by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

Students returned to Claremont Unified School District campuses Wednesday, and CUSD Superintendent Jim Elsasser gave the Courier a rundown of what’s new this year.

As far as new programs entering campuses this year, Elsasser highlighted three: beginning and advanced dance at both El Roble Intermediate and Claremont High; San Antonio High School students getting the opportunity to earn college credit toward a Citrus College degree via dual enrollment classes; and a merger between the CUSD Child Development Department and its Best Learning After School Time program with the Los Angeles-based youth after school program Woodcraft Rangers into a “unified, enriched after-school experience” which “promises to offer our students well-rounded activities supporting academic growth and personal development,” Elsasser wrote in an email.

The dual immersion program at Mountain View Elementary School “continues flourishing, with the inaugural class advancing to fourth grade,” Elsasser wrote. “We are so proud of the growth and success of this program, which empowers our students to become bilingual and biliterate—skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”

Claremont High will introduce girls’ varsity flag football to its sports programs this year. The team will be coached by Gentry Robertson.

“We’ve also elevated our e-sports team from a club to a CIF-sanctioned sport, giving our students another fantastic avenue to compete and excel,” Elsasser wrote.

New head varsity coaches joining the CHS lineup this year include Jacob Caron for football and Sen Ho Meng for girls volleyball. Girls and boys tennis, girls basketball, girls water polo, girls wrestling, and baseball head coaching positions remain “TBA,” according to online coaches contact info.

On the topic of bullying, Elsasser wrote that CUSD takes bullying “very seriously across all of our school campuses” and that school sites have bullying policies and “an easy way for students and parents to report incidents at each school site.”

“Additionally, our School Resource Officer and staff actively ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students,” he added. During the August 15 CUSD board of education meeting, a memorandum of understanding was ratified between CUSD and the City of Claremont that confirmed a school resource officer would be present on CUSD campuses throughout the 180-day calendar.

Also during the August 15 board of education meeting, a homework and late work policy was sent back for a redo with CUSD and Claremont Faculty Association official input. Elsasser confirmed the item would be brought back for board consideration at its September 5 meeting.

This year’s student-teacher ratio remains consistent with last school year, Elsasser noted.

“This year, we have 344 dedicated teachers and 734 committed staff members working together to provide our students with the highest quality education and support,” Elsasser wrote. “In elementary schools, the ratio is 24:1 for grades K-3 and 34:1 for grades 4-6. For grades 7-8 and most high school classes, the ratio is 37:1, with science classes having slightly smaller sizes at 34:1. We’re also pleased to share that our staff count has remained fairly steady reflecting our continued efforts to provide ample resources and support for every student.”

This is the third year of in-person instruction following two years of COVID-19-related remote and hybrid instruction. The district’s current COVID-19 protocols “emphasize personal responsibility,” Elsasser wrote, and remain consistent with California Department of Public Health guidelines. Visit cusd.claremont.edu/o/cusd/page/showing-up-together to learn more.

Elsasser expressed optimism about the upcoming year.

“As we enter the 2024-2025 school year, we’re also making tremendous strides in our strategic plan, “The CUSD Commitment,” which was adopted in 2022 and runs through 2027. This is our third school year under this plan, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to our core values: Excellence, Equity, Innovation, and Integrity,” he wrote. “Our progress is a testament to our collective dedication, and we are excited about the future we’re building for our students.”