CHS Learning Specialist Takes On New Position for CJUSD

Danielle Fernandez, Colton High’s Learning Specialist, says goodbye to CHS, but hello to CJUSD’s Community Schools program, which has the potential to radically improve student achievement.

Bianca Martinez, Pepper Bough Staff Writer • June 2, 2026

Katie Orloff

Danielle Fernandez celebrates her new position as Community Schools District Coordinator at the CJUSD School Board meeting on May 7, 2026.

Colton, CA—After eight years at Colton High, Danielle Fernandez, or as the students know her, Mrs. Fernandez, was recently approved to become CJUSD’s first Community Schools District Coordinator.

During her time at CHS, Fernandez has served as Assistant Principal, Biology and AVID teacher, and currently as a Learning Specialist.

Fernandez sees her new position as an extension of the work she is doing at CHS. “I love Colton High School. Mostly, I’m really excited to get the opportunity to work with the Colton community in a different capacity with Community Schools programs.”

Community Schools are public schools that partner up with local organizations to support student (K-12) success by removing non-academic barriers to learning. Fernandez shared, “The most important goal of Community Schools is ensuring students get supported at the time of need.”

Behind it all, Community Schools have four pillars that build its foundation: integrated support services, family and community engagement, collaborative leadership, and extended learning opportunities.

The initiative, formally called the California Community School Partnership Act, was passed by the state legislature in 2021. Over $3 billion in funding was approved by the state, with school districts accessing the funding via state grants. According to the California Budget and Policy Center, the grants will support district partnerships with local organizations helping with trauma-informed health care, mental health, and social support.

Community Schools are a way of trying to get kids to enjoy going to school without having any issues stopping them. “Basically, we want to make sure students want to come to school and feel connected when they’re here,” said Fernandez.

As a learning specialist, Fernandez only helps students from grades 9-12, but now she will be helping all grades levels see a difference in their feelings towards school. “I’m looking forward to watching school sites grow into a community school, like watching people who are already there see a difference and see changes, make changes happen with the people who work there, and it’s not me.”

Of course Fernandez is excited to begin helping strengthen the youth of this community, but she will miss the students of Colton High the most. From seeing the students everyday to the Hip Hop Dance Club.

Fernandez says, “I love working with our students and empowering them through support and education. I know moving to this new position will give me the opportunity to work for students in a new capacity.”

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About the Contributor

Bianca Martinez, Staff Writer

Bianca Martinez is a sophomore at Colton High School and this is her first year writing for the Pepper Bough. She has lived in Colton her whole life except for when she was a baby she lived in Loma Linda. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her friends, reading, and visiting places with her family. She likes writing about sports and the changes that are happening in the world. She’s also a part of the HEAL program and writing for the Pepper Bough will be a new experience for her.