California High School Health Academy students are engaging in hands-on learning and gaining real-world experience in a variety of health fields, granting them advanced knowledge and certifications that prepare them for college and careers. The Health Academy begins in sophomore year, where students are introduced to medical terminology and explore the potential career options open to them. During their junior year, students shift to emergency medicine, where they learn life-saving procedures and how to respond to medical emergencies. By senior year, students choose to specialize in sports medicine, dental assisting, or nurse assisting, allowing them to dive deeper into their chosen field and gain practical skills that set them up for future success.
Isabella "Izzy" Nunez, a California High School senior, overcame incredible odds to excel in sports despite being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis during her freshman year. Her journey began with severe joint pain, but with the support of coach Brian Bordier, she fought back, ultimately playing four years of varsity soccer, three years of varsity lacrosse, and serving as kicker for the Cal High football team, all while maintaining a 4.6 GPA – becoming one of Cal High’s top scholar-athletes, as well as a health and wellness advocate. Nunez was recognized for her resiliency and inspirational story by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, who honored her with an Award of Merit during an April 9 Board meeting.
Santa Fe High School's Student Leadership Class has earned the school its 24th Outstanding Leadership Program Award (OLPA) from the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL), which recognized the class for continuing to spearhead engaging activities and events, and fostering inclusivity and school spirit among students. OLPA is a distinguished award that is presented to schools in California that display strong student leadership programs that allow students to grow as ethical, responsible, and servant-minded individuals. Through Santa Fe’s Student Leadership Class, students are empowered to explore leadership roles and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
Follow-up Story: To kick off Women's History Month, Rio Hondo hosted its annual Women's History Conference on March 7. About 300 students and visitors attended the conference, themed “Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility,” which was a joint venture with the Whittier Union High School District and Soroptomist International of Whittier. Photos are available. Contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
Local eighth-grade students and their parents are invited to attend the Whittier Union High School District's Future Frosh Night on Thursday, March 13, when counselors, administrators and students will provide valuable information about the classes and programs available to all freshmen. The open houses will take place at 6 p.m. at each of the District's five comprehensive high school sites: California High School, Santa Fe High School, Whittier High School, Pioneer High School and La Serna High School. Contact: Laura Flores, (562) 668-7833 (office)
Whittier Union High School District has a reputation for providing high-quality instruction. Whittier High School recently earned a coveted six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an endorsement that in recent years has only been awarded to 2 percent of schools. WHS' high marks follow La Serna and Sierra Vista high schools, which also received six-year accreditations in 2013. Contact: Laura Flores, (562) 668-7833
Cal-Hi Auto Academy students Hunter Nolasco and James Chairez recently participated in the Automotive Technology Competition at Cerritos College and are one of only two teams in the state that qualified to attend a national competition in New York in April. Photos are available. Contact: Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
Whittier Union’s Santa Fe High School has been re-selected as one of only 140 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) National Demonstration Schools in the nation. AVID is a K-12 through postsecondary college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges. Santa Fe High serves as a model for schools that are implementing or refining AVID programs. Photos are available. Contact: Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
The State Board of Education (SBE) will hear a final debate and then vote on the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) regulations and Local Control Accountability Plan template at its Jan. 16 meeting. The Whittier Union High School District has been asked to present to the State Board on the importance of providing local control to school districts in the allocation of new state funding in order to better serve all students. Whittier Union is committed to furthering its successful efforts in narrowing the achievement gap through local control and flexibility and will demonstrate that the missions are not mutually exclusive. Contact: Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
The new Local Control Funding Formula gives local school boards control over how to use state funds. Whittier Union is seeking input from parents and interested community members on its Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that will guide the expenditure of these funds. Meetings will be held at 6 p.m. in the Board of Trustees meeting room on Thursday, Jan. 23; Thursday, Feb. 13; Thursday, March 20; and Wednesday, April 9. Contact: Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
Santa Fe High School students will be making and donating blankets to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. PIH officials will be on hand to accept the hand-made blankets at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. Contact: Laura Flores (562) 668-7833 (office)
Pioneer High School’s Leo Club will hold its annual tamale-making event to raise money to purchase food for Holiday Food Baskets to be given to local families in need on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. Food Baskets will be distributed privately to the families. Contact: Laura Flores (562) 668-7833 (office)
Santa Fe High will receive a Golden Bell Award this weekend for its cutting-edge mental health services to students. Photos of the ceremony will be available. Contact: Laura Flores (562) 668-7833 (office)