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.
Baldwin Park Unified Schools to Open Campuses for In-Person Instruction
Baldwin Park Unified students will return to school for in-person learning on Monday, April 19, employing a staggered schedule that follows health and safety protocols. Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students will join first- and eighth-grade students and high school seniors returning on Monday; second-, third-, and seventh-grade students, sophomores and juniors return on Tuesday, April 20; fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students and freshmen return on Thursday, April 22. The gradual return to campus for those participating in hybrid learning will be completed by Friday, April 23.
Fontana Unified Begins Return to In-Person Elementary Instruction April 5
Fontana Unified School District will initiate a phased return to in-person instruction for elementary school students, welcoming transitional kindergarteners through second-grade students back to campus on Monday, April 5 and grades three to five on Monday, April 12. Under the Board of Education-approved modified hybrid instructional model, each class will be split into three cohorts: Cohort A will receive in-person instruction on Mondays and Tuesdays and Cohort B will engage in distance learning; Cohort B will receive in-person instruction on Thursdays and Fridays and Cohort A will participate in distance learning; and students in Cohort C will remain in full distance learning. Wednesdays will be dedicated to wellness and attendance checks, as well as teacher/administrator-directed time. Deep cleaning and sanitation would also take place on Wednesdays
Bonita Unified School District locked in savings of more than $5.5 million for local taxpayers by refinancing existing general obligation bonds, which will lower property tax bills. Combined with previous bond refinancing from 2012, 2014 and 2016, the District has saved taxpayers more than $18.8 million. Prior to the bond sale, the District received an ‘AA-’ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, an American credit rating agency that publishes financial research and analysis on stocks, bonds and commodities.
Canyon Crest Elementary School fifth-grader Noah Walker wanted to do more to help families facing hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiating a community fundraiser, Walker raised approximately $650 and used it to purchase a variety of gift cards – including McDonalds, Target, and other food-related cards – for selected Canyon Crest families. The gift cards were distributed from March 29 to April 2, providing families in need with additional support.
Fontana Unified Opens Applications for Spanish Dual-Language Program
Fontana Unified School District is accepting applications for 2021-22 enrollment in its Spanish Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) program, which begins in kindergarten and is offered at Redwood Elementary School and Dolores Huerta International Academy. The DLI program aims to foster bilingualism and biliteracy, sociocultural competency and high levels of academic achievement. For more information, visit www.fusd.net/enrollment.
Pioneer High School senior Idaly Iturralde has been recognized as a 2021 Dell Scholar by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, receiving a $20,000 scholarship spread over four years as she pursues her college and career goals. As a Dell Scholar, Iturralde will also receive a laptop and access to Dell Scholars Connect, a mentoring program which offers support from other Dell Scholars.
Baldwin Park Unified Celebrates Margaret Heath Day with Ceremony
Baldwin Park Unified senior Adam Martinez was awarded the 2020-21 Margaret Heath Day Scholarship during the school’s virtual assembly on March 24. Martinez will apply the $500 scholarship to his post-secondary educational goals at Citrus College, where he plans to earn a degree to become an auto mechanic.
