Sierra Soarings

As we step into another exciting semester, I want to thank you for your continued partnership in your child's educational journey. At Central Valley Charter Schools, we are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and connect with their peers, and it has been inspiring to see so many of you engaged in our school community.

To hear more about the incredible progress we've made and the opportunities ahead, I invite you to watch a brief video message from me, Superintendent Steph Johnson. In this video, I discuss the many ways we are working to build relationships, share important school updates, and highlight the programs that are enhancing student success.

• 🔗 Watch the Video (3 min, 29 sec)

Celebrating Growth & Looking Forward

This year, we have seen remarkable progress, particularly with the implementation of our Primary and Secondary Teacher pilot program, which launched this past fall. Our goal with this program is to provide greater support and expertise to our students, and we are excited to see the positive impact it has had so far.

Additionally, our intramural sports program has taken off with tremendous enthusiasm! With over 200 students participating, we’ve witnessed incredible teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Beyond sports, our e-sports teams and student clubs continue to thrive, offering students unique ways to build connections and pursue their passions.

We also recognize that independent study can present unique challenges. That’s why we remain dedicated to providing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) support at every tier. If your child needs additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to connect with their teacher for resources and guidance.

We Are All on the Same Team

At CVCS, we truly value our collaboration with families. Your involvement, feedback, and dedication make our school community stronger, and together, we are creating an environment where students can excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for being a vital part of our CVCS family.

Let’s continue to learn, grow, and soar together!

Warmly,
Steph Johnson
Superintendent, Central Valley Charter Schools

At Central Valley Charter Schools (CVCS), our faithful high school counselors are here to support students on their journey to graduation and beyond. Whether students are planning for college, exploring career options, or looking for ways to enhance their high school experience, our counselors provide personalized guidance every step of the way.

How Our Counselors Can Help

In addition to developing resources like the Winter 2025 Counseling Newsletter, our secondary counseling team—Carmen Marroquin and Yessenia Medina—are available by email, phone, or Zoom to assist students in the following areas:

• Progress Toward Graduation: Ensuring students stay on track with their high school coursework and meet all graduation requirements.

• College Readiness: Helping students fulfill A-G college entrance requirements to prepare for admission to universities.

• Concurrent Enrollment: Advising students on enrolling in college courses while still in high school to get a head start on their future education.

• College, Scholarships, and Financial Aid: Providing resources and guidance on college applications, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid processes.

• Career Exploration: Assisting students in identifying their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways.

Connect With a Counselor

Our counselors are here to help! Students and families can reach out via call, text, or email, or schedule a Zoom appointment for personalized support.

Carmen Marroquin
📞 Call/Text: 209-720-7177
✉️ Email: carmen.marroquin@centralvcs.org
📅 Make an Appointment

Yessenia Medina
📞 Call/Text: 209-720-7577
✉️ Email: yessenia.medina@centralvcs.org
📅 Schedule an Appointment

High school is an exciting and important time, and our team is committed to ensuring students feel supported as they prepare for their futures. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help Eagles soar!

At Central Valley Charter Schools (CVCS), we believe that a strong sense of community is essential for student success and family engagement. With students spread across a large geographical area, fostering meaningful connections can be a challenge—but it’s one we embrace wholeheartedly. Through creative and adaptable approaches, we continue to build a caring and supportive environment for our students and their families.

Bringing Students and Families Together

One of the most exciting ways we build community is through our Adventure Days and Hangouts! This year, we proudly hosted gatherings in twelve different locations, including Mammoth, Bakersfield, Visalia, Kingsburg, West Clovis, East Clovis, North Fresno, Northwest Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Marina. These events provide students with the opportunity to connect with peers, make new friends, and experience fun, hands-on activities, while parents benefit from meeting other families who share similar educational journeys.

Clubs and Activities for Everyone

We know that students thrive when they are engaged in activities they enjoy. Our Community Arts Educator team offers a variety of clubs for students of all ages. Whether a student is interested in music, arts, science, or other hobbies, there is a place for them to belong! Families can explore all available options in the Club Connect newsletter and join anytime.

Additionally, our Intramural Sports program has been a fantastic way for students to stay active and build teamwork skills. This year, soccer kicked off with an incredible response, bringing students together for friendly competition and outdoor fun. Up next—volleyball! With a full roster of eager athletes, we are looking forward to another exciting season.

Listening and Adapting to Our Community’s Needs

We take great pride in listening to student and parent feedback and continuously adapting our events to ensure they meet the needs of our diverse community. Every gathering and program is designed with connection in mind, making it easier for students to form friendships and for parents to find support among one another.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of this year, we are incredibly grateful for the participation, enthusiasm, and shared experiences that have made our CVCS community stronger. We look forward to another year of growth, engagement, and memorable connections!

*If you have any questions or suggestions regarding developing community at our schools, please feel free to reach out to community@centralvcs.org.

As we wrap up this edition of Sierra Soarings, we want to take a moment to celebrate the connections we’ve built together this year. We know that relationships are at the heart of education. That’s why we’ve been intentional about meeting families where they are—both virtually and in person—through our Connecting with the Supers events.

From Socials with Supers at parks across the region to Virtual Lunches and Open-House Q&A sessions, these gatherings have provided invaluable opportunities for us to hear from you, share updates, and strengthen our school community. Whether at an Adventure Day in Bakersfield, a Hangout in Fresno, or a virtual lunch online, we’ve loved getting to know you and learning how we can better support your educational journey.

Recently, we really enjoyed the Hangout at Orchid Park in Fresno, where we had the privilege of connecting with families. We got to see the joy on student faces as they played, learned, and grew together. As Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents, we—Steph Johnson, Maria Thoeni, and Jenny Plumb—are grateful for each opportunity to connect with you in meaningful conversations that strengthen our CVCS community.

Thank you for being part of the CVCS family. Your engagement, feedback, and partnership mean the world to us. We look forward to another year of learning, growing, and building even stronger connections!

With gratitude,
Steph Johnson, Maria Thoeni, and Jenny Plumb
Superintendent & Assistant Superintendents, Central Valley Charter Schools