Fontana Unified School District will celebrate the Class of 2024 with vibrant commencement ceremonies for more than 2,000 students set to graduate from the District’s seven high schools and adult school. The District will host eight ceremonies at two locations over three days starting with Fontana Adult School, Eric Birch, and Citrus high schools at the Ontario Convention Center at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., respectively, on Tuesday, May 21. FUSD’s remaining graduations will be hosted at Toyota Arena with A.B. Miller, Jurupa Hills, and Fontana high schools at 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 8 p.m., respectively, on Wednesday, May 22, and Henry J. Kaiser and Summit high schools concluding the week at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively, on Thursday, May 23. Ontario Convention Center is located at 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario. Toyota Center is located at 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario.
As a child, Marcus Tolentino kept his parents on their toes with his boundless energy. They introduced him to wrestling in seventh grade to help channel his energy, igniting an instant passion for the sport in the process. Now a senior at Northview High School, Tolentino’s passion and hard work have earned him a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). USMMA is one of the five United States service academies and trains future officers for the Merchant Marine, branches of the military, and the transportation industry. Out of 2,000 qualified applicants, only 200 were granted an appointment to the school.Now a senior at Northview High School, Tolentino’s passion and hard work have earned him a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). USMMA is one of the five United States service academies and trains future officers for the Merchant Marine, branches of the military, and the transportation industry. Out of 2,000 qualified applicants, only 200 were granted an appointment to the school.
Henry J. Kaiser High School's Catamount Pride Band will showcase their skills before a national audience after being selected to represent Congresswoman Norma Torres at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. on May 27. The appearance checks off a milestone goal for Kaiser High Band Director Robert Ronquillo and adds to the group’s rich history of excellence and performing on a national stage. Kaiser’s full band played at the annual Rose Parade® in 2019, while two band members were also selected to march with the Pasadena City College’s Tournament of Roses Honor Band this January.
California High School Health Academy students are engaging in hands-on learning and gaining real-world experience in a variety of health fields, granting them advanced knowledge and certifications that prepare them for college and careers. The Health Academy begins in sophomore year, where students are introduced to medical terminology and explore the potential career options open to them. During their junior year, students shift to emergency medicine, where they learn life-saving procedures and how to respond to medical emergencies. By senior year, students choose to specialize in sports medicine, dental assisting, or nurse assisting, allowing them to dive deeper into their chosen field and gain practical skills that set them up for future success.
La Puente High School is one of only four schools recognized as a 2024 California Democracy School by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), receiving the honor for its high-quality civic learning, commitment to strengthening democracy, and pursuit of happiness for future generations across the District community. The award-winning schools were honored during LACOE’s 2024 California Civic Learning Student Showcase and Award Ceremony at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Museum on May 11, where students, families, and District representatives gathered to learn more about the students’ initiatives throughout the 2023-24 school year.
Almond Elementary School students and community members are benefitting from a donation of more than 400 books on behalf of the National Charity League (NCL), Foothill Chapter in recognition of the school’s dedication to fostering literacy among students. The NCL Foothill Chapter, with roots in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley, chose Almond Elementary School for the donation to boost its Little Library initiative.
Hacienda La Puente Unified has been chosen as a recipient of the California Community Schools Partnership Program's (CCSPP) third cohort, an esteemed honor that includes $21.3 million in state board-approved community school implementation grants, highlighting the District's commitment to advancing innovative student learning initiatives and developing mental health and community engagement solutions. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the expansion of the CCSPP and its recipients on May 8, with 17 schools from Hacienda La Puente Unified among those celebrated.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California State Board of Education (SBE) announced the expansion of the CCSPP and its recipients on May 8, with 17 schools from Hacienda La Puente Unified among those celebrated. The District plans to follow the community schools model to strengthen enrichment programs, increase student academic support, and improve resources for students and families.
Bonita Unified Appoints New Oak Mesa Elementary Principal
Bonita Unified School District announced during the May 1 Board of Education meeting that Dr. Christine Malally will serve as principal of Oak Mesa Elementary in the 2024-25 school year. Malally comes to Bonita Unified after 15 years of service in Claremont Unified, where she is currently an elementary school principal. Malally, a resident of La Verne and parent of two Bonita Unified alumni, holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Azusa Pacific University, a master’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino, and a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona. She will take the helm at Oak Mesa, a California Distinguished School, following current principal Steven Patterson’s promotion to BUSD’s Senior Director of Student Services, effective July 1.
For the fourth consecutive year, five comprehensive high schools in the El Monte Union High School District have secured top spots in the 2024 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Arroyo, El Monte, Mountain View, Rosemead, and South El Monte high schools each earned high rankings among 17,655 nationally ranked schools and 1,652 schools ranked in California. The recognition showcases El Monte Union’s commitment to excellence at the academic and social-emotional levels, and the rigorous programs and nurturing learning environments that helps prepare students for college and career success.
Lynwood Unified Students Shine at MESA Regional Competition
Talented Lynwood Unified students showcased their brilliance at the Regional Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) competition on April 13, with Cesar Chavez Middle School students earning a spot in the National Engineering Design Competition on May 18 in San Jose, where they will further demonstrate their creativity and innovation against top competitors in the state.
