Palmetto Elementary School commemorated its 60th anniversary with a schoolwide celebration on Sept. 27. Fontana Unified parents, students, staff and community members perused student displays about the school’s and district’s history, watched performances from Kaiser High School’s band and cheer squad and enjoyed family-friendly activities.
Shadow Hills Elementary School held a Patriot Day ceremony on Sept. 11 to recognize Fontana’s military and first responders and honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Students and staff gave certificates of recognition to family members and community members who are in the military or working as first responders in Fontana. The ceremony also featured a performance from Kaiser High Schools JROTC students. Photos are available.
Fontana Unified School District is partnering with Rialto Unified School District and U-CAN College Fair to offer a parent workshop on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at Wilmer Carter High School, 2630 N. Linden Ave., Rialto. The workshop will educate parents on the history and the benefits of attending a HBCU, admission requirements and financial aid information.
Fontana Unified School District’s Advanced Placement (AP) test-taking and passing rates reached six-year highs in 2017-18, reflecting a districtwide focus on boosting college readiness. In 2017-18, 56 percent of FUSD students who took an AP test passed one or more exam. The number of students who passed two or more AP exams also increased three percentage points from 2016-17.
Fontana Unified will offer its second Parent University workshop of the year, continuing efforts to boost family engagement in the educational process. A free session on “College and Career Readiness” will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 at Fontana Adult School, 10755 Oleander Ave.; and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John D. Piazza Center, 9680 Citrus Ave. Translation services will be available.
Shadow Hills Elementary third-grade teacher Theresa Pearce was named a San Bernardino County 2018 Teacher of the Year. Pearce, who was named the district’s Teacher of the Year, has taught in Fontana Unified for 18 years. Pearce will be recognized by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools along with fellow honorees in October.
Southridge Middle School has been selected as a 2018 Microsoft Showcase School for its commitment to providing student access to digital platforms and bridging the technology gap. Southridge will partner with Microsoft to introduce new education programs into the classroom, connect with Microsoft Innovation Educators to share best practices and become a destination campus for schools looking to elevate their digital capabilities.
Fontana Unified will continue its efforts to boost family engagement with its 2018-19 Parent University classes, which encourage parents and guardians to become academic coaches for their students. The first free session, “Get Active & Involved in FUSD,” will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Fontana Adult School, 10755 Oleander Ave.; and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John D. Piazza Center, 9680 Citrus Ave. Translation services will be available.
Fontana Unified School District’s graduation rate reached 90.6 percent in 2016-17, thanks to strong student support and peer mentorship programs aimed at boosting academic achievement and promoting lifelong learning. This overall graduation rate encompasses alternative education, which is traditionally lower than rates at comprehensive high schools. District grad rates also topped the 2016-17 numbers for San Bernardino County and the state, according to data released by the state Department of Education.
Fontana Unified kicked off the 2018-19 school year on Aug. 6 with new campus leaders, expanded early educational programs and instructional opportunities. At South Tamarind and Shadow Hills elementary schools, students received a surprise visit from Golden State Foods representatives, who donated backpacks full of school supplies. Photos are available.