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.
To align its mission, objectives and image with the work taking place to prepare students for higher education and careers, Lynwood Unified has embarked on a rebranding process. The District unveiled its new mission statement during the Oct. 15 Board of Education meeting, representing weeks of collaboration between Lynwood Unified staff, teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members. A new committee of individuals representing the District stakeholder groups is beginning to meet to discuss the design of a logo that reflects the District’s new mission, students and community. Media contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Lynwood High School is again standing out for improving campus safety and school-connectedness for parents and students, according to new data from the California Safe and Supportive Schools Program. The school’s School Climate Report Card scores have risen 99 points since 2011, when it began receiving grant funding through the program, which promotes safe and drug-free learning environments as an avenue to improving academic success. Every year, participating schools are graded on truancy rates and parent and student surveys. Students report a decrease in conflicts and a rise in clubs, programs and activities that promote school spirit, and a cleaner campus environment.
Photos are available.
Bringing together native English speakers and English learners, Lynwood Unified School District this school year launched a Dual Language Immersion program, starting with a kindergarten class. The program at Will Rogers Elementary follows the 90:10 model in which 90 percent of instruction is taught in Spanish and 10 percent is delivered in English.
Photos are available.
