DeAnda honored at County Teacher of the Year luncheon
The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) 2016 District Teacher of the Year, Frank DeAnda from the Ron Hockwalt Academies, was among 73 top teachers from around the county celebrated during an awards luncheon on September 16. Educators took the stage at the Universal City Hilton ballroom to receive tributes, awards, and congratulations from Los Angeles County Schools Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo. WVUSD will pay tribute to the 2015-2016 Teachers of the Year during the 19th annual Salute to Teachers slated for October 19.
Diamond Bar, Walnut High make Newsweek’s 2016 list
Walnut Valley’s high performing schools have once again gained national recognition. Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are featured in Newsweek’s 2016 report of the 500 best high schools in America. The news magazine's annual list highlights public high schools that do the best job of preparing students for college. A total of 51 California schools were recognized. Newsweek rated 15,819 high schools in the country based on factors including student scores on state tests, SAT and ACT exams and Advanced Placement tests. The rankings also consider graduation rate, the ratio of counselors to students, student participation in AP courses and the percentage of college-bound students.
STEM Tech Trek winners
Congratulations to four WVUSD middle school students who received scholarships to attend the week-long Tech Trek camp held at UC Irvine last summer. Madeline Wang from South Pointe, and Prabhleen Kaur, Lily Rzonca, and Annie Guo from Suzanne were nominated by their 7th grade science teachers and selected by the Walnut/Diamond Bar AAUW Chapter committee. The annual STEM camp is designed to encourage young women to continue studying science and math in middle school and beyond. On September 15, the campers, who are now 8th graders, reported on their experiences at the Diamond Bar Library. “I was so happy Madeleine was selected to attend this worthwhile event since she was always inquisitive, interested, and a motivated leader in my 7th grade science class,” said South Pointe teacher Shelly Yamashiro. “The camp provided a chance for the girls to experience all aspects of science & technology, such as developing apps, working with liquid nitrogen and dry ice and interviewing notable NASA scientists, just to name a few. I know Madeleine (and the other girls that participated) are now seriously thinking about their amazing futures in science!”
Suzanne math teacher receives award
Suzanne Middle School math teacher Amy Erickson is among 34 teachers from around the country selected as winners of the 2016 Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle and High School. The award gives recognition of high school and middle school mathematics teachers whose teams participate in Mathematical Association of America AMC Competitions. Awardees are acknowledged for their encouragement and commitment that is making a noticeable difference in students’ problem-solving abilities and love of mathematics. In addition, winners are awarded a $500 stipend.
Two Sisters host workshop at Quail Summit
Renowned educators/authors/professional development presenters Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, known as "The 2 Sisters", visited Quail Summit Elementary on September 15 to provide demonstration lessons for primary level teachers. The 2 Sisters travel all over the world providing engaging, on-point workshops on literacy and math structure, targeted instruction and developing life-long learners. The pro bono workshop at Quail Summit was considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It was an extraordinary gift to have them at our school,” said Principal Jeanette Koh.
Collegewood ‘Grades of Green’ sparks change
Pitzil Milagro, a 4th grade student leader at Collegewood Elementary recently spoke before the Los Angeles County Public Works Board of Directors to explain the school’s Grades of Green Team accomplishments. Collegewood won 1st Place in the Trash Free Lunch Challenge last year. The school-wide efforts made a significant decrease in lunchtime trash – from a whopping 20 bags – down to just 3 bags of waste each day. Students also wrote to Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor about banning polystyrene trays at lunch which led to a districtwide ban on the trays. The Board agreed that Collegewood’s environmental efforts should be inspirational to schools everywhere!
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
Shown:
Ron Hockwalt Academies teacher Frank DeAnda was among 73 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year honored on September 16. Shown with Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Principal Dr. Donna Hunter, and Board Member Cindy Ruiz. Also shown with L.A. County Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo.
Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools are among the nation’s best in Newsweek’s list of “America’s Top High Schools 2016.” Pictured: Walnut High seniors Brianna Roach, Chloe Hsu, and Daniel Yang walk to leadership class.
Diamond Bar and Walnut High School have been named to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Top High Schools 2016.” Pictured: Diamond Bar High students, with Principal Reuben Jones and Athletic Director Kevin Ferguson, lead Brahma spell-out during Rodeo Round-Up.
The 2 Sisters host Daily 5 and CAFE demonstration lessons at Quail Summit Elementary School.
Reading and Writing! The 2 Sisters visit Kathy McLean’s 2nd grade class at Quail Summit Elementary.
Collegewood Elementary 4th grader Pitzil Milagro addresses L.A. County Public Works Board of Directors. Shown with parent leaders Leslie Lopez and Betsy Castellanos.