Buena Park School District is continuing to boost positive behaviors and motivate students to achieve their dreams while building a welcoming community during at-home learning sessions with its new Virtual Spirit Days. The District’s first Virtual Spirit Day was started by Emery School’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team to bring the school’s community together amid the temporary dismissal of in-person classes. The school challenged its students to dress in their favorite sports team’s jerseys or athletic gear and share their photos with the District.
Firebaugh High School English and IB Theatre teacher Kate Thomas Butiu has gone from camera shy to YouTube personality. Accompanied by her two teaching assistants, a pair of pit bulls, she leaves her students motivational messages, assignments and personal anecdotes. Thomas is among the Lynwood Unified educators who are embracing technology and channeling new ways to inspire learners amidst school closures that will extend to at least May 5 as the District works to protect the community from COVID-19.
Río Hondo College is providing a full menu of online services to ensure students – especially those most vulnerable and marginalized – receive the support they need while completing spring classes via online instruction. Services include remote counseling, online tutoring, financial aid assistance, psychological services, food pantry distribution, Chromebook loans, access to free Office 365 and internet, guidance for undocumented students, and access to local, community-based support.
The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) has launched an emergency fund in response to the COVID-19 global coronavirus pandemic that will meet the immediate and emerging needs of Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD) students and families. LPEF is working together with LUSD and its staff to identify the immediate needs of students and families, and has set a target to raise $100,0000 to cover costs associated with expanding services for families in need.
Río Hondo College has extended all teaching and student services through Saturday, May 9 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Faculty and staff will continue provide robust online instruction, counseling and student services for six more weeks.
Amid school closures and concerns over COVID-19, Fontana Unified is tackling the challenge of keeping students well-fed through its “Grab and Go” meal distribution program, which provides breakfast and lunch meals for children ages 18 and under. Meal distribution began on March 16; each weekday, Food Services staff and District employees prepare and deliver meals curbside to families at 10 FUSD schools. To date, the District has served up to 8,600 meals on a single day.
Lynwood High School senior Jaren Johnson had his share of college options. A standout student-athlete with a 4.1 GPA and basketball skill to match, Johnson was always destined to find higher education opportunities for his enormous potential. But for Johnson, who grew up just outside of Lynwood, choosing a school wasn’t just about himself but the community that helped to inspire him. This was a motivating factor when he officially committed to Dartmouth College.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees declared a state of emergency on March 16, providing Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes with greater flexibility to formulate a response to issues related to COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. The action was taken during a special 6 p.m. board meeting called specifically to address the issue.
In response to the recent coronavirus pandemic and in consultation with its Board of Trustees, Rio Hondo College is transitioning courses to an online format. Effective March 16 through April 4, as many courses as possible will be moved online to the College’s Canvas instructional management tool. The College will continue to follow its academic calendar, closing for spring break March 21-27.
San Dimas High School seniors got a crash course in money management and financial planning during the school’s annual Career Day on March 4, using the app-based simulation “A Bite of Reality” to mimic real-world budgetary decisions. Students were given occupations, families and a net monthly income, along with a list of debt obligations. They were tasked with paying recurring expenses – such as housing, clothing and entertainment – with a goal of retaining a positive bank balance by the end of the exercise.
