LUSD Students Reduce Footprint, Named Finalist in Environmental Contest
Over the course of the 2014-15 school year, Lynwood Unified’s Cesar Chavez Middle School students have reduced their carbon footprint by cutting down the number of trash bags they fill at lunchtime from 16 to 4. They have emerged as one of three Los Angeles County finalists in the Grades of Green Trash-Free Lunch Challenge. A panel of environmental experts will visit the middle school at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, when students will present their waste reduction program and how they compelled their peers to make a difference in their school and in their community.
Lynwood Unified Honors Dedicated Volunteers during Annual Luncheon
Lynwood Unified will highlight the countless hours that dozens of parent volunteers contribute to enhance their children’s education during a special western-themed luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 17 at the District Office, 11321 Bullis Road, Lynwood. Parents assist teachers in the classroom, help plan field trips, do administrative office work, help with special projects and serve as decision-makers on District and school councils and policy committees and more.
Track and field upgrades at Lynwood High School are expected to be completed this summer, rounding out the first phase of Lynwood Unified’s Measure K construction plan. Also taking place this summer, the District will launch the next phase of school construction projects. Phase two projects include the renovation of the Pathways Independent Study campus and chain-link fencing upgrades, water main replacement and reconfiguration of drop-off zones at several elementary schools.
Lynwood Unified Unveils New District Logo as Part of Rebranding Effort
Lynwood Unified is rebranding itself to reflect the District’s current values, mission and community. Over the last few months, LUSD launched a collaborative process with community members, teachers, staff, administrators and students to re-design its logo. The Board of Education recently signed off on the final product, which will be incorporated into all District materials, including newsletters, letterhead and business cards. The District’s former logo will remain the seal that adorns high school diplomas.
Lynwood Students to Perform ‘Day of Service’ in Honor of Cesar Chavez
The students of Cesar Chavez Middle School will brighten their neighborhood while bringing cheer to local seniors during a “Day of Service” in honor of the late Cesar Chavez, a Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, whose birthday falls on March 31. On Thursday, March 26, students will spruce up Lynwood Park, while a group of students visit with seniors at the Lynwood Senior Citizens Center, where they will serve lunch to the seniors and share T-shirts designed by the school’s Sewing Club. Students will arrive at 9:45 a.m. and stay through the lunch hour.
Follow-up Story: When it came to putting their math skills to the test, the students of Lynwood proved they were up to the challenge. On March 18, teams of students from elementary schools across Lynwood Unified competed head to head in the District’s annual Mathathon, a contest that tests problem-solving skills. The event had two rounds – one in which students solved equations surrounded by their competitors and family and friends, who cheered them on with posters, pom-poms and other school spirit fare; in the other round, they found solutions in the quiet of a nearby classroom. Photos are available.
Lynwood Unified School District is welcoming two new administrators who are filling key leadership positions in finance and technology. Effective Feb. 23, Marlene P. Dunn joined the District as its Chief Business Official. She was introduced at the Feb. 24 LUSD Board of Education meeting. In April, Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul will join the District as its first Chief Technology Officer.
Lynwood Parents Invited to Learn about Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten
Lynwood Unified School District will host a Countdown to Kindergarten session to give Lynwood parents a chance to meet with LUSD principals and teachers to discuss educational opportunities and learn more about the kindergarten, transitional kindergarten and dual-language immersion classes offered in the fall. Parents will also be able to enroll their children and ask questions about Lynwood Unified’s early learning programs. The meeting runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at the District office, 11321 Bullis Road, Lynwood.
Lynwood Unified School District came prepared to the Black College Expo, held Jan. 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with four students walking away with more than $10,000 in scholarships. The event followed a “Mini” College Expo held on the Lynwood High campus the previous Thursday, when 30 students from LUSD’s high schools were conditionally accepted into a number of participating colleges. The Expo unites 100 national colleges and universities under one roof and offers an assortment of resources for college-bound students: information on scholarships, financial aid and student-athlete assistance, along with educational seminars and roundtable discussions.
Lynwood Unified Recognizes Students on Probation for Art Display
Follow-up Story: Ruben Nazario isn’t accustomed to standing out for the positive things he’s doing. In fact, a special recognition he received at a recent Lynwood Unified board meeting in front of dozens of educators and community members and students represented a one-of-a-kind experience for the 17-year-old. He is one of several students from Lynwood Unified’s AdvancePath program to be recognized for having their artwork displayed at Los Angeles’ Chinese History Museum. The art program is a new addition to AdvancePath, a unique partnership between the District and the Los Angeles County Probation Department that helps students on probation recover credits and provides on-site services in line with their terms of probation. Photos are available.
