Dr. Alejandro Ruvalcaba Superintendent of Schools

Dear Moreno Valley Unified School District Community,

As we observe Native American Heritage Month throughout November, and especially Native American Heritage Day on November 28, I invite our entire MVUSD community to reflect on the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples. This month serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the profound impact Native Americans have had on our nation’s identity, traditions, and shared story.

In Moreno Valley Unified, we honor this heritage not only through learning and recognition but also through our commitment to truth, respect, and inclusion. Our Land Acknowledgement Statement reminds us that the ground we learn, work, and grow upon has long been part of the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples. This acknowledgment is more than a statement; it is a promise to approach our work with awareness, humility, and a deeper understanding of the histories that shape our community.

Throughout this month, our schools will engage in lessons and activities designed to uplift Native American voices, highlight their innovations and cultural contributions, and promote meaningful understanding for our students. I encourage families to join us in exploring local history, celebrating Native art and literature, and fostering conversations that honor the resilience and diversity of Native communities.

Let us use this time to learn, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to respect and cultural understanding, values that strengthen our district and bring us closer together.

Warm regards,

Dr. Alejandro Ruvalcaba
Superintendent of Schools
Moreno Valley Unified School District

Holiday Cheer from Riverside Sheriff Department

Riverside Sheriff's Department will be hosting a Holiday Cheer Program. Join this year's holiday events including a Holiday Banquet, Shop with a Cop, and festive Christmas Parade. Minimum requirements need to be met in order to participate in some events. Click here for more information. For further information contact the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station Community Services Unit at (951) 486-6700 or email MOVALCSU@riversidesherfff.org.

*Community Resource: This organization and its activities are not related to or sponsored by Moreno Valley Unified School District.

Classified Administrator of the Year- Carlos Trujillo

Principal of the Year- Dr. Selene Amancio

Certificated Administrator of the Year- Shelley Crandall

Hearts YOUnited Kindness Scavenger Hunt

November 11-21, 2025

Help us continue our mission to "Be Kind" and spread kindness inside and outside our classrooms. Hearts YOUnited is sponsoring a Kindness Event November 17-21st. Complete the scavenger hunt (students and staff), send the completed paper form to Cody Harvey in Student Services to have your name entered to win a prize-or just complete the scavenger hunt without sending it in to spread kindness at your campus or office.

View this folder to access the checklist. English Flyer

For questions, contact Cody Harvey at charvey@mvusd.net

The Parent Project

November 21, 2025 • 9 - 11 AM • MVEA Offices
Join The Parent Project, a free program designed to help parents strengthen family connections, manage conflict, and support their children’s growth. Led by experienced instructor Pete Serbantes, this program offers practical tools, guidance, and encouragement for parents navigating the challenges of raising children and teens. For more information, please call 951-697-9088 or visit their website.

*Community Resource: This organization and its activities are not related to or sponsored by Moreno Valley Unified School District.

Parent Workshop: Holiday Blues

December 4, 2025
9:00 - 10:00 AM (Spanish) • 10:30 - 11:30 AM (English)

MVUSD Health & Wellness Center: 23990 Eucalyptus Ave.

Mental Health affects 1 in 4 Americans and the minority population is most vulnerable. Minorities are less likely to receive the appropriate diagnosis or treatment for their behavioral health issue.

Register Here/Registrese Aquí.

Saturday Innovation Camp

Saturday, December 6, 2025 • 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM

All students are invited to participate in Saturday Innovation Camp! Elementary students are eligible to attend during their assigned "Group" dates as listed on the flyer. Middle and high school students may attend all dates at their home school. There are three special events also available. All students may register and attend at those designated schools. Pre-registration is required.

Parent Workshops: Building Healthy Relationships

December 11, 2025 • 6:00 PM

Riverside University Health System is offering training in English and Spanish to parents and guardians on how they can build healthy relationships with their children, set healthy boundaries, and practice digital safety. Training will be held via Zoom. You can register for free.

*Community Resource: This organization and its activities are not related to or sponsored by Moreno Valley Unified School District.

Elementary Basketball Camp

Moreno Valley Unified School District is offering a free coed Basketball camp, and team tryout at several of our schools. Students who are selected after Team Tryouts will also be able to compete in a district tournament! Snacks will be provided. Ask your elementary school for more information! English Flyer | Spanish Flyer.

Reading Challenge

The MVUSD Reading Challenge starts September 22! Challenge your students to read a minimum of 15 minutes a day, 5 times a week, from September 22, 2025 - December 19, 2025. We encourage our Preschool, TK, and K parents to assist their children. Students can read books on Footsteps2Brilliance. Students will be honored at the MVUSD Steam Unity Expo Festival February 28, 2026 based on the amount of reading completed. View this flyer for registration details. View the Spanish flyer.

High School Seniors - CSU Direct Admissions

California State University (CSU) Direct Admissions is still available for students who are on track to meeting A-G course requirements and also meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirements. Students who meet these requirements were sent communication from CSU and were offered conditional admission to the CSU for 17 of the 22 California State University campuses. This program gives current on-track 12th grade students the ability to apply to one CSU campus for free!

Seniors will need to complete and submit their Cal State Apply Application through CaliforniaColleges.edu and stay on track to meeting A-G requirements and graduate. CSU deadlines for applications are approaching. Please understand, students will still need to receive an official acceptance letter from CSU and confirm their intent to attend by the campus deadline, plus complete any additional enrollment steps (attending orientation, paying tuition fees, and providing documentation).

Seniors are encouraged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible, so they can receive their award information. Visit your school's guidance department for more information.

American Red Cross - Nominate A Hero for Inland Empire Heroes Awards

March 17, 2026 • 11:00 AM- 1:30 PM

The American Red Cross of Riverside and San Bernardino is currently accepting nominations for the annual Inland Empire Heroes Awards. This event raises awareness of local heroes making a positive impact in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Nominations are due by Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Check out the categories for nomination!

· Gift of Life Hero: An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.

· Good Samaritan Hero: Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment or resourcefulness in attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.

· Youth Hero (age 18 or younger): Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.

Visit redcross.org/ieheroes, email socalevents@redcross.org or call 949-226-2348 for more information about this inspiring community event.

*Community Resource: This organization and its activities are not related to or sponsored by Moreno Valley Unified School District.

Inland Southern California United Way Employee Giving Campaign

Moreno Valley Unified School District is proud to partner with Inland Southern California United Way for a meaningful outreach opportunity exclusively for our staff. The 2025 Campaign officially kicked off on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and will run through Monday, November 17, 2025. We’re striving for 100% staff participation—and we know we can count on you! Together, we can make a real impact in our community. Thank you in advance for your support! Please visit the staff hub under Staff Resources on the District Website.

No Cost School Meals Available

What to Know About School Meals

Free meals for all students: Every student will receive a Universal free breakfast and lunch each school day, regardless of family income.
Federal Funding still Available for School Meals: This is possible due to the state's mandated Universal Meals Program. The federal National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs have special reserves, called carryover funds and Section 32 funds, which have been made available to reimburse schools. This ensures our district can continue to purchase and prepare food without immediate disruption.
No change for students: Your child should continue to get their school meals as they normally would. There is no need to sign up or pay.

Where to Find Additional Food Resources

If your family needs more support, local organizations are ready to help. You can find free or low-cost food, housing assistance, and other resources by checking these links.*

*subject to change.

Feeding America Riverside/San Bernadino – Find a Food Pantry
Riverside County Department of Education - Search for free or low-cost food, basic needs, housing assistance and more.
Food Finder – Food Pantry Database
Hunger Free America – Food Assistance Finder
Findhelp.org - Search for free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

Update on Federal Shutdown and CalFresh Program

Please see these resources from Riverside County Public Health and RCOE to help connect families with local food banks and support services. Please visit FindHelp.RCOE.us to locate food assistance and other community resources. View this folder to view English and Spanish flyers, along with a list of resources.