MONTEBELLO – Excited, proud and eager students of Washington Elementary School gathered in front of the school’s newest building March 20 to watch their principal, Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros and Board Member David Vela, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia and District administrators dedicate the $9 million structure in their honor. The two-story building boasts 11 energy-efficient classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art SMART Boards, as well as new energy- and water-efficient restrooms for students and staff.

“This building represents the dedication and vision our community has for our District when they passed the bond measure that made this and other facilities projects possible,” Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros said. “This building also demonstrates the deep commitment my Board colleagues and I have to enhance, upgrade and build modern, state-of-the-art and sustainable learning facilities like this one District-wide.”

Principal Cynthia Herrera served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests and introducing speakers such as Board President Edgar Cisneros, Board member David Vela, Assemblywoman Garcia, Superintendent of Schools Cleve Pell, Superintendent of Education Susanna Contreras Smith and Washington Elementary student Daisylin Lazaro.

Third-grader Daisylin spoke of hope and commented how the building, with two Washington Dolphins imprinted on the second floor, represented the future for her and her classmates. Daisylin’s essay was selected by school teachers and Herrera after teachers held a competition asking students in the building’s classrooms to write about what the new building meant to them

She is one of only a few third-graders in the new building, which primarily houses fourth- and fifth-grade classes and one third-fourth-fifth combo class.

“This building symbolizes the path that our District continues to travel in ensuring that state-of-the-art facilities are coupled with rigorous instruction that not only meets today’s educational standards, but will no doubt prepare our students for tomorrow’s workforce demands,” said Montebello Unified Board member David Vela.

Assemblywoman Garcia, who represents California’s 58th District and is an MUSD alumna, also spoke of being inspired by the steps the District is taking in moving projects like this forward for students. She presented a certificate of recognition to the Washington school community as well.

“It is such an honor to be here with the students, staff, teachers and parents of Washington Elementary today, as well as our distinguished guests, to dedicate this stunning new building,” Superintendent of Education Susanna Contreras Smith. “This building and others like it illustrate the future and the path Montebello Unified continues to travel in ensuring our students have the facilities, programs, services and tools that will bolster their success in college, career and beyond.”

The project was made possible in part through funds provided by the District’s voter-approved Measure M facilities bond in 2004. The project also includes new recreation features on the school’s playground.

Members of the school’s student council also conducted tours of the building for guests.

Photo Captions

WAE Dedication1: Eager students, teachers, staff and parents of Washington Elementary School gathered in front of the school’s newest building March 20 to watch their principal, Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros and Board Member David Vela, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, school principal Cynthia Herrera and District administrators dedicate the $9 million the two-story, state-of-the-art classroom building in their honor.

WAE Dedication2: Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros and Board Member David Vela together with Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, school principal Cynthia Herrera, District administrators and Washington Elementary School students prepare to dedicate the $9 million the two-story, state-of-the-art classroom building at the March 20 ceremony.

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