The Horizon
March 2024
I hope everyone had a chance to rest and relax over the spring break. We have a busy and exhilarating time ahead of us as students head into the state testing window, prepare for final exams, and experience special moments such as prom, graduations, promotions, and award ceremonies.
State testing, as well as Advanced Placement, and other exams, will take place over the next several weeks. You can help our students to be successful by ensuring they get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, and come to school ready to do their best each day.
Our students are learning so many new skills, and the breadth of educational offerings is growing. This year our schools have implemented new lessons outlined in recently-passed legislation. In this edition of The Horizon, we explore two new laws and what they mean to you.
Proposition 28 – The Arts and Music in Schools Funding and Accountability Act – provides substantial funding to school districts to provide arts and music education for all grade levels. In Jurupa Unified, that means we are greatly expanding our arts education programming. You can read more in this issue of The Horizon.
Another law that went into effect on January 1 brought cursive writing back into the curriculum for elementary students. I am proud of the creative ways our teachers are bringing this standard back into the classroom, as our story on Stephanie Horton’s class at Ina Arbuckle Elementary School demonstrates.
Finally, I am always happy to celebrate our incredible JUSD team. This month, we honor our district teachers of the year – Sherri Moerer, Tim Palmer, and Ashton Moroyoqui. I was pleased to recognize these stellar educators, along with our site employees of the year, at our annual Celebrating JUSD Educators event, held earlier this month. The dedication and hard work shown by our JUSD team truly make an impact, so that we can realize Learning Without Limits for every student, every day.
A familiar curriculum is back in elementary schools
All is quiet during handwriting practice time in Stephanie Horton’s classroom at Ina Arbuckle Elementary School. Tiny hands glide across neon paper to produce something not seen in public school settings for more than a decade: cursive handwriting.
The elementary school standard many adults remember as part of their childhood experience was removed from the curriculum more than a decade ago. Now it’s back. Assembly Bill 446, a new California law that went into effect in January, brought the old standard back for elementary school students.
Students in grades TK-2 are taught lessons on printing and letter formation. Initial cursive instruction begins in third grade and those lessons continue, as needed in grades 4-6.
New funding will allow art programs to flourish
Sarah Choi believes a strong arts education can change lives.
“It’s really about access,” said Ms. Choi, who serves as the Rubidoux High School Instrumental Music and Color Guard Director and is a member of the JUSD Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Committee.
“It’s access to something that can change (students’) lives for the better. It’s access to a way of expressing themselves that they couldn’t through speaking, or writing or through words. The entire discipline is about expression without using words, which gives access to even more kids, like students who are English learners, students who may have special needs, students who come from challenging backgrounds, and really just the average student who maybe has trouble expressing themselves. They can express themselves through music, through dance, through visual arts. Having access to that through public school is so important.”
Jurupa Unified is working to give that access to every child by expanding arts experiences districtwide. That ambitious goal is within reach with support from $3 million in additional annual funding made possible through Proposition 28 – The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. The law went into effect this school year and pays for additional staff, training, and materials that support arts education.
Congratulations to our Jurupa Unified School District Teachers of the Year!
These incredible educators do so much for our students every day and we’re honored to have them represent our district.
This year’s honorees are:
Elementary Teacher of the Year – Sherri Moerer, Ina Arbuckle Elementary School
Sherri Moerer, an education specialist at Ina Arbuckle Elementary School, is described as loving, kind, and patient. She always gives her best to her students and their families and has a magical way of making learning fun and engaging for her preschool students.
Ms. Moerer is personable and professional when she deals with parents and staff. She helps her students develop skills and strengths that help them grow in their academics and functional abilities. She is the bright light that makes Ina Arbuckle shine with her positive attitude and helpful acts of teamwork.
Middle School Teacher of the Year - Tim Palmer, Mira Loma Middle School
Mr. Palmer is described as a genuinely awesome person and teacher! He is flexible, always smiling, and energetic. He serves as a social studies and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher, safety coordinator, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team member, and advisory coordinator. He also serves on the leadership team, and is the Social Studies Department chair and collaborative team leader. He is a positive force on campus and has a great sense of humor.
High School Teacher of the Year - Ashton Moroyoqui, Patriot High School
Ms. Moroyoqui serves as the Associated Student Body (ASB) advisor, yearbook advisor, and a leadership team and advisory committee member. With her guidance, student leaders organize events and initiatives that have had a profound impact on the Patriot High School community. Patriot is very proud of their focus on “giving back” to students rather than just wanting students to participate in activities. ASB also has planned community service projects and actively seeks student input.
Dr. Hansen named a Superintendent to Watch
Jurupa Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Trenton Hansen, has been honored as a California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) Superintendent to Watch, in recognition of his support of and collaboration in transparent and effective communication and outstanding leadership.
Dr. Hansen was among three Riverside County superintendents – only five statewide – to receive the honor. He also is the only Southern California superintendent to be named a 2023 National School Public Relations Association Superintendent to Watch. Both honors recognize dynamic school district leaders with fewer than 5 years of experience serving in the superintendent role.
You can read more here.
JUSD leaders earn honors
Congrats to our JUSD superstars who were honored by the Western Riverside County Association of School Managers (WRCASM)!
Honorees include:
⭐Dr. Trenton Hansen, Superintendent of the Year
⭐Dr. Shelley Morris, Jurupa Valley High School Principal, High School Principal of the Year
⭐Nancy Reyna, Assistant Principal, Rubidoux High School, High School Co-Administrator of the Year
⭐Sylvia (Castaneda) Palmer, Supervisor of Reprographics and Records, District WRCASM Member of the Year
In addition, Patriot High School senior Natalia Reyna earned a scholarship 🏆from the organization.
