Lynwood Unified’s Chief of Security Paul Garcia has been named a K-12 Campus Safety Director of the Year finalist by Campus Safety Magazine for his efforts to foster safe school communities for students, families and staff. Garcia, who was first hired as a substitute security officer 20 years ago, has risen through the ranks and is now one of seven nominees in the nation to be selected for the honor. Under Garcia’s leadership, the District has upgraded campus video surveillance and access control systems and implemented an anonymous reporting tool, resulting in a 5% reduction in student suspensions, and connected 1,500 students to mental health services.
Buena Park School District’s new Percussion Program wowed audience members and judges at Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Regional Show on Feb. 11 with their “Left Brain/Right Brain” themed performance – earning them first place and a chance to qualify for the SCPA Championships. The Percussion Program, which consists of 26 Buena Park Middle School students, competed against 33 other schools and independent drum groups at La Quinta High School in Westminster. After taking home first place, the team is set to compete in one more show to qualify for the SCPA Championship.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Selected for Nutrition Program
Hacienda La Puente Unified Nutrition Services Supervisor Brittney Rodriguez is one of 24 District leaders nationwide selected to participate in the Chef Ann Foundation Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship program, aiming to empower food leaders to bring more delicious, nutritious and locally-sourced meals to students. The inaugural year-long program, which began Jan. 9, is designed to develop the next generation of school nutrition professionals in scratch-cooking school food operations. Through weekly live-learning sessions, and various networking opportunities, fellows will learn successful ways to serve fresh, healthy and cost-effective meals.
Lynwood Unified Middle School Named School to Watch
Hosler Middle School has been recognized as a School to Watch by the California League of Educators (CLE), celebrating its success in creating an environment that empowers student achievement. Hosler has increased elective opportunities for students, providing them with additional social-emotional learning resources through its Crossroad and Movement programs, made upgrades to the campus and increased the number of pathways available for students. Hosler has been able to achieve these goals while at the same time merging with Lynwood Middle School during the 2021-22 school year, as part of the relocation of Lynwood High School to the Bullis campus.
Hacienda La Puente Unified High School Cheer Crowned Champions
La Puente High School's cheerleading and dance squads clinched first place in several categories and outscored roughly 20 teams at the World Class Cheerleading Hollywood Crown Competition on Jan. 28. La Puente High cheer took home two division awards for their dynamic show routine, including division winners and Level 2 champions. The dance company also took first-place in the hip-hop category.
Fontana Unified’s Citrus High Named Model Continuation School
Citrus High School has been named a 2023 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education, recognizing its holistic approach to supporting student success and social-emotional wellness on the path to graduation. Citrus High is among just 37 continuation schools to receive the award this year, which were celebrated for providing exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services to “at-promise” students through an alternative educational program. This is Citrus High School’s first Model Continuation High School designation, which it will retain for three years.
Baldwin Park Unified’s North Park High School has been redesignated as a Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education, recognizing the school for creating and nurturing strong teacher and student mentorships, as well as ensuring students succeed academically and personally in a supportive school environment. North Park was last honored as a Model Continuation School in 2020. It will retain its model school status for the next three years.
Fontana Unified High School Theater Troupe Sets Sail with ‘Moana’
Looking to draw on their success at the recent California Educational Theater Association High School Festival, the award-winning Jurupa Hills High School Players of the Palace theater group will set sail on a wondrous journey across the high seas during its spring production of the Disney musical “Moana JR.” Performances are set for Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday March 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $15 and can be purchased online. Jurupa Hills High is located at 10700 Oleander Ave., Fontana.
Fontana Unified School to Hold Black History Month Celebration
Southridge Tech Middle School will hold a Black History celebration for the community from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The event, held in honor of Black History Month, will feature cheer, dance, choir and Casa Del Tambor performances from Southridge Tech students, as well as poetry readings, arts and crafts, and food. Southridge Tech Middle School is located at 14500 Live Oak Ave., Fontana.
Whittier Union High School Basketball Team Advances to CIF Finals
The La Serna High School Lancer boys’ varsity basketball team are looking to cap off a dream season with a championship when they take on St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy in the CIF Division 3AA Finals at noon on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Colony High School. La Serna advanced to the finals after defeating Camarillo High School 41-38 in a semifinal match on Feb. 17. La Serna is riding a hot streak, having won 16 of its last 17 games. Colony High School is located at 3850 E. Riverside Dr., Ontario.
