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Bonita Unified Celebrates Two Years of Milestones During 2026 State of the District

Bonita Unified School District Superintendent Matt Wien addressed a crowd of community members, local and state elected officials, students, and staff during the 2026 State of the District on March 2 at the Bonita Center for the Arts, celebrating remarkable achievements across academics, athletics, arts, and career technical education that exemplify “The Bonita Way.” During the biannual address, Wien highlighted Bonita Unified’s continued academic success through California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) metrics, noting that 74% of students met or exceeded standards in English language arts and 63% in mathematics on the 2024-25 statewide assessments, both all-time highs for the District. The results place Bonita Unified among the top-performing unified school districts in California, ranking in the top 6% statewide in English language arts and the top 8% in mathematics, while the District continues to reclassify more than 20% of its English learner students as proficient in English each year.

Upland Unified Opens Enrollment for Robust 2026 Summer Programs

Upland Unified School District opened enrollment for its 2026 summer programs on March 2, offering academic support, enrichment activities, and arts instruction opportunities for students from transitional kindergarten through high school. Programs begin in June and families are encouraged to review deadlines carefully, as some programs have limited capacity. Summer Bridge, part of the District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, serves current TK through fifth grade students. The program will run from June 15 through July 23, Monday through Thursday, with Juneteenth observed as a holiday. The morning session includes instruction focused on reading, math, and social skills. Afternoon programming emphasizes enrichment activities, sports, and hands-on experiences. Enrollment closes April 17. All current TK–5 students who apply before the deadline are guaranteed placement.

Upland Unified Celebrates Culture, Community at Fifth Annual Black History Night

Nearly 300 students, families, staff members, and community partners gathered at Upland High School (UHS) on Feb. 12 for Upland Unified School District’s Fifth Annual Black History Night, an evening dedicated to honoring Black culture, uplifting student achievement, and strengthening community connections. The celebration showcased the extraordinary talents of Upland Unified students through poetry, spoken word, vocal performances, and dynamic dance presentations. A live DJ energized the crowd and led an interactive dance tutorial that invited audience members of all ages to take part, creating an atmosphere of unity, joy, and shared pride.

Lynwood Unified Sixth-Graders Explore Career Pathways at Middle School Elective Showcase

Hundreds of Lynwood Unified sixth-graders across 12 District elementary schools gained a firsthand look at future career opportunities during the annual Middle School Elective Showcase on March 3. The event introduced students to hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs offered at Hosler and Cesar Chavez middle schools. Middle school students led interactive demonstrations that brought electives to life. At a forensics station, Cesar Chavez seventh-grader Kaleh Barron guided students through fingerprinting techniques, brushing black powder to reveal prints and using tape to lift them. She also highlighted a profession featured in the school’s Career Explorer elective, which introduces students to a variety of professional pathways.

Fontana Unified Students Serve Up Talent and Creativity at Taste of Fontana

Fontana Unified students from Henry J. Kaiser and Summit high schools showcased their culinary expertise and musical talents during the City of Fontana’s State of the City: Taste of Fontana event on Feb. 19, demonstrating the strength of the District’s Career Technical Education (CTE) and performing arts programs. CTE culinary students from both high schools prepared dishes from scratch, serving a variety of savory and sweet selections for city officials and community members to enjoy throughout the evening. Guests sampled jalapeño poppers, and caramelized onion and apple tarts, along with desserts such as churro cheesecake and chocolate mousse, all crafted and presented by students.

Fontana Unified Honors Teacher, Classified Employees of the Year for Outstanding Impact on Students

Tracy Hofmann, a third-grade teacher at Virginia Primrose Elementary School, has been named Fontana Unified School District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, marking the second time in her career she has earned this distinction. The recognition highlights her nearly three decades of commitment to helping students grow in confidence, character, and academic skills. Hofmann has taught at Virginia Primrose for 29 years, creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and intellectually curious. By establishing positive connections, Hofmann ensures each student is comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas, learning from mistakes, and supporting one another.

Lynwood Unified Middle School Students Receive Free Laptops Through AT&T, Think Together Partnership

Cesar Chavez Middle School students celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call by receiving 150 free refurbished laptops through a partnership between Lynwood Unified, LevelUp, Think Together and AT&T on March 3. The laptops were provided to students participating in the LevelUp expanded learning program in partnership with Think Together, helping ensure they have the technology needed to continue learning at home. Cesar Chavez eighth-grader Joseph Rodriguez said participating in Think Together has helped him improve academically while building important social and communication skills.

Covina-Valley Unified Wrestling Programs Continue Legacy of Excellence

Covina-Valley Unified is helping transform wrestling into a more mainstream sport, with strong programs at every middle and high school. This commitment is exemplified by longtime powerhouse Northview High School, an up-and-coming program at Covina High School, and South Hills High School, where the wrestling program has undergone significant growth in recent years. Starting with just one female wrestler during the 2024-25 season, the South Hills program has grown to include 35 girls on the roster. This year, the South Hills boys wrestling team placed second in the CIF Southern Section Coastal Division, and the girls team placed third, both achieving the teams’ goals of finishing in the top five.