MorongoUSD Monthly Update

As we approach Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that while the holiday often centers on cards, candy, flowers, and celebrations, its deeper meaning is about connection, appreciation, and care for one another. In a school setting, those values matter even more.

Love in education looks different. It shows up in patience when a student is struggling, in encouragement when confidence is low, and in high expectations that tell our students, “You matter, and we believe in you.” It lives in the small, everyday actions—greeting students by name, checking in with a colleague, supporting a family, or taking the extra moment to listen.

For our staff, this week is a reminder that relationships are at the heart of learning. Students thrive when they feel seen, safe, and valued. Every positive interaction builds trust and belonging, and belonging fuels achievement. For our families, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to reinforce with your children the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect—at school, at home, and in our community. A simple conversation about treating others well, including those who may feel left out, can make a lasting difference.

In Morongo USD, we believe that strong relationships create strong schools. When students feel cared for, they engage more deeply. When staff feel supported, they lead more confidently. When families and schools work together, our entire community grows stronger.

Let’s model what it means to care for one another:

Include someone who may feel left out
Offer gratitude to a teacher, staff member, or colleague
Encourage our students to choose kindness—even when it’s not easy
Remember that every interaction shapes the culture of our schools

Valentine’s Day may last one day, but the spirit behind it—connection, compassion, and belonging—should define who we are all year long. Thank you for the care you show our students and one another every day. It is what makes our schools not just places of learning, but places of heart.

Our Students. Our Community. Our Future.

Respectfully,

Dr. Patricio I. Vargas, Ph.D.

Superintendent

This week, the Board of Education recognized Mrs. Angela Gay, our dedicated Adaptive Physical Education Teacher and Unified Program Coordinator.

While attending a professional conference earlier this week, Mrs. Gay was inducted into the Special Olympics School Liaison Hall of Fame—an exceptional and well-deserved honor that celebrates her outstanding commitment to inclusion and excellence in physical education.

Through the Unified Program, Mrs. Gay brings together students with disabilities and their general education peers to learn, compete, and grow side by side. This initiative fosters acceptance, teamwork, and mutual respect, while providing all students the opportunity to develop confidence, build lifelong skills, and experience the joy of achievement and belonging.

As an Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, Mrs. Gay ensures that every student, regardless of ability, has access to meaningful and inclusive physical education experiences. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and compassion continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and throughout our school community.

Congratulations, Mrs. Gay, on this remarkable achievement and for your continued leadership in promoting inclusion, excellence, and unity within our schools.

Reading Buddies

Ms. Gorino’s sixth-grade class from Joshua Tree Elementary School visited their TK reading buddies to spread some Valentine’s Day cheer! 💕

The big kids shared their love of reading by reading adorable Valentine’s-themed books to their little buddies. It was a sweet reminder that Valentine’s Day is all about sharing joy — one story at a time.

Students at Yucca Valley Elementary recently rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on clay crafting activity led by Groundworks Arts. Guided by local artists, students learned basic ceramic techniques while shaping their own unique creations. The project encouraged creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression—leaving everyone proud (and a little bit messy)!

The Morongo Unified School District Enrollment Committee held its first meeting on January 26, bringing together committee members, district representatives and consultants.

Dr. Vargas opened the meeting by outlining the committee’s purpose and goals. District counsel Steven McLaughlin followed with an overview of the committee’s role and responsibilities, including legal requirements under the Brown Act and conflict-of-interest guidelines for members.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services David Daniels provided a presentation on the district’s financial condition and enrollment trends. He reported that district enrollment peaked at approximately 10,000 students and currently stands at 7,304 for the 2025–26 school year. Projections indicate enrollment could decline to 6,821 within five years—comparable to levels last seen in 1986. Daniels noted that these trends will play a key role in informing the committee’s future work.

During the meeting, the committee elected Jennifer Cusack as chair and Karla Buchanan as vice chair. Both were unanimously approved following nominations by Jeff Brady and seconds by Wayne Hamilton.

Members also participated in an initial planning activity to identify additional data needs that will support upcoming discussions on enrollment, potential school consolidation and property considerations.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for February 18 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit the link below.

Enrollment Committee

The Morongo Unified School District invites the community to join us for Literacy Is Life on Friday, February 28 at Joshua Tree Elementary. This annual celebration of reading and imagination brings together families, educators, and book lovers for a joyful day dedicated to literacy.

This year’s event will feature two inspiring keynote speakers. Candace Fleming, an award-winning author of more than fifty books for children and teens, recently made history as the first person to receive both the Children’s Literature Legacy Award and the Margaret A. Edwards Award in the same year, honoring her remarkable contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Her engaging stories and nonfiction works encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading.

Also joining us is Josh Oaktree, author and founder of Oak Tree Comics, whose imaginative books combine storytelling and environmental awareness. His work, including titles like Art & Oakie Ask: Do You Speak Tree?, inspires young readers to explore creativity, empathy, and their connection to the natural world.

Families attending Literacy Is Life can enjoy free books, interactive art activities, story time sessions, and more. The event is a celebration of how reading opens doors, sparks wonder, and builds lifelong learners. Everyone is welcome to be part of this special day.

Catch some highlights in the video below, and check out the flyer for a spirit week we’re hosting the week before to gear up for the event.

We want to hear from you! Morongo USD has posted a survey for any family or community members within Morongo Basin. The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) defines the school district’s goals and priorities based on feedback from the community. Your input will create a priority list of expenditures that will be shared across the district for the upcoming school year. Take the survey now at:

LCAP Survey

Upcoming Board Meeting

The MUSD Board of Education will be holding it's next regular board meeting on March 10th at Joshua Tree Elementary School.

Board of Education

BOE Meeting Recordings

Download our app

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.