Local Community News and Public Relations established in 1997 and serving cities of Eastvale, Norco, Chino, Walnut, Corona, Riverside, and San Gabriel Valley.
Category Archives: School News
Eastvale School Sports, School Award Winners, Eastvale School News
Norco – Armando Gomez, 18, learned about the LAUNCH apprenticeship program while attending Corona High School.
“I was in the engineering program at Corona High for four years and when I learned about the apprenticeship program at Norco College, I decided to take advantage of it,” said Gomez. “It’s the best thing I’ve done to date.”
Gomez, a first generation college student, was recently hired at Brenner Fiedler as an apprentice where he is helping assemble pumps and wiring medical machinery. This allows him to learn the basics of wiring and electrical work while making a livable wage. Gomez’s long-term goal is to become an engineer. He finds joy in building and is grateful that the LAUNCH program allows him the opportunity to learn, earn, and work towards his ultimate career goal.
“The apprenticeship program helped me get to this step,” said Gomez. “I recommend anyone interested in this model to enroll because it is a great opportunity to explore different options while getting paid.”
For more information about the LAUNCH Apprenticeship program, visit the website or contact Carlos Vasquez, interim Apprenticeship director at carlos.vasquez@norcocollege.edu.
EMPLOYERS: Want to increase profits by hiring trained workers? STUDENTS/JOB SEEKERS: Need training & education to earn higher wages in local industries?
Eastvale – There is a lot of construction happening in the City of Eastvale and new businesses proposed to come soon. Here is an update of how the community is growing.
On Aug. 10, JCSD started construction on water service lines, which will take place through Sept. 25. “Please be advised that there will be an increase in noise levels and temporary asphalt patches,” stated the City.
On Aug. 6, it was also announced that there will be construction work related to pressure betterment improvements on a gas main on Hellman Avenue beginning Aug. 10 – Aug. 14. “Please be advised that traffic delays are to be expected,” stated a news release. “It is recommended that the area be avoided if possible, as there will be intermittent lane closures on the north bound side. At least one lane will remain open at all times.”
On Aug. 5, Chino Preserve Development Corp performed construction activities on Legacy Park Street and East Preserve Loop in the City of Chino.
For additional information about any construction in Eastvale, contact the City of Eastvale Public Works Department at 951.703.4470.
On Aug. 2, a long-term lane reduction was announced to take place on the westbound SR-60 from Country Village Road to Wineville Road. Lanes will be reduced from five lanes to three lanes. Re-striping began on Aug. 2 followed by k-rail placement. This lane reduction will allow for accelerated pavement work to take place. Changeable message signs are utilized along the I-10 and the I-215 to alert motorists of the lane reductions on SR-60. “The right lane on eastbound SR-60 from Archibald Avenue to Mission Blvd. will remain closed during construction to allow for accelerated pavement work,” stated a news release. “The closure will be monitored for traffic impacts and based on traffic volumes.”
On July 28, the City of Eastvale reminded the community to join the conversation about the City’s general plan. Visit engage.eastvaleca.gov and click on the Eastvale 2040 project square to download worksheets from the kid’s corner, answer a survey, and share your voice through our forums.
On July 23, the City introduced the new Building Official, Jerry Arellano, and the City’s new Assistant Planner, Allen Lim.
On July 14, the City announced that new anchors are being proposed at The Station located in the Goodman Commerce Center. “This includes a Grocery Store, a medium retail building, and a Food Hall.”
On July 3, the City also announced that Fire Wings is coming soon to the Eastvale Gateway Food Court on the corner of Limonite and Hamner. Fire Wings will offer guests over 20 wing flavors, beer on tap, a Pepsi Spire machine and unbelievable sides to pair with your meal. More details will be added soon about their arrival.
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale has provided several updates over the last few weeks regarding businesses closing, sports activities opening, and new testing available in the City of Eastvale.
First, it was announced that COVID-19 Testing is available at Silverlakes Sports Complex with a 60 minute result option for a $150 fee. To book an appointment, text “Lifeline” to 96000. Or for more information, please visit wearelifelinehealth.com or call 424.220.6560.
In August, it was announced that the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a program that will recruit youngsters to help support the community response to the deadly pandemic. $2 Million was approved to launch this Youth Community Corps. For the full news release, please visit: https://bit.ly/39YKm1u
On Aug. 4, it was announced that organized youth sports activities, sports conditioning, and practices may resume at local parks with JCSD Parks and Recreation Department Field allocation permits. JCSD is working with local sports groups to coordinate field use. For additional information, please visit https://covid19.ca.gov.
On July 28, the City announced that an antibody study shows coronavirus spread wider in Riverside County. “Results of a COVID-19 antibody testing study indicate the virus may have infected more than 100,000 Riverside County residents,” stated the City. “This finding underscores the need to wear face coverings as people may have the virus without any symptoms, then easily spread it to others when not wearing a mask or keeping six feet of distance.” For the full news release, please visit: https://bit.ly/337Zg43
On July 28, Riverside County health officials reminded residents to call 9-1-1 when they have urgent health needs. Officials are reminding residents to seek emergency care when they have potentially serious symptoms such as chest pains, shortness of breath or signs of a stroke, and not wait to call 9-1-1 out of fear of catching coronavirus. On July 19, the City temporarily suspended the enforcement of street sweeping violations effective Monday, July 20. “This is designed to help our residents and our City get through this unique time together as more people will be at home during the next few weeks,” according to the City.
Please note that the City will continue to enforce violations that pose a risk to public safety and health. Those include parking in front of fire hydrants, along red curbs and in disabled/handicap stalls without a placard. “We ask that you do your part and park responsibly, be courteous to others and be mindful of public safety. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” stated the City.
On July 17, Superintendent Dr. Lin of Corona Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) sent out an update regarding the physical return of students for the 2020-21 school year.
“Out of an abundance of caution, CNUSD will be delaying the physical return of all students for the 2020-21 school year due to the recent elevated health risk conditions of COVID–19 in Riverside County.” The notice continued, “This plan of action has not been reached lightly. All possible options for opening our schools in a safe manner have been thoroughly considered. The only safe option at this time is a temporary full remote learning option. It is our intent to move to a physical return when it is safe to do so.”
On July 13, all Counties were announced to close indoor operations per State Executive Order, including: restaurants, wineries & tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertaining centers, museums and zoos, and cardrooms. In addition, 30 counties will now be required to close indoor operations for: Fitness Centers, Places of Worship, Offices for Non-Critical Sectors, Personal Care Services, Hair Salons and Barbershops, and Malls.
If a restaurant in Eastvale is interested in providing outdoor dining, then the restaurant can obtain a temporary use permit by clicking here: https://bit.ly/39ZXGCT For questions and information please contact our Planning Department at 951.703.4460 or by email planning@eastvaleca.gov.
Eastvale – When the area of “Eastvale” first wanted to gain local control and map out what their destiny was, they began the “incorporation process.” Now with the many changes and growth in our area with over 60,000 residents, should the City of Eastvale consider developing their own school district as 15,000 of these residents are currently students? The idea of Eastvale becoming its own school district is one worthy of further investigation on the ramifications and the actual process.
So let’s examine the facts: The Corona-Norco School District (CNUSD) currently consists of thirty-one elementary schools, eight intermediate/middle schools, five comprehensive high schools, a middle college high school and three alternative schools. With the district serving over 53,000 students in the communities of Corona, Norco and Eastvale, CNUSD is the largest school district in Riverside County. Of the over 53,000 students in the district, 15,000 of them are Eastvale students.
Eastvale residents already pay a large amount of property taxes, special assessment taxes, a bond tax (Measure U), and also are asked to pay an additional $299m bond, on top of the $250 million general obligation Measure U Bond passed by voters in 2006.
“It was a huge process (to incorporate the city), but I believe it was worth the hundreds of hours of work,” said former Councilman Jeff DeGrandpre, who helped spearhead the process of the team who brought the decision to a vote. “It was tons of work, but now we have local control. We are right where we wanted to be as a community.”
Many smaller school districts have broken away from larger school districts for reasons from lack of accountability to simply a desire to run their own system. Walnut Valley Unified School District has a student population of 15,500 and became their own school district in the 1970’s when the area was in its infancy. Duarte Unified School District is a small district that serves about 4,700 students from the areas of Duarte, Bradbury, and the Maxwell Park area. Baldwin Park Unified has over 15,000 students and broke away from Covina Unified before the 1950’s. All of these school districts were part of larger areas that became smaller school districts and grew.
“We would support such a move if it benefitted our community,” said a group of parents at Clara Barton Elementary. “Especially if we have to pay for another bond. Our last bond, Measure U, we pay taxes on but only received 17% of that money.” Another parent felt they didn’t have enough control of the district and felt it’s because it’s too large. They all requested to remain anonymous because they’ve never researched the idea. “I never realized it was possible,” she said.
If Eastvale were to explore the possibility of separating from CNUSD and becoming its own individual school district, the California Department of Education requires a certain process to be followed. According to the California Department of Education District Organization Handbook- July 2010, this type of reorganization would seek to form one new school district of the same kind from parts of one existing school district of that same kind.
This type of reorganization is more commonly referred to as Unification. Although the exact method of Unification is based on a variety of factors, the first step in this process is a petition. This petition would then be presented to the County Superintendent of Schools and he/she would have 30 days to determine the legal sufficiency of the petition. If the petition is found to be legally sufficient, it is then sent to the County Committee on School District Organization and the State Board. A public hearing would then need to be held within 60 days to advise the public of the petition. After the hearing is held and within 120 days, the petition would need to be reviewed to see if it meets Section 35753 of the Educational Code.
These conditions are as follows: (a) The reorganized districts will be adequate in terms of number of pupils enrolled. (b) The districts are each organized on the basis of a substantial community identity. (c) The proposal will result in an equitable division of property and facilities of the original district or districts. (d) The reorganization of the districts will preserve each affected district’s ability to educate students in an integrated environment and will not promote racial or ethnic discrimination or segregation. (e) Any increase in costs to the state as a result of the proposed reorganization will be insignificant and otherwise incidental to the reorganization. (f) The proposed reorganization will continue to promote sound education performance and will not significantly disrupt the educational programs in the districts affected by the proposed reorganization. (g) Any increase in school facilities costs as a result of the proposed reorganization will be insignificant and otherwise incidental to the reorganization. (h) The proposed reorganization is primarily designed for purposes other than to significantly increase property values. (i) The proposed reorganization will continue to promote sound fiscal management and not cause a substantial negative effect on the fiscal status of the proposed district or any existing district affected by the proposed reorganization. (j) Any other criteria as the board may, by regulation, prescribe.
To maintain neutrality, the County Office of Education would most likely hire an independent consultant trained in evaluating this type of criteria. If the independent consultant does find the petition to be in compliance with EC35753, it is then passed on to the State Board of Education and they will determine if it is approved or sent to an election within the area affected. In most cases, this becomes a major obstacle, as a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) would need to be done, which can be expensive.
According to a source from the Department of Education, this is where most of these petitions “die”, mainly due to the large expense of the CEQA. This step often takes a few years due to the state pipeline and the Environmental Impact Study. If the petition makes it through all of these steps and wins in an election of the area affected by the Unification, then a new school district would be formed.
While there are many pros and cons to becoming our own school district, any action to do so would most likely come at a large expense, be extremely controversial as well as political, and would need to be thoroughly researched to truly understand the greater impact on the students and the communities involved.
“It took us 3.5 years to get the city incorporation to the ballot,” the former councilman said. “It’s definitely worth looking into, but a tough road because CNUSD is highly regarded within the state.”
Pomona – On March 11, the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PCHMC) announced that a patient who passed away at their hospital confirmed positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This was the first reported COVID-19 death in Los Angeles County. On March 9, the patient went to the hospital by ambulance and was in full cardiac arrest. Staff provided lifesaving care to stabilize her condition. Based on her travel history and symptoms, the patient was placed in isolation and infection control protocols were implemented according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). LACDPH authorized to obtain samples for COVID-19 testing, but the patient died shortly after “due to complications from their illness,” according to a PCHMC statement. On March 11, LACDPH confirmed the patient tested positive for COVID-19. A family member disclosed the patient’s travel status, which included a residence in the City of Walnut. However, the County confirmed that the individual “did NOT circulate around the City of Walnut and stayed primarily at the residence,” according to Walnut Public Information Officer, Melanie Tep. She stated that the City is communicating with LA County’s Department of Public Health for more information regarding the patients’ travel details. “We will communicate more information as it becomes available from the County.” In addition, the LA County Department of Public Health confirmed that the patient’s family members are currently in quarantine. PCHMC is also following LACDPH guidelines for the staff that came into contact with the patient. “We extend our deepest condolences to the patient and family,” said Daniel Gluckstein, MD, Medical Director of Infectious Disease at PVHMC. “At this time, our top priority remains protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our patients, visitors, Associates, physicians, volunteers and community.” “We understand people are feeling anxious about potential exposure to coronavirus, but we want to reassure our patients and their families that the risk of exposure from this case is low,” stated a PVHMC statement. “PVHMC remains a safe, high-quality facility to seek medical care.” The City of Walnut issued a reminder stating that Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses: • Stay home when you are sick. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands). • Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick (source control). • Get a flu immunization if you have not done so this season.
Eastvale – On March 13, Superintendent Dr. Lin announced that all Corona-Norco Unified public Schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 3. Dr. Lin stated that “the public health crisis created by the Coronavirus is not something any of us could reasonably have expected to happen, and we are in uncharted waters as we work to prevent the spread of the illness.” “We have been following the direction of public health experts to keep our school community — students, staff, family members and visitors — safe in the midst of a growing health crisis,” he said. “We are now at a point where the balance has shifted and the appropriate path is to close schools. Additionally, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency.” Therefore, the CNUSD schools will be completely shut down and all activities on or off campus will be cancelled. However, Dr. Lin said they will evaluate and determine if the return date will change. “Parents and staff will hear from CNUSD directly in the event that the return date of April 6, 2020 changes,” stated the Superintendent. He also said that there are plans for CNUSD students to continue to learn during the closure. The statement included a link to three phases of learning while the schools are closed. During Phase 1 (between 1 and 5 school days), students are encouraged to engage in enrichment activities and read grade level materials. During Phase 2 (between 6 and school 21 days), information will be sent via email and posted on the district website regarding “how to support students with additional enrichment activities they can complete from home.” Then in Phase 3, (longer than school 21 days), further communication will be sent via email and posted on the district website with “specific instructions for completion of school curriculum from home.” CNUSD did acknowledge that they are aware all students do not have regular access to technology or the internet. Therefore, hard copies of the materials will be provided, and more information will be released at a later date. Direct access to both electronic and paper resources options are currently available on cnusd.k12.ca.us. “This is a difficult decision, but necessary, as we try to slow the spread of the virus,” stated Dr. Lin in his statement. “Corona-Norco Unified School District serves a wide-range of communities including a high-needs population, and our schools provide a social safety net for our children. The closing of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instructional time. This is not an easy decision and not one we take lightly.” Since this is a rapidly changing situation, CNUSD staff advises that parents and families check their email regularly and visit cnusd.k12.ca.us for frequent updates. Dr. Lin stated they will communicate via email, Facebook and Twitter during the course of this closure, as well. “These are unprecedented and challenging times, but we will get through this as a community,” concluded Dr. Lin.
The ERHS Class of 2019 graduates celebrated at their graduation ceremony which was held at the Citizens Bank Arena on Tuesday, June 4th.ERHS Principal, Dr. Jeremy Goins, gave a memorable speech at the graduation ceremony. Many students are now fondly referring to him as “DJ Goins” because of how entertaining his commencement speech was.
The City of Corona honored four CeHS computer science winners during the April City Council meeting.
Staff Reports
Corona – Congratulations to all the CNUSD students who won
various awards in April. Students from
different schools in the Corona-Norco Unified School District were honored at
several recent events.
Five Centennial High School (CeHS) students placed 2nd
and 3rd at the 2019 Inaugural Riverside County Programming Competition. This competition introduced students to the world of
coding and featured 129 students from nine Riverside County school districts.
Participants had the opportunity to compete individually or as a team of two to
four students.
The second place winners for the Team
Competition included the following: Anthony Villegas, Dararith Sao, William
Chen, and Vincent Alexander. The third
place winner for the Individual Competition was Noe Martinez.
Other CeHS students received the Aspirations in Computing Award
from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award
applicants represent “young women highly qualified to enter the computing and
information technology workforce,” according to a CNUSD news release.
The winners included the following: Chloe
Santos, 2019 California Inland Empire Affiliate Honorable Mention; Jasmine
Bae, 2019 California Inland Empire Affiliate Honorable Mention; Madison
Hill, 2019 California Inland Empire Affiliate Winner; and Monica Sanchez, 2019
California Inland Empire Affiliate Rising Star.
CeHS Teacher, Brian Kenney, commented on how
important these awards are. “The mission
is to increase diversity in Computer Science and Gaming by encouraging young
women into these high demand job fields.
These young ladies and NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award winners are
part of that diversity change,” said Kenney.
“With all of this talent, it is also the intent of Centennial High
School to keep highly qualified students in Corona by producing career-ready
individuals, and to bring more of these jobs to our area,” added Kenney.
Lastly, from April 2-3, twenty-four CNUSD students earned
gold medals at the Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair. “Nineteen Junior & Senior division
students advanced to the California State Science Fair and a 9th-grade student
is headed to the Intel International Science Fair,” according to CNUSD.
Nearly 500 students from 36 affiliate fairs competed at the Riverside
Convention Center. Among the awards were community organization
awards, in addition to Gold and Silver medals. “Gold medal winners
from the Junior and Senior divisions will advance to the California State
Science and Engineering Fair on April 29-30 at the California Science Center in
Los Angeles,” stated CNUSD. Congratulations to the sixty-nine CNUSD
students who participated and brought home 24 Gold medals, 42 Silver medals,
and 13 community and regional awards.
The winners are listed below.
Among the winners was Amanda Mata, of Orange
Elementary School, who won the Elementary Sweepstakes Award – Best Overall
Project in Grades 4-5. The Project she
created was a Rigatoni Pasta Rocket Engine. Another winner was Dimple Garuadapuri, of eSTEM Academy at Roosevelt High
School. Dimple earned one of three spots
in the county to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering
Fair (ISEF). The Project that was
created was a Na/Ca/K Pollution Scrub: A Domestic Approach to Chemical
Carbon Capture.
Community
and Regional Awards include the following:
American Meteorological Society: Dimple
Garuadapuri, Eastvale STEM Academy at ERHS
American Psychological Association: Sandra
Rodriguez, Centennial High School
California Society for Biomedical Research: Kenny
Nguyen, of Eastvale STEM Academy at ERHS, received a plaque and $250 monetary
award
Chemistry and Air Pollution Research Center at
University of California Riverside: Kayla Cunningham, of
Eastvale STEM Academy of ERHS, received a trophy and a $50 gift card
HDR, Inc.: Gavin Joyce, of Corona
High School, received a certificate and a book
Inland Empire Professional Engineers in California
Government: Gavin Joyce, of Corona High School, won $1,000
Intel Excellence in Computer Science: Jiahan
(Peter) Cheng, Thomas Rife, and August Wetterau, Eastvale STEM Academy of ERHS
Mojave Environmental Education Consortium: Dimple
Garuadapuri, of Eastvale STEM Academy of ERHS, won a $50 gift card, and
received a certificate and ribbon
Mu Alpha Theta: Malika Nindra and
Avantika Rozario, Centennial High School
NASA Earth System Science Award: Dimple
Garuadapuri, Eastvale STEM Academy of ERHS
Naval Science Award: Andre Huerto, Eastvale
STEM Academy of ERHS
Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP): Amanda
Mata, of Orange Elementary School, won $50
Stockholm Jr Water Prize: Nicolas
Almeida, Alexander Nguyen, and Nicholas Tan, Eastvale STEM Academy of ERHS
GOLD
MEDAL WINNERS (all Gold medal students in grades 6-12 advance to State):
Clara
Barton Elementary: Anneliese Brasher, James Glenny, and Zachary Brasher
Home
Gardens Academy: Hope Howard
Eastvale
Elementary: Thomas Sherrill
Orange
Elementary: Amanda Mata
Temescal
Valley Elementary: Carter Gilliatt and Nicholas Gomez
Auburndale
Intermediate: Aisha Randhawa, Nala Stewart, Sarah Stutsman
Raney
Intermediate: David Ouk and Suraj Jayaraman
Norco
High: Spencer Krock
ESTEM
at Roosevelt High: August Wetterau, Dimple Garuadapuri, Jiahan Cheng, Kenney
Nguyen, Thomas Rife, Faith Inverary, Kayla Cunningham, Lana Lim, Wenxuan Tang, and
Jillian Labador
SILVER
MEDAL WINNERS:
Clara
Barton Elementary: Aiden Stinson and Andrew Glenny
Corona
Ranch Elementary: Gavin Cypher
Eastvale
Elementary: Joel Licera
Garretson
Elementary: Jake Felton
Orange
Elementary: Hailey Hild
Prado
View Elementary: Jackson Rhodes, Kyla Ishii, and Spencer Tran
Corona
Fundamental Intermediate: Ethan Alferez, Sophia Pham, Aidan Bunch, Anisha Prasad,
Derek Hsieh, Lucas
Dyal, and Ryan Friedman
Corona – A highly competitive wrestling team from Santiago High School sent three wrestlers to the CIF State Boys’ Wrestling tournament. Brayden Ray, Joshua Kim, and Jesse Vasquez traveled to Bakersfield to represent their team.
Senior Brayden Ray, a competitor in the 220-pound weight class, notes that he has “…had to train hard and stay focused on the right path” to reach the state level. He used the disappointment from last season (falling just short of the CIF title) to catapult him to this season’s success.
Joshua Kim and Jesse Vasquez experienced tremendous hard fought success at the CIF State Championship. Both wrestlers advanced to the finals in their weight classes and came out victorious making them state champs. Sophomore Jesse Vasquez says that “Wrestling continually provides me opportunities to grow and achieve my goals.” Vasquez should be a strong candidate to come out on top in the 132-pound weight class considering his first place finish in the CIF Regional round.
Courtesy: Kathleen Ray
All three wrestlers referenced their faith in God as one of the driving forces behind their success. Joshua Kim, a senior at Santiago, “…believe[s] that my success and failures as a student-athlete are God’s plan.”
While Brayden Ray, Jesse Vasquez, and Joshua Kim have been driving forces behind Santiago’s success it is Jesse Vasquez now a two time state champ, that is likely to have the longest lasting impact. Just a sophomore, he’ll have two more seasons to compete at the high school level. Another offseason of training will leave him a favorite to accomplish more accolades at the CIF level.
Eastvale– Kids around the country dream of becoming professional athletes. They have the vision of becoming the next LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Alex Morgan, or Mike Trout. On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, 27 athletes from Eleanor Roosevelt High School took the next step in accomplishing their athletic ambitions by signing their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.
The class of 2018 is the largest group of signees Roosevelt has ever seen, it’s expected that several more athletes will sign with colleges before the conclusion of the school year. Athletic director Aaron Shires was ecstatic about the number of student-athletes that committed to continue their athletic careers in college. “Well, it’s awesome. It speaks volumes to the level of effort and work that our coaches put in, our teachers put in, and the student-athletes themselves have put in, most importantly, the home atmosphere and the families.”
Allison Poole, the goalkeeper for the girls’ soccer team, said that, “Sports has helped me so much. It’s been my getaway; I’m able to become someone different when I get on the field, it’s a blessing to be able to play.” Poole will play soccer at California State University of Fullerton next year.
While the accomplishments of Roosevelt’s athletes on the field are impressive, their successes in the classroom are equally as remarkable. A majority of the athletes have maintained above a 3.5 GPA over the course of their high school careers. Florida Tech commit Jordy Araya took to Twitter to encourage underclassmen to focus on their studies “because of the doors a high GPA and SAT” can open.
National Signing Day is a special day across the country when we are reminded of the impact sports can have on young men and women and their families. While sports may not cure all issues, they do have the unique ability to create phenomenal opportunities and well rounded adults. Sports are an outlet that can create a beautiful paradise for athletes and fans alike. Most importantly is the fact that sports brings people together.
The following is the full list of athletes that signed their letter of intent today:
Football: Andy Koch: Utah State; Lionel Masivi: Dixie State; Michael Macdonald: Azusa Pacific University; Jordy Araya: Florida Tech; Chase Williams: USC; Jeremy Moussa: University of Hawaii
Baseball: Adrian Banales: Pomona Pitzer; Aaron De La Torre: University of Sioux Falls; Jack Drury: California Baptist University; Brandon Gutierrez: Cal State San Bernardino
Girls Volleyball: Dejah Dade: University of California Riverside; Hailey Gomez: Arkansas Pine Bluff
Girls Soccer: Delanie McKeon: Austin Peay State University; Allie Poole: Cal State Fullerton; Sydney Studer: Oregon State; Jasmine Walker: Grambling State.
Girls Softball: Madelyn Ruffin: Long Beach State; Amanda Argomaniz: George Mason University; McKenna Batterton: Florida Gulf Coast; Hayley DiMase: University of Redlands; Hannah Tenberge: Mid America Nazarene University; Kristen Lucas: Butler College; Janna Helberg: College of Charleston
Track & Field: Breanna Bernard-Joseph: USC
Cheerleading: Janae Magpale: California Baptist University; Ashley Padilla: California Baptist University
Eastvale – Roosevelt high school, in Eastvale, had 3 students from their varsity football team sign early letters of intent on December 21 the theater on campus. There were between 700-1000 people in attendance and Coach Tommy Leech was the master of ceremonies for the day. Jeremy Moussa, played quarterback for the Mustangs and signed with Hawaii. Head coach Tommy Leach said, “Jeremy had multiple offers, but ever since Hawaii came to see him I kept hoping for him to go there”. Leach said that when they first saw him throw the football ball they loved him. Hawaii told me “he can really sling the ball” Leach said. Chase Williams played both ways for Mustangs; he played both wide receiver and defensive back. Leach said, “When I arrived at the school to coach two years ago I asked Chase if he wanted to play defensive back or wide receiver”. Chase said “I am a wide receiver coach”. Leach asked him while he was on the stage, “What position do you play now”, “defensive back coach”, answered Williams. Chase had committed to Nebraska earlier in the year but when their coach, Mike Riley, was terminated Chase terminated his commitment to them in the face of uncertainty. Chase didn’t tell anybody what his choice would be until signing day. He presented everybody in attendance with his decision by revealing a USC shirt after a 10 second countdown. Andrew Koch played defensive end in high school but signed with Utah State to play offensive line. Leach said that Koch “loves to grind and told his college coach that he wouldn’t wait until the fall to go to school because he wanted to start the grind as soon as possible”. Leach praised each of them, Chase and Andrew, for “keeping an open mind about positions to give each of them the best opportunity possible to play at a great school. Leach gave high praises to all three young men for their commitment to the team, the school and their future. Leach said, “each one of these young men showed exceptional leadership abilities and desire to be the best example they could be to all the other players on the team. Fox news was in attendance along with the press enterprise and other publications. The Mustangs had a winning season this year and these three guys were a huge part.
Photo courtesy: Andrew Shortall CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis officially opens the Events Center by cutting the ceremonial ribbon on Thursday.
News Release
RIVERSIDE, Calif.– California Baptist University added another milestone event in its 67-year history by dedicating the new events center and unveiling the Lancer statue that will stand guard over the sprawling 153,000 square foot building Thursday afternoon.
“This represents another wow day for California Baptist University and Lancer Athletics,” said CBU president Dr. Ronald L. Ellis. “We are thrilled that the new CBU Events Center will be the home of Lancer basketball games, student chapel services and many other great events in the years to come. This building is now one of the magnificent landmarks in the entire Inland Empire.”
“The mission of the athletic department is to ‘honor Christ through excellence in athletics,'” said Parker. “This facility will definitely help us fulfill our mission. The Events Center will present us with the opportunity to invite the Inland Empire to experience exciting and family friendly events and as a result, we anticipate a great atmosphere due to a growing Lancer nation. We are currently planning the events surrounding the season’s opening weekend Nov. 10-11.”
For the coaches and student-athletes, the rapid ascension of the Lancer basketball programs has had far ranging impact.
Photo courtesy: Andrew Shortall California Baptist University President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis speaks in front of the Events Center at Thursday’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We’re incredibly excited for our past, present and future players,” said head men’s basketball coachRick Croy. “It is our mission to create a transcendent college basketball experience for our students, faculty/staff, alums, and community that will resonate throughout the Inland Empire, Southern California and eventually onto the national basketball scene. Dr. Ellis’ vision and execution of the building of the Events Center changes that dream into a goal.”
CBU student-athlete, Tori Mitchell from women’s basketball grew up in Riverside and offered her perspective.
“I think playing in the Events Center for the first time is going to be very exciting and that the environment there is going to thrilling,” said Mitchell. “The addition of the Events Center to CBU will mean that we will be able seat a greater amount of people for games and chapel, which will make it easier for people to come out and support us.”
The design of the two-level building complements the Mission Revival architecture style that is a hallmark of the CBU campus. The centerpiece of the building will be a more than 5,000-seat arena that will showcase some of the CBU athletics teams competing in NCAA competition.
Currently, the Lancers compete in the NCAA Division II PacWest Conference and will remain eligible for all PacWest championships and NCAA D-II postseason play through the 2017-18 season. University officials plan to apply for NCAA D-I membership in June 2018. CBU has already been accepted to join the Western Athletic Conference beginning the 2018-19 season.
Besides athletics, the arena also will provide space for CBU’s chapel program, attended by nearly 5,000 students weekly during the academic year. Other uses planned for the Events Center include student orientation activities and commencement ceremonies.
Photo courtesy: Andrew Shortall CBU women’s basketball Coach Jarrod Olson, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Kent Dacus, President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, Director of Athletics Dr. Micah Parker and men’s basketball Coach Rick Croy pose for a photo in front of the Events Center after the ribbon cutting.
The Eastvale STEM Academy Ground Breaking ceremony will be held Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. in Eastvale.The E-STEM Academy is built on three founding principles: Access, Collaboration, and Partnership. E-STEM focuses on preparing students to be college and career ready in the STEM fields upon graduating through partnerships.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School is set to become the district’s second STEM school. The Eastvale STEM Academy building is scheduled to open in 2018. Students enrolled in the STEM program will be exposed to a learning environment which requires critical thinking, problem solving, innovation and collaboration. These skills will be integrated into the STEM curriculum of real-world science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The address to the E-STEM academy is 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880.
Back in 1995, children ages 5 to 9 were more at risk than any other age group under 19 for being struck by a vehicle while walking. The good news is, the death rate for kids of all ages in this category declined more than 50 percent in the last 20 years.
But there is much more work to be done. According to a study by SafeKids.org, 61 children are hit by cars every day in the United States, most often during the hours before and after school, and peaking in September. And, there has been a noticeable demographic shift. It is now much more likely a teenager will be hit by a car than his younger counterpart.
Of the 484 pedestrians ages 19 and younger who died after being hit by a motor vehicle in 2013, 47 percent were age 15 to 19, according to Injury Facts 2015. We also know that 16,000 pedestrians 19 and younger were injured in 2013. That’s 44 per day.
The injury and death rates for teens has leveled off over the years, but it has not improved significantly.
Before your children head out, remind them of these year-round safety tips:
Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk
Never cross the street while using an electronic device
Do not walk with headphones on
Be aware of the surroundings
Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if a child must walk on the street, he or she should face oncoming traffic
Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street
Cross only at crosswalks
Not Only Kids Are Distracted
Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones, too, and there is never an occasion that justifies using a phone while driving. One call or text can change everything.
Eastvale-For the first time in school history, the ERHS Boys Cross Country team qualified for the CIF State Championships! Fresh from Thanksgiving, the boys and their coaches and families headed up to Fresno to compete with the best in the state. While they may have missed out on the Black Friday specials, they soon realized that the best deal of the weekend was a 3rd place finish in the most competitive division in the state of California and Medals around their necks!
ERHS Boys Cross Country team is led by Head Coach Robles and Assistant Coach Cummings, the boys arrived at the course with dreams of standing on the podium and as a result of their hard work and dedication their dreams came true! The team worked together to secure a 3rd place finish led by Juniors Raymon Ornelas and Tyler Spencer who finished within 7 seconds of each other. Freshman Raul (Tony)Chavez, Junior Wayne Richards, who was sidelined earlier in the season with a fractured neck, came back strong, with seniors Isaiah Madrigal, Julian Robles and freshman Michael Sahagun helping to finish the race strong.
Once the race was over and the times finalized, the boys realized they had indeed clenched a spot in school history and most importantly atop the CIF podium. Stay tuned for next year, when 5 of the 7 boys return.
A message from CORONA NORCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Corona-Norco Unified School District would like to remind all parents to pay extra attention when driving in or around our schools. We have experienced some traffic collisions involving our students that could have been prevented. As part of our on-going working partnership with the Eastvale Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department we are committed to bring awareness to bicycle, pedestrian and traffic safety. Brochures about this safety campaign are available at your school site and videos have been prepared for students and parents. The student video can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/173440043 and the parent video can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/173442504. If you have an questions regarding our traffic safety programs, please call Student Services at 951-736-5111. Remember: by working together we can make a difference in keeping our students safe!
Roosevelt HS staff took advantage of a great day of team-building to give back to the community!
On August 10, the T-track students and staff started their first day of school! Teachers wished all the students, families, and staff a wonderful day and school year!!
Nine out of 10 U.S. school districts experience some level of chronic absenteeism among students, but half of the nation’s chronically absent students are concentrated in just 4 percent of its districts, according to a new analysis of federal data.
Preventing Missed Opportunity, released on Tuesday, September 6, by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center underscores how this often overlooked factor is dragging down achievement in communities everywhere – from sprawling suburban places where absenteeism can fester in the shadow of academic achievement to small rural communities where geography complicates getting to school. Disadvantaged urban neighborhoods are particularly hard hit, according to this study of the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection.
“What’s clear from our analysis is that chronic absenteeism follows poverty wherever it is found in significant concentrations,” said Balfanz, a Johns Hopkins University researcher who leads the Everyone Graduates Center.
Many of the communities with the highest rates are economically, socially and racially isolated. An interactive data map shows the districts most affected.
The study, released in connection with Attendance Awareness Month in September, builds on June’s first-ever release of chronic absence data in the 2013-14 Civil Rights Data Collection.
The data showed that 6.5 million students, or more than 13 percent nationwide, missed three or more weeks of school in excused or unexcused absences that year. That’s enough time to erode their achievement and threaten their chance of graduating. More than half of those chronically absent students are in elementary or middle school. Some gaps in the data suggest the numbers may be an undercount.
“Our analysis shows that large numbers of chronically absent students can be reached in a relatively small number of districts and schools,” said Balfanz, co-author of the analysis. “This tells us we need to combine widespread awareness of the importance of addressing chronic absenteeism with high intensity, community wide, comprehensive efforts in the small number of highly impacted school districts. This is how we can make chronic absenteeism rare rather than common.”
Further analysis of the data revealed:
89 percent of the nation’s school districts report some level of chronic absence. This ranges from two chronically absent students in one district to 72,376 in another.*
Half the chronically absent students, however, are found in just 4 percent of the nation’s school districts and 12 percent of its schools. These 654 districts are spread across 47 states and the District of Columbia.
This trend of large numbers of chronically absent students affecting a handful of districts also holds true for states. In fact, 10 percent of the chronically absent students nationwide can be found in just 30 districts in two states with very large student populations, California and Texas.
Some of the places with the largest numbers of chronically absent students are affluent, suburban districts known for academic achievement. For example, Montgomery County, Md., and Fairfax County, Va., two suburbs of Washington, D.C., each have more than 20,000 chronically absent students. While their rates are close to the national average, the large numbers reflect both the sheer size of the districts and their growing populations of low-income students.
Districts serving disadvantaged urban neighborhoods have both high rates and high numbers of chronically absent students. Cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Detroit report that more than a third of students are chronically absent. The concentration of intergenerational poverty in these communities of color and the web of systemic challenges families encounter – not enough affordable housing, poor access to health care, absence of well-resourced schools, too much exposure to violence and environmental pollutants – all complicate school attendance. Punitive school discipline practices such as overuse of suspension also can contribute to absenteeism as well as to community distrust of schools.
Many small, rural school districts have few students but extremely high rates of chronic absenteeism. Transportation and other challenges related to poverty can keep students from getting to school regularly in remote areas. For example, 31 percent of the 504 students in Arkansas’ Bradford School District missed three or more weeks of school. So did 31 percent of the 2,752 students in Alabama’s Colbert County School District. Washington state reports that 119 of its districts have rates of 30 percent or greater.
Given the scope of the problem, the study by Balfanz and Chang lays out key steps school districts and states can take to turn around attendance. State and local leaders need to know the size of their chronic absence problem to understand how to improve educational outcomes. Information about the concentration and the severity of absenteeism also sheds light on the intensity and nature of support required.
“Leaders can use chronic absence data to engage students, families, community organizations and government agencies in unpacking barriers to getting to school and crafting solutions,” Chang said. “The federal Every Student Succeeds Act offers a critical opportunity for building chronic absence into the school accountability systems used to measure progress and identify where additional support is needed to improve student performance.”
Featuring success stories in communities such as San Francisco and Grand Rapids, Mich., as well as states like Arkansas and Connecticut, the brief shows chronic absence is a solvable problem. It also shares how communities are tackling chronic absence through efforts like the U.S. Department of Education’s My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentors initiative and Diplomas Now.
“The challenge and opportunity of improving attendance is to avoid making the all too common, incorrect assumption that chronically absent students and their parents simply do not care. Instead of blame, schools should use chronic absence as a trigger for collective, strategic, creative problem solving,” Chang said.
A variety of great things happened in the Corona Norco Unified School District this last month. Read the recap below for more information.
Centennial Football Coach Matt Logan was chosen to participate in “America’s Best Coach Contest.” He was one of 20 coaches that were selected to be part of the nation-wide honor with a chance to win money for their athletic department and a chance to be named a winner of the prestigious title.
CNUSD proudly announced that former 2008 Santiago High School graduate, Chris Benard, will be representing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio for the track and field triple jump event.
Roosevelt High School offered plenty of fun summer programs that helped students. Norco College STEM Robotics Camp gave them the opportunity to learn how to program a robot in order to move in a perfect square on its own and launch a ball.
A Measure GG project update includes the working on the demolition of existing structures for the installation of the new buildings such as; administration buildings, libraries, multi-purpose rooms, testing labs, and classrooms that will be 21st century updated.
At Harada Elementary School, Ms. Visnaw’s 6th graders are getting college ready by starting their day with a song that has them clapping and standing together as a group.
On July 7, CNUSD opened their new Parent Center, with the goal of providing academic support, interventions, parent information workshops/training, support for parent involvement, mentorship resources, and much more.
A variety of great things happened in the Corona Norco Unified School District this last month. Read the recap below for more information.
Centennial Football Coach Matt Logan was chosen to participate in “America’s Best Coach Contest.” He was one of 20 coaches that were selected to be part of the nation-wide honor with a chance to win money for their athletic department and a chance to be named a winner of the prestigious title.
CNUSD proudly announced that former 2008 Santiago High School graduate, Chris Benard, will be representing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio for the track and field triple jump event.
Roosevelt High School offered plenty of fun summer programs that helped students. Norco College STEM Robotics Camp gave them the opportunity to learn how to program a robot in order to move in a perfect square on its own and launch a ball.
A Measure GG project update includes the working on the demolition of existing structures for the installation of the new buildings such as; administration buildings, libraries, multi-purpose rooms, testing labs, and classrooms that will be 21st century updated.
At Harada Elementary School, Ms. Visnaw’s 6th graders are getting college ready by starting their day with a song that has them clapping and standing together as a group.
On July 7, CNUSD opened their new Parent Center, with the goal of providing academic support, interventions, parent information workshops/training, support for parent involvement, mentorship resources, and much more.
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