Former Lynwood Unified Students Return for Alumni College Conference
More than 50 Lynwood Unified alumni are returning to their hometown to provide college-going support and inspiration for hundreds of students during the 15th annual Alumni College Conference from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at Lynwood High School. The event, themed “Preparing Today for a Brighter Tomorrow,” will feature a college fair, parent resources and more than 30 workshops covering topics such as the admissions process, scholarships and grants and more. Lynwood High is at 4050 Imperial Highway, Lynwood. M
During its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 9, the Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education appointed Maria G. Lopez as President, Gary Hardie as Vice President and Briseida Gonzalez as Clerk. The District also celebrated Lynwood Unified’s accomplishments under the leadership of Gonzalez, who served as Board President for the last year.
Follow-up Story: Rising test scores, higher graduation rates and fewer dropouts are among the dramatic gains in student achievement by Lynwood Unified School District that Superintendent Paul Gothold presented present at a Dec. 15 training program organized by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA). The Equity Leadership Institutes, CAAASA’s new professional development series, showcased best policies and practices for improving academic achievement of African-American and other underserved students in California schools. The training is part of a four-part series in San Francisco.
Lynwood Elementary Students Create Skits on Real-World Issues
A new theater program in Lynwood Unified allows students to write, direct and perform short skits about issues in today’s society, such as immigration, bullying and the dark side of technology. The BRIDGE Theatre Project culminates with student performances at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 at Roosevelt Elementary School and 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at Rosa Parks Elementary School. Media contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Showcase Celebrates Lynwood Student Performance Arts Programs
Over two days, students from schools across Lynwood Unified will showcase their dance, band, orchestra, choir and theater programs during the District’s Winter Performance Event, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11 at Lynwood Middle School, 12124 Bullis Road, Lynwood. The event will feature student groups from all grade levels performing to holiday favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Let it Snow” and “Baby it’s Cold Outside.” Media contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Lynwood Unified is one of the first districts in Los Angeles County to receive state funding under Prop 39, the California Clean Energy Jobs Act, to repair inefficient heating and air conditioning systems, install new lighting and save money through energy efficiency. Prop. 39 was approved by the voters in 2012 and closed a $1 billion corporate tax loophole that benefitted out-of-state corporations and only rewarded California companies that left the state. For the first five years, half of the revenue from Prop. 39 will be dedicated to job-creating energy efficiency and clean energy projects to make California’s schools greener. When the effort is completed, LUSD can expect an annual 29 percent reduction on its utility bills at the sites selected for the projects, which include the District office and six elementary schools.
Follow-up Story: Lynwood Unified took an active role in raising awareness for the benefits of health care coverage and other preventative care measures by hosting a health fair in partnership with the City of Lynwood and St. Francis Medical Center on Nov. 15. Free immunizations were provided for kids ages 5-18. Free adult screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, height/weight, and body fat analysis, were offered, along with free healthy eating demonstrations, team sports sign-ups and giveaways. Care 1st, California Health Collaborative, Los Angeles County Office of Education and St. Francis provided information on health insurance and helped local families enroll in health care coverage.
The Lynwood Unified School District is being recognized with the prestigious Golden Bell Award for helping to close the achievement gap. The District’s Data Reflection Model, sparked by goals outlined in its Achieving Greatness strategic plan, earned acclaim for enabling educators to analyze student performance throughout the year, identify barriers to achievement and develop tools so students could succeed. In the last three years, the effort has boosted Academic Performance Index (API) scores by 34 points and generated significant growth in achievement within specific subgroups, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged students and English language learners.
Follow-up Story: Chavez Middle School students in Lynwood Unified are taking on a challenge to reduce their lunchtime trash through the fourth annual Trash-Free Lunch Competition. Students will learn about recycling and composting, and will be encouraged to use reusable lunch containers, water bottles, utensils and cloth napkins. The program is sponsored by environmental education nonprofit Grades of Green in partnership with the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. An assembly on Oct. 24 kicked off the contest.
Lynwood High Marks Second Year of Significant Safety Gains
Lynwood High School is again standing out for making among the largest gains in the state for improving campus safety and school-connectedness for parents and students, according to data released this fall. The California Safe and Supportive Schools Program provides grant funding to at-risk schools to support statewide efforts to promote safe and drug-free learning environments with a goal of improving student academic success.