MorongoUSD Monthly Update

As we move into this season of reflection, I am reminded of this simple but powerful truth. In Morongo Unified, this togetherness shows up every day—in our classrooms, on our playgrounds, across our campuses, and throughout our desert communities. Whether you are a teacher guiding students through academic milestones, a support staff member ensuring our schools run smoothly, a parent partnering with us at home, or a community member who cheers on our schools from the sidelines, you are part of the fabric that holds this district together.

Over the past several months, we have seen unmistakable signs that MUSD is moving in the right direction.

Our classrooms are more focused and aligned to strong instruction.
Schools are strengthening their cultures of belonging, student leadership, and respect.
Data from multiple areas show encouraging progress—evidence of the hard work happening every day.
Families continue to step forward in support, attending events, participating in conferences, and contributing to positive school climates.

This momentum is not accidental. It is the direct result of thousands of small acts of kindness, care, professionalism, and dedication across our district. Every staff member, parent, and community partner plays a role in the success of our 7,350 students.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope each of you finds a moment to pause and appreciate the people who make your days brighter and your work meaningful. Whether you spend the break surrounded by family, enjoying quiet rest, or making memories with loved ones, I hope you return feeling refreshed and uplifted.

Thank you for everything you do for Morongo Unified.

Thank you for your commitment to our students.

And thank you for your partnership in building a district rooted in belonging, connection, and hope.

Wishing you all a safe, warm, and joyful Thanksgiving.

Respectfully,

Dr. Patricio I. Vargas, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Our Board of Education and Superintendent rolled up their sleeves today to help the Nutritional Services team serve meals to students in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The cafeterias were full of smiles, laughter and gratitude as everyone came together to share good food and holiday spirit. It was a wonderful way to kick off the season of thanks and celebrate our amazing students and staff!

Community Dinner Brings Families Together at Joshua Tree Elementary

Joshua Tree Elementary hosted its second Community Dinner last night, and what a wonderful evening it was! The meal was delicious—but the sense of connection and community was even better.

A heartfelt thank-you to the Rotary Club of Joshua Tree for generously sponsoring the event and for their ongoing support of our schoolwide initiatives. Their consistent presence and dedication to our students, staff, and families make a lasting difference.

The Board of Education hosted their regular Board meeting on Tuesday opening with a series of honors including the Director of Nutritional Services Janet Barth, who was named California Nutritional Services Director of the Year. Culinary CTE students received Certificates of Appreciation for their contributions to the district’s career technical education program.

Doug Walter and Kenneth Weiss were also commended for their commitment to student success, accompanying students on a one-day trip to Northern California to visit Cisco Systems.

Dr. Gracie Gutierrez recognized teachers Darla Tili, Lisa Hodgson, Heather Possehl, Amanda Cruz, Bonny Rollins, Clarice Poteat, Cori Ressler, Kevin Summers, Kristina Turk, Marie Johnson, Laura Bush and Stacey Smith for their leadership in the Trainer of Trainers Program through the Standards Academy.

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Amy Woods introduced College and Career Advisors Jollie Kelley and Donna Weller, who shared results from the district’s annual College and Career Survey. Students at Twentynine Palms High School expressed the greatest interest in medical assisting and support careers, followed by nursing, construction, culinary arts and first responder fields. At Yucca Valley High School, the top career goal was nursing, followed by medical assisting, first responder, culinary and automotive careers.

The meeting concluded with an update from Resident Teacher Program Facilitator Matt Rauch, who highlighted the continued growth of the district’s Resident Teacher Program. The initiative aims to strengthen the educator pipeline by expanding university partnerships, adding school sites and developing mentor teachers. Rauch introduced members of the current cohort, representing the next generation of educators in the district.

Supporting Students & Families During the Holiday Season

The winter break can be joyful for many, but the change in routine can also bring stress for some students and families. A few simple strategies can help everyone navigate the holidays with more ease:

Proactive Preparation: Reflect on past holidays to identify triggers and plan healthier responses.
Emotional Regulation: Use self-regulation tools like deep breathing to stay grounded during emotional moments at gatherings.
Communicate Well: Limit distractions, make eye contact, ask open-ended questions, and show active listening.
Set Boundaries: Avoid over-committing and give yourself permission to say no.
Plan Breaks: Take time for yourself and have a strategy for stepping away when needed.
Acknowledge Emotions: Holidays can bring grief or loneliness—encourage families to honor these feelings.

Our district partners with Daybreak Health to offer confidential teletherapy for students ages 5–19. Clinicians support stress, anxiety, depression, focus, relationships, and coping skills.

Appointments are available Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM—even during school breaks.

Submit a Care Request (quick, confidential, and free): https://care.daybreakhealth.com/patient/create-account

Expanded Learning has been hosting LEGO® Family Engagement Nights throughout the district, offering families the opportunity to explore hands-on STEAM activities using LEGO® Essential Kits. These events strengthen family engagement and support collaborative learning as students and parents build, test, and investigate scientific concepts together in fun, meaningful ways.

Staff have also taken part in LEGO® BricQ professional learning, which equips facilitators and teachers to integrate inquiry-based science and engineering lessons into both afterschool programs and the regular school day. This training ensures Expanded Learning continues to deliver high-quality, standards-aligned experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

We’re excited to launch YVAPE (Youth Vaping Alternative Program Education) for all students in grades 6–12 in MUSD!

YVAPE is a free, research-based program from Kick It California and UC San Diego that replaces suspension with a meaningful learning experience for students caught vaping nicotine or marijuana.

Instead of punishment, students receive personal coaching, engaging short videos, and reflection activities designed to build awareness, responsibility, and healthier habits.

Why YVAPE?

Keeps students in school and learning instead of suspended.
Turns a poor decision into a growth opportunity.
Aligns with California’s focus on alternatives to suspension.
Empowers students with real-life knowledge about health, motivation, and peer pressure.

How It Works

Student is referred to YVAPE after a vaping incident.
Parent/guardian provides consent.
Student completes short sessions and coaching calls (15–30 min total).
Upon completion, the student earns a certificate and returns to school ready to move forward.

A Positive Step Forward

YVAPE helps students reflect, learn, and make better choices — not through shame or discipline, but through support and education. Our goal is to help every student stay connected, healthy, and successful.

Together, we can turn vaping incidents into opportunities for growth, understanding, and resilience.

YVES Principal Kristen Mery has been named Morongo Unified School District Employee of the Month for her incredible dedication in organizing a food drive to support her school families. Her leadership and commitment made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their families, bringing the community together to provide essential resources.

We are so thankful for Ms. Mery and for all of our staff who go above and beyond every day to support students.

Upcoming Board Meeting

The MUSD Board of Education will be holding it's next regular board meeting on Dec. 9 at Joshua Tree Elementary School.

Board of Education

BOE Meeting Recordings

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Click on the link below to download our new app. The app has some useful features for MUSD families including contact information, up-to-date news from the district and more.