| Congratulations, JUSD Administrators! |  | 5/30/2025 7:00:00 AM | Congratulations to our incredible JUSD administrators who recently earned honors. The following were recognized as Administrators of the Year for ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) Region XIX ⭐Veronica Gonzalez, Director of Education-Information Technology ⭐Paula Ford, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services ⭐Denise Hernandez, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources ⭐Daniel Brooks, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services ⭐ Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services Monty Owens has been honored with the Outstanding Leadership in Education Award, a joint recognition from the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). ⭐Dana Toland, Director of Maintenance & Operations, has earned the Tracey L. Case Memorial Classified Champion award from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region XIX ⭐Rubidoux High School Principal Kevin Corridan has been recognized as WRCASM’s (Western Riverside County Association of School Managers) Secondary Principal of the Year. We are so proud of our administrators for their leadership and dedication to student success. | | |
| One Student, One Story |  | 5/30/2025 7:00:00 AM | This graduation season, Dr. Hansen visited with seniors as they prepare for the future and reflect on their journeys thus far. You can view Dr. Hansen’s interviews with these students in our special graduation edition of
On the Road with Dr. Hansen . We’re excited to introduce you to these outstanding members of the Class of 2025.
Jurupa Valley High School – Johnathan Mangini Johnathan has completed several Career Technical Education Pathways and was in the first JUSD cohort of students to complete a pre-apprenticeship program with the IEETC (Inland Empire Electrical Training Center) and IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He also has served as chair of JUSD’s CTE Advisory Committee. He looks forward to continued training as an electrician or working as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician.
What he’s taking away from JUSD “One of the things I’ve learned is perseverance. Just keep going and trying.”
Advice for his peers “It really depends on where you want to go. If you want to go to college, if you want to go to work right after high school, whatever the answer to that question is, is correct. It’s up to you…it’s the mindset. Get up and do it.”
Nueva Vista High School - Abel Pineda
Abel plans to attend Riverside Community College after graduation to pursue a career as an automotive technician. After facing some obstacles early in his high school career, he found success at Nueva Vista and looks forward to the future.
What he’s taking away from JUSD “All the teachers I’ve gotten have always looked out for me and always wanted me to reach my best potential.”
Advice for his peers “The best piece of advice I can give is to not be scared to ask for help.” “Be disciplined…no matter what, as long as you stay disciplined and keep going…everything will go good.”
Patriot High School - Lizette Mendoza
Lizette is among only 14 percent of students in the nation selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy. To gain acceptance to the prestigious military academy, Lizette had to meet a series of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership standards. She also received a nomination from U.S. Congressman Mark Takano. She has a passion for flying and serves as President of the Patriot High Young Aviators of Tomorrow Club.
What she’s taking away from JUSD “I feel very supported throughout my entire high school career. I just feel like the environment here at JUSD is very supportive.”
About the application process for the Air Force Academy “I learned a lot about myself (and) a lot about the mental barriers that I had to break in order to really fulfill my fullest potential, and to show the academy that I am a deserving candidate. With a lot of support behind me, I was able to accomplish it.”
Advice for her peers “Do what you love. Do what your heart draws you toward. As long as you have that self-motivation, that discipline in yourself, you’re able to conquer anything you put your mind to.”
Rubidoux High School - Angela Martinez
Angela was among the small percentage of high-achieving high school seniors to be named finalists for the prestigious Gates Scholarship. She also earned numerous other scholarships and honors and has been a dedicated Rubidoux Early College High School (RECHS) student, with concurrent enrollment in several college courses. She has also completed several Advanced Placement (AP) classes. She will attend UC Santa Barbara in the fall, where she plans to major in political science in preparation for a career as a lawyer.
What she’s taking away from JUSD “The drive that I had and the motivation I had, knowing that coming to study in the United States was a privilege… drove me to continue this journey and get to where I stand today.
I realize that I’m not always going to be the best. I’m not always going to win at everything. That kind of humbled me and made me learn a lesson. I can try, and if I don’t win, or if I don’t succeed, it’s perfectly fine.”
Advice for her peers “Take advantage of every single opportunity you have.”
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| Fostering Hope |  | 5/30/2025 7:00:00 AM |
The challenges foster youth face can also serve as the source of their strength. JUSD’s team of caring educators works hard to foster hope by helping students value their strength and resilience, showing them empathy and grace, and connecting them with resources available to help them move toward a promising future. Targeted programs and resources are available to foster youth year-round and are highlighted in May, which is National Foster Youth Awareness Month.
“We're making sure that we’re creating those safe spaces and building those trusting relationships with them, when often these student populations are not getting that access,” said Mariana Lopez Ramos, JUSD Foster and McKinney-Vento Counselor. “They go through such difficult circumstances…we need to embrace them. We need to make them feel seen, and we want to make sure that we hear them. I want the general population to see their potential and their resilience, to empathize but not pity.”
JUSD serves 162 foster youth. These students encounter challenges that can interfere with their academic success. JUSD’s team of counselors and liaisons, available at every JUSD campus, helps to connect these students with the support they need to be successful.
“Our foster students, they’re very, very resilient…they have this motivation in them, but a lot of them, because of all of the things that they go through, they need extra compassion, extra support and grace,” said Casie Mann, Student Management and Accountability Counselor at Patriot High School. Students are connected with liaisons at their schools who can help them find help for a variety of needs access to mental health supports, information about graduation credit supports and post-secondary education programs, resources for basic needs such as food and clothing, and more. They also find a supportive community of adults and peers whom they can lean on when needed.
“A lot of times, the students who are in foster care are not aware of the different resources that we as a district can provide and the resources that the community can provide to them to help them navigate their journey in foster care,” said Olga Alferez, JUSD Director of Educational Equity.
“It’s important that we have tailored services and supports for our foster youth because often they live in such unstable environments that we want to make sure we’re nurturing these youth,” Ms. Lopez Ramos added.
Services available to foster youth were recently highlighted at the district’s first JUSD EmpowerHER Spring event for JUSD female foster youth. Organizers hope to hold a similar event for other foster youth in the future. At the April event, students heard from peers and educators, were connected with a wide variety of resources and services, and had an opportunity to see that they were not alone. That feeling of loneliness is something student panelist Gemini understands.
“There was a point in my life where I gave up, and I thought that I was the only one who went through what I went through. She added that she hoped she was able “to let (other students) know that they can still try, and there’s hope out there.”
Challenges at home, court dates, frequent moves, and other issues can lead to absenteeism or difficulty in school, for example.
“Sometimes school is just not really our priority,” Gemini said. “There’s other stuff that goes on. Sometimes school can be too much for us. Just be patient and understanding.”
The Riverside County Office of Education is facilitating the development of an app that will make those resources even easier for students to find. Gemini and other foster youth gave critical input that will be used to develop the app, which will be used across Riverside County, and potentially the state of California.
“It’s important for our educators to hear from our foster youth because they are the ones with the richness in their lived experience, and they’re the ones who can best guide us to how to best support them.” Ms. Lopez Ramos said. “When I see students being vocal, speaking up, or at least helping one another, it just gives me such joy.”
“There’s so much value in their untold stories.” Watch the video series here. | | |
| Not Someday, but Today |  | 4/30/2025 7:00:00 AM |
High school students work tirelessly toward their diplomas across the Jurupa Unified School District. However, dual enrollment (DE) students simultaneously earn college credits, effectively taking action toward their future while saving time and money.
The DE program started at Rubidoux High School (RHS) under a different name, which is still offered today Rubidoux Early College High School (RECHS).
All four JUSD high schools offer the DE program.
RECHS is a DE program that allows students to take Riverside City College (RCC) online classes while in high school .
"It’s incredible to see how much it’s grown to all high schools throughout the district and surrounding districts,” said Autumn Albin, Teacher on Special Assignment for Student Management and Accountability, and RECHS Coordinator at RHS.
“Being a senior includes a lot of stress when you apply to a four-year university, if that’s our choice,” said RHS Senior, Brenda Alvarado. “This program has helped m e with those choices because I’ve gotten a head start on core classes such as English, and it helps me towards my college career.”
RECHS and DE programs have demonstrated that students want to take control of their futures and can manage college courses.
“Our 'why' is rooted in a belief that every student deserves the opportunity to see themselves as a college student, not someday, but today,” Ms. Albin said. “We lead this work to break down the traditional barriers that often limit access to higher education, especially for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.”
Students at RHS take courses that are taught by RCC professors online, allowing them to participate in group discussions and projects with college students.
“It helped me not only connect with students here, but also students at (RCC).” RHS senior Danna Gonzalez said.
Although challenging, students learn to study independently, schedule and plan, and be accountable.
“By easing the transition between high school and college, students gain confidence in their ability to succeed in a more rigorous academic environment,” said Michelle Markham, Coordinator II of Secondary Education. “Participation in dual enrollment demonstrates initiative and ambition, which can strengthen college applications and improve future academic and career prospects.”
Unlike RHS, both Patriot High School (PHS) and Jurupa Valley High School (JVHS) offer in-person courses taught by JUSD teachers.
“Throughout this process, I was able to get hired on as an adjunct professor at Riverside City College, and so I kind of wear two different hats. During the day, I’m a high school teacher, and then come late afternoon, I’m a college professor in my own room.” Kyle Reed Said, Career Technical Education teacher for the Graphic Design Pathway at PHS.
Students can explore a variety of topics from calculus and English to graphic design.
“It has helped me explore my options. It’s nice to take different types of classes to weigh my options on what I want to do.” PHS senior, Melissa de la Rosa said.
JUSD teachers who have become DE instructors notice that the DE also allows students to learn rigorous material while having support and guidance along the way.
“The students get walked through and guided on how to enroll into Norco because they have to enroll as students over there, fill out the application, get accepted, and then they enroll in their own classes,” said Flor Valdez, math, AVID teacher at JVHS and calculus professor via Norco City College. “So all of that is being supported through our career center and our counselors.”
“Regardless of the fact that it's hard or not, I feel like it's a challenge that anybody can take on because I feel like it's definitely doable,” JVHS Senior, Desirae Jaurequi said. “There’s a lot of opportunities for you to succeed.” | | |
| Fun for All: JUSD’s First Functional Skills Field Day | .png) | 4/30/2025 7:00:00 AM |
On a sunny spring day, the Rubidoux High field buzzes with activity. Students smile and laugh as they run under a bright parachute, navigate obstacle courses, play catch, and enjoy time with friends.
JUSD’s first Functional Skills Field Day included outdoor games and play that most students participate in every day. But for students in the district’s Functional Skills program, it was an extra special opportunity to feel included. It was a day all about them.
“The Functional Skills Field Day is a day to be around each other, have fun, and enjoy companionship,” said Director of Special Education Sylvia Bottom.
For the first time at Jurupa Unified, every Functional Skills class participated in outdoor adaptive physical education (PE) activities. Every student from preschool to the Adult Transition program, ages 18 - 21, laughed, danced, and played with their classmates at every station they visited.
“Students with disabilities often get left out or they sit on the sidelines, so it’s so important that you’re always finding a way for them to play too,” said Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Jordan Badders.
Students were fully immersed in the experience.
Elementary students smiled ear to ear as they ran from one end to the other under the colorful rainbow parachute held by Rubidoux High School Associated Student Body (ASB) students.
Some Patriot High Students donned warrior football jerseys and played a modified game of cornhole alongside Nutrition Services staff while others played a game of seated volleyball nearby.
The Functional Skills program supports students with special needs who need extra guidance. These students learn skills to be more independent as they grow up. Adaptive Physical Education is offered for students who are not able to participate in general education PE classes and need more support and modifications.
Adapted games with different ways to play allowed students with different abilities to engage in the same games. For example, obstacle courses that usually require students to run and jump over hurdles were modified with pool noodles that students jumped over, crawled, or went around.
“It’s so awesome to bring the equipment out here and let (students) perform any activities just like their classmates and just like any other typically developing peer,” School Physical Therapist Megan Borjan said. “They can do it in a safe manner, and they feel so engaged and feel a part of the group.”
Gait trainers, equipment that facilitates walking mobility, were available for students who use wheelchairs to allow them to play a modified standing dart game with their friends.
The fun included reunions between students and staff. Pedley Elementary School Functional Skills Teacher Dinah Palagi reunited with her students in the Adult Transition program, who were once her students.
“One of the highlights was our students seeing their old friends who have moved on to the adult program or the friends they had in middle school… seeing their former teachers and support staff and meeting their future teachers,” said Education Specialist Tina Watson. “They shared stories and memories… and (built) on the special bonds that they have with one another.”
Students also created new friendships with Rubidoux High’s ASB who were at every station leading the activities and games
“It makes me happy to be with them. It brought a lot of joy to us,” said Rubidoux ASB President Alberto Avila. “It was good for my ASB and their leadership skills, and it helped (us) grow as people.”
Nutrition Services also provided lunch for everyone and swag bags with water, squish balls, toys, and stickers for the youngest students.
“This is all a part of the Systems of Support that we do every day. We support students at so many different levels that no matter what the student’s needs are, we will help them and find the right type of program support for them,” said Ms. Bottom.
Ms. Bottom hopes this becomes an annual event for the Functional Skills program.
“This is just another opportunity for (students) to see that they are important too and that this is all for them,” said Ms. Badders. “At the end of the day, they are all children that just want to… have fun and play with their friends.” | | |
| A Guiding Hand | .png) | 4/30/2025 7:00:00 AM |
W hile mo st students in Ms. Palagi’s fourth-fifth-grade Functional Skills class were excited about their bowling field trip, fifth-grader Mason was not.
Mason has a difficult time going to new places, but Student Attendant Aide Emily Wagers is there to help. Ms. Wagers guided Mason as he adjusted to the new environment. He remained nervous until he rolled the ball for the first time down the lane and knocked down the pins.
“This is so fun!,” Ms. Wagers recalled hearing Mason say. She noticed that his mood completely changed
He began enjoying the trip and cheering on his friends. When the class returned to school at the end of the day, Ms. Wagers welled up with tears when she heard Mason say, “This is the best day ever!”
“The main thing that I am trying to do working with these kids (is to) let them know that you can do this, even if you’re scared, you can do this,” said Ms. Wagers.
Ms. Wagers has worked as a student attendant aide for 10 years, giving individualized attention and support to one student in Pedley Elementary School’s Functional Skills class. Ms. Wagers was recently recognized as “Best of the Best” in January 2025. Best of the Best is awarded to those nominated by their colleagues for their outstanding work.
How do you support students in the Functional Skills classroom?
“I provide individualized support to students (who) may need extra help on the playground or in the classroom. I also can help with other students, but really, I have one student that I work with.
The student might need extra prompts throughout the day or reminders. (I help them) when we go out in the community, so they won’t get lost, they need extra guidance and a hand.
I also run (student) groups or work on their goals with them. If they have higher needs in math, then I can pull them aside… such as reading or anything like that.”
What led you to become a student attendant aide?
“I come from a family of educators, so I have always kind of been around in the classroom. I just really have a passion for working with students with special needs. My sister was… a student attendant aide, and she was telling me about it, and I felt like that was calling me, so I decided to be a student attendant aide. It’s been amazing, I love it.”
What is the most rewarding part of being a student attendant aide?
“Just seeing the growth with the students. They can come in and not know how to read, and by the end of the year, they are reading books. Watching their growth academically but also through their life skills – learning how to tie their shoe, how to go to the restroom on their own… communicate, or say good morning to you when they maybe have never looked up from the ground. It’s just so rewarding, it really is.
That bond that you build with them is truly amazing, and it’s great to see how far they come in junior high and high school. It’s really cool.”
W h at benefits do you feel students get from having a student attendant aide in the classroom?
“My hope is that they gain independence and don’t need me to be around. My main goal is to show them and teach them so that they can feel comfortable doing things on their own.”
When students promote to middle school, do you go with them?
“I stay here (at Pedley), but it’s actually for their benefit, because then they become too attached, and they are counting on me, and I want them to be able to succeed with (anyone). Most functional skills teams stay as a unit, so (students are) comfortable with them.”
“I love working in functional skills. The teamwork we have with the staff makes all the difference. Having the same passion as the team makes for a good work environment.”
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| A Model Community |  | 3/31/2025 7:00:00 AM |
S eni or Abel Pineda credits Nueva Vista High School with helping him forge a path toward a brighter future.
Nueva’s smaller campus community gave Abel a chance to build relationships with his teachers, get involved in the Associated Student Body (ASB), and make progress toward earning his high school diploma. He now looks forward to graduating this spring and then attending Riverside City College to pursue a career as an automotive technician.
”When I first got here I had 30 credits, and now I’m on the path to graduate,” Abel said. “I’m looking forward to going to college.”
Abel is just one of Nueva Vista’s many success stories. The school’s innovative programs and successful outcomes resulted in the school being named one of 74 Model Continuation High Schools in the state of California. The designation makes Nueva Vista a standout among the state’s 429 continuation high schools.
“It justifies the incredible work that our staff and community members are a part of,” said Nueva Vista High School Principal James Wandrie.
Nueva Vista serves a student body consisting of mostly juniors and seniors who are behind in credits and at risk of not graduating. Because Nueva Vista is on a quarter system, students can earn credits toward graduation faster and graduate at various points throughout the year.
“We consider ourselves the last line of defense for regular public education,” Mr. Wandrie said.
The school has numerous programs designed to keep students engaged and supported.
“Once they experience that …extra love and care that our staff are so good at providing to our students…they start to realize, ‘hey, I do have something to offer, and I do have some talents and skills.’ Many of our Nueva students rise to the occasion and they’re doing extraordinary work, they’re making great progress,” Mr. Wandrie said.
Special programs also support student success. The school’s two Career Technical Education pathways – IT Service Technician and Distribution and Logistics – allow students to learn marketable skills while earning certifications that can help them gain future employment. Students also can participate in a Dual Enrollment program, allowing them concurrent enrollment in college courses.
Nueva Vista also has a unique fifth-year program to assist those who need a little longer than the traditional four years to complete high school.
“In the past, our fifth-year seniors, if they didn’t complete the program within the time they are … given, they would typically just drop out," Mr. Wandrie said. "Our staff had a problem with that. We have a teacher dedicated to just supporting fifth-year seniors. Their schedule is different from everybody else's. They get more one-on-one support.”
Student support is a hallmark of the Nueva Vista program. Abel said connections with teachers and access to important resources made a difference for him.
“The Career Center helped a lot,” he said. “They bring a lot of different programs and colleges and sometimes they even bring the Marines and the Army. They give presentations to us and that’s helped me out a lot and that’s helped me focus more and think about what I really want to do after high school.”
Fellow senior Luis Sanchez plans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after he graduates this spring. He said the school helped him build confidence and gain important communication and leadership skills. Luis serves as Nueva Vista’s representative to the Board of Education, is active with the Associated Student Body, and is a member of the JUSD Strategic Communications Department’s School Communicators United in Leadership team.
“Being able to help out around the school has helped me out as a person. I feel better for helping out,” Luis said.
Mr. Wandrie said hope is essential to every Nueva Vista student’s success.
“Our students…they’re just experiencing a setback, it doesn’t mean their entire future is dictated,” Mr. Wandrie said. “Setbacks are just a part of life, and we want our students to grow from those experiences and help them to overcome. Once we get them back on track, we want to expose them to endless possibilities.”
“It’s about making sure that our kids feel welcome, making sure that they feel supported, and reminding them that everyone has second, third, and fourth chances," he said. "We just have to take advantage of them when they are presented to us.” | | |
| 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year |  | 3/31/2025 7:00:00 AM |
C o ngratulations to our Jurupa Unified School District 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year!
These remarkable educators are passionate about their students and school communities.
This year’s honorees are
Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Luz Salazar, Troth Street Elementary School
Ms. Salazar is described as an exceptional teacher who truly goes above and beyond for her students. She consistently makes time during recess and lunch to work with those who need extra help, showing dedication to their success. Her patience and compassion are unmatched, especially when it comes to supporting students with challenges. Luz's deep commitment to her students and their growth makes her an incredible educator and a cherished presence.
Middle School Teacher of the Year – Leanna Schlesener, Mission Middle School
Ms. Shlesener is described as an exceptional educator who exemplifies leadership, dedication, and unwavering support for students and colleagues. As the Associated Student Body (ASB) advisor, Leanna fosters a strong sense of school spirit and student involvement, creating an environment where students feel valued and empowered. She also serves as the English Language Arts (ELA) 8 Data Team Lead and School Culture Lead, shaping a positive and inclusive school climate.
High School Teacher of the Year – John Gunty, Jurupa Valley High School
Mr. Gunty’s humor, creativity, and support leave a lasting impact on students and staff alike. Students deeply value his engaging and meaningful teaching methods. He played a vital role in preparing for the recent WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) visit and completing the WASC report, showcasing his dedication to Jurupa Valley’s success. As a tennis coach, he inspires students to grow and excel.
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| Finding Their Way | .png) | 3/31/2025 7:00:00 AM |
Over 1,000 students walked around Patriot High’s gym clutching flyers, branded pens, and stickers from local businesses and colleges. Students excitedly put on paper nurse caps from a local nursing school, thinking about their future in healthcare. As students walked around the Southern California Trades Tour and met industry representatives, they imagined all the possibilities available after graduation.
Patriot High School hosted the Southern California Trades Tour in their school gym for the first time in February. Students met with over 40 industry representatives in construction, law enforcement, community colleges, trade schools, health care, and more. Jurupa Unified staff departments also participated, including Human Resources, Maintenance and Operations, and the Jurupa Adult School.
High school juniors and seniors from across the district participated in the Trades Tour.
“We are one family. We are the JUSD family. Why not bring our district partners and celebrate together and have opportunities presented to everybody?” said Patriot Assistant Principal of Athletics, Activities, and Facilities Eric Hammond. “We want to create connections for our (students) for life after high school.”
Teacher on Special Assignment Robert Green organized the tour to stop at Jurupa Unified after visiting a Southern California Trades Tour in West Covina earlier this year.
“The skills trades are something that we are trying to get more exposure to for our (students),” said Teacher on Special Assignment, Robert Green. “The goal for students is to see a wider variety of career possibilities.”
Students’ interactions with industry representatives went further than their time in the gym. The Trades Tour allows students and representatives to stay connected afterward for more information.
“(We) are trying to get students interested in the trades. They can take (the skills) to just about anywhere they want,” said Event Manager/High School Outreach for The Fab School, Victor Angon.
Jurupa Unified currently offers 27 Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways ranging across 11 industry sectors at all high schools.
Patriot High School Junior Zane Fulmer is interested in firefighting but participated in the Trades Tour to explore other careers.
“There are trades that I don't even know about, and I think it’s really cool to get to know… and understand different jobs,” Zane said.
“For students to have the best chance to succeed, they need to have a wider variety to choose from,” Mr. Green said. “Every student is different and… in order to meet the individual needs of students, we want to offer a greater variety in our career exploration.”
“The Southern California Trades Tour is an exciting opportunity for our students to learn more about the wide variety of possibilities available to them,” said JUSD Superintendent Dr. Trenton Hansen. “There are many promising, lucrative career fields and training programs that our students might not be aware of. This event will help our juniors and seniors to learn about some of those opportunities so that they can begin planning their futures. I applaud the JUSD Career Technical Education team and thank our participating educational partners for making this event available.”
To learn more about JUSD CTE programs, visit
https//jurupausd.org/our-district/edserv/secondary/ccreadiness/Pages/Career-Technical-Education.aspx
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| Blossoming Readers |  | 3/31/2025 7:00:00 AM |
R u bidoux High School students thoughtfully browse the library selection at Pacific Avenue Academy of Music, picking out storybooks and laying them out on kids-sized tables in the library. A buzz of excitement and a tinge of nervousness are in the air as their Book Buddies, elementary students, show up in a single-file line. Book Buddies is a program that has been ongoing for about two years. Rubidoux High School students volunteer their mornings, once a month, on late start days by walking to their neighboring elementary schools and reading to younger students.
Groups of students visit West Riverside Elementary, Rustic Lane Elementary, Pacific Avenue Academy of Music, and Ina Elementary schools.
Book Buddies helps engage younger students, familiarize them with reading, connect with them, and help them develop reading skills.
“In the beginning, they’re shy because they are meeting a new person. But once I start talking to them, asking questions, and then getting familiar with them, they start to open up more. They blossom into a new person, which I find is so interesting.” R HS Senior Megan Pelaez said.
High School students are trained by literacy coaches who go over how to read for elementary literacy. They learn finger tracking (using a finger to guide readers’ eyes along the text), vowels, and how to ask the younger students questions to keep them engaged.
“It’s just so great to come here and know that you’re being a good role model to these kids, getting them to read, getting them to experience new things, maybe they’ve never experienced before.” RHS Sophomore Elissa Ruiz said.
Book Buddies started with a group of 11 high school students. As the word spread, more students began to show up to volunteer. Now there are over 200 students who participate.
“We always do a meeting the day before Book Buddies so we can get students to sign up for which school they want to go to, and that library is absolutely packed with kids,” said RHS Librarian Terri Spencer. The success of Book Buddies has led to the start of a Book Buddy Club. Megan serves as the president of the club, which is fundraising to provide graduation cords and certificates for club participants.
“With the club, we are hoping that we have a strong peer leadership so that the students are able to now be the leaders and make that change… and maybe at some point, we have this big congregation of all the book buddies around here and celebrate the joy of literacy,” said Delia Toscano, Teacher on Special Assignment - Community Schools at RHS.
The excitement of Book Buddies has transferred over to the elementary students. Robbie Moreno, Pacific Avenue’s Elementary Media Center Clerk, has noticed his students get excited to pick out books that they want their older Book Buddies to read aloud to them.
“I think the best part about the program is hearing the students laughing and giggling with the Book Buddies. And noticing little details. I think the smaller group setting allows for a more intimate storytime.” Mr. Moreno said.
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