An engineering review of Lynwood High School buildings launched after a collapse of exterior soffit ceiling panels in June has yielded preliminary findings that indicate more extensive construction issues may exist at the 22-year-old facility, Lynwood Unified officials announced Monday. The review, which is still in progress, was launched out of an abundance of caution after the unexpected failure of a section of the exterior panels, called soffits, in one of the high school’s buildings during summer break. LUSD’s Board of Education initiated an independent engineering review by Peter Sarkis-Petra Structural Engineers of all campus structures.
Three-year-old Bruce Naranjo safely exited his vehicle for a temperature check on Oct. 27 before excitedly walking through the Lindbergh Elementary School entrance to begin his Early Childhood Education program. Bruce isn’t old enough to understand the significance of attending school during a pandemic, but as Lynwood Unified has reopened its doors to small groups of high-needs students and families, he shares in the renewed optimism felt in the community.
Lynwood Unified has launched an Independent Study Virtual Academy to provide an alternative instructional program for families who need unique support during distance learning and beyond.
Remote instruction has challenged each family differently, and the District’s Virtual Academy will allow students to study at their own pace while still receiving the full curriculum of their peers. Available to K-8 students, the academy will remain open as an option once the District returns to onsite learning.
Martina Rodriguez used to cringe at the thought of schools reopening. She has a daughter currently receiving distance learning in the District, and the idea of them returning to the classroom brought about more anxious questions than answers. The road to return has now become more clear for Rodriguez, who is a member of the District’s COVID-19 Parent Task Force which helps identify potential issues and concerns that come with reopening. The group of parents joins District staff and community partners in visiting school sites twice per month to ensure safety protocols are being followed that will safeguard the health and well-being of the District.
Lynwood High School student-athlete Rayah Marshall is used to garnering national attention and drawing crowds, but even she was a bit surprised by the swarm of people that showed up to her Labor Day weekend celebration. Marshall had decided to reveal her much anticipated college destination amongst a small group during a cookout, but it quickly turned into a blowout.
Fourteen Lynwood Unified schools were awarded 2020 California PBIS Coalition Community Cares recognitions for their positive impact on their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition developed a one-year-only “California PBIS Community Cares” acknowledgement to honor schools and community partners that created a positive experience for students, families, and communities. Each school will have its name displayed on the California PBIS Coalition webpage. More information can be found on the Lynwood Unified website.
Lynwood Unified Prepares for 2020-21 School Year with District Forum
Lynwood Unified School District convened in an online forum July 29 with over 300 staff to share questions and concerns regarding distance learning plans for the upcoming school year. The District organized the forum to empower employees, teachers and administrators to answer questions regarding the fall semester from concerned parents and families. Forum participants included Lynwood Teachers Association President Debbie Diaz, administrators, principals and teachers. More information can be found on the Lynwood Unified website.
When Hosler Middle School students are safely reinstated in school they will return to a new state-of-the-art U.S. Soccer pitch, one of the many new facilities the District has recently unveiled as it utilizes the period of distance learning to improve facilities across campuses. The soccer field was awarded through a grant program from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, which installs a mini-pitch that comes complete with fencing and built-in goals. The hard-court space is perfectly suited for organized soccer programs or pick-up games between students.
Nearly 300 Lynwood Unified staff members convened in an online forum on July 29 as the District shared questions and concerns of the community and finalized distance learning plans for the upcoming school year. The District organized the forum to provide clarity to staff and empower them to address questions from parents and community members in anticipation of the first day of online instruction later this month. In preparation for the meeting, parent and teacher surveys were distributed to gauge the greatest areas of concern.
Lynwood Unified to Continue Distance Learning in Fall 2020
Lynwood Unified School District plans to begin the fall 2020 semester with a distance learning model, following state and local guidance from public health officials. The District’s top priority is the health and wellness of students, staff and their community. More information can be found on the Lynwood Unified website.
