Fontana Unified Students Recognized as ‘Academic Trailblazers’
Canyon Crest Elementary fifth-grader Matilda Vinuela and Fontana High School senior Miranda Ordoñez were recognized by San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. as District 5 Academic Trailblazers during the Oct. 6 Fontana Unified Board of Education meeting. The award, given in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month, recognizes high-achieving students for their academic and civic achievements. Ordoñez, who serves as the District’s 2021-22 Board of Education student representative, balances Advanced Placement classes with a variety of campus clubs and activities. Vinuela came to Fontana Unified not speaking any English; despite being in unfamiliar surroundings, she immediately began to blend in as she listened, asked for help, and made friends quickly.
Fontana Unified CTE Teacher Appears on CBS Show ‘Tough As Nails’
While Fontana High School’s newest career technical education instructor, Lamar Hanger, guides students in developing carpentry skills in the classroom, his own expertise is being showcased across the U.S. on the television show “Tough As Nails” – which premiered Oct. 6 on CBS. Hanger brings versatile experience in construction, welding, metal-stud framing, and lath to the CBS competition series for working-class professionals and to his new position at Fontana High School, where students are receiving a hands-on education that can lead to apprenticeships and career opportunities.
Fontana Unified to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Community
Fontana Unified School District has partnered with Walgreens to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Fontana High School, 9453 Citrus Ave., Fontana. The clinic is open to anyone ages 12 and up who is interested in receiving their first, second or booster does of the Pfizer vaccine. No appointment is necessary.
While Fontana High School’s newest career technical education (CTE) instructor, Lamar Hanger, guides students in developing carpentry skills in the classroom, his own expertise will be showcased across the U.S. on the television show “Tough As Nails” – airing Wednesday, Oct. 6 on CBS. A 32-year member of the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC), Hanger brings versatile experience in construction, welding, metal-stud framing, and lath to his new position at Fontana High School (FOHI). Following a successful teaching stint through the apprenticeship program at SWRCC, Hanger was inspired to bring the union’s existing education program, Career Connections, to Fontana Unified. Career Connections is a CTE program that provides students with a practical STEM education, supported by a state- and District-approved curriculum that features projects and hands-on learning.
Henry J. Kaiser High School’s softball field will be renamed the John “Spotty” Stevens Memorial Field, honoring the longtime athletic coach, security officer and locker room attendant who mentored Fontana student-athletes, teachers, and administrators for more than 30 years. The Fontana Unified Board of Education approved the renaming of the field during its Sept. 8 meeting.
Southridge Tech Middle School has been redesignated as a Microsoft Showcase School, reaffirming the school’s commitment to providing its students with access to digital platforms and bridging the technology gap. Southridge Tech was first designated in 2018. The middle school is one of just three schools in California and 30 schools across the United States to receive the designation in 2023, joining a global network of schools from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Australia.
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.
