WVUSD: 2019/2020 Year-End Results
● Radio and TV Show Host Ryan Seacrest will send a personalized video message to
the Walnut High School Class of 2020 during its May 28 virtual recognition ceremony.
The coronavirus pandemic has closed all schools, including activities and graduation
ceremonies. Therefore, to give his students a memorable experience during this crisis,
Principal Ryan Maine called into Seacrest’s morning KIIS FM talk show on Friday, April
17, to ask if he would leave a message for Walnut High’s 588 graduating seniors. The
“American Idol” host agreed and Maine aims to provide “hope and support” to the seniors
who can’t walk up and grab their diplomas this year.
● Chaparral and Suzanne Middle Schools have been rewarded for their focus on whole
child education with re-designation in the 2019/2020 Schools to Watch “Taking Center
Stage” program. The prestigious award recognizes high performing schools and
promotes replicable practices for middle schools across the country. Both schools
previously earned the honor in 2017 and the re-designation can be earned every three
years. Schools were recognized during the California League of Schools State
Conference, on March 6, in Sacramento. A total of 136 middle schools in California and
466 in the nation have earned the Schools to Watch award.
● Collegewood and Maple Hill Elementary Schools have been honored for demonstrating
excellence in education as 2019 California School Boards Association Golden Bell
Award winners. Collegewood’s Landing Spot provides a nurturing place for children if
they are struggling to manage feelings of anxiety, stress, or anger. Maple Hill’s
Clubhouse provides cohesive support for struggling and unduplicated students. School
leaders took center stage to accept awards during the ceremony held, on December 5, in
San Diego.
● Walnut Valley Unified School District has placed in the top two percent, out of 10,782
public school districts in America, in the 2020 Niche.com Report. Scoring an overall A+
grade, Walnut Valley secured an impressive report card in numerous categories at local,
state, and national levels, including ranking in the top four percent of all school districts in
California. The leading research website also placed Diamond Bar and Walnut High
Schools in the top one percent of over 19,000 public high schools in the nation.
Additionally, our premier high schools scored in the top three percent of best high schools
in Los Angeles County and California. Niche’s annual listing is based on an analysis of
academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test
scores, college data, and ratings.
● Suzanne Middle School has been rewarded for engaging students in civic-minded
activities as the recipient of a 2020 Civic Learning Award of Merit. California Chief
Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony
Thurmond co-sponsor the program for K-12 public schools. Suzanne MS is among 75
honorees celebrated for strong civics curriculum in schools and service-learning projects
in their communities.
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