Lynwood Unified Recognizes Pride Month with Inaugural Pride Summit
Lynwood Unified kicked off Pride Month by hosting its first-ever Pride Summit for middle and high school students, providing the students with a safe space in which to come together, share ideas and be represented. Students from each school’s LGBTQ+ clubs and allies were invited to participate in the June 2 event, which was hosted by the District’s Equity, Access and Instructional Services Department and included workshops that allowed students to express themselves authentically. They also had access to community resources and heard from special guest speakers who shared the challenges they faced, as well as their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.
Baldwin Park Unified Awarded Second $10,000 It Gets Better Grant
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Clubs at Baldwin Park Unified’s Baldwin Park High School were awarded a $10,000 grant from the It Gets Better Project, the second grant the clubs have received from the organization. The grant will go toward the school’s Peace, Pride and Produce Garden to continue fostering a safe environment where students in the LGBTQ+ community can learn about queer history, culture and art. The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth.
Buena Park Unified School District students are kicking off their summer vacation with fun activities, field trips, academic intervention opportunities and more through the District’s SOARS Summer Camp, allowing them to express their creativity and expand their knowledge.
Hacienda La Puente Unified has appointed Dr. Rosa Isiah as its new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, effective July 1, 2023, bringing her extensive experience as a longtime educational leader who actively promotes equity, access, multilingual education, and a strong focus on closing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized communities to the District. Isiah, whose appointment was unanimously approved by the Board of Education during a meeting on June 22, was selected following an extensive search and hiring process, including an interview led by Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, where they discussed the importance of quality public education, serving diverse communities and the District’s dedication to inspiring deep learning.
Covina-Valley Unified School District has named Dr. Kim Braswell, a 24-year veteran in education with a breadth of experience as a teacher and school administrator, as the new principal of Rowland Avenue Elementary School. Over the last six years, Dr. Braswell served as a school administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She comes to Covina-Valley Unified from Bonita Unified School District, where she served as both the interim principal at Roynon Elementary School and the assistant principal at Ramona Middle School. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Rowland Unified School District, which included two stints as a teacher on special assignment.
Buena Park Unified School District students are kicking off their summer vacation with fun activities, field trips, academic intervention opportunities and more through the District’s SOARS Summer Camp, allowing them to express their creativity and expand their knowledge. Through the four-week program, offered in partnership with California State University, Fullerton, students engage with cultures from around the world by participating in activities that include crafts and taste-testing reflective of the culture.
Fontana Unified’s Theater Conservatory returned to the stage for its final production of the school year, welcoming elementary and high school students to join the star-studded cast for the highly anticipated, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” held April 21-23 at the historic California Theater in San Bernardino. The company was comprised of Beech Avenue Elementary and A.B Miller High School students alongside professional actors, as well as several new and seasoned Canyon Crest Elementary and Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy student cast members who recently debuted in their professional show, “School of Rock.”
El Monte Union High School District and Rosemead High School have been recognized among the top three favorite school districts and public high schools in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune (SGVT) Readers' Choice Awards, an achievement that reflects the District’s unwavering commitment to success and dedication of all students, teachers, staff and parents. The SGVT Readers' Choice Awards celebrate excellence in education across the San Gabriel Valley region, and acknowledge institutions that have demonstrated extraordinary academic programs, innovative teaching practices and a profound impact on the lives of students.
Ahead of the 2023-24 school year, the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees has taken significant steps in prioritizing student wellness and educational inclusivity by unanimously approving a Land Use Acknowledgement policy and an Alcohol and Other Drugs policy during its June 13 Board meeting. The newly adopted Land Use Acknowledgement policy actively recognizes the rich history, art and culture of Native Americans. The policy is slated to be integrated into the District’s comprehensive Ethnic Studies curriculum, and will also be read at various District and school-specific events. The Board also approved a revised Alcohol, Marijuana and Other Drugs policy, which updates District protocols for addressing alcohol and drug-related activities, acknowledging the detrimental effects that issues related to drug use have on the District community. The policy emphasizes the development of comprehensive intervention programs and restorative activities that promote safe, healthy environments free from alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.
Fontana Unified School District is rolling out the welcome mat for two veteran administrators who have joined the superintendent’s cabinet, bringing decades of experience in business, finance, education and fostering student achievement. Dr. Leslie Barnes, with 28 years of experience in business administration and finances, has been appointed the new Associate Superintendent of Business Services. She is joined on the cabinet by Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, a proven leader and educator who will serve as the new Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
