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
The Tahquitz Titans' Football Team is off to the CIF-SS Division 10 Championship game! After an exciting win over Santa Monica High School (41 - 35), Tahquitz will be playing HIllcrest High School this Saturday, November 29th at 7 PM at Norte Vista High School. Support the team before they depart at 3:45 PM by lining up on Titan Way.
Ramona Elementary is proud to Recognize Mr. Gruntz as their Employee of Excellence!
Mr. Gruntz is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond for the Ramona Elementary community. In addition to providing an engaging and positive PE program for our students, he is the go-to person for scheduling and supports our school with remarkable organization and reliability. He leads our annual Spelling Bee and coordinates our largest school-wide event, the Ramona Fun Run, ensuring both are meaningful and memorable experiences for students and families.
Deeply respected by his colleagues, Mr. Gruntz is an irreplaceable member of the Ramona Elementary team, and we are proud to recognize him as an Employee of Excellence.
Mr. Gruntz is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond for the Ramona Elementary community. In addition to providing an engaging and positive PE program for our students, he is the go-to person for scheduling and supports our school with remarkable organization and reliability. He leads our annual Spelling Bee and coordinates our largest school-wide event, the Ramona Fun Run, ensuring both are meaningful and memorable experiences for students and families.
Deeply respected by his colleagues, Mr. Gruntz is an irreplaceable member of the Ramona Elementary team, and we are proud to recognize him as an Employee of Excellence.
Western Center Academy is proud to recognize Rebecca Shefchik and Kaitlyn Chadwick as Employees of Excellence!
Western Center Academy celebrates the outstanding work of Rebecca Shefchik and Kaitlyn Chadwick, a strong partnership in our math department whose efforts have strengthened learning across both middle and high school. Their commitment to student success shows in the range of courses they teach and the support they provide to students and colleagues.
Mrs. Shefchik teaches Geometry, AP Computer Science Principles, and STEM Engineering. She guides students through hands-on projects that build problem-solving skills and introduce them to real applications of computer science and engineering. Her work expands opportunities for students and helps them develop confidence in advanced STEM pathways.
Ms. Chadwick supports student learning in several areas as well. She teaches Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, multimedia, and college-level math courses on campus, and she leads our middle school yearbook program. Her attention to detail, clear communication, and steady support help students develop strong technical and creative skills.
Together, they recently organized and hosted a regional math competition that brought students from across Riverside County to our campus. Their leadership, planning, and commitment made the event a success and helped raise the profile of mathematics at WCA.
Rebecca Shefchik and Kaitlyn Chadwick bring dedication, creativity, and a student-centered approach to everything they do. Their partnership strengthens our programs, and their contributions make a meaningful impact on our Mammoth Herd.
Thank you, Rebecca and Kaitlyn, for your hard work and for the difference you make every day.
Western Center Academy celebrates the outstanding work of Rebecca Shefchik and Kaitlyn Chadwick, a strong partnership in our math department whose efforts have strengthened learning across both middle and high school. Their commitment to student success shows in the range of courses they teach and the support they provide to students and colleagues.
Mrs. Shefchik teaches Geometry, AP Computer Science Principles, and STEM Engineering. She guides students through hands-on projects that build problem-solving skills and introduce them to real applications of computer science and engineering. Her work expands opportunities for students and helps them develop confidence in advanced STEM pathways.
Ms. Chadwick supports student learning in several areas as well. She teaches Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, multimedia, and college-level math courses on campus, and she leads our middle school yearbook program. Her attention to detail, clear communication, and steady support help students develop strong technical and creative skills.
Together, they recently organized and hosted a regional math competition that brought students from across Riverside County to our campus. Their leadership, planning, and commitment made the event a success and helped raise the profile of mathematics at WCA.
Rebecca Shefchik and Kaitlyn Chadwick bring dedication, creativity, and a student-centered approach to everything they do. Their partnership strengthens our programs, and their contributions make a meaningful impact on our Mammoth Herd.
Thank you, Rebecca and Kaitlyn, for your hard work and for the difference you make every day.
West Valley High School is proud to recognize Frank Urquiza as their Employee of Excellence!
Mr. Urquiza is a steady, reliable presence on our campus and consistently goes above and beyond to support our teachers in a wide range of needs. His leadership and commitment were especially evident in his major role coordinating the Destination High Performance visit, an event that proved highly successful thanks in large part to his effort and organization.
Mr. Urquiza is a natural leader who can always be counted on to step in for the benefit of our students. His dedication strengthens our school community every day. We are truly fortunate to have him at West Valley High Schoo!
Mr. Urquiza is a steady, reliable presence on our campus and consistently goes above and beyond to support our teachers in a wide range of needs. His leadership and commitment were especially evident in his major role coordinating the Destination High Performance visit, an event that proved highly successful thanks in large part to his effort and organization.
Mr. Urquiza is a natural leader who can always be counted on to step in for the benefit of our students. His dedication strengthens our school community every day. We are truly fortunate to have him at West Valley High Schoo!
Hamilton High proudly recognizes Math Teacher Jennifer Halstead as an Employee of Excellence!
Hamilton High recognizes Jennifer Halstead as an Employee of Excellence. Jennifer has been serving Hemet Unified for seventeen years now and brings with her continued curiosity and adaptability to the ever-changing world of education. We are grateful to Jennifer for her unwavering dedication to continually adapting and improving her practice, most recently through her engagement with Classroom Improvement PDSA cycles. Jennifer upholds high expectations for our students and provides appropriate scaffolding to ensure that students meet academic standards. Ms. Halstead is dedicated to our students not only through her instruction but also as Club Advisor for National Honor Society which hosts Blood Drives at our site and actively engages in other acts of community service. She also volunteers consistently at our football games and is always willing to participate in school activities such as pep rallies. Thank you, Jennifer, for your professionalism and for being the embodiment of HUSD’s Mission and Vision. You truly embrace, educate, and empower our students!
Hamilton High recognizes Jennifer Halstead as an Employee of Excellence. Jennifer has been serving Hemet Unified for seventeen years now and brings with her continued curiosity and adaptability to the ever-changing world of education. We are grateful to Jennifer for her unwavering dedication to continually adapting and improving her practice, most recently through her engagement with Classroom Improvement PDSA cycles. Jennifer upholds high expectations for our students and provides appropriate scaffolding to ensure that students meet academic standards. Ms. Halstead is dedicated to our students not only through her instruction but also as Club Advisor for National Honor Society which hosts Blood Drives at our site and actively engages in other acts of community service. She also volunteers consistently at our football games and is always willing to participate in school activities such as pep rallies. Thank you, Jennifer, for your professionalism and for being the embodiment of HUSD’s Mission and Vision. You truly embrace, educate, and empower our students!
Dartmouth Knights are honored to highlight Mr. Cesar Duran as their Employee of Excellence!
Cesar Duran is a truly exceptional member of the Dartmouth team and an embodiment of our commitment to excellence. As a team player, Cesar consistently demonstrates a willingness to lend a hand and go above and beyond for his colleagues and the organization. His strong work ethic and dedication have been evident and recognized in his career growth. He started on the night shift for a year and a half and he quickly moved to a mid-shift custodian role.
A hard worker and an all-around great asset, Cesar also brings the valuable discipline and commitment honed during his six years of service in the Air Force. He is a reliable, dedicated, and high-performing employee who contributes significantly to the success and positive culture of Dartmouth Middle School. We are proud to call him a Knight!
Cesar Duran is a truly exceptional member of the Dartmouth team and an embodiment of our commitment to excellence. As a team player, Cesar consistently demonstrates a willingness to lend a hand and go above and beyond for his colleagues and the organization. His strong work ethic and dedication have been evident and recognized in his career growth. He started on the night shift for a year and a half and he quickly moved to a mid-shift custodian role.
A hard worker and an all-around great asset, Cesar also brings the valuable discipline and commitment honed during his six years of service in the Air Force. He is a reliable, dedicated, and high-performing employee who contributes significantly to the success and positive culture of Dartmouth Middle School. We are proud to call him a Knight!
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Itamar Leon as Little Lake’s Employee of Excellence.
As one of our resident substitute teachers, she has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication and flexibility. On the Friday before the start of the school year, she was asked to help open a brand-new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class and without hesitation, she came right in to get the classroom ready for students. From day one, she has been absolutely phenomenal with her TK students, creating a nurturing and caring classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported. She comes well-prepared each day, brings engaging lessons to life, and thoughtfully attends to the individual needs of her students. Beyond her classroom work, she has gone above and beyond by assisting with report cards and parent-teacher conferences, always maintaining a positive attitude and a deep commitment to our school community. We are truly grateful for her hard work and dedication to our students this school year.
Thank you, Ms. Leon, for all you have done for our Little Lake Lions this year! You are making a positive difference in the lives of our students.
As one of our resident substitute teachers, she has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication and flexibility. On the Friday before the start of the school year, she was asked to help open a brand-new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class and without hesitation, she came right in to get the classroom ready for students. From day one, she has been absolutely phenomenal with her TK students, creating a nurturing and caring classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported. She comes well-prepared each day, brings engaging lessons to life, and thoughtfully attends to the individual needs of her students. Beyond her classroom work, she has gone above and beyond by assisting with report cards and parent-teacher conferences, always maintaining a positive attitude and a deep commitment to our school community. We are truly grateful for her hard work and dedication to our students this school year.
Thank you, Ms. Leon, for all you have done for our Little Lake Lions this year! You are making a positive difference in the lives of our students.
The West Valley Girls Volleyball Team has officially advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 7 Finals this Saturday night, where they’ll face Cate High School for WV's first Girls Volleyball CIF championship game in school history! In Saturday’s semifinals, the Mustangs were unstoppable — sweeping Elsinore (25-22, 25-14, 25-17) for the third time this season!
