Whittier Union schools welcomed approximately 2,778 freshmen on Aug. 14 for its Freshman First Day orientation program, which allows students to meet new classmates and take part in fun team-building activities. Students previewed classes and met teachers and administrators, as well as Link Crew members, who will serve as mentors during their first year of high school. The program takes place annually at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help smooth students' transition to high school.
Southridge Middle School has been selected as a 2018 Microsoft Showcase School for its commitment to providing student access to digital platforms and bridging the technology gap. Southridge will partner with Microsoft to introduce new education programs into the classroom, connect with Microsoft Innovation Educators to share best practices and become a destination campus for schools looking to elevate their digital capabilities.
Baldwin Park Unified School District launched an Instagram account on Aug. 16, expanding its electronic outreach and communication with students and the community. The page provides up-to-date news about academic offerings, including the Dual Language program, science, technology, engineering and math opportunities, and career technical education courses.
Fontana Unified to Engage Families with Parent University Classes
Fontana Unified will continue its efforts to boost family engagement with its 2018-19 Parent University classes, which encourage parents and guardians to become academic coaches for their students. The first free session, “Get Active & Involved in FUSD,” will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25 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.
The newest edition to Paramount Unified, the Odyssey STEM Academy, launched with such innovative practices as discussion groups and the absence of school bells on Aug. 22, the first day of the 2018-19 school year for all 19 PUSD elementary, middle and high schools. The Odyssey opening has been a three-year process, and features a curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. When the doors opened to the inaugural class of 144 freshmen they were immediately struck by the school’s fresh approach to instruction.
El Monte Union’s Mountain View High School launched its new Zoo Crew: Engineers Gone Wild! career technical education pathway on the first day of school on Aug. 20 with a surprise guest courtesy of the Wildlife Learning Center – a long-legged, long-eared African wildcat, the serval. Zoo Crew will provide students with the opportunity to study the health and well-being of animals in the wild. Wildlife Learning Center representatives gave a formal presentation on the serval to more than 50 students in two sessions.
Rio Hondo College greeted new and returning students when the fall semester commenced with a new major in homeland security, an expanding roster of academic support services and a pantry resource to combat food insecurity. Students hosted a Welcome and Information booth in the mid-quad area where they answered questions and walked new students to classes.
Jefferson Middle School’s incoming sixth-graders received a warm welcome at their new school during a morning of friendly competition and group bonding during the Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) Program orientation on Aug. 13. WEB transforms eighth-graders into mentors and teaches them about leadership while providing sixth-graders with a sense of support and school spirit.
Fontana Unified School District’s graduation rate reached 90.6 percent in 2016-17, thanks to strong student support and peer mentorship programs aimed at boosting academic achievement and promoting lifelong learning. This overall graduation rate encompasses alternative education, which is traditionally lower than rates at comprehensive high schools. District grad rates also topped the 2016-17 numbers for San Bernardino County and the state, according to data released by the state Department of Education.
Bassett Unified Welcomes 260 Freshmen on First Day of School
Bassett Unified launched its first day of school on Aug. 8 welcoming 260 freshmen at Bassett High. Freshmen attended a Link Crew orientation before the start of school to smooth their transition to high school. Schools across Bassett Unified held morning rallies, provided free backpacks with supplies and reviewed school culture and expectations to welcome students. Photos are available.
