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.
Sierra Vista High School senior Jesus Medina has been recognized as a 2021 Dell Scholar by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. Medina will receive $20,000, spread over four years, a laptop and access to Dell Scholars Connect, a mentoring network that offers year-round support from current and former Dell Scholars. Median serves as SVHS ASB Executive Board vice president, AVID president and NAMI treasurer.
Aspiring to attend an elite university, Pioneer High School senior Genessa Frondarina never dreamed she would continue her education alongside her older sisters – Pioneer High Class of 2019 graduate Alyssa Suarez and Pioneer High Class of 2020 graduate Lanessa Frondarina – who are both attending UCLA. Frondarina, who has a 4.41 GPA, will become the third member of her family to wear the blue and gold after being accepted to UCLA. Frondarina plans to major in international affairs.
