Peñasco Independent School District

Teaching and Learning

The Capstone Project is a hallmark of the MVHS experience. It provides a way for students to learn through a self-determined, focused project bringing together multiple academic disciplines. It is a sustained investigation that happens in phases: Proposal, Work, Presentation, Reflection. Students garner feedback from teachers and personally selected expert mentors throughout each phase of the project.

AP gives students the chance to tackle college level coursework while they’re still in high school-whether they’re learning online or in the classroom. AP exams create opportunities for advanced placement in college and earn college credit. PreAP courses develop foundational skills to prepare students for more advanced coursework.

The National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) recognizes individual school campuses for their commitment to- and growth in- teachers’ implementation of 21st Century and STEM strategies. Evolving from STEM professional development and curriculum created at Rice University, NISE STEM certificates integrate the most recent research in STEM, 21st Century Learning, and educator professional development. MVHS is proud to be the ONLY high school in the state to hold the National Certificate for STEM Excellence!

MVHS Faculty and Staff are committed to lifelong learning. All faculty have earned multiple degrees, with 78% holding advanced degrees. Committed to continuous learning,they dedicate a whopping 96 hours to professional training annually. 89% have distinguished themselves as NCST (National Certification for STEM Teaching) professionals. Collaboration and continuous improvement mark our team. Faculty shortage simply doesn’t exist at MVHS! Our current teacher to student ratio is 1 to 8.

Moreno Valley High School

Once again it is a privilege to welcome you to another school year. I want to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support during the difficulties we faced last year; not only the challenges resulting from COVID but also campus heating issues and disastrous fires that engulfed our region. Thank You, it is a joy and pleasure to be part of such a great community. This school year, we are proud to announce improvements in our district’s services. We listened to your concerns, adjusted, and added services to better provide for the children of PISD. Within our district website (www. penascoisd.com), you will find the school calendar which incorporates an extended school year and a bell schedule reflecting a shorter school day. Bus routes have been adjusted to reduce travel time for most students. This supports access to an improved nutritious homemade breakfast menu served in the cafeteria prior to the morning bell. We are immensely proud to report we have a full prek-12 teaching staff. As a result, we have had the opportunity to revise our course offerings; add a culinary arts program, increase career and technical courses, and add remedial and enrichment programs during and after school. Over the summer, staff attended various trainings enhancing their knowledge and practices to implement our AVID initiative which prepares students to be college and career ready. When you return you will see a more welcoming and appealing campus due to the diligent efforts and arduous work of our facilities team and external contractors. Improvements include campus landscaping, new furniture, and renovation to buildings. This year we will continue to focus on student and staff well-being, communication, and curriculum enhancements. To continue success at PISD, I encourage our community, parents, staff, and students not only to participate in activities/events but to join our collaborative meetings to further improve our district. Thank you all in advance for your support. On behalf of all PISD staff, I wish you success and wellness this school year. Respectfully,

Melissa Sandoval, Superintendent

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members, As the 2022-23 school year quickly approaches, I am honored and privileged to welcome everyone back for another great year at Peñasco Elementary. It is our mission to engage and empower every child, and to have them feel that they are a part of our Panther family. Additionally, we strive to challenge each student to grow academically, behaviorally, and socially. As a new school year approaches, it allows us to work hand in hand with all parents to ensure the very best for all of our children. We encourage each of you to join us for a “Meet and Greet” on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 between 5:00-7:00 in the Commons Area, Peñasco Elementary. This will give you an opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, and receive important first day information. The first day of school for all students is on Wednesday, August 3rd. During the first week of school, we will conduct an orientation with all students to help them adjust to the new school year for those new to our district, a new school. At this time we will also review school-wide expectations and daily procedures. All students are expected to wear appropriate attire. If you are unsure, please refer to our student handbook or visit our website. Please be reminded that our new school hours are 8:00-3:15, please have students at the school at 7:55.

Please check our school website for updates prior to school and throughout the year. We do have a district wide newsletter that goes out monthly. Our school calendar will be uploaded to our district website. We would also like to encourage you to check out our school’s facebook page by liking the Peñasco School page. Here you will find the most up to date information and announcements throughout the year. Once again, I am honored to serve the Peñasco Panther family. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where parents, teachers, and students care for each other, and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social/emotional growth. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 575-587-2502.

Educationally yours,

Michelle Gonzales, Elementary Principal

On behalf of the staff of Peñasco Middle and High School, I want to welcome back students, parents, and community members to an exciting school year. We have many exciting changes coming throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Peñasco Middle and High School are dedicated to individualizing academic plans for each student and to support and prepare students to enter college or the workforce upon graduation. To accomplish our goals of individualizing each students educational plans, we have advanced our programs and instruction to support student success. Some enhancements include a newly developed culinary arts program with a commercial culinary arts classroom and kitchen, new partnerships with universities and colleges, on-site staff to offer dual credit courses during the school day, and much more. Additionally, we will continue our partnerships with True Kids 1 and other entities that support our college and technical education preparation programs. District administrators are collaborating to create a rich academic, social, athletic and inclusive environment that is supported by effective instruction and transparent communication. It is our hope that students and staff can return to school with renewed energy and excitement. Please make sure to register your student online or come to the high school office to complete the registration. We look forward to seeing each of you! Respectfully,

Nicaea Chávez, Middle and High School Principal | Peñasco ISD