Monrovia Unified Partners with Nonprofit for NASA Nutrition Program
Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy is participating in NASA’s “Plant the Moon” challenge, through a partnership with the nonprofit Food ED. Bradoaks students will assist Food ED associates in an experiment to grow vegetables in artificial moon dust. The experiment aims to help NASA scientists learn the best lunar conditions for growing crops. The challenge, sparked by NASA’s new initiative to return to the moon, will explore ways to feed those who will one day visit the moon.
Whittier Union High School District students, carrying colorful posters with messages of encouragement, returned to campus beginning on April 6 and continuing throughout the week, marking the beginning of the District’s reopening for in-person instruction. Students, lined up six feet apart, were excitedly greeted by teachers, administrators, and staff, many of whom were meeting their students for the first time. Students underwent health screenings and temperature checks prior to entering campus.
Fontana Unified students in transitional kindergarten through second grade were greeted by cheerful signs, lively music and friendly faces as they returned to campus for their first days of in-person instruction on April 5. Instruction is offered in a hybrid model with three cohorts of students; Cohorts A and B receive a blend of in-person and online instruction, while students in Cohort C remain in full distance learning. TK-2 student cohorts were welcomed back to campus on April 5 and 8; grades three to five will return on Monday, April 12 and Thursday, April 15. The District’s return to in-person instruction for elementary students was supported by comprehensive health and safety measures, including weekly testing, partnerships to provide COVID-19 vaccines and advanced cleaning technologies. Photos are available.
Whittier Union High School District announced the first phase of scheduled facilities upgrades and improvements from the $183 million Measure AA bond, passed by voters last November, providing structural relief and security enhancement for each of the District’s comprehensive high schools. Roughly one-third of the bonds issued – $50 million – has been earmarked for 16 projects designed to modernize schools and District structures, improve energy efficiency, and provide increased access to technology. The initial round of improvements and construction, which began in January, is slated to proceed through June 2025.
Río Hondo College student Kimberly Yanez carefully measured out seven grams of dry hops into a glass beaker, the first step in a classic formula for converting processed grains into a liquid wort before placing it into a fermenter, ultimately becoming a delicious British ale. The lesson in microbrewing is part of Río Hondo College’s new introductory level biotech course, Fermentation Technology. Inspired by the ever-expanding craft beer industry, Fermentation Technology is the first class of its kind offered by a Southern California community college, with the goal of training the next generation of professional microbrewers.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Teresa Dreyfuss’ contract as Superintendent/President during a virtual board meeting on March 24, extending her role of leading the College through June 2022. Dreyfuss has been with Río Hondo College since 1987, serving in various roles such as senior accountant, vice president of finance and business, chief financial officer and controller/business manager before her first appointment as Superintendent/President in 2013.
Fontana High School seniors Victor Campos, Karen Hurtado-Mendez, Phillip Olguin and Kimberly Sandoval have been named 2021 Dell Scholars by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, an honor that comes with $20,000 scholarships to support their dreams of higher education. All four honorees are high-achieving scholars, with plans to attend four-year universities – such as UC Irvine, UCLA and University of La Verne – and pursue careers that support community betterment. As Dell Scholars, Campos, Hurtado-Mendez, Olguin and Sandoval will receive their scholarships over four years, as well as a laptop and textbook credits.
Whittier Union High School District’s Puente Program celebrated the birthday and legacy of Cesar Chavez during a virtual event on March 31. Keynote speaker Anthony Chavez, grandson of Cesar Chavez, addressed Puente students and fielded questions on the legacy of Chavez, community service and the fight for social justice. The event kicked off the Cesar Chavez Day of Service, where students were encouraged to create a service project through art or writing and become eligible to win the Spirit of Cesar Chavez College Scholarship.
Pendleton School special education teachers Kimberly Ulangca and Suzanne Huerta are passionate about boosting students’ social skills and igniting their passion in academics. Their efforts in improving Pendleton School’s Special Education program have earned them the Above and Beyond Award from the North Orange County Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPA). The award is given to special education teachers who are making great strides for their students, encouraging them to learn and grow.
Whittier Union Senior Receives $40,000 College Board Scholarship
California High School senior Bryant Mendez-Melchor has been selected as a 2021 College Board Scholar, one of just 25 students across the country to receive the honor, which comes with a $40,000 scholarship. Mendez-Melchor, whose selection was profiled on the news program Good Morning America, completed six required steps to receive the scholarship, including building a college list, practicing for the SAT, exploring scholarships, strengthening the college list, completing the FAFSA and applying to college.
