Lynwood Unified School District launched the 2023-24 school year on Aug 16, marked by anticipation and optimism and bolstered by a $24.5 million state grant awarded in May to provide social-emotional services and community resources to students across 16 schools over the next five years.
Through the California Department of Education’s Community Schools Partnership Program grant, the District this year will implement a “whole-child” school improvement strategy, extending learning time and opportunities, providing integrated student support, and collaborating with families and the community to elevate student success. The campuses join Lynwood High, which has been a Community School since 2019.
“We are so proud to enter the new school year as a Community Schools District as we continue to improve educational opportunities for all students,” Lynwood Unified Director of Student Services Maribel Martinez said. “The grant will not only strengthen our ongoing efforts to remove barriers to success, but it will also enhance our partnerships with families, educators and the community to empower students to thrive.”
During the first day of school, students were greeted by enthusiastic teachers and staff who worked diligently during the summer months to ensure a seamless transition for new students and a warm welcome for returning scholars.
Elementary school students engaged in icebreaker activities, arts and crafts, and friendly interactions with teachers, staff and principals.
At Hosler and Cesar Chavez middle schools, students eagerly reunited with friends as they began a new chapter of academic excellence and learned more about campus offerings, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), art and several resources for academic success as they prepare to enter high school.
Firebaugh, Lynwood, Pathway and Vista high school students were welcomed with open arms by the campus community as they connected with their classmates after the long summer.
As part of the grant and to ensure their ongoing success, students will have access to a dedicated team of Community School case managers, social-emotional learning specialists, licensed clinical social workers and certified student support analysts who will partner with families, educators and community agencies to address students’ academic, cognitive, physical, mental and social-emotional needs.
Lynwood Unified will continue to provide students with access to an abundance of academic resources, including dynamic STEM courses, social-emotional learning resources, modern technology, dual enrollment opportunities and comprehensive support that encompasses all aspects of learning.
“This school year will mark one of many positive changes for the community, and I am eager to see everything we will accomplish together,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. said. “The influx of resources from the Community Schools grant will open a door of possibilities, empower the District community to foster positive, innovative and creative learning environments, and will inspire a generation of forward-thinking scholars.”