This Week in KCUSD

Kings Canyon Unified is proud to celebrate one of our own — Ashlea Hunter, RSP teacher at Silas Bartsch K-8 School, who has been named this year’s Carolyn Dobbs' Special Education Teacher of the Year for the Central Valley.

Ashlea has been serving KCUSD students since 2015, working in various roles including as a resource teacher for students with mild to moderate disabilities and as an autism education specialist. At Silas Bartsch, she is known for her collaborative spirit, working closely with general education teachers and support staff to make sure her students are included, supported, and celebrated for their academic achievements.

Ashlea’s passion for advocacy reaches beyond the classroom. She is actively involved in the Down syndrome community, where she partners with parents, self-advocates, and policymakers to help create inclusive, meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels.

Please join us in congratulating Ashlea Hunter on this well-deserved honor! Your dedication and heart make a lasting impact on our students and our community.

At Kings Canyon High School, determination is paying off in powerful ways. A group of resilient seniors—each of whom has faced academic setbacks and personal challenges—are now preparing to take the next big step: college.

These students have worked hard to get back on track in order to graduate. One young woman, who became a mother during high school, found the support she needed at KCHS. Today, she’s not only graduating—she’s headed to Reedley College, with $6,000 in Cal Grants to help fund her education.

After speaking with students, KCHS staff realized that many of those heading to college didn’t have bank accounts—something required to receive their Cal Grant funds. In response, KCHS partnered with Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) to help.

Thanks to the support of EECU’s Reedley branch, which opened early to accommodate the students before school, each was able to open an account and take an important step toward financial independence and college readiness.

From overcoming adversity to planning for the future, these KCHS seniors are showing what it truly means to rise above.

It was a night of pride and Pirate spirit as Reedley High School’s ten outstanding Pirate Pillars were recognized at a recent KCUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Principal John Ahlin introduced each remarkable student, sharing highlights of their achievements, leadership, and community involvement.

These students truly embody what it means to be a Pirate—excelling in academics, radiating positivity, engaging in school life, and making a meaningful impact on both campus and in the community. Their dedication and drive set the standard for excellence at Reedley High.

Congratulations to the following Pirate Pillars:

Keizo Arakawa

Wasayef Ghannam

Alaina Toni Silva

Kanada Enns

Sophia Milton

Juan Gomez-Aguilar

Jayden Mendoza

Gracie Harder

Frances-Elizabeth Friend-Gutierrez

Ruby Marlene Gonzalez Carrillo

Orange Cove High School Principal Amanda Lopez Doerksen honored five students as the 2025 Titan Towers at a recent KCUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Each student had to meet several criteria to be considered for the award. These include having a 3.8 or above grade point average, completing at least one Advanced Placement class and one dual-enrollment course, meeting or exceeding standards in one area on the Smarter Balanced Assessment and showing a commitment to a club sport and taking a leadership role in one or both.

Students also completed 20 hours of school and community service each school year. Most of this year’s Titan Towers also completed a CTE pathway.

Congratulations to the following Titan Towers:

Alejandra Fonseca

Jazmin Isidro-Aguilar

Lizette Madera

Marissa Miramontes

Melissa Torres

Janette Medina, Bilingual Community Aide at Citrus Middle School was honored by Superintendent John Campbell with the “Service from the Heart” challenge coin—a special recognition given to individuals who go above and beyond to foster a positive, caring, and service-focused culture in Kings Canyon Unified.

Janette is the friendly face who welcomes students, families, and staff into the Citrus Middle School office. Her calm, warm presence immediately puts others at ease, and she’s always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Her dedication and supportive spirit make her an invaluable part of the Citrus team.

Lorena Reyes, Health Aide at McCord Elementary was presented with the "Service from the Heart" challenge coin by Superintendent John Campbell for always going above and beyond to create a positive, caring, and service-centered culture throughout our schools and departments.

Whether treating students who aren’t feeling well or communicating with concerned parents, she consistently creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Her dependability and dedication have made her an invaluable member of her school community.

To have your story or announcement included in This Week In KCUSD, or on district social media platforms, email Communications Director Alisha Gallon.

Email: gallon-a@kcusd.com
Website: kcusd.com
Location: 1801 10th Street, Reedley, CA, USA
Phone: 559.305.7193