CVUSD 

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Minutes before the first bell of the day rings at Cal Aero, parents and students fill the courtyard just outside the school office.

Chino – July 6 marked the first day of school for approximately 500 elementary students at Cal Aero Preserve Academy in Chino, as the K-8 campus began a year-round school program.

The first day went smoothly as students lined up behind teachers holding signs. A few tears were shed by younger siblings who wanted to know why their big brothers and sisters were going into classrooms.

The Cal Aero staff were assisted by several District staff members, including Mary Salcido, Director of Access & Equity; Dan Sosa, Director of Elementary Curriculum; Rosa Corona, Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum; and Denise Thompson, Administrative Secretary I, Access & Equity. Salcido brought snacks for the Cal Aero staff.

Principal Shawna Petit-Dinkins roamed the campus throughout the morning, assisting students and parents.

Three tracks of students – about three-fourths of the school’s elementary enrollment — began the 2016-2017 school year under overcast skies. A fourth track of elementary students will begin classes at the campus on Aug. 1 as one of the other tracks goes on a four-week vacation. Seventh- and eighth-graders will be on a traditional school schedule and will begin classes on Monday, Aug. 15 when other Chino Valley Unified School District students begin classes.

The year-round students will be in school approximately 12 weeks and off four weeks throughout the year. They will all get a week off during Thanksgiving and two weeks off for Winter/Christmas Break. Their spring breaks will be incorporated into their vacation dates.

In late 2014, a year-round schedule was proposed for the school to help manage growth at Cal Aero.