TVUSD COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Our new websites feature modern, easy-to-navigate, accessible designs that will make it easier for you to find the information you need. Whether you're searching for academic resources, lunch menus, school events, or board meeting details, you’ll find everything right at your fingertips. Key highlights include:

• Enhanced Language Translation for better accessibility.
• Easy access to TVUSD portals, calendars, and enrollment/registration directly from the district navigation bar.
• A streamlined Schools Menu to locate your campus quickly.
• Convenient icon buttons for important resources like reporting absences, lunch menus, and communication tools.
• A dedicated Parent & Guardian Resource Page offering a one-stop-shop for programs, forms, guidelines, and more.

Stay informed with the News & Events section, where you can find school newsletters, district updates, and upcoming events, all in one place.

To help you explore, we’ve created a quick tutorial to guide you through the new design and features. We’re excited to continue improving how we serve our students and families. Let us know your thoughts by submitting feedback through the Website Feedback Form.

Congratulations to CHS's Coach Ramer for guiding the Riverside County All-Stars to a resounding victory on Saturday, January 11th, at the RSA Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic. The team dominated San Bernardino County with an impressive 47-10 win.

•🏆 All Star Coach Ramer • Winning Head Coach

•🏆 All Star Caden Butler • Game MVP (2 TDs)

Thank you to our amazing community partners who have supported the TVUSD Attendance Challenge!

Three talented TVUSD students are making waves in the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Challenge, advancing to the regional finals with their innovative project and exceptional teamwork.

FLL is a competition combining robotics, engineering, and innovation to challenge students to solve real-world problems. Teams participate in four stages: Qualifiers, Regional Qualifiers, Regional Finals, and the World Festival. Each stage consists of two main components: the Robot Game, where students design and program robots to complete missions for points, and the Innovation Project, which challenges teams to propose solutions to real-world problems. This year's theme, SUBMERGED℠, focuses on ocean-exploration-related challenges.

Kiyara Gunawardena is the veteran of the team, a 5th grader from Abby Reinke Elementary School, and she spans her expertise in all areas—robot design, programming, and product innovation. "I have always loved STEM," Kiyara shared. "When I was in second grade, I co-hosted a science podcast for kids called BrainsOn, and I wrote my first book, Five Little Critters with Very Big Wishes. At school, my favorite event is the science fair.". FLL has played a pivotal role in shaping Kiyara's achievements. "I've learned so many skills in FLL I can't even count!" said Kiyara. "Troubleshooting, fixing inconsistencies, talking with experts, coming up with crazy ideas and turning them into practical solutions—most importantly, I've learned how to work in a team." This isn't Kiyara's first taste of success in FLL. In 2023, she worked with her previous team to win the Qualifiers, gaining valuable experience that she now shares with her current team. Her passion for STEM has even taken her to UC Davis's Bodega Bay Marine Lab, where she had the opportunity to meet with scientists. Through these connections, the team is able to engage with scientists, seeking their feedback and guidance on the project. Remarkably, one of their mentors continues to provide support while stationed in Antarctica.

Emma Rhee, a 5th grader from Jackson Elementary School, and Kaliyah Oliver, a 6th grader from Temecula Middle School, joined Kiyara in this FLL season and brought their own strengths to the team. Emma, excited about the coding part of the challenge, shared, "Creating the robot was fun, and coding it using Spike Prime (a coding software where you can drag blocks to create a code) was even more fun! I had to do many tests to make sure that the robot was behaving as it should, but my understanding of coding got much better because of it!" Kaliyah supported the team in building the robot and its attachments for the Robot Game. "I absolutely love it," Kaliyah said. "Sometimes, when I get stuck on something, I ask my teammates for help, or I do a quick brain break exercise to recharge and come back ready to tackle the challenge. Being part of this team makes it even better!" The team's innovation project, aptly named CORAL (Continuous Observation and Research for Aquatic Life), is a groundbreaking remote monitoring system designed by them to study and record data and footage and develop time-lapses of coral reefs over three months on the seabed. The scientists can utilize the device to monitor coral bleaching. With its unique cleaning mechanism design that was 3D-printed, CORAL prevents barnacle and algae buildup on its surface, ensuring clear footage. This innovative design seamlessly combines creativity with practicality in a way that's never been seen before, and the team is preparing to submit a patent for their idea.

Kiyara, Emma, and Kaliyah named their team "Bikini Bottom Brick Builders" by combining their passion for Minecraft and Kiyara's favorite cartoon, Sponge Bob Square Pants. It's no surprise that all three students are also GATE students with black belts in martial arts. Their coach, Warnaka Gunawardena, shares that they "never had any disagreements or arguments and worked to get the best outcome for the team. We are so proud of them and their accomplishments. Without all three members, there would not be a team performing at this level."

The Bikini Bottom Brick Builders will compete at the Regional Finals on January 19, 2025, at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, aiming to represent SoCal in the World Festival. They earned their place in the regional finals by winning back-to-back champion trophies in the qualifiers and the regional qualifier rounds. With close to 600 teams registered in the region, SoCal is considered one of the most competitive regions in the world for FLL. Their journey exemplifies how STEM education, teamwork, and mentorship can inspire students to innovate and make a difference.

TVUSD is incredibly proud of Kiyara, Emma, and Kaliyah for their achievements. Their determination and creativity reflect the very best of FIRST LEGO League. Congratulations, Bikini Bottom Brick Builders—best of luck at the regional finals!

We are thrilled to share a remarkable achievement by our talented students and dedicated visual arts teachers! Katie McGinnis from Bella Vista Middle School (BVMS) and Jennifer Cardoza from Margarita Middle School (MMS) recently led their students in an exciting integrated arts project inspired by the book The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.

After reading the book, students put their creativity into action by designing and crafting their own unique dresses. These creative works of art were submitted for consideration in the Riverside County Office of Education’s “Traveling Trunk Show” showcase. Out of an impressive 823 entries, judges selected two trunk shows featuring 100 dresses each. We are excited to announce that 18 of these spectacular designs were created by TVUSD middle school students!

Students whose designs were chosen will receive certificates and bookmarks from RCOE as recognition for their outstanding work. Additionally, one of the trunk shows will be displayed right here in Temecula at the Grace Mellman Community Library on March 22nd, giving our community the chance to admire these creations up close.

Congratulations to everyone involved! To learn more about this exciting project, visit the link below:

Click the images below to see the list of 18 finalists from TVUSD.

A number of TVUSD students wrapped up a remarkable semester of community service projects with two incredibly successful Days of Giving. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our students, staff, and the broader TVUSD community, they made a meaningful impact on both people and animals in need.

Here are some highlights:

• Binky Patrol: Students made 45 blankets to provide comfort to children in need.

• Operation Gratitude: Together, they created and decorated 528 heartfelt cards for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. Contributions came from:

  • RVHS: 133 cards
  • LES: 125 cards
  • CHS: 40 cards
  • NVES: 39 cards
  • TTES: 36 cards
  • Susan Nelson Seal Program: 24 cards
  • JES: 14 cards

• Hygiene Kits for the City of Temecula Resource Center: 45 kits were thoughtfully assembled to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Donations for New Hope Foundation Animal Rescue: They collected and donated nine large bags filled with towels, sheets, and blankets to help care for rescue animals.

This year, eight TVUSD schools participated in these impactful projects, demonstrating the power of teamwork and generosity. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making last semester truly special!

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins

The TVUSD Community High Five Program is designed to empower and encourage the community to acknowledge and appreciate the dedicated employees of the district. This program serves as a platform for parents, students, and local residents, to recognize and celebrate the relentless commitment and hard work put forth by district employees.

Fill out this quick form, and the Communications Department will create and send a digital certificate to the employee for their hard work. As an added recognition, one employee will be selected each month as a "Community High Five Spotlight," and their shout-out will be recognized in a future edition of the Community Connection.

Between February 10th and 28th, students at all TVUSD schools in grades 3-12 will be asked to complete a survey measuring student self-efficacy, self-management, and emotion regulation, as well as their perceptions of school climate, safety, and sense of belonging.

Parent Preview:

Per Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5022: Student and Family Privacy Rights, parents have the right to preview survey content and opt their student(s) out of survey participation. Survey questions are created with students in mind, and use grade level appropriate language. Links to preview student surveys can be found by clicking the button below. Parents can also opt out of the survey by clicking on the link found in the survey newsletter. The deadline to opt out is Sunday, January 12th.

The Intradistrict Transfer Open Enrollment Window for the upcoming 2025/2026 school year, including Summit Academy, will close on January 31st.

Transfer requests can be completed and submitted via the District’s website ((https://www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/enrollment-and-registration/transfers)).

• Submission Deadline: The window opened on Monday, October 14, 2024, and will remain open until January 31, 2025.
  
  

• Continuing Transfers: If your child is already on an approved transfer and will continue to attend the same school during the 2025/2026 school year, there's no need to submit a new transfer request. New requests are only required if you wish to change schools.

• New Transfers: If you would like your child to attend a school other than your school of residence based on your current address, please be sure to submit a transfer request during the Open Enrollment Transfer Window.
  
  

• Transitioning to Middle and/or High School: The transition from elementary to middle school and/or from middle school to high school is not based on a previous/current school of attendance; it is solely based on primary residence address. If you plan on having your child attend a middle school or high school other than your school of residence, be sure to submit a transfer request prior to January 31, 2025.
  
  

• New to/or not currently attending a TVUSD School: You may submit a transfer request during the Open Enrollment Window for the 2025/2026 school year, even if your child is not currently enrolled in a TVUSD school.

• Equal Consideration: All timely submissions received during the Open Enrollment Transfer Window will be given equal consideration. Consideration will be based on space availability at the requested school and meeting the District’s transfer eligibility criteria.

For more information, please visit our District website.

This week's Staff High Five spotlight is Sabrina Roybal, 1st Grade Teacher at TES. "Her patience is truly remarkable—she takes the time to ensure that even the most challenging students feel understood and supported, inspiring them to give their best effort. As team leader, Mrs. Roybal creates a positive, collaborative environment, working closely with other teachers to achieve shared goals." @tvusd.parentcenter

Care Solace's care navigation services are confidential and complimentary to TVUSD students, staff, and their families. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.

• Call 888-515-0595
• Visit www.caresolace.com/tvusdfamilies and either search on your own OR click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

🧠 Mental Health & 💊 Substance Abuse: Find community-based providers & secure appointments.

🍲 Food Assistance: Access food pantries, home delivery meal programs, and government/non-profit programs.

🏠 Shelter Support: Find transitional housing, shelters, and housing programs.

🏥 Community Health Services: Connect with low-cost or free medical and dental care, female health services, and preventative care.

Catch up on past newsletters by visiting the Community Connection Newsletter Archive webpage or by clicking this link to view our newsletters in the Smore Archive Folder.

Location: 31350 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, CA, USA
Phone: (951)676-2661