Lynwood – Nearly 50 students graduated in ceremonies held July 21 at Lynwood High School after completing summer school classes at Lynwood High, Firebaugh High, Vista/Pathway Independent Study and AdvancePath Academy.

Firebaugh High graduate Raina Scott thanked her teachers for encouraging her to finish high school.

“From freshman year to senior year, all of my teachers pushed me,” she said. “I’ll miss the pep rallies and the football games because of all the school spirit, but I’m excited for the future.”

The District enhanced its summer school by partnering with The Movement, a program that brings tutors into classes to help students, and El Camino College Compton Center, which offers sign language and film classes.

“Some of our students who have taken summer school courses have said the program changed their minds about attending college,” said Yesenia Fernandez, Ph.D., director of secondary education. “With the help of advisers, they have started looking into community colleges and are more motivated to continue into higher education.”

In addition to taking or retaking courses to graduate, students also use the sessions to get a jumpstart on advanced classes. Many Firebaugh students enrolled in Algebra 2 so they can take Advanced Placement (AP) calculus classes and International Baccalaureate (IB) math studies classes in the fall.

“Summer school is very beneficial for students who need to make up credits or get ahead of the curve to reach their goals,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “Providing our students with the opportunity to push themselves over summer and obtain their diplomas shows the commitment of our students and teachers.”

Vista High School and Pathway Independent Study provide students with the option to enroll in a comprehensive summer school program, in which classes are held four days a week, or in independent study, in which students work at home and attend classes two days a week to assess their progress.

“We always want to ensure our students get all the help necessary to help them to graduate,” Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “It’s so exciting to see nearly 50 students take advantage of our summer enrichment programs.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

080816_LUSD_GRADS1: (From left) Firebaugh High graduates Raina Scott, Estrella Nolasco and Jenny Tamayo prepare to cross the stage at the 2016 summer commencement on July 21 in Lynwood High School’s gym.

080816_LUSD_GRADS2: Abel Mendez (left) and Juan Saucedo line up for the 2016 summer commencement on July 21 in Lynwood High School’s gym.