Three Covina-Valley Unified School District high school students went above and beyond this summer by seeking out and participating in prestigious academic internships, programs, and camps. Covina High School junior Ashley Raffaeli, Northview High School senior Leonardo Cristofaro, and South Hills High School senior Adam Asmaiel all participated in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focused programs that enhanced their understanding and knowledge of STEM concepts, while also providing vital experience and insight into various careers in STEM-related fields. Each of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-focused programs enhanced the students’ understanding and knowledge of STEM concepts, while also providing vital experience and insight into various careers in STEM-related fields.
Whittier Union Adult School’s (WUAS) Electrician 1 program has recently received recognition from the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), which presented the school with its coveted Outstanding Achievement Award for the school’s success in guiding students to employment in the industry. The program, which includes a math/electrician component, is designed to prepare students to pass the Electrical Training Institute’s (ETI) electrician’s apprentice application. WUAS students have an 89% placement and employment rate after completing their training. WUAS will receive its award at SBWIB’s 27th annual awards ceremony on Nov. 3 at the Torrance Marriott South Bay.
6 Baldwin Park Unified Schools Receive PBIS Gold, Silver Recognition
Baldwin Park Unified is celebrating six of its schools earning 2021-22 Gold and Silver recognitions from PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). Jones Middle School and De Anza, Margaret Heath, Tracy and Walnut elementary schools were awarded with Gold recognitions. North Park Continuation High School received a Silver recognition. The schools will be recognized at the seventh annual California PBIS conference in Sacramento in October.
Banning Unified Teachers Receive Motivation from TV Personality
Nicolet Middle School teachers received a surprise YouTube message from American educator and reality television personality Ron Clark, encouraging the schools leadership team to uplift, educate and empower Banning Unified students by increasing engagement, academic rigor, and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Several Banning Unified educators are set to attend the Ron Clark Academy Professional Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this fall.
Baldwin Park Unified Announces Student Board Members
Baldwin Park Unified introduced Sierra Vista High School senior Jerille Delim, Baldwin Park High School senior Nautica Macias and North Park Continuation High School student leader Serenity Martinez as its student board members for the 2022-23 school year, during its Sept. 13 Board of Education meeting. Delim is a varsity captain for the girls tennis team; Macias has a passion for politics and government; and Martinez plans to create an Equality and Advocacy Club.
Lynwood Unified marked the start of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month on Sept. 15 with special visits from author Reyna Grande and radio personality Aregelia Atilano. Grande, author of the memoirs “The Distance Between Us” and “A Dream Called Home,” visited with students at both Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools. Atilano, a popular morning radio host and author, visited Will Rogers Elementary School to discuss her book “Grandes Dreamers: Twelve Fierce Latina Trailblazers Who Paved the Way in the United States.”
Baldwin Park Unified Awarded $10,000 Grant from It Gets Better Project
Baldwin Park High School’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs received a boost when the school was awarded a $10,000 grant from the It Gets Better Project. The grant will go toward supporting the club’s missions to create safe spaces, forums and events. The funds will directly support Baldwin Park High School’s LGBTQIA+ population, with a focus on eliminating the stigmas attached to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as increasing mental health awareness. Through the grant, the NAMI and GSA clubs are now hosting Mindful Monday Experiences and Thoughtful Thursday Workshops where students can unwind and learn healthy methods to cope with stress.
Mountain View High School students, families, staff, dignitaries and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 20, which celebrated upgrades to the school’s Zoo Crew Classroom and Cafetorium, including the addition of theater-quality retractable seating, a proscenium wall for performances and lighting and sound systems in the Cafetorium. Following the program, refreshments and snacks were served as community members took self-guided tours to view the progress of the renovations.
El Monte Union families connected with more than 50 colleges, universities and other organizations during a Districtwide College Night held Sept. 12 at Mountain View High School. Students learned about the many academic opportunities available to them after high school. In addition to receiving guidance on their options for postsecondary education, each student received an El Monte Union T-shirt and swag bag, filled with items to use throughout the school year. Mountain View’s VISTA Academy set up a photo booth for families to commemorate the event.
Hacienda La Puente Unified celebrated the completion of a series of renovations at La Puente High School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 14. The renovations include a state-of-the-art swimming pool and a modernized kitchen and locker room facilities. The upgrades are designed to provide meal service efficiency, expand engagement in aquatic activities and promote school pride.
