Las Palmas Middle School teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Coordinator Christy Thiel has been named one of only four finalists nationwide for the AVID Staff Developer of the Year Award, which honors educators for outstanding contributions to professional learning, student success, and the advancement of the AVID program. In 2008, Thiel became the school’s first AVID elective teacher and coordinator when the program offered only one section for seventh-graders. Seventeen years later, more than 330 students make up the 10 sections of AVID at Las Palmas, spanning sixth through eighth grade, including three AVID Excel sections for students in need of additional language support.
Being Deaf has shaped the life of South Hills High School senior Francisco Morales, presenting challenges many students never face, yet he has never allowed those challenges to define him. With resilience, determination, and the support of his teammates and coaches, Morales has immersed himself in academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities, proving that no obstacle can limit his ambition. Morales, who has been Deaf since birth, communicates through a combination of speech, American Sign Language (ASL), and the use of a cochlear implant. He also has the support of an interpreter in his classes, practices, and games, and credits his mother for encouraging him to learn ASL at age three.
Senator Rubio will engage with approximately 30 Covina High students in an interactive lesson on the legislature and the civic process. She will also share her inspiring personal story as an immigrant and proud Latina leader, highlighting the importance of representation, civic responsibility, and community leadership. This unique opportunity allows students to connect classroom learning with real-world public service and gain insight into how their voices can shape the future.
All three comprehensive high schools in Covina-Valley Unified School District have been ranked among the top 25% of public high schools nationwide and the top 35% in California by U.S. News & World Report, underscoring the District’s unwavering commitment to student success. U.S. News evaluates schools based on six key indicators of achievement and quality: college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates.
Covina High School junior Gatsbee Gumban, known by his teammates as “The Great Gatsbee,” has been named the Sports Illustrated National High School Boys Athlete of the Week for Aug. 18-24, a recognition that highlights his extraordinary football performance. In a game against La Puente High School on Aug. 21, Gumban rushed for 337 yards and scored four touchdowns, powering the Colts to a 49-35 victory and earning him the national recognition. Beyond his athletic ability, Gumban is known for his kindness and humility both on and off the field, consistently supporting his teammates, classmates, and school community.
Covina-Valley Unified School District students were welcomed back to campuses with energy and enthusiasm for the first day of school on Aug. 18, setting the tone for a school year filled with achievement and continued student success. Smiling teachers and staff, balloons, signs, welcome-back rallies, student-led activities, and more created a festive and supportive atmosphere as students returned to their classrooms, ready to learn and thrive.
Covina-Valley Unified School District students and families filled the Health and Wellness Center for the District’s annual Back-to-School Extravaganza on Aug. 12 – a day of preparation, resources, and community connection ahead of the 2025-26 school year. The event featured free school supplies, haircuts, a complimentary breakfast, and health and wellness screenings designed to help students arrive on the first day of school feeling confident and ready to learn.
Covina-Valley Unified School District will kick off the 2025-26 school year with its annual Welcome Back Convocation, bringing together teachers, staff, and administrators for a morning of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The event will include a dynamic keynote speaker, team-building activities, and uplifting messages to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
Covina-Valley Unified School District will welcome students and families back to its annual Back-to-School Extravaganza, continuing its tradition of providing students with free backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year.
Covina-Valley Unified is opening new doors for middle school students through a pilot career technical education (CTE) summer program, giving incoming seventh- and eighth-graders early exposure to hands-on, real-world learning. The program, open to Las Palmas, Traweek, and Sierra Vista middle school students, quickly reached full capacity after its launch. Organized into three sessions, the program offers students the chance to explore two CTE programs per session, including studio art and business entrepreneurship, sports patient care and medical patient care, aviation/aerospace, and theater production.
