Lynwood – Around 14,500 students flocked to Lynwood Unified School District campuses to begin their 2017-18 year on Aug. 23, when the District greeted its students with new programs and initiatives aimed at boosting scholastic success and college readiness.

Lynwood Unified in 2016-17 was one of three districts in the nation to be named a College Board Advanced Placement District of the Year for expanding access to AP courses while simultaneously improving AP exam performance. The District built on that this year by streamlining career technical education (CTE) classes at Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools and offering increased student intervention.

“It’s important for our schools to continually strive for improvement, and we feel we’ve advanced our curriculum and provided fresh opportunities for our young learners this year,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “From new assessment software to anti-bullying initiatives, we’re excited about the what 2017-18 will offer.”

Wilson Elementary launched its after-school computer coding club to encourage student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field careers. Two classes comprising of students in grades fourth through six will learn about coding using a variety of programs – one of which is similar to the popular video game, Minecraft. The club will meet once a week and include entry level and advanced classes.

Hosler Middle School opened with two new classes this year – modern band and a college preparation class.

Modern band teaches seventh-graders to sing as well as play the electric guitar, drums and keyboards. The college preparation class will provide seventh- and eighth-grade students with the chance to explore higher education options, including information about enrolling in a university, community college, technical college or culinary arts school.

Firebaugh High is rolling out a Hero Program, which tracks and rewards students who display positive behavior and show excellent attendance. Teachers and staff award points to students who follow rules, demonstrate positive conflict resolution and showcase positive attitudes to gain prizes such as lunch line fast passes and VIP seating for their parents during graduation.

“We are so pleased to start the year with such a high level of enthusiasm from our parents, students and staff,” Lynwood Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “We look forward to watching our students flourish in our programs and achieve new heights.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

082517_LUSD_FIRSTDAY1: Lynwood High School students checked blood pressure levels during a Biomedical Science class on Aug. 23. The course is a part of the District’s career technical education (CTE) curriculum which has been updated for the new school year.

082517_LUSD_FIRSTDAY2: Wilson Elementary School launched an after-school computer coding club to encourage student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field careers.