Henry J. Kaiser High School's Catamount Pride Band will showcase their skills before a national audience after being selected to represent Congresswoman Norma Torres at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. on May 27. The appearance checks off a milestone goal for Kaiser High Band Director Robert Ronquillo and adds to the group’s rich history of excellence and performing on a national stage. Kaiser’s full band played at the annual Rose Parade® in 2019, while two band members were also selected to march with the Pasadena City College’s Tournament of Roses Honor Band this January.
California High School Health Academy students are engaging in hands-on learning and gaining real-world experience in a variety of health fields, granting them advanced knowledge and certifications that prepare them for college and careers. The Health Academy begins in sophomore year, where students are introduced to medical terminology and explore the potential career options open to them. During their junior year, students shift to emergency medicine, where they learn life-saving procedures and how to respond to medical emergencies. By senior year, students choose to specialize in sports medicine, dental assisting, or nurse assisting, allowing them to dive deeper into their chosen field and gain practical skills that set them up for future success.
La Puente High School is one of only four schools recognized as a 2024 California Democracy School by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), receiving the honor for its high-quality civic learning, commitment to strengthening democracy, and pursuit of happiness for future generations across the District community. The award-winning schools were honored during LACOE’s 2024 California Civic Learning Student Showcase and Award Ceremony at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Museum on May 11, where students, families, and District representatives gathered to learn more about the students’ initiatives throughout the 2023-24 school year.
Almond Elementary School students and community members are benefitting from a donation of more than 400 books on behalf of the National Charity League (NCL), Foothill Chapter in recognition of the school’s dedication to fostering literacy among students. The NCL Foothill Chapter, with roots in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley, chose Almond Elementary School for the donation to boost its Little Library initiative.
Hacienda La Puente Unified has been chosen as a recipient of the California Community Schools Partnership Program's (CCSPP) third cohort, an esteemed honor that includes $21.3 million in state board-approved community school implementation grants, highlighting the District's commitment to advancing innovative student learning initiatives and developing mental health and community engagement solutions. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the expansion of the CCSPP and its recipients on May 8, with 17 schools from Hacienda La Puente Unified among those celebrated.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California State Board of Education (SBE) announced the expansion of the CCSPP and its recipients on May 8, with 17 schools from Hacienda La Puente Unified among those celebrated. The District plans to follow the community schools model to strengthen enrichment programs, increase student academic support, and improve resources for students and families.
Bonita Unified Appoints New Oak Mesa Elementary Principal
Bonita Unified School District announced during the May 1 Board of Education meeting that Dr. Christine Malally will serve as principal of Oak Mesa Elementary in the 2024-25 school year. Malally comes to Bonita Unified after 15 years of service in Claremont Unified, where she is currently an elementary school principal. Malally, a resident of La Verne and parent of two Bonita Unified alumni, holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Azusa Pacific University, a master’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino, and a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona. She will take the helm at Oak Mesa, a California Distinguished School, following current principal Steven Patterson’s promotion to BUSD’s Senior Director of Student Services, effective July 1.
For the fourth consecutive year, five comprehensive high schools in the El Monte Union High School District have secured top spots in the 2024 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Arroyo, El Monte, Mountain View, Rosemead, and South El Monte high schools each earned high rankings among 17,655 nationally ranked schools and 1,652 schools ranked in California. The recognition showcases El Monte Union’s commitment to excellence at the academic and social-emotional levels, and the rigorous programs and nurturing learning environments that helps prepare students for college and career success.
Lynwood Unified Students Shine at MESA Regional Competition
Talented Lynwood Unified students showcased their brilliance at the Regional Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) competition on April 13, with Cesar Chavez Middle School students earning a spot in the National Engineering Design Competition on May 18 in San Jose, where they will further demonstrate their creativity and innovation against top competitors in the state.
Five Mountain View High School juniors in the Viking Informational Systems Technology Academy (VISTA) clinched three awards, including the top honor, for their compelling public service announcement (PSA) at the National Streets Are Safe for Everyone Competition on May 4. VISTA’s award-winning PSA entitled “Dose of Reality” won not only the top spot in the Los Angeles County South region, but the entire National Streets Are Safe for Everyone competition. VISTA earned $1,250 to use for future projects, with five Mountain View students receiving $250 for their contributions to the PSA. VISTA students were recognized for their work on PSAs in other categories, including Script Originality and Creativity for "Heaven's Gate" and Post Special Effects/Graphics for "Drunk Driving Animation."
Claremont Lincoln Celebrates 2024 Graduates with Commencement
Claremont Lincoln University will celebrate the achievements of its 2024 graduating students with a commencement ceremony to be held at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center. For more information, visit Claremont Lincoln’s website. The Sheraton Fairplex is located at 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona.
