Lancaster SD Supt. Michele Bowers stands out as one local education leader rising to the COVID challenge and has been named the 2020 Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year. The annual recognition presented by LACOE this morning pays tribute to the talent and vision of school district leaders in the nation’s largest regional education area.

LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger recently joined with Dr. Alusine Conteh, principal of Buena Vista Elementary in Palmdale SD, to distribute Chromebooks to students and families. Palmdale SD is one of 52 districts to receive technology that supports distance learning thanks to the Board's allocation of $12.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. Barger, who also helped distribute sneakers to students, said "children are going through a lot" and stressed the importance of caring for their emotional and educational wellbeing. "This is about doing what's right and supporting our youth and families," she said.

Efforts to close the digital divide got another boost on Nov. 10 when the Board of Supervisors approved an additional $4.7 million to provide up to an estimated 25,000 devices and 19,000 hotspots for students in 47 districts. Supt. Debra Duardo thanked the Board for helping ensure all students are supported during distance learning and making students' needs a priority in these challenging times.

Watch a video clip from the event (1 1/2 min.)

As the nation navigates an unprecedented school year, Westside Union SD has joined a partnership to create A Trusted Space, a compelling film with accompanying curriculum that offers tools to help students and teachers deal with grief, trauma, anxiety and other emotional stressors. The 43-minute documentary premiered on PBS earlier this month. It features teachers, parents, students and renowned experts including Linda Darling-Hammond and Pedro Noguera.

Westside Union SD Supt. Gina Rossall said the district has partnered with the nonprofit All It Takes for many years to help students with social emotional learning and in developing their Leadership Development Through Physical Education that teaches students to “work cooperatively and kindly with one another.”

Watch the trailer (1 min.)

Watch the full documentary (43 min.)

Learn more about A Trusted Space

Watch the Town Hall (2 hrs.)

Visiting the award-winning Horace Mann Elementary in Glendale USD last week, Supt. Debra Duardo witnessed first-hand how the district's Technology Learning Pod program has become a national model for bringing students back to the classroom in the safest way possible. Supt. Vivian Ekchian, Principal Rosa Alonso and school staff shared best practices to ensure student safety. These include wearing face masks, temperature check each morning, keeping desks 6 feet apart and turning drinking fountains into hand-washing stations. Meals are brought to the door and distributed by the supervisor. Supt. Ekchian said the program is meant to help parents who cannot work from home by providing a safe place where students can continue to learn.

Watch video featuring Glendale USD Technology Learning Pods (3 1/2 mins.)

Watch the video clip (3 min.)

Tech & Learning presents this podcast celebrating fierce and formidable women in education. Education veterans Dr. Kecia Ray and Dr. Frances Gipson talk with inspiring models who have shaped the educational landscape by overcoming obstacles, connecting with mentors to guide them through their journey and leading future generations of women through the glass ceiling and beyond.

Listen to the podcast (27 min.)