La Mirada High School students will raise awareness about the abuse of human rights across the world at 10:15 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, using the United Nations World Day of Social Justice to bolster their efforts. On the internationally recognized day, six student officers of the school’s Model United Nations Program will engage their peers through the performance of short skits representing the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document outlining the most basic rights that every human deserves. La Mirada High School is at 13250 Adelfa Drive, La Mirada.
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified seventh-grader Kiana Jones is being hailed for her performance as T.M. Little, a key witness in People vs. Shem, a hypothetical criminal case in which the defendant was accused of stealing a valuable painting. The activity is part of the Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition, which helps students learn about the judicial system, improve analytical and communication skills, and grow in their understanding of civic responsibility. Sixth- through eighth-grade students in Hutchinson’s program, now in its fourth year, met three times a week after school and several Saturdays beginning in September to prepare for the December competition. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will recognize the Mock Trial winners during a reception Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Board of Education recognized Kiana during its meeting this month. Photos are available.
Norwalk-La Mirada's Board of Education will hold a third study session on March 9 to discuss prioritization of the first round of construction projects to be completed under the $375 million Measure G facilities bond. During the second study session on Feb. 23, board members learned how completing all or part of each project will impact overall spending. The Board is focused on setting priorities for the first phase of projects (“Series A”) with a projected budget of $52 million.
Open registration season has arrived for parents wishing to enroll their children in one of Norwalk-La Mirada Unified’s middle school magnet programs. Potential enrollees can see firsthand the rigorous academics and engaging programs featured in the magnet programs during a Magnet Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Magnet schools provide a designated theme of curricula and hands-on, project-based activities. During the Fair, the District’s six magnet schools will highlight their programs through student performances, robotics demonstrations, a display of steel pan drum melodies, exquisitely crafted ceramics and expert forensic fingerprinting techniques, all skills honed in NLMUSD magnet schools.
The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education conducted its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 8, selecting Jessie Urquidi as President and Karen Morrison as Vice President. The District, its teachers and community members and local elected officials also commemorated the yearlong service of Margarita Rios as president in 2014.
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified provided about 350 holiday gifts to more than 100 parents in the District’s McKinney-Vento Program during its sixth annual Toy Shop event Dec. 18. The Toy Shop allowed parents in the program for homeless families to choose the presents they give to their children. The McKinney-Vento Program serves about 500 District families in transition – those who live in motels or with others because they have lost their homes. McKinney-Vento coordinator Rosa Barragan said gifts were donated by District faculty, staff and administrators as well as community partners Girls’ Soft Pitch of Norwalk and CareFirst.
The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is preparing to launch $375 million in construction projects that will provide safe and quality learning environments to promote student growth and achievement. More than 56 percent of voters on Nov. 4 approved the $375 million Bond Measure G, which will provide funding to renovate, repair and modernize the District’s schools and facilities, some of which were built more than 75 years ago. The District has developed a Facilities Master Plan that includes $600 million in proposed projects, including approximately $360 million in projects designated as priorities. The Facilities Master Plan was a collaborative effort between community members, staff, teachers and students, who came together for many meetings at venues District-wide. Media contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
John Glenn High School is one of six U.S. schools chosen for a program that trains students to become the next-generation workforce in manufacturing and engineering. The SME Education Foundation’s Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) provides money for equipment, software and instructor education. The program gives students access to internships and offers companies the chance to work with students on campus. About 100 students in the high school’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program will be part of the initiative. Media contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
Quick-thinking staff members at Dulles Elementary, including a teacher’s aide who performed the Heimlich maneuver, are being hailed for rescuing a second-grade boy who began choking while eating his lunch. The Board of Education formally recognized the staff members during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3.
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District and USC’s Ostrow School of Dentistry are partnering to offer free dental services at each of the District’s preschool sites. Services will include oral health screenings, preventative treatments and education for children up to age 5. Media contact: Maritza Fairfield, 909-445-1001 (office) or 909-816-7722 (cell)
