Sequoia Middle School has been selected as a 2021 Microsoft Showcase School for its commitment to bridging the technology gap, providing students access to digital platforms and encouraging teachers and staff to become leaders in innovative education. Sequoia Middle School joins a community of global educator visionaries who are integrating technology platforms into classrooms and providing support through professional development communities. Sequoia is Fontana Unified’s second Microsoft Showcase School; Southridge Tech Middle School received the designation in 2018.
Fontana Unified’s New Aviation & Space CTE Pathway Takes Flight
A.B. Miller High School students are exploring careers in the aerospace industry and learning what it will take to be part of the next generation of astronauts and space explorers through the school’s new Aviation & Space career technical education (CTE) pathway. Students are engaging in two new CTE classes, held on Saturdays at Ontario International Airport and developed in tandem by Barboza Space Center and Shades of Blue Aviation. The weekend courses, which run through December, are teaching students the basics of aviation while training to successfully complete the FAA’s Private Pilot Certificate written exam, as well as building Tiger Teams of junior astronauts, engineers, scientists, and drone pilots while developing life forms that could survive on Mars and support human exploration in space.
A.B. Miller High School students who wish to explore careers in the aerospace industry and learn what it takes to be part of the next generation of astronauts and space explorers will meet at Ontario International Airport (ONT) on Saturday, Sept. 11, when the school launches its new Aviation & Space career technical education (CTE) pathway. Students will receive an overview of two new CTE classes, developed in tandem by Barboza Space Center CEO Bob Barboza and Shades of Blue Aviation founder Capt. Willie Daniels; discuss career opportunities with ONT Chief Operating Officer Bruce Atlas, as well as representatives of the FBI and TSA; meet the Ontario Police Department K-9 corps; and receive a tour of Ontario International Airport.
Three Fontana Unified administrators are advancing to new positions within the District, building on years of educational leadership as they assume their new roles at Hemlock, Cypress and Oleander elementary schools. Adam Andersen will move from Cypress Elementary, where he has been principal since 2015, to become principal at Hemlock Elementary; Lorena Michel will take the helm as principal at Cypress Elementary, where she has served as assistant principal since 2016; and Julie Hansberger will step in as principal at Oleander Elementary, following seven years as the school’s assistant principal
Fontana Unified School District is partnering with Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Rialto Unified School District to host the Inland Empire Regional Virtual College and Career Fair from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16. Students of all ages and their families are invited to attend the free virtual fair, where they can learn about admission requirements and available programs for more than 50 colleges and universities from across the country and gain insight on career opportunities and planning through breakout sessions. To register, visit www.ow.ly/vt7A50FXZEj.
Fontana Unified to Co-Host Regional Virtual College and Career Fair
Fontana Unified School District is partnering with Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Rialto Unified School District to host the Inland Empire Regional Virtual College and Career Fair from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16. Students of all ages and their families are invited to attend the free virtual fair, where they can learn about admission requirements and available programs for more than 50 colleges and universities from across the country and gain insight on career opportunities and planning through breakout sessions. To register, visit www.ow.ly/vt7A50FXZEj.
Twenty-one Fontana Unified schools have earned platinum, gold, silver, and bronze awards from California Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition, recognizing their efforts to create a positive campus culture and increase student engagement. Citrus, Cypress and Date elementary schools, Dolores Huerta International Academy, and Alder, Harry S. Truman and Sequoia middle schools have earned platinum certifications for their stellar execution of PBIS strategies in 2020-21. They are joined by gold PBIS Implementation Award recipients Juniper, Oleander, Randall Pepper and West Randall elementary schools, Southridge Tech Middle School and Jurupa Hills High School; silver PBIS Implementation Award recipients Maple, Poplar, Sierra Lakes and Virginia Primrose elementary schools, as well as Almeria and Fontana middle schools; and bronze PBIS Implementation Award recipients Live Oak Elementary and Mango Elementary.
Fontana Unified Welcomes 2021-22 Student Board Representative
The Fontana Unified Board of Education welcomed its 2021-22 student representative, Miranda Ordoñez, to the board during its Aug. 11 meeting. A senior at Fontana High School, Ordoñez is a high-achieving scholar at the top of her class, balancing Advanced Placement classes with clubs and activities such as the Girls & Guys for an Empowered Modern Society club, the California Scholarship Federation, manager for the wrestling team, and more. In her role as a student representative, Ordoñez will serve as the voice for all Fontana Unified students, sharing their perspective with the Board of Education and advocating for their interests.
Fontana Unified celebrated the first day of the 2021-22 school year and the return to full-time, in-person instruction on Aug. 6, welcoming students to campuses bedecked with balloons, banners, and inspirational messages. Fontana High School students reconnecting with their friends were greeted with maroon and white balloons, the sounds of a DJ playing music a chalk art mural and messages across campus that said “welcome back” and “we missed you.” At Truman Middle School, students arrived in waves, receiving their class assignments and having their temperature checked before gathering in the main quad.
Henry J. Kaiser High School and Sierra Lakes Elementary launched the 2021-22 year under the leadership of recently appointed principals Jose A. Espinoza and Maria Talamantes, who bring nearly 38 years of collective experience to Fontana Unified. In their new roles, Espinoza and Talamantes will oversee the administration of all facets of their school’s educational program and focus on the optimal educational development of each student.
