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Claremont High School senior Isabelle Shie captured first place in Informative Speaking at the California High School Speech Association State Championship, held May 2-4 at Culver City High School. Representing the Citrus Belt Speech Region, Shie triumphed over California’s top qualifiers with guidance from head coach Dave Chamberlain and assistant coach Aaron Nichols, earning the school’s first individual state crown in recent memory.

Shie’s ten-minute address explored the history, science, and cultural misconceptions surrounding monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG. Judges praised the talk for its clear structure, accessible research, and handmade visual boards, which the art-loving senior illustrated herself. Rather than relying on the booming oratory often heard in competition, Shie chose a conversational tone that invited listeners to question long-held food myths. Many told her afterward they would now view MSG through a more informed lens.

Back in Culver City’s awards hall, Shie described the moment she realized she had won as “surreal,” crediting her teammates for the support that fueled her final push. The title caps a season of late-night rehearsals and topic rewrites, and it underscores the vitality of CHS’s speech and debate program, which grows confident student voices through curiosity, craft, and community.

Claremont High School recently hosted its annual International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) Showcase, featuring more than 80 thoughtful and creative sophomore projects. The event, presented in a science fair-style format, invited parents and community members to engage with students and learn about the topics they chose to explore. Many projects focused on real-world issues and offered ideas to improve the local community.

Students impressed guests with their research, presentation skills, and passion for their subjects. Several participants were recognized with awards for their outstanding work, and every project reflected a deep level of inquiry and commitment to learning. From environmental solutions to mental health awareness, the topics were as diverse as they were meaningful.

We are proud of our CHS students and grateful to the educators who support them throughout their MYP journey. Events like the Showcase highlight the value of project-based learning and how our students use their education to positively impact the world around them.

Claremont Unified School District proudly celebrated 53 students at this year’s English Learner Reclassification Ceremony, held this past Monday. It was one of the most well-attended ceremonies and marked one of the largest groups of students to be reclassified in recent years. Families, educators, and district leaders came together to honor the hard work and determination of these students who have met the rigorous criteria to be reclassified as fluent English speakers.

Among the honorees were 18 San Antonio High School and Claremont High School students, whose achievements stood as a testament to their perseverance and the support of their educators and families. Board President Kathryn Dunn, Board Member Cheryl Fiello, and Superintendent Dr. Jim Elsasser joined administrators and teachers in recognizing each student for reaching this important milestone.

The evening featured a powerful keynote address by Dr. Wani Qiu, a developmental psychologist and first-generation immigrant who shared her personal journey and spoke about the lifelong value of multilingualism. Her inspiring words deeply resonated with students and families alike. The ceremony was a joyful and moving celebration of identity, resilience, and academic success.

El Roble Intermediate School's Choir ended the school year on a high note with a moving and memorable Spring Concert that showcased the depth of talent and musical growth among its student performers. The year's final performance featured a rich and diverse program, highlighting songs from multiple cultures and traditions and demonstrating the students' technical and emotional range.

The evening began with the rhythmic and energetic "Tongo," a Polynesian folk song arranged by Greg Gilpin, with student musicians Ollie Jimenez on shaker, Aura Guzman-Fragoza on high drum, and Emily Arnold on low drum. The concert continued with "O Magnum Mysterium," a reverent Latin choral piece by Evan Ramos, followed by "Hold Fast to Dreams" by Susan LaBarr, a lyrical piece inspired by the words of poet Langston Hughes. The program concluded with two uplifting African-American spirituals—"Wade in the Water" and "This Little Light of Mine." "Wade in the Water" featured stirring solos by Matthew Noriega Robles, Phebe Brady, Jamison Nguyen, and Isabela Alvarez.

The performance was a celebration of student voice, teamwork, and dedication. With more than 35 students participating, the concert reflected the inclusive and vibrant spirit of the El Roble music program. Congratulations to all performers, and thank you to the music staff and families who continue to support the arts in Claremont Unified.

Vista del Valle Elementary School recently held its final triad awards ceremony, celebrating students who demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding citizenship. The multipurpose room was filled with proud parents and families who came to cheer on and photograph their students as they received certificates for being a Good Scholar or for Good Citizenship. Interim Principal Brad Cuff, who returned from retirement to help lead the school through the end of the year, presented each award with warmth and pride. The event was a joyful reflection of the hard work, character, and community spirit that define Vista del Valle.

Claremont Unified School District proudly celebrates Chaparral and Sumner Danbury Elementary Schools for being named 2025 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Earlier this month, Superintendent Dr. Jim Elsasser joined Principals Pak, Jones, and Acevedo at the Disneyland Hotel to honor this incredible achievement. It was a proud and memorable moment for both school communities and our district as a whole.

To recognize the dedication and hard work that led to this honor, Executive Cabinet hosted special staff luncheons at both Chaparral and Sumner Danbury Elementary Schools. These celebrations brought staff together to reflect on their collective success and the positive impact they have on students each day. We are especially grateful to the Claremont Noon Rotary, Claremont Sunrise Rotary, and Kiwanis Club of Claremont for their generous support in making both events possible.

Congratulations to the staff at Chaparral and Sumner Danbury for this well-deserved recognition. Your commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and a nurturing school environment continues to inspire our entire district.

Mountain View Elementary School gave students a front-row seat to the world of work during its annual Career Day on May 23, welcoming more than 40 professionals from various fields. From veterinarians and engineers to artists, public servants, and mental health specialists, students had the opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and imagine future possibilities for themselves. It was the school’s most diverse and dynamic Career Day yet, offering students a glimpse into the countless paths available to them.

The event featured hands-on demonstrations, creative presentations, and a panel discussion that included San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, Claremont Vice Mayor Jennifer Stark, Self-Care Lab founder Nita Watson, and Zayn Aga, a field representative for Congressmember Judy Chu. Each panelist shared personal stories about their career journey and emphasized the importance of curiosity, community, and staying open to change. “We want our kids to see that anything’s possible,” said Nancy Bird, Mountain View’s intervention teacher and Career Day coordinator.

Participants included professionals in medicine, law, public safety, the arts, and technology. Veterinary technician Allie Petago brought live animals to introduce students to her field, while Caltrans employees shared how they care for California’s roads and environment. Artist and muralist Xiucoatl Mejia, who recently completed work on several CUSD campuses, talked to students about turning creativity into a career. Graphic designer Kevin Tharpe shared his artwork, and pharmacist Dr. Michelle Arias discussed the role of science in healthcare. The energy and inspiration throughout the day reflected Mountain View’s commitment to nurturing students’ dreams and showing them that their future is full of possibilities.

Claremont Unified School District is proud to announce the confirmation of Missy Samson as the next principal of El Roble Intermediate School, effective with the 2025–2026 school year. The Board of Education approved her appointment during the June 5 meeting, following a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Jim Elsasser and the Executive Cabinet. With more than two decades of public education experience and a strong instruction and leadership background, Missy is well-prepared to guide El Roble into its next chapter.

Missy began her career teaching science and math, including Honors and GATE-level courses, at Kraemer Middle School in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. She later served as the school’s Activities Director before moving into administration as Assistant Principal at Columbus Middle School in Tustin Unified, where she helped implement a model schoolwide behavior intervention plan. She went on to support the launch of an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at her site and later served at Yorba Linda Middle School, a “Schools to Watch” site. Most recently, she held the role of Administrator of Student Services, leading districtwide efforts to support student attendance and behavior.

For the past year, Missy has served as El Roble’s Assistant Principal, where she has been instrumental in supporting the school’s academic, arts, athletics, and positive behavior programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Long Beach, a math credential from National University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Azusa Pacific University. We are grateful for Missy’s continued dedication to Claremont students and families and are excited to welcome her into this new leadership role.

Step into the Claremont Unified School District Office, and you'll find a wall that does more than display student art; it tells the story of our schools. Each school site takes a turn throughout the year, transforming this dedicated wall space into a vibrant showcase of creativity, school spirit, and the unique character of their learning community.

From the colorful butterflies, flowers, and ladybugs crafted by Chaparral Elementary students to the dynamic ocean-themed artwork from Condit Elementary's "Set Sail for Success" project, the wall is a living gallery of CUSD's purpose to igniting curiosity, strengthening resilience, and inspiring excellence in every student's academic journey. Whether it's Sycamore Elementary's September-October display, Oakmont Outdoor School's Hispanic Heritage Month showcase, or Mountain View Elementary's stunning nature-themed creations, each installation brings something special to the space.

Thank you to our students, teachers, and staff who bring this wall to life year-round. Your passion, creativity, and hard work remind us why CUSD is a place where every student's academic journey is empowered through community and art.

San Antonio High School recently hosted its first-ever chess tournament on Tuesday, May 20, welcoming competitors from Mt. SAC Academy for an exciting afternoon of strategic gameplay and friendly competition. Eight SAHS students participated in the inaugural match just weeks after taking up the game. Since starting their chess journey, many players have spent their lunch periods in Mr. Baugh’s classroom, sharpening their skills and studying the game’s complex strategies.

The tournament highlighted the impressive growth and enthusiasm of SAHS’s newest chess enthusiasts. Junior Jayden Bloss methodically plotted each move, securing two wins. Junior Rosemarie Fregoso displayed focus and determination, winning one game. Sophomore Alex Palacios earned an impressive three victories. Senior Kobe Shankle also walked away with two wins, while juniors Julian Navarro and Gaven Hamrick competed fiercely, with Gaven winning one match.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this milestone event. Their dedication, curiosity, and sportsmanship are a testament to the positive learning culture at SAHS. The success of this first tournament promises a bright future for chess at the school.

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