Benton Museum of Art for hosting this impactful experience and the dedicated educators and students who brought it to life. The El Roble Endangered Species Club continues to inspire meaningful conversations and actions for a sustainable future.