Dr. Vincent Tinto and Dr. Peter Felten, two of the nation’s foremost experts on student success, will be featured keynote speakers at the inaugural Caring Campus Conference 2025: Building a National Culture of Care, which will take place from Nov. 12-14, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel in San Diego. Dr. Tinto, a professor emeritus at Syracuse University and a leading authority on student retention, and Dr. Felten, executive director of the Center for Engaged Learning and assistant provost at Elon University, and co-author of “Relationship Rich Education,” will share decades of research and insights on how connection, belonging, and a culture of care can drive student persistence, retention, and success.
Fontana Unified School District’s more than 32,000 students and their families are set to benefit from modernized school facilities and expanded programming designed to support the educational future of District students through the passing of Measure I, the District’s School Facilities Improvement Bond Measure on the November ballot. More than 65% of District voters approved Measure I, Fontana Unified’s first bond in nearly 20 years, which required 55% of the vote to pass. Measure I will provide FUSD with $408 million in bond funds for school facilities improvements and classroom modernizations, expansion of the District career and technical education (CTE) training programs, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure safe, accessible learning environments.
The Bonita High School football team, fresh off an undefeated regular season and ready to compete in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, could not contain their enthusiasm, stamping their feet and whooping it up, while watching star linebacker Noah Mikhail be presented his official Navy All-American Bowl Game jersey by principal Kenny Ritchie, capping a prep football career that established Mikhail as one of the top high school football players in the country. Mikhail, who has already committed to play collegiate ball at Texas A&M, is one of 100 players selected to play in the annual high school all-star matchup, to be held Jan. 11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, and televised nationally on NBC. The All-American Bowl traditionally showcases the top emerging talent in college football, with nearly 600 All-American alumni drafted into the National Football League, 93 Super Bowl champions, 247 Pro Bowl selections, and 18 Heisman Trophy finalists.
Rio Hondo College (RHC) will continue expanding its academic offerings as part of its mission to remove barriers to higher education when it releases its Bachelor of Science in Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI), Performance and Production of Electronic Music in fall 2025. The launch of the new bachelor’s program will make Río Hondo College the only school in the California Community College system to offer a bachelor’s in EDI Performance and Production, according to Dr. George Wheeler, interim dean of Arts, Business, and Cultural Programs. It will also be RHC’s second baccalaureate program alongside its Automotive Technology degree, which debuted in fall 2016. RHC’s mission is to provide students with affordable, innovative programming that offers clear pathways leading to in-demand career opportunities. The College’s newest bachelor’s degree builds on its EDI Associate of Science Degree and is designed for students passionate about electronic music.
Dr. Michele Doll, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services at Covina-Valley Unified School District, has been named the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Human Resources Cabinet Member of the Year, underscoring her dedication to building a supportive and dynamic work culture that positively impacts both students and staff. With a distinguished career in public education spanning three decades, Dr. Doll has established a compassionate and strategic approach to human resources, helping the District to attract, retain, and nurture employees since 2015. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment has been instrumental in shaping the District’s culture and enhancing the experiences of educators and staff.
Pasadena Unified School District students are benefitting from innovative technology, made possible through Measure O funds, that enhances their learning, fosters classroom engagement, and equips them for success in an ever-evolving world. In 2021, Pasadena Unified implemented a Districtwide technology upgrade, providing every student with a Google Chromebook. This initiative ensured students had the essential tools to excel both in the classroom and at home.
Hundreds of Fontana High School (FOHI) seniors will collectively submit more than an estimated 2,000 applications to four-year colleges and universities over seven hours during the school’s award-winning College Application Day. School and District counselors, faculty, staff, and families will be on hand to help students complete the college application process. FOHI earned the Riverside Inyo Mono San Bernardino (RIMS) Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Impact Award for the annual event at an Oct. 29 ceremony. School staff and student leaders will track the number of college applications submitted during the event, which will include a complimentary lunch. Representatives from four-year colleges and universities, including Azusa Pacific, the University of La Verne, University of Redlands, California Baptist University, Grand Canyon University, Whittier College, and California State University, San Bernardino, will also be in attendance to meet with students and discuss preparing for the transition to college.
Excitement filled the air as El Monte High School (EMHS) students ran through the school’s iconic inflatable Lion tunnel to kick off a groundbreaking celebration commemorating the start of construction on the school’s new track and field facility on Oct. 30. The project will provide EMHS with a modernized track and field facility, made possible by El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) Measure D and HS funds. Expected to be completed by May 2025, the new athletic space will feature a synthetic track and field, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and various site improvements, reflecting the District’s commitment to creating versatile spaces that empower students to strive for excellence in both athletics and academic performance.
Southridge Tech Middle School seventh-grader Cyrus Moss has been honored as a 2024 “30 Under 30” recipient by 50th Congressional District Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes in recognition of his leadership in the successful effort to rename Fontana Unified’s Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary, commemorating the family who broke Fontana’s color barrier in 1945. Moss’ courage and dedication to justice were celebrated during Reyes’ annual “30 Under 30” celebration on Oct. 30. The recognition honors 30 residents under the age of 30 from California’s 50th District, which includes Fontana, for their dedication, innovation, and service.
Río Hondo College (RHC) proudly announces First-Gen Week, a special celebration from Nov. 4–7, 2024, to honor the achievements, resilience and contributions of students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Events throughout the week are open to the public, and the College invites students, families, educators and residents of surrounding communities to join the festivities.
