Tag Archives: Walnut Valley Unified School District

Valuing Differences

C.J. Morris students write friendship book for special needs class

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT–Two C.J. Morris Elementary 3rd graders believe that everyone has a right to have friends, especially students with autism.

Nyla Rivera and Kailyn Park feel so strongly that they’ve written a book to support special needs students on their campus.

Last year as a 2nd grader, Rivera noticed a few students sitting alone at recess and lunchtime.

One boy was even quietly talking to himself, while another child replied a gruff “leave me alone” when she offered a hello.

Rivera didn’t understand why.

“I would see them so quiet, just waiting for a friend,” the eight-year-old explained.

“This year, I found out they have autism and they need friends.”

The eight-year-old decided to take action. She recruited her best friend and classmate, Kailyn, and the two girls quickly began spending their free time with kids in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class.

“Now they know we’re not strangers,” said nine-year-old Park.

“And little by little, they began to trust us and started talking to us.”

This month, the girls collaborated on another project together.

They’ve written “Everyone Has a Right” and are currently completing illustrations to honor the dozen students in Rochelle Mortensen’s ASD class.

They recently offered the students a “sneak preview” of their gift.

“It was a huge thing when they got the book. They really appreciated it,” Park said.

The story is intended to be an encourager for the students to make friends.

“If you try, you can do it!” Park says in the story.

Making friends is a real challenge for our students with autism, Mortensen explained.

Students identified on the spectrum are impacted in their development of social and communication skills.

“We have social lessons every morning. But with students like Nyla and Kailyn, they can practice these skills and learn to fit in,” she added.

“These two girls have a special bond with the students and wanted to brighten their day with this book,”3rd grade teacher Shayleen Ojeda said.

“They are such amazing students with so much empathy.”

Once the drawings are complete, Ojeda plans to have the book professionally printed and bound, and offer copies for sale.

All proceeds will be donated to special needs classes in Walnut Valley USD.

“It’s very exciting,” said Mortensen who has promised to purchase copies for each of her students.

One ASD student recently announced “You’re going to be my best friends forever!” Park shared.

“He doesn’t like a lot of things, but he likes us.”

“It feels good!” said Rivera.

“They know we’re not bullies and we like them just as they are.”

 

 

WVUSD Trustees Celebrate Outstanding Students, Parent Volunteers

PHOTO BY WVUSD
Partner in Education Awardees Sonal Choksey, Lily Eibert, and Caryn Mason with family members, Board President Tony Torng and Suzanne Middle School Principal Les Ojeda.

By WVUSD

Walnut —Each month, Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees celebrate hard-working students and dedicated community members.

During the March 15 meeting, South Pointe and Suzanne Middle School leaders took to the podium to introduce their hand-picked honorees.

South Pointe parent Annalisa Gore was lauded with the Partner in Education Award. She has served as community club president for the past two years.

Annalisa is a collaborative leader who leads by example and has a magical way of making all parents feel like they belong.

Additionally, she puts “Kids First” by raising important funds to support learning, character development, and extra-curricular activities on campus.

“Annalisa is willing to roll up her sleeves and help in any way she can, including selling bobas!” said Principal Susan Arzola.

PHOTO BY: WVUSD
(Above and below) WVUSD Board President Tony Torng presents Super Star Student Award to South Pointe 8th grader Ivan Vazquez on March 15.

South Pointe 8th grader Ivan Vazquez received the Super Star Student Award. Although he has faced many challenges in his short life, it has not limited Ivan from achieving success.

The young man is a positive role model who puts a smile on his face for anyone who crosses his path.

If Ivan sees a classmate that is having a hard day, he lifts them up. If he sees an adult that needs a helping hand, he’s there to offer it.

“Ivan is always positive, pleasant, compassionate, helpful, considerate, and greets you with a smile,” Arzola said.

“We are very proud of Ivan and all of his accomplishments and all the contributions he makes to the school!”

The Roboheroes robotics team from Suzanne Middle School received the Super Star Student Award.

Team members are Matthew Carreon, Nathan Fong, Collin Lee, Spencer Lee, Codey Ma, Marcus Robles, Roman Robles, Ethan Tungpalan, Sarah Wang, and Ronnie Zhang.

PHOTO BY: WVUSD
South Pointe Middle School parent volunteer Annalisa Gore is honored with Partner in Education Award on March 15. Shown with Principal Susan Arzola and Board President Tony Torng.

The Roboheros won 1st place Robot Game at the Legoland FLL Cup in February.

Team members spent countless hours building and programming a Lego robot, researching and finding a solution to help animals, taking part in community outreach events.

“These students have gone above and beyond to represent our school in a positive way,” said Principal Les Ojeda.

The team is coached by advisor Vicky Silcock, and parent volunteers Jonathan Fong and Daffodil Robles.

The Roboheroes recently won the Core Values Inspiration Award at the Los Angeles Regional Championship and has been invited to represent the region at an international championship tournament sponsored by NASA in West Virginia this summer.

A trio of Suzanne dedicated parent volunteers Sonal Choksey, Lily Eibert, and Caryn Mason received the school’s Partner in Education Award.

“These wonderful ladies put in endless hours of service for our school,” Ojeda said.

This year, the community club board members planned and organized numerous school events including a successful booster drive that raised over $65,000 to provide technology, teacher intervention, curriculum books, and other valuable student resources.

“You have led with passion and enthusiasm, and as a result, you have made Suzanne a better place for our students!”

PHOTO BY: WVUSD
Board President Tony Torng presents Partner in Education Award to Suzanne Middle School parents Sonal Choksey, Lily Eibert, and Caryn Mason.291329

WVUSD Trustees Appoint Layla Abou-Taleb Provisional Board Member

By WVUSD wvusd

WALNUT-Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) Board of Trustees conducted interviews and appointed a Provisional Board Member during the Special Meeting held January 10. 

Longtime Walnut resident, Layla Abou-Taleb, was unanimously approved to fill the vacant seat and will be sworn in during the January 18 Board Meeting.

“We are confident that Mrs. Abou-Taleb will be a great addition to the Board with her knowledge in early childhood education and enthusiasm to serve the community!” said Board President Dr. Tony Torng. The vacant seat was created by the resignation of Phillip Chen in November. 

Abou-Taleb has been a community member for nearly 30 years. Her three children graduated and two grandchildren currently attend WVUSD schools.

“I recognize as a parent and grandparent the importance of quality education,” she said during the interview. 

Abou-Taleb, who is retired, earned a master’s degree in social work from University of Southern California.

During her career, she worked as an early childhood education advocate with the State of California Department of Social Services. She has also been a substitute teacher and classroom volunteer.

For the past two years, she led a grassroots effort to provide information and increase community involvement through the United Walnut Taxpayers non-profit organization.

“My strongest asset is the community’s trust and confidence in me. And that is what I bring to the table,” she said.

Community members who participated in the selection process included Layla Abou-Taleb, S. Sean Monemi, James E. Swartz, Benjamin Yip, and Ben Zhang.

Retired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Ray McMullen served as moderator during the Open Session interviews with the five candidates.

Abou-Taleb, who was out of the country due to a previously scheduled visit, participated in the interviews through a Skype conference call.

Each candidate was given one minute to present an opening statement, eight minutes to respond to questions, and one minute to make a closing statement.

“Thank you very much, I am deeply honored and look forward to joining you on the Board,” Abou-Taleb said after the vote.

The provisional appointment is effective immediately and the appointee will serve until the next scheduled District election.

“I hope I meet the expectations of our community and students. And believe me, I will give it my best shot!”

 

Walnut Valley USD To Begin Enrolling for 2017-18 School Year

By WVUSD

WALNUT-The Walnut Valley Unified School District will soon begin registration for the 2017-2018 school year for children transitional kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade.

Registration dates are:

January 17-20, 2017—for those children with siblings already attending school in our district;

January 23, 2017 & on—for those elementary children new to the district, at any grade level.

You may register for transitional kindergarten if your child turns 5 years old September 2nd – December 2nd.  Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, to enroll in kindergarten for the 2017-2018 school year.

At the time of registration, parents will be asked to present a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of the child’s immunizations, and for kindergarten and first grade proof of an oral health examination.  For residency verification, parents will also need to provide either final escrow papers, mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement, along with a current utility bill (gas, water or electric bill) and a driver’s license (or California I.D.) with current home address.  Enrollment is on-going, and your residence address determines the elementary school where you should enroll your child.

The Walnut Valley Unified School District offers a quality day care program at all elementary sites, for both before and after school hours.  You may contact the Child Care office at 909-444-3460 for additional information and fees.

 

WVUSD accepting District of Choice Lottery Applications Thru Dec. 31

By WVUSD 

WALNUT-Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) is accepting applications for non-residents available for the “2017-2018 District of Choice (DOC) Lottery Program” through December 31, 2016.

Applications are available on the WVUSD website at www.wvusd.k12.ca.us or at the front desk of the District Office located at 880 S. Lemon Avenue, Walnut, 91789, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

You may turn in your application to the District Office now through December 31, 2016.  Please note that the District Office closes at noon on December 16, 2016 for Winter Break.

If you wish to submit an application after December 16, you will need to mail in your application to our District Office at the address listed on the top of the application and it must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2016.

WVUSD is unable to accept District of Choice applications from students residing in the Azusa and Rowland Unified School Districts. For students residing in these two districts, you may apply for an Inter-District attendance permit to transfer to the Walnut Valley USD. Please inquire at your home district of residence.

Note: The final approval for District of Choice applications will be contingent upon the extension of the DOC program by the State Legislature in early 2017.

 

 

WVUSD Students Honored At Lunch With The Principal Event

 By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Valley elementary students were honored during the 2016 Benihana Lunch with the Principal.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut Valley elementary students were honored during the 2016 Benihana Lunch with the Principal.

Walnut—Nine students were treated to a sizzling reward for achieving their personal best during Benihana’s Lunch with the Principal.

After enjoying a teppan-style lunch prepared by a personal chef, the students were honored by their principals.

Each of the nine elementary schools in the Walnut Valley Unified School District chose a hard-working student to celebrate during the special lunchtime adventure held at the City of Industry restaurant.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Andrea Illingworth – Castle Rock, Noah Evans – Cyrus J. Morris, Edgar Wu – Collegewood, Daniel Lee – Evergreen, Anthony Ruiz – Quail Summit, Jazmine Brooks – Maple Hill, Francesca Campos – Vejar, Roy Lin – Walnut Elementary, and Madison Apolo – Westhoff.

The 18th annual event was held at the popular City of Industry restaurant on May 17.

The skilled chefs entertained audiences by creating tiny smoking volcanos from onion rings and flipping shrimp tails in their stovepipe hats.

“I liked the fire with the volcano best!” exclaimed Evergreen fifth grader Daniel Lee.

Principals took turns bragging about their students.

CJ Morris Principal Shehzad Bhojani credited his honoree, 4th grader Noah Evans, for showing tremendous improvement in reading and writing, always smiling, and sharing jokes.

Quail Summit Principal Jeanette Koh shared that her 5th grade lunch guest, Anthony Ruiz, is a positive influence on his peers.

“He is a student of character and always rallies above to do the right thing,” Koh said.

“We selected Roy for his outstanding academic achievement this year. He maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, was in the GATE program, and very involved in school,” said Walnut Elementary Principal Robert Chang.

“One of the qualities Andrea Illingworth demonstrated this year, along with academics and citizenship, is perseverance after a surgery,” said Castle Rock Principal Dr. Resma Brown.

Honorees received certificates, chef’s hats, and keepsake photos.

7 WVUSD Schools Selected for California Honor Roll

Leaders in Student Achievement 

Suzanne Middle School 6th graders score a great time during field day with teacher Lauri Ujita

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Suzanne Middle School 6th graders score a great time during field day with teacher Lauri Ujita

By Kelli Gile 

Walnut – Seven Walnut Valley USD schools have been named to the 2015 CBEE California Honor Roll for consistently demonstrating high levels of student academic achievement.

Scholar schools are Evergreen Elementary, Quail Summit Elementary, Chaparral Middle School, South Pointe Middle School, Suzanne Middle School, Diamond Bar High School, and Walnut High School.

The program is sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) and Educational Results Partnership (ERP).

After an extensive analysis of every school in the state, Honor Roll schools are identified as clear leaders in getting students to grade level and beyond.

This year, the California Honor Roll recognized 1,714 high-performing public schools who are successfully preparing students for college and careers.

Congratulations to our dedicated principals, teachers, and staff members who work tirelessly to help Walnut Valley students achieve such success!

 

Walnut Valley Schools Named ‘America’s Most Challenging Schools’

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are ranked among America’s Most Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post. Shown: 2016 DBHS Super Star Seniors Garrett Masuda, Meanna Gray, Miriam Sun, and Jeff Chow.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are ranked among America’s Most Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post. Shown: 2016 DBHS Super Star Seniors Garrett Masuda, Meanna Gray, Miriam Sun, and Jeff Chow.

 

Walnut- Walnut Valley Unified School District is pleased to announce that Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools have made the listing of “2016 America’s Most Challenging High Schools” by The Washington Post.

“Our exemplary high schools continue to be recognized on a national stage for preparing students to be academically competitive for the next chapter in their lives,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “We are honored that Diamond Bar and Walnut have been named among the nation’s most rigorous high schools!”

Diamond Bar scored 59th in California and 537th in the nation and Walnut scored 63rd in California and 568th in the nation.

Schools are ranked through the College Index formula, invented by education columnist Jay Mathews, which is a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests given at a school in 2015 divided by the number of graduates.

Schools with ratios of 1.00 or above made the list, with approximately 22,000 U.S public high schools included this year.

South Pointe Named State Champs!

 ‘History Day’ team going to nationals

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile California History Day winners Joshua Chung, Raymond Cheng, Cyrus Phan, and Phillip Huynh, shown with advisor Kevin Duh, will compete in Washington D.C. in June.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
California History Day winners Joshua Chung, Raymond Cheng, Cyrus Phan, and Phillip Huynh, shown with advisor Kevin Duh, will compete in Washington D.C. in June.

 

Diamond Bar – Four South Pointe Middle School honors students are headed to Washington D.C. for the National History Day competition on June 12-16.

Eighth graders Joshua Chung, Raymond Cheng, Cyrus Phan, and Phillip Huynh created the winning “NASA’s Early Manned Missions” exhibit.

“They were declared California champions and will be representing the state at the national contest,” said social studies teacher and advisor Kevin Duh.

A total of three groups from South Pointe competed during the California History Day contest on May 6-8.

The students spent several months researching topics revolving around the 2016 NHD theme “Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange.”

Their projects qualified for the state competition at the L.A. County History Day at Azusa Pacific University in March.

 

 

Let’s Talk STEM!

Maple Hill PLTW classes enjoy engineering day with Cal Poly students

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Maple Hill PLTW students use engineering skills to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Maple Hill PLTW students use engineering skills to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

Diamond Bar – Cal Poly Pomona Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Women in Engineering (WE) students recently spent a day with 200 Maple Hill Elementary students to talk about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and how it relates to everyday life.

The college students visited 4th and 5th grade classes for 10-minute presentations about engineering and a spaghetti tower challenge.

The youngsters raced to build the “strong and tall” structures using dried pasta, with tiny white marshmallows as the “glue.” They quickly demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and creativity skills to successfully work with the fragile materials.

“We worked together to find lots of ways to solve the problem,” said 4th grader Joshua Chan.

“Engineering is hard, but fun too!” added classmate Leah Owens.

The Cal Poly visitors worked alongside the elementary students during the activity.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Cal Poly Pomona Women in Engineering and Project Lead the Way visit Maple Hill Elementary for a day of STEM education.


Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Cal Poly Pomona Women in Engineering and Project Lead the Way visit Maple Hill Elementary for a day of STEM education.

“It was very inspiring to see the frustration during the building turn into excitement when a free-standing structure was achieved,” Cal Poly student, Teresa Rodriquez, commented.

“We went to the school to help the students understand how engineers play a role in society, and to help them experience the process through a hands-on learning experience,” added another visitor, Jonathon Roberts.

Maple Hill launched the innovative PLTW program at the beginning of the school year, with kindergarten through fifth grade students immersed in robotics and engineering projects.

“It was a great day and our students enjoyed it a lot,” said kindergarten teacher Lisa Esse.
“We are hoping to continue and build our partnership with Cal Poly so that next year the engineering students will be coming on a regular basis.”

“I am glad to see both girls and boys so interested in STEM, and can’t wait to see the big creations their little minds develop in the future,” said Rodrigue

Future Scientists!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Forty-Walnut High seniors were presented with white coats and honor medallions at the completion of the IBCC-PLTW program.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Forty-Walnut High seniors were presented with white coats and honor medallions at the completion of the IBCC-PLTW program.

First WHS graduating class receives white coats during ceremony

Walnut—Forty-eight Walnut High School (WHS) seniors are charting a course to careers in the medical field.

The teens were presented with white lab coats and honor medallions during a ceremony marking the completion of the International Baccalaureate Career-Related/Project Lead the Way (IBCC-PLTW) Biomedical Sciences Program on April 26.

“We’re very proud of their accomplishments!” said Instructional Dean Barbie Cole. “These amazing students displayed knowledge, ability, and aptitude in the area of biomedical science.”

Walnut High is the only school in the state to offer both IBCC with the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program as its career-related component.

Students signed up for the new program three years ago as sophomores interested in becoming pharmacists, family doctors, and neuroscientists and quickly became immersed in building DNA double-helix models.

Teachers facilitated the inquiry-based PLTW classes while students tackled real world “CSI” style investigative and collaborative work.

In addition, they explored different medical intervention strategies of the past, present, and future including the invention of prosthetic limbs and personalized medicine for patients.

“The engaging curriculum, student enthusiasm, and a special sense of community have allowed this program to be successful,” said teacher Chiara Morgan.

To earn personalized lab coats, students were required to complete four biomedical science courses and two IB Diploma courses, a special Approaches to Learning course, numerous service projects, and a written reflective project.

“This is definitely a very exciting day!” said senior Kaitlyn Fujii, who credits the PLTW program’s labs and practical applications for solidifying her interest in psychology.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I liked the classes and coursework. It helped me find a direction.”

Students researched numerous careers, logging education requirements and job duties in journals during the course of the program.

“It gave me a taste of every type of career in the medical field,” said classmate Tiffany Casarez. “Now I’m going to study biology and hope to become a pediatrician.”

She believes the pre-med class benefitted from more hands-on learning than other graduating seniors. “We’ve already experienced half the labs from the first two years in college.”

“I felt like this was an amazing program for someone like me who wanted to go into the medical field,” said Emilio Triguero, age 17.

“The hands-on training, labs, and volunteer experience really made it possible for me to utilize my dream of becoming a doctor.”

While volunteering in 2nd floor surgery at Inter-Community Hospital in Covina, Triguero gained “front row” experiences working alongside doctors and nurses.

“I thought I’d just be cleaning trash cans (which I did), but they also taught me how to do vitals and about hierarchy in the workplace.”

He’ll be studying at UC Riverside in the fall. “When I applied for colleges, they asked if I had contacts – and I did!”

Walnut High became one of only 32 IBCC schools in the country and four in the state after completing an extensive application and authorization process in 2013.

“Our students have done some pretty remarkable things in these classes,” Cole added.

Walnut Student Wins ‘Missing Children’s Day’ Poster Contest

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Elementary student Michael Wu is the big winner in a National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Elementary student Michael Wu is the big winner in a National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut–Walnut Elementary fifth grader Michael Wu has been named the grand prize winner in the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.

The talented 11-year-old’s entry in the “Bring Our Missing Children Home” competition depicts the silhouette of a young boy hugging his teddy bear.

“It shows that the child feels lonely and he wants to be back home,” Michael explained.

The annual competition is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice to create awareness and promote child safety.

Michael was named the 1st place winner in California. His original artwork was then submitted for the national judging.

“It feels awesome!” the soft-spoken student said about receiving the national award.

Teacher Seema Bagai was happily “shocked” after learning the news that her student took the top prize.

“I am thrilled for Michael and can’t wait to celebrate with him in Washington D.C. later this month!”

Michael learned about the contest from his mom, Wendy, an art teacher at the school.  He quickly decided to pull out his paint brushes for a good cause.

“I wanted to help find missing children!”

Michael used colored pencils in shades of brown to bring life to the cuddly teddy bear.  To achieve a splattered shadow around the outline of the child, he flicked dark green paint from an old toothbrush.

Michael, along with his parents, and teacher have been awarded a trip to Washington D.C. to be recognized during the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony on May 25. This ceremony honors the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.

The young artist also took 1st place in the fifth grade category of the Walnut Valley Water District 2016 Water Awareness Month Poster Contest. Michael is a back-to-back winner and his entire class will be visiting the Three Valleys Municipal Water District Miramar Treatment Plant for a tour and pizza lunch.

7 DBHS Seniors Receive National Merit Scholarships

By Kelli Gile

 

Diamond Bar—Seven Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) seniors have won prestigious $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Congratulations to the following DBHS students: Eric T. Chen, Charlene L. Hsu, Jung Hyun Kim, Hsuan-Te Sun, Jonathan Sun, Crystal Tin-Tin Chang, and Margaret Wang.

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees around the country were chosen from a talented pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to a May 11 release from the non-profit corporation.

National Merit Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

They were judged on their academic record, scores from two standardized tests, contributions and leadership in school and community activities, an essay, and a recommendation written by a high school official.

The competition for the 2016 scholarships started in October 2014, when more than 1.5 million juniors applied for the 7,500 scholarships, which will have a total value of more than $33 million.

WVUSD Trustees Honor School Site Council Leadership

 

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile The WVUSD Board of Trustees honored School Site Council chairpersons during the April 20 meeting. Shown: Principal Susan Arzola, teacher Jeanette Schaller-South Pointe Middle School, Principal Denise Rendon, parent Jenny Chen – Westhoff Elementary, teacher Kimberly McNeil, Principal Nancy Stingley-Maple Hill Elementary, Principal Joan Perez, parent Kathy Youmans – Collegewood Elementary, Board President Helen Hall, Principal Carolyn Wills, parent Kevin Hoshi – Evergreen Elementary, parent Marcus Lotto, Principal Jeanette Koh –Quail Summit Elementary.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
The WVUSD Board of Trustees honored School Site Council chairpersons during the April 20 meeting. Shown: Principal Susan Arzola, teacher Jeanette Schaller-South Pointe Middle School, Principal Denise Rendon, parent Jenny Chen – Westhoff Elementary, teacher Kimberly McNeil, Principal Nancy Stingley-Maple Hill Elementary, Principal Joan Perez, parent Kathy Youmans – Collegewood Elementary, Board President Helen Hall, Principal Carolyn Wills, parent Kevin Hoshi – Evergreen Elementary, parent Marcus Lotto, Principal Jeanette Koh –Quail Summit Elementary.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut —Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) Board of Trustees recognized School Site Council leaders during the April 20 meeting.

“Our School Site Council chairpersons generously give their time, dedication, perseverance, and feedback to help make sound decisions for our schools,” said Jackie Brown, director of elementary education and assessment.

Congratulations to the following honorees: Patricia Ponce-Hernandez-Castle Rock Elementary, Fred Davies – Cyrus J. Morris Elementary, Kathy Youmans – Collegewood Elementary, Kevin Hoshi – Evergreen Elementary, Kimberly McNeil – Maple Hill Elementary, Marcus Lotto – Quail Summit Elementary, Angelica Razo – Vejar Elementary, Araceli Simeon – Walnut Elementary, Jenny Chen – Westhoff Elementary, Enoch Choi – Chaparral Middle School, Jeanette Schaller – South Pointe Middle School, and Marlene Soto – Suzanne Middle School.

School Site Council members are elected by parents and staff members. During meetings, the chairperson, a parent or teacher at the school, leads discussions with the principal to review instructional programs and budgets, school data, and help develop goals and action plans that align with budgets to help students achieve.

The valued community liaisons also lend their expertise and input as part of the team that develops School Site Plans which are approved annually by the Board of Trustees.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we so very much appreciate the work of our School Site Council chairpersons,” Brown added.

 

Swingin’ the Night Away!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut High students paired up with local seniors for a Lindy Hop dance lesson. Shown: Freshman Brian Duran teaches community member Leann Curren some new steps.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High students paired up with local seniors for a Lindy Hop dance lesson. Shown: Freshman Brian Duran teaches community member Leann Curren some new steps.

Walnut teens and local seniors come together at Big Band dance

 

 By Kelli Gile

Walnut—The Walnut High School Swing Club and Jazz Band joined the fun during the Swinging Good Times dinner and dance at the Walnut Senior Center on April 22.

High school musicians took to the stage to perform a set of 1930-40’s swing-era music including “Not What” and “Sing Sing Sing.”

Senior Ryan Maidment, who plays trumpet in the group, took the lead organizing the ensemble, selecting music, and scheduling rehearsals for the special performance.

“I love jazz completely and listen to it all the time!” he said.

The teens said they were a little nervous, but excited to be a part of the service project with senior citizens.

“It’s definitely not like anything I’ve seen before,” Maidment said. “It’s been fun!” added electric bass player Matthew Distante.

The multi-generational social dance was the brainchild of English teacher Jennifer Maletz.

“I’m taking a class in community leadership, and we have to create a project that meant something to us. I was a dancer and band singer, so I know that this is a great opportunity to bridge the gap between generations through music and dance,” she said.

A dozen members of the school’s Swing Club showed off their skills performing a Shim Sham Shimmy dance routine.

The girls wore black and white polka dot dresses and the smartly dressed boys donned tuxedo shirts and bow ties for the event. Not the typical Friday night attire for teens.

The local seniors were then invited onto the dance floor for a beginning Lindy Hop lesson to the classic Big Band music.

“If you want to learn some basics of swing – please come and pair up with one of our Swing Club members,” Maidment announced.

The teens quickly partnered with the eager seniors.

The 20-minute tutorial included the quick turn, tuck turn, spin out, and Charleston moves, according to junior Patrick Stephanoff. “You can learn it in a night, but it takes longer to master,” he said.

Walnut resident Leann Curren was one of the first to take the dance floor to learn steps from freshman Brian Duran.

“I love to dance! I’ve been married almost 48 years, but my husband doesn’t dance,” Curren said. So, she took up line dancing about a year ago at the Walnut Senior Center.

“You don’t need a partner!”

“This has been great!” said Richard Pena after taking a spin on the dance floor. His group of retired friends attend ballroom dances that feature the rumba, foxtrot, salsa, cha cha, and waltz.

“I’ve done the West Coast Swing, but never tried the Lindy Hop. It brings back memories!” he added.

The Walnut High Swing Club members are passionate about jazz and it showed as they seamlessly quick-stepped and twirled to the familiar sounds of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and more.

“I’ve danced a lot of different genres, but I really like swing the most,” said junior Chelsea “Cat” Tuason.

“I enjoy the fact that it gives me a chance to meet new people!” said 18-year-old Brion Robles.

“There’s dance at school, but it’s modern and it’s very hip-hoppy,” added senior Riley Herms, who has been a member of the after-school club for three years. “It’s neat doing something fancier!”

“I think that sometimes we end up being segmented by our ages and not mingling,” Maletz said. “Here in Walnut High School, we have an amazing group of dancers who enjoy music from a very different generation, so there’s a bridge of music and dance that can create a connection within the community.”

“I am so proud of the students and the effort they put in. The event exceeded my expectations for connection and fun!” Maletz said.

WHS Dive-in Day!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut High School will celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of its aquatic center on April 20.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High School will celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of its aquatic center on April 20.

Walnut High School swimming pool renovation complete

 By Kelli Gile

Walnut—Walnut High School is set to celebrate the completion of a $2.3 million pool renovation during a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 20.

The community is invited to join the 3:30 p.m. poolside event that will feature an inaugural dive-in by swim team members.

The huge construction project began in July 2015 with the removal of the outdated pool and surrounding decking.

The star of the Walnut High Aquatics competition venue is a brand new 304,603-gallon swimming pool with nine racing lanes.

Additionally, the swim complex features new decking and lighting, locker room with men’s and women’s restrooms, coach’s room, pool storage building, pool equipment building, public restrooms, aluminum bleachers with shade structure, and scoreboard.

Construction and modernization projects in the Walnut Valley Unified School District were made possible by voter approval of Bond Measures S & Y passed in November 2007.

Walnut High School is located at 400 N. Pierre Road in Walnut.

Walnut Valley Trustees Honor Stand Out Students, Community Members

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Justin Tran, a Maple Hill Elementary kindergartner, was honored as a Super Star Student on March 16. Shown with Principal Nancy Stingley, teacher Lisa Esse, librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen, family members, and Board President Helen Hall.

 By Kelli Gile

 

WALNUT– The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized four stellar students and community members during the March 16 meeting.

Maple Hill kindergartner Justin Tran was lauded with the Super Star Student Award.  Justin was recently named a winner in the “Ticket to Adventure” bookmark contest sponsored by the Los Angeles County Public Library. Each fall, students submit original artwork in the K-12 competition.

“Justin is the only kindergartener that won,” exclaimed librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen.  “This is a very big deal for our school – we haven’t had a winner in 11 years!”

“He is a wonderful student, extremely caring and compassionate, and gives 110% every day,” described teacher Lisa Delio.  “Justin is one of those little boys who will be a great leader in our community someday.  I am extremely proud of him. Justin is an all-around Maple Hill super star!” she added.

Justin passed out copies of his winning bookmark as a gift for the Board members and District officials.

Global Mission Church was honored with the Partner in Education Award. For the past two years, the Diamond Bar church has supported Maple Hill’s character education program by sponsoring an assembly, providing teacher materials, and purchasing over 500 books for students.

Last year, while the school was renovating its library, Global Mission Church stepped up and provided all new shelving in the two rooms. In addition, members donated over new 200 books for the library.

“We are so very proud to have them as our community partners!” said Principal Nancy Stingley.

Westhoff Elementary 5th grader Bella Liu was recognized with the Super Star Student Award.

“Bella exemplifies all character traits taught at Westhoff,” said Principal Denise Rendon.  “Kindness and respect are ingrained in who she is as a person.”

Bella is a quiet leader who encourages classmates to do their best on a daily basis. She is humble, yet willing to take charge and get things done.

“The reason Bella shines is that she consistently makes the right choices – being safe, respectful, and responsible – with a smile on her face and joy in her heart,” Rendon added. “Bella will be a huge success next year at Suzanne Middle School.”

Westhoff volunteer Gary Chow, who has served as longtime advisor, mentor, and community partner, was honored with the Partner in Education Award.

Last year, Gary generously donated funds that helped launch the school’s robotic program for 4th grade students.  He also helped to bring popular STEM program to 5th graders through another donation made this year.

“It is rewarding to watch the progress of the students as they benefit from a second year of robotics,” said Rendon.

When Gary visits classes to watch student progress, the kids love to show off their tech skills.

“He has made our dream of providing our students a robotic curriculum that enriches and links them to middle school and beyond.  We are very grateful!” she added.

Van Donated To HARTT Center

By Kelli Gile

Walnut– The Hockwalt Adult Resource & Transition Training Center (HARTT) Center received the keys to their very own minivan on Tuesday.

When the silver 2014 Lincoln Town and Country minivan was delivered to the school, students immediately gave it the thumbs up.

“These are the kids’ lives you’ve changed today!” exclaimed teacher Cheryl Faren.

The new car was made possible through generous donations from the Walnut Valley Women’s Club, Penske Mercedes-Benz of West Covina, Dedicated 2 Learning (D2L), David Lee, and Davis Lu.

The HARTT Center, which opened in 2014, serves 18-22 year-old students with disabilities who are receiving a Certificate of Completion from high school. The Center teaches important life skills as students transition into adulthood.  Partnerships with local business are helping the young adults develop job and vocational skills.

The 20 students and their job coaches take public transportation to their internships four days a week.

“Our students take public transportation everywhere. It’s a skill that they’ll need as adults to become independent,” said Special Education Director Judi Koorndyk.

But there are some areas the busses don’t go and they have to walk.  And on hot or rainy days, the mile-trek can be very long.

“This new van is going to provide a lot of opportunity for our kids!” she added.

“One of the keys to the HARTT program is for students to get out into the community and have real life experiences to prepare them for life. And that’s hard to do without transportation,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

The HARTT Center’s dedicated staff and parents had a vision to get a van from the very beginning.  When Walnut Valley Women’s Club member Jeannie Stowell read about the opening of the new HARTT Center in the Highlander newspaper, she immediately cut out the article and brought it to friend Dee Chambers.

“We needed to do something for them,” the longtime members shared.

After touring the Center with Faren, they asked a question.   “If you could have anything in the world for the program, what would be your first choice?  She immediately replied ‘A van!’” Chambers explained.

“And we said, ‘We’ll do our best!’, and that’s how it got started,” she added.  The Women’s Club donated $9,400 towards the van.

“We saw what incredible people at the HARTT Center are doing for kids today,” said Joe Mehanna, President of Penske Mercedes-Benz in West Covina after touring the Center.  “And we want to be a part of this!” He added that Penske donated a portion of the cost of the new car for the HARTT Center.

“The least we can do as a business is give back to the (Walnut Valley) community and the kids!”

“The reason we’re here every day in our school district is to help kids and meet their needs, and we can’t do that alone,” said Taylor. “It takes a village!”

“It’s the whole community working together for them,” added Nancy Hogg, retired WVUSD administrator and D2L co-founder.

Faren is excited about the future with the school’s new wheels.  “This will open up tons of new areas for us, like Brea Mall and Chino Hills.”

She also plans to help educate students about sites available after the HARTT program.

“Normally I’d have to get a school bus. Now, I can load up a couple kids that are aging out and take them around. It will be so nice!”

Suzanne’s Robotics Leading The Pack

Photo courtesy of WVUSD

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Suzanne Middle School 6th grade student Wolf Corps team members demonstrate award-winning can crusher robot.

By Kelli Gile 

 

Walnut– A new robotics club at Suzanne Middle School dominated a First Lego League (FLL) competition aimed at finding solutions to global environmental issues.

Two teams of sixth grade programmers vied in separate divisions while focusing on this year’s FLL theme – Trash Trek.  Students were challenged to explore the world of trash, from collection, to sorting, to smart production, and reuse, and then invent a solution to help our trash problem.

The Suzanne teams won coveted championship awards during the recent 2016 California FLL Cup challenge at Legoland in Carlsbad on January 24.  They also took numerous 1st place awards at tournaments throughout Los Angeles.

“We like having fun together and encouraging people to get involved in STEM education,” said Kaden Salvador about his enthusiasm for robotics.  “We want to show them how cool it is!”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the 14 students meet after school to build and program the little bots using Lego Mindstorm EV3 kits and refine their presentations.

Robotics encompasses all aspects of STEM education, according to teacher advisor Vicky Silcock.  “Not only must students learn to engineer and program a robot that will accomplish the task before them, but they also need to learn to do research and use teamwork to explain real world applications.”

Wolf Corps team members designed an automatic can crusher called the “BEATit” that compacts, counts the collected cans, and calculates a payout.

“We came up with the idea after our school held a pop top drive,” explained Gordon Lau. “This is the first can crusher designed for households.”

The robot bin opens using an ultrasonic sensor and motor, while two additional motors crush the can and drop it into a bottom bin.  Students believe their innovative product will encourage families to earn extra money from recycling (five cents a can), reduce landfill size, and save energy consumption.

“We work together like a pack of wolves!” said Wolf Corp member Kawin Watkins.

The Wolf Corp team was invited to represent the Los Angeles Region at the Razorback Invitational Tournament after their 1st place FLL performance.

The RoboHeroes team built a robot that completes recycling missions during a building demolition and salvage challenge.  During a tabletop demonstration, students expertly explained each step before sending their robot through the course brimming with trash reduction and recycling components  – landfill, methane energy, re-use of toy packaging, and trash sorting.

The team programmed their sturdy robot to move forward, backward, turn, pick up and drop off pieces, and then return to base.

“It was fun finding a design for our robot,” said Marcus Robles. “We started from scratch to make something new!”

“There’s a lot of trial and error in programming,” added Matthew Carreon, age 12. “We must have run the program over 100 times.”

Students must demonstrate how well they practice the FLL Core Values of teamwork and friendly competition during matches.  Along with participating in robotics competitions, the teams share their environmental plans with several community groups and local businesses.

The group of students began participating in robotics competitions during the 4th grade at Collegewood Elementary with Wolf Corp parent coaches Scott and Leh Watkins.

“I think the biggest benefits for students is collaborating and working as a team,” said coach Scott Watkins.

“The kids come up with a solution for real world programs. This year is trash reduction and recycling,” said RoboHeroes parent coach Jonathan Fong.

“We all hope to continue through middle school and into high school,” Watkins added.

Collegewood Completes 612 Acts of Kindness

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Teachers took turns playing a pie in the face game as a treat for students.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA—Collegewood Elementary showed support for second grader Coben Swanson with 612 acts of kindness during a read-a-thon at the school on February 12.

The school quickly rallied when the eight-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia in November, sending get-well video messages and fundraising to help the family with expenses.

All 612 students and staff members came together once again during a special reading time held on the upper playground.  With towels and blankets spread out on the grass, the children and their teachers opened favorite books and quietly read for about 20 minutes.

The event was the culmination of a two-week reading challenge where students were encouraged to read daily, log minutes, and collect pledges. All donations will benefit the Swanson family.

“He’s our friend and needs our help”, said Kaitlyn Tran. “We’re donating money to help his family. We miss him!”

“Coben’s going through a hard time and we should support him no matter what,” added fifth grader Cassidy Ng.

Afterward, teachers surprised the group with a pie in the face game.  The children crowded around to watch their teachers get doused with whipped cream after taking turns spinning the wheel on the tabletop game.

“Acts of kindness instill empathy and teach children the value of living a life of giving,” said teacher Jane Dyer-Smith.