PVSD Family Update

Good afternoon PVSD families,

This past week reflected the very best of our commitment to Excellence for All. During our staff professional development day, I had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with our Child Care team as well as the incredible staff at Dos Caminos and Rancho Rosal, where the focus on student-centered practices and continuous growth was evident in every conversation.

I also had the privilege of attending the 7-11 Surplus Advisory Committee meeting and want to extend my sincere appreciation to each committee member for their thoughtful service, careful consideration, and dedication to our community.

This week I joined our proud school principals at their Instructional Leadership meeting. I remain deeply grateful for our principals, whose strong leadership continues to guide, support, and inspire high-quality teaching and learning across our district. Their commitment to all learners, attention to data, and care for staff and students truly makes a difference each and every day.

We celebrated PVSD Honor Band students at the Board of Trustees' Meeting. This year, PVSD proudly had five students selected for the Ventura County Middle School Honor Band, where they performed in a combined concert with high school musicians and premiered Nightsounds, a commissioned piece by nationally recognized composer and guest conductor Mike Kamuf. We celebrate Emma, Dominic, and Sam from Las Colinas Middle School and Timothy from Monte Vista Middle School for this outstanding achievement, and extend special recognition to Zhenni from Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School, who was also selected to the California All State Junior High Symphonic Honor Band and performed at the state convention in Sacramento. We are grateful to their dedicated teachers, families, and our SOKM partners for nurturing and supporting these talented musicians.

All PVSD schools participated in the SuperQuiz hosted by the Camarillo Academic Olympics. La Mariposa, Tierra Linda, Dos Caminos, Camarillo Heights, Las Colinas, Monte Vista, SRTMS and LPSSA all placed on the winners podium! Fantastic job, teams!

This morning I stopped by the PVSEA Fun Run, where the energy and enthusiasm of our students was matched by the positivity and encouragement of our teachers, whose support helped make the event so special. Thanks to the family volunteers who make the event run so smoothly!

Finally, we are incredibly proud of the 126 Monte Vista students who participated in the Ventura County Science Fair. Their curiosity, creativity, and perseverance were on full display, and we thank their dedicated teachers and supportive parent volunteers for making this opportunity possible

Please see the new school highlights below and an update on the 7-11 Surplus Property Advisory Committee final recommendation and related PVSD Board actions.

Thank you to all, and have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Dr. Danielle Cortés

Superintendent of Schools

dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org

CHSA Principal Hicks- Highlights from this week at CHSA began last Friday with three students reaching an impressive milestone of 100 miles. Families, teachers, and friends came together for Family Math Night, where they enjoyed learning engaging math games to play at home. On Monday, while students had the day off, staff participated in professional development focused on new strategies to engage students in learning. St. Patrick’s Day brought a festive spirit across campus, filled with green, fun themed projects, and joyful learning experiences. Our second grade students had an exciting field trip to the fire station, and they also put their engineering skills to work by creating igloos and snow, bringing a cool twist to a very warm week. Fifth-grade students showcased their creativity through poetry paired with beautiful artwork. To top it all off, our CAO Super Quiz team, the Brainiacs, and their coach, Mrs. Cox, earned 5th place, along with awards for Best Flag and Most Creative Snacks. It has truly been a banner week at CHSA!

Dos Caminos Principal Waggoner-One of the highlights at Dos Caminos this week was watching our SuperQuiz team share their character and learning with the Camarillo community. They earned the Val Rains Sportsmanship Award in recognition of their teamwork and outstanding character throughout the competition. This is a back-to-back CAO SuperQuiz recognition for DCS. They earned fourth place in the city-wide competition and took home awards for Most Creative Team Name and Favorite Mascot! Their character, effort, and hard work were on full display, and they truly shined. Well done, DCS Da Vinci Delphinidae! A huge thank you to all the CAO volunteers, facilitators, staff, and coaches for creating such a wonderful Camarillo Academic Olympics experience for everyone involved.

La Mariposa Principal Stepan-We are so proud of our La Mariposa Quizzlers for taking 3rd place in the Super Quiz! Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication truly paid off, and you represented our school with excellence. A huge thank you to Mrs. Sadowsky for her incredible leadership and commitment as team coach—your guidance made all the difference! We are also so grateful to our amazing parents for supporting the team with shirts, snacks, and countless study session hours. Congratulations, Quizzlers—we are cheering you on and celebrating you today!

Las Colinas Principal Pomerantz-Las Colinas Middle School had a fantastic Career Day this week. A big thank you to our counselors and PTSA for organizing such a meaningful event for our students. Thank you to our guest teachers for volunteering your time for our students; we really appreciate it. Our guest speakers shared their career journeys and gave students a chance to learn about a variety of future opportunities. It was exciting to see students engaged, asking questions, and thinking about their goals beyond middle school. Career Day is an important way to help students connect what they learn in school to the many possibilities ahead.

Las Posas Principal Holtke- 1st and 5th Grade Big and Little Buddies had their second opportunity to study aeronautics with Pt. Magu Naval Aviator Rich Burr. Our students learned about how aircrafts are built, sustain lift, remain in flight, and then were required to test these principles by making their own paper airplanes. Our students were required to put their airplanes through simulations, make corrections, re-test their builds, and improve upon their learnings! What a tremendous day for hands-on learning at LPS!

LPSSA Principal Kimberly LePage-Way to go, Panthers! SuperQuiz Round One was a success, and we are so proud of our team’s hard work, focus, and academic excellence. SuperQuiz is a team-based competition that challenges students and showcases not just their knowledge but also their collaboration and critical thinking skills. Let’s cheer them on as they head into the final round this Thursday evening…Panthers, you’ve got this!

Monte Vista Principals Green and Magaña -Monte Vista students continue to shine both academically and in school spirit! Our Toros in Honors Science proudly represented our school at the Ventura County Science Fair, where they presented their projects to judges with confidence, professionalism, and impressive preparation. We are also incredibly proud of our CAO team for earning the prestigious Val Rains Service Award, recognizing their dedication to service, academics, and leadership. In addition, our campus was full of energy this week as students participated in a fun and engaging Spirit Week sponsored by ASB, helping to build community and school pride. Way to go, Toros!

PVSEA Principal Jimenez-This week at PVSEA we were scholars, we were dancers, we were basketball players, we were robotic engineers and we were friends. I was so proud watching our PVSEA Orchestra perform on Thursday evening at the SCSBOA Festival. Fun Run was the end of the week activity that we’ve been looking forward to for months! Thank you to all our volunteers, our ASB students and our amazing campus supervisors, PTA and office staff for putting together such a great event. Enjoy our pictures from our last Food Share Event.

Rancho Rosal Principal Dexter -This week at the Ranch we worked to stay cool! We are so proud of our Quantum Kids who represented us at the Camarillo Academic Olympics. They were recognized for the best t-shirt design (designed by one of our very own Stallions!) and mascot. This week we also launched our Enlightened Art program and our Stallions completed art lessons focused on visualizing their emotions. We ended the week with some cool Kona ice thanks to our PTA!

SRTMS Principal Stuart-It’s been a soaring few weeks here on campus! Our 4th‑grade Eagles spread their wings academically with their impressive “‑ology” projects, proudly displaying all the research and creativity they’ve been working so hard on. In the middle school, our Sports Science students took flight with their final egg‑drop experiments. Some eggs landed gracefully, others… well, let’s just say gravity won, but the excitement was sky‑high. We were also thrilled to welcome our local Sheriff’s Office, who swooped in to read to our youngest learners in celebration of Read Across America Week. And of course, our boys basketball team continues to fly above the competition, holding strong in first place in the league. Eagle pride is everywhere right now, and it shows.

Tierra Linda Principal Bakoo-This week we want to highlight our Camarillo Academic Olympics team, Operation Win! We are so proud of their hard work, moving into the second round and placing 6th out of many schools!!! Congratulations Dean Cox, Elise Cox, Ethan Green, Lucas Molina and Uche Ndukwe!

The 7-11 Surplus Advisory Committee met for the last time Tuesday, March 17th. The committee is called a 7–11 Surplus Advisory Committee because state law requires the group to include between seven and eleven members who represent a cross section of the Camarillo community, including:

• Parents

• Business owners and managers

• Property owners and renters

• Teachers and administrators

• Individuals with expertise in land use and planning

After several meetings reviewing data, hearing input from the community, and engaging in thoughtful deliberations, the committee affirmed the property as surplus, developed and submitted a report concluding in the following recommendation to the PVSD Board of Trustees regarding the 2222 Ventura Blvd property:

“The 7-11 Surplus Property Advisory Committee recommends that the PVSD Board of Trustees consider the redevelopment of the property, meet the school district’s financial responsibilities, and invite proposals from interested parties, considering all options including lease, land-lease, sale, joint-use agreements, subdivision, multi-agency partnerships, with prioritization for how a project can enhance the Camarillo community, with special consideration given for projects that accommodate the property’s current tenants.”

On March 19th, the PVSD Board adopted the Committee's recommendation, authorized staff to begin statutory priority notices, and authorized the submittal of a waiver of Education Code Section 17455-17484 to allow for more local control in the Board's decision-making process. These actions allow the Board to consider options for the property.

Best Individual Team Member Name - Dr. Mendeleev Stole My Elements-Remy Connors-Long LPSSA

Favorite Team Name - Division II: (tie): Dos Caminos: DaVinci Delphinindae
Las Posas: Aristolelian Leopards

Favorite Team Shirt - Division I & II: LPSSA Mad Scientists
Favorite Team Shirt - Division II: (tie): Rancho Rosal: Quantum Kids
Tierra Linda: Operation Win

Favorite Team Flag - Division I: Santa Rosa Gunpowder
Favorite Team Flag - Division II : Camarillo Heights Brainiacs

Favorite Team Page - Division II: Santa Rosa Tech-Tonic Eagles

Best Team Mascot -Division I: Las Colinas Royal Mustang Society (they rode in on toy horses)
Best Team Mascot - Division II: (tie) Dos Caminos DaVinci Delphinidae's school mascot
Rancho Rosal-Quantum Kids Stallion
Most Above-and-Beyond Team Effort - Division II: La Mariposa

Best Team Snack – Division I: Las Colinas Royal Mustang Society
Best Team Snack – Division II: (tie) Camarillo Heights Brainiacs, La Mariposa Quizlers
BEYOND THE HORIZON Division I: LPSSA

THE RIPPLE EFFECT AWARD
This is a newly created award we are bestowing on two very well deserving schools. CAO
believes in the importance of recognizing our City’s youth who will be tomorrow’s leaders and
professionals in our community. Over the last 42 years, thousands of Camarillo and Somis
youth have taken part in some aspect of CAO—whether a part of the Academic Olympics or as
a team member of a school’s SuperQuiz team.

This year, the Ripple Effect Award is being given to the school in each division who is honoring
CAO’s goal of providing an opportunity for our community’s youth to showcase their academic
achievements in a fun, competitive atmosphere.

Division I: Las Colinas Division II: Las Posas

Val Rains Sportsmanship Award Trophy: Division I: Monte Vista Mendeleviums;
Division II: Dos Caminos DaVinci Delphinidae

Interface Children & Family Services is offering virtual Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) parenting groups, which provide practical tools to help parents support their children’s behavior, build positive routines, and strengthen relationships at home. Registration is now open for the final groups are being offered this school year. The program is free for families, and parents can self-refer.

SEEAG (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture) is excited to host the 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each year, Farm Day welcomes thousands of community members to visit 20+ local farms for behind-the-scenes farm tours, tractor rides, produce tastings, kids’ activities, and more. It’s a unique opportunity for students and families to learn firsthand about agriculture and where their food comes from.

Farm Day is completely free and open to all ages.

As part of our commitment to keeping families and staff informed, the information below has been shared previously and is included again for ease of reference.

The PVSD community is warmly invited to experience many arts celebrations in the week ahead. Join us in honoring the dedication of staff who bring these programs to life and the creativity of students showcasing their learning. This weekend highlights the PVSD Orchestra and Voices of Channel Islands youth Choir. Near the end of the week Las Colinas Intermediate Band and Tierra Linda School music and dance will be on display. We hope you’ll come out to support and celebrate the vibrant arts in our community!

Janina Averion

Robin Belvedere

Nicole Bolger

Isidro Camargo

Jesse Cates

Andrew Chambers

Elizabeth DeFreece-Kaufman

Julie Feller

Stephanie Garcia

Lisa Galbraith

Carina Gonzalez

Daniel Haws

Antonia Houston

Lillian Jones

Melissa Josker

Lindsey Lehman

Kristin Lancaster

Daniel Magana

Kaytie Mulchay

Viridiana Pool Cauich

Alison Ramos

Carol Rehder

Elis Reis

Debra Ronarch

Shelby Ryden

Katie Schariest

Sarah Scott

Paige Shelton-Reynolds

Carolyn Stankis

Brynn Stotko

Zach Taylor

Carina Tinker

Nicole Vannelli

Danny Velasquez

Amy Wood

CLICK HERE or on the image above for a list of this month's Holidays and Celebrations. If your family celebrates a holiday that you don’t see recognized in my updates, please email me directly so that we can weave that celebration into the fabric of who we are. You can email me at dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org

Middle School Quarter 1 Report Cards

Quarter 1 report cards are viewable through Q. Click here for directions on how to view.

Parent Engagement Newsletter

Learn about other parent opportunities such as volunteering, community opportunities, community resources and ways to engage with your child(ren) about their school day.

PVSD will be offering Saturday Academy sessions this school year on 4/18/26. These four-hour school days are open to all TK–8th grade students and can be used to make up unverified, unexcused, or excused absences. By attending, students clear an absence from their record and the district is able to recover important funding that is lost whenever a student misses school.

Participation is voluntary for families. For students in grades 6–8, Saturday Academy may also be assigned as a consequence for inappropriate behavior, in which case it is not optional. Please remember that students cannot attend Saturday Academy in advance of an absence, but if you have received a SARB or illness letter, attending can help replace one of those absence days.

Your principal will share more details as the dates approach.

To ensure the safety of all students, families, and community members; students who ride bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or e-bikes to school must:

• wear helmets
• walk their bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard while on school grounds including in the parking lot
• ride safely and responsibly
• park and lock bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard
• keep bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard in operable observation
• not give rides to other students (doubling of passengers)

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe!

PVSD is happy to offer free parking at PVSEA and the District Office during Camarillo Pony Baseball to help alleviate congestion on Eston Street.

Camarillo Teamwork Matters!

Please help keep our community safe and welcoming by following these simple guidelines:

🚗 Obey All Traffic Rules – Drive slowly, follow parking signs, and respect crosswalks. Violations will result in citations.
🏡 Be Considerate of Our Neighbors – Keep noise levels down, avoid double parking and blocking driveways. Getting your car towed is a hassle!
🗑 Keep It Clean – Use trash bins and leave no trace behind.

Thank you for being a great part of our neighborhood! Let's play ball and show respect on and off the field!

We need all PVSD families to talk with their children about this important topic.

Beyond the Golden Rule
Summary for Beyond the Golden Rule
PBS Raising the Future: Teaching Kids How to Celebrate Our Differences
PBS: Talking to Young Children about Race and Racism

If your child has been impacted by hate or bias speech in PVSD, I would love to meet with you and learn about their experience. dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org

The next Pleasant Valley School District Board of Trustees' Regular Meeting is Thursday, April 16 at 6pm. Meetings are open to the public and are a great way to stay informed! Join Regular Board Meetings in person, or on YouTube. For more information, CLICK HERE. Board Meeting agendas can be found HERE.

Join the PVSD Team!

Please see the following classified job opportunities:

Bus Driver

Bus Driver Trainee

Campus Supervision Assistant

Custodian

HVAC Technician/Electrician

Transportation Driver

Various Substitute Opportunities

To view all classified job opportunities, please click here: Classified Job Opportunities For positions other than teaching, you can also reach out to the Human Resources, Classified department for questions or assistance (volmos@pleasantvalleysd.org or spote@pleasantvalleysd.org).

We are always looking for substitute teachers. If you or anyone you know is interested in a substitute teacher position, please email Leanne Kelly at lkelly@pleasantvalleysd.org.
Please tell a friend or family member.

Employee Recognition – Standing Ovations:

Please remember to honor those who model excellence among us with a Standing Ovation nomination. The PVSD Standing Ovation Program honors employees who go above and beyond in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership, and commitment to our district and students. Parents and community members can use this tool to recognize individuals for their contributions. To nominate an employee, please click here or visit the Human Resources Department page and click on the Standing Ovations icon under HR Quick Links. Please continue to celebrate the excellence surrounding your child each day and nominate an employee.