Banda Nueva Dinastia de Zoochila, a second-generation Oaxacan brass band from Lynwood, is teaching its young members that the discipline required to master a musical instrument also provides a pathway to higher education. The internationally-acclaimed philharmonic band composed primarily of Lynwood Unified students, is sending nearly 90 percent of its student-musicians to college. Banda Nueva Dinastia debuted in 2001, with 36 first- and second-generation Oaxacan members attending Lindbergh Elementary School. Though dropout rates at that time were high throughout the community, all 36 original Banda Nueva Dinastia members graduated high school, with many of them becoming the first in their family to attend college.
Lugo Elementary School students will explore the wonders of dinosaurs and the moon landing through a presentation of the Google Expeditions Augmented Reality Pioneer Program at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 21 at the school, 4345 Pendleton Ave., Lynwood. A Google representative will train teachers in the program, allowing them to share with their classrooms. The program also will be showcased at Abbott Elementary on Monday, March 26.
Follow-up Story: Roosevelt Elementary School first-graders oohed and aahed in amazement, pointing in disbelief as the Cat in The Hat entered their classroom and proceeded to read “Green Eggs and Ham.” The fairytale character joined community leaders and parents who took turns reading classic tales on March 1 in celebration of Read Across America Week, the annual reading awareness program. Literary rhymes from Dr. Seuss classics like “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket” filled K-6 classrooms across the District as guest readers encouraged children to explore books and imparted important lessons. Lynwood Mayor Jose Luis Solache recited the words of “Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack” alongside young students, while Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite shared the impact that reading has had on his success.
Follow-up Story: Fifty Lynwood High School Ethnic Studies students spent a day acquainting themselves with college life, receiving advice and encouragement from professors and undergraduates during College Bridge: An Ethnic Studies Exchange, held Feb. 27 at Cal State Long Beach. Lynwood High ethnic studies teacher Ana Orozco, a CSULB graduate, co-founded the Exchange with her former professor, Emily Berquist. Orozco accompanied Lynwood students as they attended workshops, sat in on a class and toured the campus.
Lynwood Middle School Students Receive Free Eyeglasses
Nearly 250 Lynwood Middle School students received new eyeglasses on Feb. 26 from Vision To Learn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating vision issues. Students were examined earlier this year, and those in need were fitted and given the glasses at no cost to families.
Lynwood Unified Middle School to Hold College Assembly
Lynwood Middle School will celebrate its college-going culture during the school’s annual college assemblies at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 6. Seventh- and eighth-graders – dressed in the gear of their favorite institutions – will enjoy separate assemblies where former Lynwood students will speak about their college experiences. A college fair will be conducted during lunch on campus, 12124 Bullis Road, Lynwood.
Lynwood Unified to Teach Parenting Techniques During Workshop
Lynwood Unified is set to help parents understand the thought processes of their teenage children and how to connect with them during a workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, in room 203 of the district office, 11321 Bullis Road, Lynwood.
Follow-up Story: Lynwood Unified’s Early Education program has been recognized by the Quality Start Los Angeles Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for its focus on evidence-based child assessments, working with families to ensure health screenings of all children and creating quality educational environments at its 12 elementary sites. Lynwood schools improved or sustained their 2016 QRIS rating, which measures schools in areas of child observation, development & health screenings, minimum qualifications for lead teacher, effective teacher-child interaction, ratio and group size, program environmental rating scales and director qualifications.
Lynwood Unified Elementary School Stages Live Black History Museum
Lynwood Unified’s Lincoln Elementary School will celebrate Black History Month with a live-action museum featuring students portraying significant African American historical figures. The museum will be open from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 in the school auditorium, 11031 State St., Lynwood.
Follow-up Story: Nearly 250 students from Lynwood Unified’s high schools attended the District’s fifth annual Black Teen Summit on Feb. 22. Guest speakers and workshops aimed to extend opportunities to the District’s African-American students.
