Whittier Union students are outperforming their peers across Los Angeles County and California in English language arts (ELA), math and science, according to data provided by the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which monitors Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) and California Science Test (CAST) scores throughout the state. CAASPP data shows that for SBAC and CAST tests taken during the 2021-22 school year, the percentage of Whittier Union students who met or exceeded state standards was 62% for ELA, 32% for math and 31% for science. These content areas outpaced those in the county and state by several percentage points, a first for Whittier Union since CAASPP assessments began in 2014. In Los Angeles County, the average scores were 54% for ELA, 26% for math, and 26% for science. In California the average scores were 55% for ELA, 27% for math and 28% for science.
Fontana Unified School District educators have been honored by the UC Davis C-STEM Center for the fourth year in a row, recognizing the District’s excellence in implementing an innovative curriculum to close achievement gaps, boost social-emotional wellness and help students discover a love for mathematics. Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Monica Makiewicz was named a 2022 C-STEM Administrator of the Year during the center’s annual conference, held Oct. 21. Elementary school teachers Greg Bradshaw, Monica Reyes and Heather Williams were also named 2022 C-STEM Teachers of the Year for their excellence in supporting student achievement through C-STEM instruction. C-STEM is currently available at 23 FUSD elementary schools, five middle schools and one high school.
The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees celebrated the careers of two of its longest-serving members during the Nov. 8 Board meeting, saying farewell to Vice President Jeff Baird and Clerk Leighton Anderson, who are both retiring from the Board after serving together for 25 years. Baird and Anderson were first elected to the Board in 1997 and have each served five terms. During that time, they have worked alongside four superintendents, have shepherded through three separate facilities bond measures, and seen thousands of Whittier Union students graduate and receive their diplomas.
More than 30 Buena Park Middle School teachers have recently earned the Apple Teacher certification, recognizing their Apple applications mastery that is used to teach students about video and audio editing, giving presentations, organizing spreadsheets and more. To receive certification, teachers must gain digital badges to show their proficiency in a variety of Apple programs, which include Keynote, Pages, Numbers, Garageband and iMovie. To assist with application learning, Apple Professional Learning Coaches visit Buena Park Middle School weekly to give training to students and teachers.
Río Hondo College Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, business leaders and elected officials welcomed Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores to the College and the community with an installation ceremony on Oct. 14, which heralded a new era of prosperity and achievement under her leadership. Nearly 200 guests attended the event to see Flores take the oath of office. Guests were also introduced to Flores’ goals for improving student success, boosting support programs and encouraging a college culture of inclusivity and anti-racism.
Buena Park School District students and parents haunted the halls of Gilbert Elementary School dressed as princesses, police officers and pop culture icons while enjoying delectable foods, games and entertainment during the school’s Fall Festival, held on Oct. 27. Welcoming community members onto campus for an evening of fun, which raised money that will help fund future Gilbert Elementary School field trips to aquariums, local colleges and museums to boost student learning and a college-going culture.
Baldwin Park Unified Dual Language program students and teachers transformed campuses with elaborately decorated altars, strings of marigold flowers and colorful papel picado to channel the energy of the season for Día de los Muertos festivals, held from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3. Baldwin Park High School’s 11th annual Día de los Muertos celebration, hosted on Oct. 20, featured live music and dance performances from Geddes and Walnut elementary school students, as well as face painting, food vendors and an art gallery. The school’s altar competition included submissions from BPHS student clubs and elementary schools, with Margaret Heath Elementary’s altar taking the first-place win.
Twenty-seven students from Henry J. Kaiser and Fontana high schools have received the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) from the College Board, recognizing their academic achievement and strong performance on college-preparatory exams among underrepresented students. Each Fontana Unified student received the award – which can be included on college and scholarship applications to help them stand out in the admissions process – for placing in the top 10 percent of students taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test or placing in the top 10 percent of Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores among California Hispanic students.
Nearly 40 Bonita Unified elementary, middle and high school teachers were presented with mini-grants from the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation (LVSDEF), which will fund projects that enrich students’ education and bolster classroom instruction, during the Nov. 2 Board of Education meeting. Nearly $13,000 was awarded to teachers to fund 39 separate special projects at 11 Bonita Unified schools. The grants, which ranged in amounts from $100 to $500, are provided to teachers to encourage projects that benefit students and address a classroom need. LVSDEF works year-round to raise funds through individual donations and special events.
Fontana Unified High School Students Relax with Wellness Wednesdays
Summit High School students looking to relieve their stress and anxiety rise early on Wednesdays, meet with faculty and staff at the administration tower and take a brisk walk around the school, a routine born from a schoolwide mental health and wellness initiative that includes physical and virtual activities for students and staff. The most popular feature of the initiative is Wellness Wednesdays, when Summit students and staff are invited to participate in activities designed to calm nerves and bring an air of positivity to the school day. On Wellness Wednesdays, students work on puzzles and play games, meditate, create chalk art and origami figures, and work on building healthy relationships.
