CNUSD Connection: Where your future takes flight

Looking Ahead:

Veteran's Day

Nov. 11, 2025-all school sites and District offices will be closed in observance of Veteran's Day

Thanksgiving Break

• T-Track: Nov. 24 - 28
• C-Track: Nov. 24 - 28
• A, B, & D Tracks: Nov. 27 & 28

Board Study Session (6 p.m.)

Oct. 21, 2025: This meeting is preceded by the first Student Recognition of the 2025-26 school year!

Upcoming Board Business Meetings (7 p.m.)

Nov. 18, 2025
December 16, 2025 (Organizational Meeting)

Click here to view meeting agendas and get more information about the Board of Education.

In this issue:

Weapons Detection Pilot at Special Events

Explore Program Opportunities for 2026-27

DLI Parent Meetings for the 26-27 School Year

Mandarin One-Way Immersion Parent Info

Digital Citizenship Week

Centennial IB Program's Day of Service

And more!

School Calendars & Bell Schedules
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Safety & Security Update: Weapons Detection Pilot at Athletic & Special Events

As part of CNUSD’s ongoing commitment to safety and in alignment with our Strategic Plan, we are piloting enhanced security screening measures through the use of the OpenGate weapons detection system beginning this month.

The OpenGate system may be used at athletic events and special ceremonies held at our five comprehensive high schools.

Corona High School
Santiago High School
Norco High School
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Centennial High School

What is OpenGate?

OpenGate is a touchless, portable weapons detection system designed to enhance safety without disrupting the flow of events. Unlike traditional metal detectors, it allows individuals to walk through with bags, triggering alerts only when further screening is needed.

Why Now?

This pilot allows CNUSD to assess OpenGate’s effectiveness in high-traffic public settings, gather feedback, and explore future implementation. These efforts support our continued focus on maintaining safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for our students, staff, families, and guests. This pilot will continue through January 2026.

Who Will Be Screened?

Attendees at athletic events and special ceremonies
Campus visitors during special, piloted events
Attendees arriving during select large-scale campus functions

Security Procedures

All persons and items, including bags and backpacks, are subject to search through the use of metal detectors, detection K9s, or visual/physical inspection
NO reentry
NO weapons of any kind (firearm, BB/pellet guns, knives, razor blades, utility knives, stun guns, tasers, laser pointers, pepper spray, etc.)
NO alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
NO outside food or drinks (water may be permitted in a sealed plastic bottle)
NO drones
NO noise-making devices
NO large items that obstruct the views of others
NO items, including clothing, deemed inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive by security, law enforcement, or school administration

What to Expect:

Walk through the OpenGate entrance with your bag.
Remove your Chromebook/laptop before walking through (if applicable)
If the system alerts, follow staff instructions for a quick and respectful secondary screening.

For any questions, please contact the Safety & Security Department at 951-736-5111 or by email at: safety@cnusd.k12.ca.us.
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Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year? So are we!

If your family is interested in applying for a specialized program for the 2026–2027 school year, now is the time to start exploring what’s available. Some programs include mandatory parent information nights to review the application process and program expectations.

Learn more about these opportunities below and how your family can take the next step.

Are you interested in the Dual Language Immersion Program for your incoming Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten student?

Applications are now open for the Dual Language Immersion Program! If you have a child entering Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year, join us to learn about this exciting opportunity.

The Dual Language Immersion Program offers students the chance to become fluent in two languages, develop stronger cognitive skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for other cultures. These benefits help boost academic success and prepare students for a global future.

Parents of an incoming Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten student for the 2026-27 school year, with or without a sibling already in the program, must attend one mandatory parent information meeting in order for their child to be considered for the program.

Upcoming Meetings:

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at 6 p.m.

- To attend the 11/13/25 meeting you MUST submit your application by 11/7/25.
- Email confirmations for applications submitted 10/17/25 - 11/7/25 will be sent by Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 at 6 p.m.

- To attend the 12/3/25 meeting you MUST submit your application by 11/28/25.
- Email confirmations for applications submitted 11/8/25 - 11/28/25 will be sent by Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Click here to apply!

Explore the Mandarin One-Way Immersion Program!

Do you have an incoming Kindergarten student and want them to learn a second language? The CNUSD Mandarin One-Way Immersion (OWI) program offers a unique opportunity for students to become fluent in both Mandarin and English! To be considered for the program, parents must attend an informational meeting and a classroom visit.

For more details, click the button below, or if you need assistance in Mandarin, please contact the English Learner & Equity Department at ELEQUITY@cnusd.k12.ca.us or (951) 736-5085.

Click here to view Parent Information Night Details

The application window for Corona Fundamental Intermediate School is now OPEN!

Don't miss this opportunity! Submit your application online before Dec. 12, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. The lottery will take place on Jan. 22, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Click here to learn more and apply

El Cerrito Middle School: 6th Grade Accelerated Program

Imagine what’s next for your student at El Cerrito Middle School! The 6th Grade Accelerated Program offers innovative and collaborative lessons with a project- and research-based curriculum that spans all content areas.

Students engage in in-depth units that challenge and maximize their potential while developing global perspectives and critical thinking skills.

Families are invited to attend the Information Session to learn more about program expectations and the application process:

📅 Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

🕕 6 p.m.

📍 El Cerrito Middle School, Multi-Purpose Room

Priority Application Deadline:

🗓️ Jan. 12, 2026

Don’t miss the chance to learn more about this engaging and academically enriching opportunity for future ECMS Hawks. Click the button below to apply.

Apply Here

Lincoln Fundamental Elementary: IB Primary Years Program

Imagine what’s next for your student at Lincoln Fundamental Elementary, an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) school. The IB program is designed to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring young learners who are motivated to succeed. Through hands-on learning and global-minded lessons, students build strong academic foundations while growing as thinkers, communicators, and problem-solvers.

Families interested in learning more are invited to attend an upcoming Parent Information Night to explore how the IB approach prepares students for lifelong learning.

Event Details:

📅 Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

🕔 5 – 6 p.m.

📍 Lincoln Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room

Join us to see how Lincoln’s IB PYP can help your student thrive in a global learning environment. Click the button below to learn more!

Learn more!

Centennial International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Information Night

Do you have a current 8th grade student who is interested in the Centennial International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at Centennial High School for the 2026-27 school year? Attend an upcoming Parent Information Night!

As a part of the only TK-12 IB Pathway in Riverside County, Centennial has a long-standing history of supporting motivated learners seeking to challenge themselves to achieve rigorous academic goals.

Whether your student is new to IB or is a current IB MYP student, we invite all students and their families to join us and find out how Centennial's IB Middle Years Program may align with your high school and post-secondary educational goals!

Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. - Centennial High PAC
Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Register here!

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Celebrating Digital Citizenship Week!

As we gear up to celebrate Digital Citizenship Week (Oct. 20 - 24), our students are doing an incredible job building the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly!

So far, over 66% of CNUSD students have completed all eight of their Digital Citizenship lessons, and 90% have already started. And we expect those numbers to keep climbing!

Developing strong digital literacy and digital citizenship skills helps students not only stay safe online but also flourish as responsible, thoughtful digital citizens.

All grade levels participate in age-appropriate lessons:

TK–K: 3 lessons

Grades 1–12: 8 lessons

The modules cover key topics such as:

Cyberbullying
Digital Footprint & Reputation
Digital World Basics & Social Media
Media Literacy
Privacy & Cyber Awareness
Age Appropriateness & Technology Laws

Families are encouraged to stay involved! CNUSD parents can explore resources by clicking the button below, available in English and Spanish, for an overview of what students are learning, along with grade-specific discussion questions to keep the conversation going at home.

Digital Citizenship Resources for Parents

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Learning Through Service, Leading Through Action

Mark your calendars for the Annual Day of Service on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Centennial High School.

Inspired by the International Baccalaureate (IB) program’s tradition of service learning, this special event connects classroom learning with meaningful community action. Students, families, and community members will work side by side to support nonprofit organizations across the greater Corona-Norco area, building relationships, strengthening community ties, and creating lasting impact.

Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of service projects, including:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Supporting pediatric treatment and research
The Alzheimer’s Association – Raising awareness and supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s
Healing Hounds Rescue – Donating blankets, toys, and supplies for fostered dogs
Settlement House – Providing food assistance to those experiencing food insecurity
Shoe for Soul – Collecting shoes for people in need around the world
Restoring Rainbows – Donating books, art, and school supplies to local children
Foster Love – Building skateboards for foster care youth
Color a Smile – Creating cheerful drawings for seniors, troops overseas, and others
Surfrider Foundation – Promoting ocean and coastal protection and awareness

Join us as we celebrate learning through service and leading through action. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community.

Location: Centennial High School
1820 Rimpau Ave, Corona, CA 92881

Date: Nov. 15, 2025 | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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Interested in volunteering at your child's school?

At CNUSD, we believe schools are stronger when families are involved. That’s why we welcome parents and guardians on campus as essential partners in our students’ education. Your presence isn’t just appreciated, it’s vital.

Whether volunteering in classrooms, assisting with events, or sharing your unique talents, your involvement creates a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Visit our website to explore volunteer opportunities and complete the volunteer form to get started.