For the second year in a row, the Inland Valley News Group has named Bonita Unified one of 2020’s Top Workplaces in the Inland Empire. The Inland News Group’s list is based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage. The surveys were distributed to all 13 Bonita Unified schools and the District office, asking employees about workplace culture, if their jobs exceeded expectations, if they would recommend their workplace to potential employees, why they love their jobs and how their employer could improve the workplace environment.
Shull Elementary second-grader London Williams’ love for creating and curiosity for learning has inspired her to make and sell her very own scented candles, a venture that is spreading joy to the Bonita Unified community this holiday season. What started in March as a simple question to her mother: “Mom, how are candles made?” has now become a part-time business for 8-year-old Williams, whose biggest order consisted of 35 candles after her mother, Lisa M., shared them with family, friends and co-workers.
Bonita Unified’s Board of Education administered the Oath of Office on Dec. 9 to new member Greg Palatto and returning members Krista Chakmak and Glenn Creiman, as well as honoring retiring member Diane Koach with the Bonita Unified Purpose Award. Palatto works as a school psychologist at Charter Oak Unified School District and is a member of the La Verne Rotary Club. Palatto is dedicated to strengthening mental health services and special education. His two children attend Grace Miller Elementary and Ramona Middle School.
Bonita Unified Introduces 2021 Board of Education
Bonita Unified School District’s Board of Education on Dec. 9 administered the Oath of Office to new member Greg Palatto and returning members Krista Chakmak and Glenn Creiman, as well as honoring retiring member Diane Koach with the Bonita Unified Purpose Award. All three members were sworn in on Dec. 11 during a socially distanced ceremony at the District office. Photos are available.
Bonita Unified Teachers Connect with Students during Virtual First Day
Bonita Unified School District’s first day of school on Aug. 26 saw teachers at every Bonita campus connecting with students using video conferencing, virtual classrooms and digital lessons plans. District teachers shared pictures of their digital set-ups using #BonitaFirstDay and welcomed students to the 2020-21 school year with online course introductions. More information regarding Bonita Unified’s distance learning model can be found on the District website.
Bonita Unified Commits to a Distance Learning Model for Fall 2020
The Bonita Unified School District Board of Education decided July 15 to continue with a distance learning model for the fall 2020 semester, after reviewing guidance from state and county public health and education authorities. The District’s first priority is the health and safety of students, their staff and the community. More information can be found on the District’s website.
Bonita Unified Partners with Redlands USD as Food Service Continues
Bonita Unified School District received fresh produce and gallons of milk from Redlands Unified School District to supplement its meal program and food distribution efforts. Bonita Unified will serve free meals to the community children throughout the summer. Meals are available from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays at Roynon Elementary School, 2175 E St., La Verne, and at the Central Kitchen behind Chaparral High School, 121 W. Allen Ave., San Dimas.
Bonita Unified School District Board of Education member Diane Koach is retiring at the end of her term in December 2020. The announcement came during the June 10 regular board meeting, where members acknowledged retirees throughout the District. Koach was elected to the Board in November 2007 and has served three terms in office.
The Bonita Unified culinary arts program is truly a family affair. Led by the husband-and-wife team of Nick and Laurie Brandler – instructors at San Dimas High and Bonita High, respectively – the pair are preparing their students for highly competitive food service jobs through a rigorous curriculum that encompasses all aspects of running a restaurant. The Brandlers and their students found the recipe for success during the 2020 Virtual ProStart Cup held in April, winning several major awards including California ProStart Student of the Year and California ProStart Instructor of the Year, with first-place finishes in the Innovation Cup and Management Cup competitions.
The Bonita Unified School District Board of Education on May 6 appointed Krista Chakmak – a parent, school volunteer, Save the Heartbeat Foundation volunteer and member of the City of La Verne Youth and Family Action Committee – as its newest member. Chakmak, who will serve the seven months remaining in the term of retired member Matthew Lyons, was chosen unanimously from among four candidates interviewed by the board.
