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The community is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Claremont Unified School District Student and Family Resource Center on Thursday, Feb. 19, beginning at 4 p.m., at Oakmont Outdoor School, 120 W. Green St., Claremont, CA 91711. The new Student and Family Resource Center is a welcoming space designed to connect students and families with essential supports, resources, and partnerships that strengthen well-being and student success. Join Claremont Unified School District as it celebrates the opening of this dedicated hub that reflects its commitment to equity, access,, and serving the whole child.

Sumner Danbury Elementary School hosted its Annual Disability Awareness Day on Thursday, Jan. 22, providing students with a meaningful and engaging opportunity to deepen their understanding of disabilities while building empathy, acceptance, and inclusion across the school community. This whole-school event allowed students to rotate through a variety of interactive learning sessions, including Adapted Physical Education, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and California Children’s Services. Through hands-on experiences, students learned how these services support learners in accessing their education and participating fully in school life.

In addition to the rotation sessions, students explored an Awareness Fair featuring 13 informational booths focused on specific disabilities and support strategies. Booths highlighted topics such as RULER social-emotional learning, nursing procedures, communication devices, and library resources that feature individuals with disabilities. Disability Awareness Day reflects Sumner Danbury Elementary School’s strong commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all learners. The event exemplified the school’s dedication to creating a compassionate community where differences are celebrated, and every student feels a sense of belonging.

The SPARK German program successfully launched yesterday at Condit Elementary School, giving fourth through sixth grade students a unique opportunity to learn German language and culture from Claremont High School students in a fun, interactive after-school setting. The free program runs Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room 28 on Jan. 30, Feb. 13, Feb. 27, and March 13. This year’s SPARK team includes Solel Anderson, Valentina Bautista, Elisa Khoshnoud, Jleen Gomez, Madeleine Ho, and Jiseo Park, who designed all lessons as part of their MYP Personal Project, IB Diploma Programme CAS, and German Club work. The program continues a tradition started two years ago by Mariana Hunter, Tobin Anders, Libby Raviv, Justine Ouellette, and Lauren Fang, and carried on last year by Dylan Ortiz, Isa Garcia, Rion Kanatsu, Eve Englebert, Tara Neemuchwala, and Josef Krips. SPARK for German is a joint initiative of the American Association of Teachers of German and the Goethe-Institut, offering early access to language learning through a playful, student-driven approach. Supervision is provided by Frau Jennifer Tsai, German teacher at Claremont High School, World Language Department Chair, and SPARK coordinator.

Sophomore Jiseo Park, who began studying German at El Roble and is now enrolled in German 3 Honors at Claremont High School, said the program is designed to inspire younger students before they transition to secondary school. “We come up with lesson plans that are simple and easy for the kids to learn. This is to spark interest in German before they come to El Roble and CHS,” she said. Jiseo also emphasized that the program is welcoming to all students. “It’s a fun and chill experience for the kids, and you don’t need to have any prior knowledge about German, and it’s a good opportunity for kids who want to learn,” she said. The SPARK program is free to attend and open to every fourth through sixth grade student at Condit Elementary School. Classes begin promptly at 3 p.m. and end at 4 p.m., with student pickup at the front office. Families with questions may contact ClaremontSpark@gmail.com

Claremont High School students welcomed back alumnus Tashjohn Hinkson, a business development consultant with Manulife John Hancock Investments, who spent the day sharing his personal journey and encouraging students to recognize their own potential for success. Hinkson spoke with students about resilience, self-worth, and the importance of believing in themselves regardless of background or academic standing. “That they are all significant no matter their GPA, no matter their effort, and no matter where they come from,” Hinkson said when asked what he hoped students would take away from the conversation. “They all have the ability to be successful if they want to.”

Hinkson said returning to Claremont High School is deeply personal and rooted in gratitude for the support he received as a student. He shared that Claremont was his third high school and provided him with opportunities made possible by anonymous donors, which shaped his outlook on giving back. “Claremont changed my life quite candidly,” he said. “We stand on the shoulders of those who come before us, and I think it’s super important to highlight that. I will continue to do so as long as Claremont High School allows me to do so.” His visit served as a powerful reminder of the impact alumni can have when they return to uplift and inspire the next generation of students.

Claremont High School staff were treated to a heartfelt show of appreciation during the school’s annual Soup Day, hosted by the Parent Faculty Association in the staff lounge. This year, PFA President Susan Kent created an impressive spread of homemade soups, desserts, and salads for staff to enjoy, even stepping outside to toast fresh bread for each guest. The gesture was warmly received, with staff expressing gratitude for the time, care, and thoughtfulness that went into the event. From the delicious variety of soups to the welcoming atmosphere, Soup Day was a meaningful reminder of the strong partnership between families and educators at Claremont High School.

Claremont Unified School District elementary schools hosted successful TK and kindergarten open houses for prospective families, drawing strong attendance and generating excitement for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Principals shared information about their school communities and what families can expect from TK and kindergarten programs, while visitors toured campuses and stepped inside classrooms to experience learning spaces firsthand. The three-day event was filled with positive energy as families connected with school leaders and staff and began envisioning their child’s educational journey. Many principals emphasized that enrolling in TK or kindergarten is not just a one-year decision, but the beginning of a lasting relationship that can span six or seven years through sixth grade. The open houses highlighted the welcoming, family-centered environment across Claremont Unified School District and left families excited for what lies ahead in their child’s school experience.