Dear Charter Oak Unified Community,March has been an incredibly busy and exciting month across our district, filled withmeaningful learning experiences, student achievements, and opportunities to cometogether as a community.We kicked off the month with Read Across America Week, where classrooms were filledwith creativity, imagination, and a shared love of reading. At the same time, our annualMarch Madness basketball tournament brought sixth-grade students together in aspirited display of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride.As the month continued, we enjoyed a wide range of performances from our visual andperforming arts programs, highlighting the talent and dedication of our students andstaff. We are also in the middle of assessment season, an important time for students todemonstrate their learning. These assessments provide valuable insight into studentprogress and help guide instruction. For tips on how to support your child during thistime, please refer to the state testing article in this newsletter.Our secondary schools recently hosted open houses, welcoming families to campus toexperience firsthand the programs, pathways, and culture that make Charter Oak sospecial. We look forward to continuing that momentum with elementary open houses inthe weeks ahead.After such a full and productive month, our students and staff have certainly earned awell-deserved Spring Break. I encourage everyone to take this time to rest, recharge, andenjoy time with family and friends.We look forward to welcoming our students back refreshed and ready for a strong finishto the school year.Thank you for your continued support of Charter Oak Unified.Dr. Danny KimSuperintendentCharter Oak Unified School DistrictMARCH 2026A MESSAGE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENTCedargrove Wins COUSDMarch MadnessWorkAbility PreparesStudents for Life BeyondHigh SchoolExploring Futures at theCOHS and SLC Career ExposCOUSD Celebrates ReadAcross America WeekCOHS Engineering & AutoClub Hosts Annual Car ShowCOUSD Students Shine atOpen House ShowcasesAnd more!In thisnewsletter:MONTHL Y NEWS L E T T ER
Charter Oak Unified recently welcomed families from across thecommunity for a series of special evenings that highlighted theprograms, opportunities, and student talent that define our district.Charter Oak High School hosted its annual showcase, offeringprospective and current families an inside look at academicprograms, career pathways, extracurricular opportunities, andcampus culture. Guests connected with representatives from everydepartment, gaining a deeper understanding of the experiencesthat prepare students for success beyond high school.The evening also featured performances from the school’sperforming arts programs. The jazz band energized the crowd withselections including Jammie w/ Charlie, Inside Out, and Burritos toGo. The drama department presented scenes from Carnaval DelBarrio and previewed Super Sea Star Savior from SpongeBob theMusical, which will be performed in April. Choral and danceperformances further highlighted the depth of talent on campus.The following evening, Royal Oak Middle School welcomed familiesfor its Open House, continuing the celebration of studentachievement. Performances from band, choir, and dramashowcased student creativity, including selections such as AfricanAdventure, A Whole New World, and Pirates of the Caribbean, alongwith a variety of vocal and theatrical performances.On March 26, the Sunflower Campus hosted its annual SunflowerSpectacular, an evening dedicated to student creativity. Fromdetailed visual art pieces to engaging live performances, theshowcase reflected a wide range of artistic expression acrossmultiple mediums. With 100 percent student participation, theevent highlighted the inclusive and supportive environment atSunflower. Families also enjoyed campus tours and opportunitiesto connect with teachers through parent conferences.We are grateful to all families and community members who joinedus to celebrate our students and schools.This Is Home.SHOWCAS I N G STUDE N T TALE N TA N D OPPORTU N ITY ACROS S COUSDCharter Oak Unified brought the joy of reading to life duringRead Across America Week, as classrooms across the districtengaged in activities designed to make literacy fun andmeaningful.Students participated in themed spirit days, interactiveclassroom experiences, and school-wide celebrations thatencouraged creativity and a love of reading. Families joinedin during a Family Reading Picnic, where students and lovedones shared stories together.Community guest readers helped bring books to life,including staff members, Superintendent Dr. Danny Kim,Board President Dr. Cristian Aguilar, Glendora CouncilMembers David Fredendall and Shaunna Elias, and GlendoraLibrarian Cindy Romero.Students also enjoyed green eggs and ham tastings, visitsfrom the Cat in the Hat and the Lorax, and other engagingactivities throughout the week.At one campus, mystery masked readers added excitementleading up to a memorable unveiling of familiar faces,including staff members and the principal. The revealbrought energy and enthusiasm as students connectedreading with fun and community.Read Across America Week served as a reminder thatfostering a love of reading starts with creating engaging andjoyful experiences for students.COUSD CELEBRATES READACROS S AMERICA WEEKCOUSD CELEBRATES READACROS S AMERICA WEEK
For more than three decades, Charter Oak Unified’sWorkAbility program has supported students with IEPs inpreparing for life after high school. Now in its 34th year, theprogram continues to provide meaningful experiences thatbuild confidence, independence, and practical skills.Students participate in 100-hour paid internships with localbusinesses while also exploring post-secondaryopportunities through college visits and career exposureexperiences. This year, students visited Mt. San AntonioCollege and Citrus College, building on previous trips to CalPoly and an Apprenticeship Fair.At Citrus College, students explored the Automotive and FineArts programs. At Mt. SAC, they learned about FireTechnology, the Planetarium, and a variety of studentsupport services, including the ACCESS program and jobplacement resources. Students were also introduced tomulticultural centers that support diverse studentpopulations.These experiences are supported by advisors Valerie Carri,Michelle Klein, and Gail Sharp, who guide students and helpthem fully engage with each opportunity.Programs like WorkAbility provide students with the toolsand experiences needed to confidently take their next stepsafter graduation.WORKABILITY PREPARESSTUDE N TS FOR LI F E BEYO N DHIGH SCHOOLWORKABILITY PREPARESSTUDE N TS FOR LI F E BEYO N DHIGH SCHOOLOne of Charter Oak Unified’s most anticipated traditionsreturned this month as sixth-grade students from across thedistrict competed in the annual March Madness basketballtournament.Hosted by the Charter Oak Education Foundation, thetournament brings students together to represent their schoolswhile building teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride.Throughout the competition, students demonstrateddetermination and strong effort in every game.The tournament concluded with a championship matchupbetween Cedargrove and Washington. Both teams played acompetitive game from start to finish, with Cedargrove securinga 14–9 victory to earn this year’s title, and Washington finishingas a strong second-place team.We extend our appreciation to the Charter Oak EducationFoundation, as well as the coaches, staff, and sponsors whomake this event possible each year.CEDARGROVE WI N S COUSDMARCH MAD N E S SCHAMPIO N SHIPCEDARGROVE WI N S COUSDMARCH MAD N E S SCHAMPIO N SHIPStudents from Charter Oak High School and Sunflower LearningCenter explored a wide range of future pathways at theircampuses’ Career Expo, which featured 40 different career fields.From law enforcement and engineering to filmmaking, medicine,PREPARI N G STUDE N TS FORWHAT’ S N EXT AT COHS A N DSU N FLOWER CARE ER EXPOSand astrophysics, studentsengaged with professionals whoshared their experiences, careerjourneys, and advice. Theseconversations helped studentsbetter understand the educationand skills required in each field.The event provided valuableexposure to potential career pathsand gave students the opportunityto ask questions, makeconnections, and begin thinkingabout their future goals.We extend our thanks to the manyprofessionals who took the time tosupport and inspire our students.
\\Charter Oak Unified is currently in the middle of statestandardized testing through the California Assessment ofStudent Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This is animportant time for our students, as it provides anopportunity for them to demonstrate what they havelearned and how much they have grown throughout theyear.These assessments play a meaningful role in helping usunderstand student progress, identify areas of strength, anddetermine where additional support may be needed. Theresults help guide instruction at every level and ensure wecontinue providing high-quality learning experiences for allstudents.While testing can sometimes feel stressful, it is important forstudents to approach it with confidence and simply do theirbest. Families play a key role in supporting student successduring this time. Encouraging your child, reinforcing theimportance of the assessments, and helping them staypositive can make a big difference.There are also a few simple ways to help your child feelprepared and ready each day:Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleepProvide a healthy breakfast before schoolHelp them arrive on time and ready to focusOffer encouragement and remind them to do their bestWe are proud of the hard work our students have shown allyear long and look forward to seeing that learning reflectedduring this assessment season.SUPPORTI N G STUDE N TSUCCES S DURI N G STATETESTI N GSUPPORTI N G STUDE N TSUCCES S DURI N G STATETESTI N GCharter Oak High School hosted its annual Engineering & AutoClub Car Show on March 12, bringing together students,families, and community members for a long-standing eventcelebrating automotive craftsmanship.The event featured a variety of vehicles from communitymembers and car enthusiasts, offering attendees theopportunity to view restored classics and connect with otherswho share an interest in automotive design.This year’s highlight was the debut of a 1956 Chevy restored byEngineering & Auto Club students. Over the past five years,students led the project from start to finish, includingfundraising and completing all aspects of the restoration. Thevehicle was transformed into a fully functioning car.Alumni who previously contributed to the project returned tocampus to see the car drive in for the first time, marking asignificant milestone for the program.The Car Show continues to provide students with hands-onexperience in engineering, problem-solving, and collaboration.COHS E N GI N E ERI N G & AUTOCLUB HOSTS A N N UAL CARSHOWCOHS E N GI N E ERI N G & AUTOCLUB HOSTS A N N UAL CARSHOWHelp us create your Charter Oak Unified newsletter! Do youhave news, events, or stories you’d love to share with ourcommunity? Send your content ideas [email protected] and help us keep everyoneconnected and informed.Newsletter ideas?
Board of Trustees Recognizes Badillo HonoreesLOGAN BAHENAFLAG SALUTE HOLogan Bahena is a hardworking and exemplifies curiosity, leadership, an He actively participates in Badillo’s Team, the Superintendent’s Studen GATE Club, always seeking opportu his school community. Logan is also player who regularly attends practi skills. A strong student, he has alrea words this school year. Logan’s pos and drive to succeed make him a tr GIANA CERNEROSUPERSTAR STUDGiana Cernero is the kind of studen for. Known for her kindness, warmt leads with compassion both in and o determined and hardworking stude with perseverance and always gives shine on stage as well, including her in Shrek the Musical and her recent show. In addition to excelling in the challenge herself academically throu Academy and serves as a leader in t where she helps bring kindness and THE CATALAN FACOMMUNITY PARMichelle and Damian Catalan have the Badillo school community, gene leadership, and resources to suppo longtime PTA leaders and dedicated key role in school events and fundr as top sponsors of the high school generosity and commitment reflect students, and we are proud to reco community partners.
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.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