Aeolian Elementary School’s award-winning Garden Club was awarded a first place ribbon for excellence at the California 48th District Agricultural Association (DAA) Schools’ Agriculture and Nutrition Fair at the Fairplex in Pomona on May 18. The 26-bed garden, cultivated for 16 years, includes leafy greens, spicy peppers and California wildflowers. The 45-member club is guided by Aeolian second-grade teacher and Certified Master Gardener Juvenal Martinez. In 2014, the club won the “There is a School in Every Garden” award.
Los Nietos Middle School eighth-grader Jared Avalos is helping his school send six teams to the MESA Regional Competition on Saturday, April 8 at UC Irvine despite a neurological condition that makes it difficult for him to walk. Jared lost his ability to walk three years ago, and has been on a challenging road to recovery that requires daily exercise and physical therapy three times per week. Avalos is unhindered, however, when exploring math and science. An honors student with a 3.8 GPA, he will compete in the Mouse Trap Car and Prosthetic Arm categories while inspiring all those around him.
Follow-up Story: Aeolian Elementary School students in first through third grades are smiling brighter after having received free dental screenings on May 18 on campus through a district partnership with Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine. Transitional kindergartners and kindergartners throughout the District received similar examinations on April 27. The project aims to improve access to dental care, prevent tooth infections and lower the risk of childhood cavities. Photos are available
Los Nietos Eighth-graders Recap East Coast Adventures for School Board
Follow-up Story: Eleven Los Nietos Middle School students presented findings from their field trip to the East Coast during a school board meeting on April 27. The students toured Washington, D.C, New York and Gettysburg from March 24-30, including visits to the White House, Capitol Building and Wall Street.
Follow-up Story: Rancho Santa Gertrudes and Ada S. Nelson elementary students came together on May 20 for a year-ending chess tournament at the Rancho campus. Parents and teachers from both schools cheered on participants who were awarded first-, second- and third-place trophies in each grade. At both schools, a chess club meets weekly so students can hone their concentration and problem-solving skills.
Los Nietos Celebrates Every Kid Healthy Week with Dance, Nutrition
Follow-up Story: Los Nietos School District celebrated its annual Every Kid Healthy Week from April 24-28 with a mix of fun and education. Families, volunteers and community organizations took part in Run Club, Zumba sessions, structured play recess and a Veggie App Workshop, among other activities. The Los Nietos Food Service director also conducted a food demonstration to showcase the use of healthy ingredients in tasty dishes. Photos are available.
Los Nietos Elementary Students to Run 2nd Annual Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser
Rancho Santa Gertrudes Elementary School students will hit the field for the second annual jog-a-thon fundraiser to support school programs. The run will be held at noon Friday, April 28 on school grounds with students, parents, Principal Octavio Perez and Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez. The event is part of the District’s Healthy Los Nietos program.
Los Nietos Middle School Students Earn High Finishes at MESA Regionals
Follow-up Story: A pair of Los Nietos Middle School students earned second- and third-place honors at the MESA Regional competition on April 8 at UC Irvine. Xico Reyes took second place in the solo math category and Reyes teamed with Aaron Jimenez to finish third in the glider competition. This marks the fifth straight year that the school reached the MESA Preliminary and Regional finals. Photos are available.
Follow-up Story: Three Los Nietos educators from Aeolian Elementary completed a week-long academic excursion to Chengdu, China, where they visited six schools and met with students and teachers to share western educational practices. For the Chinese educators, there was specific interest in learning about the District’s special needs education and services. Los Nietos established the international partnership in 2014, with Chinese educators and students also visiting the District to tour campuses and experience classroom instruction.
Los Nietos Students Recite Famous Speeches, Original Writing at Contest
Follow-up Story: The winners of Ada S. Nelson Elementary School’s Oratorical Contest recited original works and famous speeches at a schoolwide assembly on March 17. The K-6 students were chosen after coming out on top in grade-level speaking battles. A diverse group of former educators judged the Los Nietos School District contest.
