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Vista del Valle Elementary School recently hosted the 49th annual Vista Track Meet, welcoming fourth through sixth grade students from all seven Claremont Unified School District elementary schools. Students sprinted, jumped and cheered their way through a day dedicated to community, sportsmanship and friendly competition.

First launched nearly half a century ago by then-principal Duane Jackman and longtime Vista teacher Teri Tonde, the Vista Track Meet was initially designed to bring the community together and highlight the vibrancy of Vista del Valle. Over the years, the meet has evolved to include various events, such as the running long jump, softball throw and individual and relay races. Still, its spirit of unity and celebration has remained unchanged.

"It's amazing because we're able to bring the entire Claremont community together," said Janie Nuanes, director of the Child Development Program and former Vista principal. "If you stay for the awards ceremony, we always ask how many parents competed here as kids — and you'll see so many hands go up."

This year's meet carried a special sense of inspiration, marking the first Vista Track Meet held after Vista alumna Brittany Brown made her Olympic debut. Brown, who began her racing career at the Vista Track Meet, went on to win a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the Paris Olympics.

"Sometimes all it takes is that little spark to ignite a passion in our students," Nuanes said. "Maybe another future Olympian got their start here today."

Volunteers, many of them former staff members like Tonde, continue to return each year to help run the event.

"It's not perfect — but it's full of heart," Tonde said. "We love doing this because it brings all the kids together before they head to junior high and high school."

As the tradition continues, the Vista Track Meet remains a testament to community spirit, the power of perseverance and the joy of coming together to celebrate every child's achievement.

It was a packed house at El Roble Intermediate School as proud families, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the achievements of eighth-grade students at the 2025 MYP Community Project Showcase and Awards.

Before the awards ceremony, families had the opportunity to walk through classrooms where students proudly displayed their projects and shared their research, actions, and reflections. The evening was a vibrant celebration of service, action, and the spirit of global citizenship as students showcased their yearlong efforts rooted in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP).

Principal Richard McAlindin welcomed the crowd by highlighting the heart of the MYP journey: cultivating young people who are curious, empathetic, and committed to making a difference. Through their community projects, students explored real-world issues, designed meaningful actions, and reflected thoughtfully on their impact. “You’ve demonstrated what it means to be principled, caring, and reflective—core traits of the IB Learner Profile,” McAlindin said.

IB MYP Coordinator Andrea Gosnell shared moving reflections about the students’ growth and announced five distinguished awards honoring standout projects. Among the honorees:

• Global Changemaker Award: Amira Tayyarah and Eliana Tabac for raising more than $1,100 for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation through a skin cancer awareness campaign.

• Community Catalyst Award: Atticus Gonzalez and Zavion Blounte for creating a staff training on student learning styles to better support their peers.

• Empowerment Advocate Award: Charlie Rapp for researching workplace discrimination, including contributing to a collaborative research paper at the Claremont Colleges.

• Environmental Stewardship Award: Claire Ferree, Eloise Brusky and Annika Emadi for advocating for the protection of monarch butterflies.

• Innovation Trailblazer Award: Jonathan Imerman for launching a Rubik’s cubing workshop, introducing young students to STEM and supporting pediatric cancer patients through Ethan’s Ohana.

Assistant Principal Missy Samson captured the spirit of the night best: “This certificate is not just a piece of paper. It’s a symbol of your growth, your resilience, your heart, and your impact.”

Congratulations to El Roble’s eighth-grade IB MYP students for showing that leadership, empathy, and innovation know no age limit. Your voices matter, and this is only the beginning of the difference you will make in the world.

Claremont Unified School District proudly marked the official grand opening of the newly renovated Claremont High School Music Building with a ribbon cutting ceremony that brought together students, families, staff, community partners, and district leaders. The celebration highlighted the district’s continued commitment to the arts and the importance of creating spaces that support student creativity and collaboration. The event featured inspiring speeches, musical performances from CHS band and choir students, and a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.

“This renovation reflects our district’s purpose of igniting curiosity, strengthening resilience, and inspiring excellence to empower each student’s academic journey,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Elsasser. “We’re proud of the thoughtful upgrades designed with students and staff in mind—spaces that nurture creativity, collaboration, and artistic achievement.” Board of Education President Kathryn Dunn echoed that sentiment, noting, “The renovated music building is more than just a facility; it’s a vibrant space that demonstrates our district’s and community’s dedication to fostering student talent, supporting innovation, and providing inclusive opportunities for all students to thrive.”

CHS music student Bella Sacks shared how the new space is already making a difference: “The new sound system makes such a difference when we practice in class every day... this isn’t just a nicer-looking room—it’s a space where we can learn better and enjoy making music together.” Thanks to the support of Measure G and the shared vision of CUSD staff, families, and community members, the newly renovated music building now serves as a lasting symbol of the district’s investment in the arts and the future of its students.

Claremont High School students got a head start on their prom preparations during the campus Prom Expo, held at lunch on April 18. The event connected students with local vendors offering everything from facials and haircuts to tuxedo rentals. However, the true highlight of the event was the CHS Say Yes to the Dress Club, which continues to make a lasting impact by ensuring every student can attend prom — whether for financial reasons or a commitment to sustainability.

Founded nearly a decade ago by CHS staff member Shalon Gonzalez, the club grew out of a simple but powerful idea: every student deserves to feel confident and included at school dances. What began with a few donated dresses has blossomed into a thriving club that collects, organizes and distributes hundreds of dresses each year — all completely free to students.

"It started when a couple of students told me they couldn't afford a dress," Gonzalez said. "I asked friends if they had any old dresses, and it just took off from there. Now, we have over 200 dresses available for students to take and keep for prom, homecoming, winter formal or even graduation."

Today, Say Yes to the Dress serves students from all backgrounds — including those who want to make sustainable choices by recycling clothing rather than purchasing something new.

At the Prom Expo, students were able to browse a curated selection of dresses, many donated by community members and alums. Club president Kori Epling said the experience is designed to feel welcoming and empowering.

"It doesn't feel like a charity," Epling said. "It feels like a boutique. It's like you're just shopping, but without paying for anything. It takes the stress out of prom."

The club holds several "boutiques" throughout the year, timed around major dances, where students can try on and select dresses. Donations are accepted year-round, and the program has grown to serve not just CHS students, but students from neighboring schools as well, including San Antonio High School.

For Gonzalez and Epling, the greatest reward is seeing the smiles when students find the perfect dress.

"I love seeing their faces when they realize they can have something beautiful without the stress," Gonzalez said. "It's about giving every student the chance to have that special moment."

The CHS Say Yes to the Dress Club continues to show that with a little heart and a lot of tulle and sequins — a community can come together to make dreams come true.

Claremont Unified School District proudly celebrates Administrative Professionals Week by recognizing the exceptional individuals whose work often takes place behind the scenes but is vital to the daily success of our schools. From the front office to the district office, administrative professionals serve as the welcoming face of CUSD, supporting students, staff, and families with warmth, efficiency, and care.

These dedicated professionals manage a wide range of responsibilities with grace, coordinating schedules, supporting communication efforts, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring school operations run seamlessly. Their work truly reflects CUSD’s purpose: igniting curiosity, strengthening resilience, and inspiring excellence to empower each student’s academic journey. Their contributions keep our schools running smoothly and create a nurturing and organized environment where students and staff can thrive.

Throughout the week, school sites across the district showed their appreciation through heartfelt messages, thoughtful gifts, and small celebrations to honor the administrative professionals who help make our schools feel like home. To all of our administrative professionals, thank you for the care, precision, and integrity you bring to your work each day. You are essential to the fabric of CUSD, and we are endlessly grateful for all you do.

Claremont Unified School District families are invited to ignite their curiosity and creativity at this year’s Family STEAM Night, happening Wednesday, April 30, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Sumner Danbury Elementary School.

This free districtwide event is open to all CUSD families and promises an evening of engaging, hands-on activities centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. It’s the perfect opportunity for students and parents to explore together, problem-solve creatively, and enjoy quality time as a family.

One of the evening’s highlights includes a tie-dye station! Bring a white shirt to join in the fun! The event is made possible through the support of CUSD and an Arts Advancement Grant from the LA County Arts Ed Collective.

Come curious, and leave inspired. Families are encouraged to register in advance to help organizers prepare for a memorable night of learning and laughter.

Claremont Unified School District proudly recognized an outstanding group of individuals at the April 17th Board of Education meeting — the 2024-2025 Volunteers of the Year. These remarkable volunteers embody the spirit of excellence, equity, innovation and integrity that define CUSD, giving their time and talents not for recognition, but out of a deep commitment to students, schools and the greater community.

Some volunteers greet students each morning to ensure they arrive safely, while others bring music and creativity into classrooms. Many dedicate their time to planning joyful, inclusive events that strengthen the bond between school and home. Others work behind the scenes, organizing book fairs, fundraising for field trips, preparing staff meals or leading family engagement efforts that showcase the power of community.

Among the honorees are individuals who use their artistic talents to brighten campuses, document student memories, and support teachers. Some rally neighbors and friends to ensure every student feels seen and supported, whether through a holiday gift, a warm meal or a simple message of encouragement.

Several volunteers are fierce advocates for students with disabilities, championing equity and inclusion in every space. Across all contributions, one thing remains constant: their generosity has enriched CUSD in ways that are immeasurable.

On behalf of the Board of Education, CUSD proudly celebrates the following 2024-2025 Volunteers of the Year:

• Chaparral Elementary School – Julie Bernard

• Condit Elementary School – Paula (Patty) Moreno

• Mountain View Elementary School – Ivoire White

• Oakmont Elementary School – Erin Muir

• Sumner Danbury Elementary School – Katie Wheatley

• Sycamore Elementary School – Jessica MacLachlan

• Vista del Valle Elementary School – Kevin O'Reilly

• El Roble Intermediate School – Valarie Jimenez

• Claremont High School – Sandy Lopez

• San Antonio High School – Marisela Zuniga

• Claremont Unified School District – Darlene Berg

• Claremont Unified School District – Gloria Clark

CUSD is deeply grateful to these extraordinary volunteers. Their dedication, creativity and compassion continue to inspire a stronger, more connected community.

Sycamore Elementary School brought the world to its campus during its annual World Cultures Day celebration on April 23. The event showcased the diversity and richness of cultures within the Sycamore community, with family volunteers generously sharing their traditions, stories and talents with students.

The day kicked off with an energetic assembly featuring King P, a Jamaican-rooted hip-hop artist and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. King P taught students about the beauty of Jamaican music and culture, bringing his signature "Good Vibes" energy to the stage. After his presentation, Sycamore Principal Amy Stanger invited all volunteers to join her on stage. Many volunteers proudly wore traditional clothing, waved flags, or adorned themselves with scarves and hats symbolizing their heritage.

After the assembly, students rotated through classrooms to experience different cultures firsthand. They had the opportunity to learn about the Philippines, India, Russia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Scotland, France, Ecuador, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Chile, Germany, Korea and New Orleans. Many volunteers brought homemade food for students to taste and led creative craft activities, giving students a chance to experience the world through art, music and cuisine.

World Cultures Day at Sycamore Elementary was a vibrant reminder of the richness that diversity brings to the school community. Through the generosity of volunteers and the joyful participation of students, the day celebrated the many cultures that make Sycamore, and the world, a more beautiful place.

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