Education

County Schools’ Dowdy to receive National Lifetime Achievement Award

By CaliNews 6 days ago

Brenda Dowdy, homeless education project manager for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will receive the 2019 Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award at a national conference in Washington, D.C., in November. Dowdy will be honored at the 31st annual National Association for the Education of Homeless Children Conference on Nov. 3. For the past 13 years, Dowdy has worked in County Schools’ Children Deserve Success program, working with liaisons of the county’s 33 school districts in homeless education to provide services for students and families. San Bernardino County is home to more than 33,000 students identified as homeless as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Dowdy has led efforts through County Schools to provide backpacks with school supplies, clothing and personal hygiene items for students. She also has helped raise and coordinate distribution of college scholarships for high school graduates annually. The post County Schools’ Dowdy to receive National Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on Inland Empire Community News.

Rialto Unified School District students earn over $2 million in scholarships

By CaliNews 1 week ago

At the end of September, Rialto Unified School District students made history by earning over $2 million in scholarships to four-year universities. “We are here with over 30 colleges and universities that will be conducting on the spot admissions and granting scholarships. Today we hope to see around 1,000 students from the Rialto Unified School District and surrounding districts come out to experience this opportunity. This year we are anticipating getting 200 to 300 students accepted into a university. We are confident we will have 2 million dollars in scholarship offers,” said Dr. Alan Rowe, United Action College Network (U-CAN). On September 17, A.B. Miller High School hosted a U-CAN college fair to provide leadership services, college preparation assistance and award scholarships to qualifying students throughout the district. “Our students have worked hard in preparing their resumes and preparing their communication skills for interviews. What is unique about this college fair is that students receive on the spot scholarships, full ride admissions, and it really helps them get excited about the college admissions process,” said Dr. Edward D’ Souza, math and science lead academic agent.…

SB Community College District makes new investment in the community and The Free College Promise

By CaliNews 1 week ago

The San Bernardino Community College District is expanding its reach and its investment in the community with a move to a new building on Hospitality Lane. Move-in day is Friday, Oct. 18 to a three-story building located at 550 E. Hospitality Lane, Suite 200, San Bernardino, CA 92408. The community college district will move several offices into the second floor, including business services, human resources, facilities planning, public affairs, technology, research planning, and the chancellor’s office. This building will also house the meeting room for the public meetings of the Board of Trustees. The public will have an opportunity to see the new space at a study session with the board at noon on Thursday, Oct. 24. The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be 4 p.m. Nov. 14. When guests enter the building, they will find a commemorative plaque on the first floor that reads, “On the eve of the San Bernardino Community College District’s first 100 years of public service, this building is dedicated to our community as a bridge to a better tomorrow.” Already, the first floor is leased by Molina Healthcare, and the third…

Assemblymember Reyes and School District Police bring Community Healing Forum to San Bernardino

By CaliNews 1 week ago

Bullying and violence in our communities were top concerns on Monday night. Over 200 community members joined with Assemblymember Reyes and Chief Joseph Paulino of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Police at Arroyo Valley High School to share their frustrations and concerns on important community issues in San Bernardino. The goal of the Community Healing Forum was to provide a safe space for the community to express their concerns to community leaders. The main topics discussed were bullying and student safety. “It was clear to me that bullying is a main concern to parents and our community. When parents drop off their children at school they expect them to be safe from bullying and other trauma that impacts their children,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “These conversations are difficult, but they are the first step to healing and finding solutions to the community’s concerns.” The Community Healing: Protecting the Next Generation event was the first in a series of community healing events that Assemblymember Reyes is planning throughout the 47th Assembly District. These events will tackle issues of poverty, gun violence, student safety, homelessness, government…

Former Carter High Principal Dr. Patricia Chavez honored with Champions for Character award

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

Former Carter High School principal, now serving as Rialto Unified School District’s director of education, Dr. Patricia Chavez, was awarded with the “Champions for Character Award” by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), on September 23. Chavez was recognized at the Grand Ballroom in Long Beach for exemplifying the very finest in sportsmanship, character, and integrity. Photo RUSD: Dr. Patricia Chavez and Commissioner Rob Wigod at the CIF Champions for Character Awards Ceremony on September 23. “I nominated Chavez for this award because she is a true advocate of athletics and showcases integrity of sportsmanship. She is a true champion of character,” said Joe Paluba, Carter High School Athletic Director. Paluba also shared that Chavez has been present in the success of the high school’s CIF in wrestling and showed support even when the school faced difficult seasons in football. “I would like to thank Athletic Director Mr. Paluba and especially our students because they are the ones on the ground running and doing the work. They are the reason why I was recognized,” said Chavez. “I’m passionate about the high school level because it has…

Sycamore Elementary students enjoy fruits of their labor

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

Third-grade students in Jessica Betcher’s class at Sycamore Hills Elementary School spent last school year planning and planting a garden as part of a Project Based Learning endeavor. Now they are enjoying the fruits of their labors. Watermelon and pumpkin vines meander across a sunny courtyard, ripe red tomatoes peek out from under the leaves of a robust plant and a few strawberries, hydrangeas and other plants complete the scene. Tall stalks of corn tower above them all. Some of the produce already has been harvested and while more is still ripening. Ms. Betcher’s students – now fourth graders — have sampled tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. They are excited for sweet watermelon and pumpkins still to come. “What I’d like to do with the pumpkins is make pumpkin pie,” said fourth grader Allison Godinez who worked on the project last year. Photo CJUSD: Student Chloe Vargas checks out a pumpkin. Student Chloe Vargas recently shared a carrot from the garden with her Guinea pig Oreo Sprinkles. “She ate the whole carrot!” Chloe said. Other students have enjoyed salsa and marinara sauce made with…

Cal State San Bernardino among top 25 colleges with master’s in security studies

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

Cal State San Bernardino has been listed among the top 25 colleges in the nation with master’s degree programs in security studies, according to Security Degree Hub. CSUSB, ranked at No. 14, offers a master of arts in national security studies through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and is the only California State University to make the list. “We are delighted to be ranked among the nation’s top master’s programs in security studies. Dr. Mark Clark, Dr. Brian Janiskee, and the talented team of faculty they lead have worked tirelessly on building an outstanding and dynamic graduate program in National Security Studies here at CSUSB,” said Rafik Mohamed, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “On several occasions, I have had the pleasure of visiting with our NSS program alumni who work in the top law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the country. To a person, they credit the high-quality education they received here at CSUSB for training them to think critically and responsively, and for ideally equipping them to capably address our most pressing contemporary national and international security concerns.”…

County Superintendent Alejandre delivers State of Education Address

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

Photo SBCSS: County Superintendent Ted Alejandre delivered his fifth State of Education Address on Sept. 19 at the California Theatre of the Perfoming Arts. Touting a theme of how innovation and engagement are shaping public education across the region, San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre delivered his fifth annual State of Education Address on Sept. 19. The speech was held at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts before a large crowd of educators, elected officials, community stakeholders and students. Photo SBCSS: Anna Smith and Cassandra Davis of the Cajon High School county champion Mock Trial team recited the Pledge of Allegiance. “We aspire to transform lives through education by inspiring engagement, connection, collaboration and innovation,” Alejandre said. “Working in collaboration with school districts, other agencies, families and our community partners, we provide leadership, advocacy and services to ensure innovative and inspired educational practices.” Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino, introduced Alejandre and touted his background in being a champion for early literacy and learning programs across the region. Stephanie Houston, assistant superintendent of Innovation and Engagement for County Schools, made introductions…

4th Annual CJUSD District College and Career Fair is Oct. 2

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Students of all grade levels and their families are encouraged to attend the Fourth Annual CJUSD College and Career Fair, to be held from 5:30-7:30 PM Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Gonzales Community Center, 670 Colton Avenue in Colton. Admission is free. This event is a collaborative effort of the Colton Joint Unified School District and City of Colton with sponsorship from the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, Omnitrans, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, Horace Mann Insurance (Marcos Mata Agency) and Dynasty V Graphic Design. The fair has become a popular tradition in Colton, with the district’s first three annual events each drawing more than 3,000 in attendance. The College and Career Fair features nearly100 booths representing colleges, universities, technical/trade schools and career pathways. In addition, this year’s fair will feature workshops on financial aid, and an opportunity for students and parents to begin their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Seniors who participate in a Cash for College Workshop and fill out a survey will be able to enter a $1,000 Scholarship Raffle! The popular STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art,…

Amazon hosts STEM event for childhood cancer patients, survivors, presents check to Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Amazon hosted 10 patients and their family members at Amazon’s San Bernardino Fulfillment Center for a day of surprises and educational activities. During the event, Amazon gave children the chance to participate in Camp Amazon: Gold Edition, a day camp packed with STEM activities that included a tour of their 1.2 million sq. ft. facility. Amazonians also dressed in pajamas to show their support for childhood cancer patients who oftentimes wear their pajamas while they receive treatment. Photo Kelly Koehler: Amazon associate helps Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California patient build a coding robot during Camp Amazon. In addition, Amazon leaders surprised patients and survivors with a $30,000 donation to the Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California. More than 300,000 children around the world are diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year and it is the number one non-communicable disease causing the death of children around the world. Amazon Spokesperson, Eileen Hards, shares “We’re excited to once again #GoGold for the month of September to help raise awareness for young innovators battling cancer. At Amazon, we…

Asm. Ramos and San Manuel hold 20th Annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference at Cal State San Bernardino

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Over the course of this week over 1,500 elementary school children and teachers throughout the Inland Empire will visit California State University, San Bernardino to learn first-hand about California’s Native American culture, history and customs as part of the week-long California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. The conference began Monday, September 23 and coincides with California Native American Day on Friday, September 27. “Every year San Manuel hosts conferences in honor of California Native American Day to invite schools to work alongside their local Tribes to undo decades of misinformation that has been told in textbooks,” said Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D – Highland), who is a former chairman of San Manuel. “These conferences are an important part of healing from these tragedies and retelling the history of California Native Americans for future generations to come.” Tribal members across California arrive on campus at CSUSB to lead presentations on culture, historical lessons that included the role of agriculture and ranching in the Native lifestyle, and hands-on activities such as basket weaving. Twenty years ago the conference was founded to provide local teachers with educational resources to…

Buddy Bench helps students make friends at Crestmore Elementary

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

On a sunny Monday morning, children are playing on the Crestmore Elementary School playground, when a little girl holding a basketball sits down on a big yellow bench. She looks a little sad and lonely, but in just a few minutes, two other little girls cheerily come up to her to ask her to play and soon everyone is all smiles. That’s the magic of Crestmore Elementary School’s new Buddy Bench. Students who might be in need of a friend simply sit down on the bench and other children know to come up and see if they can be that friend. Even though the bench has only been in existence for a few weeks, it’s already making a difference for the students in need of a friend, as well as those who step up to help, noted Elementary Counselor Angelica Martinez. “They’re aware of the power they have to lift somebody up,” she said. Second grade teacher Vicky Nitch brought up the idea for the Buddy Bench up at a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) meeting last year. “I had heard about them in…

Cal State Professor Verissimo recognized for continued service to community

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

Angie Denisse Otiniano Verissimo, an associate professor in the Department of Health Science and Human Ecology at Cal State San Bernardino, was selected for the Wilmer Amina Carter Award from Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes’ (D-San Bernardino) office for her continued service to the Inland Empire community. She received the award during Reyes’ 30 Under 30 Award Ceremony and Art Showcase on Aug. 17 in downtown San Bernardino. Photo CSUSB: Angie Verissimo with Wilmer Amina Carter. The 30 Under 30 program was established by former Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, a CSUSB alumna and retired CSUSB staff member. The event honors 30 individuals under the age of 30 who exemplify dedication, innovation and service in the community, and live, volunteer or work in in the 47th district, which includes all or portions of Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto and San Bernardino, as well as the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. This year, nine of the 30 awardees are CSUSB alumni. Verissimo, who grew up in Muscoy and Rialto, was a recipient of a 30 Under 30 award in 2008, when Carter represented the district. Verissimo said…

Cooley Ranch students honor 9-11 with Remembrance Day ceremony

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

There were hundreds of smiling faces and lots of flag-waving at the Cooley Ranch Elementary Annual Remembrance Day on September 11, 2019. Looking throughout the sea of red, white and blue dressed miniature patriots, it was hard to realize that the majority of those little faces were not even alive on that fateful day in 2001 or that the oldest among them had been barely born, or was maybe one or two years old at the time. The Cooley Ranch students all started their day reporting to the flagpole, where the Colton High School Navy Jr. ROTC student color guard presented the colors and stood at rapt attention as Boy Scout Troop 42 members raised the flag to half-mast. After the Pledge of Allegiance echoed throughout the courtyard, everyone sang some patriotic songs. The Kiwanis Club K-Kids offered information on the meaning of 9-11 and then shared a poem with the students. 9-year old Cub Scout Devan Smith felt it was important that the students remember what happened on 9-11, stating, “We need to remember everything that happened and grow from it.” When asked what…

Annual College Night, U-CAN College Fair give students boost for college

By CaliNews 1 month ago

Indian Springs High School, 650 N. Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino, is hosting the 29th Annual College Night on Tuesday, September 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. College Night is open to all San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) students and their families. During the two-hour event, students and parents can learn about FAFSA and other financial aid options and AB 540, which makes it easier for qualified, undocumented students to attend college. Students and parents can also meet with dozens of college representatives to learn about admissions requirements and course offerings. Among the scheduled attendees are representatives of the California State University and University of California campuses, San Bernardino Valley College, trade schools, and military recruiters. High school seniors can also attend the U-CAN (United College Action Network) college fair at Cajon High School on September 19, 8:15 a.m. to 12 noon. U-CAN is focused on connecting high school seniors with Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). One of the benefits of U-CAN is that select high school seniors may receive on-the-spot scholarships or admission to HBCUs. Students must bring a copy…

Military Explorers Program thrives on community and technical experience

By CaliNews 1 month ago

The Military Explorers program has been shaping the lives of San Bernardino students and beyond, since 2013. “The Military Explorers of the Inland Empire Post III is an after-school career pathways program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America for students who are 12 to 20 years old,” said Public Affairs Officer SPC Simeone N. Miller. The program mirrors US Army rank structure, it is supported by a staff of veterans, active duty service members, and former Explorers. The program was founded by a San Bernardino City Unified School District teacher and veteran, Chief Phillip Ayala. “Our mission is to provide America’s youth with easier access to military recruiters, ASVAB preparation, college ROTC scholarship and enrollment opportunities, and service academy and accessions information. More importantly, we teach leadership development, insight into what it is like to be in the military, the basic enlistment requirements, and hands-on technical training that mirrors certain US Army Military Occupational Specialties such as Public Affairs, Infantry, Military Police, and more,” said Miller. Explorers not only wear the uniform, but earn ranks by taking tests according to regulation. They also advance…