Beatty and Buena Park middle school students are showcasing their poise and competitive speaking skills while rising to the challenge of virtual speech and debate tournaments after an impressive performance during a Jan. 30 online Orange County Debate League tournament. Beatty Middle School’s virtual speech and debate program launched in March 2020, following the start of the national stay-at-home order. After a scheduled tournament on March 13 was canceled, the team adjusted its techniques and practices to ensure that students could compete in a safe environment while also preparing for future online events
Gilbert School honored 23 students for demonstrating respect, organization, attentiveness and responsibility (ROAR), showing growth mindset or demonstrating improvement during distance learning lessons at its first drive-through ROAR celebration. Each week, teachers select students to honor with printed certificates, which outline their academic or social accomplishments. Students, along with their families, were invited onto campus to collect their awards while being celebrated by teachers and staff. Students and families wore masks and followed social distancing rules to maintain safety.
Emery School students are banging on drums, learning about cultures and enhancing distance learning lessons through a new virtual music program that teaches students musical appreciation in the comfort of their homes. The program, which offers six weekly music lessons to students, is part of a partnership between the school and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Each lesson pairs a Segerstrom musician with a class to mesh music with lessons on world cultures, folklore and history.
Emery School families from around the globe celebrated the hard work, compassion and positive behavior of 135 students across seven grade levels during a series of Dec. 16 virtual student of the trimester award ceremonies. The ceremony took place via Zoom, with each grade level showcasing students who went above and beyond in being respectful, responsible, ready to learn and safe during distance learning and in-person lessons.
On her first day of computer coding class, Pendleton School kindergartner Fiona B. excitedly reported to her parents that she made an animated character jump up and down. In the following weeks, Fiona has learned techniques that allow her to create backgrounds and animals that dance and talk. At an age when many students are still learning to read, Fiona is taking advantage of Pendleton’s commitment to providing computer science and coding instruction for all of its TK-5 students through a partnership with CodeCampus, which provides curriculum and teachers for daily lessons.
Buena Park School District’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park is providing socio-economically disadvantaged students with a safe place to participate in remote learning, allowing them to learn and grow in a fun environment. Director of Child Welfare and Attendance Dr. Elsie Briseno Simonovski said the partnership was created to provide students who live in motels, shelters, camp sites, cars or share residences with other families, with a daily space to work during distance-learning lessons. Students involved with the free program can use the Boys & Girls Club facilities, its high-speed internet and its staff for homework help.
Beatty Middle School will provide 20 students with backpacks, physical education clothes, notebooks and writing utensils thanks to a $2,000 donation from the Orange County Korean American Lions Club (OCKALC). Members of the OCKALC were welcomed to the campus, where Principal Erik Bagger led a tour of the school’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab, offices and classrooms. Bagger said the money will go a long way to make students feel at home at Beatty. Photos are available.
Buena Park School District buzzed with excitement as 1,454 students reunited with old friends and favorite teachers for the first day of in-person instruction for the 2020-21 school year. Students were welcomed to the District’s eight schools by teachers and administrators eager to have them back after nearly eight months of virtual instruction. Each campus was fortified with protections against COVID-19, including hand washing stations, hand sanitizer stations, transparent desk shields, physical distancing markers and temperature checks.
Career Technical Educator Shelley Andros’ unending drive to encourage her students to excel in coding, engineering, robotics and horticulture has earned her recognition as a California’s Teacher of the Year finalist. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond presented the award during a virtual ceremony, lauding Andros and her fellow winners for empowering their students and communities.
Buena Park School District will resume in-class learning on Monday, Nov. 9, a decision reached after review of the latest health data and positive community feedback. The decision was made during an Oct. 26 Board of Education meeting after Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Yvette Cantu outlined safety protocols.
