Further investigation of Lynwood High School buildings revealed extensive construction issues that extend beyond those initially discovered, with egregious construction defects that threaten the basic structural integrity of the buildings, and the Board of Education is reviewing their options to litigate and recuperate construction costs associated with fixing Lynwood High School’s classroom building. The review was launched out of an abundance of caution after the unexpected failure of exterior ceiling panels, called soffits, in one of the high school’s buildings in June 2020. LUSD’s Board of Education immediately initiated an independent engineering review of all campus structures in June to ensure the integrity of the buildings.
Eddie Gonzalez, the creator of the Netflix show “On My Block” and Lynwood High School alumnus, will make a virtual return to Lynwood High School to share his journey to becoming a screenwriter and producer with students during the school’s Virtual Career Day. Gonzalez will serve as the event’s keynote speaker and inspire students to embrace their creativity and follow their own paths to success. “On My Block” is a successful coming of age story that explores life in South Central Los Angeles for four teenagers – particularly its Afro-Latina female lead. Gonzalez’s writing credits also include the hit show “Empire” and the film “All Eyez on Me.”
Lynwood Unified administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Board member Julian Del Real-Calleros who was selected during a special meeting on April 8 to review applicants for the open Board seat. Del Real-Calleros was one of seven applicants who appeared before the District’s Board of Education, and the Lynwood community watching via livestream, and was voted in to replace recently retired Board member Alma-Delia Renteria.
Helen Keller and Washington elementary school staff greeted more than 60 total K-2 students at the front entrance on March 22, a day when even face coverings could not mask the excitement of Lynwood Unified School District reopening its doors for in-person instruction. The District welcomed back students on a limited basis, beginning with grades K-2 for just two schools, and will continue with a staggered restart of all elementary grades on April 15 following spring break.
Lynwood Unified will partner with St. John’s Well Child and Family Center for a collaboration that will expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine to employees of the District and the City of Lynwood, with the goal of ultimately providing vaccinations to community residents at Lynwood Unified facilities. On March 15, Firebaugh High School began serving as a vaccination site to serve District employees.
Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education members and District leaders joined together to unveil Lincoln Elementary School’s modernized security entrance during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11. Following all health and safety protocols, Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite and Lincoln Principal George Guerrero welcomed more than 15 District employees to participate, marking the first in-person event in almost a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lynwood Unified Senior Prepares for Higher Education by Serving Community
Lynwood High School senior Alexa Escamilla is preparing for higher education by doing what she loves, helping others. For Escamilla, who has a 4.6 GPA, community service has given her purpose amid the uncertainty of the world over the past year. Escamilla is targeting Columbia University and UCLA as two prospective schools to attend in the fall.
Abbott Elementary School students welcomed rapper, writer, producer and “Hamilton” star Daveed Diggs to a virtual assembly that celebrated music and the arts on Feb. 24. The award-winning actor visited students through the Turnaround Arts: California program to inspire students to follow their passion.
Lynwood High School senior Alexa Escamilla is preparing for higher education by doing what she loves most - helping others. For Alexa, serving the community she loves has given her purpose amid the uncertainty of the world around her over the past year. Alexa, who is among the top of her LHS class with a 4.6 GPA, is targeting Columbia University and UCLA as two prospective schools to attend this fall. One would keep her closer to her family, the other would allow her to venture to the East Coast and join the Ivy League as LHS 2020 graduate Jaren Johnson (Dartmouth) did before her.
Lynwood Unified has partnered with PAPER Educational Support system to provide more than 4,000 high school students with real-time distance learning support beginning in February as the District works to prevent learning loss. LUSD high school students will now receive 24/7 live help and essay review from PAPER expert tutors, while teachers will get feedback and intervention tools to inspire learners. Students will be able to access the service by logging on to the Clever platform using their Gmail accounts.
