Will Rogers Elementary School has expanded its Spanish-English dual immersion program to include fifth grade. Fifth-graders, who had been taught in earlier grades on a 90:10 model – with most instruction in Spanish – are transitioning to a focus on their first language, bridging the gap between what they have been learning and what they know to produce a 50:50 competency rate in both languages.
Coronado High School Principal Shavon Roberts has dedicated her career in education to ensuring equity for every student and helping teachers receive the support they need in the classroom. Roberts has just completed her first month as top administrator at the District’s continuation school and finds herself inspired by the commitment and diligence of the Coronado faculty and staff.
Redwood Elementary School challenged students to begin thinking about their academic futures during the eighth annual College Day on Oct. 18. This year, Redwood expanded on its traditional activities by inviting Fontana Unified alumni from a variety of colleges and universities back to campus to give presentations on higher education and answer student questions.
Henry J. Kaiser High School Principal Terry Abernathy, Redwood Elementary counselor Eduardo Valencia and Fontana Unified alumnus Jashandeep Lobana were recognized by state Sen. Connie Leyva on Oct. 21 at the third annual Terrific 20 of Senate District 20 event. Each year, local residents are recognized for their commitment and contributions in fields like education, community activism, business, law enforcement and hospitality.
West Covina High School alumni Danny and Diego Mercado were inducted into the University of Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 25 for their achievements as members of the 2007 and 2008 NCAA men’s cross country national championship teams and All-American status. The Mercado brothers graduated from West Covina High School in 2006; Danny Mercado is currently part of the school’s cross country coaching staff.
Nearly 50 local educators on Oct. 22 visited Fontana High School classrooms, met with administrators and learned from students about the school’s highly successful Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. The showcase provided teachers, principals, superintendents and school board members with a look at the inner workings of an AVID National Demonstration School – a status Fontana High School has held since 2006.
El Monte Union High School District has been recognized as a leader in promoting green technology in its schools, implementing green school practices in its operations Districtwide and fostering environmental sustainability in the classroom. Green Technology – a nonprofit initiative designed to inform government efforts toward sustainability and promote the development and distribution of green technologies – honored the District with a Leadership Award at its annual Green California Schools and Community Colleges Summit and Exposition on Oct. 16.
The Los Angeles Rams have worked to improve Inglewood Unified’s Morningside High School football field while donating $2,000 to the school along with $1,000 in Gatorade products to the football team. The donations came as the Rams honored Morningside coach Rod Harvey as their High School Coach of the Week. The Rams have partnered with Inglewood Unified to provide students with tools to succeed.
Seventh- and eighth-graders at Buena Park Junior High are mastering Advanced Placement computer science concepts typically taught to high school juniors and seniors – and earning college credit – as part of a partnership designed to promote interest in tech careers. The Computer Science class is offered through a partnership with Anaheim-based nonprofit Cod.Ed Education, teaching computer languages such as Java and Python and programming theories.
West Covina Unified will soon begin accepting enrollment applications for the 2020-21 year through the state-certified District of Choice program until Tuesday, Dec. 31. 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 college enrollment through the Mt. SAC Early College Academy. Visit the WCUSD website for enrollment information.