Palm Middle School earns California Exemplary Arts Education Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Moreno Valley Unified School District
Anahi Velasco, Director of Communications and Community Engagement
avelasco@mvusd.net | 951-571-7625
 

Palm Middle School earns California Exemplary Arts Education Award

Moreno Valley, Calif. - The California Department of Education has announced Palm Middle School  California as one of 19 schools to be recognized with an Exemplary Arts Education (EAE) Award. 

A component of the California School Recognition Program (CSRP), the California Exemplary Arts Education (EAE) Award honors California public schools that offer high-quality, sequential course offerings in arts and arts, media and entertainment (AME) career technical education (CTE) to all students. 

“This prestigious statewide recognition honors schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to providing high-quality arts education for students through strong programs, equitable access, and meaningful integration of the arts into the school community,” said Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Renee Rojanaroj. “This honor reflects the incredible work happening at Palm Middle and across MVUSD to expand and strengthen arts opportunities for our students.”

Schools earning this recognition must complete a comprehensive application process that documents the depth of their arts programs, student participation, curriculum, partnerships, and the overall impact of arts learning on the school community.
 

“Palm Middle School is the second school in our district to be awarded with this prestigious award,” said Superintendent Alejandro Ruvalcaba. “This award highlights that excellence in the arts doesn't just happen at one level—it is a continuous journey from elementary school through high school. As we continue to expand our arts programs under the Enrichment and Expanded Learning Program department, we are thrilled that our commitment to a well-rounded, arts-integrated education is being recognized at the highest levels in California.” 

Schools recognized as a California EAE School Awardee hold the title for two years. In order to apply for the CDE’s EAE Program Award, schools must demonstrate a commitment to sustained access and equity to standards-aligned arts education programs to all students they serve. The EAEA showcases recipients schools’ exemplary arts education programs and practices which have contributed to their success based on program administration and accountability; program development and growth; and program curriculum, instruction and assessment. 

Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Renee Rojanaroj thanked the assistant principal for her tireless work to gather evidence, coordinate materials, and collaborate with the VAPA team to share Palm’s thriving arts programs. Her dedication and persistence were instrumental in helping the school earn this recognition. 

“Following in the footsteps of Valley View High School, which earned this designation a few years ago, this shows we are building a legacy. We are ecstatic for Palm Middle School to be the one receiving this honor,” said School Board President Brandy Clark. “Earlier this year, we saw Palm Middle School students perform at our State of the District showcase. Seeing that the performance was followed up by this award, makes the achievement even more impactful.” 

Palm Middle School provides a comprehensive, sequential arts curriculum designed to engage students at every skill level. Its diverse offerings include:

• Robust music department featuring Beginning and Advanced Band, Beginning and Advanced Guitar, General Music, and a vocal program including Beginning, Advanced, and Show Choir through our performing arts programs; 
• Progressive instruction through Art and Advanced Art courses that focus on technique, history, and creative expression through our visual arts programs; 
• Future-forward Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways including Computer Science, Web Development, and Game Development, integrating modern technology with artistic design through the digital and media arts program. 

By offering these pathways, Palm Middle School ensures that all students have equitable access to a well-rounded education that prepares them for both creative and technical success in high school and beyond.

“This award is a celebration of the vibrant energy our students bring to our campus every single day,” said School Principal Hilary Reynolds. “Receiving the California Exemplary Arts Education Award recognizes that at Palm, the arts are the heartbeat of our school. I am incredibly proud of all of our educators who go above and beyond to ensure every student, whether they are picking up a guitar for the first time or coding a complex game, feels empowered to create and innovate.”

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