Education

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond states students will not be returning to campuses this school year

By CaliNews 2 days ago

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond released a statement Tuesday regarding the 2019-20 school year. “Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing, it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year. In order to allow schools to plan accordingly, and to ensure that learning still occurs until the end of the school year, we are suggesting that schools plan and prepare to have their curriculum carried out through a distance learning model. This is in no way to suggest that school is over for the year, but rather we should put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning. “With that said, we are doing everything we can to support our schools and their distance learning opportunities for our students. We have been providing webinars, with one coming up this week to specifically focus on serving our students with disabilities in a distance learning model. We have guidance coming out this week to address the concerns of our seniors, and even our juniors,…

Colton public library brings forth edutainment during quarantine

By CaliNews 3 days ago

Amidst COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, Colton Public Library brings forth creative activities for the entire family in an innovative way to connect to the community. Since the middle of March, the library staff and its Literacy Program Assistant Thomas Robles (Library Tom) have generated Facebook and YouTube videos, inclusive of story time, a sing-a-long music segment and even cooking demonstrations. “We began this online Library Tom Storytime series about three weeks ago. The Community Services Department is unable to engage with the community at this time, so we found a way to bring stories, music and activities to children and families in Colton and beyond,” said Robles. The videos, which are produced by the staff, originated on Facebook…but have recently expanded to YouTube last week. “The feedback we’ve received has been so positive. The only critique or advice we received is for us to place the videos on YouTube so they can stream the videos on their TV screens,” continued Robles. “There is no shortage of inspiration moving forward. When we post our how-to’s, parents will post their child’s drawing in the comments section for us…

Amid school closures, KVCR teams up with Riverside, San Bernardino county schools

By CaliNews 3 days ago

As schools suspend classes to slow the spread of COVID-19, the local PBS and NPR member station, Empire KVCR, launched a partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) to support at-home learning. Empire KVCR is now offering students, families and teachers programming aligned to California’s state curriculum on TV Channel 24 and kvcr.org/education. “Our children will be our future scientists, doctors, nurses, and first responders, and they’re at home right now, eager to learn and grow,” says San Bernardino Community College District Interim Chancellor Jose Torres. “Even though schools may be closed, we must continue working together – families and educators – to nurture the life potential of our students.” San Bernardino Community College District owns the broadcast license for Empire KVCR. As part of the collaboration, the station is tailoring its weekday television schedule for students in Pre-K through high school. The Riverside County Office of Education and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools are developing additional at-home learning content for high school students. “More than one million preschool to college-aged students in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties have seen…

CSUSB MBA program named among best in the world

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

Once again, Cal State San Bernardino’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration has been listed among the top business schools in the world, according to CEO Magazine’s 2020 Global rankings of MBA programs from 27 countries. The Jack H. Brown College was listed in Tier One of the MBA programs in the world, and ranked 46th out of the top 70 in online MBA programs in the world, according to CEO Magazine. “These rankings recognize the hard work and dedication of our amazing and talented faculty and staff to create and deliver exceptional and challenging MBA programs,” said Lawrence Rose, dean of the Jack H. Brown College. “It is through these innovative programs that help us develop and graduate the future business leaders and entrepreneurs in our communities.” According to its news release, CEO Magazine has been showcasing top business schools from around the globe since it first launched in 2008. In 2012 the publication launched its annual Global MBA Rankings, profiling MBA, Executive MBA and Online MBA programs. The Jack H. Brown College has been listed among the top in the…

San Bernardino County school districts extend school closures through May 1

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

In a unified effort to protect the health of students, staff and school communities, San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and school district superintendents countywide, in collaboration with the County Department of Public Health, made the collective decision to extend public school closures at least through May 1. “Because of the increasing spread of the novel coronavirus in our region and across the state, we are taking a proactive and aggressive approach to maintain the health, safety and well-being of our schools and communities,” County Superintendent Alejandre said. “These are very difficult circumstances for our education leaders, since developments with this virus are happening so quickly,” he added. “I fully support our district superintendents’ collective decision to do what is best for our students, employees and families across our county.” Most districts in the county decided on March 13 to close schools as a preventative measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since the closures, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Bernardino County continue to rise. On March 17, the Board of Supervisors issued a countywide order to help stop the spread of…

Governor Newsom issues Executive Order to suspend standardized testing for students in response to COVID-19 outbreak

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

To reduce the strain on students, families and educators during the COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Wednesday, Mar. 18 to waive, pending federal approval, this year’s statewide testing for California’s more than 6 million students in K-12 schools. “This time is stressful enough for students, families and educators without the additional burden of annual testing,” said Governor Newsom. “This is an unprecedented time, and our main focus is on supporting the mental and socioemotional health of students, while continuing to provide educational opportunities such as distance learning.” “I appreciate the Governor’s leadership here and recognizing that under the current circumstances, the last thing our students need is to be confronted with a test,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Our districts need some relief and this decision is in the best interest of our students and our state.” “As schools are struggling to maintain instruction, feed students, and provide child care, they need to focus first and foremost on these pressing responsibilities,” said California State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. “The safety and well-being of children and staff has to…

Board of Education votes to shut down Rialto School District, breakfast, lunch provided to students via “Grab & Go” bags

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

The Rialto Unified School District Board of Education held an emergency meeting on Monday morning, March 16, to consider adopting a resolution that would allow RUSD Superintendent Dr. Cuauhtémoc Avila the authority to close the district to ensure and protect the welfare and safety of the community in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Board members voted unanimously in favor of the motion; non-essential personnel will not be required to report to work and placed on paid leave. Prior to board members going into closed session, Lisa Lindberg, president of Rialto Education Association, and RUSD educator Tobin Brinker expressed concerns about teachers reporting to school sites during the closure. “During this crisis you must also consider your employees and their families, our members have legitimate concerns about their loved ones and personal circumstances,” Lindberg noted. “Just as (RUSD Board Clerk) Mr. Martinez has chosen to self-quarantine himself from this meeting this morning, our members have the exact same concern.” Martinez participated in the meeting remotely. According to statements read by Brinker teachers were concerned about their safety and that of their families for fear of exposure…

Rialto City Council declares local emergency in response to COVID-19

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

An emergency meeting was held in Rialto on March 12 when Rialto City Council announced a local emergency in response to the coronavirus. Although at the time of the meeting no residents within city limits had contracted the virus, City Council was adamant towards being proactive in protecting constituents in the community and beyond. “Let’s all be very diligent, helpful and observant in this space. This is the time for us to look at each other, be kind and understand that we are all in this together. Do not racial profile or give anyone a sense of not being wanted or belonging,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson. During discussion, council recommended residents utilize air purifiers in their home. “This is an unfortunate local and international issue. We need to take action on these items today. I’m proud that we were able to secure some supplies from the Office of Emergency Services from the County of San Bernardino so our police and fire fighters have proper equipment while they’re out in the field,” said Councilman Andy Carrizales. Some of the action taken in the city is the…

Colton Area Museum hosts student tours

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Recently, the Colton Area Museum Association (CAMA) has ramped up its community outreach by hosting the first of a series of student tours to promote the rich and legendary history of the City of Colton. Students from Lincoln Elementary School, under the direction of teachers Mrs. Segura, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Peterson, and Mrs. Macias took to the streets for a walking field trip, and headed south from their Olive Street campus to an exciting tour of the Colton Area Museum. “It was a great trip…a very good learning experience,” said teacher Mr. Delgado, one of the accompanying teachers on the trip. For the last 10 years the Colton Area Museum Association has offered special tours for elementary students each spring. Third grade students who study local history have this opportunity to broaden their experiences by seeing first-hand, real artifacts and pictorial essays, as well as hearing interesting stories of past events, places, and people who have shaped the community we all know and love. “It’s important for our students in the community to learn about Colton history.” says CAMA President Mike Murphy, who welcomed approximately…

CSUSB holds topping off ceremony to celebrate SMSU expansion

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

More than 150 Cal State San Bernardino students, staff and faculty on March 2 celebrated the placement of the highest beam of the three-story, 120,000-square-foot, $90 million expansion of the university’s Santos Manuel Student Union. University President Tomás D. Morales, now in his eighth year in leading the university, called the expansion an essential step in the growth of CSUSB, but added it is the progress that makes the topping off event “so exciting.” “This building will expand upon the growth opportunities we afford our students. It will offer increased resources where they can ask questions, search for solutions, and share their joys and anxieties with classmates and experienced professionals,” Morales said. “It is a place where numerous and varied discussions will happen. Where friendships will be established. Where customs, beliefs and values will be shared and appreciated. “This building, in conjunction with the existing union, will be the heart of a vibrant, engaged campus life, strengthening the Coyote spirit within all those who step inside it,” Morales said. The expansion is set for completion in September 2021 and will comprise of a multi-purpose ballroom,…

SB School District will feed, provide child care to students this week

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Although classes are not in session from March 16-20 due to COVID-19 pandemic, San Bernardino City Unified Schools continue feeding and caring for children. To support working families with no other childcare options during the week of March 16-20, all SBCUSD elementary schools are offering free, emergency childcare for enrolled students up to age 11. Childcare will be provided to District students from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enrolled students can receive childcare at the school closest to them, even if that is not the school they regularly attend. Parents and guardians are asked to complete an emergency information card on the first day the student receives child care and must sign in and sign out students daily. All children ages 18 and younger will receive free breakfast and lunch only March 16-20 and will not be asked to provide a student ID number or other identification. Meals will be served during the following times: Elementary SchoolsBreakfast- 8:20 to 8:50 a.m.Lunch- 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.Middle Schools and High SchoolsBreakfast- 7:00 to 7:25 a.m.Lunch- 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The San Bernardino City Unified School District is…

School districts across SB County close due to COVID-19

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Several San Bernardino County Superintendent School Districts have closed to students beginning March 16 in efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “I support our local school districts’ efforts to develop plans that will best serve the safety and well-being of the students and staff in their communities,” Alejandre said. “These are unprecedented times for public education in meeting the challenges presented by this virus, as rapidly changing information and dynamics need to be addressed.” Earlier Sunday, Gov. Newsom indicated that further guidance for public schools would be provided March 17 to address the diverse needs of California school districts-urban and remote, large and small-as well as the diversity of student populations, including the need for food services and child care, and supports for the state’s most vulnerable students including special education, foster youth and homeless students. San Bernardino County Public Health officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in San Bernardino County Sunday. The County Department of Public Health also has issued a low threshold for the spread of the virus countywide. Even so, there have been a tremendous amount of…

SB School District closes all schools effective Monday, Mar. 16

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Following a decision by the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education made during an emergency meeting on Friday, March 13, 2020, all SBCUSD schools will be closed and all classes cancelled effective Monday, March 16, 2020, in response to COVID-19 concerns. Schools will remain closed through the end of the regularly scheduled spring break, which ends Friday, April 3, unless conditions call for an extension. SBCUSD families and staff will be notified via announcements on the District’s webpage at www.sbcusd.com and www.sbcusd.com/ReadySBCUSD, the San Bernardino City USD app, social media platforms, and automated phone calls. It’s vital for families and employees to make sure SBCUSD has current contact information on file to ensure timely updates. During that time, all SBCUSD schools will be completely shut down There will be no activities at SBCUSD schools and no off-site activities of any kind. While school facilities will be closed, plans are in place for students to continue to learn during this time. SBCUSD will be sharing more detailed information as soon as possible about the continuity of learning, including how families can support student learning during school…

SB School District hosts inaugural Literacy Day

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) celebrated its inaugural Literacy Day on Saturday, Mar. 7 at San Gorgonio High School with an estimated 3,000 in attendance that featured free books for every grade level, student displays, writing activities, student awards and more. According to Tasha Doizan, Director of Elementary Instruction, the purpose of the event was to highlight the importance of literacy and its effect on students’ future success. “We know that third grade is that key indicator as far as how kids are going to do, so we’re trying to bring awareness that reading and writing are important,” Doizan noted. “Our teachers and schools are working so hard, and if we can engage our parents in the process it’ll be great – so many parents ask how they can get involved, so this event will help everybody come together so that we can say this is important.” Students from each school site were recognized for their achievement, growth or creativity in reading, writing or both; SBCUSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Harold Vollkommer presented each deserving student with a certificate during the awards ceremony…

Wang Family Excellence Award Winner Brian Levin honored at reception

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

Cal State San Bernardino criminal justice professor and director of the university’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism Brian Levin was honored for his work and winning the 2020 CSU Wang Family Excellence Award at a reception on Feb. 27. “Brian exemplifies Cal State San Bernardino’s mission to provide valuable and dedicated instruction to our students and in serving our community for the greater good,” said CSUSB Provost Shari McMahan, who hosted the reception. The Wang Family Excellence Award from the California State University is given annually to the university system’s outstanding faculty members and one outstanding staff member who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves by exemplary contributions and achievements. Levin was honored in the Outstanding Faculty Scholarship category. Levin is the fifth CSUSB faculty member to receive a Wang Family Excellence Award, joining Diane Halpern (psychology, 1999), Robert Blackey (history, 2003), Alan L. Smith (geology, 2006) and Stuart Sumida (biology, 2008). For more than three decades, Levin has been doing more than just keeping an eye on people who inflict some of the worst harm humans wreak on each other. He takes…

Young Artists’ Gallery reception set for Mar. 10

By CaliNews 1 month ago

More than 170 pieces of art created by San Bernardino County middle and high school students will be on display at the fifth annual Young Artists’ Gallery reception on March 10. The event will be held at the National Orange Show Art Gallery, located at 689 S. E St. in San Bernardino. The reception begins at 6 p.m. Awards will be presented in the following categories to the participating students: Ceramics and Glass; Comic Art; Digital Art; Drawing; Film and Animation; Mixed Media; Painting; Photography; and Sculpture. The event is part of the Arts Education Initiative of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with the California Arts Project. The artists represent 13 county school districts. Participating school districts in this year’s Young Artists’ Gallery include: Apple Valley; Chaffey; Cucamonga; Fontana; Hesperia; Ontario-Montclair; Redlands; Rialto; Rim of the World; San Bernardino City Unified; Upland; Victor Valley Union; and Yucaipa-Calimesa. The post Young Artists’ Gallery reception set for Mar. 10 appeared first on Inland Empire Community News.