Miki R. Inbody returned to Fontana Unified School District – which she attended as a student, and where she in turn served the next generation of students as an educator and administrator – on March 13 to begin her tenure as the District’s new superintendent. Inbody, an alumna of Fontana High School, also served as a teacher, principal and administrator for Fontana Unified. She returns to her hometown and home district as the top administrator after a few years as the Assistant Superintendent of Education Support Services at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.
LUSD was awarded $440,000 in Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grants by the California Public Utilities Commission, allowing the District to break down learning barriers by providing digital equity for students. The funds will be used to develop a citywide broadband feasibility study that determines the viability of launching a broadband service in the city. Lynwood partnered with SiFi Networks to build an open-access fiber network called ONE Lynwood, in the hopes of bringing free and low-cost broadband to the community. The LATA funding will help support the developmental and operational costs of the network and broadband efforts.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Gay-Straight Alliance clubs at Baldwin Park High School provide resources and activities to support students' mental and emotional health. Baldwin Park High’s Peace, Pride and Produce Garden, launched in 2021, was designed to be a safe and welcoming space for the school’s LGBTQIA+ community. Since then, the school has expanded mental health and wellness resources available to students. The garden is just one part of a campus-wide mental health initiative that includes monthly activities such as Mindful Mondays, Thoughtful Thursdays and Foodie Fridays.
The bright lights of the theater are beckoning for 20 Fontana Unified elementary school students looking to sing and dance their way into the hearts of their classmates and community, as they prepare for their stage debut as cast members in “School of Rock,” a musical adaptation of the 2003 box office smash, to be held March 17 to 19 at the storied California Theater in San Bernardino. Canyon Crest and Dorothy Grant elementary school students have been rehearsing for weeks with A.B. Miller High School multimedia design and drama teacher Joseph Henson, who is serving as producer and director of the play. The students are being choreographed and coached by professionals and will perform alongside professional actors. In an exclusive arrangement, more than 1,200 of the District’s elementary school students will be able to see the show, made possible through a partnership between the career technical education (CTE) and visual and performing arts (VAPA) departments, which will pay for tickets and transportation to the event.
Covina-Valley Unified has become a well-known destination for young adults passionate about community service across the San Gabriel Valley, thanks to the District’s Public Safety Pathway and its partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Academy. Both the pathway and academy are designed to give young adults insight into a public safety career and are hosted at Northview High School.
Baldwin Park Unified Students Rewarded with Outdoor Fun Day
Baldwin Park Unified’s Geddes Elementary School held a special celebration on March 3 to reward students for meeting and exceeding school behavior expectations. Students enjoyed an afternoon outdoors and played a variety of games and activities, including playing Jenga, making giant bubbles and chalk art, bouncy ball races and a ring toss competition. This was the second of three reward days for Geddes students this school year.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Students Selected for Leadership Club
Three Hacienda La Puente Unified leadership students have been selected for California State Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio’s 2023 Young Legislators Program, which enables 32 high school scholars to become acquainted with the state legislative process, enhance leadership skills and participate in various public service projects. Students were selected following a written application process that focused on student leadership experiences and community involvement, skillsets and college and career goals.
Baldwin Park Unified Students Gain Financial Literacy Knowledge
Baldwin Park High School students were introduced to financial literacy on March 1 and 2 through Mad City Money, an interactive budgeting simulation event that is sponsored by SCE Federal Credit Union and facilitated by the Center for Financial Empowerment. BPHS seniors in economics and government classes participated in the event to explore real-world finances by assuming the role of an adult and taking on responsibilities, such as having a career, children and debt, and balancing their wants and needs.
Lynwood Unified Celebrates AAPI Community with Live Performances
Students and families enjoyed a night of live performances during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night on Feb. 28, hosted by the Equity, Access and Instructional Services Department. Themed “Night of Drums,” the gathering was a lively celebration of traditional AAPI cultures in the form of music and dance. Performers included musician Joshua Kamuelaonapuakupanihi Chang, hula dancer Ka'ipolani, Lynwood teacher David Partida and a group drum performance by Asano Taiko. Guests also engaged in a hands-on drumming experience with instruments provided by Turnaround Arts: California while enjoying free dinner and giveaway prizes.
Buena Park School District’s Board of Education unanimously appointed longtime leader Dr. Yvette Cantu to serve as the District’s interim superintendent during the Feb. 21 Board meeting. Dr. Cantu was approved for the District’s top administrator role following the announced departure of Dr. Ramon Miramontes, who accepted a position as deputy superintendent of instructional services at the Orange County Department of Education.
