FOHI was the first to host the event at Fontana Unified, inspiring similar celebrations throughout all comprehensive high schools across the District. This month, each high school will hold individual CASDs to support seniors in their next steps toward higher education.
FONTANA, CA – Fifteen Fontana Unified School District students will take their coding and problem-solving skills to the international stage from Dec. 8-10, when six elementary and middle school robotics teams will compete at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in Puerto Rico. WRO is a global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition for students ages 8 to 22 that challenges participants to design, build, and program robots to solve problems. The six qualifying teams earned their spots at the United States Engineering League School National Competition in Ontario: four elementary school teams (Robo Rights, Team Bubblegum, Little Einstein – 0527, and Rulers of the Nile); and two middle school teams (Team I Don't Know and Team Fast Control.)
Nearly 1,500 students and families explored pathways to higher education and future careers as Fontana Unified School District hosted its annual College & Career Fair at Jurupa Hills High School on Oct. 14, connecting attendees with approximately 90 colleges, universities, employers, and industry organizations. This year’s event featured expanded career offerings, with nearly 45 industry exhibitors giving students a broader look at their options after graduation. Through a new partnership with nonprofit organization SoCal Trades, the District connected attendees with industry professionals and opportunities to explore a variety of workforce pathways.
Nearly 500 Fontana Unified School District seniors eligible to attend California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) in the fall will visit the college for a direct admission celebration that will include campus tours, financial aid information, and a student panel featuring District alumni currently attending CSUSB.
The story of the O’Day Short family, whose legacy continues to shape how Fontana remembers its history, will reach new audiences with the PBS debut of “O’Day Short: An Act of Justice” at 6:30 p.m. PDT, Friday, Oct. 23, on PBS KCVR. The documentary highlights the family’s history and the community’s efforts to honor their lives and preserve their legacy for future generations. Produced by award-winning filmmakers E’Ian West and George Sharperson, the film will be distributed through a five-year public media partnership with PBS, NPR, and FNX. Fontana Unified School District Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Clarissa Trejo contributed research to the documentary.
Fontana Unified School District brought CalKIDS Scholarship claiming support directly to students on Oct. 8, as Fontana High School (FOHI) hosted California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, and education partners for an event focused on helping students access financial resources for their future education and career goals. The event brought together nearly 1,200 students, educators, community members, and elected officials and featured a hands-on claiming activity to help students take the next step toward accessing their CalKIDS accounts. Fontana Unified also welcomed students from Date Elementary School and Fontana Middle School, who were paired with FOHI seniors to help support the scholarship claiming process.
The Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) Board of Education has selected Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, a seasoned educator with 30 years of experience, as a finalist to serve as the District’s next Superintendent. His appointment is contingent upon the completion of successful contract negotiations, followed by formal Board approval of his employment and employment contract, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Oct. 21. Dr. Rubalcaba began his public education journey in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he spent 17 years in progressively responsible positions. He is currently the Superintendent in the Los Nietos School District in Whittier, and previously served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Victor Valley Union High School District in San Bernardino County and in Azusa Unified School District as a high school principal and assistant superintendent.
With a mariachi band serenading more than 200 attendees, Dolores Huerta International Academy (DHIA) celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a community gala on Sept. 18, spotlighting the award-winning K-6 school’s commitment to promoting multicultural and multilingual students through its International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Representatives of Congresswoman Norma Torres, State Senator Eloise Reyes, and Assemblymember Robert Garcia presented special proclamations and certificates to DHIA during the celebration, recognizing the dedication of the administrators, faculty, staff, and students who have helped build the school into a community treasure.
From one-on-one interactions with representatives from universities, U.S. Armed Forces, and other organizations to learning about career technical education (CTE) programs offered across all District high schools, students will learn about the opportunities available to them while networking with professionals from various industries.
More than 1,400 CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts are available to eligible students, with scholarships of up to $1,500 available for post-secondary education and career training. Students will receive support navigating the claiming process, while learning about the collaborative efforts of state, county, and local education leaders to connect students with financial resources and opportunities beyond high school.