We are proud to celebrate our students who are moving up and onward! Your hard work, growth, and dedication have paid off, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what you achieve next. Keep reaching for your goals—you’ve got this!

As we wrap up another incredible school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. From academic achievements and inspiring student performances to innovative programs and meaningful community partnerships, this year has been nothing short of amazing.

Our students have grown in so many ways—academically, socially, and emotionally. They’ve shown resilience, creativity and leadership that make us proud every single day. Our teachers and staff have gone above and beyond, creating classrooms full of curiosity and care. And our families and community members have been vital partners in making this year a success.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to a restful, joyful summer and an even brighter future!

You're invited to the MUSD Summer Meal Kickoff. Join us as we kick off the summer season with BBQ, games. raffles and community booths.

Just because school is out doesn’t mean the need for healthy meals takes a break. We’re here to help keep kids in the Basin nourished and energized all summer long with free meals for all children ages 0–18.

Distribution Options:

1. Weekly Meal Box Pick-Up (Choose this OR daily meals)

• Available Thursdays, June 12 – July 31

• Pick-Up Locations and Times:

  • 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Twentynine Palms Elementary School

    • MUSD Professional Development Center (Joshua Tree)

    • Yucca Valley High School

  • 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    • Morongo Valley Elementary

    • Landers Elementary

• Parent or guardian must be present

• Note: For the week of June 19, pickup will be held on Wednesday, June 18 instead of Thursday.

Reserve your weekly meal box: Reserve Weekly Meals

2. Daily Meals (Choose this OR weekly box)

• Available June 12 – July 11 (select sites through July 31)

• Meals eaten on site

• No meal service on June 19 or July 4

West End Locations and Times:

• Yucca Valley Elementary & Joshua Tree Elementary

  • Breakfast: 9:15 – 9:30 AM

  • Lunch: 12:30 – 12:45 PM

• La Contenta Middle School

  • Breakfast: 8:15 – 8:30 AM

  • Lunch: 11:15 – 11:30 AM

East End Locations and Times:

• Palm Vista Elementary School

  • Breakfast: 9:15 – 9:30 AM

  • Lunch: 1:15 – 1:30 PM

• Twentynine Palms High School

  • Breakfast: 8:15 – 8:30 AM

  • Lunch: 11:15 – 11:30 AM

• Knott’s Sky Park (June 12 – July 31)

  • Breakfast: 9:00 – 9:15 AM

  • Lunch: 1:00 – 1:15 PM

• Luckie Park Patriotic Hall (June 12 – July 31)

• Breakfast: 8:15 – 8:30 AM

• Lunch: 12:15 – 12:30 PM

Important: Children enrolled in an MUSD summer school program and receiving meals are not eligible for these summer meals during program dates.

For questions or more information, please contact MUSD Nutritional Services at (760) 367-9191 Ext. 4263.

As we head into summer break, it’s the perfect time to encourage healthier habits around screen time and digital devices. With a little planning, families can create a balance that supports both rest and real-life connection. Below are some practical tips to help students unplug, recharge and make the most of their summer—without being glued to a screen.

1. Create a Daily Routine

• Structure the day with blocks for reading, outdoor play, chores, family time, and creative activities

• Set screen time limits and stick to them—consistency is key

2. Designate Phone-Free Zones

• Make bedrooms, mealtimes, and family outings phone-free

• Encourage conversations and eye contact—old-school, but it works

3. Plan Tech-Free Activities

• Encourage hobbies like biking, painting, gardening, puzzles, or cooking

• Sign up for local library programs, summer camps, or volunteer opportunities

4. Lead by Example

• Kids are more likely to unplug if they see you doing the same

• Join them in tech-free fun

5. Use Parental Controls Wisely

• Use device settings to set app limits or block access during certain hours

• Consider a family screen contract with agreed-upon expectations

6. Replace Screen Time with "Green Time"

• Nature is a powerful reset—parks, trails, beaches, or even the backyard can do wonders

7. Encourage Socializing in Real Life

• Help organize in-person playdates, neighborhood games, or trips with friends

As a reminder, the District will be updating its cell-phone protocols for the 25/26 school year and locking pouches will be implemented for mobile communications devices at all comprehensive secondary schools. Learn more at the link below:

The MUSD recently held its annual Employee Retirements and Recognition Ceremony, a special event dedicated to celebrating the dedication and achievements of our retiring staff members and exemplary employees for the 2024–2025 school year.

This year, we warmly honored a group of outstanding professionals who are concluding their careers with us. These retirees have contributed significantly to our organization and community throughout their years of service. The 2025 retiree class includes Raymond Larson, Dawn Stephens, Laurie Klimowicz, Margaret Quirante, Pam Schoenborn, Sonya Fox, Glenn Williams, Karen Stevens, Patti Burke, Bronwyn Larkins, Sharon Flores, James Hammer and more.

Their hard work and commitment have helped lay a strong foundation for future generations, and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contributions.

In addition to recognizing our retirees, the ceremony celebrated staff members from all MUSD schools and departments that exemplified excellence this year. These Employee of the Year awardees represent the very best of our team, inspiring their colleagues and positively impacting our students and community. See the full list of winners here:

Danielle Tate is a true standout at ACCE West! She goes above and beyond for both students and staff—updating English and History curriculum, serving as GATE site liaison, and assisting with testing coordination.

Most impressive is the time she dedicates to her students, providing one-on-one instruction to each of them every day. Her energy, dedication, and passion make her more than deserving of this recognition. Well done, Ms. Tate!

The Morongo USD Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting on June 10. Open session starts at 6 p.m. For more information visit the link below.

Miss the last meeting? You can read an overview here:

As you start looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, make sure to download the official school calendar to help you stay organized. From the first day of school to holidays, professional development days, and key breaks, having the calendar on hand makes it easier to plan vacations, appointments, and family time.

Stay ahead and stay informed—download the calendar today and keep it somewhere handy!

Summer is almost here, and we’re looking forward to welcoming students to both the Summer Bridge Program for incoming 9th graders and the Summer Enrichment Program starting June 12!

These programs are a wonderful opportunity for students to stay engaged, build confidence and get a head start on the upcoming school year. We can’t wait to begin a summer of growth and discovery!

Click on the link below to download our new app. The app has some useful features for MUSD families including contact information, up-to-date news from the district and more.

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/

X: @Dr_Vargas_MUSD and https://twitter.com/MorongoUnified

June 8, 2025