In this difficult time, LACOE remains committed to improving the lives of students and our educational community through service, leadership and advocacy. Here, we share best practices, tips and success stories from the county’s 80 districts as we innovate and adapt together to ensure continuity of learning and safety of students, staff and families. |
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Lessons from the Field: Inglewood USD |
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Join LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo on a visit to Hudnall Elementary in Inglewood USD, where teachers and staff have created a safe, welcoming and joyful environment for students as they return to in-person learning. County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres says she is proud of the teamwork that shows how the district "stands behind their families, staff and communities" during this unprecedented time.
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El Rancho USD soft reopening off to a great start |
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El Rancho USD's soft reopening is off to a great start, Supt. Frances Esparza shares in a video update. Students have adjusted well to in-person instruction as they return to safe and welcoming classrooms. Teachers and staff have worked hard to provide guidance and best practices to ensure school communities stay healthy, safe and "El Rancho strong," says Dr. Esparza.
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Honoring School Lunch Heroes |
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On National School Lunch Hero Day, school communities honored the frontline workers who made sure students across the country didn't go hungry. From preparing healthy meals for students and ensuring the highest nutrition standards to offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals — like Betsie Reyes — are true heroes.
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LA County students win statewide photo contest |
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Five LA County students are among the top eight winners of the CaliforniaStreaming Digital Photography Contest this year.
The winners from LA County include Adrian Ceja, 5 (kindergarten, Burbank Elementary, ABC Unified); Samantha Rivera, 17 (11th grade, El Rancho HS, El Rancho USD); Ariana Gonzalez, 13 (8th grade, T. S. King Gifted Arts and Tech Magnet, LAUSD); Bianca Robles, 13 (8th grade, T. S. King Gifted Arts and Tech Magnet, LAUSD) and Amara Lin-Bouldin, 8 (2nd grade, Melrose Avenue Elementary, LAUSD). They were honored during a virtual presentation at the May 18 LA County Board meeting.
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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching
Walnut USD science teacher named finalist
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Walnut HS science teacher Garrett Lim has been honored as a California finalist for the 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. He is one of three exceptional LA County teachers recognized for excellence during an unprecedented year of remote learning.
Also honored were Maria Garcia from Richard Henry Dana Middle in Wiseburn SD and Stephanie Paris from Granada Hills Charter HS in LAUSD.
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Washington Elementary, Foothills Middle School named Schools of Excellence |
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Washington Elementary in Pomona USD and Foothills Middle School in Arcadia USD have been named Imagine Learning Schools of Excellence. The awards recognize the schools and students that have demonstrated exemplary usage of Imagine Learning programs and are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of students and educators around the country.
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Supporting immigrant and refugee students |
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In response to the expected increased arrival of immigrant children in Los Angeles County, LACOE and Californians Together hosted a two-day training of trainers facilitated by Loyola Marymount University's Center for Equity for English Learners on April 28 and May 5. Curriculum specialists and mental health practitioners with expertise in trauma-informed practice provided literature-based, standards-aligned lesson modules addressing the social, emotional and educational needs of immigrant students.
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Social-emotional learning and mental health |
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Students and teachers have reported increased mental health stressors over the past year, and arts education must be part of all social-emotional learning (SEL) conversations. Arts education has been proven to reduce anxiety, increase connection and support SEL. CREATE CA invites communities to sign the pledge to join the movement for a full and relevant arts education for all students.
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Congress has passed a massive stimulus package intended to help communities rebound from COVID-19. LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo and UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools Director Joseph Bishop discuss how districts can put the federal dollars to good use for students experiencing homelessness
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Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage
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The Asian Pacific Heritage Group (APHG) at LACOE recently hosted its 11th annual event celebrating Asian Pacific cultures and honoring the contributions and accomplishments of Asian Pacific American communities. Held in observance of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, the virtual event also aimed to promote cultural diversity at LACOE. The group awarded scholarships to support student success. Major sponsors included the SEIU Local 99 and the California Credit Union. The African American Heritage Committee (AAHC) donated $500 to the scholarship program in solidarity with APHG, chaired by Kirit Chauhan. "We are one, and we need to support all our students no matter the ethnicity or racial background," said AAHC founder Ethel Johnson.
In a resolution, the LA County Board of Education has called on communities to observe the Month to celebrate and learn about Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history and cultures. The Board also encouraged support for efforts to combat hate toward AANHPIs by providing instructional resources and promising practices to make a significant impact on the lives of AANHPI students.
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Dr. Thompson honored for administrator excellence |
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Former LACOE Student Support Services Director Dr. Victor Thompson has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 14 for administrator excellence and selected as the region's state nominee for the ACSA Marcus Foster Award. Through its annual awards program, ACSA honors students, administrators and community organizations for their achievements and their dedication to public education at both the regional and state levels.
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Resources for Families & Schools |
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Don’t forget, LACOE is regularly updating several pages of resources:
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