Harnessing the power of film and committed to helping the mental health and well-being of their classmates and community, seven Fontana Unified film production students have been recognized for excellence in the Directing Change Film Project. Jurupa Hills High School seniors Gustavo Lopez, Christian Guerrero, Caleb Oard, Lyza Garay and juniors Brian Moreno and Alexzander Zavala, along with Summit High School senior Audrey Juarez, received honors for 60-second public service announcements touching on subjects such as social distancing, immigration rights, racism, voting and keeping a healthy daily outlook. The Directing Change Film Project is a monthly contest with two categories for high school students; The Hope & Justice category is an open submission for any film topic that encompasses social justice and equal rights issues, and the Monthly Prompt category asks for films concentrating on a single subject.
Two high-achieving Summit High School seniors are one step closer to earning a full-ride scholarship to an elite college or university after being named QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship finalists. Gabriel Rodriguez Cortez and Joleen Wardeh are among nearly 7,000 students across the United States chosen as finalists, including nine additional Fontana Unified seniors. Finalists are considered for early admission and full scholarships from QuestBridge college partners.
Fontana Unified High School Honored for Financial Aid Application Rates
Jurupa Hills High School was celebrated as a statewide winner during the second annual California College Affordability Summit on Nov. 17, recognizing its college-going culture and student support resources. For the second year in a row, Jurupa Hills High School was feted as one of the top 24 schools with the highest financial aid application completion rates in the state. The virtual summit brought together hundreds of educators, city and state officials, and legislators from across the country to highlight the importance of financial aid and its ability to increase college access, enrollment and persistence.
Cheered on by her parents and four older siblings dressed in green and white, Fontana High School senior Victoria Vasquez signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career and education at Utah Valley University. Vasquez has played several sports as a Fontana High School Steeler – including basketball, soccer and volleyball – but softball has been her first love since she picked up a glove at age 7. Her dedication to the sport has culminated in an athletic scholarship that will fund her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. P
Fontana Unified Kicks Off ‘Fontana Santas’ Toy Drive
Fontana Unified has kicked off its 23rd annual Fontana Santas Toy Drive, which collects gifts and donations to provide holidays gifts to FUSD students in need. The annual toy drive is a joint effort by Fontana Unified, Fontana School Police, Fontana Teachers Association, United Steelworkers Local 8599, Fontana Foundation of Hope, Fontana School Police Officers Association and Fontana Management Association. Donations may be dropped off at the Fontana School Police Department, 9680 Citrus Ave., Building 9, Fontana.
Four Fontana High School seniors, known for their excellence in the classroom and leadership on campus, have been named QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship finalists. Victor Campos, Vanessa Gutierrez, Fatima Kamara and Ernesto Sanchez are among nearly 7,000 students across the United States in consideration for early admission and four-year full scholarships if matched with a participating university.
scholarship to college after being named QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship finalists. David Aguilar, Marco Garcia, and Sonia Heyer are among nearly 7,000 students chosen as finalists, joining two seniors from Jurupa Hills High School in consideration for early admission and four-year scholarships to participating universities. Aguilar, Garcia and Heyer are leaders on campus, engaging in activities like Academic Decathlon, AVID, marching band and orchestra, National Honor Society and more. David Aguilar, Marco Garcia and Sonia Heyer are among nearly 7,000 students across the United States chosen as finalists, including two seniors from Jurupa Hills High School. Finalists are selected from a pool of more 18,000 students who apply to participating universities for free and are considered for early admission and a four-year full scholarship.
Bedecked in Titan white, blue and orange, Jurupa Hills High School senior Sophia Guevara brought her childhood dream to life with a flourish of a pen, signing her letter of intent for Cal State Fullerton as family cheered her on during a Nov. 11 ceremony. Guevara, who received a full athletic scholarship, will play catcher for the Titans softball team as she pursues a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
Fontana Adult School to Provide Free Workshop for Computer Skills
Fontana Unified’s Fontana Adult School is offering District students and families a free five-session workshop on “Getting Started with Computers,” beginning Monday, Nov. 16. Attendees can choose from two sessions, 9 a.m. to noon, or 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Workshops will be offered in-person and cover topics such as using Microsoft Teams, using QR codes, PowerPoint presentations and the basics of Microsoft Excel. To register, call (909) 357-5490. Fontana Adult School is at 10755 Oleander Ave., Fontana.
over Fontana Unified’s Division of Teaching and Learning on Nov. 23. Fontana Unified’s Board of Education on Nov. 4 hired Dr. Monica Makiewicz to head the division as the new associate superintendent of teaching and learning. In her new role, Makiewicz will oversee the planning, organization and administration of curriculum development to ensure a comprehensive, articulated curriculum and instructional program.
