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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George Floyd Death Anniversary
Advancing on the path to equity & social justice
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Across Los Angeles, George Floyd street art has sprouted as symbols of injustice, including this mural created by Robert Vargas, an alumnus of the LACOE-run LA County High School for the Arts. On Floyd's death anniversary, it serves as a powerful reminder that, as LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo says in her statement, our nation continues to struggle with racial inequality that has historically impacted the lives of Black Americans. Floyd's death anniversary is a time to challenge our own biases as we advance on the path to equity and justice for all.
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Compton USD: An innovative approach to student achievement, racial equity |
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Compton USD has created an innovative model of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and trauma-informed practices that have proven to be an enormous success for students, parents and the Compton community. “During the past four years, I have observed a great example of commitment by CUSD staff and administration to make a difference in the lives of their students,” shares LACOE Coordinator Dr. Melissa Neal in an article published by the California PBIS Coalition. LACOE PBIS Director Sheari Taylor-Perez says she is proud of the team that helps sustain PBIS support for districts and schools in LA County.
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Empathy at the heart of service to students, families |
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During this challenging time, empathy is at the heart of service to school communities. Having patience and listening intently to the voice of students, parents and co-workers are more important than ever, says Mitchell Martinez, who supports students with library media at Washington Elementary in Lynwood USD. Martinez has been nominated for the CDE Classified School Employees of the Year.
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Going above and beyond for students amid COVID-19 |
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When some families at the Paramount HS West Campus in Paramount USD faced financial problems due to COVID-19, Bertha Arroyo stepped up to help them access food assistance and other support services. Arroyo has been nominated for the CDE Classified School Employees of the Year.
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Words Unlocked: 'Sweet Home Los Angeles'
Kirby Center student wins national poetry contest
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Christopher, a student from LACOE's Kirby Center School, has won the BreakFree Choice award in the 2021 Words Unlocked contest for justice-involved youth with his poem "Sweet Home Los Angeles." He is featured in the Voices of Words Unlocked podcast with poet Sha’Condria "iCon" Sibley. Photo shows Christopher participating in the podcast.
"Chris is a prime example of why so many of us continue to teach. He creatively weaves words, organizes his thoughts and uses the classroom as a stepping stone for tomorrow," says LACOE teacher Florence Avognon. "Our classrooms serve as a safe space to discover, perform and grow. I'm just happy to witness his journey."
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The healing power of art
Virtual walls of resilience, health & equality
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It has been a challenging year for education communities, but Theatre Of Hearts/Youth First (TOHYF) was able to pivot to virtual learning workshops providing art healing programs for students. TOHYF artist mentors had insightful discussions with justice-involved youth about issues impacting their lives and their families. They wrote poetry and used theatre and screenwriting to relieve the stress confronting them daily.
TOHYF, a longtime partner in providing arts programming to LACOE's at-promise students, presents two virtual murals that the youth at Camp Kilpatrick and Central Juvenile Hall conceptualized, designed and virtually installed. With guidance from TOHYF Artist Mentor Donna B, the students incorporated their artwork and RTSA themes. The students titled the murals The Virtual Wall of Resilience and The Virtual Wall of Health and Equality.
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'Violins not Violence'
Nonprofit gifts instruments to two El Rancho USD students
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Violins not Violence, a group of law enforcement professionals who raise funds for youth music programs, recently visited North Park Academy of the Arts in El Rancho USD for a special surprise. There was mariachi music and dancing that led up to a big moment: the group presented musical instruments to students Edwin Figueroa and Alexa Menchaca Lopez to encourage them to get involved with music.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit
Eligible families may access affordable high-speed internet
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LA County residents struggling to connect with reliable, high-speed internet may apply for a discount on their internet service under the recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Eligible households may apply to receive a discount of up to $50 per month, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a device from participating providers.
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The Greater LA Education Foundation and LACOE are holding the second and final convening of a two-part series focused on elevating, collaborating and expanding opportunities and impact for Community Schools work in LA County.
Attendees will hear from LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo and Pomona USD Supt. Richard Martinez as they discuss Community Schools as a tool to support the reopening of schools and the sustainability of the Community Schools model. Attendees will also collectively problem-solve and improve common approaches through a set of consultancies led by Community Schools practitioners.
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Whittier HS women chess players gain national prominence |
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Nine students at Whittier HS in Whittier Union HSD have emerged as some of the top-ranked female correspondence chess players in the United States.
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Immunization rates in California have dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns for the health and safety of children and families. A California campaign was recently launched to help prevent more disease outbreaks on top of the pandemic, reminding parents: #DontWaitVaccinate. Health care professionals, school administrators and health advocates are encouraged to work together to urge families to keep routine checkups and immunization visits.
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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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