Welcome to the first in a series of articles focusing on schools within the Snowline School District and highlighting extraordinary educators who continue to go above and beyond for their students. This month, we will be diving into all things Wrightwood Elementary!
Tucked away in the mountains, in the charming town of Wrightwood, is a single elementary school. Wrightwood Elementary started as an “Emergency School” housed in a converted bunkhouse owned by the Wright family, opening in 1928 to 10 students. In 1937, the original one-room school building at its present site was built for $10,000 by Redlands building contractor Louis P. Scherer and architect Henry Howell. The school ran as an independent district until becoming a part of the Snowline School District in 1982. Today, Wrightwood Elementary is a K‑5 school with approximately 343 students enrolled in the 2024‑25 school year. It is full of charm and character and even has its very own school dog! The school offers exciting incentives for the students and has a number of unique programs.
John Garner, principal of Wrightwood Elementary, has been with the school for 14 years. He has helped integrate several programs into the school that impact both the students and the community. Garner has also introduced a school therapy dog on campus.
Happy, short for Happiness, was the first school therapy dog. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer, leaving a void in the school from all the happiness she brought. After some time, Buddy arrived to step into the role of school therapy dog and continue to bring joy to the students and staff. Thus the phrase “Some ‘Buddy’ loves you at Wrightwood Elementary” was born! “Of all the things I’ve done, the school dog is one of the best,” Garner expressed.
Wrightwood Elementary has many unique programs, starting with the Walking School Bus, which is sponsored by One Town, Inc., a local nonprofit. The Walking School Bus consists of volunteer senior citizens and parents starting about a mile away from the school on four different routes and walking to pick up kids at “bus stops” along the way. As if starting the morning walking in the mountains to school with friends wasn’t enough incentive, students receive $2 from the program sponsor each day they walk to school.
Throughout a student’s time at Wrightwood Elementary, the Walking School Bus coordinators will keep track of the days they walk to school, and when they leave Wrightwood Elementary, usually at fifth‑grade promotion, they will receive a check for the amount earned! “The goal is to encourage parents to save for their children to attend college,” Garner shared, “last year, we awarded the highest check ever to a student, over $1,200.”
Golden Raccoons is another excellent program where Wrightwood students and families are encouraged to “adopt” a senior citizen. Garner came up with the idea after the winter storm that hit in 2023, causing some seniors not to be able to get out of their houses and obtain basic needs. The program is in place to provide senior citizens in the community with a friend to check in on them, spend time together, and share the occasional meal with each other in calm times. Should a crisis arise, the families will receive a message to check in on their Golden Raccoons and provide assistance, if needed, to get through the crisis together. The Golden Raccoons program was featured on the Channel 7 news as well as the Los Angeles Times .
In addition to the Golden Raccoons program, a rotating group of fifth graders will serve lunch at a senior citizens luncheon once a month. All fifth graders will have the opportunity to participate.
A new program, started in 2024, is the Ready Raccoons. This is an event set up for parents of children zero to four in the community to attend and receive resources, activities, and ideas on how they can help prepare their children for kindergarten. Each family that came out was given a pre‑made kit according to the child’s age that contained items to help encourage problem‑solving skills, creativity, and dexterity. The first‑year event was a success, with approximately 30 families coming out. The hope is that the number of families will continue to grow each year!
“We’re supporting the community from the early years to the golden years,” Garner beamed.
The school also has a D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) group. This group of dads volunteers in the classroom and at events and spends time playing foursquare, eating lunch, and even reading with the kids.
Mountain Money is a popular incentive offered at the school. The kids can earn Mountain Money in many ways, from simply being at school to picking up trash, exhibiting good behavior, and getting their planners signed. With the money the kids earn, they can cash it in for a variety of different things, such as being the announcer/DJ for the day, getting to head to lunch early, playing with Buddy, the school dog, attending a Mountain Money popcorn party, and even receiving a positive call home!
“I always want Wrightwood Elementary to be the pride of the community,” Garner shared.
Extraordinary Educators can be anyone within the school who goes above and beyond for both the students and the staff.
School counselor Dionne Burns is an extraordinary asset to Wrightwood Elementary. Mrs. Burns was recognized in the Snowline School District as Counselor of the Year and received the Snowline District Employee of the Year Award in the Health and Student Services category. She works with students daily, helping them navigate hard times and tough situations that may arise with friends and family. “Every child deserves to have a person they know will listen to them without judgment, will help them see their own value, will talk them through life’s toughest circumstances, and give them the strength, skills, and confidence to face any challenge,” Garner shared.
Mrs. Burns is a rock at the school, always ready to offer a snack to a hungry child or a jacket to a student in need, or simply provide a warm, safe, and comfortable environment for the kids to hang out and play. She has spent hours in an emergency room with a student so they wouldn’t be alone in a scary situation and has had former students come back to talk to her when they are struggling. “I’ve never seen Mrs. Burns in a bad mood,” a student recently told Garner. Mrs. Burns remains a constant that the kids and staff at the school can rely on for empathy, strength, and friendliness. Her impact is felt in the community far beyond the hours of a school day.
When asked what Mrs. Burns loves most about working at Wrightwood Elementary, her response was heartwarming and genuine: “I get to work with and play with the most amazing kids. I try to teach them so many things, like having empathy and showing compassion, using conflict resolution tools, and how to utilize communication skills. However, some of the things they say or do amaze me and result in me being the one who learns from them.”
“I am fortunate to be a part of a team of teachers and staff who truly love what they do. Every single one of our staff and teachers is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that kids feel welcome, cared for, and that they belong. I believe that the safe, nurturing environment gives the kids the opportunity to learn, learn from their mistakes, and form meaningful relationships with their peers and the staff. The staff are consistently supporting not only their students but also one another. I often see staff working together beyond the contractual hours to share ideas and create engaging lessons to ensure learning for all.”
“Mr. Garner leads by example as he works to ensure that both staff and students feel valued. He can often be seen playing foursquare with the kids, or mentoring a student as they throw a ball to Buddy, our school therapy dog.” “I believe that together, we have created a community where every child can thrive, and I couldn’t be happier to contribute to such a supportive and inspiring place.”
It is clear to see the passion Mrs. Burns has for not only the students but also the staff. She truly is an extraordinary educator! I would like to thank John Garner and Dionne Burns for taking the time to meet and talk about your wonderful school in the woods.
