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.
Lynwood Unified Celebrates AAPI Community with Live Performances
Students and families enjoyed a night of live performances during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night on Feb. 28, hosted by the Equity, Access and Instructional Services Department. Themed “Night of Drums,” the gathering was a lively celebration of traditional AAPI cultures in the form of music and dance. Performers included musician Joshua Kamuelaonapuakupanihi Chang, hula dancer Ka'ipolani, Lynwood teacher David Partida and a group drum performance by Asano Taiko. Guests also engaged in a hands-on drumming experience with instruments provided by Turnaround Arts: California while enjoying free dinner and giveaway prizes.
Lynwood Unified Students Celebrate Black History Month
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School students, teachers and families paid tribute to Black History Month on Feb. 27 as part of a Districtwide celebration of African American history and culture. Thurgood Marshall students from each grade level staged a series of musical performances and dances, recited poetry and performed short plays. Additionally, the District hosted its annual Teen Summit, themed “Strength Behind Us, Greatness Ahead of Us,” where high school students engaged in social-emotional learning workshops and heard from keynote speakers.
Lynwood Unified Hosts “Inspire” College and Career Fair
Lynwood Unified hosted an “Inspire” College and Career Fair at Firebaugh High School on Feb. 10, providing graduating seniors the opportunity to explore pathways to their future. The fair served as a valuable tool for students who may not be looking to enroll at a traditional four-year university and are still exploring their post-graduation plans, whether they be attending a community college or pursuing a vocation. Seniors from Firebaugh, Lynwood and Vista high schools met with representatives from organizations and colleges, including America's Job Center, Long Beach City College, Amazon, Cerritos College, Caltrans, Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation and more.
Lynwood Unified’s Chief of Security Paul Garcia has been named a K-12 Campus Safety Director of the Year finalist by Campus Safety Magazine for his efforts to foster safe school communities for students, families and staff. Garcia, who was first hired as a substitute security officer 20 years ago, has risen through the ranks and is now one of seven nominees in the nation to be selected for the honor. Under Garcia’s leadership, the District has upgraded campus video surveillance and access control systems and implemented an anonymous reporting tool, resulting in a 5% reduction in student suspensions, and connected 1,500 students to mental health services.
Lynwood Unified Middle School Named School to Watch
Hosler Middle School has been recognized as a School to Watch by the California League of Educators (CLE), celebrating its success in creating an environment that empowers student achievement. Hosler has increased elective opportunities for students, providing them with additional social-emotional learning resources through its Crossroad and Movement programs, made upgrades to the campus and increased the number of pathways available for students. Hosler has been able to achieve these goals while at the same time merging with Lynwood Middle School during the 2021-22 school year, as part of the relocation of Lynwood High School to the Bullis campus.
Lynwood Unified Elementary School Students Celebrate New Mural
Abbott Elementary School sixth-grade students put their imagination and art skills to the test, creating a mural depicting a brightly colored butterfly representing peace and rights, and inspired by the indigenous Tongva people, the California poppy and climate change. The mural, titled “We Are All Connected,” was officially unveiled during a festive celebration on Feb. 3. Working with L.A.-based artist Lilia “Liliflor” Ramirez, a resident artist working with District partner Turnaround Arts: California, nearly 70 Abbott students contributed in bringing together a visionary artwork that honors the Earth, its people and the beauty of life.
Abbott Elementary School sixth-grade students put their imagination and art skills to the test, officially unveiling a colorful mural they created for their school community during a festive celebration on Feb. 3. The project – sponsored by nonprofit Turnaround Arts: California – was spearheaded by Abbott Elementary teacher Ann Salvador and artist Lilia “Liliflor” Ramirez, who worked with nearly 70 students over the last several months to bring their vision of honoring the Earth, its people and its beauty to life.
