Washington Elementary School teacher Shirley Giacoman – a student advocate and an exemplary teacher leader in the District for almost two decades – was announced as Lynwood Unified’s 2023 Teacher of the Year during the Board of Education meeting on May 11. Giacoman – who has taught at Washington Elementary for 10 years for a total of 16 years in the District – was recognized by the Board of Education for her proven track record of setting up students for academic and personal success.
Lynwood and Firebaugh high school graduating seniors hit a milestone in their academic journeys as they celebrated all the opportunities that await them during annual Decision Day events in April that highlighted students’ achievements and postsecondary plans. Over 90% of graduating seniors submitted their financial aid FAFSA applications this year, with plans to attend such colleges and universities as UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cerritos College, University of La Verne and more. Lynwood High School cheerleaders and staff welcomed students with applause as they walked down a purple carpet to join the April 27 celebration.
Hundreds of Lynwood Unified students showcased their mesmerizing dance routines and artistic talents to the Lynwood community during the Ninth Annual Arts Festival and District Showcase on April 22 at Firebaugh High School. The festival – which featured music, hands-on activities and art displays from every Lynwood Unified school – provided families and the community with a firsthand look at Lynwood Unified’s unique offerings through its Visual and Performing Arts programs. Among the vibrant musical performances were the Firebaugh High School Marching Band and the Hosler Middle School Beginning and Advanced Bands. Firebaugh High School Folklorico senior Mariantonia Pantoja also stunned the crowd with a traditional dance.
Cesar Chavez Middle School’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) team put its creative and technical skills to the test during a regional contest in April, sweeping the competition with first-place rankings that have secured them a spot at the MESA State Competition on May 20. The CCMS team will compete against students from across California who will show off their winning projects focused on community equity for the 2023 State Championship title. This marks the third time CCMS will be represented at the state level.
Lynwood Empowerment Conference Inspires Females to Break Barriers
Lynwood Unified School District’s female students were empowered to push boundaries and pursue their dreams during the District’s inaugural Girl Empowerment Conference on March 30, where they connected with women from various backgrounds who have broken cultural barriers, participated in workshops, and received firsthand advice from other District students and alumni. Workshops included a vision board station, friendship bracelet crafts, painting and more, and provided students with an opportunity to foster creativity and explore self-expression. Keynote speakers included Giselle Carrillo, Karla Rodriguez, and Denise Gomez.
Lynwood Unified School District’s female students were empowered to push boundaries and pursue their dreams during the District’s inaugural Girl Empowerment Conference on March 30, when students participated in workshops, received advice from alumni and connected with women who have broken cultural barriers.
Lynwood Unified Hosts 5K Race to Benefit Education Foundation
Lynwood Unified School District and the Lynwood Partners Education Foundation (LPEF) will host their annual 5K/10K Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 at Lynwood City Hall. All proceeds will go towards supporting the LPEF, which has brought significant funds and resources to Lynwood schools for over a decade. To register for the event, visit www.TheLynwoodRun.com. Lynwood City Hall is located at 11330 Bullis Rd., Lynwood.
The Lynwood community got a dose of “hocus pocus” and sleight-of-hand trickery while helping raise funds for scholars during a live magic show held at the Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School auditorium, marking the return of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) annual fundraiser on March 17. The fundraiser – held in person for the first time in three years – brought in close to $23,000 to help pay for LPEF student scholarships and project grants.
Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School received a six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for its excellence in meeting the needs of students and providing them with a high-quality education. Accreditations are based on the school's overall work plan, evidence of acceptable student achievement and commitment to improvement. Schools that meet the rigorous standards set by the commission are considered trustworthy institutions for student learning. Firebaugh High School has consistently shown dedication to student success by providing ample college and career opportunities, social-emotional resources, and diverse curriculum.
LUSD was awarded $440,000 in Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grants by the California Public Utilities Commission, allowing the District to break down learning barriers by providing digital equity for students. The funds will be used to develop a citywide broadband feasibility study that determines the viability of launching a broadband service in the city. Lynwood partnered with SiFi Networks to build an open-access fiber network called ONE Lynwood, in the hopes of bringing free and low-cost broadband to the community. The LATA funding will help support the developmental and operational costs of the network and broadband efforts.
