CVUSD's Communication Snapshot
2025-2026 School Year

Communication Snapshot: Week of May 11, 2026
In this week's snapshot of news, updates and events - you'll find information on the following topics:
Top Headlines:
- 🍓Sweet, Delicious & Locally Grown: Strawberries, Our Harvest of the Month for May/June!
- CVUSD Staff Members Earn Top Honors for Supporting Gifted Learners
- The Ventura County Math Council Awards Outstanding CVUSD Math Educators
- You're Invited: Webinar to Preview Proposed CVUSD Instructional Materials on May 14th
- We're Hiring Paraeducators - Join Us for a Walk-In Interview Event on May 20th
- Learn & Grow with CVUSD's Wonder Preschool - Now Enrolling Children 2 Years 9 Months+
- CVUSD Students Lead the Way in Agricultural Research Competition
- Building Skills for Future Careers: Thousand Oaks High School's Construction Team Participates in Design Build Competition
Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
- Deadline Extended: Apply to Serve as a Business Organization or Senior Citizens' Organization Representative for Our Measure I Bond Oversight Committee
- Ongoing: Our Child Nutrition Team is Hiring - Apply Today!
TOP HEADLINES
🍓Sweet & Locally Grown: Strawberries, Our May/June Harvest of the Month
Did You Know: 30% of California strawberries are grown right here in Ventura County! Strawberries served in our cafeterias are locally grown and freshly served from McGrath Family Farms in Camarillo. Strawberries are the only fruit that have seeds on the outside and each strawberry can have around 200 seeds! Check out the video below to learn more.
Ms. Barber and Ms. Lauterman are two of only three teachers/staff members recognized in the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties with this year’s recognition. The CVUSD is grateful for Ms. Barber’s and Ms. Lauterman’s support and dedication to gifted and talented education, which is a true testament to the District’s commitment and prioritization of meaningful GATE opportunities for students.
Both Ms. Barber, a third grade teacher at Westlake Elementary and Ms. Lauterman, the Librarian at Lang Ranch Elementary were nominated by members of their school communities for this recognition. Award recipients were selected by the Tri-County GATE Council Recognition Committee. Click here to learn more.
- Kelsey Bartlett, CVUSD, Math Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) - Outstanding Mathematics Educator Supporting Mathematics Education: Ms. Bartlett has led the districtwide implementation of the California Mathematics Framework, developed high-quality TK–Algebra 2 instructional resources, and provided extensive professional learning that builds teacher capacity and promotes equitable access to rigorous math. Her work strengthens instructional practices and elevates mathematics education across our District.
- Tish Pletcher, EARThS Magnet School, 2nd Grade - Outstanding Mathematics Educator in the Classroom: Ms. Pletcher is an exceptional teacher at EARThS Magnet School. She provides students opportunities for deep thinking and problem solving, and seeks out ways to build equitable access for her students. She is a leader amongst her colleagues, by providing professional learning as part of our Math Framework rollout this past November and continues to be a resource for other primary teachers.
These educators are two of the five 2026 awardees to receive county-wide recognition from the Ventura County Mathematics Council. They were honored at a special awards celebration and dinner on May 7th. Congratulations to Ms. Bartlett and Ms. Pletcher on this recognition of excellence! Click here to learn more.
The Virtual Preview Night will be held on the below date:
- Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 5:00pm-5:30pm: Click here to register to attend.
Please click on the "register to attend" linked text to reserve your spot to attend.
These instructional materials will be brought before the CVUSD Board of Education for Information/Discussion at the May 20, 2026 Board of Education Meeting and for Action at a subsequent Board of Education Meeting.
Through a six week online course, both Jayden and Nandhitha, along with more than twenty high school students from the Ventura County area participated in this fully extracurricular, first annual research competition, developing original projects centered on the theme of water in agriculture. By completing a series of online modules, students conducted in depth research, connected with industry professionals, and proposed creative solutions to real world water related challenges.
In addition to the first place title, Jayden earned a $2,000 scholarship for his innovative project: "Cover Crops vs. Santa Anas: Mitigating Extreme Evapotranspiration." Meanwhile Nandhitha, in addition to the third place title, earned a $500 scholarship for her research: "Mechanized Ollas" (clay pots).
We’re proud to see our students leading the way in STEM innovation and sustainability! Click here to learn more.
Building Skills for Careers: TOHS Construction Team at Design Build Competition
Ten talented Lancers from Thousand Oaks High School's Construction Technology classes recently represented the school at the 2026 Construction Industry’s Education Foundation (CIEF) Design Build Competition. They spent the last three months designing blueprints and working on the practice build for this competition in the TOHS workshop. At this 2-day build event, which was held at the end of April, they competed against 20 schools to build a custom storage shed for their on-campus program. Our TOHS Team completed their build faster than any other team and earned high marks for craftsmanship and attention to safety on the worksite. Congratulations to Mr. Bell and the entire Construction Team for their phenomenal work!
Interested in learning more about the TOHS Construction class or other similar opportunities at your CVUSD high school? Check out our CTE Career Pathways: Building & Construction Trades offerings here. View all available CTE Career Pathways offerings at: www.conejocte.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES
The CVUSD is seeking interested, qualified individuals to serve on its Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee! We are currently looking to fill the following openings for the 2026-2027 school year:
- A Representative from a Business Organization
- A Representative from a Senior Citizens’ Organization
👉 Click here to submit an online application. 👈
This Committee is charged with informing the public concerning the District’s expenditure of Measure I bond proceeds, reviewing expenditure reports, and preparation and presentation of an annual report. The Committee meets approximately 4-5 times per year. Click here to learn more.
- Child Nutrition Assistant - Satellite: Salary $22.34 - $26.90 Hourly - Part-Time
- Child Nutrition Assistant II: Salary $19.30-$23.19 Hourly - Part-Time
- Child Nutrition Assistant I: Salary $18.77 - $22.56 - School Term
Click on the position names above to see the complete job descriptions and to submit an online application.
Why CVUSD? Join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in supporting student success every day. We offer a positive work environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in your community. Apply today and become an essential part of our Child Nutrition team!
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To view previous editions of the weekly Communication Snapshot newsletter, please visit: www.conejousd.org/commsnapshots.