For 30 years, Shirpser School third-grade teacher Jose Espinoza has inspired his students to be their best selves, providing in-depth assistance to struggling students, relaying the importance of higher education and offering a friendly face for students in need of social-emotional support. Those years of persistent excellence have earned him a Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award, an honor given to outstanding educators who exemplify tireless commitment to education, including mentoring students and inspiring them to pursue a college education.
Bonita Unified Board of Education Selects New Officers
Bonita Unified’s Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting Dec. 11, selecting new leaders for the coming year. The board chose Glenn Creiman as president, Matthew Lyons as vice president and Chuck Coyne as clerk. Derek Bahmanou and Diane Koach round out the board.
Fontana Unified High School Gathers Donations by ‘Swinging for Presents’
Summit High School student programs and clubs collected 525 toy donations during the inaugural Swinging for Presents tournament on Dec. 11. The softball tournament featured players from Summit’s baseball and softball teams, ASB, cheer and TV production program. The toys will be contributed to Fontana Santas, the District’s toy drive for families in need.
West Covina Unified Reorganizes Board of Education
West Covina Unified’s Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 10, voting members into new leadership roles. The Board elected Camie Poulos as president, Eileen Miranda Jimenez as vice president and Dr. Rose Lopez as clerk. Michael Flowers and Daniel C. Monarrez round out the Board.
Fontana Unified Celebrates Graduation of 10th Jr. FLIP Class
Fontana Unified celebrated the graduation of its 10th class from the Junior Fontana Leadership Intervention Program (Jr. FLIP) on Dec. 9. San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre congratulated students and parents during the ceremony. A joint effort between Fontana Unified and Fontana School Police, Jr. FLIP is a 16-week intervention program that focuses on improving grades and behavior and building confidence and social skills.
Fontana Unified Board of Education Votes to Retain Roles
Fontana Unified held its annual Board of Education reorganization meeting on Dec. 11, voting to retain existing leadership roles. Jason O’Brien was re-selected as board president and Marcelino “Mars” Serna was named vice president. Peter Garcia, Adam Perez and Mary Sandoval complete the board.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees endorsed a second year of leadership from President Oscar Valladares, Vice President Rosaelva Lomeli and Clerk Vicky Santana on Dec. 11, 2019 during its annual reorganization meeting. Valladares and Lomeli, both elected in 2018, were named to board leadership positions in December 2018, and elevated to the presidency and vice presidency midway through 2019; Santana was named clerk at that time.
West Covina High Basketball Players Achieve 1,000-point Milestone
West Covina High School seniors Lauren Bustillos and Nikki Thompson celebrated scoring 1,000 career points as part of West Covina High’s girls basketball team. Bustillos and Thompson were recognized for their accomplishments during a pregame ceremony on Dec. 1.
El Monte City School District Boosts Literacy, Test Scores
El Monte City School District’s reading programs are boosting English language arts test scores as well as helping to narrow achievement gaps and nurturing a love of literacy in students. Durfee and LeGore schools have shown especially strong improvements on state standardized tests over the last four years – with Durfee increasing 20 percentage points and LeGore increasing 10 percentage points.
West Covina High School Performing Arts Stage Winter Performances
West Covina High School’s performing arts students staged winter performances in December, delighting the community with their vocal, instrumental and theatrical talents. The vocal music department’s ‘Sounds of the Season’ concert on Dec. 6 featured traditional holiday classics; the instrumental music concert on Dec. 10 showcased symphonic band, jazz ensemble, wind ensemble and band and color guard. Fledgling theater students performed one-act plays during the Dec. 11 showcase.
