Exciting renovations continue across Jurupa Unified. Four principals recently spoke about the newly completed and ongoing improvements at their schools:
Glen Avon Elementary
Funded by Measure EE, the modernization of Glen Avon Elementary resulted in a new office and library; 22 modernized classrooms; and new site landscaping.
“Students are excited to be back in the building,” shared Felicia Noel, Glen Avon's new principal. “Everything was new to them, especially the makerspace and the library. That area is phenomenal. One of the best I’ve seen in my twenty years of education.”
Glen Avon staff are enjoying the enhanced natural lighting in their classrooms thanks to added windows, as well as the many green spaces where students have the opportunity to work beyond four walls. Still to come is a bike track for TK and Kinder students; the resurfacing of the blacktop and parking lot; and a new playground structure.
The renovations are especially resonant after the school closures in March 2020. “To come back to something new and fresh, it just made them feel good,” shared Ms. Noel.
Van Buren Elementary
At Van Buren, the cafeteria received new flooring that is easier to maintain, with permanent mats that are safer for kids to walk upon. Maintenance and Operations also painted exterior doors, walls, and trim throughout the campus.
“They did something unique with our portables, where they tried to match the brick in our school,” shared Principal Veronica Gonzalez. “That lower piece that replicates the brick that we have around the school really tied everything together.”
Also in progress are renovations to the library and preschool room. The library, which was one small room, is expanding to include the room next door.
“One room will be the library room and the other room will be the makerspace,” explained Ms. Gonzalez. “It’s going to be called the Eagle’s Nest because we are Van Buren Eagles, and [this will be] the place where our kids can learn and grow until they are ready to fly away into middle school.”
Jurupa Middle School
Renovations funded by Measure EE remain ongoing at Jurupa Middle. Though a new main parking lot has been completed, the construction of a new office and eight-classroom building remains in progress. In the meantime, students are enjoying a remodeled library and makerspace as well as newly painted exterior doors.
“It is a big push here at Jurupa Middle School to increase literacy,” shared Principal Monika Montiel Turner. “We have an outstanding library tech who is going to nurture that process.”
Ms. Montiel Turner looks forward to the completed renovations, believing they will benefit students academically, emotionally, and culturally as a Panther family. But no matter how many changes occur, she maintains that alumni parents will always recognize their former home. “We’re still Jurupa Middle School behind our gates,” she said.
Jurupa Adult School
After break-ins during the initial school closures of March 2020, the Jurupa Adult School looked boarded up and abandoned, according to Principal Annamarie Montañez, Ed.D.
Now, with the 2021-2022 school year underway, the entire school has been repainted to match Rubidoux High School’s color scheme. “It had been many years since we’d had the school painted,” shared Dr. Montañez. “It just makes such a difference.”
Parking lot resurfacing is next on the list, along with the purchase of a marquee to advertise classes and events. Dr. Montañez believes the renovations will show her students that their school is important and valued by the district and community.
“Hopefully it will help to elevate the school culture and make them proud of where they attend,” she said.
