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Sycamore Elementary recently became the stage for something extraordinary: the world premiere of 88th Street, an original musical written, co-directed, and accompanied on piano by sixth grader Ellen Thomas. Inspired by the whimsical bedtime stories her father once told her, Ellen brought her childhood imagination to life with a production that dazzled both students and families alike.

The musical, which debuted in front of a full house of supporters, follows the adventures of a group of children living on 88th Street. But beyond its playful narrative and heartwarming songs, what made the performance truly remarkable was the entirely student-led spirit behind it. Ellen wrote the script and music and auditioned her classmates, led rehearsals, and worked with her mother, an experienced music director, to guide the cast in vocal technique.

"My favorite part was the dress rehearsal," Ellen shared. "When all the kids came up and sang the chorus to Morning on 88th Street, it made me smile. It was powerful." Ellen added that while this was not her first time writing a musical, it was her first to be fully performed by her peers. "It's been my dream to see one of my musicals come to life—and now it finally has."

The talented cast featured students from Mr. Andre ChenFeng's 4th–6th grade combo class, where students have been learning academics and what it means to be self-directed and collaborative. Mr. ChenFeng emphasized that while the final performance was exceptional, it was the process that mattered most.

"Students had to learn how to be quiet backstage, how to work together, how to wait their turn, and how to take ownership," he said. "Our class runs on two main values: being reasonable and being self-directed. Watching those qualities come alive through this production was incredible."

Among the many standout performances was that of sixth grader Isaiah Tarros-Khoshkbariie, who played Ricky. Not only did he memorize his own lines, but he subtly coached his fellow actors from the wings when needed, ensuring the show moved forward seamlessly. "I felt like I was going to have a heart attack on stage," he laughed. "But it was also kind of fun carrying a teddy bear around."

Though the performance is over, Ellen is already hard at work on part two of the story. She hopes her work will inspire younger students to explore the world of storytelling and musical theater. "Even if they're in kindergarten," she said, "I hope they felt inspired to write something of their own."

The debut of 88th Street was more than just a school performance; it was a testament to what happens when students are empowered to dream, create, and lead. Sycamore's campus has always been a place where imagination is nurtured, but on this day, that imagination took center stage.

For the first time, Claremont Unified School District’s Nutrition Services Team joined the lineup of vendors at the Taste of Claremont, and they made a lasting impression. At this year’s sold-out event, guests were treated to two standout samples: Chile Verde Carnitas with Tortilla Chips and BBQ Wings, both made with house-crafted sauces from the district’s own Central Kitchen. The event, hosted annually by the Claremont Rotary Club, draws hundreds of attendees from across the region to celebrate food, fellowship, and philanthropy, all while raising funds for organizations making a difference locally and globally.

As one of more than 35 participating vendors, CUSD’s booth quickly became a crowd favorite. Many guests were stunned to learn that the flavorful dishes were part of the same meals served to students in our schools. Several even snapped photos to send to their children, proudly saying, “I’m eating your school lunch, and it’s amazing!” The evening offered a unique opportunity to showcase how far school meals have come, highlight the skill and care behind every recipe, and connect with the greater community in a fresh, flavorful way. CUSD is proud to have made its debut at this meaningful Claremont tradition.

Claremont High School’s Instrumental Music Program is hosting an Athletic Clearance Clinic to help student-athletes complete their required physicals for the upcoming sports season. Open to all students needing a low-cost physical, the clinic offers a convenient way to get cleared for athletics while supporting a great cause; proceeds benefit CHS Instrumental Music. The event takes place on Saturday, May 17, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the CHS gym, with a donation of $35 per athlete.

Claremont High School students are using the power of storytelling to save lives. Through the Streets, Art, SAFE program, students in Sara Hills’ Advanced Video Production class and Tamara Kirkpatrick’s art classes created powerful public service announcements and visually striking posters aimed at promoting traffic safety. This initiative challenges high school students across California to address the leading cause of teen fatalities and traffic collisions through creative expression and public awareness campaigns.

Several CHS students earned top honors for their work, receiving regional awards and finalist recognition in categories such as Best Acting, Best PSA, Most Dramatic, and Best Use of Illustration. From short films like Don’t Drive Your Future Away and In a Flash, to impactful poster designs like You Aren’t Alone on the Road, their projects blend artistry with advocacy. These students have demonstrated their creative talents and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community.

Claremont Unified School District is proud to celebrate our student volunteers' outstanding achievements, who were recently honored at the City of Claremont's Volunteer Recreation Awards Ceremony held at Padua Hills Theatre. Elijah Loeb, Lili Calvillo, Logan Seto, and Justin Lam were recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership at the TAC, exemplifying extraordinary commitment, compassion, and initiative. With a remarkable 166 hours of volunteer service, Justin Lam earned the distinguished Member of the Year award, setting a brilliant example of responsibility and positivity for his peers.

The Youth Activity Center (YAC) honored several inspirational students whose dedication has significantly enriched their community. Sofia DeMello and Gabe Medina-Silva received Awards of Excellence. Sofia stepped up wherever needed, contributed an impressive 168 volunteer hours, and left an artistic legacy through his talents, including a soon-to-be-completed mural. Both students have shown humility and a gentle strength that have positively impacted their peers and staff.

Nika Crisostomo and Tiffany Lu also received prestigious honors for their leadership and impressive growth throughout the year. Nika awarded the YAC Dick Guthrie Award, has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, balancing multiple extracurricular activities while consistently volunteering with enthusiasm. Tiffany, recognized as YAC Member of the Year, brought creativity and adaptability to every task she undertook, contributing significantly in her first year at the YAC with an impressive 132 volunteer hours. CUSD applauds all these remarkable students whose service embodies excellence and inspires our community.

Claremont Unified School District is proud to welcome Charles Boulden as the next principal of Vista del Valle Elementary School. Mr. Boulden brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, and principal at all levels—from elementary through high school. Most recently, he led Coyote Canyon Elementary in the Central School District, where his collaborative and student-centered leadership left a lasting impact.

Mr. Boulden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University, Northridge, a Master’s in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Argosy University, and a second Master’s in Education and Administrative Services Credential from CSU San Bernardino. As a local resident, he is thrilled to join the Claremont community and support Vista del Valle’s culture of inclusion, creativity, and academic excellence. We are excited to welcome Mr. Boulden to the CUSD family!

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