Banning Unified School District's Board of Trustees welcomed Leslie Novalis and Shelly Ruiz as new members to the Board during an Oath of Office ceremony on Dec. 9, which featured a welcome message from Superintendent Terrence Davis, congratulatory speeches and applause from dozens of community members. Novalis and Ruiz were sworn in during the ceremony at Banning High School’s library, where they made a promise to fulfill the duties of a Board member and uphold the values of the District throughout the next four years.
Banning High School students dressed up in college gear, completed college and career interest surveys and questionnaires and participated in a College and Career Fair during the annual Riverside County Office of Education College Kickoff Week. The campaign, held Oct. 10 to Oct. 14, was designed by the county to prepare and motivate students for the future. During the event, students had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with university representatives, military branches, law enforcement and various career technical education program advisors.
Banning Unified Tests Artificial Intelligence System in Classrooms
Banning Unified Tests Artificial Intelligence System in Classrooms
Cabazon Elementary School has been selected as the pilot campus for Merlyn Mind, an artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to help streamline classroom interaction with technology and make lessons more engaging for students. First-grade teacher Krista Bautista and second-grade teacher Anita Thao began using the Merlyn Mind equipment in their classrooms in early October. The equipment is designed to empower teachers to leave their desks and navigate through apps, tabs and tools on their computers seamlessly through voice commands or with an intelligent remote.
Hoffer Elementary School students immersed themselves in a morning full of activities and games rooted in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) subjects during the school’s inaugural STEAM Day, held Sept. 28. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students collaborated with staff to plan the event by completing a survey of potential activities and included feedback for future occasions. The day before the event, students were delighted to receive their schedules comprised of two pre-selected STEAM events and discuss their expectations with peers and teachers.
Banning Unified Students, Staff Celebrate Banning Stagecoach Days
Banning Unified School District students and staff celebrated the return of Banning Stagecoach Days, the annual community event that celebrates the city’s rich heritage with a rodeo, carnival, street fair and parade, held from Sept. 9 to 11. Several Banning Unified schools participated in the street fair, with elementary, middle and high school students staffing booths where they engaged the Banning community by promoting their campuses, staging fun activities and selling homemade gifts and treats to raise money for their schools and clubs. The festival returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus.
Banning Unified Teachers Receive Motivation from TV Personality
Nicolet Middle School teachers received a surprise YouTube message from American educator and reality television personality Ron Clark, encouraging the schools leadership team to uplift, educate and empower Banning Unified students by increasing engagement, academic rigor, and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Several Banning Unified educators are set to attend the Ron Clark Academy Professional Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this fall.
Banning Unified Senior Completes Summer Student Leader Internship
Banning High School senior Abraham Sanchez was one of four Inland Empire students who recently completed the 2022 Bank of America Student Leaders summer internship program. The internship opportunity recognized Sanchez’s passion and commitment to improving growth and stability in local neighborhoods. The eight-week paid internship connects students to a nonprofit organization in their community, providing them with firsthand leadership experiences and collaborative teaching methods that will prepare them for the workforce.
Banning Unified Welcomes New Principal of Cabazon Elementary School
Banning Unified School District has selected Dr. Ricky Anderson, an enthusiastic educator and administrator with a long-standing passion for leading in education, to take the helm as Cabazon Elementary School’s principal. Cabazon Elementary School held its Back to School Night on Aug. 9, allowing parents to meet Anderson and familiarize themselves with their children’s teachers and classrooms.
Banning Unified School District’s new and returning students made their way onto campuses adorned with welcome banners, photo backdrops and streamers on Aug. 4, where teachers, principals and staff greeted them with excitement for the 2022-23 school year. During the welcome festivities, teachers and administrators spoke to families about embracing this year’s theme, “The Time is Now,” which aims to increase support for students and staff and prioritize student success.
Hoffer Elementary School’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program boasts a comprehensive, high-level curriculum that has contributed to the school’s recent classification as a Nationally Certified STEM School by the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE). Hoffer Elementary was recognized with the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) from NISE in May, honoring the school’s commitment to implementing strategies that create a STEM-based campus culture, aiming to foster ingenuity and raise student achievement. Principal Matthew Beilstein has overseen the development of the STEM program for the last 10 years and has helped the program grow in both success and popularity among students.
