The 2024-25 school year is underway, and with it come some facility updates and new changes, from meal programs to opportunities for students.
The Snowline Joint Unified School District (SJUSD) has implemented a breakfast and lunch program called Community Eligibility Provisions (CEP). All enrolled students are now eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge to families. Supper and an evening snack will also be provided, free of charge, at Serrano High School for all students enrolled in the after-school program, as well as for anyone in the community under the age of 18. For more information on all Nutrition Services provided, visit www.snowlineschools.com/apps/pages/nutrition.
The district has been investing heavily in Career Technical Education programs to enhance the educational experience. These efforts allow the district to offer state-of-the-art welding, woodshop, firefighting, multimedia, film academy, agriculture and restaurant programs for Serrano High School students. For more information about each program, visit https://shs.snowlineschools.com/apps/pages/cte.
District middle schools have transitioned to a six-period day to ensure more consistent access to all aspects of education.
All schools in the district have implemented a new cell phone policy, “Off and Away,” which will take effect this year. Students must have their cell phones turned off or on silent and put away for the entire school day. Any phone seen or in use during the day may be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
Per Director of Risk Management, Robert Chacon, several facility and infrastructure updates are planned across the district this year. In early August, the fresh water system at Wrightwood Elementary was completely replaced. Roofing repairs will take place at Wrightwood Elementary, Pinon Mesa Middle School, Serrano High School, and the preschool in Phelan. A new composter will be set up at Serrano High School to comply with new legislation. Fire alarms will be replaced at Chaparral High School, Heritage Middle School, and Phelan Elementary. Additionally, all surveillance and camera systems districtwide will be replaced this school year.
Along with these updates, the SJUSD School Board has approved Measure J, a $70 million general obligation school facilities bond to be added to the November election. If passed, it will help revamp facilities and aging infrastructure over the next 10 years. For more information on Measure J, read our previous article at https://4newsplus.com/snowline-school-district-unveils-450-million-facilities-master-plan.
For parents, staying informed is important. Snowline Schools offers many ways to get involved and stay connected, from elementary to high school, both on campus and at the district level. A few options include the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), boosters, and School Site Council.
To stay up to date on everything happening within Snowline, follow them on Instagram @snowline_jusd, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SnowlineJUSD, or visit their website at www.snowlineschools.com.
