Lynwood Unified will provide Rosa Parks Elementary students with brand new iPads, laptops, robotic kits, and other learning tools after receiving a $25,000 grant from the American Honda Foundation to enhance technology education. The new technology will allow students to continue reaching success both inside the classroom and out. The District’s students and educators relied heavily on technology to stay connected during school closures. The new devices provided by the Honda grant can equip young learners to continue thriving through distance learning if necessary.
The El Monte Union Board of Trustees will consider adopting a blended learning model – in which students receive a combination of virtual and in-classroom instruction – for the 2020-21 academic year, which begins Aug. 18. The Board of Trustees will review the District’s Reopening of Schools Plan – which includes the proposed instructional program, specific plans for distancing of students, cleaning of classrooms and equipment, safety and health protocols, student transportation, preparation of meals, student and family engagement, and social-emotional support – during its virtual board meeting on July 15, which may be viewed live here.
Baldwin Park Unified Graduates Awarded Waste Management Scholarships
Ten Baldwin Park Unified graduates were awarded with $500 scholarships each from the Waste Management Internship and Scholarship Program for their resilience, determination and commitment to bettering themselves and their community. Baldwin Park High School scholarship recipients include valedictorian Kendra Nguyen, salutatorian Zaia Rodriguez and Herman Cortez. Sierra Vista High School scholarship winners include Fernando Castillo, Jadriel Delim, Ashanti Gamez, Baldwin Ma, Alina Mercado, Adriana Roscala and Varuni Vittayavongvanich.
Lynwood Unified Partners with City to Serve 8,000 Meals to Families
Lynwood Unified School District’s food pantry has served an estimated 8,000 meals to families in need through a partnership with the City of Lynwood and local leaders to support the Lynwood community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lynwood’s Greater Emmanuel Temple Church currently hosts the service, allowing families to make appointments to pick up groceries at the church 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood. Families can request the service by contacting the Student Services hotline at 310-635-8837.
Buena Park School District Teacher Promotes Literacy through Reading Program
For more than 20 years, Gilbert School kindergarten teacher Leslee Milch has connected with underserved Buena Park School District students and promoted literacy through her summer reading program, Read With Me! Partnering with the City of Buena Park, Milch is leading a scaled-down, socially distanced program each week this summer at Bellis Park that is limited to 10 students who must reserve a spot online. Healthy snacks and parenting classes are provided free of charge, and the Buena Park Library bookmobile provides bags of books to students. Readings are held Wednesdays throughout July.
El Monte City School District Summer Camp Engages 1,000-plus Students
El Monte City School is engaging more than 1,000 students through a trio of summer school programs, meshing virtual classroom experiences with hands-on activities in subjects such as musical theater, art, robotics, American Sign Language and cooking. In addition to the District’s Virtual Summer Learning Academy, students are taking advanced math classes through Río Hondo College and exploring robotics through a grant-funded Lego machines program. Classes started in late June and early July. Photos and video available.
Mt. SAC Early College Academy Tops SGV News Reader’s Choice Awards
Mt. SAC Early College Academy – West Covina Unified’s flagship dual-enrollment public high school – has been named the top high school in the San Gabriel Valley, according to the Reader’s Choice Awards from San Gabriel Valley News. Presented by Southern California News Group, the annual awards recognize the best people, places and things as voted on by SCNG readers. Mt. SAC Early College Academy provides students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and up to two years of free, transferable college credit. High school students from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties are eligible to apply to the Academy.
Whittier Union Graduate Creates COVID-19 Awareness Campaign
Harvard-bound Whittier High School Class of 2020 co-valedictorian Julia Casas will partner with PIH Whittier to establish more effective communication networks in the Whittier area in an effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The effort is part of Harvard’s SPARK program, an immersive six-week public service program offered exclusively to incoming freshmen. Casas will work with PIH Whittier administrators to organize a social network of volunteers, create an online newsletter, coordinate donations of PPE and raise funds for the hospital.
Monrovia Unified Webinars Provide Reopening Information
Monrovia Unified School District held a series of webinars for parents and stakeholders regarding the District’s school reopening plan. The webinar discussed the possibility of having students attend school, but not in a traditional manner. Students will have days when distance learning is required with a rotating schedule with two cohorts. Plans for transportation, food services and cleaning schedules are still being finalized. Monrovia Unified’s first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 19.
El Monte City School District is engaging more than 1,000 students in a trio of summer learning programs that offer customized instruction in topics ranging from musical theater and journalism to American Sign Language and art from the Getty. Programs include its primary Summer Academy – a virtual school engaging 985 students in transitional kindergarten through grade seven – as well as an advanced math academy offered to 84 students in partnership with Río Hondo College and courses in robotics funded by a grant from California Community Foundation in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
