MONTEBELLO – After spending the last two weeks learning about how members of the police department serve and protect the community, students at Montebello Gardens Elementary School participated in a community celebration concluding the “Together We Can, United We Stand” lesson on Jan. 29. Montebello Unified, together with the MUSD Police Department and its nonprofit partner Friends of Safe Schools USA (FOSSUSA), sponsored the event, which included the donation of 26 backpacks to students selected for their thematic artwork or composition.

“It’s important that our students understand all aspects of our community, including the role public safety plays in keeping them safe,” MUSD Board of Education President Edgar Cisneros said. “We are so grateful for our police department who function as true partners in keeping our students safe and providing support within the classroom and in our community.”

Students at Montebello Gardens learned about the contributions of law enforcement to their community and were asked to depict what the theme meant to them. Kindergarteners and first-graders were asked to complete a drawing, while second- through fifth-graders were tasked with writing a composition.

Four children were selected to read their compositions at the celebration attended by students, teachers, staff and such distinguished guests as MUSD Board President Edgar Cisneros, MUSD Board Vice President Benjamin Cárdenas, Pico Rivera Councilmembers Bob Archuleta and Gustavo Camacho, MUSD Police Chief Linh Dinh, Superintendent of Schools Cleve Pell and Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Anthony Martinez.

“We are grateful to all teachers and staff who came together to unite our students and community,” said Norma Perez, Principal of Montebello Gardens. “We are also very proud of our students who presented their art and their words in the name of unity and collaboration.”

Twenty-six students, chosen by teachers for their exemplary drawing or composition, were selected to receive backpacks at the celebration, where the students’ artwork and compositions were showcased.

“Having FOSSUSA return to Montebello Unified for the second time this school year in its effort to provide such generous donations to our schools is an honor,” Superintendent of Schools Cleve Pell said. “We are looking forward to our continued partnership with the District and our District police department.”

FOSSUSA is a nonprofit organization that supports the efforts of safety and education in helping to raise healthy and happy children across the United States. Providing school supplies to local school districts is one of the projects undertaken by FOSSUSA.

Photo Captions:

MGE Backpack Giveaway1: Students at Montebello Gardens Elementary School participated in a community celebration concluding their “Together We Can, United We Stand” lesson on Jan. 29, where 26 students received free backpacks from the District and its partners.

MGE Backpack Giveaway2: Students of Montebello Gardens Elementary School participated in a community, where MUSD Board Members Edgar Cisneros and Benjamin Cardenas, City of Pico Rivera Council Members and other distinguished guests celebrated the conclusion of the “Together We Can, United We Stand” lesson on Jan. 29, where 26 students received free backpacks from the District, Montebello Unified Police Department and its partner Friends of Safe Schools USA.