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At last week's CUSD School Board meeting, Claremont High School Speech and Debate Coach Mr. Chamberlain and team captains Lincoln Roston, Aubrey Walburg, and Lucas Grannis shared an inspiring initiative to support the students and staff of John Muir High School, who were deeply affected by the recent Eaton Fire. The devastating fire displaced more than half of John Muir's staff and students, leaving more than 100 students without homes or possessions.

The CHS Speech and Debate team has organized a weeklong effort to rally support for John Muir High School. January 21-24, students can visit a table in the Central Quad to write messages of love and support to the John Muir community. These messages aim to lift spirits and show solidarity between the two schools.

In addition to heartfelt messages, the team is collecting cash and gift card donations to assist impacted families. Gift cards of any amount for grocery stores, restaurants, or clothing stores are welcome. All cash donations will be given to the Pasadena Education Foundation, and gift cards will be delivered directly to John Muir High School's administration for distribution to those most in need.

Donations can be dropped off at room 602 or Mr. Chamberlain's box in the Teachers Lounge at CHS. Members of the public are also encouraged to contribute by dropping donations in the CHS Main Office, labeled "For John Muir High School."

The CHS Speech and Debate team's leadership and compassion exemplify the Claremont community's spirit of generosity and support. Let's come together to make a meaningful difference for the students and staff of John Muir High School during this challenging time.

Claremont High School students Carolina Flores, Zev Harper, and Miles Kaiser are spearheading an inspiring effort to enhance mental health resources and create a culture of wellness on campus. As leaders of the Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG), they are taking bold steps to prioritize student well-being through innovative ideas and collaborative efforts. Their mission is clear: to provide their peers with meaningful support and a safe space to address mental health challenges.

This week, SWAG launched its first school-wide event, Lighten Your Load and Squeeze the Stress Away, just in time for finals. The event featured fresh lemonade, mindfulness coloring pages, and positive affirmation stickers, offering students a chance to de-stress and recharge. "We wanted to create a space where students could pause, reset, and feel supported before finals," Carolina shared.

The team is also laying the groundwork for an exciting new Wellness Center, which will be located in the school library with its own separate entrance to provide privacy and accessibility. While the space is in its early stages, Miles expressed optimism about its potential. "It's incredible to be part of creating something that will help students feel supported and valued," he said. Zev added, "Our goal is to make mental health resources more approachable and ensure every student knows they're not alone."

SWAG's work is just beginning, but the student's dedication to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive campus is already making a difference. Congratulations to Carolina, Zev, Miles, and the entire SWAG team for their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of students at Claremont High School!

At the recent Claremont Unified School District Board of Education meeting, Claremont High School students were celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements on College Board assessments, including the PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. These students earned recognition through the College Board National Recognition Programs, which highlight the accomplishments of high-performing students nationwide.

The College Board National Recognition Programs include honors for African American, First-Generation, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Rural and Small Town students. To qualify, students must excel academically, scoring within the top 10% on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) or scoring three or higher on two or more AP Exams.

These exceptional students are a testament to the high standards of academic excellence within CUSD. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their education reflect the district's ongoing mission to empower learners and prepare them for a bright future.

Congratulations to all the students who received this well-deserved recognition! Your achievements inspire pride and set a high bar for academic success across our community.

Claremont High School student Christopher Clark was recently celebrated at the CUSD School Board meeting for his exceptional leadership and dedication to inclusion. From his early days as vice president of the student council at Sumner Danbury Elementary School—one of the first students with cerebral palsy to hold the position—Christopher has been a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion.

At Claremont High School, Christopher is a leader in the Best Buddies program, organizing events like the Best Buddies Prom to foster connection and joy among students of all abilities. He also joined the CHS football team as team manager, embracing the role with determination and breaking barriers for students with physical challenges.

Beyond school, Christopher’s advocacy includes fundraising for adaptive equipment through The Perfect Step therapy center and raising funds for wheelchairs for children worldwide with the Challenger baseball committee. His efforts were recognized at the state level when Senator Portantino honored him for his advocacy at the SELPA Administrators of California Legislative Sharing Day in Sacramento.

Most recently, the Claremont Management Association and the Association of California School Administrators awarded Christopher the Every Student Succeeding Award. This honor highlights his perseverance and positive impact on the community.

Christopher Clark’s commitment to creating a more inclusive world inspires everyone around him. Thank you, Christopher, for being a true role model and champion for inclusion.

Sumner Danbury Elementary School recently held its Cross-Country Race, bringing together students, staff, and community volunteers for a day of fitness, inclusion, and school spirit. The event featured races tailored to all grade levels and abilities, fostering a sense of community and celebration of student achievement.

The day began with a 1K race for grades 1-3, followed by a 2K race for grades 4-6 and a modified two-lap race. A highlight was the modified race, which provided students in the Orthopedically Impaired (OI) program the opportunity to excel physically, thrive, and be fully included in the event. This race emphasized Sumner Danbury’s commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all learners to participate in school activities.

The course, which started on the school field, meandered through the campus, circled the nearby park, and finished back on the field, offered a dynamic and engaging challenge for participants. Volunteer athletes from Claremont High School, the University of La Verne, and Chaffey College were on hand to assist with the course, cheer on runners, and cultivate a supportive and uplifting environment.

The Sumner Danbury Cross-Country Race exemplified the school’s dedication to health, inclusion, and community engagement. Congratulations to all the participants for their incredible efforts, and a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who helped make this event a memorable success!

At Mountain View Elementary School, students are earning rewards for demonstrating outstanding behavior through the Mustang Dollars program. Part of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier I system, Mustang Dollars, encourages students to embody the core values of REACH: Respect, Effort, Attitude, Cooperation, and Honesty.

The program empowers all staff members to recognize and reward students for positive actions across campus, from cleaning up after lunch to helping a classmate or showing exceptional effort in their work. Students collect Mustang Dollars and can redeem them at the Mustang Market, a school-run store offering fun and exciting rewards. This system motivates students to make good choices and fosters a culture of respect, collaboration, and pride in their school community.

“The Mustang Dollars program is an amazing way to reinforce positive behaviors while building a strong sense of community among students and staff,” The Mountain View Principal, Briana Hawkins, said. “It’s wonderful to see students taking initiative and being recognized for their efforts.”

The Mustang Dollars program is a shining example of Mountain View’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students are inspired to thrive academically and socially. Great job, Mountain View Elementary!

For the second year, Claremont High School senior Paige Morales proudly represented her school and the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles in the 2025 Rose Parade. Walking alongside the award-winning float "Our Garden Railroad," Paige described the experience as unforgettable. "Taking the first turn onto Colorado Boulevard and seeing nearly a million people cheering was surreal," she shared. "It's a moment I'll never forget."

Paige's involvement in Girl Scouts has been transformative, equipping her with leadership skills and opportunities to give back. She credits the organization for shaping her path, from hosting free STEM workshops for students to earning the prestigious Bronze Cross Award for saving a life. "Girl Scouts has taught me the importance of public speaking, leadership, and empathy," Paige reflected. "It's opened doors I never thought possible."

In a new honor, Paige has been invited to serve as a 2026 Rose Parade Coordinator for the Girl Scouts, where she hopes to inspire the next generation of participants. Her message to others? "Seize every opportunity. Experiences like these are once-in-a-lifetime and can make a lasting impact."

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