Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Vol 40 No 8

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

SBCUSD Announces School Adoption Partnership Between Sheriff's Athletic Federation and North Park Elementary School

SAB

NORTH PARK

E (r-l) SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano, Sheriff's Athletic Federation Vice President Lt. Jerred Besheer, North Park Principal Col- leen Maroney and North Park student Camila Abigail Velazquez-Bautista sign the official adoption certificates. (Photo by Steven Moore and provided courtesy of SBCUSD).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - The San Ber- nardino City Unified School District (SB- CUSD) is proud to announce a new school adoption partnership between San Bernardino Sheriff's Athletic Federation (SAF) and North Park Elementary School, a year-long collab- oration designed to provide meaningful sup- port, enrichment and resources for students, staff and families.

munity working together in support of student success," said Superintendent Mauricio Arel- lano. "When our local businesses and ser- vice organizations invest in our schools, they help create opportunities, inspire students and strengthen the foundation for lifelong achieve- ment."

According to North Park Principal Colleen Maroney, the adoption is the culmination of a longstanding partnership between North Park and SAF. In addition to the Turkey Trot and Color Run, SAF will be supporting the school's Run Club by sponsoring North Park students to participate in local community run/ walk events.

wellness, mentorship and positive youth en- gagement," said Lieutenant Jerred Besheer, Vice President of SAF. "By partnering with North Park Elementary, SAF aims to support students not only through fitness-based ac- tivities, but also by helping foster confidence, connection and encouragement throughout the school year. SAF is honored to be part of a partnership that invests in the well-being and success of local students and families."

School adoptions support the "Involvement of students, family, community and staff" com- ponent of Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES, which includes maintaining open communica- tion and dialogue with students, families and the community and bolstering student success through collaborations with local education, faith-based, business and non-profit groups.

For more information about SBCUSD's school adoption program or to become a com- munity partner, contact the District's Commu- nications/Community Relations Department at [email protected] or (909)

Through this partnership, SAF will support North Park Elementary in a variety of ways, including continuing to support the school's Turkey Trot and Color Run and other fitness activities that help students stay active. SBCUSD's Adopt-a-School program matches schools with community partners who commit to supporting the school for one academic year. The goal is to strengthen connections between schools and the community while helping cre- ate positive learning environments where stu- dents can thrive. Each partnership is tailored to meet the unique needs of the school, ensur- ing meaningful and lasting impact for students "SAF is committed to strengthening con- and staff. nections between law enforcement and the "This partnership reflects the power of com- community through programs that promote

"At North Park, we want every student to feel safe, supported, healthy and connected," Maroney said during the adoption ceremony. "This partnership will help us continue build- ing those things through school activities, wellness events and positive opportunities for students."