Dear CSD Families:

As our school community prepares to observe Presidents’ Day this Monday, February 16, we look forward to both a well-deserved long weekend and a meaningful opportunity for reflection. Presidents’ Day is more than a day off from school, it is a chance for our students to think about leadership, service, and the role they play in shaping the future.

Originally established in 1885 to honor George Washington’s February 22 birthday, the holiday has grown into a time to recognize the contributions of all United States presidents and the responsibilities that come with leadership.

At our school, we connect this historic observance to the character traits we intentionally nurture in our students every day. We are building learners who are:

Critical Thinkers – Like Abraham Lincoln, who carefully weighed difficult decisions while working to keep a nation united.

Effective Communicators – Like Washington, who understood that a leader’s words can inspire courage and unity.

Resilient Learners – Like Theodore Roosevelt, who overcame childhood illness to become one of our most energetic and determined presidents.

Presidents’ Day reminds us that leadership is not defined by age or title, it is defined by character, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive difference. Even our youngest students can demonstrate leadership through kindness, perseverance, and thoughtful decision-making.

As you enjoy the long weekend, we encourage you to spark a conversation at home by asking your child:  “If you were in charge of our community for one day, what is one positive change you would make, and how would you lead others to help you?”

We also want to wish all of our families a very Happy Valentine’s Day! May your weekend be filled with kindness, appreciation, and special moments together.

We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, refreshed and ready to learn, grow, and lead.

Take care, 

Michael Chaix, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Cucamonga Elementary School
 By Principal Dr. Jenna Tremayne

As we close out Black Heritage Month,  I want to express how meaningful this month has been for our school community. February provided rich opportunities for our students to learn about, honor, and reflect on the lives, stories, and contributions of Black Americans—past and present.

Weekly Read-Alouds with Dr. Tremayne
Each week, Dr. Tremayne continued with our Weekly Read alouds, this month sharing powerful stories centered on Black voices, experiences, and history. These read-alouds helped spark thoughtful conversations about identity, fairness, courage, and the power of community. Our Cubs asked deep questions, made meaningful connections, and practiced the kind of empathy and cross-cultural understanding that lies at the heart of our Portrait of a Graduate.

Book Donation to Every Classroom
To extend this important learning beyond February, every classroom received a donated copy of Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made A Sweet Treat Better—a beautifully written and illustrated book about Mr. Jackson who was born in 1801 in Philadelphia. Augustus Jackson was dubbed the Father of Ice Cream because he revolutionized the ice cream making process. He was the first one who used salt to make the ice melt slower. His ice cream making process and recipes revolutionized ice cream in Philadelphia and he later became a chef for multiple US Presidents. Several classrooms used the recipe in the back of the book to conduct a STEM lesson and made ice cream in class too!

🎭 Segerstrom Performing Arts Assembly: Harriet Tubman
One of the most powerful moments this month was our schoolwide assembly from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, featuring a live performance about the life of Harriet Tubman. Students were captivated by the story of her bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to freedom. This performance brought history to life and sparked rich classroom conversations about heroism, human rights, and standing up for others.