Dr. Susan Coats, a school psychologist at Baldwin Park Unified, has received the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2018 Outstanding Advocate Award for her efforts over the last 20 years to promote stronger mental health services, including a new state mandate to train school personnel on suicide prevention. Coats, who has worked for Baldwin Park Unified for 28 years, received the award at the NASP 2018 Annual Convention, held Feb. 13-16 in Chicago. Coats serves as the mental health and crisis consultation chair for the California Association for School Psychologists and as part of the state’s Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup.
Raymond Collins Elementary School first-graders enthusiastically shouted answers to math problems thrown their way by Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Brian Jordan, who turned a day of reading into an impromptu multiplication lesson. Jordan tested the students in between reading from “Yo! Yes?” on March 2 in celebration of Read Across America Week, the annual reading awareness program.
Roosevelt Elementary School first-graders oohed and aahed in amazement, pointing in disbelief as the Cat in The Hat entered their classroom and proceeded to read “Green Eggs and Ham.” The fairytale character joined community leaders and parents who took turns reading classic tales on March 1 in celebration of Read Across America Week, the annual reading awareness program. Literary rhymes from Dr. Seuss classics like “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket” filled K-6 classrooms across the District as guest readers encouraged children to explore books and imparted important lessons. Lynwood Mayor Jose Luis Solache recited the words of “Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack” alongside young students, while Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite shared the impact that reading has had on his success.
San Gabriel Unified School District has opened enrollment for its kindergarten and transitional kindergarten programs, providing robust learning opportunities for early learning and preparation for the social and academic rigor of elementary school. Program offerings include 1:1 technology resources, award-winning music immersion instruction, Spanish dual-language immersion and STEM curriculum supported by fully equipped labs.
Rio Hondo College anthropology professor Adam Wetsman is one of four faculty members from the 114-campus California Community Colleges system to receive the 2018 Hayward Award for excellence in teaching and professional activities. Wetsman has promoted study abroad opportunities, promoted understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, written low-cost textbooks and secured $50,000 in funding for a student anthropology lab.
Rio Hondo College to Host Hundreds of Area High School Students for Annual Preview Days
Rio Hondo College will highlight faculty, programs and student support services for hundreds of area high school students during its annual Senior Preview Days at 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8. Students will attend workshops on academic and career programs, and learn about such services as the College’s innovative Summer Bridge program, which prepares students for the demands of higher education, and as well as a multiple-measures placement system for basic skills classes, such as math. A College Club Rush, organized by Student Life and Leadership, will introduce students to campus life opportunities. The event will be held at Rio Hondo College’s Wray Theater, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier. For information, call (562) 463-4693.
Marie Margarette Rivas, a bilingual instructional aide at Sierra Vista High School, is being honored as the California Association for Bilingual Education’s Para-educator of the Year for going beyond the scope of her job to serve students and improve her community.Rivas, who has worked for the English language learner community for 27 years, will be honored at the CABE Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 29. She will receive a $500 award. Rivas, who is studying to become a teacher, volunteers to teach literacy classes in a juvenile probation school as well as tutoring students and helping to teach parent education courses at Cal State University, Los Angeles.
Bassett Unified Middle School Donates to Local Shelter
Torch Middle School hosted a celebration for Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday from Feb. 26 to March 2 to encourage reading and community involvement. In addition to themed activities each day, students brought in donations, including books, socks and toothbrushes for a local women’s and family shelter.
Lisa Herald, a 14-year history teacher at Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School, has been named a California League of Middle Schools Educator of the Year for her region for connecting history lessons to student experiences and creating a welcoming environment on campus. Herald assigns hands-on projects that highlight individual learners’ strengths and interests.
Fifty Lynwood High School Ethnic Studies students spent a day acquainting themselves with college life, receiving advice and encouragement from professors and undergraduates during College Bridge: An Ethnic Studies Exchange, held Feb. 27 at Cal State Long Beach. Lynwood High ethnic studies teacher Ana Orozco, a CSULB graduate, co-founded the Exchange with her former professor, Emily Berquist. Orozco accompanied Lynwood students as they attended workshops, sat in on a class and toured the campus.
