The Horizon
September 2023
The school year is now in full swing, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to visit school sites and see our Vision in Action across the District.
One of our Focus Area Goals is Systems of Support. In this issue of The Horizon, we take a look at some of the ways JUSD provides support and resources for students and families.
We are proud to feature our Special Education program. JUSD offers Functional Skills classes for students with disabilities from preschool to age 22. This month, we highlight our Adult Transition Program, which offers adults with disabilities ages 18-22 the opportunity to gain technical and Professional skills that can prepare them for independence. This program is offered under the caring guidance of Education Specialists Geoffrey Holt and Adam Griffin.
We also are very excited about our Community Schools Program, which this year doubled in size from six to 12 campuses. JUSD is the only district in Riverside County actively operating Community Schools, with grant funding from the California Community School Partnership Program. Community Schools provide wraparound services to address the needs of the whole child.
There are so many different ways we work to support our students and families. You can learn more about these programs and services by visiting the Pupil Services page on our website: www.jurupausd.org. We also will keep sharing stories about the Jurupa Experience in this newsletter and our social media channels. Thank you for your support as we provide Learning Without Limits for every student!
Adult Transition students beautify JUSD campuses
Every other Thursday, a group of hard-working JUSD student volunteers heads to West Riverside Elementary. The students assist with the beautification of the school. They also learn life skills such as communication, employment, and collaboration. Teachers call “thank you” as the team makes their way through the rambling campus.
The group is part of the Jurupa Unified Adult Transition program. This program, run through the Jurupa Unified Special Education Department, serves students aged 18-22 who have a disability and are on a non-diploma track.
Family Workshops foster relationships
On a warm August evening, families gathered in the Troth Street Elementary School multipurpose room to enjoy crafts and games. They also fostered deeper relationships with their children, neighbors, and school community while learning about available resources.
The Family Fun Workshops, organized in partnership with the nonprofit Visión y Compromiso, are part of the Community Schools program and involve six weeks of interactive programs aimed at developing family relationships and skills. “It’s not only just coming to spend time with your child, but it’s also coming to learn about mental health,” said Jovanka Martinez, Community Schools teacher on assignment (TSA) at Troth Street.
JUSD educator helps students stay safe online
Tonya Coats knows the power and the danger of the cyber world and is working to help both teachers and students navigate their way through its sometimes tricky waters.
As a teacher on special assignment (TSA) - technology curriculum coordinator for JUSD’s Education-Information Technology team, Ms. Coats empowers teachers to integrate technology into their curriculum and helps guide students to become good digital citizens armed with knowledge and a sense of responsibility for themselves and others.
