On her first day of computer coding class, Pendleton School kindergartner Fiona B. excitedly reported to her parents that she made an animated character jump up and down. In the following weeks, Fiona has learned techniques that allow her to create backgrounds and animals that dance and talk. At an age when many students are still learning to read, Fiona is taking advantage of Pendleton’s commitment to providing computer science and coding instruction for all of its TK-5 students through a partnership with CodeCampus, which provides curriculum and teachers for daily lessons.
Río Hondo College administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Trustee Kristal Orozco and re-elected Trustee Vicky Santana during the Board of Trustees’ annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 16. Orozco is a substitute teacher and Santana, who was elected to her third term, works for the L.A. County Parks and Recreation Department. During the same meeting, Trustee Rosaelva Lomeli was named board president, Santana was named vice president and Orozco was named clerk for the coming year.
Fontana Middle School math teacher Yesenia Escobar was recently named a UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education (C-STEM) 2020 Teacher of the Year, joining Fontana Unified Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics Kristen Sandler, who was named a UC Davis C-STEM 2020 Administrator of the Year. The awards recognize contributions by educators, schools and districts for providing excellent integrated computing and STEM education for K-12 students throughout the year and inspiring students to pursue careers and post-secondary study in C-STEM fields. Sandler and Escobar received their awards during the 10th annual UC Davis/C-STEM Conference, held Dec. 7-10, where they also served as a moderator and panelist, respectively.
Bonita Unified Introduces 2021 Board of Education
Bonita Unified School District’s Board of Education on Dec. 9 administered the Oath of Office to new member Greg Palatto and returning members Krista Chakmak and Glenn Creiman, as well as honoring retiring member Diane Koach with the Bonita Unified Purpose Award. All three members were sworn in on Dec. 11 during a socially distanced ceremony at the District office. Photos are available.
Monrovia High School Parent Donates KN95 Masks to Monrovia Unified
David Berger, a parent from Monrovia High School, donated 22 boxes of KN95 masks to Monrovia Unified School District during a donation event on Dec. 10. Each box contained 1,400 masks, with a total of 30,800 individual masks provided to the District. Board President Rob Hammond, Board Clerk Maritza Travanti and Board Member Selene Lockerbie were on hand to receive the sizeable donation. Photos are available.
El Monte Union Teacher Receives Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award
South El Monte High School math teacher Oscar Castillo was named a 2020 Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award recipient at the 17th annual Tamalada fundraiser on Dec. 10. The award – named for a respected El Monte Union educator who died in 2009 – is given to outstanding educators who exemplify Salcedo’s tireless commitment to education. The El Monte Union Nutrition Services Department was also recognized at the event, which is sponsored by the El Monte Promise Foundation, for its heroic efforts since the start of the pandemic. Juan Munoz from El Monte City School District and Ruby Huesca from the Mountain View School District were also recognized as Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award winners.
Baldwin Park Unified High School Senior Named Coca-Cola Semifinalist
Baldwin Park High School senior Kohle Jackson was named one of 1,609 semifinalists for the 2021 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship, out of more than 99,000 applicants from across the country. Jackson is advancing to the next round, in which 250 seniors will be named regional finalists. 150 students will ultimately be named Coca-Cola scholars and win a $20,000 college scholarship.
Fontana High School has been designated as a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (MCJROTC) Naval Honor School for the 14th time, recognizing the program’s continued legacy of excellence and success in cultivating young leaders. Awarded by the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, the 2019-20 Naval Honor School distinction celebrates top-performing MCJROTC programs in the U.S.
More than 400 families drove through a tunnel of Christmas lights, enjoyed performances by Folklorico dancers, received an authentic tamale dinner and treats from Santa, including pan dulce, during El Monte Union High School District’s third annual Posada holiday event on Dec. 4. Blending Mexican and American traditions, the District’s Posada offered parents and students the opportunity to gather safely for a night of good food and fun. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Posada was transformed by staff and parent volunteers into a drive-thru parade.
Buena Park School District’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park is providing socio-economically disadvantaged students with a safe place to participate in remote learning, allowing them to learn and grow in a fun environment. Director of Child Welfare and Attendance Dr. Elsie Briseno Simonovski said the partnership was created to provide students who live in motels, shelters, camp sites, cars or share residences with other families, with a daily space to work during distance-learning lessons. Students involved with the free program can use the Boys & Girls Club facilities, its high-speed internet and its staff for homework help.
