“Freedom Writers” Founder Brings Message to Monrovia Unified

Erin Gruwell, the inspirational educator whose transformative teaching was featured in the 2007 movie “Freedom Writers” will address an assembly of students, teachers, and district staff at 8:50 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14 at Clifton Middle School, 226 South Ivy Ave., Monrovia. Erin imparts her empowering teaching methodologies to audiences nationwide and has been featured alongside her students on numerous television shows including "Oprah," "Good Morning America," "The View," and more.

El Monte City School District Launches Reading Challenge with Dodger Alumni Visit

New Lexington School fourth-grader Arcyruby Sanchez says hearing Los Angeles Dodger great Al “The Bull” Ferrara talk about the importance of education has encouraged her to devour as many books as possible during her school’s upcoming Reading Rocks Challenge. “It was so great – it was a dream come true to see a Dodger player in person,” Sanchez said. “I also loved the book he read to us because it was really funny.”

Inglewood Unified Elementary School Holds STEM Fair

William Kelso Elementary School students showcased math and engineering projects during a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Fair on Feb. 1 on the school campus. The fair doubled as a celebration of the school’s 100th day. Students in kindergarten through second grade presented math and engineering-related work in classrooms, while students in grades three through six displayed scientific findings in the cafeteria.

Inglewood Unified Breaks Ground for New TK-8 Academy

Inglewood Unified celebrated the start of renovations for its new Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy with a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 28. The projects include a new modular classroom building as well as overall site improvements. The academy, which opens in fall, will combine Clyde Woodworth Elementary School and Monroe Magnet Middle School into a single campus.

Baldwin Park Adult Ed Program to Stage Lunar New Year Performance

The Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education’s Older Adult Program, in association with the City of Baldwin Park, will welcome community members to celebrate the Year of the Pig from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Performing Arts Center, 4640 N. Maine Ave., Baldwin Park. The annual event features classical instrumental pieces, Chinese folk dances and contemporary routines – including fan dances and a lion dance. Performers also will give presentations on the holiday’s cultural significance.

Bonita Unified Elementary School to Host Family Baking Night

Bonita Unified’s Shull Elementary School will host a Baking and Dessert Family Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 filled with sweet treats for students and their families. A coffee bar will be available for parents while students make creative take-home Valentine’s Day treats. Students also can pose with friends and teachers in the Valentine’s Day booth. Shull Elementary is at 825 N. Amelia Ave., San Dimas.

San Gabriel Unified Elementary School Celebrates PBIS Program Launch

More than 500 Washington Elementary School students, parents and staff learned about the power of positive behavior on Feb. 5, when Washington celebrated its rollout of the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program. Students and parents explored interactive stations throughout the school that tested their PBIS and Washington knowledge.

Fitness Guru Visit to Encourage El Monte City School District Students

Fitness advocate Tony “Mr. Tone” Lamka will visit El Monte City School District schools on Tuesday, Feb. 5 to boost participation in Operation Tone-Up, which encourages fourth- and fifth-graders to stay active and knowledgeable about nutrition. Lamka will visit New Lexington School at 8:05 a.m., Rio Hondo Elementary at 8:45 a.m., Wilkerson School at 9:35 a.m., Cortada School at 10:15 a.m., Rio Vista School at 11:35 a.m., Le Gore School at 11:55 a.m., Cherrylee School at 12:40 p.m. and Potrero School at 1:30 p.m.