Fontana Unified’s five comprehensive high schools have been listed among the top-performing public high schools in the state and country, according to the 2021 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report. A.B. Miller, Fontana, Henry J. Kaiser, Jurupa Hills, and Summit high schools earned high rankings among approximately 1,675 high schools in California, celebrating their strong academic performance and college-prep programs. Each high school celebrated a graduation rate of 91% or higher. Fontana Unified offers a Districtwide college and career readiness program, providing students with rigorous courses and hands-on learning experiences that increase access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
Bonita Unified Teacher Receives Surprise from SoCal Honda Dealers
Andrea Castaneda, a teacher for the Autism Spectrum Disorders Intermediate (ASD-I) classroom at Lone Hill Middle School, received a surprise visit from the SoCal Helpful Honda Dealers on May 7, bestowing her with a variety of tools and equipment, including an iPad charging cart; Hokki stools, which provide flexible seating for students with sensory needs; books; and desk fidget bands, which allow students to move their feet and legs while they sit. Photos are available.
Río Hondo College to Celebrate Grads with Drive-thru Graduation Ceremony
Río Hondo College degree candidates are invited to celebrate their achievements with an in-person, on-campus “CARmencement” parade and festivities from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, May 28. Graduates are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, bring their families and drive through the campus to celebrate the next step in their academic journeys. Río Hondo College Board of Trustee members, faculty and staff will be in attendance to cheer on students. Graduates will also receive care packages to recognize their accomplishments. Río Hondo College is at 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.
Lynwood Unified to Host Ribbon-cutting for Elementary Facility Upgrades
Lynwood Unified School District will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the unveiling of modernized site entrances at Washington and Wilson elementary schools. Washington Elementary will host its grand opening at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 4225 Sanborn Ave., Lynwood. Wilson Elementary will host its celebration at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday May 25, 11700 School St. Lynwood.
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.
