Dear Charter Oak Unified Community,Across Charter Oak Unified, we continue to witness the impact of dedicated educators,engaged students, and a community committed to excellence. Guided by our 2024–2027 LocalControl and Accountability Plan (LCAP), our focus remains clear: strengthening academicachievement while expanding meaningful college and career pathways that prepare everystudent for the future. Each winter, we reflect on student outcomes to measure our progress,and this year’s review highlights strong momentum across our schools.We are proud to share growth in the following areas:Core Outcomes: Our high school graduation rates continue to outpace our State andCounty rates with nearly 96% of our scholars graduating high school ready for their nextstep in life. Additionally, more than half of our English learner student population (51%)demonstrated improved English language proficiency on State assessments.College Preparedness: We witnessed significant growth in several metrics, including 73%of our graduating students meeting rigorous A-G completion rates, which measuressuccessful completion of college-preparedness coursework. As well, we have seen a 3%increase in IB and AP exam pass rates, demonstrating our students’ college readiness andcredits which may be applied at various four-year institutions.Career Readiness: More than half of our graduating seniors (55%) successfully completeda Career Technical Education (CTE) course ensuring they are not only college ready, buthave attained knowledge and skills in a high-demand career. Additionally, 30% of ourstudents completed a CTE pathway, which includes successful completion of a series ofcourses within a career discipline.These gains are the result of intentional work taking place across our schools. High-qualityteachers and instructional materials, supportive learning environments, and a broad course ofstudy continue to create meaningful opportunities for students. Our teams have focused onstrong curriculum and assessments, expanded access to rigorous coursework, targetedsupport for English Learners, and increased pathways that connect learning to future careers.Most importantly, these achievements reflect the shared commitment of our students, staff,and families to continuous growth and excellence. While we are proud of the progressreflected here, this work is ongoing, and we remain focused on building even greateropportunities and outcomes for every learner. We look forward to sharing continued progressin the year ahead as we move forward together as one Charter Oak Unified community.Sincerely,Dr. Danny KimSuperintendentCharter Oak Unified School DistrictF EBRUARY 2026A MESSAGE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENTChargers Cheer Their Way toa National TitleCOHS Celebrates MoreCollege Commitments inAthletics and the ArtsAdult Education ReachesEnrollment MilestoneSunflower Students ExploreCareers in ChildDevelopmentInnovation Takes Shape atOak Knoll Virtual AcademyBoard AwardsIn thisnewsletter:MONTHL Y NEWS L E T T ER
Charter Oak High School’s competitive cheer program delivered anunforgettable season, showcasing exceptional athleticism, schoolspirit, and perseverance on the national stage. With two teamscompeting this year, COHS cheerleaders represented our communitywith pride and achieved milestones that will be remembered for yearsto come.Making history in their first season, the Band Chant Team broughtenergy and excitement to the competition floor. The 31-athlete teamperformed a high-energy routine designed to engage the crowdthrough coordinated motions, vocal chants, and traditional spiritprops such as signs, poms, flags, and megaphones set to music.Entering a new division for the first time can be challenging, but theChargers rose to the occasion, placing 9th out of 19 teams andfinishing in the Top 10 in the nation. The accomplishment marked ameaningful step forward for the program and highlighted the growingstrength of COHS cheer.The Traditional Competitive Cheer (TCC) Team’s journey to Nationalswas defined by resilience and teamwork. With 30 athletes on theroster and 22 competing on the mat, the team performed a dynamicroutine that blended crowd-leading elements with advanced athleticperformance, including stunts, pyramids, tumbling, jumps, and dance.CHARGERS CHEER THEIR WAYTO A N ATIO N AL TITLECHARGERS CHEER THEIR WAYTO A N ATIO N AL TITLEThroughout the season, theathletes faced injuries androster changes, yet theircommitment to one anothernever wavered. Theirdetermination paid off as theydelivered a powerfulperformance at Nationals andearned the title of NationalChampions, a goal they hadworked toward all season long.Together, both teamsdemonstrated what it meansto be a Charger. Theirdedication, spirit, andperseverance reflect the heartof Charter Oak and thestrength of a program thatcontinues to inspire our schoolcommunity.Charter Oak High School continued its tradition ofexcellence this winter as more Chargers officiallycommitted to continuing their athletic and artisticjourneys at the collegiate level. Building on themomentum of the December signing ceremony, we areproud to recognize four additional student-athletes andone outstanding Visual and Performing Arts student whowill represent Charter Oak beyond graduation:• Nathaniel Harms, Acting, Azusa Pacific University• Jacob Martinez, Football, Azusa Pacific University• JD Sanchez, Football, University of San Diego• Tristan Taylor, Football, Culver-Stockton CollegeThese students exemplify the dedication, resilience, andpassion that define the Charger spirit. Whether on thefield or on the stage, each has committed countless hoursto honing their craft while maintaining strong academicfocus. Their achievements reflect not only individualtalent, but also the support of families, coaches,directors, and staff who help make Charter Oak a placewhere students can thrive.As they prepare for this exciting next chapter, wecelebrate their hard work and look forward to seeing theimpact they will make at the collegiate level and beyond.Congratulations to these collegiate-bound Chargers asthey continue to represent Charter Oak with pride. This IsHome.COHS CELEBRATE S MORECOLLEGE COMMITME N TS I NATHLETICS A N D THE ARTS
Charter Oak Adult Education continues to change lives,opening doors for students of all ages through careertraining, academic growth, and personal enrichment. InJanuary alone, 146 adult learners reached major milestonesby earning program certificates, a powerful reminder that itis never too late to learn, grow, and pursue newopportunities.We proudly recognize students who completed programs inMedical Assistant, Phlebotomy, CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA A+,CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Carpenter TradesLevel 3, High School Equivalency, ESL Level Gains,Citizenship, Business Office Technology, and Social MediaMarketing. Each certificate represents dedication,perseverance, and a commitment to building a brighterfuture.The program itself is also experiencing remarkable growth.In 2017, Charter Oak Adult Education offered just sevenevening classes. Today, the program has expanded to 31classes offered during both daytime and evening hours,giving students more flexibility than ever before. Learnerscan study English or computer skills, earn a GED or careercertificate, or improve their health and wellness throughcourses such as Yoga and Zumba.During the 2024-2025 school year, Adult Education served1,370 students, many of whom enrolled in multiple courses.Already in the 2025-2026 school year, 970 students haveparticipated, putting the program on pace to surpass lastyear’s enrollment and continue its upward momentum.As the program grows, one thing remains constant: CharterOak Adult Education is committed to empowering learners,strengthening families, and creating pathways to opportunityfor our entire community.Charter Oak Adult Education’s spring semester beginsApril 13. To explore programs or enroll, visithttps://www.coadulted.org.ADULT EDUCATIO NMILESTO N ES SHOW IT’ SN EVER TOO LATE TO LEAR NADULT EDUCATIO NMILESTO N ES SHOW IT’ SN EVER TOO LATE TO LEAR NThe past month, students at Oak Knoll Virtual Academyhad the opportunity to come together for a hands-onRobotics enrichment led by Snapology, turning STEMlearning into a fun and collaborative experience. WhileOak Knoll offers a flexible virtual and hybrid model,programs like this create meaningful moments forstudents to connect in person, build friendships, andlearn side by side.Through creative LEGO-based engineering challenges,students explored key science and technology conceptsincluding angular momentum, rotary motion, kineticenergy, and gear systems. Over four weeks, learnersdesigned spinning battle tops, built working oilpumpjacks, created windmills powered by motion, andexperimented with gear trains to understand speed andbalance. Each activity encouraged problem solving,teamwork, and curiosity, reinforcing the idea thatstudents learn best when they are actively engaged.The Robotics enrichment reflects Oak Knoll VirtualAcademy’s ongoing commitment to STEM education andinnovative learning experiences. By blending hands-onexploration with a supportive community environment,the program showed that even in a virtual setting,students can come together to discover, create, andgrow.BUILDI N G CO N N ECTIO N STHROUGH ROBOTICS AT OAKK N OLL VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Board of Trustees Recognizes Cedargrove HonoreesAdelynn Iglesias exemplifies dedicati excellence. Since her first day at Ced Roll recognition every trimester while and consistently receiving the Incent her rigorous studies with her lead ro Royal Oak Middle School and her ach accomplished dancer performing en class flag salute, she sets a positive t those around her. We are proud to c accomplishments and look forward t HORACE MANNCOMMUNITY PARTNEROLIVER MEDINASUPERSTAR STUDEOliver Medina truly embodies what it through his academic drive, creativity Honor Roll and Incentive Award recip additional challenges to keep learning classroom, he is a talented artist and Mrs. Kuwahara’s Kindergarten class. R school basketball team, Oliver continu on and off the court. With perfect atte positive example for others, we are in excited to see all he will accomplish nADELYNN IGLESIAFLAG SALUTE HONAdelynn Iglesias exemplifies dedicati excellence. Since her first day at Ceda Roll recognition every trimester while and consistently receiving the Incent her rigorous studies with her lead ro Royal Oak Middle School and her ach accomplished dancer performing en class flag salute, she sets a positive to those around her. We are proud to c accomplishments and look forward t We are proud to recognize Horace Ma students and schools aligns closely wi played an important role in strengthe attendance, providing incentives and consistency, reliability, and the import ready to learn. Through their generos dedication of our students and familie success and engagement across camp meaningful investment in our student LOVE COUSD?LET THE WORLD KNOW.
Thanksgiving break: November 24 - 28, 2025Winter break: December 22 - January 2, 2026Spring break: March 30 - April 3, 2026Last day of school: May 29, 2026Spring break: March 30 - April 3Last day of school: May 29First day of school: August 12Important UpcoDatesC H A R T E R O A K U N I F Board of EducationCristian Aguilar, Ph.D., PresidenJeanette Flores, Vice PresidentKristin McGuire, TrusteeGregg Peterson, TrusteeDavid Rose, TrusteeSuperintendent of SchoolsDanny Kim, Ed.D.Students in the Child Development course at Sunflower LearningCenter are gaining valuable hands-on experience while exploring futurecareers in early childhood education. Offered through San Gabriel ValleyRegional Occupational Program (SGV ROP), the work-based learningclass prepares students for careers in daycare centers and preschoolsby connecting classroom learning with real-world application.With more than 30 students enrolled, the course emphasizes practicalskills and career exploration. Students regularly visit local daycarecenters to observe professionals, support young learners, and betterunderstand the responsibilities of working in early childhood settings. Inpreparation for these experiences, students practice storytelling andinteractive learning techniques in class, helping them build confidenceand develop engaging activities for young children.Through meaningful, real-world learning opportunities, the ChildDevelopment program is inspiring students to consider careers thatmake a difference in the lives of children and families whilestrengthening Charter Oak Unified’s commitment to career-connectedlearning.SU N FLOWER STUDE N TS EXPLORECAREERS I N CHILD DEVELOPME N TSU N FLOWER STUDE N TS EXPLORECAREERS I N CHILD DEVELOPME N TDo you have news, events, or stories you’d love toshare with our community? Send your content ideasto [email protected] and help keepeveryone connected and informed.Newsletter ideas?We a r e hi r ing c l a s s ifi ed s t a ff andce r tifi c a t ed f a cult y ! Vi s itwww.edjoin.org/ char teroak to l e a rnabout the v a r i e t y of pos itions a v a i l abl ewithin our Di s t r i c t!Join the COUSD Famil