La Serna High School senior Carmela Claytor never lost her love for learning, even through the most trying times. From being placed in foster care as a freshman to struggling through distance learning as a junior, Claytor remained focused on academic achievement and emerged as one of La Serna’s top-performing scholars and student leaders. Going from intervention student to academic mentor, Claytor was recognized with an Award of Merit by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees during its Feb. 27 board meeting.
Testing their capacities for endurance and perseverance, nearly 150 La Serna High School Oasis/HAVEN/Guided Studies students and their academic mentors worked to build their leadership skills and bond with one another during the intervention program’s annual Spring Reward Field Trip, held at the Orange County Ropes Course on Feb. 9. At a height of more than 60 feet and clasped securely to an overhead zip line, students navigated the challenging course, climbing up ropes, stepping precariously on ramps and boards, then repelling back down, all the while being cheered on by their classmates.
The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees selected Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Monica Oviedo, who has served the District as a teacher and administrator for 25 years, as its next superintendent during a Board meeting on Feb. 22. Oviedo was carefully chosen for her long record of achievement at Whittier Union, the enthusiasm with which she has implemented the District’s vision of doing “whatever it takes” to ensure student success, and her embrace of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the students, parents and community she serves. The decision follows extensive discussions by the Board of Trustees and widespread outreach that engaged District stakeholders and community members. The District received input utilizing an online survey and two input sessions – one virtual meeting for District staff, and a second meeting held in-person for the public. Feedback focused on the qualities, skills and abilities desired in a superintendent.
Whittier Union Cybersecurity Team Recognized as Top Competitor
Pioneer High School’s Cybersecurity Club reached a milestone by placing in the state semi-finals of the National Youth Cyber Defense CyberPatriot competition, held in January, placing the school in the top echelon of anti-hacking teams in California. Working in teams, Pioneer’s cyber sleuths scoured computer operating systems to prevent hacking and identify vulnerabilities in existing software. Many of the club’s members have been active in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs since middle school.
Whittier Union High School District to Close Vaccine Clinic
Whittier Union will conclude its COVID-19 vaccine clinic for students, staff and the Whittier community on Wednesday, March 16. The clinics, which started in September 2021 in partnership with Paramount Family Pharmacy and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, have given out more than 3,000 doses to the community. The clinics are open to all residents ages five and up and operate from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Whitter Union Board Room, 9401 Painter Ave., Whittier. Residents who are interested in receiving a vaccine are encouraged to visit MyTurn.ca.gov and register using the zip code 90605.
The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees decided during its Jan. 11 board meeting to begin gathering written and oral comments from District stakeholders as they prepare to select the District’s next superintendent. As part of the process, the school community and public are invited to submit written input through an online survey available through Friday, Jan. 28. The survey will also be posted on Whittier Union’s website. Additionally, the District will host a Community Input Session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, to hear directly from stakeholders regarding the selection of the next superintendent. The input session will take place in-person at the United Sierra Education Center gymnasium, located at 9401 S. Painter Ave.
Whittier Union Students Learn Real World Skills in Biomedical Class
Whittier High School science students are receiving hands-on knowledge of biology through the lens of the medical field thanks to a new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) biomedical science class. Launched in fall of 2021, the class gives Whittier High students a life science option and encourages a broader scope in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The PLTW biomedical science class is designed to inspire students to consider careers in the medical and forensics fields. The PLTW biomedical science class is a college prep and honors level course and is open to all students. Additionally, the class serves as the Specifically Designed Academic Instruction in English biology class for Whittier High’s English learner students.
Santa Fe High School senior Geneveve Castañeda joined the Chieftain Tribe Marching Band as a freshman and the camaraderie she experienced, along with love from her parents, inspired her to become a campus leader and eventually rise to the position of drum major in her senior year. For her academic and leadership skills, Castañeda was recognized with an Award of Merit from the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees. Castañeda, who has a 4.26 GPA, has thrived by pursuing challenging courses, is vice president of the Santa Fe’s Filipino culture club, Barkada, and is a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB).
Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees Reorganizes
Whittier Union High School District’s Board of Trustees held its annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14, which saw Dr. Russell Castañeda-Calleros step into his new role as president. The Board also selected Jeff Baird to serve as vice president and Leighton Anderson to serve as clerk. Outgoing Board President Dr. Ralph Pacheco and Board member Jaime Lopez will assume their roles as members of the Board of Trustees. Pacheco was honored as outgoing president for his commitment to students and managing the shift to remote learning during the 2020-21 school year. Pacheco was presented flowers and a wooden Whittier Union bookstand made by Santa Fe High School woodshop students.
Whittier Union High School District Superintendent Martin J. Plourde has announced he will retire effective June 30, 2022, bringing to a close a storied 40-year career in education in which he has served in nearly every capacity, beginning as an English teacher and basketball coach and finishing as top administrator of a diverse and thriving district that serves more than 11,000 students. Hired as Whittier Union Superintendent in 2016, Plourde has overseen a host of successful initiatives, building upon the core values embraced by the District to achieve and maintain excellence in providing a comprehensive education and establishing a culture of success and academic achievement for all students. The Whittier Union Board of Trustees will reach out to community members in the new year for input in helping shape the hiring process for Plourde’s replacement.
