CVUHSD News - December 2022

Dear Centinela Valley Community,

As the Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, one of the primary functions I am charged with is moving our district forward so it is evident that we value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization. One of our primary goals is to create environments on our campuses and our district offices that make stakeholders feel supported, heard and included in the decisions we make. A part of this effort involves community responsiveness which means tapping into the wealth of knowledge and resources within our community and using them to support our goal of ensuring students are ready for college, career, and life upon graduation. An annual Equity Symposium is held in our district to provide staff with professional development on equitable practices in the classroom, workplace, and community.

Aside from overseeing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I also have the pleasure of overseeing human resources. The Human Resources Division is committed to staffing all schools and offices with diverse highly qualified staff members who will support, enrich and extend the learning of our students. The Human Resources Team understands the importance of having happy healthy staff who support the mission and vision of the district.

To learn more about Human Resources, visit our website by clicking here. To learn more about Equity, visit our website by clicking here.

Regards,

Dr. Pamela Brown

Assistant Superintendent

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Dear CVUHSD Families,

With the winter break coming up we again wish to prepare for a safe return to school. We made available COVID-19 Antigen Home Test Kits on Thursday, December 15, 2022, for all students to take home. We ask that you use the kit to test your child prior to returning to school on Monday, January 9, 2023. If the test results are positive, please contact your school site or Serafin Villalpando at villalpandos@cvuhsd.org or (310) 263-3237 and follow the quarantine requirements. Please note that testing your child is NOT MANDATORY for returning to school but is highly recommended.

As always, I thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools and community safe.

Elizabeth Franco, CSRM

Risk Management and Health Benefits

This month, we hosted the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Hawthorne High School West Campus Commons. The Hawthorne phase 2 buildings were completed and occupied by students and teachers at the start of this school year. The project includes band facilities, NJROTC facilities with an electronic air rifle shooting range, and 46 standard classrooms. The exterior quad areas were expanded to include seating and green space for the students. Thank you to those who celebrated with us and to our Leuzinger High School Culinary Careers Academy (Leu’s Cafe & Catering) for providing delicious appetizers and freshly made juices. And thank you to Hawthorne ASB students for giving tours to the community members who came to see our new facilities.

On December 8th, Hawthorne High School recognized the hard work of our Visual and Performing Arts students and faculty at "A Night Waltz Winter Concert" and "A Twisted Christmas Dance Show." HHS students in Beginning Band, Advanced Band, Choir, Piano, Guitar, Mariachi Ensemble, and Dance Company showcased their amazing talents, and hundreds of family and friends, including our Board Vice President Hugo M. Rojas II, were in attendance to support our students and celebrate the holidays!

Looking ahead, Hawthorne's Priority Enrollment Fair for current 8th grade students and their families will be held on January 21st. At the fair, students and families will be able to learn about Hawthorne High's academic course offerings, academies, programs, activities, and athletics. There will also be student-led tours around campus.

Lawndale High celebrated our Girl’s Basketball Division 4AA championship from the 2021-2022 season with a ring ceremony. Last year's team was given a championship ring to commemorate our first girl’s basketball CIF State Championship. Not only did these dedicated ladies work hard on the court, but they excelled in the classroom. Their dedication is inspiring to all of us.

Leuzinger Senior, Nathan Mateo, treated our M&O department to pizza on Wednesday, December 14th. Nathan wanted to show his appreciation and say thank you to the entire department for their hard work and commitment to Leuzinger High School. Nathan Mateo is currently a senior and plans on attending CSU Dominguez Hills next year to student Forensic Science. Thank you for your generosity Nathan!

Leuzinger High School's Band, Cheer, and Drill Team will participate in the 40th Annual MLK parade in the City of Gardena on Saturday, January 14th. The parade will start at Junipero Serra High School and end at Rowley Park. Leuzinger High School is proud to participate in one of the region's longest-running MLK celebrations.

Centinela Valley Independent Study School is proud to announce they have celebrated nine students graduating over the past three weeks. These students have shown resilience, educational independence, and hard work in attaining their goals and dreams while earning a high school diploma. Some of these students are moving directly into the workforce, while most will be enrolling at El Camino College one semester early, starting classes this coming February. All students receive enhanced matriculation support from ECC counseling staff here on campus. Ms. Stephanie Steele provides amazing academic, socio-emotional, and executive functioning skill development for all students. With her efforts, alongside the top-notch supports through the Wellness Center, our students thrive in an alternative setting. Congratulations to all of our new Spartan graduates!