January 22, 2024
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees celebrated outstanding students and community partners from Collegewood Elementary, Ron Hockwalt Academies, and winner of the Superintendent’s Holiday Card Contest during the January 17 meeting.
Collegewood Elementary fifth grader Noah Pham was lauded with the Super Star Student Award. Noah exemplifies Collegewood’s 4-Rs motto by being Ready to Learn, Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful with behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. Noah is always on task and loves to help anyone who needs help. His favorite subject is math and hopes to one day be an engineer. As an active member of the Principal's Council, Noah demonstrates great leadership skills, brings innovative ideas to the table, and collaborates well with his peers. Noah is also a great listener and makes others feel heard and valued. He has a lot of school spirit! As a part of the morning Belonging Buddies, Noah greets schoolmates warmly as they come into the gate, making them feel like they belong at Collegewood.
“Noah is a fantastic student who works hard to do his best in all academic areas,” shared Principal Rochelle Wolf. “He is truly a shining example of what a Cougar should be!”
Little Parrot Farms received the Partner in Education Award for resources and time provided to cultivate Collegewood Elementary’s friendship garden. Farm directors hosted an engaging assembly to get kids interested in gardening and composting. Working with third grade teachers, they provided lessons in life science to prepare students for planting.
They worked with the 4th Grade PBIS Council and trained them to be garden keepers, teaching them how to weed and care for the plants. At the end of the growing season, the students were able to sample the fruits and vegetables of their labor, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, spinach, and eggplant. Each Friday, students properly dispose of food waste in compost bins provided by Little Parrot Farms.
“We are all so grateful for all the resources Little Parrot has shared with us, but more importantly, we are so grateful for the time and energy spent with our students to share their passion for agriculture and igniting a spark in them to take better care of the earth and our planet’s natural resources!” Wolf said.
Ron Hockwalt Academies (RHA) junior Isabella "Rue" Ruiz was recognized with the Super Star Student Award. Rue’s journey at RHA is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and resilience. Rue's commitment to improvement is evident in her remarkable progress—her attendance has dramatically improved, reflecting a newfound dedication to school. All the while, her credit completion has increased as a true testament to her effort. What was once a distant connection to the school blossomed into a deep-rooted affiliation, where Rue has not only found her stride academically but has also fostered a genuine sense of belonging within the RHA community. Rue has found her voice and uses it while participating in RHA’s Leadership class, as well as her other classes, proving that with determination and perseverance, any initial hurdles could be conquered. “Rue’s personal growth as an Eagle exemplifies the RHA motto of Heart, Optimism, Perseverance and Excellence,” shared Principal Dr. Ron Thibodeaux.
Walnut High School teacher Karen Alorro and the Advanced Video Production class were honored with the Partner in Education Award. As part of last year’s WASC visitation to RHA, the visiting committee challenged RHA to highlight the uniqueness of the school in an informational campaign that could allow for more WVUSD staff, students, and parents to understand and benefit from what RHA has to offer. As part of a class project, Alorro and her student team interviewed school leadership, teachers, staff, and students to develop an understanding of what makes RHA special. With this information, the team went to work on a RHA “rebrand” creating brochures, new school logo, and advertising video with testimonials from students and staff to the positive nature of being at RHA. “Thank you to Mrs. Alorro, and to her Advanced Video Production class!” Dr. Thibodeaux said.
C.J. Morris Elementary fifth grader Jenny Liang was honored as winner of the Superintendent’s Holiday Card Contest. Fourth and fifth grade elementary students entered this year’s “Winter Wonderland” themed competition. Jenny’s original and creative artwork was featured in a special digital holiday card for staff members. Along with a certificate from the Board of Trustees, Jenny received a framed copy of her artwork and gift card courtesy of Yogurtland in Walnut.
Shown:
Collegewood Elementary fifth grader Noah Pham was lauded with the Super Star Student Award during the Jan. 17 meeting.
Little Parrot Farms received the Partner in Education Award for collaboration at Collegewood Elementary.
Trustees recognized Ron Hockwalt Academies junior Isabella "Rue" Ruiz with the Super Star Student Award during the Jan. 17 meeting.
Partner in Education! Trustees recognized Walnut High School teacher Karen Alorro and the Advanced Video Production class for RHA marketing project.
C.J. Morris Elementary fifth grader Jenny Liang was honored as winner of the Superintendent’s Holiday Card Contest.