Whittier Union High School District has launched a Social/Emotional Collaborative to develop class lessons, tools and videos to support students, staff and parents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to ease their transition to the 2020-21 school year. The Collaborative – consisting of Student Well-Being liaisons, District counselors, school psychologists and licensed clinical social workers – has developed resources to address a plethora of issues confronting students and families: the effects of trauma on student learning, time management strategies, practicing mindfulness, the benefits of taking breaks from social media, coping strategies, and the benefits of gratitude. Student Well-Being liaisons hosted a virtual parent presentation, “Helping Your Teen Thrive During the Pandemic,” in English and in Spanish Sept. 10 via Zoom.
Sequoia Middle School has been designated a 2020-21 U.S. Showcase Incubator School by Microsoft, recognizing its commitment to developing robust, technology-driven instructional practices and supporting student success. As a Showcase Incubator School, Sequoia Middle School is on the path to becoming a Microsoft Showcase School, a designation given to an exclusive global community of schools dedicated to pursuing innovative technologies for bolstering student achievement.
Emery School and Beatty Middle School will boost interest in engineering and coding by adding robotics kits and a 3-D printer into their curriculum, thanks to two grants from the Buena Park School District Education Foundation. Emery School teachers Gil Kim, Ana Ngo, Becky August, Jennifer Schell and Esther Lee were awarded funds to purchase a Hummingbird Bit Classroom bundle for their school, which comes with 12 robot kits and tools. Career Technical Educator Shelley Andros was awarded funds for a 3-D printer for Beatty Middle School’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) lab to teach computer-aided design (CAD).
Pioneer High School has welcomed a new bronze icon on campus – Titania – whose uplifting presence completes a spirited triumvirate on the school’s center quad that includes the Titan Torch and Titan sculpture. Both iconic bronze sculptures – which serve as a source of pride and inspiration to students and staff –were designed and created by Pioneer resource teacher John O’Brien.
Fontana Unified Launches 2020-21 Year with Online Learning
Fontana Unified School District launched the 2020-21 year on Aug. 24, providing students with rich educational opportunities through state-mandated online distance learning. The District prepared students and families for online instruction by distributing laptops to students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade, offering tech trainings to help parents navigate digital learning tools, and launched online resources to address frequently asked questions and provide tech support.
Bonita Unified Teachers Connect with Students during Virtual First Day
Bonita Unified School District’s first day of school on Aug. 26 saw teachers at every Bonita campus connecting with students using video conferencing, virtual classrooms and digital lessons plans. District teachers shared pictures of their digital set-ups using #BonitaFirstDay and welcomed students to the 2020-21 school year with online course introductions. More information regarding Bonita Unified’s distance learning model can be found on the District website.
Río Hondo College Board of Trustees Seeks Applicants to Fill Vacancy
Río Hondo College Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to serve the remaining term of District 1 trustee Norma Edith García, who stepped down from the governing board in July. The board expects to conduct interviews and appoint a new member in September. The new member will serve until García’s term ends in December 2022. Individuals interested in being considered must submit a Declaration of Appointment form and a brief resume by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Information is available at www.riohondo.edu/board-vacancy.
Baldwin Park Unified to Host Online Dual Language Enrollment Meeting
Baldwin Park Unified will present a virtual parent information meeting to learn about the benefits of the District’s award-winning English/Spanish Dual Language Program at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 via WebEx. Families from Foster, Geddes, Margaret Heath, Tracy and Walnut elementary schools are invited to discover the academic culture of biliteracy and bilingualism starting as early as transitional kindergarten.
West Covina Unified Offers Distance Learning Training for Parents
West Covina Unified School District is ensuring all families feel supported during distance learning through a series of in-person parent trainings, which explore how to get connected, navigate the digital learning tools and support students’ online learning. The Aug. 26 sessions discussed Google Classroom and Clever. Additional trainings will be held Wednesday, Sept. 2 – highlighting Google Docs, Slides and more – and Wednesday, Sept. 2 – highlighting SchoolsPLP, Seesaw and other online platforms. Two sessions will be held each day, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., in the multipurpose room at Wescove Elementary, 1010 W. Vine Ave., West Covina. Space is limited; parents must RSVP.
Monrovia Unified Hosts Series of Virtual Back to School Nights
Monrovia Unified School District is hosting virtual back to school nights this year over webinars and Zoom. Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy will host its back to school night beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Monrovia High School will follow at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2. The following week, Monroe Elementary and Clifton Middle School, will launch their events. Back to school night gives parents the opportunity to learn more about their children’s school, get to know administrators and teachers, and ask questions regarding distance learning and the academic year.
