Discover your desired story effortlessly: simply select one of the buttons below for instant navigation.

Chaparral Elementary School recently united to support families who lost their homes in the devastating wildfires, raising an impressive $2,015 through a week-long “loose change” drive. Spearheaded by fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Jillian Menjivar, the fundraiser quickly gained momentum thanks to the generosity of students, staff, and parents.

“I initially thought we might raise around one or two hundred dollars,” Mrs. Menjivar explained. “But people started bringing in both cash and coins. I’m so impressed by how supportive our community has been. The students showed up—it’s awesome to see how thoughtful everyone can be when it matters.”

Each classroom had a designated coin collection container, which was decorated and delivered by Chaparral’s expanded student council members. This year, the council boasts a record 56 students, broken into committees like the “Kindness Crew”, “Green Team”, “Scribe Tribe” and the “Com Squad,” all dedicated to serving the school community in various ways.

“It’s a really great thing to do for them,” said Averie Hill, a fifth grader in student leadership. “Especially for me because my dad’s a firefighter. So I think giving back to the community is a great way to show our support.”

Sixth-grade leadership student Mia Tong echoed that sentiment: “A lot of people here have had families that have lost their homes, so I feel like helping them is pretty cool.”

Mrs. Menjivar emphasized how important it is for students to be able to respond when tragedy strikes close to home. “Current events can be challenging to talk about with younger students,” she said. “But this coin drive helped them make sense of what’s happening while learning the importance of empathy and the power of coming together to help others in need.”

Thanks to the dedication and kindness of Chaparral Elementary’s students, staff, and families, the funds raised will go to the American Red Cross specifically to support wildfire victims. It’s yet another example of how compassion and collaboration can turn small acts—like collecting loose change—into something truly extraordinary for the community.

The Claremont High School Dance Team took center stage at an Ontario Reign hockey game, performing for an energized crowd and making their school proud. The experience was a highlight for the team, showcasing their talent in front of a large audience. "Representing Claremont High School alongside my teammates made it such a special moment," team captain Paige Morales shared.

Preparing for the performance brought the team closer together as they embraced this unique opportunity. "We all worked hard to get ready and grew as dancers and as a community," said Morales. The high-energy crowd, already excited from a tied game, brought even more enthusiasm to the team's performance.

This experience gave the dancers a chance to build confidence and imagine the possibilities for their future in dance. It was a night that celebrated teamwork, dedication, and passion. Congratulations to the CHS Dance Team for an unforgettable performance!

Claremont Unified School District recently welcomed prospective families to our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten Open Houses, and the events were a resounding success! Families from across the community visited our elementary schools, met our dedicated teachers and staff, and experienced firsthand the warm and engaging learning environments that make CUSD the perfect place for young students to thrive.

During the open houses, parents could explore classrooms, learn about CUSD’s well-rounded academic programs, and ask questions about the enrollment process. Many families expressed excitement about the enriching opportunities available in our schools, from award-winning STEM, arts, and music programs to strong social-emotional learning initiatives like Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our principals and teachers were thrilled to connect with new families and introduce them to the CUSD commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success.

We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make these events memorable! If you were unable to attend, there’s still time to learn more about our TK and Kindergarten programs. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens on March 1, 2025—visit our enrollment page to get started.

We look forward to welcoming new students and families to the CUSD community!

El Roble Intermediate School recently held its second annual Winter Games, an event dedicated to recognizing students for their academic achievements and citizenship. The celebration honored students who maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher and demonstrated high standards of character and behavior throughout the first semester. 

The festivities began with an exciting BMX bike show, where professional riders wowed the crowd with gravity-defying stunts and tricks. Beyond the thrilling performances, the show also delivered an inspiring message about the importance of kindness, respect, and being good to one another—a perfect complement to the values celebrated during the event.

Following the outdoor showcase, students transitioned into the gymnasium, where the energy and enthusiasm continued. The gym was transformed into a hub of activity, offering a mix of team games and individual challenges. Students worked together and cheered each other on as they engaged in activities designed to foster teamwork, camaraderie, and school spirit.

"The Winter Games is a celebration of our students’ hard work and dedication," said Richard McAlindin, El Roble Principal. "It’s an opportunity for us to honor their efforts both inside and outside the classroom while encouraging a sense of community and shared success."

This year’s Winter Games was not only a memorable event but also a testament to the positive culture El Roble continues to build. By celebrating achievements and reinforcing core values like teamwork and kindness, the school is inspiring students to strive for success in all aspects of their lives.

You are signing up for the CUSD Celebrates! mailing list. If you are interested in being featured, please email ekong@cusd.claremont.edu.