Visual and Performing Arts

Contact
Maria Roque
Secretary II
mroque@mvusd.net
951-571-7500
Ext. 17718
Department Overview
At our Visual and Performing Arts Department, we believe that arts education is a fundamental right for every student. Our mission is to ensure all students have access to high-quality opportunities in the visual and performing arts, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation. Through comprehensive programs in music, dance, theater, and visual arts, we empower students to explore their talents, express themselves, and develop the skills necessary for personal and academic growth. We are committed to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive arts community where every student can thrive.
Programs
Our Visual and Performing Arts Department offers a diverse range of programs to nurture students' creativity and artistic expression. Core programs include band, choir, visual arts, media arts, theatre, and dance, each designed to engage students in various forms of artistic exploration. In addition to these foundational programs, we provide expanded learning opportunities to enhance arts education. These include guitar, ballet folklorico, art club, hip hop dance, and theatre workshops, giving students additional avenues to explore their passions. Through these offerings, we strive to provide every student with access to enriching, high-quality arts experiences.
Achievements
Our Visual and Performing Arts programs have achieved remarkable success, with student ensembles consistently receiving Excellent and Superior ratings at regional festivals, including SCSBOA and CMEA. Media arts students have earned awards in local film and photography competitions, while theatre students have showcased their talents in district-wide productions, receiving recognition for both individual and ensemble performances. Our visual arts program has seen student artwork featured in community exhibitions and selected for city and state showcases.
Additionally, the Moreno Valley Unified School District has been designated a "Best Community for Music Education 2025" by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, one of only 830 school districts nationwide to receive this honor. The district is also the proud recipient of the 2022 Magna Award for Equity in Arts Education, further reflecting our commitment to excellence and equity in arts education.

Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Reports
Explore the impact of Prop 28 funding on arts education in our schools. View our Annual Reports to see how the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs have expanded, providing more opportunities for students to engage in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023-24
Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report Fiscal Year 2024-25
Programs
Student Spotlight

Canyon Springs Theatre Shines at CETA Festival!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of CLUE at Canyon Springs High School for earning a prestigious SUPERIOR rating at the California Educational Theatre Association's High School Theatre Festival! Out of 64 Southern California high schools, only 18 productions achieved this honor—placing Canyon Springs among the region’s most outstanding programs.
In addition to this top-tier recognition, individual awards highlighted the remarkable talent and dedication of our students. Jackson Rickard earned an Adjudicator’s Award for Acting, while Maria Gonzales received an Adjudicator’s Award for Technical Theatre. Multiple students were honored with Certificates of Merit for both acting and technical excellence, showcasing the collaborative and creative strengths of our theatre program.
These achievements reflect the core values of MVUSD’s Portrait of a Graduate—Creativity, Perseverance, Collaboration, and Communication—and demonstrate the power of arts education to prepare students for success in college, career, and life. Bravo to Mrs. Rodriguez and the entire team for their exceptional work!

Celebrating Excellence in Student Art - 2025 District Art Show Winners!
The Moreno Valley Unified School District proudly recognizes the outstanding 4th–12th grade student artists who received top honors at the 2025 District Art Show. This annual event showcases the creativity, skill, and vision of our students, reflecting the district’s commitment to arts education and the values of our Portrait of a Graduate.
🌟 BEST IN SHOW
Awarded to one student in each grade band whose artwork demonstrates exceptional technique, originality, and artistic expression:
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Elementary (4th–5th Grade) – Sophia Martin, Cloverdale Elementary – Sea Otters Chillin
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Middle School – Aileene Salgado, Vista Heights Middle School – Moon Over the Gate
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High School – Angela Ortega, Vista del Lago High School – Moonlite
🎖️ SUPERINTENDENT’S AWARD
Chosen personally by the Superintendent for artistic impact and student voice:
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Elementary (4th–5th Grade) – Saphira Scofield, Creekside Elementary – Beautiful Inside and Out
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Middle School – Lizabeth Segura, Sunnymead Middle School – Juice Wrld
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High School – Diana Perez, Valley View High School – Feminine
These talented students were honored with special prizes including certificates, gift cards, gift baskets, and districtwide recognition. Congratulations to all participants and their dedicated teachers for making this celebration of student artistry truly memorable!
Honoring a Champion of the Arts

Art Educator of the Year - 2025




