Whittier Union High School District on June 26 adopted a spending plan that pledges to continue building on its efforts to increase student achievement, including by providing extra support to English learners and training teachers to identify students in need of intervention. For 2018-19, Whittier Union will invest $21.7 million in supplemental funds to develop programs specifically targeting high-needs students – those from low-income homes, in the foster system or who are learning English – under its Local Control and Accountability Plan.
Gabrielino High Earns Excellence Award at National Speech Tourney
San Gabriel Unified’s Gabrielino High School earned its 11th consecutive School of Excellence Award at the National Speech and Debate Association’s National Tournament on June 22. The honor is given to the top 20 schools at the national tournament. Photos are available.
The El Monte Union High School District will invest nearly $24 million to increase technology access, incorporate online math programs, increase after-school enrichment programs, increase hours for community liaisons, increase support for mental health services and provide more student motivational incentives in 2018-19 as part of its Local Control and Accountability Plan. The programs are aimed at boosting the academic performance of high-needs students, who include English learners, students in foster care and those from low-income homes.
Lynwood Unified School District’s Equity Department completed a second successful year of inspiring students while fostering equality and participating in more than 40 events. Led by director Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, the Equity Department partnered with the National College Resources Foundation’s Movement Program, which employs peer advisers to improve classroom performance. All Lynwood, Firebaugh and Vista high school students in the program improved their grades. Photos are available.
Incoming freshman Blue Phillips won’t have far to look for new adventures when he begins his high school career on Aug. 22 at Odyssey STEM Academy, home to a hands-on curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Phillips is one of 144 students who represent the inaugural class at Odyssey, a three-year District project designed to help students flourish in a growing technological society. When Phillips arrives at the remodeled campus in Lakewood, which features a video conference production room, labs, and 3-D printers, he will find more than enough to satisfy his high energy.
Fontana Adult School to Offer Free Computer Classes in Spanish
Fontana Unified’s adult school will offer free computer classes for Spanish speakers from Monday, July 16 to Monday, Aug. 20. The school will offer two levels of classes: level one will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and level two will run from noon to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For information, call 909-357-5490.
El Monte Union Board Takes Position on Family Separations at Border
The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees on June 20 unanimously passed a resolution opposing the separation of children and families at the U.S.-Mexico border, a federal policy being enforced by the current administration. The policy has since been reversed through an executive order signed by the president on June 20. The resolution cites examples of migrant children being separated from their parents after being detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and demands action from the government to end the practice.
Pioneer High School ed tech lead and math teacher Lisa Ceja has earned a spot in Google for Education’s Certified Innovator program, a year-long professional development experience that includes mentorship opportunities, online learning activities and an in-person, three-day Innovation Academy that helps participants launch a project related to a challenge in education. The academy will be held Monday, July 9 to Wednesday, July 11 at the Google office in Venice, California.
Bassett Unified Elementary Steel Drum Students to Perform
Van Wig Elementary School students participating in weekly drum classes will showcase their skills at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30. The performance will be at Van Wig Elementary, 1151 Van Wig Ave., Bassett.
Fontana Unified’s Board of Education appointed Henry J. Kaiser High School senior Jashandeep Lobana as the 2018-19 Board of Education student representative at its Aug. 29 meeting. Lobana, a student-athlete and AP Scholar ranked No. 1 in his class, was honored by former student BOE representative Isaac Rubalcava, who inspired Lobana to pursue the position.
