Dreamer students from Lynwood Unified School District were empowered with vital support, resources and the inspiration to chase their higher education aspirations during the District’s annual Dreamers Conference on April 19, dedicated to the memory of former California Assemblyman and immigrant rights and education trailblazer, Marco Antonio Firebaugh. During the conference, now in its eighth year, Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools students heard from inspiring speakers Andrew Roldan, a Lynwood alumnus, community leader Francisco Moreno and entrepreneur Vincent Ortiz, who shared their moving stories and firsthand advice on navigating challenges as undocumented students, known as Dreamers. Informative workshops covered the misconceptions about college access, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), financial aid and scholarships. Students also accessed financial, legal and health resources.
Firebaugh High School senior and avid engineering enthusiast Brigitte Lopez is among 30 Southern California students to be named a 2024 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 scholarship for her outstanding academic performance and dedication to shaping a clean energy future. Lopez, who earned early admission to Stanford University for the upcoming fall semester, plans to major in aerospace engineering. She aspires to work at NASA or SpaceX and drive innovation with an environmentally conscious approach to technology while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the STEM field.
Lynwood Unified School District students embraced girl power during the second annual Girl Empowerment Summit on March 28, where they heard from influential female community leaders and participated in breakout sessions and discussions designed to educate and inspire them to chase their dreams fearlessly. The Summit – organized by students from the Girl Empowerment Clubs at Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools – served as an inspiring conclusion to Women’s History Month celebrations across the District, with Hosler and Cesar Chavez middle school students finding the courage to break barriers and carve a path toward powerful journeys.
Lynwood High School has been named among one of the most improved schools in the state in terms of its Healthy Kids Survey, which provides student-reported data on drug and alcohol use, school violence, youth development and more. The goal of the survey is to help guide school decisions to improve the learning environment for students. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
While the County has cut funding to Districts that offer the AVID Program, Lynwood Unified has taken steps to ensure that the program doesn’t go away. The District has appointed its own coordinator who is working with school sites so that they can continue to serve students who are in the academic middle so that they’re ready for college. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Firebaugh High staff, parents, students and community members will host a Dia De Los Muertos event to celebrate the traditional Latin holiday that aims to honor deceased loved ones. The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 at Firebaugh High, 5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lynwood. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
The Lynwood Unified School District has obtained a Children’s Defense Fund grant to provide resources for students in the foster care system. The nonprofit child advocacy organization’s aim is to lift children out of poverty and protect them from abuse and neglect. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Eighth-graders districtwide are invited to this Lynwood High School vs. Firebaugh High School football game on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The cross-town rivals are facing off for the first time in history. The middle school students will have the opportunity to take part in pre-game activities with FHS and LHS students, as well as hear about high school programs. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Middle and high school teachers participated in professional development trainings during the last week of August as Lynwood Unified continues to work toward the implementation of the new Common Core Standards. Photos of teachers and students in the classroom are available. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Working in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and Network for a Healthy California, LUSD on Aug. 21 held a health and fitness training for teachers on how to incorporate physical activity and nutrition education into classroom curriculum. Photos are available. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Lynwood Unified School District is working with community partner St. Francis Medical Center to offer free health screenings and immunizations just in time for the upcoming school year. Back-To-School Health Fair: Saturday, Aug. 24 at St. Francis Medical Center (open to community) Free Immunization Clinic: Aug. 27 at the Lynwood Unified District Office. Free Immunization Clinic: Sept. 4 at the Lynwood Community/Transit Center Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Lynwood Unified will host an Open House event at the District Office on Sept. 6 to give the community the opportunity to meet new Superintendent Paul Gothold. Contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)