October 1, 2024

Superintendent's Message

Welcome to the first 2024-25 edition of The Butterfly Effect, our monthly newsletter. We're excited to keep you informed about the amazing things happening across our district. Small efforts truly make a big difference for our children.

This school year started with great collaboration and energy across our campuses. Thank you for helping our students adjust and embrace district-wide initiatives. Change can be challenging, but we are committed to supporting you to ensure your success. Your voice matters.

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. By celebrating our diverse community, we continue building a more inclusive and prosperous Perris.

In August, our Board of Trustees approved our new mission, core values, and logo.

Our Mission: “Cultivating a supportive community that creates belonging, inspires leadership, and ensures academic and personal success for every student.”

Our Core Values:

Everyone Belongs: Community, Trust, Joy
Everyone Leads: Collaboration, Courage, Innovation
Everyone Succeeds: Persistence, Passion, Adaptability

Our Logo:

Our new logo embodies the spirit of PESD. The colors in the "P" represent the diversity of our district, while the lines symbolize both the connection to train tracks, honoring Perris’ historical roots, and a children’s playground slide, capturing the joyful and playful nature of our students.

Each month, we will highlight one of our core values. In September, we focused on Community by creating spaces like Zen Zones, Community Circles, and Agreements to foster belonging. Teachers are building positive relationships by learning each student's interests and challenges, while creating inclusive environments that reflect their diverse backgrounds. Zen Zones allow students to self-regulate, and community circles provide space for social-emotional check-ins, ensuring students feel valued and connected.

In October, we highlight Collaboration and how it supports our motto, Everyone Leads. By working together—students, parents, and educators—we grow and succeed. Classrooms will emphasize teamwork through new strategies in Math and Literacy.

We hope this newsletter inspires you. Together, let’s make this school year extraordinary for our students, staff, and families.

Together we thrive,

Bruce Bivins, Superintendent

Everyone Belongs

Creating Spaces Where We All Belong

Principal Rebecca Taua'i from Good Hope Elementary and Well-Being TOSA Jennifer Tyrone from Good Hope and Enchanted Hills Elementary School continue to be strong examples of dedication within our school community. Through their daily interactions with students, staff, and families, they are committed to fostering inclusion and belonging. They work to ensure that every child feels valued and that our staff and families feel supported. Their efforts help cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive. We appreciate their leadership and the positive impact they have every day.

Celebrating Our New Wellbeing Staff on Special Assignment (SOSA)

We are excited to announce and congratulate our 10 newly promoted Wellbeing Staff on Special Assignment (SOSA). These individuals will play a key role in creating a supportive environment for all students. By championing positive behavior interventions, student goal setting, and advocating for social-emotional well-being, they will have a lasting impact on our community.

Join us in welcoming Cynthia Palmerin, Robert Alvarez, Andrea Torres, Viviann Ramos, Erica Llamas, Melissa Hartfield, Devin Blankenship, Adriana Fregoso, Juancarlos Ramos, and Mayra Ruiz.

Everyone Leads

Empowering Leadership: PESD Team Champions Equity at RCOE Conference

Perris Elementary School District sent over 50 administrators, teachers, staff members, and board members to the Riverside County Office of Education’s Excellence in Equity conference. The event allowed our team to further develop skills in fostering equity and inclusion. Attendees gained insights into best practices and strategies to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education. Together, we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports every student’s success and well-being.

Good Hope Students Shine as Leaders at September Board Meeting

Students from Good Hope Elementary showcased their leadership and confidence at the September Board meeting. These young leaders not only represented their school with pride but also highlighted the power of student voices in shaping our district’s future. Their presentations and insights underscored the importance of supporting student agency and independence, reminding us of the bright future ahead.

Young Explorers Academy Teachers Lay the Foundation for Lifelong Literacy

Teachers at Young Explorers Academy are laying strong literacy foundations for our youngest learners. As the only program of its kind in all of California, Young Explorers stands out for its dedication to fostering a love of reading that will support future academic success. Daily activities include interactive reading, phonics lessons, and storytelling, making literacy engaging and meaningful. We are grateful for their work in helping each child reach their potential. Young Explorers Academy is currently enrolling new students. To learn more, visit perrisesd.org/youngexplorers.

CA Labor Management Initiative (CALMI) Team Unites to Empower PESD Through Collaboration and Support

Last week, our Executive Cabinet, PETA Board, and CSEA Board joined forces to form the CALMI team. This leadership group is dedicated to setting a clear mission and core values for Perris Elementary School District. Starting in October, smaller CALMI teams will visit schools quarterly to engage with staff, listen to their needs, and offer support. Together, we are building a culture of collaboration and shared leadership across our district.

Everyone Succeeds

Perris Elementary Unveils Campus Enhancements

We recently celebrated the completion of major upgrades at Perris Elementary School. These enhancements include a new administration office, expanded multipurpose room, and modernized classrooms designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Upgrades like new HVAC units, state-of-the-art projectors, and refreshed paint contribute to a vibrant learning environment. The remodeled media center and staff lounge offer inviting spaces that support both student learning and staff well-being.

Fostering a Culture Where Everybody Succeeds

This month highlighted our core value of 'Everybody Succeeds.' At Young Explorers Academy, Transitional Kindergarten students are enthusiastically engaging in reading, laying the foundation for lifelong literacy. At Perris Elementary, students are thriving in math through hands-on activities with vertical whiteboards, fostering collaboration and learning. Our teachers are leading the Building Mathematical Thinking Classrooms initiative, ensuring every student is supported. We also want to thank our local firefighters and sheriff's office for their assistance during recent fires. Our students showed appreciation for their efforts, reinforcing their sense of community responsibility.

On the Horizon

October 2, 2024: International Walk to School Day

October 10, 2024: Board Meeting

October 12, 2024 Saturday Academy

October 14 - 18, 2024: National School Lunch Week

October 26, 2024: Saturday Academy & Afterschool Sports Tournament @ Clearwater & Innovative Horizons

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@PerrisESD