The Horizon
March 2025
Spring is here and with it comes warmer weather and fun school activities like concerts, proms, promotions, and graduations. Springtime also means testing season.
Testing might not seem like a fun topic, but it is an important one. State assessments, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) tests and other exams, are important in many ways. Testing data helps us to determine how well our students understand content standards and how we might adjust our instructional program to ensure that all students are learning grade-level concepts.
These tests also provide great practice for our students’ future success. As we move through adulthood, we encounter many tests on the way to achieving our goals. For example, we might take exams in college or for professional certifications or to drive a car. When we help our students learn sound test-taking strategies and skills, we help to set them up for lifelong success.
Some tips for helping your child to do their best on the tests are below:
Ensure they get enough rest and eat a good breakfast (important every day, including testing days). Remember, every JUSD student can access a free breakfast at school.
Make sure your child gets to school every day and on time.
Talk to your child about slowing down so they can read each question carefully and remind them to be mindful of the time remaining so they can pace themselves and try to answer as many questions as possible.
Tell your child how proud you are of them and how much they have learned this school year.
Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns about testing or your student’s academic progress. We are here to help.
JUSD has several outstanding programs in place to help our students succeed. In this month’s newsletter, you can read about just some of those. Our Book Buddies program allows high school students to read with their elementary school peers. This outstanding program supports literacy and cultivates leadership in our high school students. Our Career Technical Education programs also remain strong. High School students from across the district had an opportunity to learn about the vast array of careers and trades available at our first-ever SoCal Trades Tour. We are also home to a Model Continuation High School. Only 74 of 429 California continuation high schools were selected for this incredible honor.
This is also a season of recognition – for students and staff. I want to once again thank everyone in the Jurupa Unified community for all you do. It is appreciated. What you do matters, and you are all making a difference. Thank you for always striving to be: “Good. Better. Best.” in all you do.
High School students give back by sharing the joy of literacy
Rubidoux 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.” RHS Senior Megan Pelaez said.
Jurupa Unified's first-ever Southern California Trades Tour
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.”
Nueva Vista High School: 2025 Model Continuation High School
Senior 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.
Celebrating Educators Event
On March 13, JUSD celebrated our Employees of the Year with a special event held at Patriot High School. We are happy to share some images from this special event, including some photos captured by JVHS Senior Juan Pablo Garcia, one of our School Communicators United in Leadership (SCUiL) team members. Thank you to all who helped make this event possible and thank you to our outstanding employees for all you do!
Congratulations to 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. Schlesener 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.
Level Up For Test Success!
We will be in our state testing window soon and your students will be testing soon. We want your students to come to school prepared to do their very best. Below are some tips to help them do that:
Students should get plenty of rest the night before a test.
Students should eat a good breakfast on testing days (and remember, JUSD students can get free meals right at school).
Exercise is always important and helps to reduce stress.
On testing day, be sure your student arrives on time to school.
When taking the test, students should slow down and read the directions carefully.
Be mindful of the time and try your best to answer all questions.
Be confident, knowing you are doing your best.
You may also want to take practice tests with your students ahead of time to practice their skills. Free practice tests are available at: https://bit.ly/jusdpractice.
As always, if your child is struggling with a particular lesson or subject, be sure they ask their teacher for help.
Thank you for supporting your child’s success.
JUSD is the Place to Be!
Enroll today to save your spot for the 2025-26 school year and give your child the Jurupa Experience.
Jurupa Unified School District offers one of the highest graduation rates in Riverside County, highest college/career preparedness rate in Riverside County, 27 CTE Pathways, including programs that offer students industry certification, Dual Immersion language programs in grades K-12 and so much more.
Enroll today at: https://bit.ly/JUSDENROLL.
For more information, please call 951-416-1200 or email parentcenter@jusd.k12.ca.us
The JUSD Family Reading Challenge is back!
The JUSD Family Reading Challenge is back! Elementary school families can log their reading minutes NOW until May 2nd at 4 p.m. 📖
Schools with the most minutes read each week will be featured on social media.
Be sure to follow JUSD Superintendent Dr. Hansen on Facebook (JUSD Superintendent) and Instagram (@jusd_supt) for updates and mystery prize announcements.🤔🔎
Log your reading minutes on the same form: bit.ly/JUSDReadingChallenge24 or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
Congratulations, Speech Contest Winners
Congratulations to Patriot High School students Janett Romero and Viviana Marroquin, who were honored as recent speech competition winners. Janett won the annual Lions’ Club Speech Competition and Viviana won the annual Rotary 4-Way Test Speech Contest. Both students were recognized at the March 11 Board of Education meeting.
Congratulations, JUSD Administrators!
Congratulations to our outstanding administrators who recently earned honors. They include:
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 all have been recognized as Administrators of the Year honors for ACSA Region XIX.
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).
Additionally, Rubidoux High School Principal Kevin Corridan has been recognized as WRCASM’s (Western Riverside County Association of School Managers) Secondary Principal of the Year! Way to go!
JUSD Strategic Communications Wins Awards
The Strategic Communications Team had a rewarding experience at the 2025 CalSPRA (California School Public Relations Association) annual conference in San Diego.
The JUSD team won 9 awards this year. This year’s honors include:
Awards of Excellence
⭐Up to the Challenge (Writing) – for our story on the return of cursive writing to the elementary curriculum
⭐Daniel Loza – Garage Star – for our photo of Transportation team member Daniel Loza, who was honored as a Garage Star in 2023.
⭐Leading By Example – Our video about the JUSD Grad Walks.
⭐Classified Connectors – Our video about the Classified Ambassador program
Awards of Merit
⭐JUSD State of the District – for our 2024 State of the District event
⭐The Horizon – for our newsletter
⭐Focused on the Future – for one of our graduation photos (this one was at the JVHS graduation)
⭐JUSD Celebrates Diversity – for our social media campaigns
In addition, Communications and Public Relations Specialist Nidia Rojas Del Real received the Rising Star Award as one of the top new pr professionals in the state with 1-4 years of experience.
You see all of our award-winning projects at this link.