💙 Ramona Elementary School brought the Ramona Cares event to life with one purpose in mind: to remove barriers, strengthen connections, and ensure families feel supported—especially during the holidays. What began as a commitment to improving attendance and outreach became an evening filled with meals, smiles, and meaningful moments that reminded families they are seen, valued, and cared for by their school community. ✨
Click the link to read the full story: https://bit.ly/44T88K6
Click the link to read the full story: https://bit.ly/44T88K6
What an unforgettable night of community and holiday spirit! 🎄✨ Our annual Unstuff the Bus event at Tahquitz High School, held on Wednesday, December 10th, brought together nearly 100 volunteers to spread joy, sort toys, and celebrate the season with music, treats, and meaningful connections. A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed community partners at the Soboba Foundation for their generous toy donation and continued commitment to uplifting our community, and to everyone who showed up for our families. 💙 A special shoutout to our Wellness and Community Outreach Center for coordinating this incredible event.
Happy Holidays to our amazing students, families and staff! ⭐
May your break be filled with rest, joy, and special moments with loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, January 6, 2026!
May your break be filled with rest, joy, and special moments with loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, January 6, 2026!
✨ This fall marked an exciting milestone for Hemet Unified with the launch of Girls’ Flag Football at Hemet, Tahquitz, and West Valley High Schools! 🏈 In its inaugural season, our student-athletes showed incredible talent, teamwork, and determination—highlighted by Hemet High finishing 7–1 as League Champions and earning their first-ever CIF playoff appearance. This is just the beginning of a bright future for Girls’ Flag Football in HUSD! 🏆
🎉 We did it again! Hemet Unified has won its 4th straight Golden Bell Award, this year for our Daily Huddle Program — celebrating collaboration, innovation, and improved outcomes for students! 🏆✨
Read more: https://www.hemetusd.org/article/2607399
Read more: https://www.hemetusd.org/article/2607399
Over 300 Students Participate in 4th Annual District Choir Festival
On October 21, 2025, West Valley High School hosted the fourth annual District Choir Festival, welcoming more than 300 participants from nine secondary schools. Choir students and directors presented performances across ten ensembles representing a full range of ages and experiences. The festival featured two distinguished university clinicians, Dr. Nicholle Andrews (University of Redlands) and Dr. Ariel Quintana (La Sierra University), who provided written evaluations and on-stage workshops with each ensemble.
Cottonwood K-8 participated in the Festival for the first time and director Sally McCampbell brought a combined choir of elementary and middle school students who performed with confidence, enthusiasm, and poise throughout the day. The following example captures Dr. Andrews working collaboratively with both the teacher and students during their post-performance clinic.
Ms. McCampbell reflected, “It was eye-opening for me to connect movements to phrases and hear the difference it made to the students’ voices. I am excited to work more movement into our warm-ups and performances. I found the clinicians to be really supportive and constructive with their criticisms and advice and I picked up some really useful skills to implement.”
Meaningful feedback is essential for both teachers and students. Hattie (2009) emphasizes that timely, specific feedback has a significant impact on student learning, with an effect size of 0.73. Clinicians play a vital role by providing interactive, immediate assessments of performances, along with actionable strategies to improve outcomes. This process benefits both students and teachers and often occurs in tandem, similar to an ensemble, which is a group that learns and performs together.
Live performances offer particularly valuable opportunities for feedback. Performing in front of an audience allows students to receive immediate responses, which can be instrumental in their development. This real-time feedback enables students to evaluate their performance, make adjustments, and deepen their understanding of musical expression.
Click the link to see the video performances from that night.
https://bit.ly/3L4v6XI
On October 21, 2025, West Valley High School hosted the fourth annual District Choir Festival, welcoming more than 300 participants from nine secondary schools. Choir students and directors presented performances across ten ensembles representing a full range of ages and experiences. The festival featured two distinguished university clinicians, Dr. Nicholle Andrews (University of Redlands) and Dr. Ariel Quintana (La Sierra University), who provided written evaluations and on-stage workshops with each ensemble.
Cottonwood K-8 participated in the Festival for the first time and director Sally McCampbell brought a combined choir of elementary and middle school students who performed with confidence, enthusiasm, and poise throughout the day. The following example captures Dr. Andrews working collaboratively with both the teacher and students during their post-performance clinic.
Ms. McCampbell reflected, “It was eye-opening for me to connect movements to phrases and hear the difference it made to the students’ voices. I am excited to work more movement into our warm-ups and performances. I found the clinicians to be really supportive and constructive with their criticisms and advice and I picked up some really useful skills to implement.”
Meaningful feedback is essential for both teachers and students. Hattie (2009) emphasizes that timely, specific feedback has a significant impact on student learning, with an effect size of 0.73. Clinicians play a vital role by providing interactive, immediate assessments of performances, along with actionable strategies to improve outcomes. This process benefits both students and teachers and often occurs in tandem, similar to an ensemble, which is a group that learns and performs together.
Live performances offer particularly valuable opportunities for feedback. Performing in front of an audience allows students to receive immediate responses, which can be instrumental in their development. This real-time feedback enables students to evaluate their performance, make adjustments, and deepen their understanding of musical expression.
Click the link to see the video performances from that night.
https://bit.ly/3L4v6XI
Channel 8 News Features Hemet HS Student
Hemet High School senior Lola Elzy was recently selected by California State University San Marcos to be spotlighted for its new “on-the-spot admissions” program. CSUSM had reached out to Riverside County schools seeking a senior with a compelling story who planned to attend the university. After submitting an early application, Lola was chosen for the feature, which included an interview with CBS Channel 8 News.
Click this link to watch the CBS Channel 8 News segment featuring Lola and her on-the-spot admission story.
Alessandro HS recently earned national attention with an article in The Fabricator. The piece, titled “SparkForce camp builds career paths in STEM and welding,” highlighted the school’s successful two-week Reimagined Rosies STEM Makers Camp. Led by HUSD’s welding instructor Josh O’Neal and industry partners, the camp went beyond classroom theory, immersing middle and high school students in hands-on fabrication. Alessandro HS hosted students who built projects like a drawbridge and metal sculptures, gained experience with robotics and automation, and later toured NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. The news feature highlights the program’s commitment to equipping students with real-world skills and career paths in manufacturing and the trades, as well as HUSD’s role in leading the way.
Little Lake Elementary's PTA concluded its College and Career Week by hosting its first-ever Career Fair on Friday, October 10th. The inaugural event was a huge success, featuring over 20 professions represented to inspire the students and help them explore diverse career paths. The fair provided a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with community professionals and learn about their work, proving it’s never too early to start thinking about the future!
On September 17, 2025, Rancho Viejo Middle School was presented with the 2025 Civic Learning Award - Honorable Mention. This award is presented to schools across the state of California in recognition of schoolwide achievement within the area of civics. This award recognition serves to encourage students to elevate their voices to be agents of change and engage as members of their local and larger scale communities.
Rancho Viejo Middle School was recognized, among 33 other schools, after submitting their application for review by a panel of representatives from the California courts as well as members of the California Department of Education. Rancho Viejo was one of two schools in Riverside county to receive a Civic Learning recognition and the only middle school in the county to be presented with this award.
A group of Rancho Viejo ASB students, school administration, and staff were presented with the award by Judge Jacqueline Jackson and Judge Laura Garcia, both of the Superior Court of Riverside County. Prior to the official award presentation, the judges listened to Rancho Viejo Middle School students’ presentations on political issues they would like to see changed and the progress they hope to achieve at the national level.
Hemet Unified School District is proud of these students and their desire to see positive change; and, as a district, proud of this recognition presented to Rancho Viejo Middle School as a whole.
Rancho Viejo Middle School was recognized, among 33 other schools, after submitting their application for review by a panel of representatives from the California courts as well as members of the California Department of Education. Rancho Viejo was one of two schools in Riverside county to receive a Civic Learning recognition and the only middle school in the county to be presented with this award.
A group of Rancho Viejo ASB students, school administration, and staff were presented with the award by Judge Jacqueline Jackson and Judge Laura Garcia, both of the Superior Court of Riverside County. Prior to the official award presentation, the judges listened to Rancho Viejo Middle School students’ presentations on political issues they would like to see changed and the progress they hope to achieve at the national level.
Hemet Unified School District is proud of these students and their desire to see positive change; and, as a district, proud of this recognition presented to Rancho Viejo Middle School as a whole.
Earlier this school year, Hemet Unified honored the memory of September 11 with a solemn remembrance ceremony at the District Office. From flags flown at half-staff to a meaningful presentation of colors by Tahquitz High School MCJROTC, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder of unity, service, and the importance of passing remembrance on to future generations. 🇺🇸
👉 Read more about this meaningful tribute.
https://www.hemetusd.org/article/2604547
👉 Read more about this meaningful tribute.
https://www.hemetusd.org/article/2604547
📣 We’re Hiring Instructional Aides!
Join us for our Instructional Aide Job Fair on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
✔️ On-site interviews
✔️ Bring your resume
Scan the QR code to apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding career with Hemet Unified.
Join us for our Instructional Aide Job Fair on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
✔️ On-site interviews
✔️ Bring your resume
Scan the QR code to apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding career with Hemet Unified.
The Academy of Innovation proudly recognizes Family & Outreach Liaison Wendy Rocha as their Employee of Excellence!
As the family and community outreach liaison, Wendy Rocha is literally and figuratively the face of AOI. She greets every student as they enter campus each morning and says goodbye at the end of the day. Her genuine care is evident in the way she asks them about their day and knows what is happening in their lives.
Her generous spirit is evident in the joy she takes in helping families and students. She enthusiastically promotes the many amazing things happening on campus to the public through ParentSquare, Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Wendy makes AOI, HUSD, and our community a better, more welcoming place. Congratulations Wendy!
As the family and community outreach liaison, Wendy Rocha is literally and figuratively the face of AOI. She greets every student as they enter campus each morning and says goodbye at the end of the day. Her genuine care is evident in the way she asks them about their day and knows what is happening in their lives.
Her generous spirit is evident in the joy she takes in helping families and students. She enthusiastically promotes the many amazing things happening on campus to the public through ParentSquare, Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Wendy makes AOI, HUSD, and our community a better, more welcoming place. Congratulations Wendy!
Our halls are feeling extra festive! 🎄 Departments across the district brought creativity, teamwork, and holiday spirit to life with our Holiday Door Decorating Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped spread cheer throughout our district offices! And a BIG congratulations to our winners!
1st Place: Warehouse & Improvement & Analytics (images 1-3)
2nd Place: ELOP Program (image 4)
3rd: Educational Services (image5)
Honorable Mentions: Fiscal & Purchasing (image 6)
1st Place: Warehouse & Improvement & Analytics (images 1-3)
2nd Place: ELOP Program (image 4)
3rd: Educational Services (image5)
Honorable Mentions: Fiscal & Purchasing (image 6)
Tahquitz High School’s annual Winter Carnival brought the community together for a night of fun, creativity, and student-led fundraising. Guests traded tickets for student-made items and family-friendly activities, all while supporting our talented Titans! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students!
Be the First Smiling Face They See Every Morning!
For more than 7,000 students across the Hemet and Perris areas, the school day starts with you—our dedicated School Bus Drivers.
Hemet Unified is seeking Qualified School Bus Drivers who understand they’re transporting the future, not just passengers. We’re looking for caring professionals who will be a steady, positive presence in every child’s educational journey.
Support Our Students, and We’ll Support You.
Because our department manages such a vital operation for so many students, we offer consistent work and extra hours through field trips and special events.
Your commitment comes with:
✅ Competitive Health Care Benefits for you and your family
✅ Paid Vacation & Sick Time because rest matters
✅ CalPERS Retirement to help secure your future
Make a difference in a child’s life—one mile at a time.
Ready to join the HUSD family?
Fill out the interest form today or scan the QR code on the flyer: https://forms.gle/BQNK4ZdKrMknUPEm8
For more than 7,000 students across the Hemet and Perris areas, the school day starts with you—our dedicated School Bus Drivers.
Hemet Unified is seeking Qualified School Bus Drivers who understand they’re transporting the future, not just passengers. We’re looking for caring professionals who will be a steady, positive presence in every child’s educational journey.
Support Our Students, and We’ll Support You.
Because our department manages such a vital operation for so many students, we offer consistent work and extra hours through field trips and special events.
Your commitment comes with:
✅ Competitive Health Care Benefits for you and your family
✅ Paid Vacation & Sick Time because rest matters
✅ CalPERS Retirement to help secure your future
Make a difference in a child’s life—one mile at a time.
Ready to join the HUSD family?
Fill out the interest form today or scan the QR code on the flyer: https://forms.gle/BQNK4ZdKrMknUPEm8
Who’s ready to build, design, code, test, and create?
The HUSD STEM Expo 2025–2026 is coming, and we can’t wait to see the incredible ideas our students bring to life. 🔭🚀
👉 Check out the flyer for dates + categories!
The HUSD STEM Expo 2025–2026 is coming, and we can’t wait to see the incredible ideas our students bring to life. 🔭🚀
👉 Check out the flyer for dates + categories!
Hemet Adult School is proud to recognize Mr. Hector Porras as their Employee of Excellence!
Hector teaches ESL, Citizenship, and High School Equivalency in Spanish. He is an outstanding teacher and serves in multiple capacities beyond the classroom. He created the curriculum for the Citizenship program, serves as the lead for the Spanish Equivalency program, and is the lead teacher for the ESL program.
Hector is recognized as a leader who helped create a region-wide ESL program and trains teachers at the other adult schools in our region. Hector has been a driving force behind Hemet Adult School’s positive impact on the greater Hemet community.
Congratulations Hector!
Hector teaches ESL, Citizenship, and High School Equivalency in Spanish. He is an outstanding teacher and serves in multiple capacities beyond the classroom. He created the curriculum for the Citizenship program, serves as the lead for the Spanish Equivalency program, and is the lead teacher for the ESL program.
Hector is recognized as a leader who helped create a region-wide ESL program and trains teachers at the other adult schools in our region. Hector has been a driving force behind Hemet Adult School’s positive impact on the greater Hemet community.
Congratulations Hector!
Valle Vista Elementary proudly recognizes Mrs. Carri Palos as their Employee of Excellence!
Mrs. Carri Palos is an extraordinary and invaluable Employee of Excellence nominee for Valle Vista Elementary School, consistently demonstrating an exemplary level of professionalism paired with a genuinely positive spirit that elevates every interaction and project.
As a highly effective 5th grade level leader, Mrs. Palos is the ultimate collaborator who inspires her colleagues, guiding the team and ensuring deep instructional alignment, while her commitment to being data focused drives her to thoughtfully analyze assessment results to implement evidence based strategies, leading to meaningful and lasting student outcomes. Approaching every challenge with an infectious and unwavering "can-do" attitude, Mrs. Palos doesn't just perform her duties, she pours her heart into them, making her an absolutely indispensable member of the Valle Vista team and a true, cherished asset to our entire HUSD family. Congratulations Mrs. Palos!
Mrs. Carri Palos is an extraordinary and invaluable Employee of Excellence nominee for Valle Vista Elementary School, consistently demonstrating an exemplary level of professionalism paired with a genuinely positive spirit that elevates every interaction and project.
As a highly effective 5th grade level leader, Mrs. Palos is the ultimate collaborator who inspires her colleagues, guiding the team and ensuring deep instructional alignment, while her commitment to being data focused drives her to thoughtfully analyze assessment results to implement evidence based strategies, leading to meaningful and lasting student outcomes. Approaching every challenge with an infectious and unwavering "can-do" attitude, Mrs. Palos doesn't just perform her duties, she pours her heart into them, making her an absolutely indispensable member of the Valle Vista team and a true, cherished asset to our entire HUSD family. Congratulations Mrs. Palos!
This last month, students from all of our high school sites took part in the HUSD Mock Interview Competition. Student participants were interviewed by a panel and asked to reflect on both their experiences and their plans for the future. Workshops were also provided to prepare students for future career opportunities and inspire them to aim high with their goals!
Congratulations to the overall competition winners, as well as the winners from each site:
Overall:
1st - Destiny Diaz Ocampo (Hemet High School)
2nd - Emily Alcauter (Tahquitz High School)
3rd - Melanie Gomez (West Valley High School)
West Valley High School:
1st - Camila Lopez
2nd - Elaina Myers
3rd - Lovelle Harris (unavailable for photo)
Hemet High School:
1st - Katelyn Engel
2nd - Nadeisha Melendez
3rd - Jessica Torres
Tahquitz High School
1st - Jerimiah Gonzalez
2nd - Angela Higuera
3rd - Adrian Montes
Western Center Academy
1st - Riley George
2nd - Emma Wright
3rd - Camila Gutierrez
Hamilton Secondary School:
1st - David Carranza
2nd - Joey Rayas
3rd - Alex Flores Lopez
Academy of Innovation:
1st - Yahaira Ochoa
2nd - Jackeline Carillo Salas
3rd - Nadia Trapp
Alessandro High School:
1st - Jennah Ramirez
2nd - Emily Valdivieso
3rd - Moses Ortega Pineda
Congratulations to the overall competition winners, as well as the winners from each site:
Overall:
1st - Destiny Diaz Ocampo (Hemet High School)
2nd - Emily Alcauter (Tahquitz High School)
3rd - Melanie Gomez (West Valley High School)
West Valley High School:
1st - Camila Lopez
2nd - Elaina Myers
3rd - Lovelle Harris (unavailable for photo)
Hemet High School:
1st - Katelyn Engel
2nd - Nadeisha Melendez
3rd - Jessica Torres
Tahquitz High School
1st - Jerimiah Gonzalez
2nd - Angela Higuera
3rd - Adrian Montes
Western Center Academy
1st - Riley George
2nd - Emma Wright
3rd - Camila Gutierrez
Hamilton Secondary School:
1st - David Carranza
2nd - Joey Rayas
3rd - Alex Flores Lopez
Academy of Innovation:
1st - Yahaira Ochoa
2nd - Jackeline Carillo Salas
3rd - Nadia Trapp
Alessandro High School:
1st - Jennah Ramirez
2nd - Emily Valdivieso
3rd - Moses Ortega Pineda
