Media
Media
Clovis Unified School District belongs to and is operated for the benefit of the people who live within the District boundaries. It is the goal of the District’s Communications Office to provide timely, accurate and relevant information to the public regarding the affairs of Clovis Unified, and we recognize the important role the news media plays in accomplishing this goal.
Questions from members of the media should be directed to the Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants at 559-327-9092 or by e-mail at kellyavants@cusd.com
In addition, all media visits to school sites must be arranged through the Communications Office/Chief Communications Officer. To ensure the safety of students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, any reporter or photographer from the print or electronic media, like all other visitors, must register immediately in the main office upon entering any school building or grounds in accordance with Board Policy No. 1112 to announce their presence and purpose.
2026-27 News Releases
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MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092 | kellyavants@cusd.comAug. 8, 2025
For Immediate Release
First CUSD Jazz Night to be Sept. 19
More than 100 student musicians from Clovis Unified high schools will perform in the district’s first-ever CUSD Jazz Night on Sept. 19, which will also feature special guest artist LA-based singer and trumpeter Willie Murillo.
Each high school group will take turns performing selections for one another before five members from each group will join together in the CUSD All-Star Band and play a finale piece with Murillo.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall where the sounds of the saxophone, trumpet, trombone and more will fill the theater.
“The 10 pieces played at the concert will represent a wide variety of jazz styles,” said organizer and Buchanan High Jazz Director Tommy Fredrickson. “The level of musicianship from these young students is truly amazing. I think those who attend the concert will leave with a deepened sense of pride in our community.”
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MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092 | kellyavants@cusd.comAug. 8, 2025
For Immediate Release
We will never forget: 9/11 activities planned
Across Clovis Unified, students and staff will be commemorating Patriot Day on Sept. 11 in a variety of ways.
On some campuses like Clovis West and Clovis East high schools, students are arriving early to place 2,977 American flags around their school in commemoration of the lives lost the morning of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
At other sites like Clovis and Young elementary schools, the student body will gather to honor the fallen and also recognize the first responders and members of the military today.
The National Anthem will be sung, a moment of silence held,and 250 flags will be placed outside of CUSD’s district office, as a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary this year and the resilient spirit of its citizens.
Media interested in covering one of the school activities may contact Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants at (559) 327-9092 or kellyavants@cusd.com.
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MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092 | kellyavants@cusd.comSept. 9, 2026
For Immediate Release
Clovis West High celebrates 50 years!
Clovis West High is celebrating its 50th Year Anniversary at its upcoming Homecoming football game Sept. 18. We would love for you to consider covering this special event, and we also want to ask if you might help us spread the word in advance. All former Golden Eagles — from students and teachers to administrators and support staff — are encouraged to attend and join in the festivities. Alumni attending in the official 50th Anniversary shirt can join on the field at halftime and be part of the show!
7 p.m. Kickoff - Clovis West Homecoming Celebration: 50 Years of Golden Eagles!
Friday, September 18, 2026
Veteran’s Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High School
Get Your 50th Anniversary Shirt
Join Us on the Field- Former Students and Former Staff Members
We want our alumni to be a part of the celebration — not just watch it from the stands!
Important: If you would like to participate in the 50th Anniversary halftime celebration on the field, you must be wearing the official 50th Anniversary shirt. When you pick up your shirt, you will also receive a wristband that will allow you access to the field for the celebration.
During the 2nd quarter, alumni participating in the celebration should make their way down the ramp to the track near the CUSD letters, where a staff member will meet you and give you instructions.
At the conclusion of the Homecoming skits, we have a very special moment planned for our alumni staff and students. We will invite alumni wearing their 50th Anniversary shirts and wristbands to join our current students on the field for a huge celebration of 50 years of Clovis West! And don't worry, we promise we won't make you dance!
Former Homecoming Kings & Queens
If you were a former Clovis West Homecoming King or Queen, we would love to recognize you during our Homecoming Court presentation at halftime!
If you have a photo from your Homecoming night, we would love to have it! Please send it to us so we can enlarge it for you to hold during the recognition.
This is more than just a football game. It's a celebration of 50 years of Golden Eagles.
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MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092 | kellyavants@cusd.comAug. 11, 2026
For Immediate Release
Clovis Unified ready for 2026-27 school year!
Aug. 11 event sees almost 7,000 employees celebrate coming school year
Clovis Unified will begin the 2026-27 school year on Monday, Aug. 17, as approximately 44,000 students return to 65 campuses across the district.
Earlier today, the district's nearly 7,000 employees gathered at the Save Mart Center for its annual General Session before heading to their schools and departments to prepare for the first day. During the event, employees learned of and celebrated accomplishments from the previous school year, and they heard from Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D., who highlighted the opportunities ahead.
"Our students don't experience Clovis Unified through just one person. They experience all of us. Every one of us becomes a part of a student's story. What an incredible privilege and what an incredible responsibility," Folmer said.
Employees also enjoyed rousing performances by Clovis Unified student dance groups representing Hmong, Punjabi and Folklórico traditions, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
This week, campuses will be buzzing with activity as teachers and staff finalize preparations for the new school year. Several schools are holding Back-to-School Nights for returning students; transitional kindergarten and kindergarten Meet and Greets for our youngest students to get a sneak peek of their classroom and meet the teacher before the first day; and Student Orientation for our intermediate and high school students, where they are offered tours and can learn more about the clubs and programs of their new school.
The new school year also brings new leadership to several campuses. Baljit Gill will serve as principal of Clark Intermediate School; Alicynne Chaney will lead both Clovis North High School and Granite Ridge Intermediate School within the Clovis North Educational Center; and Aaron Morgan has been named chief executive officer of the Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART).
Families and motorists near 19 Clovis Unified schools located within the City of Fresno will notice a reduced school zone speed limit of 20 mph. The City of Fresno lowered the speed limit earlier this year in advance of a California law that takes effect for all jurisdictions January 1, 2031. New signage was installed during the summer in Fresno. Drivers around the District are encouraged to use extra caution near all school campuses, remain alert for students walking or biking to school, and allow additional travel time during peak drop-off and pick-up periods.
The first day of school for Clovis Unified students is Monday, Aug. 17.
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MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092 | kellyavants@cusd.comAug. 5, 2026
For Immediate Release
Two pools, one big splash!
Sanchez, Clovis South staff take inaugural plunge Aug. 10
The school year will start with a big splash at Clovis Unified’s Terry P. Bradley Educational Center! And by splash, we mean that literally.
The center’s newly completed two 50-meter competition pools will be christened with an all-staff jump into the 1.2 million gallons of crystal clear blue waters at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10.
The pool plunge concludes the first day of Institute Week, when teachers and administrators return to campus to prepare for the coming year and take part in team-building activities.
The Bradley Center is home to Sanchez Intermediate School and the still-under construction Clovis South High School. It opened for students last fall for grades 7-9, and this year will add a grade level, making the student body include 7th graders through sophomore high school students.
The aquatics complex was completed this summer, and it offers a unique design for Clovis Unified with the two full competition pools. They will allow for water polo and swim meets to occur at the same time or for venue to be a host-site for large regional competitions with multiple teams.
Construction of the new educational center, located at Highland and Clinton avenues alignment, is supported by community-approved bond dollars to ease overcrowding in Clovis Unified. The district remains one of California’s growing district, and this last year it became the 11th largest public school district in the state.
An opening celebration of the swim complex to include students will be planned early this fall. Clovis Unified schools welcome students back to campus on Aug. 17.