Career Technical Educator (CTE) Shelley Andros works tirelessly to encourage her students to reach their “aha” moment when they revel in achieving a hard-earned goal during coding classes, robotics sessions or even in the school’s garden. Andros’ gumption and inspiring spirit at Buena Park Junior High earned her a spot of the 2020 Top 10 Educators of Orange County list by Parenting OC. She was also named Buena Park School District’s Teacher of the year.
El Monte City School District students exhibited their expertise in building robotics, coding in computer languages and editing with video production software to parents and community members during the District’s second annual Tech Fair. The “Magic of Technology” themed showcase on Feb. 27 featured information booths from each school, outlining how the District is using technology to boost student achievement.
Baldwin Park Unified Aspiring Chefs Advance to C-CAP Culinary Finals
Two Baldwin Park Unified student chefs are one step closer to earning a scholarship to an elite culinary school after advancing to the Careers Through Culinary Arts (C-CAP) Los Angeles cooking competition finals, to be held in April. Sierra Vista High School senior Angela Chandara and Baldwin Park High School senior Simon Luong are among 35 L.A. and Ventura county student finalists whose culinary expertise wowed the judges during a Feb. 7 preliminary competition. By advancing to the finals, Chandara and Luong have qualified for C-CAP scholarships.
El Monte City School District Science Olympiad Wins Big at Regionals
Gidley School’s Science Olympiad team won seven medals and placed sixth overall at the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Tournament, earning a spot at the Science Olympiad State Tournament in April. The Science Olympiad team earned awards by completing tasks such as investigating viral outbreaks, using math to measure density levels and answering questions about genetics.
Buena Park School District Amazes with ‘Jungle Book’ Performance
Corey School students wowed parents and community members when they transformed themselves into panthers, elephants, monkeys and other inhabitants of the jungles of India during their musical theater performances of “The Jungle Book Kids.” The play, which ran from Feb. 25-27, featured songs from the 1967 Disney animated film “The Jungle Book” about a boy named Mowgli who is beset by the tiger Shere Khan.
West Covina Unified Opens Enrollment for New Performing Arts Academy
West Covina High School is accepting applications from artistically inclined incoming freshmen for its Performing Arts Academy, launching in fall 2020. The Academy will provide a rigorous fine arts education in a free, public school setting, welcoming a cohort of 50 freshmen. Students from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties are eligible to apply; applications are available online.
Baldwin Park High School Students Recognized for Excellence in Speech Contest
Baldwin Park’s Organization of Supervisors and Administrators recognized five students for delivering powerful speeches, including Baldwin Park High School senior Kendra Nguyen who placed first and secured a spot at the Association of California School Administrators Region XV Student Oratory Contest. Sierra Vista High School students Hanna Cardenas and Brianda Medina came in second and third places, respectively for their speeches. Sierra Vista High School student May Suyat and North Park Continuation High School senior Ezdra Esparza earned honorable mentions.
West Covina Unified Elementary Student Wins T-Shirt Design Contest
Orangewood Elementary School fourth-grader Paz Toma’s depiction of hands reaching into a circle to join together – one of which features bright primary colors associated with autism awareness – earned the top prize in the District’s annual Autism Awareness T-shirt design contest. Toma’s design, which also features the words “What makes you different is what makes you beautiful,” adorns T-shirts that are available for purchase through the District office.
Lynwood Unified to Complete Playground Renovation Projects
Students from Roosevelt, Will Rogers and Marshall elementary schools are enjoying new playground areas that encourage increased physical fitness and fun thanks to a $774,000 facilities renovation. Abbott, Rosa Parks and Mark Twain elementary schools are nearing completion of their own new playgrounds.
Inglewood Unified Canvasses Neighborhoods for Student Outreach Days
Teams from Inglewood Unified’s District office, schools and volunteers, visited neighborhoods across Inglewood to share information about the district and its schools on March 5 and 6. The teams, including County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres, visited homes, businesses and community organizations to provide details about the district’s educational programs, student success and facility improvements.
