Inspiration Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 9

The 2024-25 school year is underway and off to a fantastic start! A strong beginning not only sets the stage for a successful academic year but also fuels our shared commitment to fostering growth and excellence within our school community.

Throughout the month of September, we’ve had the pleasure of honoring the incredible dedication of our educators, who continue to inspire and innovate in the classroom. We also took this time to reconnect with families and engage with community members, strengthening the bonds that support our students’ success.

As we move forward in the new school year, we remain committed to maintaining this positive momentum, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally. That’s how we continue transforming lives through education.

Be sure to watch the video message above highlighting some of this month’s memorable moments. You can also learn more about additional events, programs and resources we offer throughout the County by reading the featured stories below.

In partnership,

Ted Alejandre

County Superintendent

State Superintendent Joins SBCSS Patriot Day Tribute

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined SBCSS during the Patriot Day observance at its Brier administrative site on September 11, 2024.

Employees at each SBCSS site gathered for a moment of silence to pay respect to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre spoke of the devastating loss of life that took place on that fateful day and described the events that transpired while taking a moment to thank the first responders who are currently battling the surrounding wildfires.

Adalia De Luna, a sixth-grade student from Jehue Middle School, also gave a moving rendition of “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” during the remembrance ceremony.

View Patriot Day Photo Gallery

Five Educators Named SB Countywide Teachers of the Year

SBCSS was proud to honor five inspiring teachers who have dedicated their careers to student success during the annual San Bernardino Countywide Teachers of the Year ceremony.

The honorees represented three districts from throughout the County: Ontario-Montclair School District, San Bernardino City Unified School District and Snowline Joint Unified School District.

The awardees consistently go above and beyond for their students, inspiring a love for learning and creating positive, nurturing and welcoming classroom environments.

Congratulations to Angelica Rivera, April Malocco, Carla Hernandez, Carrie Walczynski, and Lorraine Bowen on this incredible achievement!

View San Bernardino Countywide Teachers of the Year Photo Gallery

Face to Face with our Communities

Hundreds of attendees joined SBCSS for its annual Family and Community Engagement Summit. For the first time, the impactful event was held at the University of Redlands.

Representatives from more than 30 local education agencies participated in this year’s summit including those from Los Angeles County and Riverside County.

Participants heard from five outstanding speakers including a keynote address from Erin Gruwell, the California teacher whose story inspired the 2007 movie The Freedom Writers. Families, school staff, community members, and education partners also joined more than a dozen breakout sessions focused on a variety of subjects including African American student achievement, literacy, multilingual support, and equity.

View Family and Community Engagement Summit Photo Gallery

Learn More

Applications are now being accepted for the 16th Annual Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project. The initiative awards high school diplomas to eligible individuals whose high school education was interrupted due to military service or internment in a Japanese American relocation camp.

To be considered for this year's recognition, applications must be submitted by Monday, October 14.

PLS Catalog

Professional Learning Services (PLS) is a catalog of professional learning and training opportunities for district and school educators.

The catalog includes information regarding Digital Learning, Early Education and Development, Expanded Learning, and the Assistant Superintendent Network.

The Education Support Services branch is offering a variety of networks, professional development and training throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

Learn More

We are seeking talented individuals to join our SBCSS family!

A wide variety of opportunities are available in various locations including the West End, High Desert and East Valley.

A listing of all current job postings can be found by visiting Edjoin.org.

Listen Here

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools produces various podcasts which feature interviews with students, families and educators from across the county and country.

Please listen to the latest podcast episode from the RIMS AVID Roundtable.

Learn More

The Cradle to Career (C2C) Roadmap helps to identify key milestones in a child’s academic and social readiness.

SBCSS encourages partnerships with all sectors of the community to support the goal of meeting the educational needs of all students from cradle to career.

Visit the Newsroom

Keep up with the latest stories from our Newsroom. Monthly articles feature staff, students and outstanding work being done throughout our county.

Visit the Photo Gallery

See the latest photos in our official SBCSS gallery. Each month we add images from noteworthy events that highlight staff, students and programs across San Bernardino County.

Visit Our Website

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre issues this monthly publication to keep education partners informed about the many services and programs SBCSS provides to our learning community throughout the year.

View the Inspiration archive.