San Dimas High School achieved its highest Advanced Placement (AP) test pass rate in school history during the 2021-22 school year, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering academic achievement and preparing students for the rigor of higher education. San Dimas High School students collectively earned a pass rate of 68.2% during the first full year of in-person instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic. The average national pass rate is 60.5%. San Dimas High offers AP courses in 20 subjects.
Lynwood Unified School District welcomed back nearly 12,000 students to campuses on Aug. 17 for the first day of the 2022-23 school year, which saw campuses decorated in colorful welcome posters, cheer teams performing and marching bands playing celebratory tunes across the District. Lynwood Unified is launching increased socio-emotional resources for students this year and look forward to the restoration of the Lynwood High School Imperial campus after being awarded $250 million in financial support from the state of California.
The Fontana Unified Board of Education selected longtime educator Juan M. López to serve as the District’s interim superintendent, effective Sept. 6, 2022, during the Aug. 10 Board meeting. Per the Board-approved contract, López will serve as the District’s top official through Jan. 13, 2023, providing leadership as the Board conducts a search for a permanent superintendent. He will succeed Dr. Monica Makiewicz, Fontana Unified’s associate superintendent of teaching and learning, who was appointed acting superintendent following the retirement of Randal Bassett.
Canyon Crest Elementary School fifth-grader Dominic Romanio’s track and field career is off to a strong start, after he helped his 10 East track club teammates sprint to a third-place finish in the 4x100 relays during the 2022 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, held July 31 in Sacramento. Racing against the top relay teams in the country – ages nine and 10 – Romanio took the anchor leg in the relay as the team completed one lap around the track in 54.93 seconds, narrowly edging the fourth-place finisher by .08 seconds and securing their place on the winner’s podium as bronze medalists.
Gordon H. Beatty Middle School’s new principal, Joaquin Valdez, lives to inspire his students – helping them turn turmoil into positivity and prepare themselves for college. Principal Valdez started his 17-year educational career as a counselor, encouraging students to think about their futures and careers. He has served as an academic counselor and a California High School Exit Exam counselor before becoming an assistant principal.
Dolores Huerta International Academy and Southridge Tech Middle School have been certified as International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, officially authorizing their IB instructional offerings and signifying the completion of Fontana Unified School District’s K-12 IB Continuum. The continuum begins with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Dolores Huerta International Academy (DHIA), followed by the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Southridge Tech Middle School and in grades nine and 10 at Jurupa Hills High School. The continuum culminates with the Diploma Programme, offered to juniors and seniors at Jurupa Hills High School.
The Río Hondo College Foundation will host a golf tournament to raise financial assistance for scholarships, programs, equipment and projects that meet the needs of the College’s diverse student population.
Longtime educator Jeselle Mata has been selected as Charles G. Emery Elementary School's new principal, bringing 17 years of educational experience to the role and eagerness to build connections and foster a culture of success for all students.
Principal Mata has taught various grade levels including in public and private schools for South Whittier School District, Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Mata said her daily inspiration lies in providing a brighter future for young students.
Hacienda La Puente Unified students were greeted by balloon arches and red carpets that led them toward teachers and staff during the first day of school on Aug. 3, which also included band performances, hand-painted banners across campus and dancing school mascots. This year, students will have expanded access to programs designed to inspire excellence and boost student achievement, like C-STEM and Transitional Kindergarten.
Banning Unified School District’s new and returning students made their way onto campuses adorned with welcome banners, photo backdrops and streamers on Aug. 4, where teachers, principals and staff greeted them with excitement for the 2022-23 school year. During the welcome festivities, teachers and administrators spoke to families about embracing this year’s theme, “The Time is Now,” which aims to increase support for students and staff and prioritize student success.
