Chino Valley students showcase classroom programs as foundation mobilizes holiday meals and gifts

Territorial Elementary students led the board meeting with a short presentation describing their "Paw Patrol" leadership duties — walking peers to class, leading the pledge and modeling the month’s "positive actions," such as cooperation, honesty and responsibility. Teachers described classroom activities tied to early‑learning standards and seasonal events, including a holiday sing‑along scheduled for Dec. 17.

In the superintendent’s report, Miss Daniels highlighted the district’s preschool program as fully inclusive: roughly 105 three‑ to five‑year‑olds attend and about 50% receive special education services on individualized education programs, presenters said. Preschool staff emphasized sensory‑rich, play‑based learning and family engagement through regular communications and family enrichment nights.

Daniels also described partnerships between the district and the Chino Valley Education Foundation to provide holiday support for families. The foundation received a $20,000 grant from a corporate foundation connected to the engineering firm Kimley Horn; engineers from that firm will help pack meal kits for families. The district expects volunteers to collect and redistribute roughly 7,000 pounds of food at an upcoming pantry event, and local businesses — including a local bakery — are donating desserts for meal kits. Staff noted the foundation will also assemble 150 "bags of hope" for homeless high‑school students containing groceries and hygiene items.

Board members and attendees praised teachers and volunteers for engagement with students and families. The superintendent emphasized these community partnerships aim to keep students attending school ready to learn.

The board recessed for a short break after the presentations before continuing to financial and action items.