As part of the District’s rollout of its school reopening mental health support plan, Baldwin Park Unified’s Board of Education voted to approve expanded contract services with local mental health agencies during a regular board meeting on April 27. Baldwin Park Unified has expanded agreements with The Center for Integrated Family and Health Services (CIFHS) and Foothill Family, assigning mental health therapists to BPUSD campuses to ensure students have access to vital health services.
Fontana Unified STEM students showcased their talent for innovation and creativity at the 39th annual San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Counties (SIM) Science and Engineering Fair, earning two gold medals, three silver medals, and garnering several special area awards. Alder Middle School eighth-grader Barbara Gonzalez Lagunas and Almeria Middle School eighth-grader Alejandra Delgado were awarded gold medals in the Junior Division during the March regional fair and advanced to the California Science Fair, held April 13. Kaiser High School students Jose Centeno, Amitoj Lobana and Frida Monreal were awarded silver medals in the Senior Division during the regional fair.
Fontana Unified School District has been designated as a 2021 Model School Attendance Review Board (SARB) in California, honoring the District’s efforts to reach disengaged students during the COVID-19 pandemic and connect families with resources and support. Fontana Unified is among 20 Model SARB Award winners this year, which include 19 school districts and one county office of education, and is the only SARB in San Bernardino County recognized this year.
Río Hondo College’s Forensics Speech and Debate team provides students with a pathway to four-year universities through rigorous instruction, competition experience, networking, and world-class instructors, which include Río Hondo College alumni. With a transfer rate of more than 90%, the Forensics program has seen members move on to universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and Concordia. Forensics Coordinator Grant Tovmasian feels the opportunities for students to meet their higher education goals has never been better.
Whitaker School showcased new mosaic artwork for its Wellness Garden, created to complement blooming plant life and edible vegetation while honoring student horticulturalists during an Earth Day celebration on April 22. The new mosaic, which depicts a boy and girl watering and planting seeds under a vibrant sun, was funded through an $8,000 grant from the Orange County Department of Education, United Way, BayWa r.e., America on Track and Kid Healthy. The celebration was also livestreamed via YouTube, allowing students and families to enjoy the garden’s new addition virtually.
El Monte Union High School District has received the San Gabriel Valley Energy Champion award and achieved gold tier status for outstanding efforts and dedication to maximizing energy efficiency, becoming the first district in the San Gabriel Valley to earn the recognition. El Monte Union received the recognition in December 2020 and was officially recognized during the April 14 Board of Trustees meeting by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
Lynwood Unified Adult Education Student Wins SkillsUSA State Competition
Lynwood Community Adult School student Nicholas Castellanos placed first place in the technical drafting category at the SkillsUSA California State skills competition. Castellanos will be advancing to the national finals representing Lynwood Community Adult School and Region 3 of SkillsUSA.
Baldwin Park Unified Student Places First at SkillsUSA State Competition
Baldwin Park High School student Diego Torres earned first place in the automotive service technology category at the SkillsUSA California State skills contest on April 17. Torres will go on to represent Baldwin Park High School and East San Gabriel Valley ROP at the SkillsUSA national competition.
El Monte Union High School District’s Board of Trustees voted to adjust the graduation requirements for the Class of 2021, easing the path for seniors who have struggled to complete their schoolwork since the introduction of distance learning in March 2020. The credit requirements for graduation will be reduced from 220 to 190 and students will have until Aug. 15 to complete their coursework.
Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation to Host Virtual Magic Show
The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) will host a virtual magic show at 7 p.m., Friday, May 7 to support the educational opportunities of Lynwood Unified students and schools. The family friendly show will feature world-class magicians from The Academy of Magical Arts and The Magic Castle. Tickets and VIP packages are available for purchase. For more information, please contact LPEF Executive Director Elsa Chagolla at elsa@lynwoodedfoundation.org or at 310-985-9713.
