More than 100 El Monte Union parent leaders, representing all five District comprehensive schools, were recognized for their volunteer spirit, guidance, and support during a Parent Leader Appreciation drive-thru celebration, held May 27. Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga greeted the parents, thanking them for their support and presenting them with certificates of recognition and a commemorative El Monte Union ‘Parent Leader’ T-shirt. Parents also received gift bags filled with personal protective equipment from their school’s principal and community liaison.
Lynwood Unified Teacher Receives Grant to Study Greek Archeology
Lynwood Middle School history teacher Dr. Dawndria Cox received a William Sanders Scarborough Fellowship for 2021-22 and admission into the 2021 Summer Program at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. The Scarborough Fellowship is worth $10,000 and will cover all expenses related to the experience, such as airfare, lodging, museum entrance fees and tuition to the prestigious six-week summer program.
Baldwin Park Unified Lauds Class of 2021 with In-Person Ceremonies
Baldwin Park Unified celebrated its Class of 2021 with in-person and drive-thru events for Baldwin Park and Sierra Vista high schools and North Park Continuation High School. Baldwin Park High School recognized seniors in small cohorts, during traditional commencement ceremonies on June 2 and 3. North Park hosted in-person graduations on June 2 followed by a drive-thru celebration on June 3. Sierra Vista High School graduates were cheered on by family members as they accepted their diplomas in small groups during socially distanced ceremonies on June 3.
Fontana Unified Theater Students Advance to International Festival
Summit High School sister duo Vanessa and Victoria Reyes will represent Fontana Unified at the International Thespian Festival – held Tuesday, June 22 to Friday, June 25 – following dynamic, highly honored theatrical performances during the California State Thespian Festival. Vanessa, a rising senior and Victoria, a Class of 2021 graduate, diligently crafted virtual performances that earned superior markings from the judges during the state competition, exceeding all requirements and performing at an “above standard” quality. Vanessa and Victoria share a love of the arts that has flourished at Summit High School, inspiring Victoria to remain involved in local theater after graduation and Vanessa to pursue a career as a voice actor.
Fontana Unified School District was recognized as a state leader in the field of cybersecurity education during the inaugural Inland Empire (IE) Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Symposium, held virtually on May 24. The symposium brought together local leaders from IE business and academic sectors to pledge support for an apprenticeship initiative that can be replicated in regions across the state. Summit High School junior Gabriel Navarro spoke to business and academic leaders about the importance of building a skilled local workforce through apprenticeships. As an integral member of Summit’s cybersecurity team, Navarro has helped lead the team to gold medals in events such as the Mayor’s Cup and SkillsUSA.
Beatty and Buena Park middle school students beamed with positivity and filled an entire stadium with their cheers during their promotion celebrations on May 26, which marked years of academic success and the end of their educational journeys at Buena Park School District. The ceremonies, held at Buena Park High School, allowed families to cheer on students while safely maintaining social distancing and following health guidelines. The event included messages of encouragement from District administrators and teachers from both middle schools. This was the first in-person middle school promotion for District students since 2019.
Fontana Unified School District is welcoming families to ParentSquare, a secure, all-in-one communications tool that will keep them more connected than ever to their children’s teachers, schools and District announcements. ParentSquare, which will fully launch in Fontana Unified at the start of the 2021-22 year, will support District efforts to streamline communication. The platform will provide employees and families with a single platform for all updates from the District, schools, classrooms and school activity groups.
Baldwin Park Unified’s Nutrition Services team has served more than 5.5 million meals to the Baldwin Park community since March 2020, and more than 2.6 million meals were distributed during the 2020-21 school year alone. Teaming up with the Los Angeles County Food Bank and local churches, BPUSD has been able to reach families in need throughout the city – providing vital services during the school term and through holiday breaks.
Showing solidarity and support to Río Hondo College’s LGBTQIA+ community, Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss and the Río Hondo College Board of Trustees hosted a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Pride Day and honor those who have fought for queer rights, diversity, and inclusion on May 28.
El Monte Union Raises LGBTQIA+ Flag, Honors June as Pride Month
El Monte Union High School District held a raising of the LGBTQIA+ flag ceremony to honor the month of June as Pride Month for the third year in a row on May 27. The EMUHSD Board of Trustees passed a resolution during the May 5 board meeting, to celebrate June as LGBTQ Pride Month, promoting inclusivity and celebrating the identities and contributions of the LGBTQ community.
