PVSD Family Update

Good afternoon PVSD Families,

It was wonderful to spend time with parents, staff, and community members that compose our LCAP Committee at our first LCAP meeting of the year. Our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) helps guide how we prioritize resources and support student success. These meetings provide an important opportunity to hear directly from our community about what is working well and where we can continue to improve. Before beginning our planned LCAP discussion, I made time to address our recent school safety communication and invite feedback from those in attendance. I appreciated the thoughtful questions, candid perspectives, and opportunity to listen directly to our families and community members.

It was wonderful to see so much orange across PVSD on Unity Day as our students and staff came together to celebrate kindness, inclusion, and belonging and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every child feels welcomed, valued, and respected in our No Place for Hate district.

I also had the opportunity to meet with our Teacher Advisory Committee this week. Similarly, I began our meeting with a discussion about school safety and communication before moving into our regular agenda. Hearing directly from our teachers about their experiences, concerns, and suggestions is invaluable as we continue to reflect on and strengthen our practices.

Another highlight of the week was attending the City of Camarillo's State of the City address. We are fortunate to be part of a community that values its schools, families, and children. I am grateful for our continued partnership with the City of Camarillo and the many ways our community works together to make Camarillo such a wonderful place to live, work, and learn.

Earlier this week, I shared information with all PVSD families regarding a recent threat involving members of the Las Colinas Middle School community. I recognize that incidents involving school safety raise important questions for families. I want to revisit some of the information shared earlier this week in a question-and-answer format and provide additional clarification about our procedures, responsibilities, and ongoing commitment to the safety of our students and staff and dispel misinformation on social media. Please see the School Safety section below.

I know that regardless of how thoughtfully we approach difficult situations, there is always room to learn and improve. We value the perspectives families have shared, and we remain committed to listening, reflecting on our practices, and identifying opportunities to strengthen our communication and response. I also want to extend a personal invitation to any parent, guardian, or caregiver who would like to meet with me to discuss school safety, share concerns, or offer suggestions. I welcome these conversations and value the opportunity to hear directly from those who entrust us with the care and education of their children. I very much appreciate those who have emailed me their concerns directly and have given me the opportunity to answer questions rather than seeking information solely from social media. Please reach out to me directly to schedule as I have carved out time for potential meetings next week, first prioritizing those with children in the school district before meeting with other community members.

A reminder that there is no school on Monday, October 26, as our staff participate in professional development. This dedicated time allows our educators to learn together, strengthen their practices, and continue improving the educational experiences we provide for students.

I am also hoping to join those families cheering on our middle school cross country runners this afternoon at Camino Real Park in Ventura as they compete in the championships. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their season of hard work, determination, and school spirit!

And don't forget to join us at Halloween in the Park hosted by Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District and the Camarillo Police Department on Wednesday, October 28 5:30pm-8:00pm.

Have a restful weekend.

Sincerely,

Dr. Danielle Cortés

Superintendent of Schools

dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org

Earlier this week, I shared information with all PVSD families about a recent threat involving members of the Las Colinas Middle School community. I know that news about school safety can raise many questions. To the extent I am able, I want to answer some of those questions and explain how we work to keep our students and staff safe.

Threats and Responses to Threats

What happens when a student makes a significant threat of harm?

Any time a student makes a significant threat of harm, and this impacts or occurs on campus, law enforcement is notified.

What happened in the recent incident at Las Colinas Middle School?

Recently, the District learned of a threat made against specific students and staff. District staff learned of the threat after the school day ended. The Camarillo Police Department immediately began an investigation and began their process of notifying impacted individuals.

At the time of the police investigation, school was not in session. District leaders worked with police to notify those directly impacted and put appropriate safety measures in place.

Was the threat addressed before school reopened?

Yes. In the most recent event, we received the report of a threat after hours. The threat and response were fully communicated to Las Colinas staff on October 13, 2026 and to all PVSD principals on October 14, 2026.

Does the District's work end when the initial police investigation is finished?

No. The District continues working with several agencies such as the Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, as needed. This includes reviewing our School Safety Plans, our risk response plans, and supporting those directly affected.

Does PVSD share its School Safety Plans with the public?

We have safety plans developed in collaboration with safety professionals. Portions of these plans are available to the public. However, we do not share all portions because doing so could create a safety risk.

Restraining Orders

Can PVSD seek restraining orders to protect students and staff?

Yes. Our goal is to put protections in place as quickly as possible and seek orders that remain in effect for as long as needed. Often, the fastest route is through the juvenile court system. The District has a workplace violence prevention plan for staff and can obtain Workplace Violence Restraining Orders to protect employees when necessary. We may also support individuals in obtaining civil, domestic, or juvenile restraining orders.

The courts and other legal authorities make final decisions about the terms and conditions of these orders. Our goal is to ensure that all students and staff can exercise their constitutional right to attend safe and secure schools.

What other measures can be put in place?

Electronic monitoring and geographic restrictions. Where legally authorized and appropriate, I request that probation consider electronic monitoring, geographic exclusion zones, and measures to ensure compliance with protective conditions.

Student Discipline and Due Process

When can a student be suspended or expelled?

Education Code section 48900 and the sections that follow identify the reasons a student may be disciplined. A student may be recommended for suspension or expulsion if the student violates specific rules and other legal conditions are met.

Expulsion, or removal from public schools in the state for a period of time of up to one calendar year, is the most serious form of student discipline available to a school district. We take this responsibility seriously and pursue it when warranted.

Can a student be expelled for any violation of the Education Code?

No. Expulsion is not available for every violation of the Education Code.

Generally, expulsion occurs only after a school district has held a hearing and established that other means of correction are not feasible or have failed to bring about proper conduct, or that due to the nature of the violation, the student's presence causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the student or others.

For certain violations, expulsion is mandatory when the District establishes that the student engaged in the specified conduct. These situations are rare.

Can sharing information before an expulsion hearing affect the District's ability to expel a student?

Yes. District decision makers must remain impartial and provide the student with due process.

If information is shared before the hearing, decision makers may be exposed to information outside the hearing rather than relying only on the evidence presented during the hearing. This can affect the fairness of the process and prevent an expulsion from being implemented. PVSD therefore has limitations on communications and responsibilities that may differ from those of law enforcement, other agencies, or media outlets, which may share information without the same responsibility to protect student privacy and the disciplinary process.

Why can't PVSD share information about a student's discipline?

See above. In addition, information about specific students and student discipline is confidential because student records are protected by law.

The District reports expulsions at Board meetings, including the length of the expulsion, but specific information about a student is not shared.

Is the PVSD Board the final authority on student expulsions?

No. A decision made by PVSD may be appealed to the County Board of Education.

Our staff receive regular training in student discipline from the County and outside experts. Our goal is to make lawful decisions that protect all our students and the school community.

Communication with Families

How does PVSD decide when to communicate with families about a safety incident?

Each school regularly communicates with families. When communicating about larger incidents, we consider the level of risk, the number of people affected, the privacy rights of all individuals involved, and whether school operations are disrupted.

Some incidents call for communication only with those directly affected. Others require communication with the broader school community. We may also send a broader message when rumors or false information are causing concern.

Does PVSD always notify families immediately about a safety incident?

Decisions about staff and student safety guide what communication goes out and to whom. Each situation is reviewed individually, and communication reflects the level of risk, the information available, and the need to protect those involved.

When there is an immediate or ongoing danger, we communicate as needed to help families take action, even when all the facts are not yet known.

Why might PVSD wait before sharing information with families?

Limited communication should never be mistaken for limited action. Our staff prioritize taking proactive safety measures over communicating about those measures.

Protecting students and staff, preserving the integrity of investigations and future proceedings, and ensuring accountability come first.

Timing also affects how much meaningful information we can provide. Whenever possible, we want to give families clear assurances about safety measures, and we may need to wait before we can provide firm updates.

Why does PVSD sometimes communicate sooner when an incident happens during the school day?

When an incident occurs during the school day, we often communicate sooner because families need information about conditions at school. That need for immediate information can outweigh the risks that communication may create for the disciplinary process.

Will PVSD promise to communicate sooner in the future?

I understand that families want timely information and clear answers. I also recognize how frustrating it can be when the law prevents us from sharing details about consequences or safety measures.

What I can promise is that we will continue reviewing our practices, listening to feedback, and working to improve how we communicate while protecting our students and staff.

Who makes the final decision about communication regarding serious safety incidents?

School principals work closely with me, as superintendent, on serious safety matters. The Board has given me final responsibility for deciding when and what we share.

We may also coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies when needed.

Can families provide suggestions about PVSD's communication practices?

Yes. We are always reviewing and reflecting on our communication practices and messaging.

I welcome ideas for improving communication while protecting students and staff and complying with legal requirements related to privacy and discipline.

If you have recommendations, please email me at dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org.

Other Questions from Families

Who should families contact with questions or concerns about PVSD schools or local high schools?

If you have questions or concerns about our preschool through eighth grade schools, please contact me or your local principal.

Concerns or questions about the high school should be directed to the Oxnard Union High School District.

What should families do if they know about a possible safety threat?

If you have knowledge of a safety threat, report your concerns right away to your school principal or law enforcement. If there is an immediate emergency, call 911.

We encourage students and families to speak up when something does not seem right. Sharing concerns helps trained professionals investigate and respond.

What does "See Something, Say Something" mean, and how can students and families report concerns anonymously?

One of the most important ways we keep our schools safe is by encouraging students, staff, and families to speak up when they hear or see something concerning.

See Something, Say Something means reporting concerns to a trusted adult, even when you are unsure if something is serious.

Students and families can report concerns directly to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. They can also use WeTip, our anonymous reporting system, available on every school website, the PVSD website, and student Chromebooks.

Every report matters, and every concern is taken seriously. Trained staff review reports, assess potential threats, and work with law enforcement and other agencies as needed to determine appropriate safety measures and student supports.

Support to Students

What support is available if my child is worried or upset about school safety?

News about school safety can be upsetting for children and families. Children may react in different ways. We encourage families to listen to their children, talk about their concerns, and ask for help when needed.

PVSD has school counselors and social workers who can help students. Please contact your child's principal or school counselor if your child needs support.

What additional resources are available to families?

Families can also use these resources:

• PVSD Community Resources: A list of local services and support for families in English and Spanish.
• PVSD Counseling Services: Information about counseling support at our schools.
• 211 Ventura County: Free help finding local services. Call 211.
• Interface Children & Family Services: Mental health and family support services.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free support for anyone in emotional distress. Call or text 988 at any time.

If your child is struggling, please reach out. We want every student to know that caring adults are ready to listen and help.

Our Continued Commitment

Every child deserves to feel safe at school. Every staff member deserves to feel safe at work. Every family deserves to know their children are in caring and capable hands.

We take these duties seriously. We will continue working with students, families, staff, law enforcement, and other safety partners to keep our schools safe and supportive places to learn.

CHSA Principal Kristin Hicks-Highlights this week at CHSA, our fifth graders researched regions, wrote reports, created artwork, and 3-D models in Project Lab, and presented their learning to friends, families and the school. Mrs. Cox led an art lesson focused on Picasso and students proudly displayed their pledges to kindness!

Dos Caminos Principal Robert Waggoner-One of the highlights at Dos Caminos this week was our college T-shirts, generously funded by our PTA. Every Thursday, we wear our shirts in our classroom colors as we celebrate setting goals and recognizing that our actions to meet goals are a deciding factor in our achievement. In the photo below, our Student Leadership team is coordinating classroom visits with Finley, our mascot. Student leaders proudly represent Sonoma State University’s Seawolves in blue, while Maestra Rulvacaba’s class shows Matador pride in the colors of California State University Northridge. The student leaders encourage participation and the top three classes earn the DCS School Spirit Award for the week. While each classroom has its own colors, the Dos Caminos pennant on every shirt brings us together as one school community. It is a reminder that we are all working toward a common goal, a sense of belonging, and something meaningful to work on together as we display our DCS Determination.

La Mariposa Principal Claudia Stepan-🎨✨ First Grade Art Show: A Celebration of Creativity! ✨🎨 Our first graders have been busy exploring the world of art! Over the past month, students learned about seven famous artists and created their own unique masterpieces inspired by each artist’s style and techniques. Last night, our young artists proudly showcased their incredible work to their families! ❤️ It was wonderful to see their creativity, imagination, and hard work celebrated by the people who mean the most to them. We are so proud of our first graders for taking artistic risks, exploring new techniques, and discovering that everyone can be an artist! 🖌️🖼️

Las Colinas Principal Felicitas Perez and Principal Kelly Pomerantz-Our staff is incredibly proud of the way our Mustangs show up for one another and support their school community, especially when unexpected situations arise. Recently, a brief power outage and high winds required us to pivot and move lunch indoors. As I supervised in the gym, I watched our students navigate a busy, crowded space with such kindness and maturity. They remained calm, were polite, said “please” and “thank you,” cleaned up after themselves, and treated those around them with respect despite the change in routine and the weather outside. Our campus supervisors shared how proud they are of our Mustangs, too. Their words were a wonderful reminder that the care, consistency, and relationships our staff build every day help make Las Colinas Middle School such a special place. These moments demonstrate that Mustang PRIDE is about more than following expectations; it is about being considerate, adaptable, and caring members of a community. We are so proud of our students and grateful to our staff for helping create a campus where kindness and respect are part of who we are!

Las Posas Principal Thomas Holtke-LPS conducted its first leadership academy where mixed grade levels of students (Kindergarten – 5th) worked together in Leadership Families. Our teachers facilitated the reading of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Students. Students furthered their understandings of the leadership skill of “Be Proactive”, increased their leadership academic vocabulary, and worked collaboratively in a community circle to make their new learnings relevant and real. Leadership traits are directly tied to LPS’ monthly Student Leader of the Month recognition.

LPSSA Principal Kimberly LePage- On Tuesday, Los Primeros had a fundraiser at Skating Plus. Panthers enjoyed food, skating, and skating games (such as limbo!) with their peers! Middle Schoolers have started their flag football unit in PE and are incorporating cross-training in their teams. In our exploratory class, Communication Arts with Ms. Lippold, students have started rehearsing with their props for their upcoming plays. Ending the week, Panthers brought various creative objects from home to hold their school supplies to fulfill the Flag Ceremony theme of ‘Anything But A Backpack’.

Monte Vista Principal Jessie Green and Principal Maria Magaña -Our Toros had a great week! Students participated in a wellness activity focused on unity and taking a stand against bullying. They created a Unity Chain by writing positive messages to their peers and took the Upstander Pledge, committing to speak up when they see someone being mistreated. We are proud of our Toros for helping make MVMS a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and included!

PVSEA Principal Patrick Miller-Rainy Day schedules did not slow us down! Grade 6 students took an inspiring AVID trip to Moorpark College, exploring college life and discovering local career pathways during a visit to the Moorpark College Teaching Zoo. Meanwhile, Grade 7 students engaged in hands-on STEM and agricultural science experiences through interactive classroom workshops. Throughout the week, our students worked hard with the Reading Teachers during targeted small-group literacy interventions during "WIN" (What I Need) time! And, our TK/K teachers received notice their garden grants through the Pleasant Valley Garden Club were approved!

Rancho Rosal Principal Jacey Dexter-This week at The Ranch was a busy one! Our PTA held our annual Art Reflections. We're so proud of our Stallions and their representations of what their cultures mean to them. This week our Kindergartners took their first field trip to the pumpkin patch. They had a blast learning about farming and the pumpkin life cycle. Every Stallion was able to bring home a pumpkin. The fun continued at The Ranch when our 2nd graders celebrated the end of their unit with a Place Value Party. Everyone is looking forward to a jam packed week coming up filled with Red Ribbon Week, Halloween, Hero Fair and MORE!

SRTMS Principal Katie Stuart-This week was filled with literacy, leadership, athletic achievement, and teamwork at Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School. Students eagerly explored new books at our Scholastic Book Fair, with some so excited about their selections that they didn't want to put them down, even during recess. I also had the pleasure of visiting nearly all of our elementary classrooms to read What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick as we launched our character trait of Responsibility, leading thoughtful discussions about how our choices impact others and what it means to be a responsible leader. Our Eagle athletes continued to make us proud, with strong performances from our flag football and volleyball teams and a successful finish for elementary cross country at their championship meet. To close out the week, our Eagle staff and District Office staff demonstrated incredible flexibility and teamwork in the face of high winds, power outages, and changing conditions. When our TK, Kindergarten, and two middle school classes needed to relocate to different classrooms, teachers and staff seamlessly adapted, ensuring that teaching and learning continued uninterrupted. We are so proud to be Eagles!

Tierra Linda Principal Fayanne Bakoo-The last couple of weeks have been busy at Tierra Linda! We hosted Morning with the Sheriff, where our Hawks had the opportunity to meet our Camarillo PD, climb in emergency vehicles and pose for pictures for their families. This week, Tierra Linda students blew bubbles filled with kindness and rode the wind of inclusion this week for Unity Day! Our students spent time with the Big Buddies and Little Buddies making their own bubble wands and decorating pinwheels with affirmations. Our TK and Kindergarten students spent the week investigating pumpkins and had the chance to visit the Pumpkin Patch.

Director of Child Development Programs Stefanie Lawson- This week, Camarillo Heights Child Care dove into under-the-sea cosmic yoga! Students stretched, posed, and wiggled their rainy-day energy away like little dolphins and sea turtles. Regular physical activity supports children’s health, focus, and well-being, so our Child Care programs make sure that students stay active no matter the weather. Las Posas Preschool brought color blending to life with a hands-on twist! Each little learner had one hand painted in a primary color. With every handshake or high five, the colors blended into secondary colors right before their eyes. A colorful, hands-on way to learn with friends!

Below are repeat announcements and reminders to help you keep up with important information. We know families are busy so we will continue to share key information to make it easy to find when you need it.

CLICK HERE for the PVSD October Family Engagement Newsletter including information on Middle School OUHSD STEAM Day and Library and Literacy updates.

Safety Around Schools

Car and pedestrian safety around schools is everyone's responsibility. Taking extra time to scan for potential issues is something everyone can do to make school safe. Please read the attached flyers for additional reminders to be safe around schools

As part of our work to capture additional funding to maintain the quality counseling supports occurring in our schools through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), we will be asking for students in grades 3-8 to take a strengths-based screener known as the Wellbeing Index. The screener will provide very basic information that gives us the ability to bill for services that are occurring in our schools.

Here is a link to the 3rd-5th grade screener

Here is a link to the middle school screener

The screener will be administered beginning on October 19th. Please complete this form if you would like to opt your student out of the survey.

PVSD is happy to offer free parking at PVSEA and the District Office during all youth sports at Kildee Park to help alleviate congestion on Eston Street. CLICK HERE to learn more from PVRPD and the Camarillo Police Department

Camarillo Teamwork Matters!

Please help keep our community safe and welcoming by following these simple guidelines:

🚗 Obey All Traffic Rules – Drive slowly, follow parking signs, and respect crosswalks. Violations will result in citations.
🏡 Be Considerate of Our Neighbors – Keep noise levels down, avoid double parking and blocking driveways. Getting your car towed is a hassle!
🗑 Keep It Clean – Use trash bins and leave no trace behind.

Thank you for being a great part of our neighborhood! Let's be great role models and show respect on and off the field!

Required Training for E-bike Safety

To help keep students safe as more choose bicycles and e-bikes for transportation, Pleasant Valley School District will launch a comprehensive Bicycle and E-Bike Safety Program this month. To ensure responsible e-bike use, all students who wish to park their e-bike at school must complete a district-approved e-bike safety education program. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/yjr8kxf6

To ensure the safety of all students, families, and community members; students who ride bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or e-bikes to school must:

• wear helmets
• walk their bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard while on school grounds including in the parking lot
• ride safely and responsibly
• park and lock bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard
• keep bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard in operable observation
• not give rides to other students (doubling of passengers)

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe!

We need all PVSD families to talk with their children about this important topic.

If your child has been impacted by hate or bias speech in PVSD, I would love to meet with you and learn about their experience. dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org

CLICK HERE or on the image above for a list of this month's Holidays and Celebrations. If your family celebrates a holiday that you don’t see recognized in my updates, please email me directly so that we can weave that celebration into the fabric of who we are. You can email me at dcortes@pleasantvalleysd.org

The 7-11 Surplus Advisory Committee met for the last time on Tuesday, March 17th. The committee is called a 7–11 Surplus Advisory Committee because state law requires the group to include between seven and eleven members who represent a cross section of the Camarillo community, including:

• Parents

• Business owners and managers

• Property owners and renters

• Teachers and administrators

• Individuals with expertise in land use and planning

After several meetings reviewing data, hearing input from the community, and engaging in thoughtful deliberations, the committee affirmed the property as surplus, developed and submitted a report concluding in the following recommendation to the PVSD Board of Trustees regarding the 2222 Ventura Blvd property:

“The 7-11 Surplus Property Advisory Committee recommends that the PVSD Board of Trustees consider the redevelopment of the property, meet the school district’s financial responsibilities, and invite proposals from interested parties, considering all options including lease, land-lease, sale, joint-use agreements, subdivision, multi-agency partnerships, with prioritization for how a project can enhance the Camarillo community, with special consideration given for projects that accommodate the property’s current tenants.”

On March 19th, the PVSD Board adopted the Committee's recommendation, authorized staff to begin statutory priority notices, and authorized the submittal of a waiver of Education Code Section 17455-17484 to allow for more local control in the Board's decision-making process. These actions allow the Board to consider options for the property.

The next Pleasant Valley School District Board of Trustees' Regular Meeting is Thursday, November 19th at 6pm. Meetings are open to the public and are a great way to stay informed! Join Regular Board Meetings in person, or on YouTube. For more information, CLICK HERE. Board Meeting agendas can be found HERE.

Join the PVSD Team!

Please see the following classified job opportunities:

Bus Driver

Bus Driver Trainee

Child Care Assistant

Senior Health Services Specialist

Special Education Instructional Assistant I - III

Transportation Driver

Various Substitute Opportunities

To view all classified job opportunities, please click here: Classified Job Opportunities For positions other than teaching, you can also reach out to the Human Resources, Classified department for questions or assistance (volmos@pleasantvalleysd.org or spote@pleasantvalleysd.org).

We are always looking for substitute teachers. If you or anyone you know is interested in a substitute teacher position, please email Anabel Hiteshew ahiteshew@pleasantvalleysd.org

Please tell a friend or family member.

Employee Recognition – Standing Ovations:

Please remember to honor those who model excellence among us with a Standing Ovation nomination. The PVSD Standing Ovation Program honors employees who go above and beyond in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership, and commitment to our district and students. Parents and community members can use this tool to recognize individuals for their contributions. To nominate an employee, please click here or visit the Human Resources Department page and click on the Standing Ovations icon under HR Quick Links. Please continue to celebrate the excellence surrounding your child each day and nominate an employee.