CVUSD's Communication Snapshot

• A Spotlight on Our Students' Musical Talents: The All District Music Festival Returns
• Call to Action: Write a Letter to Support Reinstatement of CVUSD's Mental Health Services Grant
• Reminder: The Conejo Valley Disabilities Fair is This Saturday
• Save the Date - The City of Thousand Oaks Hosts the Free Workshop: Public Transit Travel Training
• Stay Connected with "Up to Five Key Takeaways" from Our Advisory Councils/Committees
• Rooted in Community: State of the Schools Event Highlights Educational Excellence
• Congratulations Michelle Taranto of Conejo Valley High: Education Honoree, First Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards
• Thousand Oaks High School Senior Named National Merit Finalist
• Sequoia's Discover 8th Grade Students Host Synthesis Showcase
• 🎥 Is Your Child Ready to SHINE in a Supportive & Caring Homeschool Program? Watch Our SHINE Homeschool's Informational Video to Learn More

Over the last month, our Chorus and Strings student-musicians have had the opportunity to shine on the Kavli Theatre at the Bank of American Performing Arts Center's stage as part of the Conejo Schools Foundation's annual All District Music Festival. Our CVUSD elementary, middle, and high schools' music programs have performed in seven performances, with three performances ahead for our talented Band student-musicians to showcase their talents on May 19th, May 20th and May 21st.

Congratulations to our students on their wonderful performances, and thank you to our dedicated staff and incredible community partners - the Conejo Schools Foundation, Conejo Recreation and Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks who make this unique festival possible!

Click here to learn more.

On April 29th, two days before the start of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Conejo Valley Unified School District received a letter from the United States Department of Education stating it plans to halt all future funding of the $11.3 million, five-year grant that the District was awarded in 2022 from the U.S. Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program.

The District has begun to take the necessary steps to appeal this decision made by the federal government, which would result in the District not receiving nearly $5 million in expected funding to support student mental health over the next two years.

📬 CALL TO ACTION: If you would like to write a letter to support the reinstatement of the CVUSD's Mental Health Services Grant - please email your letter to chughes@conejousd.org.

Note: Letters received by the CVUSD may be included in the District's appeal to the U.S. Department of Education.

Photo of Westlake High School's Wellness Center

The Conejo Valley Disabilities Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th from 11am to 3pm at Conejo Creek North (1379 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks). The fair is free to attend and is designed for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Conejo Valley Disabilities Fair brings together a wide variety of vendors offering services in education, youth and adult activities, caregiving, and medical support. With a welcoming atmosphere and free food, the fair provides an opportunity to connect with resources and organizations that support people with diverse needs. Whether you are looking for information, services, or just a chance to explore, there is something for everyone.

📍Click here to RSVP to attend.

Join the City of Thousand Oaks for a FREE workshop on Tuesday, May 27th from 4:30pm-5:30pm, at the Grant R. Brimhall Library, Marvin E. Smith Community Room (1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oak)! Learn about our bus, Dial-A-Ride, and Summer Beach Bus services. Travel Training Experts will be on hand to answer all your questions.

Family participation and engagement is a key priority of the CVUSD. Our seven Advisory Councils and Committees meet regularly for vibrant discussions, informative presentations, relationship-building activities and more. These meetings are open to all members of our CVUSD community to attend. However, we understand that attending meetings in-person is not always possible.

🌟 The Updates from Advisory Councils/Committees webpage serves as a place to stay informed on updates and actions from each Advisory Council and Committee, with "Up to Five Key Takeaways" from each meeting posted regularly after meetings are held. Check out the latest takeaways, here: https://www.conejousd.org/5KeyTakeaways.

Last week, the Conejo Schools Foundation hosted the Annual State of the Schools event, which took place at California Lutheran University. Thank you to all of our community partners, members, and supporters who attended this event, and advocate for the success of our schools and students each and every day. The event included an informative presentation by Superintendent Dr. Mark McLaughlin, accompanied by CVUSD staff members. They offered a comprehensive overview and update on programs that are positively influencing our students' growth and their pursuit of educational excellence.

Congratulations to Michelle Taranto, Science Teacher and Student Leadership Advisor at Conejo Valley High School who has been selected as the Education Award Honoree of the First Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards, benefiting the Mountain Fire Recovery. The purpose of this event is to honor the exceptional leaders in the community who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

Ms. Taranto was selected as the Education Award Honoree because she has touched countless lives through her dedication, innovation, and unwavering belief in her students. From pioneering Conejo Valley High's first Career & Technical Education Sound Engineering course to building leadership programs that give students a voice and purpose—Ms. Taranto empowers students to grow, lead and thrive. She is a mentor, motivator, and change maker who helps shape the future every single day!

Congratulations Ms. Taranto on this well-earned recognition!

Click here to learn more about the District 2 Awards.

Congratulations to Xander P., 12th grade student at Thousand Oaks High School, who has been selected as a winner of the National Merit $2500 Scholarship! Xander was selected from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program for his combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Click here to learn more.

It was an inspiring afternoon at Sequoia Middle School's 8th Grade DISCOVER Synthesis Showcase last week, where our talented scholars shared their incredible research projects focused on "Solving Real-World Problems." Congratulations to our Bear students on their innovative work, and thank you to all who attended the event to inquire and learn more about each unique project.

Is your child ready to SHINE in a supportive and caring homeschool program? At SHINE Homeschool, the Conejo Valley Unified School District offers a personalized learning model to students in grades TK-12 with enrollment opportunities available year-round.

📍 Ready to learn more about our tuition-free program? Click here to complete our interest form.