Returning leaders of Lynwood Unified School District’s Board of Education took the Oath of Office during the Board reorganization meeting on Dec. 15. Alfonso Morales was re-elected as Board President, and Gary Hardy Jr. will now serve as the Vice-President. Additionally, Dr. Alma Carina Castro will serve as Clerk, with members Julian Del Real-Calleros and Maria Lopez completing the Board of Education. The ceremony also included a lively holiday performance from Firebaugh High School students.
Lynwood Unified Hosts Wellness Fair, Provides Health Services
Lynwood Unified held a “Health for the Holidays” Community Wellness Fair on Dec. 7 and provided students and families with a variety of resources, health services and complimentary meals. Attendees had the opportunity to receive free flu and COVID-19 vaccines, health exams, eye exams and glasses, as well as other essential health services during the event. They also enjoyed free snacks, meals and giveaways. State Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Zimmer also attended the community event.
Lynwood Unified to Host Community Wellness Resource Fair
In partnership with the California Department of Education and the office of State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Lynwood Unified School District will host a “Health for the Holidays” Community Wellness Fair, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Lynwood High School, providing students with health resources, holiday activities and giveaways. Thurmond will attend the event to encourage students to make the most of the resources available to them, including free prescription eyeglasses, COVID-19 vaccines, housing resources, health screenings and other health services. Lynwood High School is located at 12124 Bullis Rd., Lynwood.
Lynwood Unified School District students received an introduction to financial literacy through hands-on financial simulations during the first of two Mad City Money events hosted by the Center for Financial Empowerment, giving students a taste of adulthood through a series of timed, fast-paced exercises that focused on financial and time management skills. The first event was held on Oct. 27 at Firebaugh High School. Lynwood High School will host the event on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Lynwood Unified School District schools have been recognized with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) awards for their outstanding efforts in creating and maintaining a positive campus climate and creating an engaging school environment where students can succeed. Lynwood Unified is the only district in Los Angeles County to receive PBIS awards for each school this year. The awards were presented to principals and students during the Oct. 13 Board of Education meeting.
The Lynwood Unified School District community gathered to celebrate the new school year and receive insight on the District’s goals for the future, during the 2022 State of the District address on Oct. 14. Speakers reflected on the many successes and accomplishments of the past year, including receiving $250 million of financial support from the State of California to rebuild Lynwood High School after a structural failure in 2020. The address included performances by the Firebaugh High School cheer squad and the Lynwood High School marching band, as well as a full breakfast prepared by Lynwood High culinary students.
Lynwood Unified to Provide Free Metro Student Passes
Lynwood Unified School District has partnered with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to implement the Fareless System Initiative (FSI) K-12 program, which will provide free transportation access for all students in the District. LACMTA developed the program to create a new generation of independent transit riders. The FSI is a two-year pilot program funded by the state and will enable wider access to academic and career opportunities for students. Additionally, Lynwood Unified plans to launch the GoPass program this fall, which will allow students to use over a dozen transit systems.
Lynwood Unified to Provide Community with Mental Health Resources
Lynwood Unified School District is expanding its mental health initiatives through the Mind and Body Awareness Program, with the goal of informing educators and students on the foundations of trauma, mindfulness and self-care practices. The program provides specialized resources for teachers who might be struggling with wellness issues, so that they can better teach students who are having similar experiences. The District will host sessions where participants learn a wide spectrum of techniques that can be used in the classroom or at home, as well as during office hours and coaching sessions. As part of Lynwood Unified’s Youth Leadership Program, the Mind and Body Awareness program is set to begin during spring 2023.
Lynwood Unified marked the start of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month on Sept. 15 with special visits from author Reyna Grande and radio personality Aregelia Atilano. Grande, author of the memoirs “The Distance Between Us” and “A Dream Called Home,” visited with students at both Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools. Atilano, a popular morning radio host and author, visited Will Rogers Elementary School to discuss her book “Grandes Dreamers: Twelve Fierce Latina Trailblazers Who Paved the Way in the United States.”
All Lynwood Unified schools will observe Latino Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 as LUSD honors rich traditions and heritage through special events and celebrations.
