The top Lynwood Unified Conga Kids dance couples from Abbott, Lugo, Wilson, Helen Keller, Lindbergh and Mark Twain elementary schools competed Dec. 14 at Lynwood High School’s performing arts center in the Conga Kids semi-finals competition, where Lugo Elementary took first, Helen Keller Elementary placed second and Abbott Elementary claimed third. Semi-finalist winners from the contest will compete against teams from Lynwood Unified’s other semi-finalists from Lincoln, Marshall, Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Washington and Will Rogers elementary schools, which will be determined next semester.
Lynwood Unified School District is set to hold its annual Board of Education reorganization meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at which Board members will choose a new president, vice president and clerk. The District will also recognize the dedication and efforts of outgoing Board President Alma-Delia Renteria.
The meeting will be in the Lynwood Unified School District Board room, 11321 Bullis Road, Lynwood.
Follow-up Story: Lynwood Unified students celebrated Computer Science Week from Dec. 5-9 by participating in an Hour of Code, in which campuses immersed students in coding projects or lessons for one hour to bring about awareness of potential STEM-related hobbies and careers. High school students learned to navigate a boat in Disney’s “Moana” coding game while elementary and middle school students animated Cartoon Network character Gumball to perform crazy tasks. Activities took place at all 18 campuses.
More than 500 Lynwood Unified students presented festive holiday dances and songs during the District’s culminating winter concert on Dec. 7 and 8 in the Lynwood Middle School auditorium. Students sang renditions of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “O Holy Night” and “Jingle Bells,” danced a lively conga and performed instrumental holiday medleys. Ten LUSD schools performed the first night and eight schools during the second show.
Follow-up Story: Students at both Lynwood Unified high school campuses hugged and held hands during special rallies last week as students shared their fears and hopes following the Nov. 8 election of Donald Trump as president. The Lynwood High campus was covered in purple on Nov. 16 as the Knights gathered during lunchtime for their U-Knight rally, voicing their concerns and signing a pledge wall to create the change they wish to see. Firebaugh High Falcons held a unity rally on Nov. 18 in its Falcon Square courtyard, vowing to “protect the nest” and help students cope with the election results through an open forum.
Firebaugh High is taking steps to “protect the nest” with a unity rally at 12:10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 to help its Falcons cope with the results of last week’s presidential election. Students will be clad in white and surrounded by patriotic red, white and blue decorations as they express their concerns in front of peers, teachers and staff, banding together to show support for one another. By signing and stamping their hand prints upon a unity wall, students will pledge to make a positive impact on society by being the change they wish to see. Firebaugh High School is at 5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lynwood.
Follow-up Story: After all the coffee and pastries had been passed around, Lynwood Unified parents learned and asked a lot about their children’s schools on Nov. 17 during National Parental Involvement Day. Lynwood Unified’s 12 elementary, three middle and three high school campuses greeted parents at the front gate with a variety of involvement opportunities, including coffee with the principal, informational sessions with campus staff and security, and workshops on supporting the educational process at home. Photos are available.
Lynwood High School is hosting a U-Knight rally at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 to support student concerns relating to the results of last week’s presidential election. Students will have the opportunity to express what America means to them with teachers, staff and peers, and will wear the color purple to demonstrate unity among all parties. LHS is also participating in a safety pin movement, with students and staff wearing safety pins to show their strong support for one another. The school is at Lynwood High School courtyard, 4050 Imperial Highway, Lynwood.
Washington Elementary School students have a whole new excitement for after-school learning following the Nov. 29 unveiling of a $40,000 computer lab donated by International Game Technology (IGT). Washington Elementary was chosen for this donation by IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) Program due to its robust after-school assistance for students. The school hosts about 90 students every day, helping students who might not have computers at home with homework, projects and tutoring sessions. Stocked with 40 Chromebooks, 20 iPads, coding system programs, printers, a flat-screen television and movable furniture, the lab is the first donated by IGT that features robotic equipment.
Follow-up Story: Some 400 STEM and auto tech students from Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools will get to experience driving in a self-driving/autonomous vehicle during a virtual reality demonstration at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14 courtesy of industry leader Wind River®, an Intel subsidiary that created Mars Rover software and which is producing innovative in-dash technology for automakers on Earth. The event serves as Wind River’s kickoff for AutoMobility LA, the Nov. 15-17 tech showcase for the global auto industry, and the Nov. 18-27 Los Angeles Auto Show. The demonstration will be at Lynwood High School Performing Arts Center, 4050 Imperial Highway, Lynwood.
