Skip to main content

Walnut valley Unified School District

Main Menu Toggle
Our motto is KIDS FIRST... Every Student, Every Day!   Walnut Valley USD is proud to be a National Schools to Watch District with numerous National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished School awards. 

In the Spotlight

November 28, 2023

By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees kicked off the November 15 meeting with the recognition of stellar students and community partners from Castle Rock Elementary and Chaparral Middle School.

Castle Rock Elementary fifth grader Jared Osborne was lauded with the Super Star Student Award. Since he arrived as a kindergarten student, Jared has been a positive and bright student who displayed exemplary character traits in and outside of the classroom. Jared's enthusiasm and love for learning are remarkable and teachers describe him as kind, helpful, and a positive risk-taker. He demonstrates humility and courage to explore information like a global thinker. Jared has made a positive impact on campus through leadership in CRLA for two years, setting goals with the 100-mile running club, and sharing a great sense of humor with his friends. “Jared is a student to watch because he will do great things!” shared Principal Dr. Elizabeth Chang.

Parent volunteer Susan Kwan was recognized with the Partner in Education Award. “Susan is a silent hero but our staff recognize her big efforts to show her loyal dedication to Castle Rock Elementary!” Dr. Chang said.  Before joining the Community Club in 2017, Susan volunteered in the classrooms and supported the library. She was recently voted as Community Club co-president elect and took time over the summer to help prepare the red backpacks for school safety. She currently has the vision to bring a connection of traditions from Castle Rock's 60 years of service, harmony among staff and parents, and positive student experiences by providing instructional resources.

Parent volunteer Kelly Jeong Park received the Partner in Education Award. Kelly has served on Castle Rock’s Community Club for the past seven years. She puts endless hours at home to prepare decorations for school spirit and fundraisers so that it is prepared and ready to go. She is at school whenever called and thinks about how she could serve students and families day and night! She has an infectious laugh and a joyful heart. “We are grateful for Ms. Jeong's partnership in education!” Dr. Chang said.

Trustees honored Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Owen Snook with the Super Star Student Award. “Owen is a star student who exemplifies what it means to be a Chaparral Cougar,” Principal Dr. Robby Jung shared. Owen puts his best effort forward in all of his classes and recently challenged himself with various other interests including music and Spanish courses. Owen is a helper, too. He is always walking up to students and adults, offering a smile and a hello. In the morning, he holds the gate open for all his peers, thinking of their needs before his own. If someone is ever in distress, Owen is the first to walk over to them and offer solace. If he notices anyone who might need help in the classroom, Owen can be overheard saying: “You can do this!”

Chaparral Community Club Vice President Nicole Smith received the Partner in Education Award. “Nicole is the epitome of this recognition! She is a true partner who cares deeply about Chaparral Middle School,” Jung said. Nicole believes deeply in the motto that we serve all of our students every single day. Last year and the year before that, Nicole served as the President of the Community Club. In her three years of leadership at Chaparral, Nicole has worked tirelessly to fundraise for the benefit of all the students. Her efforts have directly led to a new projection system in the gymnasium, donations to ASB, multiple club and classroom donations, and contributions to schoolwide initiatives.

Shown:

Celebrating Success! Trustees recognized Castle Rock Elementary fifth grader Jared Osborne with Super Star Student Award during the November 15 meeting.  

Star Castle Rock parent Susan Kwan was honored with the Partner in Education Award during the November 15 meeting. 

Dedicated Castle Rock parent volunteer Kelly Jeong Park received the Partner in Education Award on November 15. 

Trustees celebrated Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Owen Snook with the Super Star Student Award during the November 15 meeting.