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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Ramona-Alessandro and Lankershim Elementary Schools, Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy and Middle College High School (MCHS).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School, Principal Teresa Hopkins:
Vivionna Hamilton is a fifth grader and Outstanding Student. Hamilton is a driven scholar who excels in whatever she sets her mind to. She does well academically, plays saxophone in the advanced band and plays on the after-school softball team. Hamilton also works well with others and is very helpful, even representing her classmates as a student council member. Hamilton aspires to become a nurse.

Jason Johnson is a sixth grader and Outstanding Student. Johnson has a good attitude, is in school every day and is helpful to others. He doesn’t give up easily and is quick to correct any mistakes. He currently plays on Alessandro’s soccer team and promotes leadership on the field. Johnson wants to play college basketball or football while studying architecture and engineering in college.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Cathlene Botello is dedicated to Ramona-Alessandro’s School Site Council, providing suggestions and feedback to improve the school. She is a member of Alessandro’s Tiger University, which empowers families to build healthy relationships and college and career readiness for scholars. Botello plays a pivotal role in the lives of her children and makes a positive difference in the lives of others.

Secretary Ashley Dorsey is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Dorsey has an unwavering commitment to Ramona-Alessandro and the community. She has a collaborative spirit and the ability to work with others. Her participation with the PBIS team and family nights and other events contributes to Alessandro’s positive culture and success. Dorsey inspires others through her positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Demonstration teacher Shannan Usher is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Usher prioritizes the academic and personal growth of her scholars above all else. She holds the belief that every scholar can succeed and tailors the instruction to meet their diverse learning needs. Usher views each day as an opportunity to ignite scholar’s curiosity, inspire critical thinking, and foster a love of learning.

Lankershim Elementary School, Principal Evette Peters:

Veronnika Palmer is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Palmer is very kind and helpful. She helps her classmates if she sees they are struggling. She is always on task, has a very positive attitude and tries to excel at all she does! Palmer plans to study Environmental Science in college to help protect plants because they are a valued food source, and she wants them to still be around.

Diego Ramirez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Ramirez’s enthusiasm for learning is not only obvious from his exceptional grades but also in the way he inspires his classmates to reach for new heights. His leadership in group projects and his willingness to help others in need have enriched the classroom environment. Ramirez wants to attend college and join a Major League Baseball team.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Samantha Liotta has been actively involved at Lankershim since her oldest child was in kindergarten, and he is now a high school senior. She has volunteered in numerous classes over the years, and she continues to help teachers long after her own children have moved on to other classes. School staff are proud to call her a Lankershim Lion.

Bilingual Attendance Assistant Susie Vazquez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Vazquez goes beyond just marking attendance. Her commitment, skills, professionalism and genuine passion for her role have not only strengthened Lankershim’s attendance system, but also built invaluable connections with the diverse scholar and parent community.

Kindergarten Teacher Gail Shaw is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Shaw has been a beacon of commitment and excellence in education for more than 30 years. Gail consistently goes the extra mile for her students and their parents, ensuring they receive the utmost support for academic achievement. She works tirelessly to ensure that she is aligned to site and District goals and focuses on results together as she leads her kindergarten team.

Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy, Principal Jackie Maner:

Eighth-grader Tyree Hollins is an Outstanding Student. Hollins is a kind and extremely respectful young man. He always gives 110% to the task at hand. He is a role model on campus and is always the first scholar to volunteer to help others. Hollins doesn’t know which college he wants to attend, but he knows he wants to make friends and enjoy life.

Kimberly Nguyen is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Nguyen’s drive to learn pushes those around her to reach higher in an effort to keep up. She is also compassionate, going out of her way to help her peers and staff. Nguyen’s favorite class is STEAM, and she credits her teacher Nicholas Destasio for helping her to express her creativity in a meaningful way. Her career goal is to become an animatronics designer.

Marisol Delgado is an Outstanding Parent Award winner. Delgado is a constant presence on the Del Vallejo campus. She is more than an advocate for her son. She is his champion. Whether it’s volunteering to attend field trips, participating on parent advisory councils or serving as a liaison between the District and school, Delgado is all in. She helps to make Del Vallejo a great place to learn and grow.

Outstanding Custodian I Marcelle Baber is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Baber has been essential in the maintenance of a safe and positive environment at Del Vallejo by way of the cleanliness of the campus and the pride and enthusiasm he takes in performing his daily tasks. His productivity and outcomes reflect his dedication to SBCUSD and the community at large. And as an employee and a human being impacting the lives of children, Baber is a testament to the true spirit of Basics of Excellence.

Elizabeth Thomas is an Outstanding Certificated Employee and Middle School Science Teacher. She approaches her work and customer service with positivity and optimism. Her approach to education is deeply rooted in doing what’s best for every person she encounters. And Thomas’s actions and work habits are guided by her sense of purpose, positive passion and emotional commitment to her students.

Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:

Senior Anthony A. Lopez is an Outstanding Student. Lopez works hard in all of his classes, both high school and college, and currently has a 4.82 G.P.A. As an exemplary Peer Leader, he goes out of his way to help his classmates and the MCHS staff. During a recent Peer Leader event, Lopez worked behind the scenes supporting others and problem-solving. Lopez plans to continue his college education at UCLA before serving others through a career in medicine.

Nishia McCain is a senior and an Outstanding Student. She started Middle College’s first Mock Trial team and scored perfect 10s as a defense or prosecution lead attorney in every match. As ASB president, she’s demonstrated her passionate, creative, risk-taking and totally collaborative leadership style that has inspired every grade level and club this year. McCain plans to become a civil rights attorney, where she will serve our community and close equity gaps.

Hardy Brown, Jr. is an Outstanding Parent. Brown is an amazing advocate for MCHS, promoting the dual enrollment site as a means for closing equity and college completion gaps. He’s influenced many students and their families in their decision to apply to and attend MCHS, not just his own children, Peyton, a current 10th-grade student, and Jordan, a 2016 alumnus. And Hardy Brown, Jr.’s speech at the school’s 10-year anniversary was truly inspiring.

Custodian I Silvia Hernandez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Hernandez demonstrates love for the MCHS Wolverine family by working tirelessly to make sure the site is clean and ready to provide a welcoming and accommodating place for students and visitors. Hernandez goes above and beyond in all she does, including picking up all trash on the perimeter of the school each morning before the school day starts.

Math Teacher, Dept. Chair, Math/Tech Coach Axel Olson is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Olson is known for his positive passion and has a sense of purpose, seeking to close student equity gaps and meet Middle College goals. During distance learning, he served by helping the entire MCHS staff become experts in Google Classroom.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In a touching ceremony that bridged generations and honored military service, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. witnessed a proud moment as his late grandfather, World War II veteran Telesfor Dominguez, was awarded a high school diploma posthumously by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Veterans Diploma Project.

“My family and I are filled with pride as we accept this diploma on behalf of my grandfather,” said Supervisor Baca, Jr. “His service to our country is a legacy that continues to inspire us, and this recognition highlights the value of all who served and sacrificed for our country.”

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, honored four distinguished veterans, including Dominguez, in the 15th annual Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project. The initiative seeks to correct the historical oversight for those whose education was interrupted due to their commitment to serve the nation or because of internment.

Among the honorees were Alfredo Raul Jimenez, John C. Juarez, and William Edward Kawa, who each received their diplomas as a testament to their dedication and perseverance. Supervisor Baca, Jr. added, “Congratulations to all the honorees. This project celebrates the continued support and commitment of SBCSS and Veterans Affairs to our veteran community.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— California PBIS honored 55 San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) sites for successfully developing systems to create welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

“Whenever our schools are recognized at the state level, it’s certainly a reason to celebrate,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “And when the majority of our schools are honored for creating nurturing learning environments where all children feel safe and a part of the school community, that means we are creating optimal conditions for learning and academic risk-taking, which are key ingredients for academic excellence.”

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports and is described as a framework to establish school-wide support for positive behavior using evidence-based interventions with the goal of improving social and academic outcomes for all students.

PBIS is grounded in classroom practices that are proactive, instructive, and restorative. Staff teach and model good behavior and provide positive corrections to behavior when needed.

Students are equipped with the social skills to respond to situations in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner. School staff also use restorative practices to develop, maintain, and repair relationships with students to ensure they stay connected.

According to Colleen Williams, Director of Student Wellness & Support Services (SWSS), an important aspect of developing a positive school climate and culture is to acknowledge positive interactions and behavior, while also addressing inappropriate behaviors with additional instruction, coaching and practice.

SBCUSD schools, as well as other PBIS schools across the state, are evaluated annually on how well they implement each of the three PBIS tiers using a nationally recognized evaluation method. Tier 1 is universal interventions and support for all students, which is aimed at stopping behavior problems before they start. Tier 2 provides targeted support for small groups of students who may need additional guidance. Tier 3 provides individual support for the few students who need intensive intervention. Based on this evaluation, schools in California may earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum recognition.

Gold schools must demonstrate a structured approach to implementing Tier 1 and Tier 2, as well as meet data requirements, including that no more than 20% of the school’s student body received two or more major referrals. The 16 SBCUSD schools that earned a prestigious Gold PBIS Implementation Award are:

• Anton Elementary
• Arrowhead Elementary
• Cajon High
• Hunt Elementary
• Indian Springs High
• Jones Elementary
• Kendall-Harmon Complex
• Kimbark Elementary
• Lankershim Elementary
• Newmark Elementary
• Pacific High School
• Ramona-Alessandro Elementary
• Riley Elementary
• Roosevelt Elementary
• Rodriguez Prep Academy Middle
• San Andreas High School

To earn Silver recognition, a school must be fully implementing Tier 1 systems to address the schoolwide proactive and preventive supports and meet data requirements. The 32 sites that earned a silver award are:

• Arrowview Middle School
• Barton Elementary
• Belvedere Elementary
• Bing Wong Elementary
• Bonnie Oehl Elementary
• Bradley Elementary
• Brown Elementary
• Chavez Middle School
• Child Development Program
• Cole Elementary
• Curtis Middle School
• Cypress Elementary
• Davidson Elementary
• Del Vallejo Middle School
• Emmerton Elementary
• Golden Valley Middle School
• Gomez Elementary
• Henry Elementary
• Lytle Creek Elementary
• Marshall Elementary
• Monterey Elementary
• Muscoy Elementary
• North Park Elementary
• North Verdemont Elementary
• Paakuma’ K-8 School
• Parkside Elementary
• Rio Vista Elementary
• San Gorgonio High School
• Serrano Middle School
• Thompson Elementary
• Warm Springs Elementary
• Wilson Elementary

To earn Bronze recognition, a school must begin a systematic approach to Tier 1 implementation. The seven schools that earned a bronze PBIS Implementation Award are:

• Arroyo Valley High
• Fairfax Elementary
• Hillside Elementary
• Holcomb Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Palm Avenue Elementary
• Urbita Elementary

In order to provide continued support for positive changes in school climate and culture and to recognize successful SBCUSD schools, the District provided PBIS Award-winning schools with funds ranging from $500 to $1,000 to purchase student incentives.

Students earn the incentives for meeting behavioral expectations. Additionally, staff from the District’s SWSS department are assigned to support school implementation of positive climate and culture systems Districtwide.

To learn more about Student Wellness & Support Services, visit www.sbcusd.com/departments/student-services-division/student-wellness-support-services.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), in partnership with Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), is providing three free sports physical clinics for any SBCUSD middle or high school student who wants to play school sports.

Prior to trying out for a school sport, all students are annually required to complete a physical to determine whether it is safe or not to participate.

Families who are interested in one of the upcoming free clinics may book an appointment by contacting Student Wellness & Support Services (SWSS) at (909) 473-2080. No insurance or legal documentation is required.

Appointments are available on any one of three dates and locations. All clinics are held from 8 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023

Shandin Hills Middle School

4301 Little Mountain Drive, San Bernardino

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024

Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy (Middle School)

1885 E. Lynwood Drive, San Bernardino

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024

Arrowview Middle School

2299 North G Street, San Bernardino

Students may also receive a sports physical from their primary care doctor, a qualified medical professional or at a designated sports physical clinic.

Congratulations to our former intern Noelle Lilley. She and her news team at Channel 12 News in the Bronx, New York won their first Emmy. They won it for a story that Ms. Lilley covered earlier this year about a funeral of a New York police officer that was killed in the line of duty. Noelle is an inspiration to us here at the Westside Story Newspaper.

TORRANCE, CA—- 1,200 local families received free turkeys and groceries to make their Thanksgiving special. Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), in partnership with El Camino College, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and U.S. VETS Inglewood distributed  1,200 turkeys and pork roasts, bags of groceries, and gift cards to families in need this holiday season. Senator Bradford began this annual tradition when he served on the Gardena City Council and has continued it during his service in the State Assembly and now as a member of the State Senate.

“This incredible community event grows bigger and more important every year,” said Senator Bradford. “Seeing the faces of the people receiving these turkeys gives me great hope that these meals will not only feed our community but act as the centerpiece of families gathering to give thanks for each other’s support, faith and love. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to represent our communities in the state capitol and this turkey giveaway is one of my favorite ways to show my appreciation. We could not do this without all our sponsors and volunteers who care deeply about serving and helping others. An event of this scale is only possible because of them. I am enormously grateful to each of them.”

This drive-thru event was made a reality by volunteers and sponsors from Senate District 35 and the surrounding area including: Lawndale Councilmember Pat Kearney, Gardena Councilmembers Paulette Francis and Wanda Love, Torrance Councilmember Bridgett Lewis, U.S.Vets Inglewood, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Phillips 66 Black Employee Network, Torrance Refinery, AAA, Republic Services, Starbucks, Enterprise, LA County Probation Department, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sigma Pi Omega Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta, Stiiizy, Crystal Stairs, Let’s Be Whole, National Association of University Women, and the AMAAD Institute.

“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are most grateful for in life. Thank you again to all the participants who stopped by and to El Camino College for hosting our event this year,” said Senator Bradford.

RIALTO, CA— A new state-of-the-art police station is coming to one of Southern California’s fastest-growing communities following a decision this week by the Rialto City Council to move forward with a development agreement and financing for the planned 56,500-square-foot facility.

The new police station and support building will replace the Rialto Police Department’s 50-year-old facility on North Willow Avenue, which was built when the City had fewer than 30,000 people and a total of 45 sworn and civilian police staff. Today, Rialto is home to 104,000 people and has 135 sworn police officers and 84 civilian staff.

“It has been the dream of the Rialto City Council to have a police station that represents the hard work of the dedicated men and women of the department and their service to the community. This is something we’re all very proud of,” said Rialto City Councilmember Ed Scott.

On Tuesday, November 14, the City Council approved a development agreement with Griffin, Swinerton and a financing agreement that includes the issuing of lease revenue bonds to help cover the projected $83 million cost of the project. The City will contribute $30 million from its unrestricted fund balance – money that is not part of the General Fund or other operating reserves. The balance, estimated at roughly $53 million, would be paid for through the sale of bonds. The agreement with Griffin Swinerton reflects an innovative public-private partnership (P3) which streamlines the development process.

Groundbreaking would occur by midyear 2024, with a projected completion date of mid 2026.

The new two-story police station near Willow Avenue and Rialto Avenue would include a 40,800-square-foot main building and a 10,000-square-foot support building. The latter would house a firearms range, logistics and quartermaster, animal control, bicycle patrol and storage. The existing police station will remain operational during the construction period, with no interruption in service.

By building the new station now, the city will be able to meet the public safety and quality-of-life needs well into the future. By 2035, Rialto forecasts its population to exceed 111,000, along with continued business expansion that has made it a critical economic and employment hub within the Inland Empire. Police staffing by 2035 is projected to reach 169 sworn officers and 91 civilian staff.

“On behalf of the Rialto Police Department, we are honored to serve the Rialto community and we’re looking forward to THIS new police facility to set the standard for law enforcement, ” said Mark Kling, Chief of Police who has served in that capacity since 2017, and also served as Chief of Police for Rialto from 2001 to 2012.

The California Black Power Network has been actively involved in the movement to make reparations in California a reality. As we move forward in the next phase of this work, we care excited to announce a new alliance in collaboration with six former members of the California Reparations Task Force – Dr. Cheryl Grills, Lisa Holder, Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Senator Steven Bradford, and Donald Tamaki.

Introducing the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth Equal Justice Society (ARRT). The Alliance’s mission is to educate the public about reparations; amplify the Task Force on Reparations’ report and its recommendations; achieve broad-based, multi-racial public support of reparations; and grow the base of multi-racial and multi-sector allies who support reparations in California.

For more information about this historic collaboration, visit Alliancefor.org.

YUCAIPIA, CA— Crafton Hills College (Crafton) is a 2023 Equity Champion for Higher Education, a designation from the Campaign for College Opportunity, in recognition of its work in supporting and improving Black student transfer to universities.

The Campaign for College Opportunity recognized Crafton and 26 other community colleges and universities for ensuring strong pathways to earning an associate degree for Transfer (ADT) for students of color and for supporting transfer to universities are supported on a guaranteed pathway to earning a degree.

“Supporting our transfer students to help them reach their academic goals is core to our institution’s mission,” said Crafton President Dr. Kevin Horan. “We are incredibly proud of all of our hard-working students and graduates, and grateful for every single staff and faculty member who is doing their part to ensure our students have what they need to make it to their transfer goals.”

Crafton and other awarded colleges were recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity on November 14 during an awards celebration. The institutions recognized for the Equity Champion designation led the way in supporting Black students to earn an ADT with at least 65% of their Black associate-degree earners receiving ADT and ensuring that Black students earn ADTs at rates comparable to their peers.

“For nearly a decade, the ADT has given community college students struggling to navigate a complicated transfer maze a clear path to success with a degree to show for their hard work,” said Jessie Ryan, executive vice president of the Campaign for College Opportunity and former community college transfer student. “As colleges grapple with pandemic-induced enrollment declines, we laud the 27-community college and CSU campuses that continue to forge ahead for students by strengthening the transfer pathway and removing unacceptable equity barriers in transfer for Latinx, Black, and first-generation college students across the state.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino County Probation Department received funds for an intensive probation supervision program for high-risk DUI offenders with multiple DUI convictions.

The $645,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), approved by the Board of Supervisors, will go toward additional proactive home contacts with probationers to make sure they are following court-ordered terms of their probation and prevent probationers from re-offending.

“Our monitoring program supports probationers to stay on track with treatment and other court-ordered measures,” Chief Probation Officer Tracy Reece said. “The goal is that with additional supervision and treatment options, it will reduce the number of probationers who are re-arrested for DUI offenses.”

The probation grant will also pay for warrant operations targeting probation violations and/or DUI suspects who do not appear in court, alcohol testing, treatment compliance, DMV restrictions, and special weekend, evening, and holiday operations to enforce terms of probation.

“Monitoring programs are critical to reducing the devastating consequences of DUI offenses,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Prevention is an effective, proactive tool to address the often-tragic consequences of impaired driving.”

The grant program runs through September 2024.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.