Sierra Vista High School students are pulling in stellar SAT and PSAT scores, including senior Robert Sotelo’s nearly perfect score of 1560 on the SAT, bolstered by a District focus on college readiness. SVHS junior Leyna Huynh scored 1400 on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test and junior Winston Le received a 1370, both top-level performances that could put them in the running for National Merit Scholarships.
West Covina Unified held its second annual Mental Wellness Summit on Dec. 3, inviting leaders of campus mental health clubs to discuss how they can support student wellness on campus. West Covina Unified established mental health clubs on each middle and high school campus in 2018-19 and is working to expand mental health awareness to the WCUSD community.
Students at Whitaker School are acting out voice-over dialogue, editing video and audio files and writing scripts to prepare themselves for digital media careers thanks to the school’s Story Maker academic initiative.
In partnership with Faith Church of West Covina, Baldwin Park Unified’s Early Childhood Education program provided more than 80 meals for ECE families on Nov. 28. More than 25 families with infants and children up to the age of 4 enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast that included turkey and all the trimmings.
The staff at Monrovia Unified’s Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School served about 160 students a Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, a host of side dishes, and pumpkin and apple pies, all in honor of a 10-year tradition that celebrates community, perseverance and kindness. Community volunteers, retired staff, Board of Education President Ed Gililland, Board Vice President Rob Hammond and Board Member Selene Lockerbie all pitched in to help serve students a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Fontana Unified’s Jurupa Hills High School was recognized for achieving the state’s sixth-highest rate of completed student financial aid applications during the inaugural California College Affordability Summit, held in November. Jurupa Hills beat out more than 1,000 California High Schools in the Race to Submit, a statewide campaign that aims to increase the number of financial aid applications for California high school seniors.
Lynwood Unified Board of Education members voted to retain their leadership roles on Dec. 4 as the Board builds on the success of the past year. Gary Hardie Jr. was reelected president, Maria Lopez remains vice president and Briseida Gonzalez stays on as clerk. Members Alfonso Morales, Esq. and Alma-Delia Renteria round out the Board.
Fifteen West Covina Unified teachers received grants of up to $300 from the West Covina Rotary Club on Dec. 2, providing financial support for educators who seek new ideas to enrich classroom experiences. The mini grants will help fund flexible seating, an aromatic garden, musical equipment, a fitness lab, a greenhouse and more.
Inglewood High School student-athlete Montana Lemonious-Craig has committed to the University of Colorado to play NCAA Division 1 football in fall 2020. Lemonious-Craig, who plays wide receiver and safety for Inglewood High, has helped lead the Sentinels to a 12-1 season. He took his official visit to Colorado over Thanksgiving weekend and fell in love with the atmosphere.
Monrovia Unified’s five elementary schools will join for a night of holiday celebration during the District’s Elementary Holiday Showcase from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia. Choirs and instrumental groups will delight the audience with classic holiday songs and instrumental performances.