Baldwin Park Unified’s Bursch Elementary School is launching after-school classes exploring science and the arts, as well as free after-school tutoring to expand student access to enrichment opportunities and study help, starting Tuesday, Feb. 20.The idea started with an art class offered as an incentive through Bursch’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, which rewards good behavior, Principal Russhell Martinez-Ortega said. Student interest surged, and the teacher, who has a background in art, said she could teach a weekly after-school class. That plan spawned the idea for a hands-on science experiment class and a dance class focused on ballet folklorico. In addition, two teachers will provide after-school tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays in literacy and math.
Bassett Unified Students Explore Career Pathways During Vocational Fair
Edgewood Academy and Torch Middle School eighth-grade students previewed career technical education pathways available at Bassett High School during vocational fairs at the end of January. Bassett High School teachers and students described patient care, business, engineering and education pathways.
San Gabriel Unified Celebrates Black History Month through Storytelling
Del Mar High School students on Feb. 13 enjoyed Diane Ferlatte’s and Erik Pearson’s storytelling performance “We Were There: Not Black History but Blacks in American History,” as part of the Music Center’s educational programming. The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts and the San Gabriel Educational Foundation sponsored the performance.
Bassett Unified Middle School Students Commit to College
More than 200 Torch Middle School eighth-grade students signed declarations signifying their intent to pursue higher education during the school’s inaugural College Signing Day on Jan. 31. Students compiled a list of three colleges they would like to attend, as well as their dream jobs. Torch Principal Dr. Monica Murray recorded each student’s declaration; the videos will be given to parents during an end-of-the-school-year ceremony.
Bassett Unified fourth-graders are receiving individualized instruction and immersion in computer programs focused on math through an intervention program that strengthens skills needed to meet or exceed California Standards on state tests. Groups rotate between personalized teacher guidance and computer assignments, which are structured similarly to the state’s standardized assessment in math. Photos are available
California High School senior Kelly Clavel’s dreams of finding a cure for cancer were nearly shattered as a child when a south Los Angeles elementary school teacher advised her to choose a more realistic goal. Using the slight as a stimulus to not only excel academically, but to inspire young Latinas in impoverished areas to strive for the impossible, Clavel has become an exemplary leader on the Cal High campus and a standout student in class. Clavel can now demonstrate that anything – including becoming a surgeon and find cures for the incurable – is possible after gaining early admission to Stanford University, one of the top biomedical research colleges in the country
Monrovia High Grad Uses Disney Grant to Support Special Needs Students
Monrovia High School Class of 2017 graduate Jenna Seright hosted a Valentine’s Day party for Clifton Middle School’s students with special needs on Feb. 13 with the support of a $500 Disney grant. Clifton Renaissance leadership students partnered with the special needs students to play games, make valentines and eat lunch. Photos are available
Fernando R. Ledesma High School is one of 32 schools in the state to be recognized by the California Department of Education as a 2018 Model Continuation High School for creating an outstanding program for at-risk youths, implementing instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. The school, which will retain the designation for three years, will be recognized at the 2018 California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in April.
Frontier High School is one of 32 schools in the state to be recognized by the California Department of Education as a 2018 Model Continuation High School for creating innovative programs that address the academic, social and emotional needs of students who need added support as they pursue their paths toward graduation. This is the seventh time Frontier has been honored with the three-year designation. It will be recognized at the 2018 California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in April.
Sequoia Middle School celebrated its inclusion in the 2018 California Schools to Watch list with more than 1,500 students, parents, staff and community members in a campus ceremony on March 6. Sequoia will retain the Schools to Watch designation – an honor given to just 22 schools in the state in 2018 – for three years.
