11 Whittier Union Students to Perform in Tournament of Roses Parade
Whittier High School baritone player Jacob Cortes will perform for the second year in a row in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Honor Band on New Year’s Day. He is one of 11 Whittier Union students to win a coveted spot in the nearly 250-member Honor Band, which involved a rigorous audition process that included hundreds of high school musicians from throughout Southern California. Joining him are seven band and four color guard members. From Santa Fe High School, they are Korey Allen (clarinet) and Dominick Bonelli (trumpet). From California High School, they are Kaelee Chavez (clarinet), Seth Diaz (tenor sax), Mark Gonzalez (trombone), Roberto Haro (trumpet), Isabella Bocanegra (banner), Lauren Hernandez (tall flag and also a second-year ToR performer), Erika Leal (banner) and Chole Martin (banner).
San Gabriel Fire Department will visit McKinley Elementary School with Santa Claus in tow to collect donations for the Spark of Love toy drive at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21. The annual toy drive has collected millions of toys for children in need across Southern California over the last 26 years. McKinley Elementary is at 1425 Manley Drive, San Gabriel.
El Monte City School District’s Gidley School hosted its longstanding annual Winter Sing event on Dec. 19, showcasing the musical talents of nearly 200 of the school’s TK-6 and special education students as they sang a selection of seasonal tunes such as “I Want to Be an Elf,” “Up on the Housetop” and “Let it Snow.”
Lynwood Unified will provide every preschool student with a free book for winter break at each school on Friday, Dec. 14. This is the third year the District will hold the giveaway. Books are collected at fairs throughout the year and feature a wide range of subjects, including Marvel and Whisker Haven books.
Fontana Unified Appoints Board of Education Officers for 2019
Fontana Unified’s Board of Education appointed Jason O’Brien as its new president and Marcelino “Mars” Serna as vice president/clerk during its reorganization meeting on Dec. 12. Recently re-elected members Serna and Mary Sandoval, as well as newly elected member Adam Perez, were sworn in during the meeting.
Lynwood Unified Female Students Inspired at Girl’s Conference
Lynwood Unified inspired nearly 100 female middle school students at the inaugural Girl’s Conference on Dec. 5 at Hosler Middle School. Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, the Director of Equity Services for Lynwood Unified, joined Equity staff members and Hosler Principal Celinna Pinelo to impart life lessons to the young students. Topics included what to look for in friends, self-worth and mindfulness.
The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees has selected three draft trustee area maps to consider as the District transitions from at-large elections to trustee-area elections and members prepare to select a final map for adoption at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19. Following comments from the community at a Jan. 15 public hearing, as well as feedback taken during several community open houses and previous public hearings, the Board narrowed the number of draft maps for consideration from six to three. The Board of Trustees will adopt a final map from the following drafts: NDC Green, NDC Orange, NDC Purple. The community is encouraged to review and continue submitting feedback on the maps at the WUHSD District Formation Process website.
Gabrielino High Students Take Part in ‘One City, One Book, One Read’
San Gabriel Unified’s Gabrielino High School students will enjoy a lecture via Skype with “The Hate U Give” author Angie Thomas on Monday, Dec. 10 as part of this year’s One City, One Book, One Read (OCOBOR) activities. The OCOBOR kicked off Dec. 3 with a visit from San Gabriel Police Chief Eugene Harris, who led students in small group discussions on how policing and race are dealt with in the novel. Gabrielino High is at 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel.
El Monte City School District received the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award during the 15th annual Tamalada fundraiser on Dec. 13 for supporting college readiness. The District received the El Monte Promise Foundation accolade for creating a strong college roadmap for its K-8 students, encouraging parents to make financial plans for paying tuition and supporting students to reach their full academic potential.
The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees conducted its annual reorganization meeting Dec. 5, selecting David Diaz as president for 2019, Florencio F. Briones as vice president and Ricardo Padilla as clerk. Diaz – a graduate of South El Monte High School who serves as the director of an environmental justice and health organization – was elected to the board in November 2017. Also serving on the Board of Trustees are Carlos G. Salcedo and outgoing president Maria Morgan.
