In this edition of Extraordinary Educators, we explore all the wonderful things Pinon Mesa Middle School offers—from unique programs to the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., and New York.
Pinon Mesa Middle School is one of only two middle schools in the Snowline Unified School District. From sixth to eighth grade, students form new friendships, explore new classes, and begin to find their passions for future endeavors. It all starts with a principal and staff who are dedicated to students in these formative years between elementary and high school. Kimberly Miller, school principal, expressed exactly that: “I have an amazing staff! We are like a family. Our teachers work hard to meet students’ needs and put them first. They support our students as well as each other.”
Pinon Mesa has several excellent programs on campus. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program focuses on creating a safe and positive learning environment for all students by reinforcing positive behaviors. This is accomplished through proactive strategies that address behavior while improving social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students. For the past two years, Pinon Mesa has received platinum recognition, a high honor for implementing PBIS and effectively creating a positive and safe school. Students may also be awarded Mesa Money for positive behavior and participation. Mesa Money can be used to buy tickets to the annual year-end PBIS auction and other school activities.
The Renaissance Program recognizes students who achieve good grades and citizenship. Each semester, students are awarded a color-coded Renaissance card based on their GPA, which comes with privileges such as an early-to-lunch pass, a homework pass, and discounts on school activities, to name a few. Twice a year, the school holds a Renaissance Rally to celebrate students’ hard work and recognize success and positive behavior.
Students also participate in student-led conferences every January—a unique take on the traditional parent-teacher conference. These conferences give students the chance to discuss their first-semester accomplishments and share their goals for the second semester.
Pinon Mesa students may also take part in the San Bernardino County History Day competition. The contest encourages students to research and prepare a project in one of six categories based on an annual historical theme. The theme for 2025 was “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” and student Sofia Peace won for her submission in the Junior Division.
Eighth graders have the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime and explore history firsthand with the Washington, D.C., trip. While there is a cost, it covers lodging, transportation, and meals for students.
Middle school comes with many changes in a student’s life. Fortunately, students at Pinon Mesa have a team of faculty ready to help them navigate these transitions, including tech teacher Danielle Beaujean and ASB advisor Curt Chase.
When asked about their time teaching, what they love most about their jobs, and how they go above and beyond for their students and staff, their answers speak volumes about how much they truly care.
“With 24 years of teaching experience, I’ve dedicated my career to inspiring young minds—a passion ignited by my own first-grade teacher, Miss Yamada. For the past 17 years, I’ve proudly served the Snowline Joint Unified School District, teaching elementary and middle school. Currently, I am at Pinon Mesa Middle School as the tech teacher. What drives me every day is the opportunity to connect with students, witness their ‘aha’ moments, and celebrate their growth. Beyond the classroom, I lead our Saturday Academy, where I craft engaging and meaningful learning experiences. I also lead our Tobacco Use Prevention and Education Team, guiding a phenomenal group of student leaders in making a difference. As a tech enthusiast, I’m passionate about equipping students and staff with 21st-century skills. I teach basic coding and foundational concepts in artificial intelligence while serving as the school’s tech lead, providing hands-on support and fostering innovation. My goal is always the same: to inspire, connect, and create lasting memories in the lives of the young students I’m privileged to teach,” shared Beaujean.
“I have been teaching for 36 years, with 28 of those at Pinon Mesa, where I have taught history, leadership skills, and have been the ASB advisor for the past 28 years as well. What I love most about my job is working with so many amazing kids. I firmly believe that there are no bad kids—often, those making poor choices are just trying to find themselves. So I work hard to keep kids in line, but also to show them that I care. I try to be a safe person for them to come to with anything they need to talk about and get off their chests—and sometimes to help them make difficult decisions, even helping them talk to their parents when needed. I help kids redirect their paths in life toward more positive and safe directions. As a leadership skills teacher, I try to ensure that my lessons are useful now and into adulthood. As an ASB advisor, my student leaders and I work to provide campus activities that bring students and staff together. These events are designed to help all students—regardless of background—feel connected and part of our school community. I’ve always felt it is an honor to help students find success in school and life,” expressed Chase.
The students at Pinon Mesa Middle School are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated teachers in their corner—teaching them life skills that will last a lifetime.
