TVUSD COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Next week, Walk & Talk with Dr. Velez returns with a special four-part graduation series featuring conversations with graduating seniors from across TVUSD.

In each episode, Dr. Velez talks with a senior to reflect on their high school experience, future plans, and the people who made an impact along the way. These conversations highlight the unique journeys, accomplishments, and voices of the Class of 2026 while celebrating the incredible students preparing to take their next steps beyond TVUSD.

We can’t wait to share these inspiring stories with you. Stay tuned next week!

Earlier this year, we launched a new video series, Walk & Talk with Dr. Velez, which gave TVUSD Superintendent Dr. Velez the opportunity to visit school sites across the district, connect with students and staff, and hear firsthand about the great things happening in our schools.

Over the past seven episodes, we’ve celebrated student success, recognized the amazing work happening across TVUSD, and shared important conversations about the future of our district. More importantly, this series created another way for families and community members to hear directly from Dr. Velez and stay connected to what’s happening throughout our schools.

As we wrap up the school year, we invite you to revisit all seven episodes below and celebrate the incredible students, staff, and programs that continue to make TVUSD thrive. We’re grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to continuing these conversations in the year ahead.

• CHS: Melissa Chai
• GOHS: Rameen Vahdat
• SNHS: Lucie Hoang
• TVHS: Sahar Jabarkhiel

The Student of the Month program highlights seniors who embody integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Recognized students are on their way to college or trade school, and their stories inspire both peers and the community. Join us in honoring these remarkable students who reflect the very best of character and passion in their schools and beyond.

This year, our Behind the Scenes: The ♥️ of TVUSD spotlight series shines a light on the incredible certificated and classified employees who elevate experiences, opportunities, and each other across our schools and departments.

Check out this month's spotlight videos to see how our staff bring the spirit of TVUSD to life!

Riley Amidon, Kalle Chicote, Sophia Costa, Matthew Crowson, Miguel Gomez, Franklin Hernandez, Jocelyn Huth, Daniel Luna, Santiago Macias-Galvan, Katelyn Mantanona, Shea McCormick,

Zander Peck, Tayden Pollastro, Blake Sessler, Easton Sunga-Villafor, Kieran Taylor, Rashawn Wallace

The team’s success continued at the Masters Meet on Saturday, May 23rd, at Moorpark High School, where several athletes and partners competed for advancement opportunities. Four GOHS students — Katelyn Mantanona, Jocelyn Huth, Tayden Pollastro, and Riley Amidon — qualified for the CIF State Championship Meet in Clovis.

Today, Friday, May 29th, these outstanding athletes are representing Great Oak High School at the State Championship Meet in Clovis. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and wish them the best as they compete among the top Unified Track & Field athletes in California!

Each month, the TVUSD Board of Education celebrates the people and schools making a difference across our district.

At our last meeting on May 12th, we recognized:

🌟 Graduating Student Board Member Melissa Chai & incoming Student Board Member Nathan Berry

🌟 PTA Reflections Winners - 23rd District

We’re proud to celebrate those who elevate experiences, opportunities, and each other. 💫

- 🔗 Instagram link

- 🔗 Facebook link

Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for college and careers through hands-on learning, industry certifications, college credit opportunities, and real-world work-based learning experiences. These opportunities help students build both technical knowledge and professional skills that prepare them for future success.

These students have gained valuable hands-on experience by creating lesson plans, leading crafts and activities, supervising free play, and encouraging other high school student groups to volunteer in BASES programs. The opportunity has provided authentic workplace experience while helping students strengthen the skills they are learning in their CTE courses.

TVUSD has also created meaningful opportunities for students in the Media Arts pathway. For the past two and a half years, the TVUSD Communications Team has mentored fourth-year CTE Seminar students through district internships. These students meet weekly with the Communications Department to help capture and create digital media content that highlights schools, programs, and district initiatives.

By investing in its own students and programs, TVUSD continues to demonstrate its commitment to preparing students for college, career, and future success. These partnerships exemplify the power of collaboration and the district’s dedication to creating authentic opportunities that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Through journalism, feature writing, and creative expression, TVUSD students are sharing the ideas, experiences, and stories that matter to them. We are excited to spotlight their work and celebrate their creativity, voice, and developing journalistic skills. Discover the talent and perspectives emerging from across our district, told directly by the students themselves.

Platinum Press

📣 Nathan Berry Elected as New Student Trustee

The Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) welcomed Junior Nathan Berry on May 4 to serve as the Student Board Member for the 2026-2027 school year. As a member of the board, Berry will participate in various discussions and represent student voices across the district. Taking on this honorable role exhibits professional leadership, civic engagement, and dedication to improving education. By earning the trust of his peers and demonstrating serious commitment as a student himself, he secured his position on the board.

🔗 Check out the full article by clicking here.

Great Oak Gazette

🧗Ascending

I hear the water flowing beneath me, rushing through the lush boreal forest and releasing an aroma of pine and timber. Above, a hawk screeches while hunting its prey, circling the skies like a threat. Below, a blanket of black nothingness marks the scorched remains of a forest fire. To my right, a Great Horned Owl guards her nest, her beaming yellow pupils fixed on me. To my left, a tiny blue dot winds down the curvy mountain roads in the distance.

🔗 Check out the full piece by clicking here.

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins

The TVUSD Community High Five Program is designed to empower and encourage the community to acknowledge and appreciate the dedicated employees of the district. This program serves as a platform for parents, students, and local residents to recognize and celebrate the relentless commitment and hard work put forth by district employees.

Fill out this quick form, and the Communications Department will create and send a digital certificate to the employee for their hard work. As an added recognition, one employee will be selected each month as a "Community High Five Spotlight," and their shout-out will be recognized in a future edition of the Community Connection.

TEMECULA, CA – The City of Temecula Community Services Department is proud to offer a series of summer workforce development programs designed to prepare local students for future academic and career success. Through hands-on learning, professional skill-building, and realworld experiences, these programs provide valuable opportunities for local youth to explore career pathways and build confidence for the future.

This summer, students can participate in these programs held at the Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange (TVE2) located at 43200 Business Park Drive: Leadership Academy, Youth Entrepreneur Program, Medical Career Pathways, Future Physician Leaders, and Legal Scholars Program, each offering specialized curriculum and interactive experiences.

For more information, please visit 🔗TemeculaCA.gov/YouthOpportunities.

This classroom is scheduled to open on August 12th, and will offer additional FREE PRESCHOOL spots for our youngest learners!

If you are interested in sending your child to our program, please find more information here. Children need to be 3 years old in order to attend, and eligibility is dependent on family income.

If you have any questions, please contact Ami Paradise at aparadise@tvusd.us.

TVUSD is happy to offer students and their families device insurance. We know that things happen and so we offer insurance to give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered should something occur. The cost is $30 per device for the 26-27 school year.

• Web Store opens: May 22, 2026
• Web Store closes: June 12, 2026

🔗 Click here to learn more

📚 Visit the Library Website

It is now time to complete your Annual Family Update in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. This update is REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS RETURNING TO TVUSD FOR THE 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR.

Any student who does not have a completed Annual Update:

• may not be enrolled in a class for the 26/27 school year
  
• may not receive a schedule
  
• and may not be able to participate in school business days in August.
  

Take a moment to let us know if your child(ren) WILL NOT be returning for next school year. If your student(s) will be continuing their enrollment within any TVUSD school, there is no need to complete this questionnaire.

• Registration dates assigned by the school site
• Step-by-step enrollment directions for TK and Kindergarten
• Link to submit a Let's Talk message if you are having technology issues or have specific questions
• Call 951-506-7937 to speak with a CEC Technician
• Grade-Level placement for 2026-2027

🔗 26-27 TK/Kinder Registration Flyer & Instructions

Enrollment for 1st-12th grade students for next year will start on April 3, 2026, with prioritization for 6th & 9th graders in the first few days.

🔗 TVUSD Enrollment & Registration

Our students thrive because of the dedicated people who support them every day. From classrooms to offices to playgrounds, every role matters. Join the TVUSD family and discover the rewarding opportunities waiting for you right here in our community.

Thank you to our amazing community partners who have supported the

TVUSD Attendance Challenge!

Studies show that regular attendance is crucial for academic and life success. Here are some tips to keep your student on track:

• Prioritize attendance: Make sure your student is in school every day.
• Address health issues: Work with your student's doctor to minimize absences.
• Partner with the school: Stay involved and communicate regularly.

Remember: Chronic absence – missing just two days a month – can have a significant impact. Let's work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive!

🖐️ Our next Staff High Five spotlight is Aaron Maya, Custodian II/Team, Maintenance & Operations. "You’ve been consistent with the rotation, making sure the team is covering all areas—trash, restrooms, vacuuming, and utility work—and I’ve noticed your positive attitude throughout." 🙌 @tvusd.parentcenter

Care Solace's care navigation services are confidential and complimentary to TVUSD students, staff, and their families. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.

• Call 888-515-0595
• Visit www.caresolace.com/tvusdfamilies and either search on your own OR click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

🧠 Mental Health & 💊 Substance Abuse: Find community-based providers & secure appointments.

🍲 Food Assistance: Access food pantries, home delivery meal programs, and government/non-profit programs.

🏠 Shelter Support: Find transitional housing, shelters, and housing programs.

🏥 Community Health Services: Connect with low-cost or free medical and dental care, female health services, and preventative care.

Catch up on past newsletters by visiting the Community Connection Newsletter Archive webpage.

Temecula Valley Unified School District is committed to building strong partnerships with parents in support of all students. Part of this commitment includes ensuring that families are informed of their rights and the right to opt their children out of certain instructional activities or assessments, as provided under state and federal law. The Frequently Asked Questions document linked below is designed to clarify the legal requirements, district procedures, and options available to parents regarding opt-outs.

For more information, visit: Know Your Rights and TVUSD Annual Notification for Parents

Location: 31350 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, CA, USA
Phone: (951)676-2661