Buena Park School District is revamping its curriculum and bolstering support through a partnership with University of California, Irvine that puts doctoral students into classrooms to observe and share feedback for improving instruction, and through its popular Math Academy, which challenges students to apply real-world scenarios to boost understanding. Now in its second year, the Math Academy focuses on small group breakout sessions and fun activity-driven lessons in grades three through five, providing individual coaching and Cognitively Guided Instruction for student-centered teaching.
Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Board of Education celebrated two of its longest-standing Board members, honoring the contributions of clerk Dr. Joseph K. Chang and member Anthony Duarte during a ceremony on Dec. 7. During the ceremony, the retiring members were recognized with Certificates of Recognition from La Puente Mayor Charlie Klinakis, words of appreciation from dignitaries and community applause.
Almeria Middle School Principal Felix Jones was named the IACUE 2022-23 Administrator of the Year, celebrating his vision to provide equity and social justice to all students through technology. Jones will receive his award during the IACUE Reimagine EDU Conference in January 2023. Jones, who grew up in Fontana and became Almeria’s principal in 2021, is an advocate of blended learning – a combination of in-person and computer-based learning – and making educators the facilitators of the learning experience. For Jones, the IACUE award reflects the hard work and dedication of the Almeria faculty and staff.
Covina-Valley Unified School District welcomed new Board of Education member Simon Wright and returning member Rachael Robles during the Board’s reorganization meeting on Dec. 12. Wright and Robles took the Oath of Office during a ceremony prior to the meeting affirming that they will fulfill the duties of a Board member and uphold the values of the District throughout the next four years. The Board selected Maria Caceres to serve as president; Maria Cruz was named vice president and Simon Wright was named clerk. Members Rachael Robles and Sue Maulucci complete the Board.
Banning Unified School District's Board of Trustees welcomed Leslie Novalis and Shelly Ruiz as new members to the Board during an Oath of Office ceremony on Dec. 9, which featured a welcome message from Superintendent Terrence Davis, congratulatory speeches and applause from dozens of community members. Novalis and Ruiz were sworn in during the ceremony at Banning High School’s library, where they made a promise to fulfill the duties of a Board member and uphold the values of the District throughout the next four years.
Las Palmas Middle School students are building lasting relationships and benefitting from a positive campus culture thanks to the Best Buddies program, which aims to foster connections between those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies, an international nonprofit that pairs students in one-on-one friendships, has had a home at Las Palmas for nearly five years. This school year, the program has grown to more than 50 general education students who work alongside the school’s 16 Life-Skills Education Advancement Program (LEAP) students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education Offers Virtual ESL Class
Baldwin Park Unified’s Adult and Community Education (BPACE) is offering a free, Vocational English as a Second Language (V-ESL) class, presented by ESL and career technical education instructors, that teaches students computer literacy and proficiency. Classes are from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays in Room 21 at the BPACE main campus, located at 4640 Maine Ave. To register, call 626-939-4456 or visit bpace.bpusd.net.
Bonita Unified School District celebrated the retirement of Board of Education President Chuck Coyne on Dec. 8, bringing together Bonita Unified families, community members and District leaders for an evening of humorous anecdotes and heartfelt speeches that summarized his 17 years of service on the Board. Coyne, who was first elected in 2005, is one of the longest-serving Board of Education members in Bonita Unified history. During his time on the Board, Coyne helped pass two bond measures that funded the construction of the Bonita Center for the Arts, expansion and modernization of four school gymnasiums, upgrades to two athletic stadiums, the installation of solar panels across the District and more.
Hacienda La Puente School Celebrates Tradition, Sportsmanship
The holiday spirit was in high gear as Hemmerling Elementary School continued its decades-old tradition of celebrating its fastest students during the 73rd annual Turkey Trot race, held Nov. 18. Nearly 150 Hemmerling K-5 students participated in the Turkey Trot, with the first-place winners receiving a gift certificate for a free turkey, while the runners-up received grocery store gift cards. After the main races had concluded, members of the Hemmerling faculty surprised students by donning turkey costumes for their competition, inspiring many students to join in.
Baldwin Park Unified ‘Santa Clothes’ Provides Gift Cards for Students
Baldwin Park Unified students spent the early morning hours on Dec. 6 at Walmart, eagerly shopping for cold-weather clothes, shoes, and even a few toys, during the 25th Annual Santa Clothes Project. This year, 404 students from Early Childhood Education to high school received $80 gift cards. The Santa Clothes Project is made possible through a partnership between the District, the City of Baldwin Park, the Baldwin Park Charitable Relief Organization, the Baldwin Park Police Department and other local organizations.
