Emery School students put their creativity to the test by crafting musical instruments from trash, designing ways to save the Earth’s resources and powering miniature cars from balloons during a science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) Showcase on May 11 and 12. Emery School’s STEAM Showcase is part of the school’s Passion Program theme “Thinkers, Scholars and Active Citizens move full STEAM ahead to a successful future.” The school’s Passion Program provides a STEAM focus to its students to prepare them for middle school, high school, college and the workforce.
National Leadership and Skills Conference in June after earning gold medals during the California SkillsUSA finals, leading an effort that saw 13 Summit competitors win gold, silver or bronze medals. During the state finals, held virtually in April, Summit senior Christian Magana and junior Vincent Caudillo took gold medals in Cybersecurity, an event that saw Summit teams sweep the top four positions. Summit juniors Harsh Patel and Elijah Walker took gold in Robotics and Automation Technology. The winning teams were forged from two of Summit’s signature CTE pathways, Mechatronics and Ethical Hacking.
Baldwin Park Unified Elementary School Celebrates Latino Literacy Project
Baldwin Park Unified’s Margaret Heath Elementary School celebrated the conclusion of the 2020-21 Latino Family Literacy Workshop with family stories on May 12, highlighting the importance of storytelling and family history. Heath Elementary parents, students, teachers, and Principal Maria Alonso shared stories and reminisced on the strengths gained during the virtual workshop. The Latino Family Literacy Project provides research-based programs for parents to engage with their children through literature and to promote biliteracy.
Whittier Union Celebrates Students, Classified and Certificated Employees
Whittier Union exemplary and retired employees, along with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, were celebrated for their hard work and commitment to the District on May 11. Six students and 35 employees were honored during the socially distanced event. Superintendent Martin Plourde and Board President Ralph Pacheco gave congratulatory speeches, recognizing the success of each individual.
Whittier Union Hosts Vaccination Clinic at Pioneer High School
In partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council, Whittier Union High School District and Los Nietos School District will host a vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23 at Pioneer High School, 10800 Benavon St., Whittier. The second dose will be administered on Sunday, June 13. The clinic will offer the Pfizer vaccine and is open to anyone ages 12 and up.
Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools have been listed among the top performing public schools in the state and nation – ranking in the top 25% – according to the 2021 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report. California, La Serna, Pioneer, Santa Fe and Whittier high schools have earned high rankings among approximately 1,675 high schools in California. Additionally, Santa Fe placed among the top 12% in the country.
Lynwood Unified School District Board members, alongside leaders of St. Anne’s Family Services, grabbed hard hats and shovels on May 12 to celebrate the start of renovations for a new Early Learning Center at Lugo Elementary School. Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite joined Lorna Little, President and CEO of St. Anne’s, to address an outdoor group of nearly 75 guests who gathered to commemorate the groundbreaking of a project that will provide Early Head Start programs for children ages 1-3 and their families. Scheduled to open this fall, the Early Learning Center is the result of a partnership between the District, St. Anne’s, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Ultimately, a total of five classrooms will be added at Lugo and Abbott elementary schools, serving a total of 164 children.
Twenty-three Fontana Unified students were honored for their excellence and commitment to furthering their education during the annual Upward Bound banquet, held virtually this year on May 7. Fontana Unified offers the Upward Bound program in partnership with Chaffey College, aiming to increase the rate of students who complete high school and enroll in and graduate from college. When enrolled in Upward Bound, students from A.B. Miller and Fontana high schools benefit from resources and services that include: one-on-one advising and support in academics, college and career planning; weekly tutoring from current Chaffey College students; detailed guidance during their senior year on college applications, financial aid, scholarships and college housing; and more.
Whittier Union to Provide Free Rapid COVID-19 Testing to Students
To ensure the continued health and safety of students, Whittier Union High School District is now offering free rapid COVID-19 testing to students. Tests are voluntary and administered on each Whittier Union campus once a week through a partnership with the California Department of Public Health.
Lynwood Unified Celebrates Arts Education at 7th Annual Arts Festival
The Lynwood Unified School District community gathered virtually on April 24 for a day filled with art activities and lively band, dance and drama performances during the District’s seventh annual Arts Festival and District Showcase. Students, families, teachers, and faculty across the District were welcomed by Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, following messages from Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, Lynwood Mayor Marisela Santana, and Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Mariana Astorga-Almanza. Sponsored by Assemblymember Rendon, Conga Kids, P.S. Arts, and the Music Center, the event featured student artwork and performances by the Pacifico Dance Company and Conga Kids.
