Bonita High School’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers were emotional as they sang through their pieces during the final dress rehearsal for the San Diego Heritage Festival – reflecting on the past nine years in the District’s choral program, and the significance of sharing one last formal show together. For many of the students, their journey in Bonita Unified’s choral program started in elementary school, allowing them to forge lasting bonds as they grew through song and as individuals. The Bearcats took their poise and energy to the stage on March 22 and swept the competition with eight accolades, including Gold Ratings for both Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, Maestro Awards for two standout individual performers, first place in their division, the Adjudicator Award, Outstanding Choral Group and the Sweepstake for Choral Program award for becoming the top-scoring choir at the competition.
Young Mathematicians Shine Bright at Lynwood Unified “Mathathon”
Lynwood Unified student mathematicians attempted to crunch all the right numbers as they competed against each other during the District’s annual “Mathathon,” held on March 6, which brought third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students across the District’s 12 elementary schools together for a cherished Lynwood Unified tradition that unites families, ignites school pride, and nurtures a passion for math. The young achievers put their wits to the test in head-to-head competitions of mathematical prowess amid an enthusiastic gathering of families, cheering staff and lively mascots.
Fontana Unified Public Service Pathways Certified for Excellence
Fontana High School’s highly acclaimed Fire Technology and Law Enforcement Public Service pathways were each certified as National Programs of Excellence by the Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN), representing the commitment to excellence and quality of both programs. Both of FOHI’s career technical education Public Service pathways join a prestigious cohort of secondary and post-secondary schools across the country to receive the honor. The LAPSEN recognition signifies a program has reached the apex in terms of preparing students for careers in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency management, legal studies, and related fields.
Río Hondo College Prepares for Second Annual Invention Camp
Río Hondo College, in partnership with Lemelson-MIT, will host its second annual Invention Camp Río program from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 26. Led by Río Hondo College business, engineering, and architecture faculty members, Invention Camp Río strives to help participants think creatively and work independently to solve problems in the community. Participants will learn about the invention process, how to generate a business plan and how to pitch a product that can later become patented. Applications for the camp are due by May 24. Río Hondo College is located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier.
Río Hondo College Prepares for ‘A Taste of Río’ Student Fundraiser
Río Hondo College will host its marquee annual fundraiser, “A Taste of Río,” on Friday, June 7. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with a VIP preview at 5 p.m., and features culinary delights, fine wine and craft beer, captivating entertainment, and a silent auction. Hosted by the Río Hondo College Foundation, “A Taste of Río” raises funds for scholarships, programs and equipment to support RHC students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit riohondo.edu/a-taste-of-rio. Río Hondo College is located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier.
Fontana Unified Set to Host Second Annual Student Film Festival
Fontana Unified School District student filmmakers will showcase their craft during the District’s second annual Film Festival at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 2, at Steelworkers’ Auditorium. The event showcases standout student films that illustrate the growth of FUSD’s career technical education TV Production pathways. Awards will be presented in categories ranging from Avant Garde to screenwriting, and feature genres including live-action dramas and news reports. Steelworkers' Auditorium is located at 8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Celebrates Self-Expression with Art Exhibit
Continuing to bring incredible talent and joy to its schools and the District community, Hacienda La Puente Unified will host its annual Art Show at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at the Hacienda Heights Community Center. With its theme of “Wonder Everlasting,” the art show will feature beautiful displays of self-expression and creativity from students of all ages. The showcase will conclude with an awards reception to celebrate the young artists’ immense growth, collaborative efforts, and achievements. The Hacienda Heights Community Center is located at 1234 Valenica Ave., Hacienda Heights.
Whittier Union Students to Participate in ‘Every 15 Minutes’ Program
Whittier Union High School District’s Santa Fe High School will host “Every 15 Minutes,” a two-day event featuring a simulated car crash, rescue efforts and the dramatized deaths of students. The program also consists of a mock funeral that aims to emphasize the dangers of operating a vehicle while under the influence. “Every 15 Minutes” is a national campaign which focuses on high school juniors and seniors and aims to challenge students to think about the dangers of drunken driving. The two-day program will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5 at Santa Fe High School, 10400 Orr and Day Road, Santa Fe Springs.
Covina High School senior Terran Li will bring her unique skills, passions, and goals to Columbia University in the fall after receiving a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious institution. Columbia University granted the income-based scholarship to Li after she applied using the university’s Early Decision option. Li’s experience in the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program, which provides high-achieving and underserved students with a comprehensive network of support and guidance as they transition from high school to college, provided her with resources to apply to prestigious universities like Columbia.
The Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) longtime partner, California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS), is producing a guide outlining strategies for community colleges to sustain and institutionalize the Caring Campus initiative beyond its initial implementation, integrating the program's principles and strategies into the college's culture for long-term effectiveness. IEBC created Caring Campus to provide staff and faculty with tools and resources to help students feel more connected to their college, thereby improving student retention, persistence, and success. 4CS is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers from across the California Community College system who advocate for shared governance for all classified professionals. IEBC and 4CS have partnered together since 2019, when IEBC President and Founder Dr. Brad Phillips delivered the keynote speech at a 4CS Classified Leadership Conference.
