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.
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 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 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 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.
California High School freshman and girls golf team member Sophia Martinez was honored by the Women’s Sports Foundation for her essay, “What Inspires Me to Keep Playing,” during the foundation’s 40th Annual Salute to Women in Sports gala, held Oct. 16 in New York City. Martinez, a member of the Southern California Golf Association junior program, was one of three winners of the WSF national essay contest, allowing her the chance to meet some of America’s elite female athletes, including Women’s World Cup star Megan Rapinoe and WSF founder and tennis star Billie Jean King.
Baldwin Park Unified has refinanced $147.6 million in facility bonds, saving District property owners $72.1 million in repayment costs over the next 27 years. Refinancing takes advantage of lower interest rates for bonds approved by voters for improving District facilities.
Fernando Ledesma High School will host a Cash for College workshop to help families access financial aid and other college resources. Attendees will get help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act application. The workshop will run from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte.
West Covina Unified’s Edgewood High School will hold a financial aid information night for students and families, providing presentations on the process and assistance with financial aid applications from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Pride Café, 1625 W. Durness St., West Covina.