Lynwood Unified School District’s emerging robotics program was on full display as student teams from Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools competed against schools from across the region at the District’s first-ever VEX V5 “Push Back” robotics tournament on Jan. 27. Dubbed the Knight City Challenge, the event reflects Lynwood Unified’s continued efforts to bolster STEM education by expanding hands-on, project-based learning opportunities that prepare students for college and future careers in engineering and technology.
Lynwood Unified School District marked a major construction milestone on January 26 with a Beam Signing and Topping Off Celebration at the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus, commemorating the placement of a ceremonial last steel beam on the new three-story classroom building scheduled to open in Fall 2027. The ceremony highlighted steady progress on the District’s $250 million, state-funded reconstruction project, which will pave the way for a 156,384-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning facility when the campus reopens. Students, staff, community members and District leaders signed the ceremonial beam before it was lifted into place by a crane – symbolizing shared pride, resilience and investment in Lynwood’s future.
Lynwood Unified kicked off the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 13 with lively music, balloon arches and cheers for nearly 11,000 students returning to 17 campuses. From Transitional Kindergarten to 12th grade, students were welcomed by spirited staff, fresh campus upgrades, expanded dual enrollment opportunities – and a new superintendent ready to lead a year of innovation, inclusion and purpose. To help students start the year strong, all elementary schools hosted a Kinder Jumpstart on Aug. 8, giving young learners the chance to explore classrooms, meet teachers and get comfortable with their new school environment. On the first day of school, students across campuses were greeted by educators and staff committed to creating inclusive spaces where every scholar feels empowered to learn, grow and thrive.
Classrooms across Lynwood Unified School District were filled with bright smiles and eager energy on Aug. 8 as hundreds of incoming Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students and their families participated in the District’s inaugural Kinder Jumpstart event, held just days before the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The special welcome day, hosted at all 12 elementary schools, began with cheerful back-to-school photo opportunities, colorful “Welcome to Kindergarten” signs, and festive balloon displays that set the tone for a day filled with excitement. Students met their teachers, explored their classrooms and took part in activities designed to ease first-day jitters – from read-aloud story time and outdoor recess to hands-on learning with coloring, pattern blocks and math games. Teachers also observed early learning indicators such as letter and sound recognition to help them tailor instruction from day one.
From her childhood days of teaching Cabbage Patch Kids to more than two decades of inspiring students in English and theatre at Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School, Kathleen Thomas Butiu has always been driven by a love for education. Lynwood Unified School District named Thomas Butiu its 2024-25 Teacher of the Year on May 8, recognizing her exceptional teaching, community involvement and dedication to student-centered learning.
Lynwood Unified School District is teaming up with SLA Inc. to transform 10 school sites and campuses into sustainable green spaces in which to learn and grow through The Lynwood Greening Initiative, a project funded by nearly $2 million in CAL FIRE grants. The initiative, which will roll out over the next three years, will revamp 10 sites – Firebaugh High School, Hosler Middle School and Mark Twain, Helen Keller, Lincoln, Lugo, Roosevelt and Washington elementary schools, and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers at Lindbergh and Will Rogers elementary schools – into eco-friendly hubs that reflect the community’s vision while providing students with hands-on environmental learning experiences.
It is with profound sadness that Lynwood Unified School District announces the death of Deputy Superintendent Shawna Dinkins, Ed.D., who passed away on Saturday, March 1, following a sudden and courageous battle with cancer. Her passing is a heartbreaking loss for Lynwood Unified and the many lives she touched throughout her extraordinary career. Dinkins’ unwavering commitment to student success and nearly seven years of leadership at Lynwood Unified have elevated the District to new heights, establishing it as a model for equity and excellence.
More than 150 Lynwood Unified School District high school students gathered for a day of empowerment, connection and self-discovery at the District’s annual Teen Summit on Feb. 20, engaging in impactful discussions on leadership, resilience and personal growth. A staple District event rooted in inclusivity and equity, the Teen Summit provided African American students from its three high schools with a dedicated space to explore their identity, gain inspiration from role models, and build a sense of culture and community with their peers.
Lynwood Unified School District is taking a bold step to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, staff and families, implementing state-of-the-art programs to bolster security, strengthen emergency response, proactively identify potential threats and maintain seamless communication among all school personnel. This school year, the District implemented the CENTEGIX Rapid Incident Response and Raptor Technologies Visitor Management systems across all LUSD schools. The District is also upgrading public address (PA) systems at elementary and middle schools, installing on-campus security cameras and upgrading fixtures to improve outdoor lighting at all elementary schools.
Lynwood Unified Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services Shawna Dinkins, Ed.D., has been recognized as the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 14 Curriculum and Instruction Administrator of the Year, an award that honors exceptional leadership across 24 school districts, college districts and universities in Los Angeles County.
