PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

12/14/2021

THE NEW SCHOOL NURSE FOR THE YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SETTLES IN

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, DEC 2021 —

The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District welcomed Heather O’Bier DNP, RN as the new School Nurse in August of 2021.  Heather was enthusiastic to accept such a vital role in the school district as the School Nurse conducts a health service program for the protection of the health of all students and employees alike.

Filling the position of School Nurse is no small task but Dr. O’Bier is well prepared as she joins the district with 16 years of experience in public education as a District Nurse and six years as a Registered Nurse.  She also works at California State Fullerton where she teaches new school nurses working on their credentials.

When asked why she continues her career in public education she shared, “I like serving my community.  I look forward to continuing to make sure things are standardized across the District and working on educating our health techs and assistants on best practices.”

Heather O’Bier DNP, RN originally came to Yucaipa from the High Desert and when her family relocated, she didn’t think of applying at the school district at first because of the low turnover rate of School Nurses.  It wasn’t until an employee at a local gym asked her if she was the new School Nurse that she thought to reach out to then YCJUSD School Nurse Dee Todd, RN to keep Heather in mind should she retire.  A few months later, Dee emailed Heather to set up a lunch to talk about the District and Dee’s pending retirement.

It didn’t take long to convince Heather YCJUSD was the place to be with Dr. O’Bier sharing, “it felt meant to be.  I’m meant to be in Yucaipa.  I truly feel like it is home, my new home, my new community.”

“Heather could not have joined our district at a more critical time.  She has been indispensable in navigating the pandemic from a healthcare provider's perspective while providing important health services and advice to keep our students and employees safe,” shared Superintendent Cali Binks.  “Her expertise in healthcare has been essential to caring for our entire district over the last four months.”

“I look forward to seeing healthier students and staff overall.  I want to see us get through these trials and errors,” Dr. O’Bier shared when asked what her hopes for the near future hold.

For more information about the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District or to learn about the District’s healthcare protocols, visit YucaipaSchools.com.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

Or

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools State Preschool Services

909-387-8517

RELEASE DATE:

12/13/2021

TWO STATE PRESCHOOLS IN YUCAIPA ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW ENROLLMENTS

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, DEC 2021 —

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) is offering two State Preschool Programs housed at Calimesa Elementary School and Valley Elementary School.

Both programs serve preschool-age students who meet eligibility criteria and income guidelines set by the Department of Education.  These programs are part-day, three hours, Monday through Friday.  The State Preschool programs provide a core class curriculum that is developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate. The State Preschool’s curriculum is enhanced with Footsteps2Brilliance and Clever Kids University which provides opportunities for preschoolers to engage in literacy activities.

“Preschool can provide a foundational experience in a child’s educational journey,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Studies show that students who have attended preschool are more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to attend college.”

The programs implement Early Childhood PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and

Supports).  The programs also support parents and guardians in fulfilling their parental roles and linkage to other services and resources for families.  Both State Preschool programs are currently enrolling.

For additional information, please contact SBCSS State Preschool Services: 909-387-8517.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

12/7/2021
CHAPMAN HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY KICKS OFF EVERY FRIDAY WITH H.U.G.S.

**YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, DEC 2021 — ** If you are driving through Chapman Heights in Yucaipa, California on a Friday morning and happen to hear children screaming, “Go Chargers,” look no further than Chapman Heights Elementary where Principal Sarah Guillen and her team are recognizing the outstanding efforts of their students.

Each Friday during the school year the entire campus meets to highlight the contributions students from transitional kindergarten to fifth grade make to build a kinder, happier, and awesome school culture that will be etched into the memories of all individuals lucky enough to call themselves Chapman Heights Chargers.  The “Huge Undertakings Great Successes” or H.U.G.S. assembly gives children the opportunity to take center stage and be celebrated for going above and beyond what is expected of them as elementary students.  There is truly no better way to start a Friday than to see students champion each other's efforts and witness the positive environment the Chapman Heights Team has cultivated to “Make a Difference in the Life of Each Child.”

To learn more about Chapman Heights Elementary School or the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, visit YucaipaSchools.com or search “YucaipaCalimesaJUSD” on Instagram.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

11/1/2021

THE YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL BAND RAMPS UP PERFORMANCES AND BEATS THE COMPETITION

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, NOV 2021 —

Yucaipa High School (YHS) teacher and band director, Robert Presler Jr. began his twelfth year with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District in August of 2021and despite the challenges presented over the last year, he is leading the Thunderbird band members through continued success.

After spending a full school year in distance learning and only just returning to campus on August 12th, 2021, the Thunderbird musicians were not afforded much time to prepare for their first fall concert in two years.  However, on October 6th, the YHS Concert and Symphonic bands performed for a crowd in the YHS quad area where they filled the entire campus with heartfelt music.  There was an overwhelming sense of togetherness as each individual musician merged into one harmonious family.

Parent and volunteer coordinator for the YHS Band Boosters, Erin Estey shared, “it was amazing.  Seeing the kids on Zoom working so hard and then being able to see them all together, it’s emotional.  I’m very proud of them.”

YHS Sophomore Kaleb Bradford enthusiastically stated, “it felt exciting and long needed.”

Following the amazing performance at YHS, Mr. Presler kept the momentum going by preparing the band to perform at the City of Yucaipa’s Autumn Fest 2021.  Just three days after their incredible evening show, the band took the stage at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center to showcase their incredible talent to the entire community.

The Thunderbird’s run was not quite over yet.  The Thunderbird Marching Regiment performed competitively at the Big Orange Classic in Riverside, CA hosted by the California State Band Championships on October 30th, 2021.  The Marching Regiment not only increased their score by 12.5 points over their previous competition but they took home first place among 11 other schools.  Very few of the competing schools even neared the Thunderbirds in score.

“I am so proud of the milestones our students have already reached this year.”  Said Superintendent Cali Binks.  “It is no small feat to accomplish this much in so little time and they could not have done it without the level of care and commitment [Robert Presler Jr.] has for his students.  Way to go Thunderbirds!”

The Thunderbird Band along with the choir will also be performing a variety of patriotic songs in partnership with the City of Yucaipa’s recognition of Veterans Day on November 11th, 2021 at the Yucaipa Community Park.

With this list of accomplishments so far, it is hard to believe the students are still only in the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year.

To learn more about the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District and Yucaipa High School, visit YucaipaSchools.com.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

11/1/2021

YCJUSD DEVELOPS A WAY TO INVOLVE RETIRED EDUCATORS

**YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, NOV 2021 — ** The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District has launched a new newsletter to keep retired teachers and staff involved and informed in District events.

Without the hard work of those who dedicated their lives to the education of children in the YCJUSD, the District would not be what it is today.  It is important to the District that we continue to share successes and news with those who so greatly impacted education in our communities.

The YCJUSD Telegraph is meant to be a living newsletter where our retired faculty and teachers can tell a story about their time in the District or reconnect with an old co-worker while staying up-to-date on the everchanging educational climate.  The District looks forward to hearing your stories and sharing our continued mission to make a difference in the life of each child.

If you are a retired teacher or staff member from the YCJUSD and are interested in receiving the newsletter, please emailLancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us to subscribe.

To learn more about the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, visit YucaipaSchools.com.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

11/1/2021
OAK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE WORKFORCE

**YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, NOV 2021 — ** Oak View High School sits in the center of Yucaipa at 12358 6th Street.  The community day school might be the smallest high school in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District but Principal John Moore and the staff have curated an “I can succeed here” culture that is anything but small.

Oak View High School, in partnership with Crafton Hills College and the California Friday Night Live (FNL) Collaborative, offers a semester course in Work-Readiness Skills where students receive a certificate after successful completion.  A pillar of the positive culture at the school is supported by the students who voluntarily participate in the class to better themselves and influence their peers.

Recent Oak View High graduate, Brianna Barrara shared, “we get to do more things here than other classes.  The teachers give us extra time and help us prepare our applications for college.  We learn about mental health and how to identify signs of need.  At the end of the class, we get a certificate.  The class is great.”

Led by Principal Moore, Teacher Shane Buechler, and FNL Health Education Specialist Victor Garcia, the course gives students the opportunity to prepare for the workforce they will be entering after they graduate.  They learn the necessary skills and traits needed to be successful post-graduation.  Just a few of the topics cover work ethic, communication, customer service, financial literacy, and resume writing.  Throughout the course, the students are given the opportunity to experience one-on-one mentoring with school leaders and gain life experience through providing for their fellow Oak View Phoenixes.

On October 8th, the class prepared and served lunch to the entire campus.  It was clear the Work-Readiness Skills Class has grown into a team that models the “I can succeed here” culture.

To learn more about the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District and Oak View High School, visit YucaipaSchools.org.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

10/18/2021

RED RIBBON WEEK AT YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

**YUCAIPA AND CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA, OCT 2021 — ** Every year during Red Ribbon Week the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District (YCJUSD) joins people and organizations from all over the nation to unite and take a visible stance against drugs.

Red Ribbon Week is part of the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign, The Red Ribbon Campaign which was established by the National Family Partnership in 1988.  Red Ribbon Week is scheduled every year from October 23 - 31st to present a unified and visible commitment towards a drug-free America.  This year’s theme is “Drug-Free Looks Like Me.”

The District Office along with each school will host a variety of themed school days all week to exhibit their pledge to be drug-free and invite the community to unite with their stance.  In addition to the themes mentioned below, many of the schools will be including tobacco and alcohol prevention efforts in their events with guest speakers from around San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

To start off Red Ribbon Week, nearly half of the school district will be wearing red on Monday, and through the rest of the week, each school has created a number of different engaging themes to garner the attention of their student body.  With themes like Green Valley High’s “Hawaiin - Lei Off Drugs” and Wildwood Elementary’s “Be a Friend/Make a Friend” day, the week should be full of positive experiences to visualize the District’s commitment to be drug-free.

To participate in and view the events on social media, use and follow the hashtag #YCJUSDallin.  To learn more about the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, visit YucaipaSchools.org.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

09/29/2021
WILDWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER EARNS THE PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW) OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD

**YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, SEPT 2021 — ** Wildwood Elementary teacher, Janelle Odle, earns the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Outstanding Teacher recognition at the PLTW national awards and leads Wildwood Elementary into its second consecutive year holding the title, “PLTW Distinguished School.”

PLTW is an American nonprofit that provides classrooms, like Mrs. Odle’s, the tools to give students a hands-on experience when building in-demand skills.

Mrs. Odle started her teaching career at Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District in 2011 as a kindergarten teacher but had an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs.  In the YCJUSD, there are now STEAM teachers at each elementary school who give the program to all grade levels, transitional-kindergarten through fifth, throughout the week.  Mrs. Odle was ready to take on the challenge once the positions were announced and although she misses teaching kindergarten, she hasn’t looked back.

“I think student success makes our success worthwhile,” said Odle.  “I wouldn’t be the teacher I am without the great students who make it exciting to come to work.”

Mrs. Odle is one of only seven teachers in California to receive the honor of PLTW Outstanding Teacher and one of 74 nationwide.  Mrs. Odle received the award because, as stated by PLTW, “PLTW Team Members are inspired and encouraged by [her] dedication to drive exceptional student learning outcomes.”

In addition to her individual recognition, Mrs. Odle’s dedication to the STEAM program has earned Wildwood Elementary the “PLTW Distinguished School” title for two consecutive years.

Wildwood Elementary Principal, Rebecca Peterson shared the following about Mrs. Odle, “with the heart of a servant, Janelle works so hard to provide rich STEAM experiences for our students, stirring up curiosity and enthusiasm in the minds of our little Hawks.  These experiences increase motivation and open doors of opportunity.”

To learn more about Wildwood Elementary, visit their website at wes.yucaipaschools.com.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

09/21/2021

---

TWO YCJUSD TEACHERS ORGANIZE LOCAL EVENTS TO RAISE OVER $20,000 FOR THE WILLIAMS SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

**YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, SEPT 2021 — ** Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District Teachers Wendy Montgomery and Brittany Bay frequented Williams Syndrome walks along with Mrs. Montgomery’s daughter, Macy, who lives with the rare genetic condition, but in 2017 they were unable to attend.  Bay and Montgomery found this minor setback as an opportunity to bring the walks to Yucaipa, California.

Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that is present at birth and brings lifelong medical challenges.  Many individuals with the disease, including Macy Montgomery, are very in tune with people’s emotions, highly socially aware of their surroundings, and are extremely caring and loving people.

From birth, Macy was surrounded by caring, loving people like her mother, Wendy, who has been very active in the Williams Syndrome Association helping raise money and awareness of the condition.  As Macy moved through the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, many teachers joined the Williams awareness movement in honor of Macy’s caring personality.

Brittany Bay and Wendy Montgomery have led the local effort but it hasn’t been without help from other teachers in the District, many of whom, were Macy’s teachers at some point.  Teachers; Amy Stohler, Laurie Geusen, Breanna Geusen, Heather Douglass, Ruth Roberts, Lauren Massetti, Kerry Vizzini, and Betsy Wilson have all come together to build a team of support around the fundraising efforts.

“A lot of the teachers who have stepped up, have been Macy’s teachers through the years.  She’s one of those kids you just love,” said Montgomery.  “Macy is an amazing and sweet kid who is always looking out for other people.”

Each year the Walk4Williams happens in Yucaipa, California, with the exception of the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The walks are filled with games, activities, and food all geared towards making it an inviting community event where those living with Williams Syndrome can help educate their neighbors while raising money for the Williams Syndrome Association who delivers 71% of all profits towards education, awareness, and research of the disease.  The first two walks Wendy and Brittany’s team planned raised $21,000 collectively.

This year the Walk4Williams will occur on October 2nd, 2021at the Yucaipa Community Park where you will be greeted with Perricone Juice, local produce, games, and amazing people coming together for a good cause.  This family-friendly event will have inviting events and make the walk fun with different themes for many of the laps.  There is no need to pre-register but you are more than welcome to by visitinghttps://williams-syndrome.org/event/yucaipa-ca-walk4williams.

$20 - age 13 and up

$10 - age 4 - 12

Free for 3 and under

The Walk4Williams in Yucaipa is an amazing example of what the caring team at Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District is capable of when partnering with the community.  Wendy Montgomery, Brittany Bay, and their team are all working every day to make a difference in the life of each child in more ways than one.

For more information about the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District or the Walk4Williams, visit YucaipaSchools.com.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

09/21/2021
YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECOGNIZE CONSTITUTION DAY WITH GUESTS FROM THE AMERICAN BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCATES OF THE INLAND EMPIRE

**YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, SEPT 2021 — ** Yucaipa High School students in the Law and Public Safety (LPS) instructional pathway celebrated the 234th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States on September 17th by attending a part of the James Otis Lecture Series created by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

ABOTA of the Inland Empire visited the High School campus with the Honorable John M. Pacheco, and lawyers Johnathan Cloud and Catherine Gayer to bring a mock trial highlighting the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial to the LPS students.  In addition to the ABOTA legal representatives, State Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, provided pre-recorded messages to the students indicating the importance of the Constitution in our everyday lives.

The presentation titled, The Curious Case of Ben Franklin v. John Adams, brought two of the nation’s founding fathers into a modern-day trial situation where plaintiff Ben Franklin and defendant John Adams are involved in an automobile accident.  LPS students were invited to not only view but participate in the event by joining the 12 person jury, standing in place of the defendant and plaintiff, offer witness testimony, and one student even filled the role of the court bailiff.

Throughout the mock trial, both students and staff were uniquely engaged as Judge Pacheco and attorneys Cloud and Gayer immersed themselves and the class into the lifelike feeling trial.  Each witness’s testimony was genuine and professional and the jury played their role as if in a real court case, even taking 10 minutes to deliberate the verdict, ultimately finding Mr. Franklin not at fault or liable in the accident.

It was a privilege and honor to provide the Yucaipa High School students with an opportunity to learn about a fundamental role of liberty in our society, a trial by jury,” said Judge Pacheco, “because it helps ensure fairness in our justice system.”

Although this was just one event organized to celebrate Constitution Day this year, partnership and camaraderie were built between the Law and Public Safety Students and all involved.  The District and Yucaipa High School look forward to furthering the newfound relationship with ABOTA and the San Bernardino County Superior Court.

For more information about the Law and Public Safety Academy and pathway, visithttps://yhs.yucaipaschools.com/en-US/law-and-public-safety-academy-3f20fc03****

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

09/16/2021

YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL’S THUNDERBIRD THEATRE ANNOUNCES DATES FOR FALL PLAY, RADIUM GIRLS

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, SEPT 2021 —   Yucaipa High School’s Thunderbird Theatre is back in full swing this school year and already has a calendar full of amazing productions and events.

Established in 2015 by Yucaipa High School teacher, Sarah Gray, the Thunderbird Theatre incorporates the existing Theatre Arts Program at Yucaipa High and offers students the opportunity to grow, experience leadership, and prepare themselves for success beyond high school.  Some of their notable performances of the past include; Diary of a Wall Flower, Suessical the Musical, and Cinderella.

When you first enter Ms. Gray’s classroom, you immediately feel the energy of the drama class and clubs that call the room home.  With the stage right next door, posters and trophies from previous productions covering the walls, and a panel full of tools and hardware, you begin to realize this isn’t just a classroom of students, it is a family that loves what they do because they are doing it together.  The class handles the whole production, from backdrops and building facades to makeup and lighting, every production is the result of hard work and commitment that can only be experienced at the Thunderbird Theatre.

This coming November they are hosting their first live performance for the 2021-2022 fall play based on the 2000 book, Radium Girls, by D.W. Gregory.  Below is a synopsis of the book written by “Dramatic Publishing.”

“In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Written with warmth and humor, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece for 9 to 10 actors, who play more than 30 parts—friends, co-workers, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, consumer advocates, and myriad interested bystanders. Called a "powerful" and "engrossing" drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.”

The show will take place on stage in the Yucaipa High School Multipurpose Room November 10-12 at 7:00 pm and November 13 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Tickets are available for presale from the cast and crew or they can be purchased at the door.

Presale tickets - $8.00

At the door - $10.00

For more information about the Thunderbird Theatre and a list of their upcoming events, be sure to visit their website at sites.google.com/ycjusd.us/thunderbirdtheatre/home.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

09/03/2021

VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDS A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG STUDENTS THROUGH PERSONAL CONNECTION

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, SEPT 2021 —  In the heart of Yucaipa, California lies a school full of energy, compassion, kindness, and learning.  These are desirable traits at any elementary school but there is something different about Valley Elementary School that makes everyone feel like they are family.

Led by the enthusiastic Principal Kathleen Miller, Valley Elementary represents all that is good in our small community.  It is a place where every adult rallies behind each student to build an unwavering emotional and intellectual foundation carrying children into successful adulthood.  There is never a quiet day on campus as teachers and classified staff engage with children, and volunteers come and go continually planting the seeds that make school a second home.

On September 3rd, 2021, Principal Kathleen Miller, Teacher on Assignment Chris Rekstad, and 4th Grade Teacher David Domena took Valley Elementary School’s unique inclusivity one step further by implementing a 19th century English practice made popular by the Harry Potter series of dividing students and staff into subunits called “houses.”  The purpose is to create a smaller learning community within a larger building, as a way to help students feel more connected and develop a sense of belonging.

Keeping in line with the Valley Elementary mascot theme, the Viking, the team created four nordic houses; Skepia, Linir, Frami, and Sisu.  Each Viking house is easily identifiable and framed by a color and overarching theme to promote peer-to-peer interaction, learning, and foster healthy competition across grade levels in the kindergarten through 5th-grade school. Creative Yellow for Skepia, Kindness Green for Linir, Courageous Black for Frami, and Grit Gray for Sisu.

Students were excited and anxious to discover their house assignment with each announcement full of immediate house pride, laughter, and cheering.  Through the hollers and clapping, those there were lucky enough to observe something truly special happen.

Behind the idea of division grew connectedness and compassion.  A child struggling to make friends now had a companion to lean on, someone experiencing trying times in their home grew a new family, each Valley Viking walked away with something new and lasting.

In the world we live in, live like a Viking.

To learn more about Valley Elementary, visit their website at ves.yucaipaschools.com.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

08/31/2021

LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS WITH YCJUSD TEACHERS TO

“SHOP WITH A COP”

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, AUG 2021 — The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) partnered with the San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) to award $2,500.00 to Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District (YCJUSD) teachers in support of their annual Shop with a Cop - Teacher Edition event.

YCJUSD Superintendent Cali Binks welcomed SEBA President Grant Ward, and the SBCSS Ted Alejandre at the District Office on August 24th to honor the 2021 YCJUSD school site teachers of the year.  Each teacher received a $250 donation from SEBA to enhance their classrooms and instruction to keep their students engaged.

“Law enforcement officers appreciate the work [teachers] do every single day,” said SEBA President Grant Ward, “we are incredibly blessed to be in San Bernardino County.”

YCJUSD Superintendent Cali Binks responded by saying, “when we work together with law enforcement, great things happen.”

The 2021 District Teacher of the Year, Chris Rekstad, plans to donate the entirety of his award to the newly developed Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) program at Valley Elementary School in Yucaipa, California.

This is one incredible example of what happens when a community comes together to help the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District accomplish its mission of, “Making a Difference in the Life of Each Child.”

For more information about YCJUSD, visit our website at yucaipaschools.com.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Lancey Bradley

909-797-0174 ext 5803

Lancey_Bradley@ycjusd.us

RELEASE DATE:

08/12/2021

THE YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FULLY  REOPENS FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA, AUG 2021 — For some citizens in the Yucaipa-Calimesa community, Thursday, August 12th was like any other summer day but for many families, it represented a new beacon of hope and stability as the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District welcomed students and families for the first day of school.  For half of the District’s students, this is the first time they walked onto a campus after nearly 18 months, and it was an incredible event to witness as children reconnected with their school family.

New Ridgeview Elementary 1st grade teacher and Yucaipa High Alumni, Jordan Green, shared her excitement to have children in the classroom.  “The students were so excited to spend time with each other and they surprised me with how well they communicate and share with their classmates.”

The full reopening of the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District is testament to the resiliency and care our community shares each day, even through difficult and unpredictable times.  The strength and kindness built by school families and educators further propels us to accomplish our mission of making a difference in the life of each child.

Heather Espinosa, a mother of three in the district, was enthused to share how happy her children were to come back to school and how refreshing it was to watch as everyone reunited on campus.  “I saw so many parents walking their kids up to Ridgeview and Dunlap Elementaries and you could feel a sense of normal life after the year we had before.  It was a beautiful thing to see all the parents and kids back.”

The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District team and Board of Education want to thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to a year full of learning.