Fontana Unified on Nov. 14 was named the 2019 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) District of the Year for the West End and East Valley regions of San Bernardino County. This District’s use of PBIS strategies to foster a positive school climate and increase student engagement was celebrated at the fourth annual PBIS Showcase, hosted by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ PBIS program.
Southridge Tech Middle School has been named a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), marking a milestone in the District’s efforts to establish an IB Continuum. As a candidate school – a status achieved ahead of the District’s schedule – Southridge Tech is beginning trial implementation of the MYP and seeking authorization as an IB World School. MYP provides a rigorous, globally focused and inquiry-led framework of learning that fosters creative and critical thinking.
Fontana Unified, Fontana School Police Department and community members kicked off the holiday season with the first toy donations in the 22nd annual Fontana Santas Toy Drive, which aims to bring holiday cheer to families in need. Fontana School Police Officer Cindy Evaro and district employee Lydia Wibert began Fontana Santas 22 years ago when they learned a Fontana boy ran away from home after Christmas because he did not receive any presents. Evaro, Wibert and Fontana School Police collected toys and donations from local organizations and delivered them to students during the holidays.
Seventeen Fontana Unified schools were recognized at the fourth annual Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Showcase, held Nov. 14 in San Bernardino. The showcase highlighted schools that have effectively used PBIS strategies to foster a positive school climate and increase student engagement, netting platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards.
Southridge Tech Middle School science teacher Pamela Matea has earned recognition as a UC Davis C-STEM Teacher of the Year for smoothly integrating computer coding into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (C-STEM) subjects. Matea received the honor at the ninth annual Conference on Integrated Computing and STEM Education, held in November at UC Davis.
Students at the Chaparral Academy of Technology, one of Fontana Unified’s two Code to the Future schools, showcased their coding and robotics prowess during an Epic Build Showcase on Nov. 7. Chaparral became a Code to the Future School in fall 2018, providing K-5 students with immersive computer science curriculum that teaches block coding, robotics and scripted coding skills.
Fontana High School students submitted nearly 2,100 applications to colleges and universities on Nov. 6 during the school’s annual College Application Day, exceeding its original goal of 1,900 applications. Over 13 hours, students submitted their college applications with the help of counselors and staff. As an AVID National Demonstration School, Fontana High School aims to narrow the achievement gap and ensure more students enroll in four-year colleges and universities.
Summit High School student Anthony Arciga captured first place in Fontana Unified’s Red Ribbon Week PSA contest for his outstanding public service announcement. Arciga, a student in Summit High’s TV production program, was honored for his work at the Red Ribbon Breakfast on Oct. 24.
Henry J. Kaiser High School principal Terry Abernathy, Redwood Elementary counselor Eduardo Valencia and Fontana Unified alumnus Jashandeep Lobana were recognized by Senator Connie Leyva on Oct. 21 at the third annual Terrific 20 of Senate District 20 event. Each year, local residents are recognized for their commitment and contributions in fields like education, community activism, business, law enforcement and hospitality.
Chaparral Academy of Technology – one of Fontana Unified’s two Code to the Future schools – will hold its second Epic Build Showcase of the year at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb, 28. Students will demonstrate the skills they are learning through Chaparral’s immersive computer science curriculum, including coding, building and programming LEGO robots. Chaparral Academy of Technology is at 14000 Shadow Drive, Fontana.