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The Claremont Unified School District recently hosted the 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools Ceremony, an event organized in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE) to recognize educational institutions championing sustainability in education. The event brought together educators, students, and leaders to celebrate innovative practices in sustainability across California schools.

Kaili Hernandez, ASB President at Claremont High School, opened the ceremony at the Don F. Fruechte Theatre for the Performing Arts on Claremont High School's (CHS) campus with an inspiring overview of the school's sustainability initiatives. "Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our everyday actions—from initiating a composting program to actively participating in energy conservation efforts," Hernandez stated. This proactive approach has reduced the school's ecological footprint and empowered students to lead and innovate.

Bob Fass, President of the Claremont Unified School District Board of Education, expressed his pride in the district's achievements. "It is an immense honor to be recognized alongside other remarkable schools that share our commitment to sustainability," Fass remarked. He highlighted the district's upcoming participation in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools national ceremony, underscoring the broader impact of their efforts.

Dr. Jim Elsasser, Superintendent of Claremont Unified School District, spoke about the district's deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, woven into its educational philosophy. "Here in Claremont, our efforts are guided by our core values of excellence, equity, innovation, and integrity," Dr. Elsasser explained, adding that these principles steer the district's continuous strides in environmental stewardship.

The ceremony recognized past achievements and provided a platform to inspire further action. Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Nancy Kim Portillo commended the honorees for their "boundless innovation and unyielding commitment" to environmental and educational excellence. "You've dedicated your time and effort to instilling in our youth the values of environmental stewardship, preparing them to become responsible custodians of our planet," Portillo said, emphasizing educators' critical role in shaping future generations.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards. Claremont Unified was overjoyed to be recognized as a Green Achiever, the top accolade at the state level, which acknowledges the district's extensive efforts to integrate sustainability into its curriculum and school activities. This award positions CUSD to represent California at the summer 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School award ceremony.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Natalie Taylor Barbiera reflected on the district's journey toward sustainability. "I’ve seen students develop recycling programs on their campuses and I’ve seen them composting at lunch and winning trash-free lunch challenges. The gardens that we are cultivating on our campuses are full of native plants and are providing food for our community," she noted. Dr. Taylor Barbiera also paid homage to Rick Cota, whose work with facilities, maintenance, and nutrition services was instrumental in developing the sustained effort that led to this recognition.

The ceremony at Claremont High School culminated with a school tour that featured all 10 schools in the district and celebrated achievements and reaffirmed the community's commitment to advancing sustainability in education. It also served as a call to action for other schools and districts to join in this important cause, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to address the environmental challenges of the future.

The Claremont Rotary Club recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of young leaders by presenting the Rick Whyte Americanism in Action Awards. This annual event recognizes exemplary students from the 7th and 8th grades who have demonstrated outstanding citizenship and leadership within their schools and communities.

The selection criteria for the awards are rooted deeply in the "Ten Marks of a Good Citizen," as outlined by Rotary International. These criteria emphasize the importance of being well-informed, courteous, sincere, productive, and active in community and civic responsibilities. Here are the ten marks of a good citizen:

1. Is well informed on local and world affairs.

2. Is courteous, unselfish, and friendly, getting along well with others and being a good neighbor.

3. Is sincere, dependable, and actively participates in the religious community of their choice.

4. Appreciates the contributions of others and accepts responsibility for the future of their community.

5. Is fair and just in relations with others.

6. Obeys the laws of their community and nation.

7. Votes regularly and intelligently at election times.

8. Is interested in the freedom and welfare of all the world's people and works to secure them.

9. Is productive and renders worthwhile service to fellow humans.

10. Sets a good example for the youth of their community.

El Roble's Exemplary Students

Among the recipients, four standout students from El Roble Intermediate School were honored for embodying these tenets of good citizenship:

Maximilian Garcia: A Model of Perseverance and Leadership

With a 4.0 GPA and a record of participation in soccer, flag football, and baseball, Maximilian Garcia has proven himself a dedicated and persistent leader. Recognized on the Principal's Honor Roll, Max's blend of hard work, respect, reliability, and empathy shines in every endeavor he undertakes. His occasional stubbornness is a testament to his deep commitment to his values and goals.

Sydney Simms: Leading with Quiet Strength

Sydney Simms, another exceptional student, holds a 4.0 GPA and serves as the ASB Vice President and Cheer Captain, in addition to her involvement with the Girl Scouts. Sydney exemplifies the spirit of the awards through her multifaceted leadership roles. Known for her inclusive nature and kindness, she is a supportive presence who excels in communication and embodies the values of Americanism in action.

Konner Epling: A Dependable and Engaged Leader

Konner Epling, active in ASB, flag football, Scouting America, and Kobudo Karate, consistently supports his peers and engages positively with classmates. His pride in his work and his contributions to school and community activities underscore his dedication to leadership. Konner's involvement in various activities highlights his commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Kayla Bernard: A Natural Leader with a Creative Spark

Kayla Bernard is involved in theater and mountain and road biking. She is known for her perfectionist attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and natural leadership. Kayla's empathetic approach fosters a supportive environment. Her proactive nature is evident in her role as the organizer of the first annual improv night, showcasing her leadership abilities and dedication to enriching the community through creative endeavors.

The Claremont Rotary Club's Americanism in Action Awards provide a platform to honor young individuals who are not only preparing for future leadership roles but are also actively shaping their communities today. The achievements of these students from El Roble serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that the spirit of Americanism is alive and thriving in the next generation.

Claremont High School celebrated its Spring Signing Day on May 8th, marking a significant milestone for many student-athletes. Students committed to prestigious programs across a variety of sports. This event highlighted the diverse athletic capabilities of Claremont’s students and their academic ambitions as they prepare to take their talents to the national stage.

Claremont High School's Advanced Video Production class is celebrating remarkable achievements in the 2024 Directing Change Program and Film Contest. This prestigious competition involves a rigorous judging process. Films are first pre-screened by the Directing Change Team and then evaluated by a panel of regional or statewide judges. These judges select winners in various categories, including Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, with films judged within one of five regions across California.

First place in the Los Angeles Region's Mental Health category was awarded to Hudson Colvin, Sebastien Brusselle, and Angelique Wiesner for their PSA titled "Piecing It Together." Their innovative film used the metaphor of a puzzle to depict the complexities of mental health. Hudson explained, "We thought the puzzle would be a great way to show how life's complexities grow but also how asking a friend for help can be part of solving it." Their victory included a $500 prize and advanced them to the statewide competition, showcasing their hard work and creativity on a larger stage.

In the Suicide Prevention category, Nora Campbell and Naomi Flowers earned second place with their impactful film "I Can." Inspired by personal experiences and a commitment to making a difference, the project deeply resonated with the judges. "We wanted to show that despite challenges, there is hope and a possibility to overcome," Nora shared, highlighting the film's message of resilience and empowerment. This recognition came with a $250 prize, underscoring their skillful storytelling and dedication.

Eli Myers and Lindsey Olivo also left a significant mark with their entry "First Step," which secured second place in the Mental Health category. Their film explored how depression can affect anyone, utilizing symbolic imagery to convey its pervasive nature. "We aimed to show the uneasy, unsettling approach of depression, like a creeping shadow," Eli reflected, emphasizing the film's impact.

These talented young filmmakers have earned accolades and raised awareness of critical mental health issues. Their success highlights the strength of Claremont's video production program and its dedication to empowering students to use their voices for meaningful change. All winning films will be featured on the Directing Change website, and the schools associated with the first-place regional films receive a trophy. Films may also be integrated into the statewide suicide prevention awareness campaign, potentially being shown on TV, online, and in movie theaters.

To watch the student made films, click the links below.

At the recent Action Research Showcase, Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) spotlighted the innovative educational practices transforming classroom experiences across the district. The event, open to CUSD administrators and teachers, provided a platform for educators to share the outcomes of their action research projects, specifically focusing on Fearless Grading and other impactful grading practices.

Terry Metzger, a consultant with Creative Leadership Solutions, highlighted the crucial work being done with our teachers this year. "This year, we initiated the Action Research Task Force, where teachers, after learning about equitable grading practices, select a project to implement, collect data, and at the end of the year, showcase their findings in what you could call an adult science fair," Metzger explained.

One notable example came from a math teacher at El Roble who adjusted his classroom practices so that "students did their practice in class and under supervision, significantly reducing the D and F rate as students better mastered the standards," according to Metzger. Another teacher experimented with the grading scale to make it more equitable, which not only reduced failing grades but also decreased missing assignments from 70 to 28 in a semester.

Metzger also shared the broader goals of these initiatives: "We aim to move toward equitable grading across the district, ensuring that grading is fast, fair, accurate, specific, and timely. The incredible interest and positive feedback from CHS and El Roble staff and the showcase are promising signs that these conversations will continue to evolve."

The showcase marked a significant milestone as it was the first cohort in Claremont Unified, involving 13 teachers pioneering these new methods. The engagement at the event was noticeable; attendees were deeply invested, staying throughout to ask questions and learn more about each project, reflecting a solid commitment to refining educational practices.

As educators engaged in lively discussions about their projects, sharing their successes and challenges, the atmosphere of collaboration was detectable. The attendees' sustained interest and insightful questions underscored a collective commitment to enhancing teaching practices. As Metzger observed, the showcase was a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of the district's educators.

This showcase highlights Claremont Unified's commitment to educational excellence and innovation and sets a benchmark for other districts. As Metzger said, "The work of these teachers is just amazing. They were brave and trailblazers, and they've made significant, beautiful changes in their approach to teaching."

As Claremont continues to innovate and share its successes, the Action Research Showcase is a testament to the progressive spirit driving our educators and their commitment to creating better learning environments for all students.

The room was filled with gratitude and admiration at the May 9th public school board meeting when Claremont Unified School District honored its outstanding Volunteers of the Year (VOY). Dr. Jim Elsasser, Superintendent of Schools, started the meeting with a heartfelt recognition of the individuals whose dedication and service profoundly impact the educational experience within the district.

Dr. Elsasser opened the evening with remarks celebrating the selfless contributions of the volunteers: "Tonight, we gather to celebrate those who generously contribute to the enrichment of our community—our volunteers. Each of you has given something invaluable to our schools: your time, passion, and commitment. You have enriched our students' lives and strengthened our school community's fabric."

From Vista del Valle to Claremont High School, volunteers across the district have led with compassion, transforming school events and programs into vibrant, inclusive experiences. Their initiatives range from enhancing technological resources to leading environmental sustainability efforts, each leaving a unique and lasting impact.

"Your efforts have fostered a spirit of collaboration and community that surpasses the boundaries of our campuses," Dr. Elsasser added, acknowledging the broad spectrum of contributions these volunteers have made. "Whether transforming a computer lab into a state-of-the-art STEAM lab, leading the charge in community events, or nurturing our future through educational initiatives, you have each left an indelible mark on our schools and hearts."

The ceremony not only highlighted the achievements of these outstanding individuals but also served as a testament to the power of volunteerism within the educational sector. Volunteers like Stephanie Prisbrey, Zozi Alvarez, Mirna Bravo-Wilson, Kara Palumbo, Joanna Lord, Monica Steckling, Alison Martinez, Susan Kent, Cindy Rainey

 and Alissa Turcios exemplifies the profound influence that dedicated individuals can have on the immediate school environment and the broader community.

"To our Volunteers of the Year, thank you for your countless hours of service, innovative ideas, and unwavering support," continued Dr. Elsasser. "Your selflessness and dedication are a testament to the power of community and the importance of service."

The Claremont Unified School District extends its gratitude to these volunteers, hoping their stories inspire others within the community to engage and contribute. Dr. Elsasser concluded, "Together, you have created a positive and nurturing environment for our students. We hope that your example will inspire others to join us in this noble cause and that you will continue to light the path for our community with your service."

In celebrating these volunteers, CUSD acknowledges their contributions and reaffirms its commitment to fostering an engaged and supportive community.

What a slimy spectacle at Condit Elementary! Students who raised the highest pledges per mile in the Condit Spring Fun Run had the honor of sliming Principal Dr. Malally and PFA President Randy Lopez. Armed with water blasters and buckets of blue slime, they made sure it was a splashy, unforgettable event. The whole school watched as they were covered in goo, all for a good cause! Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this fundraiser a huge success!

The Vista Track Meet, a cherished tradition founded by former principal Duane Jackman, celebrated its 48th annual gathering. Held at the park adjacent to Vista Elementary School, this event brings 4th through 6th graders across Claremont Unified School District together for a day of spirited competition in various track and field events. As students from every elementary school in the district participate, the meet showcases young athletic talents and fosters a sense of community and sportsmanship among the participants. The event continues to be a highlight of the school year, embodying a long-standing tradition of encouraging health, teamwork, and athletic excellence among students.

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