The Horizon
August 2025
Dear Jurupa Unified School District families:
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! Our theme for the year is “The Extra Degree,” which focuses on the idea that through small and simple things, great things are accomplished. Oftentimes, we may feel our efforts are insignificant but those small efforts will lead to desired outcomes. Think of a tea kettle on the stove. At 211 degrees, the water is hot, but one degree more – at 212 degrees – the water boils and gives off steam. As we know, steam is a powerful source of energy that can move change, the difference of one extra degree.
This year is off to a great start, and as I visit our school sites, I’m seeing that “extra degree” in action through remarkable teaching, active learning, caring support, and engagement. Everyone in our district – students, teachers, parents, administrators, support staff, and our community partners – is giving their all. With that incredible power behind us, there is no limit to how much we can accomplish.
Parents: You are your child’s first teacher, and we appreciate your help in supporting student success. I understand that it might sometimes be difficult to know how to help your students. This issue of The Horizon offers some easy and helpful tips on ways our families can support student learning.
We have much to look forward to this school year, including improvements to our district facilities and campus safety upgrades. Thanks to our community’s support of the Measure V facilities bond measure, we will be able to continue improvements and modernizations across the district. That includes the addition of security cameras and emergency pull stations, upgraded fencing, and other measures to enhance school safety.
As we work to improve school safety and climate, we have also revised our district cell phone policy (Board Policy 5131.8) to align with California’s Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act. This new legislation is meant to remove distractions that could impede students' learning and emotional well-being. We appreciate our families and students for your compliance with and support for this new policy. There is more about the policy in this newsletter.
I know some families may have lingering concerns about the return to school this year, particularly in the wake of immigration enforcement activities that took place across Southern California this summer. I want to reassure our JUSD families that our schools remain welcoming, safe, and secure spaces for every student. Our district does not collect or ask for student immigration status. We also continue to follow all state and federal laws, including the California Values Act (SB 54). Immigration officers may not gain access to our campuses or students without a lawfully executed court order or warrant. JUSD Board Policy 5145.13 outlines the district’s response to immigration enforcement. We have also included additional resources on our website (jurupausd.org). Click the Immigrant Family Resources button at the top of the page, or you may access the page at: https://bit.ly/immigrantfamilyresources.
Finally, I’d like to emphasize that every member of our JUSD team is here to serve our students and families. We truly care about our students and look forward to another year of Learning Without Limits.
JUSD recently revised its cell phone policy to comply with state law ( Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act,), which requires every school district, charter school, and county office of education to adopt a policy limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026.
Research shows that mobile devices on school campuses can disrupt the instructional program, impede learning, and be detrimental to student mental health, well-being, and social development.
How it works:
High school students may use cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other devices during non-instructional time (lunch, passing periods), as long as the device is being used in accordance with the law and school regulations. During instructional time, devices must be turned off and put away.
Elementary and middle school students may not use smart devices at any time during the school day. All devices must be silenced or turned off during the school day.
Exceptions:
Students are allowed to use their phones or other devices in the event of an emergency. Please note, however, that your child’s school and/or the District will always contact families if an emergency situation arises.
A student may also use their device when:
A teacher or administrator gives them permission to possess and use their device, subject to any reasonable limitations imposed by that teacher or administrator
A licensed physician determines that the device is necessary for the student’s health and well-being
When the device is required as part of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
We understand that parents may want or need to reach out to their child during the school day. If possible, it is best not to disrupt your student at school so they can stay focused and keep learning. If you do need to urgently reach your student during the school day, please contact your child’s school office.
Need more information?
You can access the full policy here.
The Jurupa Unified District has been recognized for generating $1 million in district funds by selling surplus equipment. Jurupa Unified is second only to Los Angeles Unified in the amount of dollars generated through surplus sales among California school districts.
GovDeals, which contracts with Jurupa Unified to sell off surplus equipment, honored JUSD at their warehouse this month. Dr. Trenton Hansen, JUSD Superintendent, said the recognition is a testament to the district’s long-standing commitment to using resources wisely, with students top of mind.
“This honor exemplifies how the significant contributions of our entire JUSD team can make a meaningful difference for the students and families we are entrusted to serve,” Dr. Hansen said. “Oftentimes, the fiscal duties of our district go unnoticed behind the scenes, but this recognition shows the powerful impact our Business Services and Purchasing teams have on the well-being of every student we serve. This project is a perfect example of our commitment to Organizational Stability and Fiscal Solvency, ensuring that we can provide the equipment, materials, and services needed to fulfill our promise of Learning Without Limits for all JUSD students.”
The start of the new year brings students new opportunities to have another successful year. Parents can help their students meet their goals.
“It’s really important for parents to be engaged because it’s a partnership,” said Ron Zahnd, Director of Elementary Education. Families know their student the best, he said.
“We cannot do this alone,” said Dr. Josh Lewis, Director of Secondary Education. “We need our parents to be partners with us to support students… so students can reach their fullest potential.”
When families are involved in their children’s education at an early age, students have more commitment to their school and education, research shows, Mr. Zahnd said.
What are we learning in JUSD? AP Physics students at Patriot High School put their skills to the test with an exciting hands-on activity. Hear from students on their "jumptastic" activity from last week.
Stay tuned this school year to get a glimpse into what our students are learning through our "What Are We Learning in JUSD" series.
JUSD welcomed new teachers for the 2025-26 school year at a breakfast reception early August. We’re so happy to have these exceptional educators in our Jurupa family and thank them for sharing their talents and passion with our students.
Congratulations to the winners of the JUSD Family Reading Summer Speed Challenge. Our students logged an incredible 14,969 minutes read.
Our award winners were:
Mystery prize winners:
🏅Valentina Romo, West Riverside Elementary third grader
🏅Arjun Pannu, Pacific Avenue Academy of Music, first grader
🏅Adalyn Fregoso, Granite Hill Elementary, 2nd grader
🏅Maya Mendez, Indian Hills Elementary, 2nd grader
Top Readers:
🥇Top Reader in the District – Selena Zárate Cruz, West Riverside Elementary third-grader – 2,260 minutes
🥈Roger Jaurequi, Sky Country Elementary fifth-grader – 1,305 minutes
🥉Jennie Jaurequi, Sky Country Elementary third-grader – 1,205 minutes
🏅Daisy Arroyo, Ina Arbuckle Elementary fifth-grader – 870 minutes
Top Schools:
🥇First Place – West Riverside Elementary – 4,382 minutes
🥈Second Place – Sky Country Elementary – 4,274 minutes
🥉Third Place – Stone Avenue Elementary – 1,450 minutes
🏅Honorable Mention – Ina Arbuckle Elementary School – 945 minutes
Keep reading, JUSD! Keep an eye out in the next weeks for the JUSD Fall Reading Challenge.
Annual Information Update due September 5th
By providing up-to-date, accurate information for your student each year, you can help to ensure that your child’s school can contact you in the case of an emergency and that staff have the information they need to serve your child best. Correct contact information also helps ensure you receive timely information from your school and the district.
To update your child’s information, go to the Annual Information Update section of Parent Connection. The Annual Information Update is accessible from any internet-connected device.
Enroll in JUSD Dual Immersion
Join us for an informational meeting about our Dual Immersion program for new TK, kindergarten, and first-grade families. This meeting is a required step in the application process. Babysitting is available.
The first informational meetings take place on October 13 and will be offered at 9-11 a.m. or 5-7 p.m. at the JUSD Parent Center, 4850 Pedley Road in Jurupa Valley. For information, please call 951-360-4184.
Not enrolled in JUSD? We are still enrolling students for the 2025-26 school year. Please visit: https://bit.ly/jusdtheplace2be for more information.
JUSD is the Place to Be!
Know of a student who could benefit from the Jurupa Experience? Enrollments still are being accepted for the 2025-26 school year!
Jurupa Unified School District offers one of the highest graduation rates in Riverside County, the highest college/career preparedness rate in Riverside County, 27 CTE Pathways, including programs that offer students industry certification, Dual Immersion language programs in grades TK-12, and so much more.
Enroll today at: https://bit.ly/JUSDENROLL.
For more information, please call 951-416-1200 or email parentcenter@jusd.k12.ca.us