Superintendent's Weekly Newsletter

Cucamonga Elementary School

By Principal Dr. Jenna Garretson-Tremayne

At CES, we are committed not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of every child. In efforts to keep bringing our CSD Portrait of a Graduate to life, we have added a variety of supports to enhance empathy, problem solving, and initiative skills. This month, we want to highlight the incredible resources and programs we have in place to support students’ mental health and social-emotional growth.

Mindfulness Through Music We were thrilled to welcome Kaiser Permanente to our school for a unique and enriching experience this month! Their team conducted whole-class drum circles, providing students with an opportunity to connect with their bodies, emotions, and overall health. These sessions taught mindfulness strategies through rhythm and movement, empowering our students to better understand and regulate their feelings. Students learned to give themselves and their peers grace and build empathy towards self and others. The energy and engagement were inspiring to witness!

Meet Our Support Team We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professionals supporting our students every day:

• Dr. Reed, Mrs. Tristian and Ms. Imbach, our experienced school counselors, have been leading classroom lessons focused on vital topics like friendship building and emotional regulation. They also run small group skills sessions weekly, where students can build confidence, build independent skills, develop social and cross-cultural skills, and practice problem-solving in a supportive environment.
• Mrs. Greer, our new school psychologist, has joined us this year and is already making a positive impact. She collaborates with our team to provide additional classroom lessons and individual support as needed, ensuring every child has the tools to navigate challenges and thrive emotionally. 

Lunch Bunch for Upper-Grade Girls Our In-School Solution Aides have initiated a wonderful new program—a Thursday lunch bunch group designed for our upper-grade girls. This group encourages positive socialization and teaches students to lift one another up. It’s been heartwarming to see the camaraderie and collaboration that emerge during these sessions as the girls listen to music, play games, and allow friendships to bloom.

Why Mental Health Matters At our school, we believe that mental health is the foundation for academic success and lifelong well-being. By integrating these services and programs into the school day, we aim to equip students with the resilience and skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

If you have questions or would like additional resources to support your student or family’s mental health or counseling needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.