Río Hondo College’s Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOP&S) will hold a 50th anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Campus Inn for the program that helps historically underrepresented college students achieve their educational goals. EOP&S, launched by Senate Bill 164 in 1969 as part of the Civil Rights Movement, is considered the original equity program of the California Community Colleges. It provides academic, financial and personal support for low-income students whose educational and socio-economic situations might otherwise prevent them from achieving their higher education goals.
Rio Hondo Elementary students presented veterans with letters of thanks and hand-drawn posters, performed a swing-dance routine and recited poetry during a special celebratory assembly on Nov. 8. Veterans from World War II and the Vietnam War, and veterans representing the Coast Guard, Navy, Army and Air Force gave speeches and shared their gratitude with the El Monte City School District and Rio Hondo Elementary for hosting the celebration.
Southridge Tech Middle School science teacher Pamela Matea has earned recognition as a UC Davis C-STEM Teacher of the Year for smoothly integrating computer coding into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (C-STEM) subjects. Matea received the honor at the ninth annual Conference on Integrated Computing and STEM Education, held in November at UC Davis.
El Monte City School District Unveils Cycle Track and Recreation Area
El Monte City School District families raced around a bike track, played carnival games and roamed a lush, green field during the opening of Jeff Seymour Family Center’s outdoor recreation area on Oct. 26. The Jeff Seymour Family Center celebrated the unveiling of its new pump track, which is a bike trail populated with wooden ramps and dirt hills, and recreation area with an afternoon of games, music and food for guests.
Fontana Unified Code to the Future School Showcases Tech Skills
Students at the Chaparral Academy of Technology, one of Fontana Unified’s two Code to the Future schools, showcased their coding and robotics prowess during an Epic Build Showcase on Nov. 7. Chaparral became a Code to the Future School in fall 2018, providing K-5 students with immersive computer science curriculum that teaches block coding, robotics and scripted coding skills.
Credit Union Endows Whittier Union Program with $50,000
The Credit Union of Southern California, a longtime supporter of La Serna High School’s life-changing intervention program, OASIS, has launched a $50,000 endowment to ensure students in the program find enduring success after graduation. CEO Dave Gunderson and Executive Vice President Eric Day have provided thousands of dollars in scholarships over the years to students in La Serna’s Organized Academic Support in School (OASIS) program, which motivates students who are underperforming to earn higher GPAs and graduate high school. They will regularly contribute to the endowment, with the funds going toward scholarships as well as tools to ensure OASIS students have the support necessary for successful futures.
Inglewood Unified Introduces Leaders for Human Resources, Academics
Inglewood Unified introduced new cabinet members Hedieh Khajavi, chief human resources officer, and Dr. Bernadette C. Lucas, chief academic officer, at its Nov. 6 Board of Trustees meeting. Khajavi brings 18 years of experience in K-12 human resources. Lucas brings more than 28 years of experience in education and most recently served as the director of technology for Beverly Hills Unified.
Lynwood High Link Crew Hosts Annual Link Student Conference
Lynwood High School Link Crew students welcomed local schools on Nov. 8 for the annual Boomerang Project Link Student Conference. More than 10 schools joined to discuss practices that will help them become better role models. Link Crew Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful in high school.
Paramount High School senior Jerardo “JJ” Valle’s passion for combining ingredients to create the perfect dish propelled him to a third-place finish in the sixth annual Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence competition. Valle earned a prize of $250 for exceptional taste, presentation and creativity. His entrée featured gourmet chicken tacos topped with juicy peppers and pineapple, paired with roasted potatoes and a citrus cabbage slaw. Valle was inspired to incorporate a salsa from Yucatán, Mexico, after he tasted it during a trip there four years ago.
West Covina Unified Opens ‘District of Choice’ Enrollment
West Covina Unified is accepting enrollment applications for the 2020-21 year through the state-certified District of Choice program. As a District of Choice, West Covina Unified is eligible to accept families from throughout Southern California in its engaging, highly competitive academic programs. The District’s signature programs include Mandarin and Spanish dual language immersion, California’s only TK-12 International Baccalaureate Continuum and dual enrollment through the Mt. SAC Early College Academy. Visit the WCUSD website for enrollment information.
