New Mission Statement Focuses on Diversity, Community Engagement
Lynwood Unified has adopted a new mission statement that emphasizes the District’s commitment to equity for all students while contributing to a diverse, global society.
Lynwood Unified kicked off the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 13 with lively music, balloon arches and cheers for nearly 11,000 students returning to 17 campuses. From Transitional Kindergarten to 12th grade, students were welcomed by spirited staff, fresh campus upgrades, expanded dual enrollment opportunities – and a new superintendent ready to lead a year of innovation, inclusion and purpose. To help students start the year strong, all elementary schools hosted a Kinder Jumpstart on Aug. 8, giving young learners the chance to explore classrooms, meet teachers and get comfortable with their new school environment. On the first day of school, students across campuses were greeted by educators and staff committed to creating inclusive spaces where every scholar feels empowered to learn, grow and thrive.
Classrooms across Lynwood Unified School District were filled with bright smiles and eager energy on Aug. 8 as hundreds of incoming Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students and their families participated in the District’s inaugural Kinder Jumpstart event, held just days before the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The special welcome day, hosted at all 12 elementary schools, began with cheerful back-to-school photo opportunities, colorful “Welcome to Kindergarten” signs, and festive balloon displays that set the tone for a day filled with excitement. Students met their teachers, explored their classrooms and took part in activities designed to ease first-day jitters – from read-aloud story time and outdoor recess to hands-on learning with coloring, pattern blocks and math games. Teachers also observed early learning indicators such as letter and sound recognition to help them tailor instruction from day one.
From her childhood days of teaching Cabbage Patch Kids to more than two decades of inspiring students in English and theatre at Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School, Kathleen Thomas Butiu has always been driven by a love for education. Lynwood Unified School District named Thomas Butiu its 2024-25 Teacher of the Year on May 8, recognizing her exceptional teaching, community involvement and dedication to student-centered learning.
Lynwood Unified has adopted a new mission statement that emphasizes the District’s commitment to equity for all students while contributing to a diverse, global society.
Vista High School students strolled the grounds of The Getty Center while learning lessons about Greek, Roman and Etruscan art during a field trip on Oct. 8. A tour guide accompanied the students to provide information about the works of art.
Lynwood Unified will team with community members to beautify Washington Elementary School from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21. The school is at 4225 Sanborn Ave., Lynwood.
Six Lynwood Unified schools have been recognized with gold, silver and bronze awards by the California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition for their efforts to create a positive campus culture and increase student engagement.
Lynwood Unified inspired students to pursue college and career pathways during the 20th annual College and Career Conference on Sept. 7 at Firebaugh High School. The conference featured college workshops and representatives from universities.
Lynwood Unified student-athletes joined Board of Education members and elected officials to celebrate a new District athletic field during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at Lynwood Middle School. The field will host athletic programs from Firebaugh High School and Lynwood Middle School, along with other District functions. The nearly $2.5 million project began in February 2018 and features bleachers, an all-weather track, CIF-competitive field, goal posts and updated fencing.
Lynwood Unified will unveil a state-of-the-art athletic field designed to boost performance and safety for student-athletes across the District. The field will host athletic programs from Firebaugh High School and Lynwood Middle School along with other District functions. The layout features new bleachers, a track, field, goal posts and updated fencing. Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Board of Education President Gary Hardie and local elected officials will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the field’s opening. The Firebaugh and LMS bands will perform; guests will tour the grounds.
Lynwood Unified will inspire students to pursue college and career paths during the 20th annual College and Career Conference from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Firebaugh High School, 5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lynwood. The conference will feature college workshops and representatives from universities.
Wilson Elementary School has been recognized by the California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition for successfully implementing the PBIS program. The school has been identified as a silver medal school and will have its name displayed on the California PBIS Coalition webpage and posted at the fourth annual California PBIS Conference in Sacramento on Oct. 28-29. PBIS awards gold, silver and bronze distinctions to schools that successfully execute the program.
Lynwood Unified School District announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Programs for the 2019-2020 school year that will allow all K-12 students to be served breakfast and lunch at no charge. The new service will not require household applications.