The Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education accepted a $150,000 grant at a recent meeting to help students with disabilities transition from school to work, independent living and post-secondary education or training. 

The grant is part of annual funding from the California Department of Education, which initiated the program more than 40 years ago as a way to provide students with the opportunity to complete their secondary education while also obtaining marketable job skills as well as understanding of the job-seeking process. 

“This program truly changes lives,” said CJUSD Curriculum Program Specialist Lisa Lennox, whose longtime hairdresser enrolled in WorkAbility while a student of hers in high school, was placed in a job at a beauty supply store and eventually attended beauty school with the assistance of state funding.  “This isn't just about helping students learn about themselves to get them a job, this is about helping them craft and prepare for their future.”

During the 2023-24 school year, CJUSD’s WorkAbility I Program provided pre-employment skills training to 351 students in high school and helped 87 students by either providing subsidized wages for try-out employment or by working with students to be directly hired by the businesses. Students are matched with employers based on skills and interest and provided with ongoing employee support services. 

To accomplish this, the district partners with the East Valley Transition Advisory Committee, in addition to other agencies and private businesses to provide students with career technical training and employment. The District partners with more than 50 local businesses, including Shakeys, Smart & Final, WalGreens, JoAnns, and CVS. 

“The WorkAbility I program is such an important part of how we reach our district vision of helping all of our students thrive, and become responsible, productive citizens,” Superintendent Frank Miranda said. “We truly appreciate the many partners who collaborate with us to provide opportunities for our students with disabilities to not only seek and obtain employment, but to integrate with our community in a meaningful, productive way.”

Students in the program also participate in special events such as transition, career, resource fairs and community college field trips. Any businesses that wish to learn more about becoming part of the program should contact Lisa Lennox, Curriculum Program Specialist, 909-580-5002 x6296 or Claudia Siegel, WorkAbility Technician, 909-580-5002 x6198.

 

The Colton Joint Unified School District Adult Education’s latest batch of high school diploma recipients, GED recipients and certified nursing assistant program completers celebrated their accomplishments at a district Board of Education meeting recently. 

The program has produced 20 graduates from its diploma and GED programs and 8 students have completed its certified nurse assistant program since its last graduation in April. The program also received full WASC accreditation, meaning that its diplomas are recognized worldwide by universities, colleges, the military and employers. 

Graduates who attended the celebration talked with hope about the future and the meaning of their accomplishments. 

“Each step we take today leads to the foundation of our future. By pursuing an education, I’m not just setting an example for myself, but also for my children,” said Yuri Galindo, who previously earned her GED through the program and was recognized at the ceremony for completing her coursework to become a certified nurse assistant. “I want them to see that hard work and determination can lead to success, no matter what the obstacles we face.” 

The mission of the CJUSD Adult Education Program is to provide accessible and flexible educational opportunities to the adult members of our community, as a means to improving lifelong, workforce and learning skills which lead to a better quality of life. 

“I am always looking for ways to enhance the experience of our adult students by providing innovative educational opportunities that can open doors to new ideas and high demand career pathways,” CJUSD Adult School Principal Angela Hatter said. 

Free classes include English as a Second Language, Citizenship, Adult Basic Education, GED preparation in English or Spanish, and Adult School Diploma. Other offerings include math essentials classes, digital literacy, ESL conversation, ESL bridge to adult basic education classes and dual enrollment with San Bernardino Valley College.  Career education programs offered on campus are Certified Nurse Assistant and Vehicle Maintenance Technician programs.

For more information go to adulteducation.cjusd.net or call the school office at 909-580-5034 x3250

 

Dear CJUSD Parents:

This message informs you of our middle school calendar changes to accommodate MAP testing and parent conferences for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.

The following changes have been made to the middle school calendars:

Week of November 4th All days except Wednesday, November 6th will be regular school days beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. 

• Wednesday, November 6th will be dedicated to MAP testing, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.

Week of November 11th 

• Monday, November 11th - Holiday
• Tuesday, November 12th will be a minimum day for parent conferences, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 13th will be dedicated to MAP testing, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
• Thursday, November 14th will be a minimum day for parent conferences, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
• Friday, November 15th will be a regular school day, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.

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Week of February 24th All days except Wednesday, February 26th will be regular school days beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. 

• Wednesday, February 26th will be dedicated to MAP testing, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.

Week of March 3rd 

• Monday, March 3rd  will be a regular school day, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 4th will be a minimum day for parent conferences, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 5th will be dedicated to MAP testing, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
• Thursday, March 6th will be a minimum day for parent conferences, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
• Friday, March 7th will be a regular school day, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.

Please note that all middle schools will now follow the Wednesday MAP testing schedule.

All elementary and high schools will remain on their previously published schedules.

A copy of our current 2024-25 school calendar is attached for your reference and is available on the District website. We appreciate your flexibility and support as we work to ensure successful MAP testing while providing opportunities for parent conferences.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your child's school.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.

Walter Zimmerman recently received honors as the top-performing elementary school in the state in helping student make up missed school days for the 2023-2024 school year!

The school was recognized by Educational Consulting Services Inc. (ECS), Zimmerman recovered 1,230 absences through Saturday School in the AARC Program. The program is a valuable resource for students who need extra time with teachers to finish assignments and is crucial in addressing chronic absenteeism. Do you have questions about our Saturday School program and how it can help your student? Contact your school to learn more. 

Huge thanks to our amazing staff for making this possible!