Dear Charter Oak Unified School District Families,I would like to take a moment to share an update on the District’s financial outlook andour continued commitment to providing a high-quality education for every student.Over the past year, our team has closely monitored anticipated state and federal fundingreductions and has taken a proactive and strategic approach to managing our resources.Unfortunately, due to expiring one-time funds from the State and Federal government,we have had to carefully plan and make responsible decisions that will allow us toremain fiscally stable. As a result of this work, we are positioned to maintain a positivebudget outlook for the next several years.One area of need where our district continues to be underfunded is on our facilities. Ourstudents deserve a well-rounded, high-quality education that includes strong academicprograms, enrichment opportunities, and learning environments where they can thrive.Safe, modern, and well-maintained school facilities are an essential part of studentsuccess.For this reason, the District is exploring the possibility of a local funding measurefocused on improving our facilities and addressing critical infrastructure needs. In thecoming weeks, we will be asking for your input to help guide this important work. Youwill soon receive a survey inviting you to share what you believe are the most pressingfacility priorities for our schools.Your voice is essential in this process. We encourage you to take the time to completethe survey and let us know what is important to you and your family. Your feedback willhelp shape decisions that directly impact our students and our community.Thank you for your continued support of Charter Oak Unified School District and forpartnering with us to ensure every student receives the education they deserve.Sincerely,Dr. Danny KimSuperintendentCharter Oak Unified School DistrictJANUARY 2026A MESSAGE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENTROMS Brings Dr. Seuss’Seussical to LifeBoard Appreciation Month:Honoring Our Trustees’Service and LeadershipEnrollment for TK andKindergarten OpensFebruary 1COHS Board of TrusteesRecognitionsIn thisnewsletter:MONTHL Y NEWS L E T T ER
Royal Oak Middle School students delightedaudiences with the opening night of theirproduction of Seussical on January 29, performingto a packed house of families, staff, and communitymembers.Based on the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss, Seussicalweaves together a whimsical and heartfelt story offriendship, loyalty, and love. Despite all odds,Horton and Gertrude band together to save theWhos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity tothe Jungle of Nool. The charming productionteaches audiences the power of being unique andthe importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.This year’s production represents a true CharterOak Unified School District collaboration. While theprincipal roles are performed by Royal Oak MiddleSchool students, elementary school students alsohave parts in the show, and high school theaterstudents are serving as mentors throughout theproduction process. The cross-grade participationhighlights the district’s commitment to nurturingcreativity and building strong visual and performingarts programs from elementary through highschool.Following its successful opening night, Seussical willcontinue with performances on January 30 and 31,as well as February 5 through February 7, offeringadditional opportunities for families andcommunity members to experience the show.Through lively music, colorful costumes, and joyfulperformances, Royal Oak Middle School’sJanuary is Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize and thank thededicated leaders who serve on the Charter Oak Unified School DistrictBoard of Trustees. These five individuals volunteer countless hours toensure our schools remain strong, inclusive, and focused on studentsuccess. Their leadership, service, and commitment help shape the futureof our district and the lives of the students we serve.BOARD APPRECIATIO N MO N TH: HO N ORI N GOUR TRUSTE E S ’ S ERVICE A N D LEADERSHIPROMS BRI N GS DR. S EUS S ’S EUS S ICAL TO LI F EROMS BRI N GS DR. S EUS S ’S EUS S ICAL TO LI F EDR. CRISTIAN AGUILAR, PRESIDENTA proud Charter Oak alumnus, Dr. Aguilar brings bothprofessional expertise and personal dedication to his role.A thoughtful, data-driven leader, he is a champion forscience and STEAM education and a longtime marchingregiment coach and volunteer. His commitment tocommunity service and educational equity continues tostrengthen opportunities for students across the district.JEANETTE FLORES, VICE PRESIDENTJeanette Flores was elected Vice President of the Boardof Trustees. A Board member since 2015, Ms. Flores isthe longest-serving trustee and is widely recognized forher institutional knowledge and longstandingcommitment to the community. Her experience hasplayed an important role in guiding the district throughkey initiatives and challenges.GREGG PETERSON, TRUSTEEMr. Peterson is a familiar and supportive presence atschool events and a hands-on, service-driven leader. Alongtime March Madness basketball coach, heexemplifies family involvement and communityconnection. His passion for students and real-worldexperience provide valuable perspective to Boarddecisions.DAVID ROSE, TRUSTEEAs an advocate for the deaf and hard-of-hearingcommunity, Mr. Rose brings a unique and importantvoice to the Board. A principled and thoughtfulleader, he is a careful steward of district resourcesand a strong supporter of ROP and career pathwaysthat prepare students for life beyond high school.production celebratescourage, kindness, andcommunity while showcasingthe talent and dedication ofstudents across multiplegrade levels.Tickets may be purchased byclicking this link:Ludus – Royal Oak Drama.KRISTIN MCGUIRE, TRUSTEEMs. McGuire serves as a historic voice for representationand equity in education. A lifelong PTA mom and parentadvocate, she is a strong supporter of IB and AVIDprograms and works to expand access and opportunityfor all students. Her focus on inclusion and studentachievement helps ensure every learner has a pathwayto success.The Charter Oak Unified School District Governing Board plays a vitalrole in guiding the district’s vision by making decisions aboutcurriculum, budgets, and policies that directly impact students, staff,and families. We are fortunate to be supported by such a dedicated andtalented group of leaders.Please join us in thanking our Board of Trustees for their service,leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students andcommunity.
Board of Trustees Recognizes Charter Oak High SchoolLeadersOn January 22, the Board of Trustees recognized and celebrated Charter Oak High School’s Flag Salute Honoree,Superstar Student, and Community Partners.Flag Salute Honoree: Nathaniel Harms is a remarkableexample of what students can achieve when they areencouraged to pursue their passions in academics,athletics, and the arts. Known for his kindness, quietleadership, and dedication to excellence, Nathanielleads by example in the classroom, on the field, and onthe stage. His recent full scholarship to Azusa PacificUniversity reflects both his academic achievement andcommitment to the arts, and we are so proud tocelebrate all he has accomplished.Superstar Student: Sophia Farrar exemplifies the heartand excellence of Charter Oak High School through heroutstanding achievements in academics, athletics, andleadership. A 4.5 GPA student taking rigorous IB and APcoursework, Sophia is also a three-sport athlete andserves as ASB President, earning the respect of bothstudents and staff for her maturity and dedication. Hercompassion, resilience, and commitment to service makeher a powerful role model whose impact will be felt longafter her time at Charter Oak High School.Community Partner: Lorelei Kempski has been atremendous source of support for the Charter OakHigh School Choir program, showing unwaveringdedication at every rehearsal and performance. Shegoes above and beyond by helping plan events,selling concessions and raffle tickets, and stepping inwherever she is needed, always anticipating needswith care and initiative. Lorelei’s generous spirit andcommitment to students exemplify the very best ofcommunity partnership, and we are deeply gratefulfor all she does to uplift the COHS Choir family.Community Partner: We proudly recognize theleadership of the Big Lou Legacy Circle FootballBooster Club, including President Pauline Vivo(not pictured), Vice President Michelle Encinas,and Secretary Lydia Alvarez, for their exceptionalservice and unwavering commitment to CharterOak High School and its football program.Through their fundraising, event coordination,and behind-the-scenes support, they continue toexpand opportunities for students whilestrengthening connections between school andcommunity. Their collaboration, integrity, andheart for service truly reflect the spirit of traditionand care that defines COHS.Community Partner: Danny Marrero is anoutstanding Partner in Education whose dedicationand generosity have made a lasting impact on theCharter Oak school community. A longtime PTA/PTSAleader and proud COHS parent, Danny is known forstepping in wherever help is needed and for living bythe philosophy, “If you want to complain, dosomething about it.” His positive spirit, genuine carefor others, and unwavering commitment to studentsand families truly embody the heart of communitypartnership, and we are grateful for all he does tosupport our schools.Help us create your Charter Oak Unified newsletter! Do you have news, events, or stories you’d love to share with ourcommunity? Send your content ideas to [email protected] and help us keep everyone connected and informed.Newsletter ideas?
Thanksgiving break: November 24 - 28, 2025Winter break: December 22 - January 2, 2026Spring break: March 30 - April 3, 2026Last day of school: May 29, 2026We 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!February 9: No schoolFebruary 16: No schoolSpring break: March 30 - Apri Last day of school: May 29Important 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.Join the COUSD FamilCharter Oak Unified School District will begin accepting applications forTransitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 schoolyear on February 1, 2026. Families are encouraged to enroll their eligiblechildren early and to share this opportunity with friends and neighborswho may be preparing to begin their child’s educational journey.Children are eligible for TK if they turn four years old on or beforeSeptember 1, 2026. Kindergarten enrollment is open to children who turnfive years old on or before September 1, 2026. Applications will remainopen through the summer or until programs reach capacity.Early childhood education plays a critical role in academic success andlifelong development. Research shows that students who participate inhigh-quality early learning programs demonstrate stronger language andmath skills in elementary school, develop essential social-emotionalabilities such as cooperation and self-confidence, and maintain higherlevels of school engagement over time. Studies also indicate that studentswho attend early education programs are more likely to graduate fromhigh school and pursue postsecondary opportunities.Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms provide childrenwith structured opportunities to build foundational skills in literacy andnumeracy while strengthening fine motor development through hands-onactivities such as drawing, writing, and building. These programs also helpchildren grow socially and emotionally by learning how to work with peers,manage emotions, and develop independence in a supportive schoolenvironment. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide individualizedattention that meets each child’s developmental needs.The District encourages families not only to enroll their own children butalso to help spread the word to friends, neighbors, and relatives who mayhave students ready to begin TK or Kindergarten.For more information on enrollment procedures, eligibility requirements,and access to the online application, families may visit www.cousd.net orcontact Debbie Redmon at [email protected] N ROLLME N T FOR TK A N DKI N DERGARTE N OPE N S F EBRUARY 1E N ROLLME N T FOR TK A N DKI N DERGARTE N OPE N S F EBRUARY 1