Upland Unified Strengthens Family Engagement Through Wednesday Webinars

Since 2020, Upland Unified School District has offered Wednesday Webinars, a virtual series designed to connect families with District staff, provide practical tools to support student learning and well-being, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Held on Wednesday evenings to accommodate family schedules, the program has grown into a key resource for Upland Unified families. The webinar series was launched during the COVID-19 shutdown to maintain communication and offer additional support to families. Topics are guided by family feedback and District priorities, with families invited each spring to suggest subjects for the coming school year. Prior topics covered include financial literacy, identifying students’ need for mental health services, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of AI. Sessions typically feature presentations from District educators or administrators, along with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share feedback. Past webinars have also featured community partner guest speakers such as the Upland Police Department, Inland Empire Health Plan, and CALKids. Spanish-language translation services are available upon request.

El Monte Union Approves Settlement with California Attorney General, Establishes Enhanced Student Safety Protocols

The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees has approved a settlement agreement with the California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General, reinforcing the District’s commitment to student safety through strengthened oversight and enhanced protocols. Approved during a March 18 special meeting, the agreement establishes enhanced protocols and comprehensive procedures for addressing allegations of bullying, harassment and abuse. It took effect March 20 and includes a four-year monitoring period to strengthen related systems.

Fontana Unified School Police to Host Regional School Resource Officer Association Meeting

  The Fontana School Police Department (FSPD) will host the School Resource Officer Association of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties meeting, bringing together regional law enforcement and school safety partners to strengthen collaboration and coordinate proactive safety efforts across local schools. The association brings together representatives from a variety of local law enforcement agencies and school safety organizations to discuss topics including current safety trends on school campuses, how to enhance collaboration between school sites and law enforcement, and best practices aimed at strengthening student safety and well-being.

Covina-Valley Unified School District Appoints Dr. Jonathan Blackmore as Superintendent

The Covina-Valley Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Blackmore as Superintendent at a special Board meeting on March 19. Blackmore, who has served as Interim Superintendent since July 7, 2025, will continue leading the District with a strong dedication to students, families, and the Covina-Valley Unified community. Blackmore said his commitment to clear and transparent communication, collaboration, and student success will serve as cornerstones of his leadership.

Caring Campus Academy Sparks Transformation at Victor Valley College

Victor Valley College (VVC) President Dr. Dan Walden credits Caring Campus and the Caring Campus Academy (CCA) with helping transform the college’s culture and fueling its emergence as the fastest growing college in California. The CCA offers tailored sessions for higher education staff, faculty, and administrators to learn about the Caring Campus behaviors designed to strengthen student belonging and success, whether for new hires first learning about Caring Campus or seasoned professionals seeking fresh ideas and strategies.

Upland High Honored as 2026 California Distinguished School

Upland High School’s (UHS) dedication to expanding opportunity and supporting student success has earned the campus recognition as a 2026 California Distinguished School, a prestigious honor achieved through implementing programs and initiatives that help close the achievement gap for historically underserved student groups. The recognition reflects UHS’ commitment to creating opportunities for all students through strong academic programs, targeted student support, and a culture that emphasizes high expectations and meaningful connections.

Bonita Unified Culinary Team Wins Second Consecutive California ProStart Cup, Heads to Nationals to Defend Title

The Bonita Unified ProStart Culinary program made history once again when the San Dimas High School culinary team was crowned the California ProStart Cup champion for the second consecutive year, giving the student chefs an opportunity to defend their title at the National ProStart Invitational, to be held in Baltimore in April. San Dimas High School is the first back-to-back California ProStart Cup champion since 2010-11. Following closely behind in second place was 2024 California ProStart Cup champion Bonita High School, giving the District its first-ever one-two placement at the Cup, adding another successful chapter in the District’s storied history in the competition. For the third consecutive year, Bonita Unified will represent California in one of the country’s most popular and challenging amateur culinary competitions.

Santa Fe High School Posse Scholar Receives Award of Merit for Dedication to Education

Prior to entering school as a freshman, Santa Fe High School senior Itzel Iniguez, looking for better educational opportunities, made the decision to commute from her home in South Gate to Santa Fe Springs. Iniguez took advantage of everything Santa Fe had to offer, rapidly developing into a scholar-athlete, campus leader, and role model. Iniguez, who boasts a 4.38 GPA, has won numerous awards at Santa Fe, including the Principal’s Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, Student of the Year as a junior, the Coaches Award and Chieftain Cheer Award for her leadership and spirit, and the Service Learning Award for completing more than 50 hours of community service. 

Fontana High Nursing Assistant Program Achieves 99 Percent Pass Rate on State CNA Exam

 Fontana High School students are preparing to become the next generation of health care professionals through the school’s Nursing Assistant Program, with students in the 2025-26 school year earning a notable 99 percent pass rate on the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) state exam. This pass rate positions Fontana High graduates for success beyond high school, preparing them to pursue their education in prestigious nursing programs or enter the workforce immediately as certified nursing assistants.