School News Archives - L.A. Parent https://www.laparent.com/education/school-news/ Events, Deals & Kids' Activities Fri, 30 May 2025 20:05:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 C-SPAN Honors Long Beach StudentCam Winners https://www.laparent.com/cspan-long-beach-student-filmmaker-winners/ https://www.laparent.com/cspan-long-beach-student-filmmaker-winners/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 21:20:08 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=236854 Young L.A. County filmmakers are on an award-winning streak. C-SPAN visited Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach on May 19 to celebrate and honor students for their prize-winning documentary filmy entries in C-SPAN’s annual student video documentary competition, StudentCam. C-SPAN and Spectrum representatives recognized the winning students and their teacher, Jeff Montooth, who served […]

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Young L.A. County filmmakers are on an award-winning streak. C-SPAN visited Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach on May 19 to celebrate and honor students for their prize-winning documentary filmy entries in C-SPAN’s annual student video documentary competition, StudentCam.

C-SPAN and Spectrum representatives recognized the winning students and their teacher, Jeff Montooth, who served as their StudentCam adviser, at an assembly of classmates, teachers, family members and elected officials.

For this year’s competition, C-SPAN, in cooperation with its cable and satellite television partners, asked middle and high school students to address a theme — Your Message to the President: What issue is most important to you or your community?” In response, nearly 3,500 students from 42 states and Washington, D.C. sent more than 1,700 entries to C-SPAN.

Award-winning documentaries

C-SPAN and Spectrum representatives joined Long Beach Polytechnic High School to celebrate StudentCam winners for their award-winning documentaries on issues impacting their communities. PHOTO COURTESY C-SPAN

Several freshmen from Poly High received top honors and cash prizes for their documentaries:

Second-Place Prize ($1,500):

Nolan Sheets, Rene Ortega and Roman Leonor, freshmen, won second prize and $1,500 for the video “Crime: Perception vs. Reality.”

Third-Place Prize ($750):

Sara Kong, a freshman, for the video “Ocean Acidification: Small Changes, Big Problems.”

Honorable Mentions ($250)

Isabella Sim and Owen Gurga, freshmen, for the video “Editing the Future: Bridging Science, Society, and Policy in Gene Editing.”

Juliet Haesly and Megan Lee, freshmen, for the video “No Means No.”

Eliza Floto and Brianna Goldstein, freshmen, for the video “The Divided States of America: Is the United States Really United?”

Natalie Hebdon, a freshman, for the video “A Safer Tomorrow: America’s Need for Enhanced Disaster Protection.”

“Congratulations to all of the incredibly talented young students who won awards in this year’s competition,” C-SPAN’s Director of Education Relations Craig McAndrew said. “Through in-depth research and interviews with an array of topical and technical experts, [they] have crafted impactful short stories that capture issues of wide public interest and importance. [Their] documentaries set a very high bar for future StudentCam filmmakers.”

C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies as a commercial-free public service. In Long Beach, C-SPAN is available through Spectrum, the local partner in StudentCam. 

“As a long-time supporter of StudentCam, we are continually inspired by the curiosity and creativity students bring to C-SPAN’s annual competition,” Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs for Spectrum Adam Falk said. “The program provides a unique opportunity for young people to showcase the critical thinking, problem solving and civic engagement skills essential for informed and active communities. We celebrate this year’s winners and look forward to watching them continue to follow their passion for storytelling through this medium.”

Popular Topics Explored

Now in its 21st year, this project-based learning experience asked students to explore and analyze matters of personal, local or national importance.The most popular topics addressed were: 

  • Climate, environment and land use (11%)
  • K-12 education policies and the cost of college (10%)
  • Health care and mental health (10%)
  • Gun violence, school safety and firearm policies (9%)
  • Inflation, taxes, government spending and the economy (9%)

In addition to the grand prize and first-prize winners, C-SPAN awarded 16 second prizes, 32 third prizes and 97 honorable mention prizes. The StudentCam competition has awarded more than $1.6 million in prizes since 2004. You can watch all 150 winning videos from this year’s competition at StudentCam.org.

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L.A. Youth Shine: PLUS ME Project’s IMPACT 2025 Celebrates Student Stories https://www.laparent.com/impact-2025-la-youth-scholarship-recipients/ https://www.laparent.com/impact-2025-la-youth-scholarship-recipients/#respond Fri, 16 May 2025 00:38:29 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=236805 Five Los Angeles high school seniors wrote stories that recently earned them the $1,000 My Story Matters IMPACT Scholarship, inspiring a community united by the power of youth voices. PLUS ME Project hosted its annual IMPACT 2025 event on May 17 at Marlborough School, celebrating these five winners: Selected from more than 238 applicants, the […]

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Scholarship recipients at the PLUS ME Project ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY PLUS ME PROJECT

Five Los Angeles high school seniors wrote stories that recently earned them the $1,000 My Story Matters IMPACT Scholarship, inspiring a community united by the power of youth voices.

PLUS ME Project hosted its annual IMPACT 2025 event on May 17 at Marlborough School, celebrating these five winners:

  • Jesus Ayala James, Monroe High School
  • Jimena Castaneda, Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
  • Mazel Ceniza, John F. Kennedy High School
  • Hanna Corona, Woodrow Wilson Senior High School
  • Lorenzo Flores, Alliance Morgan McKinzie High School

Selected from more than 238 applicants, the students took the stage to share how their personal stories are shaping their communities — each one a testament to the confidence and clarity that comes from owning your personal story. 

“This event captures the heart of what we do,” said Sean Leston, a communications and marketing specialist for PLUS ME Project. “IMPACT is about recognizing students who turn their stories into action and bringing them together with a room full of people who believe in their future.” 

Attendees enjoyed live student storytelling, a community lunch and a curated silent auction. Proceeds from the auction and event sponsorships will support PLUS ME’s goal to raise $50,000 and bring its storytelling programs to 500 more students across Los Angeles next year. 

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Saint Mark’s Village: Fastest school rebuilding effort since Eaton Fire https://www.laparent.com/saint-marks-village-fastest-local-school-rebuilding-effort-eaton-fire/ https://www.laparent.com/saint-marks-village-fastest-local-school-rebuilding-effort-eaton-fire/#respond Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:18:40 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=236339 In a remarkable display of collaboration and resilience, Saint Mark’s School and EF Academy Pasadena have unveiled Saint Mark’s Village, a state-of-the-art temporary learning space in Altadena for students displaced by the Eaton fire. This milestone ensures uninterrupted education while rebuilding efforts continue. Collaborative milestone in fire recovery Saint Mark’s, an independent Episcopal school, and […]

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In a remarkable display of collaboration and resilience, Saint Mark’s School and EF Academy Pasadena have unveiled Saint Mark’s Village, a state-of-the-art temporary learning space in Altadena for students displaced by the Eaton fire. This milestone ensures uninterrupted education while rebuilding efforts continue.

Collaborative milestone in fire recovery

Saint Mark’s, an independent Episcopal school, and EF Academy, a private day and boarding high school, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil Saint Mark’s Village for Saint Mark’s developmental kindergarten (DK) through 6th grade on the EF Academy campus.

The partnership, which was initially announced three weeks after the fires, went from vision to reality in less than two months, making it the fastest local school rebuilding effort to date.

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu addresses more than 600 attendees during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Saint Mark’s Village at EF Academy Pasadena. PHOTOS COURTESY SAINT MARK’S SCHOOL

“This ribbon-cutting represents more than just a temporary solution — it’s a testament to our community’s resilience and the collective effort to keep education at the forefront,” said Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark’s. “Thanks to the generosity of EF Academy, the dedication of countless supporters and the critical state measures that expedited rebuilding efforts, our students can continue their education without disruption. We are confident that when we return to our permanent campus, it will be even stronger and better for the future.”

Partnering for a comprehensive learning space

The new Saint Mark’s Village spans more than 12,000 square feet, featuring 22 classrooms, administrative offices and dedicated outdoor space to foster a sense of continuity and community for Saint Mark’s students. Built on 32,000 square feet of previously unused land area at EF Academy, PjHM Architects and WillScot designed the space to provide a high-quality learning environment while seamlessly integrating with EF Academy’s existing facilities.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when a community works together, supported by proactive leadership at every level,” said Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of School at EF Academy Pasadena. 

EF Academy Pasadena Head of School, Dr. Sally Mingarelli, and Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark’s School, are joined by U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, to cut the ribbon to officially unveil Saint Mark’s Village on the EF Academy campus.

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu added, “As someone who visited EF Academy during its earliest days, I’ve seen firsthand the school’s deep commitment to education and community. The swift creation of Saint Mark’s Village is a remarkable testament to that spirit.”

Community and leadership drive rapid rebuilding success

EF Academy Pasadena is providing Saint Mark’s Village with the land at no cost, underscoring its commitment to educational collaboration and community support. Beyond the dedicated learning space, Saint Mark’s students will also have access to EF Academy’s state-of-the-art STEM labs, arts spaces, gym and other campus resources.

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger commended the partnership. “The creation of Saint Mark’s Village in such a short time is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together,” Barger said. “Pasadena has shown incredible leadership in ensuring students have a place to learn and grow. This collaboration between Saint Mark’s and EF Academy Pasadena demonstrates the power of education to unite and uplift.”

Pasadena City Councilmember Rick Cole said: “The rapid development of Saint Mark’s Village represents Pasadena’s commitment to step up and do all we can to ensure fire victims are rehoused, kids are back in school, businesses can reopen and we can rebuild the fabric of our shared Altadena/Pasadena community.”

 Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order, N-6-25, cleared the way for rapid rebuilding efforts. Pasadena was able to move quickly to issue permits and allocate resources to allow EF Academy to host Saint Mark’s on its high school campus. At the same time, the village would not have been possible without Pasadena’s “whole-of-government” approach, accelerating permits and assisting with essential infrastructure, enabling dozens of local architects, engineers and contractors — many of whom donated their time — to help Saint Mark’s Village go from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting in approximately six weeks. 

Saint Mark’s School is raising funds to provide tuition assistance for displaced families, replace essential classroom materials and technology, support trauma-informed mental health services and support teachers. Funds will also help cover the costs of operating the school’s temporary campus. Find more information on the school’s website.

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Compton Unified Partners with Juilliard to Transform Arts Education https://www.laparent.com/compton-unified-juilliard-partnership-arts-eucation-in-schools/ https://www.laparent.com/compton-unified-juilliard-partnership-arts-eucation-in-schools/#respond Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:46:21 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=236322 Compton Unified School District (CUSD) and The Juilliard School are revolutionizing arts education through a multi-year partnership, offering mentorship for students and professional development for educators. The partnership deepens Compton Unified School District’s work in strengthening student pathways for artistic exploration and subject-specific professional development for teachers. Together, the organizations have built a new model […]

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Compton Unified School District (CUSD) and The Juilliard School are revolutionizing arts education through a multi-year partnership, offering mentorship for students and professional development for educators.

The partnership deepens Compton Unified School District’s work in strengthening student pathways for artistic exploration and subject-specific professional development for teachers. Together, the organizations have built a new model that brings collaborative professional learning resources to CUSD’s performing arts educators as well as student mentorship opportunities with industry professionals and members of the Juilliard community and alumni network.

Students from Compton Unified School District play their instruments in an orchestra..
PHOTO COURTESY COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

“We are absolutely ecstatic to be partnering with an arts organization of such unparalleled caliber as Juilliard. They indeed are the gold standard in arts education, synonymous with excellence, creativity, and achievement at the highest level,” says Micah Ali, president of the Compton Unified Board of Trustees. “For Compton Unified to partner with such a prestigious institution is emblematic of our commitment to providing world-class arts education. We are setting the stage for our scholars to thrive artistically, academically and beyond.”

“In Compton, we recognize that the arts are not just an enrichment — they are essential to a student’s growth, building confidence, discipline and creativity,” says CUSD Superintendent Darin Brawley, Ed.D. “Our partnership with Juilliard is more than an opportunity; it is a game-changer, elevating our scholars to the same level of excellence and world-class instruction as the most elite programs in the world.”

This partnership expands Juilliard’s longstanding commitment to working with partners to build new pathways into the performing arts. This two-way learning relationship for both education institutions also showcases CUSD’s dance, drama and music educators. The four-year program is broken into two areas:

  • Collaborative Professional Learning for Performing Arts Educators
  • Student Mentorship and Professional Engagement

Together, they will create enriched learning environments that engage local expertise from the Los Angeles area while broadening artistic opportunities for students and educators alike.

“We see this partnership with Compton Unified not just as a program, but as a shared commitment to making artistic excellence accessible to all students,” says Richard Mannoia, Juilliard’s senior director of Education and Strategy, K–12 Programs and Initiatives. “Together, we’re building a sustainable model that nurtures creativity and helps activate every child’s intrinsic artistic potential.”

The program will launch in 24 Compton Unified schools, with plans to eventually expand districtwide. The initiative kicks off in mid-April and runs through June 2028, serving Compton Unified students from kindergarten through grade 12.

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Unlock Your Teen’s Creative Potential at Otis College’s Summer of Art Program https://www.laparent.com/unlock-your-teens-creative-potential-at-otis-colleges-summer-of-art-program/ https://www.laparent.com/unlock-your-teens-creative-potential-at-otis-colleges-summer-of-art-program/#respond Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:28:08 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=236284 As parents, nurturing a child’s passion and preparing them for future success are top priorities. For those with creatively inclined teenagers, the Summer of Art pre-college program at Otis College of Art and Design offers an unparalleled opportunity to cultivate their budding talent, gain critical college experience and earn transferable credits — all within a supportive and […]

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As parents, nurturing a child’s passion and preparing them for future success are top priorities. For those with creatively inclined teenagers, the Summer of Art pre-college program at Otis College of Art and Design offers an unparalleled opportunity to cultivate their budding talent, gain critical college experience and earn transferable credits — all within a supportive and inspiring environment.

Summer of Art is a four-week intensive program designed for high school students and young creatives aged 14.5 to 19. This year’s program, which runs from July 7 to August 1, offers an immersive experience that provides participants with a taste of college-level art and design coursework while helping them build compelling portfolios for college applications. Whether your teen is an experienced artist aiming to refine their skills or a budding creative exploring new mediums, Otis College’s Summer of Art program offers tailored instruction to meet their needs.

The Summer of Art program features a wide array of courses that are categorized into Specializations and Drawing Studios. Specializations delve deep into specific art and design fields and meet five days a week for either morning or afternoon sessions. Options include Animation, Character Development and Design, Concept Art, Fashion Design, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Photography and Film, Toy Design, Sculpture and Ceramics, Storytelling and Animatics, among others. 

Complementing these are Drawing Studios, which focus on foundational skills that are essential across all art and design disciplines. Courses such as Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Life Drawing and Drawing from the Costumed Model are available and also meet five days a week. For a comprehensive experience, students are encouraged to enroll in both a Specialization and a Drawing Studio, creating a full-day schedule that mirrors the rigor of a college level art and design program.

A significant advantage of the Summer of Art program is the opportunity for students to earn up to three transferable college credits. Upon successful completion, participants receive two credits for their Specialization course and one credit for their Drawing Studio course. These credits can be applied at Otis College or other institutions that accept college credits, providing students with an important head start as they pursue higher education. 

Summer of Art courses are taught by award-winning, practicing artists and designers who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Many also teach for Otis College’s undergraduate degree programs. This mentorship allows students to gain insights into the professional art and design world, understand current industry practices and receive guidance on their creative journeys. 

For students seeking a fully immersive pre-college experience, on-campus housing is available in the Otis College Residence Hall. Living on campus helps students foster a creative community, offering opportunities for collaboration and camaraderie among their peers. Residential students participate in supervised activities, have access to campus facilities and experience a taste of independent college life within a structured environment. 

The Summer of Art program concludes with a final exhibition, providing students the experience of being part of a gallery show. This event allows participants to showcase their work to family, friends and the Otis community and celebrates their achievements and artistic growth over the four-week program. 

Summer of Art at Otis College is the ultimate pre-college program. Beyond skill development, students strengthen their future art and design college applications and gain insight into what admissions counselors are seeking through critiques and portfolio development sessions. The experience also builds confidence and familiarity with the demands of college-level coursework. 

  • April 21, 2025: Scholarship application deadline.
  • April 25, 2025: Early enrollment discount deadline; tuition deposit due.
  • May 14, 2025: International student registration deadline.
  • May 23, 2025: Full tuition balance due.
  • June 23, 2025: Final registration deadline.

To register, visit otis.edu/soa and select the desired courses. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot, take advantage of discounts and secure housing. 

Otis College will offer an in-person information session in April for prospective students and parents to learn more about the Summer of Art pre-college program. The session will provide insights into course offerings, campus life and opportunities to ask questions. 

April Session:
Saturday, April 19, 11:00 a.m.–noon PDT (On-campus at Otis College)
Register Now

Enrolling your teenager in Summer of Art at Otis College is more than a summer activity — it’s an investment in their creative and academic future. The program offers a unique blend of intensive instruction, college preparation, and personal growth opportunities that can set the foundation for a successful career in the arts. By participating, students not only enhance their portfolios and skills but also gain invaluable experience that will serve them well in any future endeavor.For more information and to begin the registration process, visit otis.edu/soa today. Empower your teen to explore their artistic potential and take the next step toward their creative aspirations.

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LAUSD Shatters Record: 89 Magnet Schools Earn National Acclaim https://www.laparent.com/los-angeles-unified-sets-record-with-89-best-schools-merit-of-excellence/ https://www.laparent.com/los-angeles-unified-sets-record-with-89-best-schools-merit-of-excellence/#respond Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:46:55 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=235504 Los Angeles Unified School District has set a new benchmark for magnet school success. Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has recognized an unprecedented 89 LAUSD magnet programs as among the nation’s finest, nearly doubling last year’s record-breaking count of 48 programs. MSA’s National Merit Awards program honors the top magnet schools in the U.S. These […]

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Los Angeles Unified School District has set a new benchmark for magnet school success. Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has recognized an unprecedented 89 LAUSD magnet programs as among the nation’s finest, nearly doubling last year’s record-breaking count of 48 programs.

MSA’s National Merit Awards program honors the top magnet schools in the U.S. These awards recognize magnet schools that demonstrate commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation and diversity efforts, plus consistent delivery of high-quality educational services to all stakeholders.

“This year’s unprecedented recognition demonstrates the unparalleled dedication of our educators, staff and families in delivering world-class opportunities for our students,” LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “To see 89 of our magnet schools honored on a national stage is a true testament to the innovation and excellence happening every day in Los Angeles Unified classrooms.”

Los Angeles Unified offers more than 330 magnet programs serving nearly 89,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs provide rigorous, theme-based instruction in areas such as STEM, visual and performing arts, communication arts, gifted education and public service.

Below are the schools that received the top merit school of excellence awards. Schools that are the highest ranked in this category are eligible to receive monetary awards and the chance to be named among the nation’s “top” schools.

  • Cleveland Charter High School Humanities Magnet 
  • El Sereno Middle School and Magnet Center 
  • George K. Porter Middle School Gifted Magnet 
  • John F. Kennedy HS Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet
  •  John F. Kennedy HS Gifted/Highly Gifted/High Achieving Medical Magnet
  • Open Magnet Charter
  • Park Western Place Elementary School & Gifted STREAM Magnet
  • Reseda Charter High School Science Magnet 
  • Richard Henry Dana Middle School STEAM Magnet 
  • Southeast DREAMS Magnet
  • Stephen M. White S.T.E.A.M. Magnet
  • Sylmar Biotech Health & Engineering Magnet
  • Verdugo Hills High School Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Multimedia Magnet
  • Westminster Math, Technology, & Environmental Studies Magnet Elementary School

For a full list of recognized schools and more information about the district’s magnet programs, visit lausd.org.

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Touchdown for Health: Rams and Bloom Ranch Score Big at Tarzana Elementary https://www.laparent.com/touchdown-for-health-rams-and-bloom-ranch-score-big-at-tarzana-elementary/ https://www.laparent.com/touchdown-for-health-rams-and-bloom-ranch-score-big-at-tarzana-elementary/#respond Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:52:50 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=235109 The post Touchdown for Health: Rams and Bloom Ranch Score Big at Tarzana Elementary appeared first on L.A. Parent.

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PHOTOS COURTESY VEW MEDIA

In a playful blitz of fitness and fun, the Los Angeles Rams teamed up with Dr. Bill Releford, owner of Bloom Ranch in Acton to tackle childhood wellness head-on at Tarzana Elementary School. The early December NFL PLAY 60 event wasn’t just about burning calories; it was a full-field press on the importance of nutrition and exercise in young lives.

As students ran, jumped and laughed their way through various activities, they were also planting the seeds for lifelong healthy habits. The event’s secret play? PLAY 60’s powerful mantra that echoed across the schoolyard: “If you can see it, you can achieve it!” This rallying cry aimed to inspire kids to envision and pursue their health goals with the same determination as their gridiron heroes. And in a clever twist, the introduction of “Bloom Dollars” gave students a taste of financial literacy while steering them towards nutritious food choices, proving that in the game of health, everyone can be a winner.

This collaboration between the Rams and Releford, who is also CEO and founder of The Wound Pros, is part of a larger initiative to reverse the trend of childhood obesity and promote overall well-being. By bringing the excitement of professional football to the playground, the event not only encouraged physical activity but also fostered a sense of community and teamwork.

As the children engaged with Rams ambassadors and participated in football drills, they were learning valuable lessons about perseverance, goal-setting, and the importance of mental health alongside physical fitness.

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New Education Endowment Fund Benefits Youth in Inglewood https://www.laparent.com/educational-endowment-fund-inglewood/ https://www.laparent.com/educational-endowment-fund-inglewood/#respond Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:55:22 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=234698 Wanting to see kids thrive in their education, the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation (GLAEF) aims to springboard students into their college and career success. As part of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the largest regional education agency in the nation, GLAEF is an independent non-profit organization and has recently announced a […]

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The Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation has established a $12.75 million education endowment fund to benefit youth in Inglewood. PHOTO COURTESY THE GREATER LOS ANGELES EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Wanting to see kids thrive in their education, the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation (GLAEF) aims to springboard students into their college and career success.

As part of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the largest regional education agency in the nation, GLAEF is an independent non-profit organization and has recently announced a $12.75 million education endowment fund to benefit youth living in Inglewood. This grant will provide support to nonprofit organizations and initiatives that focus on a variety of educational areas.

Non-profit organizations that offer services such as after-school tutoring, youth innovation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) design camps and college counseling/scholarships benefit from this endowment, which in turn benefits students. Making a lasting and consistent impact in the community and providing dependable help in much needed education-based enterprises, GLAEF works to ensure students have all the resources they need to flourish today and in the future, organizers say.

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2025 California Teachers of the Year https://www.laparent.com/2025-california-teachers-of-the-year-three-educators-from-los-angeles-county/ https://www.laparent.com/2025-california-teachers-of-the-year-three-educators-from-los-angeles-county/#respond Thu, 10 Oct 2024 21:18:20 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=234278 Great teachers are a gift, and three of L.A. County’s most outstanding teachers have been recognized as the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. They will spend a full year serving as ambassadors of teaching excellence for the state. Recognized for their dedication and innovative teaching methods, the educators stood out among a field of […]

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Great teachers are a gift, and three of L.A. County’s most outstanding teachers have been recognized as the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. They will spend a full year serving as ambassadors of teaching excellence for the state. Recognized for their dedication and innovative teaching methods, the educators stood out among a field of 69 talented nominees before going on to snag the coveted positions.

Three of the 2025 California Teachers of the Year are from L.A. County. From left to right: Arby Jean Wolkov, Matthew Winheim, Nicholas Westfall.
PHOTOS COURTESY LOS ANGELES COUNTY OF EDUCATION

The L.A. County-based California Teachers of the Year are:

  • Matthew Winheim: A middle school STEM aviation and mathematics teacher at SAGE (Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration) Magnet Academy in the Palmdale Unified School District. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond nominated Winheim to represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
  • Nicholas Westfall: A high school physical education teacher at Alexander Hamilton Senior High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Westfall’s commitment to student engagement and physical fitness has made a significant impact in his community.
  • Arby Jean Wolkov: An American Sign Language teacher at William Howard Taft Charter High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Wolkov is recognized for fostering inclusivity and communication among students.

      In addition to the winners, there were three L.A. County finalists:

  • Jesse Braun: A middle school library, yearbook and home hospital teacher at Beverly Vista Middle School in the Beverly Hills Unified School District.
  • Courtney Franz: A transitional kindergarten to fifth-grade special education teacher at Holly Avenue Elementary School in the Arcadia Unified School District.
  • Erica Lundy: A fifth-grade multiple-subject gifted and highly gifted teacher at Welby Way Charter Elementary and Gifted-High Ability School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Each awardee received a $1,000 cash prize from California Credit Union, the program’s platinum sponsor, in recognition of their contributions to education. 

The teachers submitted essays, lesson plans and other materials that were judged by a panel of past California Teachers of the Year. Teachers were celebrated for their innovative teaching methods, ability to inspire and motivate students and commitment to creating a positive learning environment, says Van Nguyen, a public affairs officer with the Los Angeles County of Education. 

For more information on the award program, visit the California Department of Education’s  California Teachers of the Year web page

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The Future of Education: Why Virtual Learning Might Be the Right Choice for Your Child https://www.laparent.com/the-future-of-education-why-virtual-learning-might-be-the-right-choice-for-your-child/ https://www.laparent.com/the-future-of-education-why-virtual-learning-might-be-the-right-choice-for-your-child/#respond Sun, 01 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.laparent.com/?p=233807 By Deanna Vallerga, Director of Middle School Education is rapidly evolving, driven by the realization that traditional classrooms may not meet the diverse needs of all students. As families seek alternatives better aligned with their children’s unique learning or lifestyle needs, virtual learning has emerged as a compelling option. Now is the time to explore […]

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By Deanna Vallerga, Director of Middle School

Education is rapidly evolving, driven by the realization that traditional classrooms may not meet the diverse needs of all students. As families seek alternatives better aligned with their children’s unique learning or lifestyle needs, virtual learning has emerged as a compelling option. Now is the time to explore why virtual learning might be the right choice for your child. There’s still time to enroll for this school year.

The Shift Toward Personalized Education
Personalized learning has gained significant traction, and for good reason. Traditional education models are sometimes challenged to meet the needs of students with unique abilities, lifestyles and schedules. Virtual learning meets students where they are, allows them to engage in learning in a more flexible way and offers a tailored experience that adapts to their individual circumstances.

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) exemplifies this by providing online education that is more customized. In a virtual classroom, students can progress at a varied pace, spending extra time on challenging subjects or moving ahead quickly when they grasp concepts. This more individualized pacing supports academic success and boosts confidence by allowing students to achieve mastery without the pressure of keeping up with classmates or the boredom that comes with slowing down for their peers.

This shift toward personalization represents a fundamental change in what families are looking for and how education is delivered. Virtual schools like CAVA create adaptive learning experiences that adjust in real-time to a student’s progress, ensuring each child receives the support they need to succeed. It’s a model that prioritizes the individual, making education a more inclusive and effective experience for all students. 

Education for Modern Families
The phrase learning happens everywhere has never been more relevant. Parents and children juggle multiple responsibilities, making the ability to be mobile invaluable. Virtual learning allows students to learn from anywhere — at home or on the road — that suits their family.

The ability to adjust some of a child’s schedule is particularly beneficial for busy families, such as demanding extracurricular activities, ongoing medical appointments or needs, travel or non-traditional work. Whether your child is an athlete, musician or someone who benefits from a different environment, virtual learning through CAVA offers the freedom to balance education with life.

Children who struggle with the social pressures or sensory overload in a traditional classroom are more comfortable with virtual learning and its more controlled setting. Learning from home or another preferred location often helps these students focus better, leading to a more positive educational experience and outcomes.

The Rise of the School Choice Movement
More and more parents are taking control of their children’s education, seeking learning environments they believe are more aligned with their values and goals. Virtual learning has become a viable alternative to traditional models.

The appeal of virtual learning lies in its ability to cater to diverse needs while maintaining high academic standards. It’s an approach that not only meets students where they are but prepares them for the future by offering essential digital skills and fostering independence.

As parents demand more options, schools respond by finding innovative ways to engage students and incorporate new technologies into the learning process. This shift represents a broader trend toward more inclusive, adaptable and effective educational environments — where virtual learning plays a leading role.

Preparing for the Future with Virtual Learning
Education is changing in exciting ways. Schools are increasingly incorporating elements like game-based learning and artificial intelligence to make instructions more interactive and engaging. These advancements prepare students for a world where digital literacy and technological proficiency are crucial.

Virtual learning platforms like CAVA are at the forefront of this revolution. By providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and resources, virtual learning helps them develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. These platforms offer a dynamic and immersive experience that goes beyond what traditional classrooms can provide.

Virtual learning also offers a level of parental involvement that can be missing in conventional schooling. Parents can easily monitor their child’s progress through their role as a learning coach, regular updates and direct communication with teachers, ensuring a supportive network that helps students thrive. 

The Future is Waiting
Education is at a pivotal moment. The rise of virtual learning represents a significant step forward in creating inclusive, flexible and personalized educational environments. Students aren’t just learning — they’re part of a dynamic community. With clubs, social events and collaborative projects, students build meaningful connections and develop essential social skills. Choosing virtual learning opens the door to a world of possibilities that can help students reach their greatest potential.

There’s time to act — and now is that time. Explore the options available and consider which offers the brighter educational future for your child. Look at CAVA. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Our team is standing by to help you and your child succeed. Their future was always in your hands, and now virtual learning puts your students’ education there as well. 

Deanna Vallerga started her career in education in 1992. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a clear administrative credential. She joined the CAVA staff in 2005 as a K–8 teacher and has served as the lead of language arts, and regional program coordinator for the northern CAVA schools for six years. Currently, she is the Director of Middle School for all nine California Virtual Academies.

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