Whittier-area families in need will receive Thanksgiving dinner fixings and a $25 gift card to help purchase a turkey at 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 during a drive-thru donation coordinated by local nonprofit Helping Homeless Vets - LA at the Pioneer High School student parking lot, 10800 Benavon St., Whittier. The donation event will continue while supplies last. The nonprofit hopes to supply up to 100 families with Thanksgiving meals. All COVID-19 protocols will be observed during the donation. Media contact: Andrea Garcia, (909) 279-9840 (cell)
Career Technical Educator Shelley Andros’ unending drive to encourage her students to excel in coding, engineering, robotics and horticulture has earned her recognition as a California’s Teacher of the Year finalist. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond presented the award during a virtual ceremony, lauding Andros and her fellow winners for empowering their students and communities.
Buena Park School District will resume in-class learning on Monday, Nov. 9, a decision reached after review of the latest health data and positive community feedback. The decision was made during an Oct. 26 Board of Education meeting after Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Yvette Cantu outlined safety protocols.
Three-year-old Bruce Naranjo safely exited his vehicle for a temperature check on Oct. 27 before excitedly walking through the Lindbergh Elementary School entrance to begin his Early Childhood Education program. Bruce isn’t old enough to understand the significance of attending school during a pandemic, but as Lynwood Unified has reopened its doors to small groups of high-needs students and families, he shares in the renewed optimism felt in the community.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees adopted a 2020-21 budget on Oct. 29 that avoids the loss of staff and increases general fund reserves to $31.3 million despite state budget shortfalls created by the pandemic. The College has anticipated no increases from the state in funding over 2019-20 levels and will receive no cost-of-living adjustment. The unrestricted general fund budget estimates $92.2 million in revenue and $91.4 million in expenditures.
For their longtime support of the District and Monrovia High School (MHS) Athletics, Fred and Diane Bowden were honored during an Oct. 27 dedication ceremony that named MHS’s weight room the ‘Fred and Diane Bowden Weight Room.’ Fred, who passed away in 2018, and Diane, graduated from Monrovia High School in 1959 and 1961, respectively. The two always looked for ways to give back to the District and with Fred’s passing, Diane and the Bowden family made a commitment to continue that support.
West Covina Unified’s Board of Education ceremonially broke ground on a 650-seat Performing Arts Center on Oct. 27, launching construction on a flagship facility where students can showcase their artistic talent. Housed at West Covina High School, the West Covina Unified Performing Arts Center will offer dedicated performance and practice spaces for the high school’s visual and performing arts programs, as well as a venue for all West Covina Unified schools to stage visual and performing arts events. The $31 million Performing Arts Center, funded by the voter-approved Measure ES, is expected to open in fall 2022.
California High Students Foster Spirit with Virtual Homecoming
Whittier Union’s California High School kept spirits high during distance learning by transforming its homecoming festivities into virtual celebrations throughout October. Cal High’s ASB announced a virtual spirit week – held Oct. 5 to 9 – that encouraged students to dress up for theme days, take pictures and share on social media. Students embraced the idea, sharing photos of themselves in sports attire, monochromatic outfits, wacky pajamas and more. ASB students also honored the tradition of naming a homecoming court, designed to recognize the students who best represent the Class of 2021. Cal High seniors voted for their picks using Google Forms and winners will be announced at the end of the month. Visit Cal High’s Instagram for more.
West Covina Unified Offers Online Learning Academy
West Covina Unified has launched the West Covina Online Learning Academy (WCOLA), a 100% virtual program that allows families to design their own learning schedules. WCOLA allows students to learn at their own pace and provides families the opportunity to create customized schedules similar to independent study. Students receive regular access to a WCUSD credentialed teacher while learning through a rigorous, standards-based online curriculum. The breadth of course offerings is similar to those students would receive at their home school. Families interested in enrolling in WCOLA may do so through the West Covina Unified website.
Santa Fe High School senior Isabella Padilla was recognized by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees with an Award of Merit for academic, excellence and leadership during an Oct. 13 board meeting. Padilla maintains a 4.30 GPA, has completed 32 semesters of AP and Honors classes and competes on the Santa Fe soccer and track teams. Padilla serves as a Link Crew mentor, Academic Affairs ASB commissioner and is a member of film club and Black and Gold Nation. She is a semi-finalist for a Posse Foundation scholarship to Tulane University.
