Follow-up Story: More than 3,500 Lynwood Unified elementary students learned about the history of African-American culture in honor of Black History Month through a theater series presented by the Music Center of Los Angeles, which brought musical, theatrical and storytelling performances to each of the District’s 12 elementary schools Feb. 3 through March 14. “We Tell Stories: The Spirit of Black Folklore” brought students background information and connections to diverse cultures through a historical, grade-appropriate context. The performances were carried out by a trio of actors and featured works by black writers as well as anonymous tales from black folk tradition.
Lynwood Unified Theater Program Teaches African American Culture
Follow-up Story: Lynwood Unified’s nearly 3,500 third- through fifth-graders learned about the history of African American culture in honor of Black History Month through a theater series presented by the Music Center of Los Angeles, which brought musical, theatrical and storytelling performances to each of the District’s 12 elementary schools Feb. 3 through March 14. The story themes explored the depth of spirit, ethnic pride and the willingness to laugh despite the odds against it. Normally costing $685 per school site, Lynwood Unified brought the performances to students with the help of a $6,350 grant from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Photos are available.
Follow-up Story: The Cat in the Hat paid a visit to Roosevelt Elementary School on March 1 to celebrate the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss and to share the gift of literacy with K-6 students during Read Across America. Nearly 60 parents, community members and Lynwood High students brought children’s characters to life at Roosevelt. Elementary schools across Lynwood Unified School District celebrated Read Across America, with some guest readers dressing up as historical figures and high school students volunteering at District elementary and middle schools.
Follow-up Story: Lynwood Unified School District on Feb. 28 commemorated its distinction as one of three districts in the nation – and the only one in California – to be named a College Board Advanced Placement District of the Year, celebrating the monumental achievement with students, teachers, district administrators as College Board leadership presented the award at Lynwood High School. The District received the honor for being the national leader among medium-size school districts – defined as having between 8,000 and 49,999 students – in expanding access to AP courses while simultaneously improving AP exam performance. Lynwood Unified was among 433 districts across the U.S. and Canada to win placement on the annual AP District Honor Roll. From this list, three AP Districts of the Year — one for each district size: small, medium and large — were selected based on an analysis of three academic years of AP data.
Follow-up Story: Lynwood High School’s intermediate and advanced dance teams captured two first-place prizes and an International Championship trophy at the Sharp International Dance Competition on Feb. 4 at Firebaugh High School. The school’s intermediate Dance II team won first place for its jazz and hip-hop number performed to “Pop, Drop and Roll,” and the advanced Dance Ensemble secured first place for its jazz routine. Under the new direction of Brittany Washington, a Lynwood High alumna, the teams will advance to the national championship later this year. Photos are available.
Follow-up Story: More than 1,000 Lynwood High School juniors and seniors received encouragement and advice from a wide range of career professionals during the school’s second annual Career Day on Feb. 7. Among the speakers were a Lynwood native who created her own successful cosmetics company and Los Angeles-based community activist Ernesto Rocha, who delivered the keynote address. Students listened to the stories of nearly 40 men and women in the fields of business, law, technology, public service, health care, banking, filmmaking, entrepreneurship and the armed forces. Photos are available.
Nearly 100 Lynwood Unified Students clung to the edges of their seats, screamed and clapped feverishly on as Tia Mowry-Hardrict, star in “Sister Sister” and CW/BET’s “The Game,” made her way in to the Lindbergh Elementary School cafeteria to discuss healthy eating with them. The actress prepared healthy snacks and gave shopping and cooking tips to the students, who are part of the District’s Lynwood Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP). The after-school LEAP initiative, supported by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, focuses on healthy eating through celebrations and having staff members model healthy eating habits for students.
Follow-up Story: Lynwood Unified School District students celebrated the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. with music, dance, speeches, skits and a gallery exhibition during an “I Have a Dream” Spirit Week, held Jan. 17-20. Hip-hop artist Yo-Yo visited Firebaugh High for a special lunchtime music performance on Jan. 18 and motivational speakers addressed Lynwood High students during a Jan. 20 rally. Elementary and middle schools constructed “Dream” walls and performed random acts of kindness during the weeklong celebration.
Lynwood Unified School District is committed to protecting the rights of all students to attend school regardless of immigration status, religious beliefs, nationality, gender and sexual orientation by declaring all campuses as “safe haven” schools. Lynwood Unified’s Board of Education unanimously adopted a District resolution on Jan. 24 that pledges to shield identifying information about students, families and employees. Photos are available.
Lynwood Unified Elementary Students Compete in Conga Kids Semi-Finals
Follow-up Story: The top Lynwood Unified Conga Kids dance couples from six elementary schools competed Dec. 14 at Lynwood High School’s performing arts center in the Conga Kids semi-finals competition. Lugo Elementary took first, Helen Keller Elementary placed second and Abbott Elementary claimed third. The teams will compete against semi-finalists from a spring semester contest among the District’s six remaining elementary schools. Photos are available.
