The Colton Joint Unified School District proudly announces the release of the first in a new series of Quarterly Reports to keep the public informed of its progress on construction projects and its capital improvement program.

In the nearly ten years since Measure B passed, the district successfully administered $102 million of voter-approved Measure B bond funds. In November 2008, 73 percent of voters again showed their support for school improvements and passed Measure G for $225 million. The first series of Measure G was issued in December 2009 for $45 million, which will allow CJUSD to continue to plan, design and construct projects initiated under Measure B.

Local bond money, combined with state matching funds of $97 million, has enabled the district to rehabilitate existing schools, perform major repairs and upgrades, add new classrooms and design and start construction of new Grand Terrace High School to relieve overcrowding at existing high schools. To date, 39 projects have been completed and seven projects are currently moving forward in design and construction while 29 more are in various stages of planning and design.

The district recently released its first quarterly report in an effort to inform the local community about these projects and the progress of its capital improvement program that is aimed at providing safe, modern and efficient learning environments for more than 24,000 students. The report contains a brief history of its bond program starting in 2001 and an update of the current Measure G Bond Program. It also contains specific project schedule and cost information for renovation and new construction projects managed by the district's Facilities Department since 2001.

To read the full report and to find out more CJUSD bond program and projects, please visit the bond program website at http:\\bondprojects.cjusd.net. Hard copies of the reports are also available upon request from its Facilities Management Department - Community Relations at (909) 580-6632.

Colton High School named AVID National Demonstration School A visiting team of evaluators named Colton High School an AVID National Demonstration School on May 24.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is designed to help prepare and encourage students to enroll in four-year colleges. The philosophy is to raise expectations so students will rise to the challenge. For the 2008-09 school year, there were approximately 118 National Demonstration Schools out of 4,000 AVID schools in the United States.

The team presented Principal Robert Verdi and AVID Coordinator Corina Paramo with the following Summary of Findings:
"The pride expressed by Colton High School students, staff, tutors and parents about the AVID program and the school noteworthy. There is a visible college going culture that is supported by the dedication and hard work of many members of the educational community. We noted a culture of perseverance and gratitude expressed by the students that indicate a deep connection to their community and school. These are students prepared to succeed and to reach their dreams."
Further, team made the following Commendations:

1. The Colton High School AVID Program benefits from strong district, board and site level support.
2. Decisions at Colton High School are data and student driven.
3. WICR strategies are evident in classrooms across the curriculum. (WICR stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration and Reading and is a key AVID strategy)
4. The AVID tutors are former AVID students who are driven to give back to Colton High School. They provide academic as well as mentoring support. 
5. In classrooms there is visual evidence of focus on learning through the display of student work and college information.

AVID National Demonstration Schools are exemplary models of the program and demonstrate the very best AVID methodologies and strategies. Schools and districts interested in implementing AVID or improving their own AVID program can arrange to visit these sites and experience a highly successful AVID program.

The APPLE Scholarship Foundation (A Personal Path to Lifelong Education) proudly announces its 2010 recipients.

The Colton Joint Unified School District APPLE Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization established in the fall of 2001 by Colton Joint Unified School District employees. Graduating CJUSD seniors as well seniors affiliated with district employees are eligible. Money is raised by employee contributions as well as other fundraising efforts.

This year APPLE proudly announces a total of $30,000 in various award amounts to the following student

Bloomington High School: Brenda Martin Del Campo (UCLA), Angelica Ruiz (UCI), Monique Haney (Assumption College MA), Nancy Lam (UCI) and Veronica Vallejo (Humbol

Colton High School: Michael Sianturi (UCLA), Anakaren Mendez (CSUSB), Danielle Gutierrez (UCLA), Eric Avalos (UCR), Karina Aguirre (CSUSB), Nereida Moreno (CSUF - Fullerton), Mirella Campos (SBVC / CSUSB), Monica San Diego (Cal Baptist), Monique Montes (U of R) 

Montclair High School: Amber Ward (UCLA)

Redlands East Valley: Amber Eddins (CSUSB)

Rialto High School: Joshua Sanchez (UCI)