Fontana Unified School District has named Tim Yelin, a proven leader with extensive classroom experience, to serve as the new principal of North Tamarind Elementary School. Yelin brings 17 years of educational experience – all spent in Fontana Unified – to his role as North Tamarind’s top administrator. Throughout his career, Yelin taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels, before stepping into an administrative role as assistant principal at A.B. Miller High School.
Hacienda La Puente Unified showcased student, staff and District accomplishments and highlighted the various ways it is embracing this year’s theme, “Explore, Learn, Grow: Inspire Deep Learning,”
during the eighth annual State of the District event on Jan. 19. Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez led the presentation in front of a high-spirited audience of distinguished guests, HLPUSD Board members, administrators, staff and community members after two years of hosting the event virtually.
Río Hondo College will welcome back Danie Cansino, an alumna, artist and adjunct professor at the USC Roski School of Art and Design, for a solo art show at the Río Hondo College Art Gallery. The show, titled “Despuès: A collection of works by Danie Cansino,” will feature Latino-inspired imagery. A special reception ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the gallery, with the exhibit running from Thursday, Feb. 2 to Thursday, March 2. Regular viewing hours are between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information about the reception ceremony and gallery, please contact abalcom@riohondo.edu. The Río Hondo College Art Gallery is located at 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, Room B-14.
Baldwin Park Unified Welcomes New Assistant Principals
Baldwin Park Unified announced its selection of a new assistant director for Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (BPACE) and introduced eight newly appointed elementary school assistant principals during its Jan. 17 Board of Education meeting. The Board welcomed Gale R. Lee as BPACE’s new assistant director, as well as assistant principals Lupe Anaya at Walnut Elementary; Yvette Erickson at Geddes Elementary; Sam-Ana Fenwick at Tracy Elementary; Rocio Gamino at Foster Elementary; Emma Rodarte at Bursch and Margaret Heath elementary schools; Adriana Urbina at Kenmore Elementary; Yesenia E. Valerio at Central and Pleasant View elementary schools; and Michelle Zamarripa at De Anza Elementary.
Bonita Unified Elementary Named a California Distinguished School
Oak Mesa Elementary School has been named a 2023 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education, an award that recognizes schools for excellence in closing the achievement gap or achieving exceptional student performance. Oak Mesa was one of 356 California schools to receive the designation in 2023. Schools were selected by analyzing data from the 2021-22 school year reported on the California School Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data. Oak Mesa was previously honored as a California Distinguished School in 2020.
Hacienda La Puente Highlights Successes During State of the District
Hacienda La Puente Unified showcased a year of growth and success during its eighth annual State of the District on Jan. 19, returning to a live presentation after two years of holding the event virtually. Hosted by HLPUSD Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, and with a theme of “Explore, Learn, Grow: Inspire Deep Learning,” the State of the District highlighted the past year’s accomplishments with a series of high-spirited videos that provided a detailed overview of student, staff and District successes. View the complete State of the District presentation here.
Virtual Coffee Talk with Río Hondo College’s Superintendent/President
The Río Hondo College community is invited to join Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores for a virtual coffee talk event, Un Cafecito, on Friday, April 21 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dr. Flores will use this opportunity to meet with members of the community, hear their ideas, and establish camaraderie with those who participate in the event. To join Un Cafecito, use this Zoom link.
Río Hondo College to Host Art Showcase for Alumna
Río Hondo College will welcome back Danie Cansino, an alumna, artist and adjunct professor at the USC Roski School of Art and Design, for a solo art show at the Río Hondo College Art Gallery. The show, titled “Despuès: A collection of works by Danie Cansino,” will feature Latino-inspired imagery. A special reception ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the gallery, with the exhibit running from Thursday, Feb. 2 to Thursday, March 2. Regular viewing hours are between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information about the reception ceremony and gallery, please contact abalcom@riohondo.edu. Río Hondo College is located at 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.
El Monte Union to Celebrate Groundbreaking of Athletic Field
The El Monte Union High School District will host a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction and upgrades to Arroyo High School’s athletic field at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The project will feature a new rubberized track and field, bleachers, concession stands and restrooms and a grand stadium entrance. The AHS athletic field project aims to promote healthy living, school spirit and will serve as a gathering place for physical fitness activities, athletic events, health and wellness instruction, student performances and school community functions. Arroyo High School is located at 4921 Cedar Ave., El Monte.
Pioneer High School senior Lucas Lopez has had to endure many challenges in his education. As a member of a military family, he spent years traveling the country, bouncing from school to school; as the brother of family members who have been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, he has mourned siblings who have passed away at a young age. Through it all, Lopez has found a home at Pioneer High and a family of friends in the Titan band, where he has played trumpet since joining as a freshman. Academically, Lopez has challenged himself with honors and Advanced Placement classes, maintaining a 3.25 GPA, and plans to study music composition and music therapy in college. For overcoming obstacles in his education and serving as a role model for others, Lopez was recognized with an Award of Merit by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees during its Jan. 17 Board meeting.
