Bassett High School students took a much-needed break from the stress of finals with puppy play during lunch on Dec. 12, visiting with about 15 Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese puppies. The event was staged by Bassett Connects, a new club focused on supporting student social and mental well-being. It capped a week of anti-stress activities that included aromatherapy, yoga and meditation.
El Monte City School District’s Wright School will host two assemblies for students to meet author and literacy advocate Alane Adams, creator of “The Legends of Orkney” fantasy mythology series and “The Santa Thief,” at 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 11317 E. McGirk St., El Monte. Adams will speak to students about her books and career as a novelist.
Fontana Unified will offer its third Parent University workshop of the year, continuing its efforts to boost family engagement in the educational process. The first free session, “Parenting in a Digital World,” will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Fontana Adult School, 10755 Oleander Ave.; and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John D. Piazza Center, 9680 Citrus Ave. Translation services will be available.
Bonita Unified celebrated retiring Board of Education Vice President Patti Latourelle on Nov. 27 during an evening filled with moving testimonials from community and District leaders who spoke about the tremendous impact Latourelle had on the school community over her 17 years of service. Latourelle, who was elected in November 2001, championed the expansion of career technical courses and programs.
Firebaugh High School students delivered more than 1,000 Thanksgiving packages full of food and supplies to Los Angeles homeless shelters on Nov. 22. Students collected food and personal hygiene items to prepare the packages as part of the school’s Helping Hands community service club. The items were taken to the Midnight Mission, 601 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, and handed out to homeless in the nearby Los Angeles area.
Lynwood Unified community members voted on Nov. 6 to re-elect Board of Education President Alfonso Morales and Vice President Alma-Delia Renteria.
The transition from middle to high school can be difficult for students who are having trouble acclimating to the intensified academic rigor. Sierra Vista High School, Whittier Union’s independent study campus, provides a bridge for these students through the Freshman Fresh Start program. Launched in 2013, Freshman Fresh Start is designed to support ninth-graders who are behind in credits, have poor attendance or need one-on-one teacher support. The result for many Sierra Vista freshmen is better social skills, better grades, a restoration of confidence and new friends.
Sierra Vista High School English language arts teacher Nora Franco will be honored in February as part of the Los Angeles Clippers Teacher Appreciation Program, which recognizes exceptional educators for their stand-out work. Franco, who is known for cultivating a culture of high-achievement for her students and colleagues, will be recognized during an on-court presentation prior to the Clippers’ home game against the Phoenix Suns
Roosevelt Elementary fourth-graders honed their business skills during a Start-Up Summit, in which students applied for business licenses and designed, created and sold products to their peers, parents and community members. Students donated all funds raised to a Roosevelt fifth-grader who is battling cancer.
El Monte Union High School District unveiled the Bobby Salcedo Student Union on Jan. 23 at Mountain View High School. The 30,000-square-foot facility – named for former Mountain View High student, teacher and administrator Agustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo – houses a cafeteria, ASB offices and a student store.
