| Education in Action with Dr. Hansen - Class of 2026 |  | 5/29/2026 7:00:00 AM | Earlier this month, JUSD Superintendent Dr. Hansen spoke with some graduating seniors about their journey thus far and their path forward after graduation. Watch Dr. Hansen’s interviews with these students in the special graduation edition of
Education in Action with Dr. Hansen.
Jaelyne Romero, Rubidoux High School
Jaelyne was selected as the National CTE Student of the Year for her dedication and passion for agriculture sciences at Rubidoux High School. She will pursue that passion at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, next fall to continue studying agricultural sciences. Jaelyne also serves as the Rubidoux FFA president and has taken 11 classes at Riverside City College (RCC) through the dual enrollment program, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
JUSD staff who’ve guided her “My AG (agriculture) advisors, Ms. Finnicum and Ms. Vanaselja. They’ve always pushed me to do my best. They’re here to support me. It’s nice knowing that if I have any questions, I can just come back to them.”
Advice for her peers
“Get involved. (Don’t) let the words of other people stop (you) from achieving what (you) want to do. (You) just really have to have faith in yourself and stay motivated to (your) goal, and (you’ll) be able to achieve anything.
Tiffany Changlee, Jurupa Valley High School
Tiffany will attend the University of California, Riverside in the fall to study software engineering. At Jurupa Valley High School, Tiffany took multiple college courses through the Dual Enrollment program and was involved in various clubs and sports. She also earned both her Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Civic Engagement this year.
JUSD staff who’ve guided her “A teacher who really helped me and impacted my life would probably be Ms. Valdez-Flores. Ms. Valdez has helped me a lot… she has always pushed me and… got to know me. If I ever needed someone to talk to or needed help, I would always go to her.”
Advice for her peers "A piece of advice I would give to a freshman would be to take things slow and really get to know the resources that are offered at the school. If you ever wanted to know more, you can always go to the career center, or the office, and talk to Mrs. Lyman and really get to know what (JVHS) offer(s)."
Daniel Alvarez, Patriot High School
Daniel will attend California State University, Long Beach, to major in Pre-med Biomedical Engineering and pursue a career as a pharmaceutical researcher/developer.
During his time at Patriot High, Daniel earned both the State Seal of Civic Engagement and the State Seal of Biliteracy and helped others as the lead tutor in the after-school tutoring program.
JUSD staff who have guided him “ Ms. Cage. She’s been with me throughout my entire high school career. She has helped me in every single way… she’s always there, and she’s allowed me the opportunity to be the lead tutor for the afterschool program.”
Advice for his peers
“Opportunities are doors opening. Take a walk through every single door that you can.”
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| One Student, One Story: Samantha Banuelos |  | 5/29/2026 7:00:00 AM | At the beginning of her senior year, Patriot High School student Samantha Banuelos took a freshman theater student under her wing to help her feel comfortable. Samantha would sit with the student to chat. She invited others to join them, and eventually introduced her to other freshmen, who then sparked a lasting friendship.
Once a shy student, Samantha went from being a mentee to a mentor for freshmen students in theater and the recipient of the Vivian “Bish” Edwards Theatre Education Scholarship.
“(Samantha) has really shown her ability to be a great model and to mentor younger students,” said Ms. Juana Rodriguez, Patriot High School theater teacher. “She has really grown due to her participation in theater and going through the entire pathway here at Patriot.”
Samantha’s growth demonstrates how a supportive community and caring staff can foster student success. The California Educational Theatre Association (CETA) awards the $500 Vivian “Bish” Edwards Scholarship to students who have an interest in pursuing a career in theater education and demonstrate a real commitment to give back through theater. This is the third year in a row that a Patriot High School student has won this scholarship.
“(CETA) saw that I had a passion for theater, a passion for education,” said Samantha. “I hope other people see that I have that passion.”
In the fall, Samantha will attend California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, to pursue a career as an educator at animal sanctuaries or zoos.
“I’ve always loved educating people, and I’ve always loved animals,” Samantha said. “You have to pursue what you’re passionate about because if you don’t, you’re not going to be successful.”
Out of all the submissions, ten finalists are chosen for an interview, and only one of them earns the scholarship. This year, four of the ten finalists were Patriot High students.
“I’ve really seen her grow from someone who perhaps… didn't know if theater was something for them, and is now the president of our theater club, winning scholarships (that will help) with her future,” said Ms. Rodriguez.
“T heater has a wonderful impact because it’s teaching students soft skills public speaking, confidence, coming out of your shell, and just trying things, being creative,” said Ms. Rodriguez. “It is such a wonderful moment to allow yourself to be creative, to problem solve, and have fun.”
As a freshman, Ms. Rodriguez saw Samantha’s need for guidance and support. She saw something in Samantha and wanted to nurture her innate ability, Ms. Rodriguez said.
Seniors and other theater students supported Samantha and bonded with her. Now, as a senior herself, Samantha offers support to younger peers. She made them feel comfortable, and like they belong, Samantha said.
“Samantha has been very fortunate of having mentors… and she’s learned from them, and she has aspired to be like them. She has decided to pay that forward,” said Ms. Rodriguez.
Samantha serves as the president of Dramatis Personae (Theatre Club), a class representative, and is enrolled in the rigorous Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.
“All the staff here, and all the students here have helped me decide my path on where I want to go and who I want to be,” said Samantha.
Patriot staff, such as her counselors, teachers, and administrators, all helped her become the person she is today.
“That’s why I love Jurupa Unified, because they have so many opportunities,” said Samantha. “This is home.”
Looking ahead after graduation, Samantha is ready to move hundreds of miles away to Northern California for college. She learned not to be afraid of change, to be confident in herself, and that it’s okay to be unique and different, Samantha said.
“I am really proud of Samantha. She’s really come a long way,” said Ms. Rodriguez. “She is leaving a legacy.”
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| Coaching Wellness |  | 5/29/2026 7:00:00 AM | Wendy Garcia, a JUSD wellness coach, remembers seeing her impact in action on the Glen Avon Elementary School playground. A student she had mentored used coping skills she had learned from Garcia to navigate a tricky social situation on her own.
“She walked away. She did not get in trouble, and she knows that those strategies that she’s learning, they are working in her favor,” Ms. Garcia said. “That made her feel proud. It built up her confidence…that to me made my heart happy that she learned that, and she is going to use that for the rest of her life.”
JUSD now has 30 staff members certified as wellness coaches through a new California program. JUSD, an early adopter of the wellness coach model, is one of only five organizations statewide, and the only Southern California school district selected to participate in a case study on the efficacy of the program. JUSD’s Wellness Coach program also garnered the district a Blue Shield Blue Sky Award, which came with a $20,000 grant that will be reinvested into the program, said Jose Campos, Director of the Parent Involvement and Community Outreach (P.I.C.O.) Department.
"Wellness coaches not only help students needing additional mentoring and support, but also help to head off problems before they start," Mr. Campos said. "They work with students on how to identify feelings and learn self-regulation and coping skills; teach social skills, such as how to interact with peers on the playground; and give lessons on which behaviors are acceptable and which aren’t. Sometimes, they just provide a needed listening ear."
All services are offered confidentially, at no cost, at the student’s school site. Students who need additional support receive referrals for additional services. JUSD receives reimbursement for the cost of services from the state or private insurance through California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.
“We meet our students where they are. We meet our families where they are. They don’t have to worry about taking that trip, removing students from school to go get services. A lot of the support and services that students are able to receive are able to be done right at school during the school day,” said Monty Owens, Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services.
While JUSD has been a leader in behavioral health for many years, services were often provided for students only after an issue arose.
“The wellness coach basically addresses a gap,” Mr. Campos said, adding that previously, “a lot of the services were ready when we had issues with behavior or issues with just coping…Wellness coaches now allow us to be preventative.”
“It was intended to really open up behavioral health services, where perhaps students and their families sometimes need a lighter touch, rather than something more in-depth under our behavioral health program. It helps us provide an array of services.“ Mr. Campos said. "It just adds another layer of support before there’s an issue. That’s the game changer. Holistically, it’s changing our environment when we have these preventative supports.”
Wellness coaches can have a wide range of job descriptions, with the requirements being that they have an associate or bachelor’s degree, experience working with students, and complete the state certification process. JUSD also provides ongoing training. JUSD’s wellness coaches include teachers on special assignment, outreach workers, and behavioral health peer specialists.
“It’s very important that there's someone like me out there taking the time to see what is happening and figuring out how to support students,” noted Wellness Coach and Behavioral Health Peer Specialist Tomas Sandoval.
The program is making a difference, Mr. Owens said.
“We see the impact it's having on students. We see…it’s improving our attendance, it’s helping address some of our (social-emotional) concerns and needs that our students are bringing, and our families have gone from having that stigma of behavioral health…to seeking it out.”
Most importantly, wellness coaches help remove obstacles that can impede learning.
“The wellness coach role is a system of support,” Mr. Owens said. “It supports our students to remove those barriers that are going to get in the way, that are preventing students from coming with a fresh mind, a healthy body to be able to learn and pick up that curriculum that they’re going to need to be able to Learn Without Limits.” | | |
| Small Acts, Big Impacts |  | 4/30/2026 7:00:00 AM |
A Pawsitive Volunteer Experience
G erman shepherds, mixed labradors, and other shelter dogs listened attentively in their enclosure as Pedley Elementary School students read them English and Spanish books about fairies, pets, and courage.
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services in Jurupa Valley provided the perfect volunteer opportunity for students who visited on a field trip. The shelter is local, everyone at Pedley could participate by donating supplies, and students created excitement among their classmates to find more opportunities to volunteer, said Lauren Abadilla, Pedley teacher.
I n addition to reading to the dogs, the Pedley Student Council delivered carts full of pet supplies, food, and toys that Pedley families donated.
“We really want them to understand that community isn't just located within the walls of our school, but extends outwards as well,” said Ms. Abadilla.
After their visit in early April, the student leaders shared their experience with their peers during an assembly to motivate them to participate in the JUSD’s Week of Service.
“I think it’s important (to share) so then in the future… they know it’s good to help their community and it’s good to help everyone,” said June Kruse, President of Student Council.
Senior Animal Services Counselor and Volunteer Coordinator, Annie Caldon, led students on a tour of the shelter to meet all the animal residents and shared the volunteer requirements so students can join when they’re older.
“I think it's so important for the kids to see that a small group of people, or even just one person, can make a huge difference in their community,” said Ms. Caldon.
“It feels good when we help others because we know that we’re giving back to them…what they gave to us,” said Lucas Ponce, Vice President of Student Council.
If you would like to volunteer or visit Jurupa Valley’s local animal shelter, please visit the
Riverside County Department of Animal Services website.
The Cycle of Service
Rubidoux High School Junior Natalya Fernandez spent several days researching, planning, and completing a rather unusual high school assignment – decorating a free little library for Rustic Lane Elementary School.
"I know they’ll appreciate the colors,” Natalya said of the small, white, blue, and yellow house-shaped cabinet that soon will be filled with donated books for Rustic Lane students to take home and keep.
“It will make it feel more special for them to be able to get books from something that was made specifically for them,” she said. “It makes me feel really good inside, because it reminds me of when I was in elementary school. I would have loved it if anyone else did that for us,” Natalya said. “It’s important to give back to our community because it kind of reminds us where exactly we came from.”
Rubidoux High School teacher Brett Roble and student leaders came up with the idea to create the free little libraries while brainstorming service projects they could take on for Jurupa Unified’s first Week of Service, which took place April 20-25, National Volunteer Week.
“ We wanted to collect books. We did a little book drive, and we collected books that we wanted to donate to the elementary schools. We also decided to build a couple of little free libraries that we wanted to deliver to the elementary schools as well.”
Mr. Roble used his carpentry skills to craft the main frames of the cabinets. Students then helped put them together and decorate them. Natalya, known for her artistic skills, was tapped to design the free little library headed to Rustic Lane. A second little library still awaits its new home.
“(Elementary Schools) already have books in their libraries, of course, but with a little free library, you can keep (a book). You don’t have to check it out. You don’t have to return it. You can share it. It becomes a fun little thing for the community,” Mr. Roble said.
“The idea is that it could be something that they have on campus there and we could stock it with books to start off, and then hopefully over time it's something that they can enjoy and grows with the campus.”
Mr. Roble noted that all of his students enjoyed working on the project.
“Anytime we can do these projects where they can do something real and tangible that makes them feel like they made a difference in their community, it's huge. The idea is that you give these kids a taste of it and then once they get out there in real life, it’s something that they would pursue on their own.”
“We can’t fix everything, but we can do something, and with our efforts, we can make someone’s life better,” Mr.Roble said. “Their individual efforts can make a difference in people’s lives.”
Natalya hopes that she is also inspiring younger students coming up behind her to give back to their communities.
“It gives more opportunities for kids to actually look at you as role models, and probably take on these projects themselves, therefore continuing the cycle.”
“It’s really important that we just connect and just be unified,” she said. “It’s really important that we do service like this.”
Service Leaders in Bloom
On a cloud-covered Saturday morning, a group of Ina Arbuckle Elementary students set out on foot with one goal in mind to make someone's day a little sunnier.
“They wanted to create a project that was outside the box (and) give back to the community.” Principal Allison Hesler said. Sixth-graders partnered with younger students to decorate flower pots, plant them with beautiful flowers, and write cards that they hand-delivered during Saturday School to a local care facility.
“Partnering up the younger students with the older students has created a community within our school,” Ms. Hesler said. “It’s teaching them that they can give back even within our own school. Our bigger picture is going outside our school walls.“
The project was in celebration of Earth Day and Jurupa Unified School District’s Week of Service, in which the students do their part in giving back to the community and practice eco-friendly activities. The students also picked up trash along their path.
“It’s important to include our elementary students in this at a young age because it fosters the idea that giving back can happen throughout your whole life,” Ms. Hesler said. ”They are not too young to give back and to show that we care about our community as a whole.”
Sixth-grade teacher Cindy Espinal said the project also showed students that small acts of kindness are significant, and they can start now.
“It encourages them that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can always make an impact in your local community.” Ms. Espinal said.
Students felt the impact firsthand. “When you start at a young age… you learn more about that, and you want to start doing that even more, and that boosts your courage and participation,” Victoria Ramirez, a sixth grader at Indian Hills Elementary, said.
“It makes me feel amazing because then I can give back… and something I made is going to someone else (who) will enjoy (it),” Victoria said.
In addition to their kindness and generosity, students learned about leadership and initiation.
“I think it's important because it shows the little kids that you can help in the world and be a leader,” sixth grader Kenza Monette said.
From writing kind messages to planting flowers, picking up trash, and making someone’s day, students learned that small actions can reach far beyond the classroom.
“We’re hoping this inspires them as they grow older, (that) they remember this event, and they say, ‘we can do this, and we can make it bigger, and we can maybe reach out to other communities, not just ours.’” Ms. Espinal said. | | |
| Part Two in a Series – Writing Our Success Story: Literacy Without Limits in JUSD |  | 4/30/2026 7:00:00 AM |
J u r u pa Unified understands that student literacy is a team effort. Our students’ success requires everyone to do their part, and our elementary schools are making sure that our students have the support they need.
In part two of the Writing Our Success Story Literacy Without Limits in JUSD series, we highlight more literacy programs. West Riverside Elementary hosts a weekly literacy workshop where parents learn how to teach their children at home. At Mission Bell Elementary, over 30 local Costco employees visit weekly to volunteer their time to tutor and mentor students.
Back to the Classroom
Eydi Herrera joined West Riverside Elementary’s Family Stories Literacy Class because she wanted to bond with her children over reading and help them with reading concepts. “I have learned the strategies from Ms. Rodriguez to get my children to read at home. I learned to enjoy reading,” said Ms. Herrera. “(I) want to pass down that interest to my children.”
The objective of the Family Stories Literacy Class is to prepare parents and give them the right skills and strategies to use with their children at home. The class is taught by Martha Rodriguez, West Riverside Teacher on Special Assignment-Community Schools.
“Everything we do is based on data,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “Reading doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens by (parents) interacting with their children and the book at home.”
Parents learn the same Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL) strategies that classes across the district have adopted. Some of the strategies parents learn to use are sentence frames for discussions and citing their sources when answering questions about the book, just like their students. Parents also participate in Socratic seminars, class-led discussions to analyze and share their perspectives on the book they read.
Ms. Rodriguez keeps an open dialogue with teachers and parents to monitor students’ improvements and address how parents can continue to help at home.
When the class read “Paletero Man (Popsicle Man)” by Lucky Diaz, parents were encouraged to enjoy a paleta , or popsicle, with their children before reading the book to create anticipation for the story. Parents and students alike were excited to read and relate to the story and characters.
Lesly Gonzalez joined the class to review reading skills and develop strategies to help her transitional kindergarten student as he learns how to read and write.
“(My son) comes up to me now and is excited to read,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “He’s actually able to understand the story that we read together.”
Erica Cruz, another parent in the class, uses her newfound skill of sentence frames the most at home. Using sentence frames allows Ms. Cruz and her daughter to talk about each other’s books and learn about each other’s interests.
“It’s a pleasure to sit together and read. My daughter loves to read, and now she grabs her book, and I grab my own book,” said Ms. Cruz. “I keep motivating her because she sees how I like to read.”
Students whose parents participate in the Family Stories Literacy Class have seen improvements in their literacy skills.
“I want to encourage other parents to get involved and be an active participant in their child’s education so they can be successful,” said Ms. Herrera.
Community Volunteers
A few years ago, Mission Bell Elementary recognized the need for more literacy intervention for students in fourth grade and above. At the time, Mission Bell had about seven volunteers from local Costco locations who provided literacy tutoring to students. Now, the program has 35 Costco volunteers who visit three times a week.
“Getting your community involved in… literacy is incredibly important because they usually hear it from us… but they don’t usually hear that information from anyone else that works in the community,” said Mission Bell Elementary Principal Angelena Aguilera. “It’s a singular message coming from everyone in the community.”
Carlos Ortin, supervisor at the Mira Loma Costco Warehouse, has visited once a week since 2017. He wants to make a difference in students’ lives.
“I fell in love with (tutoring),” said Mr. Ortin. “It’s a rewarding feeling seeing them (improve) from start to end.”
Mr. Ortin also joins other Costco employees to donate backpacks to Mission Bell students at the beginning of the year.
“(Students) see us on campus and yell out our names,” said Mr. Ortin. “However, we can, we are here to help.”
Sixth grader Miley Horta and fifth grader Damian Hernandez enjoy the time with their Costco literacy tutors because it is less structured than class, and their reading and writing skills have improved since meeting with their tutors.
Miley said volunteers have made reading easier to enjoy and taught her more words.
“It’s amazing to see how much they grow their reading skills in such a short amount of time,” said Costco reading tutor Angelina Aguilar (Ms. Angie), supervisor at the Mira Loma Costco Warehouse.
Ms. Angie volunteers to give back to the community where she grew up.
Costco reading tutors also serve as mentors for students, in addition to helping them with their literacy skills.
“They offer us advice on how to handle situations we are struggling with,” said sixth grader Juliana Rubio.
"They are great mentor(s). Most students who have a Costco Reading Tutor have the same tutor they’ve had for the last couple of years,” said Ms. Aguilera.
At the end of the school year, Costco tutors celebrate and acknowledge the work and progress students made throughout the year with prizes and a pizza party.
“Kids are our future, and you never know what they’re going to grow up to be,” said Mr. Ortin. “I think it's important (they) know that the community is supporting them.”
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| Part One in a Series – Writing Our Success Story: Literacy Without Limits in JUSD |  | 3/27/2026 7:00:00 AM | At Jurupa Unified School District, literacy is more than words on a page.
Literacy is one of the most important foundational skills for student success. JUSD schools are finding creative ways to promote Literacy Without Limits districtwide by building literacy skills that include the community, students, and parents.
This month, we take a look at two unique literacy-focused programs. Rustic Lane Elementary School hosted a vocabulary parade in which students crafted creative costumes around a specific word or theme. At Ina Arbuckle Elementary School, parents are stepping back into the classroom; not to observe or volunteer, but to learn.
Literacy on Parade
Have you ever listened to the sounds of an
otamatone
or strolled with a
velocirapto r while becoming
saturated in the rain? The whole thing is enough to make one
baffled , but all were seen at Rustic Lane Elementary School this month.
The dictionary came to life this month as Rustic Lane held its second annual Vocabulary Parade on March 6. Students dressed in creative costumes as they personified a wide variety of words for the schoolwide celebration of literacy. Some classes allowed students to select their own words, while others focused on a theme.
Parents and community members watched and craned to read words and definitions as students clad in creative, sometimes ornate, costumes wound their way across the Rustic Lane campus.
“We think it’s really important to make reading fun for kids,” said Community Schools Teacher on Special Assignment Melissa Martinez-Lantz.
E ncouraging literacy is essential because “it’s the foundation of learning,” added Rustic Lane Principal Latressa McCullough. “You need literacy…in every academic area. In anything you do, you have to be able to read.”
Miguel and Jaqueline Garcia showed up to root for their children. Mia, a fourth-grader, dressed as a flower pot for her word, “flower.” First-grader Julian chose the word “torito,” Spanish for bull.
“We always like to be part of…whatever they want to do. We’re trying to create a happy environment at school,” Mrs. Garcia said.
The couple also reinforces literacy at home. When their children bring books home, they mirror their excitement.
“We say, ‘Whoa. You have a new book!’ We’re trying to create that energy,” Mr. Garcia said.
The family also makes time to read together.
“Parents should make time to read to their kids,” Mrs. Garcia said. "It’s just a time well spent.”
“Even just 5-10 minutes that you can do at bedtime, getting that routine going, and reading whatever you can possibly find in the room, in that bookshelf at the house, it’s what’s going to bring us closer together as a family,” she said.
Engaging families in students’ academic journey is also important, Martinez-Lantz said.
“The students are successful here at school when we have open communication with the families, when everybody is invested in their education. When families show interest in their child's education, then the child is more successful in school.”
Mrs. McCullough agreed, saying the Vocabulary Parade was a perfect way to engage students and help them to take charge of their learning experience.
“When you’re learning, and it’s not engaging, you don’t have that full experience,” noted Rustic Lane Principal Latressa McCullough. “When you make learning come to life, you have a Vocabulary Parade and the kids really get to really embody the words, they learn them.. they get them, and then everything they read, it opens up so many more opportunities, so many words, so many adventures – in books – because now they have more knowledge and more understanding.”
PS An
otamatone is an electronic synthesizer shaped like an eighth note.
Velociraptors were small dinosaurs that lived in Asia about 75 million years ago. The word is capitalized when using the official scientific name, but is not capitalized in general reference.
Saturated means holding as much water or moisture as can be absorbed (soaked).
Baffled
means totally bewildered, perplexed. Keep reading to discover new words you can use!
Showing Up
In an Ina Arbuckle Elementary School classroom, notebooks open, parents practiced reading strategies their children use every day at school. For many, it wasn’t simply about understanding homework; it was about showing up.
These parents are participating in the Raising a Reader workshops, designed to help parents support their children at home.
“Just the fact that we’re present, it’s the most important thing,” said James Rodriguez, who has a transitional kindergarten student at Ina. “We’ve got to take our time to instill that backup, that foundation.”
“The goal is to empower our parents and share strategies so that at home, they know exactly what to do with their kids,” said Maritza C. Fuentes, Teacher on Special Assignment - Literacy Coach for Ina Arbuckle Elementary.
Ms. Fuentes teaches the Raising a Reader workshop for several weeks every year on Wednesdays and changes the curriculum each year. This allows parents to have the opportunity to learn more strategies and participate multiple times.
“We see gains in the academic abilities of our students, but also the confidence that it brings.” Ms. Fuentes said. “Now they’re skilled readers, and they build this confidence.”
For Mr. Rodriguez, being an active helper in his daughter's education was personal.
“I struggled, and I still struggle, so I’m just trying to give her the tools she needs so she can not only excel in school, but excel in the future,” said Mr. Rodriguez.
The workshops consist of phonics exercises, reading comprehension strategies, and writing skills. Providing families with easy-to-remember tools and strategies.
“You’re giving me the tools to help me give her tools,” said Mr. Rodriguez.
Clara Avila, a parent of a second-grader at Ina, has noticed that the workshops have helped her better support her son.
“I have noticed his improvement in reading,” Ms. Avila said. “There are strategies that can help him get good grades and understand the material.”
The connection between home and school is what drives students to succeed.
“I’m also excited that the kids get to see that their parents value their education,” Ms. Fuentes said. “That their parents are here because they want to see them succeed.” | | |
| Soaring Community |  | 3/31/2026 7:00:00 AM | After more than three decades away, Doris Slaten, a former Ina Arbuckle Elementary teacher, walked back onto campus, unsure of what she would see. The buildings have been modernized, yet the feeling was familiar.
“I haven't been back in about 31 years, (it’s) quite surprising to see all the buildings and all the changes that have taken place,” Ms. Slaten said. “(I’m) grateful to have been a part of it when it was small, and now you see what it's become.”
Ina Arbuckle Elementary recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Special guests included Superintendent Dr. Trenton Hansen, former Superintendent Elliott N. Duchon, a representative for California Assemblymember Leticia Castillo, alumni, and former and current teachers and staff, who walked through campus, enjoyed student performances, browsed old yearbooks and photographs, and reminisced about how different yet familiar the campus was.
“They just cannot get over the change and the environment, and that it still feels the same,” said Tina Herrera, the current Principal at Ina Arbuckle Elementary. “They wanted more celebration to acknowledge everybody and all the work that’s been done here.”
For former Principal Luz Mendez, stepping foot on Ina Arbuckle Elementary’s campus after many decades brought a wave of emotion.
“I lived here for ten years of my life, to see it now, to come back, it brings back memories,” Ms. Mendez said.
She hopes the impact of Ina goes beyond the classroom for future generations.
“I know that a lot of these teachers are educating these children to the max,” Ms. Mendez said. “I would hope that some… would come back and be teachers, and administrators, and media clerks, and campus supervisors. That would be my dream.”
Valerie Warhop, a former student of Ina, now has a granddaughter at the school who is continuing a multi-generational family connection with the school.
“The same values that were instilled in me, those same values are instilled in my granddaughter,” Ms. Warhop said. “So it's a good feeling.”
Current JUSD teachers Beth Van Den Raadt and Connie Dam continue to feel that sense of pride and connection that continues to define the school today.
“Seventy years is a big milestone, and a lot of kids came through here, and they're very successful, so it's nice. It's nice to be part of that.” Ms. Van Den Raadt said
As the school looks ahead, that commitment to connection, care, and success remains a priority.
“Ina Arbuckle represents what we represent as a school district,” said Dr. Trenton Hansen, Superintendent of JUSD. “We are a district of educators who care about our students, who create community amongst our families, students, teachers, and our staff. And we focus on kindness, care of our students, and hope for their success.”
The school was named after a longtime JUSD educator, Ina Arbuckle. The campus reflects her legacy in fostering community and togetherness.
“This school was very special in the fact that it was named after my aunt, my great aunt. I started here when it opened.” said Linda Chard, former JUSD Board Member from 2014 to 2020. Ms. Chard was also an Ina student and worked as the Principal’s Secretary at Ina for several years.
“The community knew her very well, and they’d see her at the grocery store or on the street, and they’d say, ' Oh, Mrs. Arbuckle, how is your class this year?’ ‘Oh, it's the best one yet,’ and that’s what she said every year that she taught,” Ms. Chard said. | | |
| Frame-worthy Fun |  | 3/19/2026 7:00:00 AM |
Jurupa Middle School’s bold drumline welcomed community members to the We heART the ARTs event in late February. The sound of their bass drums, cymbals, and xylophones captured the attention of visitors as they found their way to the Jurupa Unified Education Center. Jurupa Unified School District hosted the first We heART the ARTs event to showcase Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs and student creativity.
“Students, parents, and teachers were invited not only to attend, but to engage in the art activities and performances,” said Dr. Mary Boules, Coordinator of Expanded Learning Opportunities and Visual Arts. “The arts, in a unique way, (gives) the opportunity to bring out the best and the creative nature of our students.”
Families enjoyed exciting performances, including Granite Hill Elementary’s international folk dance, Mira Loma Middle School’s choir, and Rubidoux High School’s color guard. Attendees expressed their creativity by contributing to a heart mural, decorating masks, creating pins, and dancing and singing with VAPA teachers and students.
All of the hands-on activities families participated in were part of JUSD’s exciting VAPA program. Jurupa Unified offers VAPA instruction from Transitional Kindergarten to 12th grade. Seven VAPA teachers support the arts at all elementary schools.
Hannah Moreno, Mission Bell Elementary sixth grader, grew confident and became an involved student after she joined band.
“Even though it seems challenging, I stay focused on doing what I love thanks to being in band,” Hannah said.
Being in band helped Hannah learn to get outside of her comfort zone, to communicate, and to be a problem solver, she said. Now, she is the treasurer of the EarlyAct club and is a cheerleader.
“There are so many benefits of art education for students,” said Juana Rodriguez, Patriot High School theatre teacher. “It is vital for their creativity and to give them an outlet outside of their core subjects and companionship.”
Patriot High School’s Dramatis Personae theatre invited audience members to become part of their performance and act alongside them.
“I love educating people (about) theatre. I just want everyone to know about (theatre) and the passion that I feel,” said Samantha Banuelos, Patriot High School 12th grader.
Samantha also found confidence, comfort, and direction when she joined theatre as a freshman.
“I realized I have a brighter future further from high school,” said Samantha. “The friends I have made along the way in theatre have made me the person that I am.”
Samantha plans to major in Zoology at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, but theatre influenced her to become an educator, she said.
For Matthew Uribe, an eighth grader in Jurupa Middle School’s drumline and choir, music teaches him life lessons and new skills.
”I play music, and it helps (me) to focus and to relieve (stress) to have fun,” said Matthew. “(Music) makes you find new friends.”
Matthew has loved music since a young age and plans to continue his interests in choir or drumline next year in high school.
“After elementary, students (can) hone in on their passions and skills,” said Dr. Boules. “There are so many avenues that our students can take. I am so proud of our VAPA team from elementary to high school because of the love that they instill in our students to explore and use their imaginations and really let the arts take over and let them be expressive in their nature.“
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| 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year |  | 2/27/2026 8:00:00 AM |
Congratulations to our Jurupa Unified School District 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year! These phenomenal educators are passionate about their students and school community. This year’s honorees are
Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Alexandra Rangel, Peralta Elementary School
Mrs. Rangel is the kind of person you can always count on. She does so much to support students and help them grow. Outside of her classroom, she is always stepping up for the school community as a whole and helps wherever needed. Mrs. Rangel works hard behind the scenes and leads by example through her dedication, reliability, and genuine care for students and coworkers, and she truly goes above and beyond every day.
Middle School Teacher of the Year – Krystal Thiessen, Mission Middle School
Ms. Thiessen does so much for Mission Middle School. She is the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Site Coordinator, Yearbook and Newspaper Advisor, 8th-Grade English Language Arts Data Team Lead, and the Chair of the Instructional Leadership site team. From coordinating spirit weeks, to planning college field trips and leading professional development programs, Ms. Thiessen continually invests in the Mission Middle School community. Her commitment to developing student leaders has made a tremendously positive impact on campus, and the MMS team appreciates her hard work and dedication to students and staff.
High School Teacher of the Year – Heather McIntosh, Patriot High School
Heather is a transformative leader and the architect of Patriot’s school-wide literacy initiative, skillfully "training the trainers" across all disciplines. As a collaborative team lead and a vital member of the Advanced Placement vertical alignment team, her impact is felt campus-wide. Heather also supervises two clubs and even provided personal funds for the "Warriors are Readers" program to ensure every student has access to books that inspire them. Beloved by her students, she balances academic mentorship with bi-weekly mental health check-ins, ensuring every Warrior feels seen, supported, and challenged. Heather’s selfless investment in Patriot’s campus culture embodies the spirit of an exemplary educator. Ms. “Mac” truly empowers every Warrior.
Our teachers and employees of the year will be recognized at the JUSD Celebrating Educations event in March.
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| Exceptional Futures |  | 2/27/2026 8:00:00 AM | The idea of sitting in an AP (Advanced Placement) physics class and learning the formula for velocity would intimidate anyone, especially an elementary student. It didn’t intimidate Briza Avila, a 6th-grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) student, on a field trip to Patriot High School earlier this month.
Briza says she enjoys the GATE enrichment activities because they challenge her.
Twenty-eight Glen Avon Elementary School GATE students visited Patriot High School classes to experience what it’s like to be a high school student. Students participated in various hands-on lessons in AP physics, AP psychology, honors biology, and an art class.
Jurupa Unified School District’s GATE program currently serves approximately 1,100 second to twelfth-grade students. The purpose of the GATE program is to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of gifted students.
“Academically, GATE students receive differentiated instruction that allows them to have more in-depth and complex (assignments),” said Donia Briones, Teacher on Special Assignment. “(Teachers) focus on academic discourse, executive functioning skills, inquiry-based projects that prepare (students) for the rigor that comes in high school, higher education, and beyond in their careers.”
GATE students might also feel a lot of pressure or anxiety from being a perfectionist, but teachers are trained to help students through those feelings, Ms. Briones said.
Students are eligible to join the GATE program through academic or cognitive testing, a referral from a parent, teacher, or administrator, or by demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, or creativity.
GATE students can also have exceptional aptitude in areas such as writing or creative art abilities. It doesn’t have to be math or science, said Cecilia Power, Glen Avon GATE Coordinator. “An exceptional student could be the one who’s always asking questions, who’s curious,” she said.
Once a month after school, Ms. Power hosts enriching STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lessons that interest her GATE students. She often collaborates with the University of California, Riverside, to bring interactive lessons to her students. UCR students have brought insects, solar telescopes, and hands-on science activities from various science departments.
“A big strength of the GATE program is the GATE coordinators at the school sites and the teachers that support GATE students in their classrooms,” Ms. Briones said. “They are the heart of the GATE program and supporting our GATE students.”
Ms. Power reached out to Patriot two years ago to coordinate a visit for her GATE students. This year marked their second trip, and they are excited for more in the future.
“It’s important to allow (elementary students) the high school experience and the (facilities) available at a high school,” said Chris Case, Patriot High School Advanced Placement Coordinator.
Eleventh-grade GATE student Abbygail Ruiz and her AP psychology peers led interactive lessons to teach Glen Avon students how their brain works.
“Students came up with collaborative rotating stations to keep the students engaged and for Patriot High students to learn how to interact with children,” said Samantha Pinney, AP psychology teacher. “When (elementary students) have something to look forward to in high school with experiences like this program, it continues to motivate them.”
Providing these experiences for GATE students serves their needs. “Their brains are developing at a faster rate than their bodies are. That can be hard for students to navigate and they have social needs to be around other like-minded peers that challenge them academically.” Ms. Briones said.
Abbygail was classified as a GATE student at Camino Real Elementary and credits that experience to her academic success as a high school student. Abbygail is also enrolled in AP physics, AP language and composition, and is interested in pursuing psychology in college.
“I think (GATE) gave me confidence in my academics. Growing up, I was really hard on myself, but because I was in this (program), I was able to understand that I am more than capable of what I want to do,” said Abbygail. “My academics now are a reflection of the GATE (program).”
If you would like to learn more about recommending your student to the GATE program, please visit https//jurupausd.org/our-district/edserv/GATE/Pages/default.aspx.
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