October 11, 2024
Dear Students, Staff, Parents, and Friends of TJUSD,

We are already almost to the end of the first quarter of school for 2024-2025. Time is always a
rapidly escaping commodity. The start to this school year is no exception to that concept. I
wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some of the happenings here in the school
district. I will just list a few with bullet points for your information.

• Trona Elementary School has begun the new year with a renewed focus on literacy. Under the leadership of our TES Principal Nicole Yeager-Johnson, a large percentage of teachers and para-educators were trained in Orton-Gillingham procedures for increasing literacy for all readers and intervening on behalf of struggling readers. TES has seen very positive early results from this renewed effort. I look forward to seeing long-term improvement in reading skills for all of our students. Improved reading skill can provide positive help for our students’ academic achievement levels.

• Trona High School is emphasizing college and career readiness in its programs and activities. THS Principal Lauretta Eldridge has encouraged student participation in increased Career and Technical Education classes and activities. Additionally, she has promoted college exploration trips and exploration for our students. Dual enrollment has also been a point of emphasis at THS. All of these activities can help our students prepare for life after high school.

• On a district-wide basis TJUSD has been able to add a second counselor this year through a Community Schools Grant that will bring in $1.475 million over the next five years. This grant will also fund a part-time school nurse for TJUSD. Other programs such as Sown to Grow are also possible because of this grant.

• The Arts and Music in School grant known as Proposition 28 has made it possible to offer a beginning band program to our 5 th through 8 th grades. We also are able to provide music instruction with song flutes for 3 rd and 4 th grades. TJUSD is exploring howto provide music classes to TK, K, 1 st , and 2 nd grades as well. As we gather momentum and continue to work on improvements in our overall education program, we are committed to the district vision statement. Our goal is to “Educate and Empower ALL” of our TJUSD students. Thank you all for your support as we seek to live up to this high standard.

Jerry Jennex, Superintendent