March 1, 2024 | Issue 30
"FJUHSD is the Place to Be Supported!"
Upcoming Board of Trustees Meetings


Link to District Calendar - District wide Safety Drill 3/14, Spring Break 3/18-3/22, Staff Development Day 3/29

Dear FJUHSD Staff, Students, and Community,

As we step into the vibrant month of March, I am thrilled to share with you a theme that resonates deeply within our district: "FJUHSD is the place to be Supported." This theme reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every student, staff member, and family feels valued, understood, and supported.
In line with our theme, I am excited to invite you to watch our new Supported Video within our newsletter, featuring our Board President, Dr. Chester Jeng. Dr. Jeng eloquently discusses our district's progress and the myriad of resources we offer to our community. This video is a testament to our dedication to creating a nurturing environment for all. You can find the video on our district website, Youtube, and social media channels. I encourage you to watch it and feel inspired by the strides we are making together.

Our district takes immense pride in the accomplishments of our staff and students. Their achievements are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and spirit of excellence that permeates FJUHSD. In this light, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our Certificated and Classified Employees of the Year at all of our campuses. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success of our District. We are excited to honor and name our two District Teachers of the Year: Amanda Klaus from Buena Park High School (BPHS) and Aaron Riekenberg from La Habra High School (LHHS) and District Classified Employee of the Year, Cherilyn Lodding from Sonora High School (SOHS). Each of these individuals exemplifies the highest standards of excellence and commitment to our students and community.

As we acknowledge these remarkable achievements, let us also look forward to a well-deserved break. Spring break is just around the corner, scheduled for March 18-22. I hope this break offers you a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy precious moments with family and friends. In addition, we have invited you to participate in our Facilities Master Plan Engagement Survey. More information and the link to participate is within the Business Services section of the newsletter. 

In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your ongoing support and dedication to FJUHSD. Together, we are making our District the Place to be Supported—a community where everyone can thrive and succeed.

Warm regards,

Steve McLaughlin, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Click the video below to learn why
FJUHSD is the Place to Be Supported!
Table of Contents
Be Sure to Open the Message to Read the Entire Newsletter
Head to Toe Support
Healthy students learn and thrive in school. With this in mind, this month, our Mental Health Specialists are teaming up with our school nurses for the “Your Health Matters” campaign. The goal is to provide information, resources, and activities that help our community build insight on how our physical health and mental health intertwine. On campus, students will benefit from tips and strategies for physical health and mental wellness from our nurses and mental health specialists. Activities, information and resources will be provided during the daily announcements and on campus during break and lunch. Parents can stay abreast of these supports by tuning into your school's weekly newsletters. 
Visit our school websites by clicking on the links below
Board Meeting Highlights
At the February Board Meeting, the Board celebrated Career and Technical Education Month (CTE). During the Board meeting on February 6, 2024 the Board took the opportunity to recognize several outstanding Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and CTE teachers, along with their students, for their exceptional contributions.

Jeff Brenier, a teacher at LHHS, was honored as the NOCROP 2025 Teacher of the Year for the Emergency Response Pathway. His students, Cruz Castillo, Lucas Trevino, and Noah Valdez, were also recognized for their achievements in this pathway.

Maroun Nehme, a teacher at BPHS, received recognition for leading the Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics program. His students, Michael Barba, Erin Gaerlan, and Edwin Rodriguez were acknowledged for their excellence in this innovative field.

Additionally, the Board celebrated the contributions of the ROP Video Productions team. SHHS teacher Danny Flores and students Melusine Tenkoff, Isabella Loarca, Owen Villagracia, Nathan Na, and Director of Technology Weston Baughn, alongside Joey Flores from LV/LSHS and students Elena Vidaurri and Mason Barney (graduate), were thanked for their vital role in live streaming the Board Meetings.

In lieu of FFA Week, our District's Agriculture programs presented baskets to Board Members, Cabinet, and Principals at the meeting, as a token of appreciation for their support. This gesture further highlights the strong community and supportive spirit within our educational programs.
Minutes from the meetings of the Board of Trustees can be found on our website.
Shout Outs
Top 10 Heroes of Orange County
We are thrilled to announce that Antonio Arenas (Custodian) and Jina Iglesias (Teacher) have been recognized as finalists in the prestigious OC Parents Magazine School Hero Contest. Their dedication, hard work, and passion have not only made a significant impact at LV/LSHS but have also earned them a spot in the Top 10 Heroes of Orange County. This is a monumental recognition that speaks volumes about the positive influence they bring to our school and community. Join us in celebrating Antonio and Jina's incredible achievements. Their commitment to excellence is a shining example for all of us and truly makes FJUHSD the place to be successful. Let’s show our appreciation and congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment!
FFA Star Administrator
Big shoutout to Jon Caffrey for being named the prestigious Orange Section FFA Star Administrator award! Jon didn't just receive the "gold administrator" accolade; he topped the charts for the Orange County section in agricultural education. Jon's relentless dedication to our programs is unmatched, and this recognition is a testament to his commitment. Congratulations!
Did You Know?
BPHS AFJROTC Program
Did you know that the Buena Park Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC) program has been recognized as a Distinguished Unit with Merit? This prestigious honor places it among the elite top 5% of programs worldwide, showcasing its exceptional standards and achievements! Such an honor is a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and leadership skills instilled in its cadets, setting a benchmark for excellence in military education.
Apply for 24/25 Student Board Member

Attention FJUHSD Juniors! Are you ready to make a difference and have your voice heard? This is your chance to represent your peers! We're looking for motivated and passionate students to apply for the FJUHSD Student Board Member position for the 2024/25 academic year. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to influence decisions, contribute to your community, and gain invaluable leadership experience. Applications are due by April 10th. To apply, simply click on the icon where you'll find all the details you need to fill out the application. Once completed, submit it to your school principal. Take the leap and apply today. Your journey towards making a significant impact starts here!
Awareness Days

FJUHSD recognizes
the following Awareness Days
for the month of March.

American Red Cross Month 

Arts Education Month 

Music in our Schools Month

National Nutrition Month

Women's History Month




Technology Services
TECH TIP OF THE MONTH
The FJUHSD Technology Department is here to help!

The FJUHSD Technology Services Department supports technology for students, teachers, and staff to promote and monitor educational growth at a high standard of excellence. We are committed to providing up-to-date technology while providing a high level of customer service. Click on the image to reset your password.


Visit our Technology Page for helpful information
and technology support.
Culinary Excellence!
Five students in the Culinary and Hospitality pathway at Fullerton Union High School won second place in the prestigious California ProStart competition at the Long Beach Convention Center on February 21st. Students from dozens of schools competed against one another and Fullerton's students took on the challenge with exceptional dedication, presenting their unique concept of building their own restaurant from the ground up. From a meticulously crafted menu, highlighting their culinary vision, they took on distinct organizational roles within the team, demonstrating not only their individual skills but also their ability to work cohesively towards a common goal. The panel of judges, comprising esteemed professionals from the culinary and hospitality industry, evaluated the students' presentations and the FUHS team really impressed them which resulted in the second-place finish. Congratulations to the FUHS Culinary and Hospitality team.
Facilities Master Plan Engagement Survey: Invitation to Participate
The Fullerton Joint Union High School District is in the process of developing a comprehensive Long Range Facilities Master Plan. This initiative is crucial for shaping the future of our educational environment, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of our students and community.

As a valued member of our community, your insights and opinions are indispensable to this process. We are currently conducting a Facilities Master Plan Engagement Survey, which is now open for participation from March 1 to March 15. Please click on the image to watch a short video about this. This survey represents a pivotal opportunity for you to contribute to the planning and enhancement of our district's facilities.

Your feedback will play a critical role in informing the proposed plans for our facilities, enabling us to align our strategies with the expectations and requirements of our community. We strongly encourage you to dedicate a few minutes of your time to share your thoughts and perspectives.

To participate in the survey, please click on the following link:  FJUHSD - Facilities Master Plan Engagement Survey

We thank you in advance for your valuable input and look forward to your participation in shaping the future of our district's facilities.
Troy High School New Classroom Building Project
Work continues to progress at the Troy High School classroom building project. The roof hatch, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, and fire sprinklers installation are currently in progress. During the week of February 26 through March 1, the construction team began work on the mechanical work, mechanical curb, air barrier installation, and the steel columns for the walkway.
Sunny Hills High School New Agriculture Classroom Project
The importing of soil continues to elevate the pad to serve as the platform for the new building. Following the elevation of the pad, the grading contractor will perform the soil compaction. After the compaction is complete the underground plumbing and electrical utilities will be installed.
Fullerton Union High School Pool Replacement
The Fullerton Union High School pool replacement project is in full swing. The underground plumbing piping has been completed. The pool perimeter was reinforced with a thin layer of shotcrete to prevent damage due to weather conditions. The student restroom wall framing is in progress. The new pool filter tank and heater were delivered to the new pool equipment room. The pool bottom floor reinforced steel material has arrived and work will begin soon.
National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For the month of March, the Food Services department will partner with Abound Food Care, a local partner supporting non-profit organizations in OC, to help reduce food waste by recovering excess edible food during school breaks and lunch, to be donated to help families who may need assistance. Click on the image for more information.
Employee Spotlight
Meet the dynamic trio behind the scenes of La Vista/La Sierra High School's cafeteria! Led by the dedicated Anthony Avalos, a former student turned Cafeteria Lead, and supported by the seasoned duo Adela Perez and Guadalupe Torres, they bring a combined fifteen years of expertise to serving our 550 students daily. From National School Lunch to TAPP, they ensure every student receives a nourishing meal with a side of smiles.
2023/24 Employees of the Year & Teachers of the Year
Cheers to our outstanding Employees & Teachers of the Year! Your dedication, passion, and hard work inspire us all. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Classified Employees of the Year:
Angelica Belmudez, Senior Records Clerk, BPHS
Mark Marshall, District Electrician, DSC
Melanie Garcia, Transportation Scheduler, DTC
Gilbert Calderon, Custodial & Grounds, EC
Benigna Rodriguez, Principal Secretary, FUHS
Lisa Tarnowski, Senior Records Clerk, LHHS
Jill Brand, Data Systems Technician, LSHS
Analizeth Gamboa, Senior Record Clerk, LVHS
Mary Parke, Instructional Aide, SHHS
Aaliya Morales, Senior Records Clerk, SHHS
Cherilyn Lodding, Senior Records Clerk, SOHS
Shannon Cogswell, Senior Records Clerk, TRHS
Teachers of the Year:
Amanda Klaus, Dance, BPHS
Brooke Kerr, English, FUHS
Aaron Reikenberg, Special Education, LHHS
Bridget Reynolds, World History, LSHS
Joel Medina, English, LVHS
Lindsay Safe, English, SHHS
Joseph D’Amelia, History/Business Finance, SOHS
Marisa Sanders, Special Education, TRHS
2023/24 District Employee and Teachers of the Year
Congratulations, Cherilyn Lodding, our classified Senior Records Clerk at Sonora High School, for earning the District Employee of the Year for 2023/24!
Applause for Amanda Klaus, BPHS Dance Teacher, one of two, 2023/24 District Teachers of the Year, as she pirouettes into well-deserved recognition!
Kudos to Aaron Riekenberg, LHHS Special Education Teacher and Coach, 2023/24 District Teacher of the Year! His mastery of teaching and coaching are a winning playbook for success!
FJUHSD Resources Page

Please visit our comprehensive resources page, which is filled with a myriad of community resources designed to support and empower you.
Whether you're seeking information on education, healthcare, local services, or other essential aspects of community support, our page is a one-stop destination for valuable resources.
Click the image to visit the FJUHSD Community Resources page.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
CALFRESH - CASH 4 GROCERIES
MORE THAN A MEAL
Tutoring

Do you need a tutor? Click on the photo to sign-up for a tutor and get the help you need. FJUHSD is the place to be Successful!