Lynwood – Initiating the start of the holiday season, more than 500 Lynwood Unified students from all 18 schools presented festive dances, songs and band ensembles during the District’s culminating Winter Concert on Dec. 7 and 8.

“As we approach Winter Break, it is important for all our campuses to come together for an event like this to allow students to show off their amazing talents,” Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “We also want to show parents how accomplished all our students are and we hope parents will continue to encourage their students to participate in performing arts.”

On Dec. 7, students from Lincoln, Marshall, Lugo, Will Rogers, Mark Twain, Roosevelt and Washington elementary schools; Chavez and Hosler middle schools; and Lynwood High School danced a Santa Mambo, sang “Jingle Bells” and “We Need a Little Christmas, Mr. Santa,” and performed an “Uptown Funk” dance and Mannequin Challenge.

Helen Keller, Abbott, Rosa Parks, Wilson and Lindbergh elementary schools; Lynwood Middle School; Firebaugh and Vista/Pathway high schools; and the District’s Conga Kids spurred on the holiday spirit on Dec. 8 through renditions of songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” while the Conga Kids Dance group closed out the night with a lively routine.

“I am very impressed when I see how accomplished Lynwood Unified students are, and these concerts are definitely something for them to look forward to,” LUSD Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “Our students should be so proud of all their hard work, and I would especially like to thank our teachers who go above and beyond to bring these creative outlets to our students.”

This year, the District expanded the band program at Firebaugh High School, incorporated band instructors at the District’s three middle schools and Vista High School, extended the after-school Bridge Theatre program at Lynwood Unified’s elementary schools to include its three middle schools, added Conga Kids dance classes for all fifth-graders and P.S. Arts instruction for all second-graders.

“It is very important for our students to have performing arts as an outlet to express themselves,” Lynwood Unified Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Dr. Mariana Astorga-Almanza said. “I’m excited to see that the District is investing so much in the visual and performing arts.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

121216_LUSD_WINTER1: Roosevelt Elementary students sing and dance a joyful “Jingle Bells” on Dec. 7 during the Lynwood Unified Winter Concert.

121216_LUSD_WINTER2: Mark Twain Elementary students dance with their partners to “Mambo, Santa, Mambo” on Dec. 7 during the Lynwood Unified Winter Concert.