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.
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.
