MorongoUSD Monthly Update
As we move further into the fall season and approach Thanksgiving, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the many things for which we are grateful—our families, our schools, our community, and, most importantly, the opportunities we create for our students.
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Yucca Valley High School, where I witnessed firsthand some of the remarkable learning experiences taking place in our classrooms. Two programs particularly stood out: our Medical Pathway and Cisco Networking Academy.
In the Medical Pathway classroom, students were actively developing clinical skills that will prepare them for careers in healthcare. In fact, one student asked if she could practice drawing my blood. I agreed, although I must admit I wondered, "What am I getting myself into?" To my surprise, it was one of the smoothest blood draws I have ever experienced! The student demonstrated confidence, professionalism, and remarkable skill as she explained every step of the procedure. I left incredibly impressed and proud.
Equally exciting is our Cisco Networking Academy, where students are developing practical skills in networking, technology, and information systems. These are not simply classroom exercises; they are opportunities for students to develop industry-relevant skills and pursue professional certifications that can open doors to employment, higher education, and meaningful earning potential.
What makes these programs so valuable is that our students are not just learning about future careers—they are developing the skills to pursue them. Industry-recognized certifications can give our graduates a competitive advantage in the workforce, potentially translating into better employment opportunities and greater financial independence. I later got a chance to speak to some of these students who take on leadership roles in the ASB class and these students spoke about how impactful programs like this are to their lives and to their high school experiences.
These conversations remind me why I am so proud of the work taking place in our high schools. Our teachers and staff are creating pathways that connect education to real-world opportunities, helping students discover their talents and envision a successful future.
As we enter this season of gratitude, I encourage all of us to take a moment to appreciate what we have. We are fortunate to live in a community where educators care deeply about students, families support our schools, and partnerships help create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and wonderful community for everything you do to make Morongo Unified a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive. May this fall season remind us that while we work hard to prepare our students for tomorrow, we should never forget to appreciate the people and blessings that enrich our lives today.
Respectfully,
Dr. Patricio I. Vargas, Ph.D.
Superintendent
The Morongo Unified School District Board of Education meeting celebrated student accomplishments and recognized outgoing board member Roberta Myers for her years of service to the district.
The meeting opened with the swearing-in of newly re-elected board member Chris Claire, who was elected to another four-year term after running unopposed. Claire took the oath of office, officially beginning his new term on the board.
Student representatives from across the district shared updates on campus activities, athletics, academic programs and student engagement. Highlights included championship football seasons at both high schools, Yucca Valley High School's girls tennis team qualifying for playoffs, and the launch of the school's first Model United Nations team. Eight students are preparing to travel to New York in March to participate in the program.
The board also heard about several programs expanding career opportunities for students. Nine Yucca Valley High School students were accepted into the district's Pathway to Medicine program, developed in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and California University of Science and Medicine. Students gain hands-on exposure to health care careers, medical professionals and research opportunities.
Outgoing board member Roberta Myers was recognized for her contributions to public education, including 20 years as a classroom teacher and five years serving on the MUSD Board of Education. Fellow board members praised her passion for students, teachers and the community.
During her final board comments, Myers reflected on the district's accomplishments and the programs developed during her time on the board. She specifically highlighted the success of student clubs, Model United Nations, the Cisco Academy and the Pathway to Medicine program.
"It's been my honor and my pleasure to serve the MUSD community," Myers said. "I'm very proud of my fellow board members. They're student-centered, they have passion for this district, and they're doing the right things."
The district thanks Myers for her years of dedication, leadership and service to Morongo Unified School District and wishes her and her family the very best. The Board will welcome new Board member Juan Carlos Pineiro and re-elected member Missy Bond at the next Board meeting in December.
Safe Routes to School: Bringing Safety Education to Our Local Community
Earlier this month, the Safe Routes to School Program visited Onaga Elementary School's Expanded Learning Program to teach students important safety skills for traveling to and from school.
While the Safe Routes to School Program was originally developed with urban communities in mind, a collaborative effort with our local Expanded Learning Program and our Director of Risk Management, Safety, and Transportation helped refocus and expand the curriculum to better reflect the unique needs and experiences of our students.
Recognizing that our students may travel along rural roads and less-developed pathways, the program was adapted to include practical, locally relevant safety lessons. In addition to traditional pedestrian safety education, students learned how to safely navigate dirt roads, what to do if they encounter a rattlesnake, and how to recognize and respond to potential hazards in their surroundings.
The Safe Routes to School partnership is one example of the district's ongoing commitment to proactive student safety and innovative risk management practices. That commitment was recently recognized when the district's Risk Management Director Jack Salseda received the Eagle Award last month from PRISM (Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management). Among the initiatives contributing to this recognition were the district's collaboration with the Safe Routes to School Program and the integration of Megan's Law registered resident tracking into the district's transportation system, helping strengthen safety considerations in student transportation planning.
These efforts demonstrate the value of collaboration, innovation and adapting safety practices to meet the unique needs of our students and communities. We appreciate the San Bernardino County Safe Routes to School team, our Expanded Learning Program staff and the MUSD risk and safety team for their collaboration and continued commitment to keeping our students safe.
Culinary Arts & Management Students Gain Real-World Industry Experience
Students in the Culinary Arts & Management program at Twentynine Palms High School recently participated in an exciting industry experience at the Freedom Plaza kitchen, connecting classroom learning with real-world career skills.
The program welcomed Chef Darrell Banks Legerme, a culinary professional from Orange County, who led an interactive smashburger demonstration and provided students with hands-on experience using professional culinary techniques. Industry professional Zachary Maggiora, who has previous experience working in professional kitchens and with the district, also joined the experience to conduct mock job interviews, helping students strengthen their communication, professionalism, and career-readiness skills.
This engaging experience gave students the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals, build practical skills, and gain valuable insight into careers in the culinary field. We appreciate our guest professionals for sharing their knowledge, time, and expertise with our future culinary leaders!
Wildcat CTE Class Welcomes Little Learners
Our Instructional Assistant (IA) CTE class at Twentynine Palms High School welcomed local elementary school students for a special one-hour morning learning program that will take place twice a week.
The program kicked off Tuesday with a group of TK students. Our IA CTE students took the lead, guiding their young visitors through a variety of interactive learning stations filled with opportunities for exploration, discovery and fun.
This hands-on experience gives students the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice, build leadership and communication skills and gain valuable experience working with young learners, all while making a positive impact on our district's youngest students.
During the month of October Community Schools at Oasis had the opportunity to partner with two local organizations, REACH OUT and Morongo Basin Community Coalition, for a winter clothing drive.
The purpose of this drive was to support both organizations’ efforts to serve homeless and housing insecure men across 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley. A variety of donations made by student families and staff included blankets, socks, beanies, gloves, socks, and everyday winter clothing items.
Ms. Ajené Holmes, Community Schools Liaison, extends a huge thank you to all who donated to help make this winter warmer in our greater community. Thank you also to REACH OUT and Morongo Basin Community Coalition for the opportunity to, “Take care of others,” as it is the BOBCAT WAY AT OASIS!
On Thursday TPHS GATE students, volleyball players, and PBIS winners took an exciting trip to the UCLA campus, where they got to see a UCLA vs. University of Washington Big 10 women’s volleyball game! The Bruins were triumphant in 4 sets, and the Wildcats got to experience major college athletics up close at one of the nation’s top public universities! The group also had a mini tour of the campus and got to visit the UCLA bookstore. Many of the Wildcats on the trip are students who have applied or plan to apply to UCLA. Go Wildcats and Go Bruins!
Upcoming Board Meeting
The MUSD Board of Education will be holding it's next regular board meeting on December 15 at Joshua Tree Elementary School.
The meetings are now available to the public both in person and via Zoom. For more information about the meetings please visit the link below.
Website: www.morongousd.com
Location: 5715 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA, USA
Phone: 760-367-9191
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMUSD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morongousd/