Bonita Unified School District recognized the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station, Incycle and the Southern California Velo Cycling Club (SCVelo) at their Board of Education meeting on Feb. 2, celebrating their generous donation of bicycles, helmets and toys to students during the holiday season. Incycle and SCVelo donated bicycles to the sheriff’s station, which then coordinated with the District to identify students in need. In total, 73 bicycles and helmets were distributed to Bonita Unified students and their siblings in December.
Bonita Unified School District has been recognized as a 2022 Inland Empire Top Workplace by the Inland Valley News Group, reflecting the District’s ongoing commitment to providing a culture of success that embodies its values of equity, mastery and a focus on results. This is the third year in a row that Bonita Unified has been named a Top Workplace by the Inland Valley News Group, which surveys more than 800 organizations and 30,000 employees annually about workplace culture.
Bonita Unified Band Director Performs in 2022 Rose Parade
In 1991, Bonita Unified band director Kelly Leyva showcased her musical talent on a world stage, marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade as a student in Los Angeles Unified School District’s All District Honor Marching Band. In a full-circle moment, Leyva returned to march the 5.5-mile parade route in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1 – this time, as part of a 270-member marching band consisting of band directors from across the United States. As part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project, Leyva and her fellow band directors performed in the Band Directors Marching Band and accompanied a colorful, animated float that embodied the theme “America’s Band Directors: We teach music. We teach life.”
In 1991, Bonita Unified band director Kelly Leyva showcased her musical talent on a world stage, marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade as a student in Los Angeles Unified School District’s All District Honor Marching Band. In a full-circle moment, Leyva will return to march the 5.5-mile parade route in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade – this time, as part of a 270-member marching band consisting of band directors from across the United States. As part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project, Leyva and her fellow band directors will perform in the Band Directors Marching Band and accompany a colorful, animated float that embodies the theme “America’s Band Directors: We teach music. We teach life.” Leyva will play the mellophone, the same instrument she played in the parade 31 years ago.
Bonita Unified Board of Education Selects New Officers
Bonita Unified School District’s Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 8, voting members into new leadership roles. The Board selected Derek Bahmanou as president, Glenn Creiman as vice president and Greg Palatto as clerk. Members Chuck Coyne and Jim Elliot round out the Board.
Bonita Unified Auto Shop Students Hone Technical Skills, Restore Truck
Bonita High School advanced auto shop students are getting a glimpse of La Verne’s past as they learn skills for the future, working in partnership with the La Verne Historical Society to restore a 1938 International D-35 pickup truck in time for the city’s 2022 Fourth of July parade. Under the guidance of Bonita High auto shop teacher Rob Zamboni, students are working toward a full restoration of the truck throughout the school year, rebuilding the engine and transmission, adding new tires and brakes, and refurbishing the interior and flatbed. The truck’s rustic exterior will be preserved to retain its authenticity. The restoration is a full one-year project.
Bonita Unified School District special education students are acquiring the tools for future success through Bonita’s WorkAbility I/Transition program, which provides comprehensive pre-employment training, paid work experience and job placement, while promoting self-advocacy and life skills exploration. More than 400 Bonita Unified students in grades eight to 12 have access to the program, which helps them find the right fit for them in the community and provides assistance with job applications and resumes. Working with the La Verne and San Dimas Chambers of Commerce, the District has established partnerships with local businesses to provide students with short-term and long-term job assignments.
Bonita High School advanced auto shop students are getting a glimpse of La Verne’s past as they learn skills for the future, working in partnership with the La Verne Historical Society to restore a 1938 International D-35 pickup truck in time for the city’s 2022 Fourth of July parade. The vintage truck has a long and colorful history, representing a time when La Verne served as a hub for southern California’s booming citrus industry, and future three-time All-American halfback Glenn Davis led Bonita High to an undefeated season and its first football championship in 1942. Under the guidance of Bonita High auto shop teacher Rob Zamboni, students are working toward a full restoration of the truck throughout the school year, rebuilding the engine and transmission, adding new tires and brakes, and refurbishing the interior and flatbed. The truck’s rustic exterior will be preserved to retain its authenticity. The restoration is a full one-year project.
Bonita Unified Teachers Receive Mini-Grants from Rotary Club
Twelve Bonita Unified School District teachers were awarded mini-grants from the La Verne Rotary Club, providing financial support for educators who seek new ideas to enrich classroom experiences.The mini-grants, totaling $3,229.56, were presented to this year’s awardees during the Nov. 3 Board of Education meeting.
Bonita Unified Recognized in 2022 ‘Best K-8 Schools’ Rankings
Seven Bonita Unified elementary and middle schools have been recognized among the top performing public schools in California, according to the 2022 Best K-8 Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Shull Elementary School and Oak Mesa Elementary School ranked in the top four percent and five percent, respectively, of elementary schools in the state. They are joined by Grace Miller Elementary, ranked in the top 12 percent, and Gladstone Elementary and Roynon Elementary, both in the top 13 percent. Ramona Middle School and Lone Hill Middle School were also recognized, ranking in the top 11 percent and top 16 percent, respectively. The inaugural K-8 rankings are based on student proficiency and performance in mathematics and reading.
