Río Hondo Police Academy celebrated the graduation of 49 cadets in Class No. 210 during a special drive-through ceremony held Nov. 5 at the College’s Whittier campus. The event featured the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drums Corps, a presentation of colors by the Pasadena Police Department Honor Guard and an invocation by Covina Police Chaplain Ron Butler. The class, which had been paused because of the pandemic, was trained in constitutional law, criminal law, domestic violence, traffic enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, tactical first aid and CPR, mental health, lifetime fitness, firearms, among other subjects mandated by Peace Officer Standards and Training.
West Covina Unified Opens 2021-22 Performing Arts Academy Applications
West Covina Unified is accepting 2021-22 enrollment applications for the West Covina High School Performing Arts Academy, which offers an exclusive fine arts education in a free, public school setting. Highly motivated students with a passion for the performing arts will receive valuable industry insight from teaching artists, gain internships and prepare for advanced educational and career opportunities at the Academy. Spaces are limited; interested students may apply through www.wchspaa.org.
Whittier Union Approves New Curriculum for CTE Pathways, Seniors
The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees approved new curriculum for the 2020-21 school year that will help seniors assess their post-secondary education opportunities as well as add rigor to its career technical education (CTE) pathways. The new courses include a College and Career Seminar for seniors, a Project Lead The Way Honors course in digital electronics, an advanced architectural design and graphics course for its Industrial Technology pathway, and a college prep English course, Rhetoric and E-Sports, for its Marketing pathway. All the new courses are one-year in length and will fulfill UC and Cal State admission requirements.
Baldwin Park Unified voters on Nov. 4 re-elected Board of Education President Christina Lucero and board member Santos Hernandez Jr., as well as returning 2017-18 board member Diana E. Dzib. New and returning board members will be sworn in during a virtual board meeting in December.
West Covina Unified Opens ‘District of Choice’ Enrollment for 2021-22
West Covina Unified is accepting enrollment applications for the 2021-22 year through the state-certified District of Choice program. As a District of Choice, West Covina Unified is eligible to accept families from throughout Southern California in its engaging, highly competitive academic programs. The District’s signature programs include Mandarin and Spanish dual language immersion, California’s only TK-12 International Baccalaureate Continuum, dual enrollment through the Mt. SAC Early College Academy and more. Visit the WCUSD website for enrollment information
Two Jurupa Hills High School student leaders have been named QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship finalists, putting them one step closer to being awarded a four-year full-ride scholarship to an elite university. John Nino Requieron and Jesus Rivera-Zamudio are among nearly 7,000 students across the United States chosen as finalists from a pool of over 18,000 QuestBridge applicants, who receive the scholarship when matched with a participating university.
Whittier Union Alternative, Adult Schools Celebrate Student Awards
Whittier Union’s Frontier High School, Sierra Vista High School and Whittier Union Adult School are launching a new tradition to recognize student achievement during remote learning and support their efforts to unify the district’s alternative education sites. Beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, all three schools will acknowledge their Student of the Term during a virtual award ceremony.
Fontana Unified to Host Session on Social-emotional Support
Fontana Unified will discuss methods of providing social/emotional support to students during a Parent University virtual session from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. FUSD’s Parent University aims to build capacity for parents and empower them as vital partners in the education process. Families may register for the virtual session on the Fontana Unified website.
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.
