TVUSD COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Last week, Temecula Valley Unified School District honored the outstanding individuals who keep our schools thriving. From teachers and counselors to custodians, bus drivers, office staff, and more, TVUSD’s dedicated employees play a vital role in shaping a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for students to learn and grow.

Staff Appreciation Week is a chance to recognize the passion, commitment, and behind-the-scenes effort that drives the district’s success. TVUSD is proud to celebrate the people who make a difference every day.

🎉 This year, we celebrate 74 incredible TVUSD retirees who’ve given a combined 1,735 years of service to our schools! From classrooms to offices and everywhere in between, their legacy runs deep. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and heart. Wishing you all the best in retirement! 🌟

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lifetouch Photography for generously donating professional photography services during our Ringing in Retirement celebration. Their support helped us beautifully capture the joy, pride, and memorable moments of this special evening. We are truly grateful for their partnership and commitment to helping us honor our incredible retirees.

When Amanda Reyes Balcorta first joined the Regenerative Agriculture Club at Temecula Valley High School as a freshman, she saw more than just a patch of dry hillside — she saw potential. When the Regenerative Agriculture CTE Pathway officially launched last year, Amanda was ready. Now, as a graduating senior and one of the first 11 students to complete the program, Amanda (known on campus as “Monarch Mandy”) leaves behind a legacy of leadership, environmental advocacy, and inspiration for the next generation of Golden Bears.

Amanda’s roots in sustainability run deep. “I’ve always grown up with a vegetable garden and fruit trees at home,” she says. “My parents taught me the connection to growing your own food and the impact it can have on you and the community when you are assured it is nutritious and chemical-free." That connection grew into a passion through the CTE program, where she helped transform an underutilized five-acre hillside into a thriving regenerative farm — a hands-on project that embodies the pathway’s mission: to teach students how to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and produce nutritious food using environmentally responsible practices.

“Regenerative agriculture is a powerful solution to so many global issues — climate change, food insecurity, even public health,” Amanda explains. A pivotal moment for her was watching the documentary Common Ground in class, which clarified the deep ties between soil quality and human wellness.

Amanda’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. She earned scholarships from Southwest Healthcare Auxiliary, Temecula Valley Family Physicians, and the Professional Women’s Roundtable. She also founded the Monarch Conservation Club and secured an Xerces Society grant to create a pollinator-friendly garden on campus. “It’s rewarding to know these spaces will continue to educate and benefit students for years to come,” she says.

In addition to speaking at the national Regenerative Nexus event, Amanda helped lead workshops, secure funding, and mentor fellow students. “Mrs. Manion, our CTE teacher, has played a key role in shaping my journey by helping me connect the dots between environmental sustainability and human health," Amanda shares. "Her passion and knowledge opened my eyes to the idea that improving our environment is a direct path to improving public health."

Through the Regenerative Agriculture pathway, Amanda not only developed her technical skills, like pest monitoring and soil testing, but also her resilience, communication, and leadership. She completed an internship at Wilson Creek Winery, applying classroom knowledge to real-world viticulture, and proving that regenerative practices aren’t just good for the earth; they make good business sense, too.

Amanda will attend UC San Diego this fall, majoring in Global Health with plans to become an integrative physician. Her goal? To connect soil health to community wellness and advocate for food systems that nourish both people and planet.

To younger students, Amanda offers this advice: if you love science, the outdoors, and making a difference, take a CTE class. The hands-on learning, the connections, the real-world impact — it’s something you won’t find anywhere else.

As Amanda prepares to leave TVHS, she says she’ll miss her friends and the mentorship of Mrs. Manion most of all. But her influence will continue to grow — in every seed planted on the hillside, every student inspired by her journey, and every step toward a more regenerative future.

The Regenerative Agriculture Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway at Temecula Valley High School provides students with real-world experiences in regenerative practices, farming, soil restoration, and environmental stewardship. Students learn conservation techniques, work on student-led farming projects, and engage with local agriculture professionals through internships and fieldwork. The pathway prepares students for careers and college programs in agriculture, environmental science, health, and more — all while equipping them to make a positive impact on their community and planet.

Interested in joining the pathway or learning more? Visit the TVHS Regenerative Agriculture Pathway webpage or contact Mrs. Manion: mmanion@tvusd.us.

🗓️ May 29, 2025

🕠 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Open to the public! Join us for tours, raffles, food, and fun!

Follow on Instagram for updates and more information

📲: tvhs_regenerative_ag

📲: tvhs_monarch_conservation

🔗: https://tvhs.tvusd.k12.ca.us/regenerative-agriculture

Cheerleaders, a choir, the marching band, and students in lab coats and goggles, were part of the parade of students and educators who marched through the quad at Temecula Valley High School to the classroom of Ziba Mayar on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, where Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, announced that the school’s teacher of the year had been named the second 2026 Riverside County Teacher of the Year.

• 👏 See the big announcement on Instagram!
• 📣 “Temecula Valley High School Teacher is Next 2026 Riverside County Teacher of the Year”, 🔗go.rcoe.us/RivCo2026TOY-Mayar

Kimberly Velez exemplifies transformative and servant leadership in her role as a certificated administrator. Grounded in a belief that leadership is most impactful when it inspires and empowers others, she has led efforts to align educational and student support services, creating a unified, student-centered approach across her district. Kimberly’s work fosters a culture where academic and social-emotional considerations guide every decision. As an interim superintendent during a time of intense national scrutiny, she demonstrated unwavering professionalism, compassion, and focus on student success. Her leadership is marked by collaborative mentorship, high expectations, and data-driven decision-making, always centering the voices of staff and the needs of students. Kimberly’s vision continues to shape a culture of excellence and innovation within Temecula Valley Unified School District, leaving a legacy of leadership grounded in trust, shared purpose, and empowerment.

Connect with RCOE Online:

• Website: https://www.rcoe.us
• Facebook: / riversidecoe
• Instagram: / riverside_coe

Temecula Valley High School Media Arts students were recently honored for their impactful short films created as part of this year’s Directing Change California competition (Mental Health Awareness Category & Suicide Prevention Category). Through compelling storytelling, these young filmmakers are helping spark important conversations around mental health and suicide prevention, topics that matter deeply to teens across the state. Their films are now part of a statewide library used in schools, hospitals, and counseling centers, serving as powerful tools to remind others that help is always available. A simple check-in or conversation can truly change, or even save, a life.

"Forward" - Cash Roiz, Rey Yslas

• 1st Place winner at the Directing Change RUHS Recognition Ceremony
• 3rd Place winner Region 2 /$250 cash prize

"You Are Not Alone" - Renzo Manalo, Mckayla Lee, Kalia Yarbrough

• Honorable Mention for Directing Change Region 2

"Don't Let Your Strings Snap" - Noah Clough, Jaedah Aguon

• Special Recognition in Art Design

"I Bet You Didn't Know" - Gabriella Williams, Lola Rehberg, Noelle Sewell

• 3rd Place winner Region 2 $250 cash prize
• Honorable Mention at the Directing Change RUHS Recognition Ceremony

"Every Storm Passes" - Athena Novelli, Nicholas Schweitzer

• Honorable Mention for Directing Change Region 2
• Honorable Mention at the Directing Change RUHS Recognition Ceremony

"Reach" - Justin Ferguson, Rocco DeCaro, Parker Kuhn

• Honorable Mention for Directing Change Region 2
• Honorable Mention at the Directing Change RUHS Recognition Ceremony

"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.

TVUSD is happy to offer students and their families device insurance. We know that things happen and so we offer insurance to give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered should something occur. The cost is $30 per device for the 25-26 school year.

• Web Store opens: Friday, May 23, 2025
• Web Store closes: Friday, June 13, 2025

🔗 Click here or on the flyer below to learn more!

📚 Visit the Library website

Kat Schyster, Patch Staff

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula's public library is launching a Summer Reading Adventure beginning this June with a lineup of events meant to engage all ages.

Located at 30600 Pauba Road, the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library invites the community to sign up here for the reading challenge and a chance to win prizes..

Weekly Wednesday performances begin at 10:30 a.m. and promise family-friendly entertainment throughout the month. On June 11, Kids Imagine Nation will bring music and dance to the stage. On June 18, Zany Zoe will dazzle with magical discoveries, and on June 25, Wild Wonders will introduce children to animals from “The Emerald Forest.” Free passes for each event will be distributed 30 minutes prior to start time on a first-come, first-served basis.

Teens in grades 7–12 can get creative during Level-Up Your Art: 8-Bit Beadcraft on Thursday, June 19, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., where they’ll make retro video game-inspired art using Perler beads. No registration is required.

History buffs and trivia lovers ages 16 and up are invited to test their knowledge at From Grapes to Greatness: Temecula Trivia on Thursday, June 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration opens May 29 and is limited to 40 guests.

Adults can enjoy a relaxed evening at Board Games & Beyond on Thursday, June 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring a variety of games and complimentary snacks. Registration begins June 12 and is also capped at 40 attendees.

All programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries. For registration and more details, visit this link or call 951-693-8900. Follow @TemeculaLibrary on social media for updates.

This update is REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS RETURNING TO TVUSD FOR THE 25/26 SCHOOL YEAR.

Any student who does not have a completed Annual Update:

• may not be enrolled in a class for the 25/26 school year
  
• may not receive a schedule
  
• and may not be able to participate in school business days in August.
  

It is imperative that all families complete the Annual Family Update as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your child's enrollment for the next school year.

Click the links below for RETURNING STUDENT ANNUAL UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have a child in your family who will be NEW to TVUSD for the 25/26 school year, you must complete the New Student Enrollment process. Click HERE for New Student Enrollment instructions.

TVUSD is thrilled to announce its very first Back to School Family Engagement Conference, a day packed with valuable information, inspiration, and connection!

This FREE event is exclusively for ALL TVUSD parents/guardians (registration required), and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it! You’ll have the chance to attend content-specific breakout sessions, where you can choose the topics that best match your family’s experience and needs within TVUSD.

We can't wait for you to be a part of this exciting day! Registration is required for each adult attending - please complete this Google Form to participate.

As TVUSD begins planning for the 25/26 school year, we would appreciate it if you could take a moment to let us know if your child(ren) WILL NOT be returning for next school year. If your student(s) will be continuing their enrollment within any TVUSD school, there is no need to complete the questionnaire. We appreciate your time. The school sites will be reaching out to families with the formal withdrawal process.

📣 Is your little one ready to take their first step into learning? Give your child the best start with TVUSD’s TK program.

➡️ TK is a wonderful way for young learners to build confidence, make friends, and develop essential skills that prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. 🎒✨

➡️ Children who turn 4 by September 1, 2025 are eligible to attend! 🌟

📲 Enroll today for the 25-26 school year and watch them thrive! 📚🍎

🔗 https://www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/tk-enrollment

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

🖐️ This week's Staff High Five spotlight is Gloria Dixon, SNHS Secretary II. 🤗 "Whether she’s greeting students with a smile, assisting staff with our everyday challenges, or juggling a dozen tasks behind the scenes, she does it all with a smile and a positive attitude. Her dedication and compassion create a welcoming atmosphere that touches everyone who walks through the doors." 🙌 #tvusdstaffhighfive #tvusdelevates @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