Hacienda La Puente Unified Highlight Gains During Spring Showcase
Hacienda La Puente Unified schools are preparing lavish, interactive exhibits and posterboards to share with the community at the District’s New Pedagogies for Deep Learning Spring Showcase, to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at the Willow Adult Center. The exhibits will feature the unique and creative ways scholars have been developing innovative, real-life learning experiences and applying this year’s District theme, “Engage, Experience, Connect: Deep Learning Every Day,” into their classrooms. Willow Adult Center is located at 14101 E. Nelson Ave., La Puente.
Bonita Unified Students to Be Honored for Perseverance, Service
Bonita Unified students will be given a moment in the spotlight to honor their perseverance in the face of adversity – as well as acts of kindness toward others – during the 2023-24 La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation Awards at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 29. The ceremony is one of the foundation’s signature events, and provides awards and scholarships to students who overcome physical, emotional, or academic challenges, complete charitable acts in their community, or demonstrate excellence in CTE courses. The awards ceremony will be held at the Bonita Center for the Arts, 822 W. Covina Blvd., San Dimas.
Lynwood Unified Hosts Annual Arts Festival and District Showcase
Lynwood Unified invites the community to celebrate student achievement in the visual and performing arts during its 10th annual Arts Festival and District Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School. The free event will feature art activities, exhibits, and performances from students across the District, including band, dance, and much more. Firebaugh High School is located at 5246 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd., Lynwood.
Bonita Unified Culinary Students to Represent State at Nationals
Bonita High School’s culinary team “Chicks” will represent California at the National ProStart Invitational from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, facing off against the top culinary students from high schools across the country in the quest to prepare the best three-course meal. Led by Bonita High junior Charli Padilla, “Chicks” advanced to nationals following their win at the California ProStart Cup in February, becoming the second Bonita Unified team to advance to the national competition.
Fontana Unified School District celebrated its achievements in preparing students for success in life, all while showcasing the wide range of student talent during its first State of the District event in five years, held on April 24. Themed “Believing in Every Student: Fostering Future and Fueling Dreams,” the event highlighted FUSD’s work in four areas targeted for innovation and growth: academic excellence, safe and inclusive learning environments, community engagement, and financial stewardship. The presentation also provided a glimpse into the District’s promising future and unveiled a refreshed District logo.
Bonita Unified School District celebrated its 2024 Certificated, Classified, and Management Employees of the Year during the April 10 Board of Education meeting, recognizing their dedication to supporting student success. The recognition by the Board was the second in a three-part celebration for the Employees of the Year, who were first surprised with the announcement – complete with flowers and banners – at their respective sites in mid-March. During the meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Kevin Lee introduced each employee with a heartfelt speech that featured insights from the nominations submitted by their peers and superiors.
Dreamer students from Lynwood Unified School District were empowered with vital support, resources and the inspiration to chase their higher education aspirations during the District’s annual Dreamers Conference on April 19, dedicated to the memory of former California Assemblyman and immigrant rights and education trailblazer, Marco Antonio Firebaugh. During the conference, now in its eighth year, Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools students heard from inspiring speakers Andrew Roldan, a Lynwood alumnus, community leader Francisco Moreno and entrepreneur Vincent Ortiz, who shared their moving stories and firsthand advice on navigating challenges as undocumented students, known as Dreamers. Informative workshops covered the misconceptions about college access, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), financial aid and scholarships. Students also accessed financial, legal and health resources.
Fontana High School ensured the legacy of Michael McGinnis, founder of the school’s Fire Technology Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, will forever burn bright as it dedicated its campus fire station in his honor, officially naming it McGinnis Station 815 during an April 17 ceremony. Fontana High’s campus fire station is a hub of hands-on learning where students enrolled in the school’s Fire Technology and Emergency Services CTE pathways explore careers in firefighting or emergency medical industries. It is a living tribute to McGinnis, who died in 2021 and is remembered for how he inspired Fontana High students to pursue careers in public service.
Using pool noodles as lances and large tricycles as horses, Ramona Middle School seventh-graders faced off in a series of medieval jousting matches during the school’s annual Renaissance Faire, held April 10, where students experienced living history by recreating activities that brought the world out of the Middle Ages. From launching trebuchets and stilt-walking to dressing peasant dolls and creating woodblock prints, Ramona’s Renaissance Faire had something for every student, including a falconry demonstration and a live whip-cracker/juggling performance. Nearly 400 Ramona students participated in the Faire, with the majority dressing in Renaissance-era clothing.
Isabella "Izzy" Nunez, a California High School senior, overcame incredible odds to excel in sports despite being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis during her freshman year. Her journey began with severe joint pain, but with the support of coach Brian Bordier, she fought back, ultimately playing four years of varsity soccer, three years of varsity lacrosse, and serving as kicker for the Cal High football team, all while maintaining a 4.6 GPA – becoming one of Cal High’s top scholar-athletes, as well as a health and wellness advocate. Nunez was recognized for her resiliency and inspirational story by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, who honored her with an Award of Merit during an April 9 Board meeting.
