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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On October 19, 2021, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents, and staff at Hunt Elementary School and Indian Springs High School (ISHS).

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

Hunt Elementary School Outstanding Student Award winners Zarein Jackson and Jake Ward

Hunt Elementary School, Principal Kristin Kolling:

Jake Ward is a 5th-grader and Outstanding Student. Jake demonstrates outstanding citizenship and academics at school. He is respectful, responsible, and safe at all times. Jake scores above grade level in language arts and is a tenacious problem-solver in math. That will take him far in his goal to become an astronaut.

Zarein Jackson is also a 5th-grader and Outstanding Student. Zarein is self-motivated and a model AVID Scholar. She does her best to be prepared and stay organized. She also models good citizenship and leadership skills, both in the classroom and as part of the student council. Zarein wants to attend Harvard and study medicine while playing basketball.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Monica Eguia is a member of Hunt’s School Site Council and English Learners Advisory Committee. Beyond that, she volunteers regularly and recently became a recreational aide, supporting students in many ways throughout the day. She works hard to set an example her daughter can follow.

Secretary II Miguel Villalobos is Hunt’s Outstanding Employee Award winner. As the school secretary, he works diligently to research and solve problems and support all staff and students so Hunt remains a great place to work and learn. He juggles many tasks at once, always with a smile, and stays calm during an emergency. Miguel is a true professional.

ISHS Senior and Outstanding Student Award winner Stephenie Trout

Indian Springs High School, Principal Kristen Bicondova:

Senior Stephenie Trout is an Outstanding Student. She is ranked seventh in her class with a 4.71 G.P.A. Stephenie is a student leader. She serves as the Sports Medicine Pathway President of the Student Cabinet Unit, is a member of the softball team, and works part-time. She’s self-motivated and well-rounded, traits that will help her reach her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Senior Eric Rodriguez Flores is also an Outstanding Student. Eric wasn’t happy with his grades in middle school, so he made a new start for himself in high school, becoming one of the hardest-working students on campus. Eric’s now earning A’s and is well on his way to reaching his goal of being a computer technician or engineer.

Maria Chavez is the ISHS Outstanding Parent Award winner. She’s been an active parent at Indian Springs for the past four years. Not only is Maria the president of the English Learner Advisory Committee, but she’s taken an active role in assisting the school in creating a culture that helps all students succeed. Her hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.

Cinthia Aparicio is a bilingual clerk I. Cinthia has proven she’s truly an Outstanding Employee by going above and beyond expectations to fill in for a vacant ASB accounting technician position that is vital for providing students with enrichment opportunities. She demonstrates the school’s core values of integrity, trust, and growth while Making Hope Happen every day.

ISHS Senior and Outstanding Student Award winner Eric Rodriguez Flores

RIALTO, CA—- Local dignitaries and community leaders including Mayor Robertson, City Council members, and members of the Chamber of Commerce joined the Ayres Hotel executive team on Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Ayres Hotel Rialto. Ayres Hotels, a family-owned and operated hotel collection based in Southern California, has begun construction on the corner of Linden and Renaissance Parkway.

Situated off the 210 Freeway at the Ayala exit, the hotel is part of the Renaissance Marketplace, a master planned development by Lewis Companies that focuses on residential, retail, restaurant, industrial and corporate space. The hotel will also complement Lewis Companies’ redevelopment of what was once the Rialto Airport that now features a new state-of-the-art industrial zone with top distribution and fulfillment centers.

“Ayres Hotel Rialto is centrally located between Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino and will meet the demands of travelers and the businesses of this new industrial area,” noted Don Ayres III, a fourth generation Ayres family member. “Ayres looks forward to serving the needs of the community, its corporate and leisure guests and will serve as a job stimulator and training ground for young hospitality professionals in the area.” This new location is the 9th Ayres Hotel in the Inland Empire and the 26th property in the Ayres Hotels collection. The addition of the property is part of the overall Ayres Hotels strategy to embrace new markets while continuing their commitment to quality hospitality in the communities they serve.

The hotel was designed to be a reflection of the growth Rialto has seen over recent years. It will feature industrial design elements with mixed metals, exposed brick and concrete floors while also fostering a sense of community through its warm color palette and communal space concept. The lobby promotes guest interaction with an on-site bar and retail. “We encourage our guests to come downstairs and be part of the warmth and charm that is consistent throughout Ayres Hotels,” said Ethan Ayres, a fifthgeneration Ayres family member. In addition, the hotel includes over 3,750 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space that will be available for business and community gatherings. The hotel will offer 135 modern guest rooms, scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, an outdoor heated pool and spa adjacent to a beautiful garden courtyard, and fitness center. Signature amenities commonly associated with the Ayres Hotels brand including their complimentary hot breakfast buffet, wi-fi, and parking will be part of the Ayres Hotel Rialto experience.

“We’ve had to overcome some setbacks through the pandemic, but are excited to begin construction and get on our way to bringing Rialto its first new hotel. An anticipated opening date will be in early 2023,” said Ethan. “We have a seasoned team at Ayres Construction Co, along with our in-house design and procurement team, that will ensure the project gets built in a timely manner” said Ethan, who oversees the construction process.

The Ayres Collection, including Ayres Hotel Rialto, continues to be family-owned, operated and managed by Ayres Management.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) comprehensive efforts to acclimate employees into its professional culture and values, starting with welcoming and training new hires, has earned acclaim from the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

The District’s Onboarding Program, overseen by the Human Resources Division, has earned a distinguished Golden Bell Award and will be formally honored in December at a reception in San Diego.

The District’s onboarding process is personalized depending on the role of the new employee and offers various opportunities for ongoing professional development and mentoring.

SBCUSD has about 47,000 students and is California’s seventh largest school district. The District has about 8,000 employees. As San Bernardino County’s largest school district and one of the Inland Empire’s largest employers, SBCUSD has a duty to hire and retain the most qualified employees, something that is even more important during the pandemic, said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess, who oversees the Human Resources Division.

“We’re proud of our onboarding process because it helps new employees feel they are part of our SBCUSD family,” Funchess said. “Once our employees go through onboarding, they have the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their position, whether they’re a new teacher or custodian. Additionally, they develop an understanding of how their own purpose can align with our District’s vision.”

SBCUSD offers employees many opportunities to participate in professional development that focuses on sharing best practices with an emphasis on equity, access, inclusion, and innovative educational practices. The District designs excellent educational experiences for staff and gives employees diverse opportunities for authentic collaboration throughout the year.

Each year, CSBA recognizes outstanding educational programs and school governance practices that effectively address the needs of California students. The District has earned several Golden Bell Awards in recent years, including one for its efforts to cultivate future teachers from its student ranks through the Grow Your Own program. The Demonstration Teacher Program, also overseen by Human Resources, previously won Golden Bell acclaim. Demonstration teachers are experts in various subjects and open their classrooms to other District teachers who are working to hone their instructional skills.

HIGH DESERT, CA — Recording artist and community raptivist, Justified Smith is back on a mission in the name of FATHERHOOD! Being well known for his work in the high desert community, Justified has taken fatherhood engagement to another level by reaching out to the Hip Hop Community to stand alongside him as FATHERS IN HIP HOP.

On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Fathers in Hip Hop will be delivering a huge blessing to the fathers and their families in the High Desert and surrounding areas with the “BLESSED IN THE MESS THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY”. It is their goal to distribute Thanksgiving Dinners to 500 Families including Turkeys and all the traditional sides.

In addition to giving away FREE Baby Diapers, Bottles & Formula along with other household necessities such as toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, cleaning supplies, and hygiene bags, they will also be raffling off a variety of prizes such as bicycles, skateboards, televisions, and other electronic devices.

During the event, Fathers in Hip Hop will be honoring 100 MEN and presenting them with Fathers in Hip Hop Acknowledgment Awards for their commitment to Fatherhood. Among those honorees are men from different walks of life. Politicians, Pastors, Professional Athletes, Influential Recording Artist, and Youth Sports Coaches. Fatherhood is the common ground for all these men being awarded.

With This Event Fathers in Hip Hop’s Goal Is to Bless the Families of The High Desert and To Show The Importance Of Strong Fathers and the roles they play in the community.

ABOUT FIHH

FIHH takes an intimate and up-close look into the testimony of various Influential hip hop artists in regards to their experiences and definitions of fatherhood. Too often these types of artist are categorized as dead-beat dads and judged by their genre of music instead of who they are as fathers.

FIHH covers testimony by men discussing fatherhood from a variety of angles, exploring resources and introducing tips to better aid men in raising their children. FIHH covers financial planning including life insurance and other means of providing security and provisions for their children’s future.

FIHH brings awareness to the importance of being an active father in a child’s life regardless of the circumstances. FIHH will expose the effects that carry over into adulthood stemming from the absence of a father figure.  FATHERS IN HIP HOP is impacting fatherhood engagement around the world!

Follow the FATHERS IN HIP HOP on social media.

Instagram @Fathersinhiphop

Twitter: @Fathersinhiphop

Facebook: Fathersinhiphop

Website: fathersinhiphop.com

By Breanna Reeves and Drew Nate

A JW North High School math teacher has been placed on administrative leave after a video of her mockingly chanting and dancing around the classroom in a fake headdress went viral on Thursday.

In the video, the teacher is seen chanting “SohCahToa,” a mnemonic device that is commonly used to teach trigonometry in classrooms. The video captures a scene that Native American students and community members are already familiar with — the misappropriation and mockery of Native American culture.

“How many students now seeing her react that way or even on the viral videos that are going on, are now mimicking her within their discussions in their own neighborhoods now?” asked Assemblymember James Ramos

who is Serrano and Cahuilla and the first Native American person elected to the California Assembly. “And how does that make the Native American students feel or the Native American community feel?”

The Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) released a statement in response to the incident, which read in part, “Her actions do not represent the values of our district.” RUSD is currently pursuing an investigation into the incident.

“We are deeply committed to implementing inclusive practices and policies that honor the rich diversity of our district and the greater region. We will be working with our students, families, staff and community to regain your trust,” the statement read.

While RUSD has initiated an investigation into the incident and the teacher, community members expressed outrage at an RUSD Board Meeting Thursday evening. A few attendees who spoke called for the teacher to be fired immediately.

A young girl in attendance at the meeting, spoke powerfully to the RUSD Board Members. “Me and my people, we still don’t have our rights. We’ve been fighting for it. I always feel so sad,” she said.

She went on to say, “They treat us badly, they bully us, and nothing has happened for so long.” She gave a call to action to RUSD Board Members. As she stated in the meeting, “[Y]ou can change things, you have the power to change things.”

Several members and supporters of the American Indian Movement’s Southern California chapter went to the podium to speak, demanding that the teacher be fired, an apology to the student who filmed the incident, and an apology to Native Americans affected by the video.

“We want that apology. We want something done. We heard what your statement said — you’re going to ‘look into it’. We’ve heard over and over ‘we’re looking into it.’ No. We want it looked into now,” said Dee Dee Manzanares Ybarra, director of the American Indian Movement SoCal chapter and tribal chair of Rumšen Am:a Tur:ataj Ohlone.

“We’re not going to wait. We asked for an answer within a week. We expect that answer. Something needs to be done. All the evidence is there.”

In response to the video, community members organized a protest on Thursday to let their voices be heard in Riverside.

President of JW North Alumni Association, Sammie Luna spoke at the RUSD Board Meeting and talked about how it was a difficult day for everyone in attendance. She began by saying she is a proud Husky and by thanking Dr. Horace Jackson who was one of the first principals at JW North High School to champion cultural diversity.

She spoke in front of the RUSD Board, saying, “diversity has always been North’s greatest attribute and treasure.” She spoke of the incident and mentioned how this was the perfect example of why Assembly Bill 101 regarding ethnic studies is needed which she credited to Assemblymember Jose Medina for introducing the bill. Luna went on to say that “this bill is not only good for our students but also for teachers.”

Jesse Ramirez, a community member who also spoke at the RUSD Board Meeting called for the JW North High School teacher to be terminated. Ramirez also went on to explain the importance of ethnic studies bill.

Earlier this month, California became the first state to require students to complete an ethnic studies course for high school graduation.

“America is shaped by our shared history, much of it painful and etched with woeful injustice. Students deserve to see themselves in their studies, and they must understand our nation’s full history if we expect them to one day build a more just society,” Governor Newsom said in a statement.

Last September RUSD unanimously voted to make ethnic studies a graduation requirement among high school students beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Prior to this vote, RUSD offered both African American Studies and Chicano Studies courses as electives to students.

The incident at North High School further emphasized the need for ethnic studies and cultural competency in the classroom. Assemblymember Ramos explained that his upcoming bill, AB 1554, the California Indian Education Act, outlines curriculum guidelines for educating both students and teachers on California Native Americans.

“There has to be some type of change that takes place to make sure that California Indian people, and Native Americans throughout the nation, are respected and taught appropriately when they’re being discussed inside the classroom,” said Ramos. “This is an issue that starts at an early age that continues to move forward into higher education.”

The student who took the video remains anonymous and does not wish to be identified for safety reasons, according to Akalei Brown, who is Kanaka-Maoli and Taos Pueblo and a Native History/ Culture consultant. Brown has identified herself as the spokesperson for the family of the student.

“I felt it necessary to share this video with the world so they could have a small glimpse into the type of abuses Native children face in US schools every day,” said Brown in a statement via Instagram. “This is reality for Native people in the US and we’re not going to take it sitting down anymore. We’re standing up for our children and setting a new standard for the treatment of Native people.”

To the student who filmed the incident, Assemblymember Ramos urged, “??Continue to stand up, stand up for your rights, don’t let no one take those rights from you. So, stand up, keep moving forward, and there should be no — there should be no retaliation against this student for recording what they did in that classroom.”

This district has not released the teacher’s name.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA –PAL Charter Academy faced off against Lucerne Valley Saturday, October 23 at San Bernardino High School. PCA won 48-0, moving them to 2-0 in Agape League play.

The Bulls received a surprise visit from President Dr. Gwen Rodgers from the San Bernardino City Unified School District. She gave the team a boost before the game telling them she and the district were proud of them.

Dr. Rodgers then gave them a pep talk and encouraged them to bring it home for PCA and the city. The district extended PAL Charter Academy SBHS football stadium to play their season games while PCA builds their football field. PAL Charter is the longest operating and first authorized Charter school under the SBCUSD.

Head coach, Joseph Stanley, said the team played hard and followed the school’s 3D code, “Discipline, Determination, and Dedication equals winner on and off the field!” Tonight, they lived the code.

Executive Director Dwaine Radden Sr. said it was great seeing Dr. Rodgers out here supporting their players and school. It meant a lot to them and the staff. Radden noted the district has worked with him and the team to ensure they had a district facility to play their CIF games. Her visit was also coupled with making sure PCA received quality customer service from the district.

On Friday, October 29, the Bulls had a barn burner against Hesperia Christian, who is also 2-0.

RIALTO, CA— On Sunday, October 31, 2021, the City of Rialto held their annual Halloween Hi-Jinks at the Civic Center in Downtown Rialto.

Halloween Hi-Jinks is the city’s annual Halloween celebration. This year there was a New Orleans Masquerade Mayhem with free candy, games and live entertainment. Other festivities included Down in the Bayou with kid’s crafts, food vendors and Princess & the Frog movie, Mazes and a Masquerade Mask Contest.

“Another great success during our Halloween Hi-Jinks,”Mayor Deborah Robertson stated. “Thanks to everyone who participated in making this a wonderful night. Special thanks to the new Community Services Director Cynthia Alvarado and the entire supporting staff of Parks and Recreation, as well as the various City department heads in attendance. The crowd and turnout was awesome!”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- With excitement in her voice Sheri Lewis, Social Lites Inc. President 2021 told the young men wanting to be a part of the 2021-22 Beautillion program that she is implementing great ideas this year.  “New structure, new ideas and a myriad of support from former Alumni and corporate sponsors will catapult this years’ program to greater heights,” she explained.

Edward Brantley, the father of the Sir Knight 2020 Kameron Brantley, kicked the program off with a great start by educating young men about how to retain information, knowledge and wisdom.

Also in support were former Alumni Chache Wright, Alumni 1999 and currently the President of the San Bernardino NAACP; Dr. Gregory Alexander, Alumni 1992 and Vice Principle of Arroyo Valley High School; Charles Brown, Alumni 1989, the Director of Equity for Riverside County Office of Education; Johnathan Moreno and Kamau Osonduagwuike Alumni 2018, Kameron Brantley, Alumni 2020 are hard-working and full-time students; Russell Ward, Alumni of 1984 and currently a Software Specialist for Konica Minolta, he also has been the Dance Choreographer for us for the past 25 years. Each Alum offered their overview and shared the long-lasting benefits of joining the Beautillion.

With 55 years of service and having blessed thousands of African American young men the Social Lites have collectively distributed over $2.5 million to our young men who want to attend college or a trade school of their choice. Through mentorship, leadership and character and life development skills we can help Elementary to High School students achieve their goals.

If you know of young men who fits the criteria and wants to be a part of this six-month extracurricular program, please contact the program director as soon as possible. The Beautillion Briefing is every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Youth & Community Development Center, 468 West 5th Street in San Bernardino, CA.  92401.

Let’s be the help for our young men’s dreams of becoming better. Knowledge Is Power. If you have questions, please call Marlene Davis at (909) 709-5502.

SAN BERNARDINO – The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and the San Bernardino County Teachers Association (SBCTA) are proud to be the recipients of an award grant aimed at enhancing, supporting and sustaining high-quality teaching for all California students.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) Institute for Teaching (IFT) award grant for $13,159.39 was used to purchase a new wheel balancer and a tabletop tire changer expandable for the Bob Murphy Community Day School’s Career Technical Education auto shop. Bob Murphy is one of 13 County alternative school placements for students grades 7-12 who are facing challenges in a public school setting.

“I am proud and grateful for the phenomenal work of our SBCSS staff and our collaboration with SBCTA. We strive to provide every one of our students the opportunity to learn and recognize their unique potential,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “One of the priorities at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is to ensure innovative and inspirational educational practices, and this is one of the many ways we are providing the tools and skills needed for students to succeed.”

The IFT grant project benefits up to 200 students at all of San Bernardino County’s alternative education programs. The auto shop class is currently attended by students both virtually and in-person by students from Community Schools in San Bernardino, Colton, Redlands, Yucca Valley and Victorville. Students will have hands-on experience and learn skills that they can apply to a career.

“This is who we fight for every day, and this grant will give our students all the tools they need and the extra layer of support so they can be on equal footing with their counterparts in comprehensive schools,” said Yvonne Molles, President of the San Bernardino County Teachers’ Association. “The grant opens up opportunities for our students. I was inspired by Superintendent Ted Alejandre’s leadership and support to help give our students the opportunities they might not have had otherwise.”

The 2021/2022 grant project team from SBCSS/SBCTA consisted of administration, union leaders, teachers and site staff as part of a multi-year plan.

Myrlene Pierre (Assistant Superintendent of Student Services), Rich De Nava (Assistant Superintendent of Business Services), Scott Wyatt (Area Director of Student Services), Yvonne Molles (President of SBCTA), Tony Alvarado (CTE Automotive Teacher), County Superintendent Ted Alejandre, and students from the auto shop class.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — It is inspiring to see our community come together to keep our students safe. It is one of our top priorities here at SBCSS, and why it is so important to collaborate with our community partners.

This year’s San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force Safety Summit brought together law enforcement leaders throughout the County and our staff here at SBCSS. I had the pleasure of making the opening remarks alongside 47th District California State Assemblymember Eloise Gomez-Reyes.

This was an eye-opening and important discussion. Not only did we hear from the Chiefs of our law enforcement agencies, but our students. A panel of teens and young adults who have been in foster care or experienced homelessness shared their unique challenges. They also spoke about the people and resources that helped them.

One of the young panelists made a comment about the importance of including student voices at the summit. She shared she experienced homelessness and the foster care system and appreciated the opportunity to speak. She said, it “helps me know my voice is valued.”

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and 47th District California State Assemblymember Eloise Gomez-Reyes made the opening remarks. The summit included a Chiefs’ Panel consisting of law enforcement leaders from throughout the area as well as San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) staff.

Panelists discussed safety issues within schools and the community at-large. Questions were also fielded from individuals who participated virtually.

A second panel consisted of teens and young adults who have been in foster care or experienced homelessness. They shared their unique challenges and spoke about the people and resources that helped them.

“I have experienced homelessness and the foster system,” said one young panelist. “I have always strived to achieve my goals and break my family’s cycle of poor choices. There are people I’ve met who genuinely want to help me, and I know who and where to go. I’ve had mentors who have guided me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences. It helps me to know my voice is valued.”

The most common responses from recent student surveys were shared. A majority of students asked for mentorship and stability to overcome difficulties associated with being in the foster care system, adverse life experiences and the ongoing pandemic. They also pleaded for their voices and ideas to be heard and respected.

The keynote speaker, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Marc Bracco, spoke about the most important drug-related issues facing the region.

Over 160 people attended the summit, which was open to all community members including school administrators, counselors, and security personnel, as well as local law enforcement, faith-based and community organizations, parents and other community leaders. The annual event is designed to help participants network, collaborate and exchange effective strategies to help keep our communities safe.

The summit is organized by SBCSS Children Deserve Success and the San Bernardino Countywide Gang and Drugs Task Force, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Probation Department and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

The San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force provides a leadership role in advocating the prevention and suppression of gang membership and drug use. The task force is a coordinated partnership among education, law enforcement, criminal justice, elected officials, private enterprise and community members across the county.