We have some great news to share! Our district is being featured in today’s edition of CalMatters - a nonprofit and nonpartisan news website with a wide readership across California. I am extremely proud of this article as it highlights the hard work and dedication of our entire district family.  At the center of this achievement are our district schools. Your tireless efforts ensure that our students' love of learning will never fade even during a pandemic. For me, this article represents the heart that each team member has for our precious students.

 

Great news! Our District has been selected as a recipient of a Golden Bell Award presented at the annual CSBA (California School Boards Association) conference. This award is a reflection of every DUSD team member’s efforts to support student attendance through our Promise 180 initiative. I would also like to recognize and thank the site team members who oversee attendance each day—your dedication to monitoring and supporting daily attendance is truly appreciated.

In addition, our district had the opportunity to present at the State Board of Education meeting, highlighting our collaborative efforts to improve services, academic achievement, suspension rates, and our work with the Community Schools Grant. The State Board was genuinely impressed with our presentation. A special thank you to April Gregerson, who presented on behalf of the district with such enthusiasm, clarity, and pride.

We also want to share the video that was featured for the State Department of Education, showcasing our Promise 180 efforts. Please click the following link to view. Promise 180 Video

Congratulations to our entire district team for your commitment to supporting students and believing that every student’s dreams can become a reality through a strong educational foundation and a staff who truly believes that each child matters.

Rosalina Rivera

On November 6, 2025, Delano Union Elementary School District (DUSD) presented to the State Board of Education on how Community School strategies have impacted positive student outcomes aligned with the Community School Pillars.

For parents, the message is equally compelling. At DUSD, it’s clear that every learner is part of a family. "We will never give up on your child. We partner with you to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed," says Rivera. "Our district offers not just academic excellence but a nurturing, loving environment—a rare combination." We’re a progressive and innovative learning community where students recognize and develop their talents and give their personal best each day. Our efforts are collectively centered on one key commitment—"Promise 180: Every School Day Counts.” Excellence is achieved by caring for each student and staff member individually, fostering an enthusiastic and energetic family-focused environment where students can maximize their full potential.

Dear Staff, I am elated to inform you that we have more to celebrate! Today our district was featured in the New York Times. Yes, the New York Times! Our district showed remarkable recovery according to nationwide 3-8 grade testing data from researchers at Stanford and Harvard. The testing data for grades 3-8 showed that DUSD schools have not only caught up in math, but have improved beyond pre-pandemic levels. Take time to enjoy and read the article link above.

Morningside School is one of the most exceptional schools in California according to the California Department of Education. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the honorees for the 2020 California Distinguished School Award, and Morningside was named on this list of outstanding Schools.