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.
The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) received a $200,000 two-year grant from the California Community Foundation that will allow LPEF to support the Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD) to increase college readiness through the Lynwood College Pledge and Alumni Center, award scholarships to students, and provide additional financial support to inspire success in higher education. The grant from the California Community Foundation is a part of the Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund that combines multi-year scholarships with additional support resources proven to help students graduate.
Lynwood and Firebaugh high school students received more than $3 million in scholarships from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) schools during a Black College Expo Caravan event on Jan. 23, hosted in partnership with the National College Resources Foundation. Lynwood and Firebaugh juniors and seniors came prepared with transcripts to meet with 30 HBCU representatives from across the country. With no application fees, many students received on the spot acceptances and full-ride scholarships.
In partnership with the National College Resources Foundation and Black College Expo, Lynwood Unified School District will host the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan Fair, giving students the opportunity to meet with more than 22 HBCU college representatives. Students will also be eligible to receive on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships, all while learning about other college resources available to them. Attending schools will include Kentucky State University, Fisk University, Texas Southern University, Shaw University, Alabama State University and more.
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.
