Baldwin Park Unified School District announced that distance learning will continue for K-12 students after winter break. Following guidance from state and county health officials, BPUSD will remain in remote learning until further notice. District officials released a parent survey on Nov. 12 to gauge whether or not families are open to a hybrid model of learning for the spring semester, should health data make it safe to do so.
Baldwin Park Unified voters on Nov. 4 re-elected Board of Education President Christina Lucero and board member Santos Hernandez Jr., as well as returning 2017-18 board member Diana E. Dzib. New and returning board members will be sworn in during a virtual board meeting in December.
Baldwin Park Unified is inviting District parents to virtually attend a special presentation featuring author and kindness advocate Houston Kraft at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.28. Co-founder of Character Strong, Kraft will share his trainings that help teach social and emotional skills. For more information, contact Director of Student Achievement Dr. Richard Noblett or Karisa Cuenca at the District Office at 626-962-3311.
Baldwin Park Unified's music teachers from middle school to high school are putting in countless hours to support students, with virtual one-on-one lessons, class check-ins and increased support services. Sierra Vista High School's choral music director and piano studies instructor Suzanne Brookey and piano tutor Kevin Phan helped students hone their skills during distance learning, preparing them for a virtual piano recital.
Sierra Vista High School’s Dual Language Program is commemorating community members and loved ones who passed due to COVID-19 by creating a Día de los Muertos altar in their memory. The school reached out to the BPUSD community through online channels to collect submissions. District and school community members were asked to submit a photograph, a brief description and a few objects that best represent the individual. The altar will be in front of the school through Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Wendy Payan, a Sierra Vista High School history teacher for 16 years, enriches her students’ lives academically and personally – an achievement that has earned her the title of 2020 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Payan was recognized as one of 10 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year during a virtual celebration on Oct. 1, paying tribute to educators who transcended challenges during the pandemic and distance learning.
Baldwin Park Unified alumna Emily Solano, a graduate from Baldwin Park High School and licensed social worker, is running a virtual workshop for students ages 13 to 16 who are interested in strengthening their relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of self. Project Elevate is a free program and safe space for students to learn better ways to communicate, recognize red flags in relationships and develop skills to foster strong connections.
Baldwin Park Unified elementary school students received backpacks and school supplies from State Sen. Rubio during a drive-through distribution event at Sierra Vista High School on Sept. 16. Sen. Rubio partnered with Meruelo Enterprises Inc. to provide 250 backpacks and supplies to students.
Baldwin Park Unified served 16,500 breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the start of the 2020-21 school year, with the District’s Nutrition Services expanding its capabilities to ensure all Baldwin Park children under the age of 18 are fed. Meals are served from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at designated schools where families can pick up meals for all students in the household at one site. Meal service is “Grab & Go” drive-through style, ensuring parents can remain in their cars and limit contact with others. Families receive five days’ worth of breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including a half-gallon of milk and juice.
Baldwin Park Unified’s Board of Education has designated September as Attendance Awareness Month for the second consecutive year. To ensure high achievement for all learners, it is imperative that students attend their classes every day. Any families or students in need of assistance related to distance learning, including District devices, technology or personal support, are encouraged to reach out to their respective schools.