News

Buena Park School District celebrated the accomplishments and leadership of its teachers, administrators and staff, marking their years of service and retirement during the annual Employee Recognition Celebration on May 25.

The event was held at the Buena Park Community Center, where families and friends of recognized employees gathered to cheer on their colleagues and loved ones. More than 80 employees were celebrated during the ceremony.

“Buena Park School District is strong because of you,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said to the District’s employees. “On behalf of Buena Park School District, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment, hard work, determination and passion. Your exceptional efforts have ensured a quality education for our students. Thank you for making a difference.”

Superintendent/Governing Board Special Recognition: Dr. Elsie Briseño Simonovski.

Teachers of the Year: Lisa Neve (Corey School), Nicole Foote (Emery School), Karla Knott (Gilbert School), Emily Pelonis (Pendleton School), Suzanne Huerta (Whitaker School), Kirstin Kim (Gordon H. Beatty Middle School) and Joanne Vu (Buena Park Middle School).

District Teacher of the Year: Kirstin Kim.

Classified Employee of the Year: Lisa Ramos-Sandoval.

PHOTO CAPTION:

EMPLOYEE1: Buena Park School District held its annual Employee Recognition Celebration on May 25, highlighting the passion and excellence of its teachers, staff and administrators.

Buena Park School District students utilized hot melt adhesive, tin foil, cardboard and the boundless reaches of their imaginations during the District’s Super Saturday engineering competition, held May 20 at Gordon H. Beatty Middle School.

Around 85 Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students from third, fourth and fifth grades participated in the event, forming five teams based on the theme “Innovation Convention.” The teams were assigned various tasks, including constructing ramps and cars, maneuvering robots through obstacle courses, and solving word scrambles.

This year’s event featured five teams: the Masked Tapirs, Pied Pipers, Bored Carders, Yarn Spinners and aL-uM-iN-O-P’s.

“I love Super Saturday and I want to come back for the next one – it’s so much fun,” Emery School fourth-grader Brayden L. said. “I love being able to work with my friends while building, engineering and coding.”

Students competed to win the Einstein Award, which recognizes the team with the highest score for demonstrating their engineering, coding, and collaboration skills. Students were assisted by sixth-grade volunteers from the District’s middle schools, who helped with coaching and encouragement during the event.

“We love Super Saturday because it boosts student engagement – students work together to solve problems and I’ve seen so much encouragement as well,” Director of Educational Programs Seri Hwang said. “One of the most important components of Super Saturday is letting students test and retry their inventions, which is an important aspect of problem solving. It allows them to develop depth and complexity in their thinking.”

Gilbert School third-grader Melody T. said her favorite aspect of Super Saturday was how she continually built and rebuilt her inventions, fine tuning her ideas to complete objectives.

“Super Saturday allows students to come together from across the entire Buena Park School District to build their interpersonal skills, highlighting the importance of being able to collaborate and problem solve with new people,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “I also think Super Saturday is important because it allows students to connect with others who share their common interests.”

When the final objectives were completed and the points were tallied, the Yarn Spinners were given the Einstein Award, signifying their innovation excellence.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SUPER1: Buena Park School District students from the team “aL-uM-iN-O-P’s” celebrate completing their ball passing contraption, which they used during a series of obstacles during the Super Saturday engineering competition.

SUPER2: Claire M. uses hot melt adhesive to complete her cardboard car to transport a ball to score points during Buena Park School District’s Super Saturday engineering competition.

Dr. Julienne Lee, an award-winning educator with extensive experience as a teacher, coach and administrator, will serve as Buena Park School District’s next superintendent, pending final Board of Education approval on June 12.

Dr. Lee currently serves as associate superintendent of educational services at Fullerton School District, where she oversees educational programs that include a nationally ranked speech and debate team, a Golden Bell award-winning intervention program and dual-language immersion programs in Spanish and Korean.

“I am thrilled and honored to be selected as the next superintendent for Buena Park School District,” Dr. Lee said. “The opportunity to lead and serve this diverse and inclusive community is a dream come true. I am excited to work collaboratively with staff, families and students to maximize everyone’s full potential.”

In her 26-year career, Dr. Lee has worked as dual-language immersion teacher, a Response to Intervention coach, a middle school English teacher, an assistant principal and principal.

Most recently, she was named the Region 17 Administrator of the Year for curriculum and instruction by the Association of California School Administrators in 2023 for implementing educational programs that enhance student learning. In 2020, Dr. Lee was recognized with the Woman of Distinction award from the 29th Senate District for her contributions to public education.

Dr. Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and administrative sciences from the University of California, Riverside, a master’s degree in multicultural education from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California.

“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Dr. Julienne Lee on her appointment as the new superintendent for Buena Park School District,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “I have full confidence in her ability to guide our District toward its continued excellence.”

Dr. Cantu will continue to serve as interim superintendent until Dr. Lee begins her tenure in July, once contract negotiations are finalized.

PHOTO CAPTION:

SUPERINTENDENT: Dr. Julienne Lee was selected as Buena Park School District’s new superintendent, pending Board of Education approval on June 12. She is expected to start her tenure in July, just in time for the 2023-24 school year.

As Buena Park School District's Student and Community Services Director, Dr. Elsie Briseño Simonovski is guided by the motto "There's always more to accomplish," and is seen regularly visiting various schools in the District, engaging with parents, and fostering relationships with community partners to enhance support for all students.

For these efforts, Simonovski was named Region 17 Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). She will receive the award on May 8 during the ACSA Region 17 Orange County Award Recognition at the Irvine Marriott.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award, it is a huge testament to our District in prioritizing the overall health, welfare and safety of our students and community,” Simonovski said. “I feel blessed and incredibly thankful for the trust that the District has afforded our department over the last several years and I’m very excited to keep moving forward with our work and advocacy for all our students.”

Simonovski joined Buena Park School District in January 2020, but her career in education spans 25 years in varying teacher and administrative roles, such as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist, elementary literacy coach, elementary and secondary teacher on special assignment, middle school assistant principal, K-8 coordinator for special education and English learners, K-12 curriculum and academic content design district administrator and continuation high school principal.

Under Simonovski’s tenure, the District has increased its counseling staff to boost student social-emotional health, increased access to health services, elevated professional development in child welfare and attendance, enhanced McKinney-Vento programs and staff through new grants to add services and hire mentors for students and uses Panorama, a student survey data program, to boost student engagement, school connectedness and overall success.

She and her team also implemented early intervention and criteria to reduce chronic absenteeism in 2022 and were named a Model School Attendance Review Board by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

“I plan to continue being a thoughtful, student-centered, and data-driven reflective leader while understanding that education continues to change and evolve, particularly when the needs in today’s classrooms and schools appear far greater than before the pandemic,” Simonovski said. “I am proud of the work our team of office staff, counselors, health professionals, liaisons, connections mentors, crisis responders, school resource officers, administrators and so many others do to support our students, staff and families.”

Simonovski holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a minor in education from University of California San Diego, a master’s degree in education from Argosy University, an administrative credential from National University and a doctoral degree of philosophy in urban leadership and education from Claremont Graduate University. She is also the president of ACSA’s Educational Options State Council.

“Congratulations to Dr. Simonovski – she truly deserves all the praise and recognition because her work has improved the lives of so many of our students,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “Dr. Simonovski is an amazing asset to our community and allows our students to find their passions so that they can become their best selves.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

ACSA: Buena Park School District's Student and Community Services Director Dr. Elsie Briseño Simonovski was named Region 17 Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).

 

Buena Park School District students displayed their grit and athleticism by flinging frisbees, kicking soccer balls and throwing shot puts to the delight of family and friends during the inaugural Special Olympics Field Day, held April 14 at Pendleton Elementary School.

The event included a fun-filled station rotation, where athletes showcased skills they learned throughout the year, such as fundamental movement, coordination, balance, focus, endurance and social interaction. The event was held in partnership with the Special Olympics, the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

“While at home, Dominic has been so excited to stay active and practice for the big day,” said David G., father of fourth-grader Dominic G. “He loves sports or anything that has to do with a ball but, we saw he did a great job throwing the frisbee around so we will need to get him a frisbee to further his love for the sport and to show our support.”     

Once rotations were complete, the school community and parents of the young athletes lined up to show their support with a celebratory round of applause. 

“Today would not be possible without the immense support and efforts of our wonderful staff and families,” Pendleton School Principal Loriann Leota said. “I would like to give a warm thank you to everyone who was involved in the planning of this event and ensured it was a huge success.”

Following the event, an award ceremony and popsicle celebration was held for the student-athletes, where they were presented with trophies and a Special Olympics backpack filled with physical activities for their hard-work and dedication.

Leota said she looks forward to hosting next year’s Field Day and hopes to expand on the success of the event by including additional activities to enhance student achievement.

“Congratulations to all of our young students for competing with pride and showing off their athletic talents,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “Buena Park School District will always be here to support and enrich the lives of our students by ensuring they have every opportunity to strengthen their academic and athletic skills empowering them into success.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SPECIALOLYMPICS1: Pendleton Elementary School first grader Aaron G-M. gives a thumbs up as he prepares to compete in the inaugural Special Olympics Field Day event held on April 14.

SPECIALOLYMPICS2: Pendleton Elementary School third grader Alex R-V., with a frisbee in hand, showcases his athletic skills as he competes in the inaugural Special Olympics Field Day event held on April 14.

Buena Park School District students demonstrated new and exciting teaching techniques such as using Apple apps to design video games and learning geometry and architecture by programming Cue robots to draw two-dimensional houses during the District’s second annual Innovation Showcase, held April 6 at Buena Park Middle School.

The Innovation Showcase is designed to show the progress students are making as they expand their knowledge and creative skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. It also allows teachers to explore what innovations are taking place throughout other schools in the District. The showcase highlighted various educational innovations across the district.

Beatty Middle School showcased how its aviation students use Lockheed Martin STEM Pilot flight simulators to enhance their knowledge of geography, topography and fuel usage. The simulators give students multiple views of the aircraft, including the control panel, front and side views, and landscapes, allowing them to complete an entire mission and even change planes mid-flight.

“Students can start a flight in a Cessna 172 out of LaGuardia Airport and end it in a de Havilland Beaver pontoon to land on the water in front of the Statue of Liberty,” Beatty aviation/STEM teacher John Kopaczewski said. “We have nine simulated missions that the students can fly, depending on their skill level, including the ‘Miracle on the Hudson.’ It is a lot of fun for the kids.”

Buena Park Middle School sixth grader Jessalyn D. used a variety of Apple apps, including Keynote, Clips, iMovie and GarageBand to create a video essay project on boxer Muhammad Ali, as well as a video book report on the Navy Seals. Jessalyn D. found that using the apps was an intuitive process that helped her in a variety of school subjects.

“I like the way the apps help you to organize your assignment. They guide you through all the steps needed to complete your projects,” Jessalyn D. said. “The apps are easy to work with and I can use them in other classes, like math. I like being able to create my own projects.”

Apple technology coaches work with students at the two middle schools, as part of a District partnership that also helps to train middle school teachers to be proficient in Apple applications and software.

The coaches also participate in the District’s Innovation Vanguard, which brings together a group of tech-forward teachers who meet each month to discuss exciting new projects and curriculum that the teachers then share with their school sites. The Innovation Showcase is the culminating event for the Innovation Vanguard.

“When students are given the tools to succeed and encouragement to explore their creativity, the result is innovation,” Interim superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “And look what happens. Our students are learning, and they are teaching us as well. There are no boundaries for success.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

INNOVATION1: Buena Park Middle School student Caleb M. prepares to fly a simulated air mission using a Lockheed Martin STEM Pilot flight simulator during the District’s annual Innovation Showcase, held April 6. The flight simulators, part of Beatty Middle School’s aviation elective, help teach students about geography, topography and fuel usage.

INNOVATION2: A pair of Emery School students program Cue robots to draw two-dimensional houses during the District’s second annual Innovation Showcase, held April 6 at Buena Park Middle School.

Buena Park Middle School’s Percussion Program ended its inaugural year with a trip to the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Finals, garnering praise from friends, family, audience members and industry professionals.

The Percussion Program, which consists of 26 Buena Park Middle School students, competed against five different area schools at the SCPA Finals at Azusa Pacific University on April 8 after competing in two previous events this year. Buena Park Middle School earned a first-place distinction at the SCPA Regional Show on Feb. 11.

The Percussion Program, led by Band Director Dylan Locke, was formed at the start of the 2022-23 school year. The team began practicing its five-minute routine “Left Brain/Right Brain” in October 2022 during sixth-period classes and Wednesday nights. In addition to learning the music, students also learned dance choreography. The team unveiled its performance on Feb. 1 during a family and friends preview night.

“We are really excited for what is to come during next year’s season and finals and we’re always building and growing,” Locke said. “It’s a successful start to what will hopefully be a long tradition of pageantry arts for our school.”

Buena Park Middle School competed against Warm Springs and Dorothy McElhinney middle schools, Townsend and Canyon Hills junior high schools and Rancho Starbuck Intermediate School during the April 8 event.

“The event was a blast – an absolute rollercoaster. I’ll definitely join drumline in high school because of how much fun I’ve had this year,” eighth-grader Jake P. said. “Mr. Locke was so encouraging and hyped us up by telling us to put all of our energy into this final show.”

Locke said the percussion team will perform the “Left Brain/Right Brain” theme once more during sixth-grade orientation before the end of the school year. He said they are considering commissioning an all-new theme for the 2023-24 school year.

“Congratulations to our amazing Percussion Program students and Band Director Dylan Locke – you’ve made us all proud with your progress during your first year,” Interim superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “I’m honored to have witnessed the creation and growth of this program during this year and I know they’ll continue to achieve more as they grow and expand.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

PERCUSSION1: Buena Park Middle School Percussion Program students perform their show, “Left Brain/Right Brain” to a raucous crowd at the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Finals on April 8. The school’s program was formed at the start of the 2022-23 school year and has already earned a first-place win at the SCPA Regional Show.

PERCUSSION2: Buena Park Middle School Percussion Program meet with five other local middle school-level programs at the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Finals on April 8. This is the team’s first finals competition and has already earned a first-place recognition at the regional level.

 

Buena Park Middle School students are diving into learning proper swimming etiquette and safety while having fun at the Long Beach Yacht Club, thanks to the school’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Sailing/Swimming program.

The STEM Sailing/Swimming program, which has been available to Buena Park Middle School students for six years through support from the Long Beach Yacht Club’s Sailing Foundation, is held each spring, turning new and novice swimmers into naturals. This year, more than 30 students are participating in the program with help from four Long Beach Yacht Club volunteer swimming coaches on Mondays from March to May. Students join the District’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

“STEM Swimming allows our students to become water safety trained so that they can have that expertise and do water sports in high school and for fun,” STEM Swimming program Advisor and Career Technical Educator Shelley Andros said. “The change has been dramatic – some are just honing their skills and others were afraid to get in the water at first. Now, nearly all of them can swim across the pool and it has helped them gain confidence.”

During the program, students are taught front crawl and backstroke styles of swimming, how to tread water, breathing exercises, kicking, floating and keeping up their stamina.

“I joined the STEM Swimming program because I wanted to meet new people, I wanted to improve my swimming technique and I love the water,” seventh-grader Kameran U. said. “I love it so much that now I’m thinking of joining the water polo team in high school.”

After the eight-week program, students are tested by their coaches to showcase their swimming skills. Once the stude

nts pass, they are allowed to participate in a summer water sports camp event, held in association with the Boy Scouts of America.

Andros said her favorite STEM Swimming story starts with a student who refused to put his face in the water. Now, he is on the Buena Park High School water polo team.

“It’s astounding to see how our students change from novices to near expert swimmers thanks to our STEM Swimming program,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “While swimming might seem nonessential to some, Buena Park School District knows it is important to promote healthy lifestyles through physical activity.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SWIM1: Two Buena Park Middle School students ready themselves to practice the front crawl style of swimming during their school’s STEM Swimming program, held at the Long Beach Yacht Club.

SWIM2: Buena Park Middle School seventh-grader Kameran U. has improved his ability to tread water, do the backstroke and dive – all thanks to his school’s STEM Swimming program.

Beatty Middle School students learned how they can train guide dogs, build advanced robots, delve into foreign languages and plan their careers when Sunny Hills and Buena Park high school representatives visited on March 7 and 8.

Gordon H. Beatty Middle School students got a glimpse of their futures as Coyotes and Lancers as they spoke with students and faculty from both schools, who provided insight on how to prepare for the transition to high school in 2023-24.

“These visits were very important because it’s the start of how our students will begin to prioritize their goals leading to higher education,” Beatty Middle School Principal Joaquin Valdez said. “It’s all about allowing our students to think ahead and understand what’s available to them and how they’ll take on these high school opportunities.”

Each info session discussed registration, first-year curriculum, honors classes and extracurricular activities, as well as tutoring available through the Advancement Via Individual Determination program.

“I am immensely excited about Sunny Hill High School because I think it’s a great school and I’m excited about its world language offerings – I would love to take Chinese or German because I love foreign languages and their cultures,” eighth-grader Anthony G. said. “Hearing this presentation was a positive experience – it provided me with a clear idea of the pathways, which I could not get from reading a pamphlet.”

Guest high school students also shared how their favorite programs are setting them up for success – including Sunny Hills High School’s agriculture program, which allows students to raise animals that can be entered into contests at the Orange County Fair for cash awards.

“I am looking forward to attending Buena Park High School because I heard that their women’s water polo team is very good, and I want to try out for it,” eighth-grader Leia M. said. “I especially look forward to taking courses within their foreign language program, in particular to Spanish, and being a part of the school culture as a Coyote.”

Buena Park High School also highlighted its Academy for Early College, which allows students to take college-level courses while still in high school.

“Though we are sad that our eighth-graders are leaving Buena Park School District, we take comfort in the fact that we know we prepared them for the rigorous academics that are expected of them in high school, college and beyond,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Yvette Cantu said. “This visit from Sunny Hills High School and Buena Park High School was a phenomenal chance for our students to get an idea of what is in store for them on their academic journeys.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HIGHSCHOOL1: Two Gordon H. Beatty Middle School students look through information packets, which outline some of the core academics and extracurricular activities available to them when they enter either Sunny Hills or Buena Park high schools. Representatives from both schools visited Beatty to prepare students for the 2023-24 school year.

HIGHSCHOOL2: Gordon H. Beatty Middle School eighth-grader Lauren G. said she is excited to study history and take honors courses when she attends Sunny Hills High School at the start of the 2023-24 school year. Lauren G. and others were given the opportunity to learn about various programs directly from visiting Sunny Hills High School students.

Buena Park School District’s Board of Education unanimously appointed longtime leader Dr. Yvette Cantu to serve as the District’s interim superintendent during the Feb. 21 Board meeting.

Dr. Cantu was approved for the District’s top administrative role following the announced departure of Dr. Ramon Miramontes, who accepted a position as deputy superintendent of instructional services at the Orange County Department of Education.

“When I started working in Buena Park School District, I made a promise to our families to ensure their children have the best possible education and I aim to keep that promise as I now step into a larger role,” Dr. Cantu said. “I want to thank our wonderful Board of Education, staff members and families for trusting me with this position. I will do all I can to uphold our District’s exceptional legacy.”

In her more than 30 years in education, Dr. Cantu has taught in almost every grade level from kindergarten through seventh grade and served as an elementary principal for 16 years. Dr. Cantu has worked at Buena Park School District since 2018, where she started her tenure as the director of curriculum and instruction before being promoted to chief academic officer in 2020.

Dr. Cantu holds an administrative credential and Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from California State University, Long Beach and a doctorate in education from California State University, Fullerton.

Dr. Cantu will serve as the District’s top official while the Board of Education begins a search for its next superintendent. The Board approved a contract with Leadership Associates, an executive search and leadership develop firm, on March 6 to assist the District with the search and hiring process. The Board aims to select a new superintendent in time for the 2023-24 school year.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Cantu on her new appointment and wish her well as she leads Buena Park School District,” Miramontes said. “It has been an honor and a dream to serve as superintendent of Buena Park School District and I leave with a heavy heart. However, I know the District is in excellent hands with Dr. Cantu.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

INTERIM: Dr. Yvette Cantu was chosen by the Buena Park School District Board of Education to serve as interim superintendent for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year.

Buena Park School District students dressed as homemade superheroes while vividly describing tales of action, horror and comedy at the inaugural Comic Creator Fair, held on Feb. 18 at Buena Park Middle School.

Held in Buena Park Middle School’s band room, the Comic Creator Fair welcomed scores of parents and family members onto campus to hear and see the creative writing and artistic skills of some 50 third- through fifth-graders from the District’s elementary schools.

Ramona L., mother of Corey School third-grader Issaiah C., said she was proud of her son’s participation and hard work at the Comic Creator Fair. Issaiah C. created a comic book about Creepers, a fictitious villain from the video game “Minecraft.”

During the fair, each school site presented first-, second- and third-place awards to students who went above and beyond in their work with their comic books.

“I like writing stories that change from scary to sad to funny – I think that makes a good ending,” Gilbert School first-place winner and third-grader Josh M. said. “My book is based off a video game I love called ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ and I want to keep writing and make a sequel to this book.”

The Comic Creator Fair was created through a partnership between the District and After School Enrichment Program (ASEP), an organization that provides homework help, extracurricular programs and expanded learning opportunities to students.

“This event gave our students a fantastic opportunity to exercise their creativity and putting it on paper with drawing and writing,” Director of Educational Programs Seri Hwang said. “It gave students a chance to tap into their imaginations. The program also taught students to improve their drawing and writing skills while also teaching them how to outline a story and organize.”

More than 400 District elementary school students worked on their comic book ideas and drawings over the last six weeks, with the help of ASEP team members on Thursday afternoons. Students with standout stories were selected to participate in the Comic Creator Fair.

“Congratulations to all of our students for making such wonderful stories for our Comic Creator Fair,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Buena Park School District is always looking for ways to ignite the passion for learning in our students and this is a perfect way to get them interested in creative writing to develop their critical thinking skills.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

COMIC1: Gilbert School first-place winner and third-grader Josh M. shows off his first-place award ribbon and his comic book “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” a horror-comedy adaptation of the video game of the same name. Josh M. and others had their work showcased at Buena Park School District’s inaugural Comic Creator Fair on Feb. 18.

COMIC2: Corey School fourth-grader Brock L. presents his comic “The Awesome Guy Adventures” as he himself dresses in an Awesome Guy costume. Brock L. was one of many students to participate in Buena Park School District’s Comic Creator Fair on Feb. 18 at Buena Park Middle School.

Buena Park School District’s new Percussion Program wowed audience members and judges at the Feb. 11 Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Regional Show with their “Left Brain/Right Brain” themed performance – earning them first place and a chance to qualify for the SCPA Championships.

The Percussion Program, which consists of 26 Buena Park Middle School students, competed against 33 other schools and independent drum groups at La Quinta High School in Westminster. After taking home first place, the team is set to compete in one more show to qualify for the SCPA Championship.

“Winning first place feels good because it feels like all the work that we’ve done resulted in that performance, which was our best yet,” said John C., eighth-grade marimba player. “I’ve already fallen in love with music and playing the marimba encourages me to keep going. This passion for music has kept me going for a long time and I just want to keep doing more.”

Buena Park Middle School’s Percussion Program, led by Band Director Dylan Locke, was formed at the start of the 2022-23 school year. The team began practicing its five-minute routine “Left Brain/Right Brain” in October 2022 during sixth-period classes and Wednesday nights. In addition to learning the music, the students also learned dance choreography.

“I am very proud of my students’ hard work that they got to demonstrate at this show – they got to see the fruits of their labor after months of rehearsals,” Locke said. “I’m honored to have such support from our District and community every time we do a show with the choir and band. It’s awesome to be in a District that wants a music program and is so enthralled by it.”

The Percussion Program will continue practicing, with its eyes set on a show on March 11 in Temecula and then the SCPA Championship Show on April 8 in Azuza.

 

“Congratulations to our young percussionists – you’ve made the Buena Park School District community so proud with your skills and determination,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “The creativity and passion in our Percussion Program, and performing arts program as a whole, is unparalleled. We have so much talent in our District and I’m glad that its being recognized.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

PERCUSSION1: Two Buena Park Middle School drummers play an assortment of drums and cymbals during a showcase of the Percussion Program’s “Left Brain/Right Brain” show, which won them first place at the Feb. 11 Southern California Percussion Alliance Regional Show.

PERCUSSION2: Buena Park Middle School’s Percussion Program won first place at the latest Southern California Percussion Alliance Regional Show and is currently preparing for a March 11 show and a Championship Show on April 8.

Buena Park School District students spelled a variety of tongue-tying, treacherous words - putting their spelling skills to the test during the District’s 2023 Spelling Bee on Feb. 9.

The Spelling Bee, held in the Buena Park Middle School gymnasium, featured 51 students from each school in grades four through eight. Fourth- and fifth-grade had their own division, while the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade spellers competed to see who would advance to the Orange County Spelling Bee.

After more than three hours of competition, which included multiple tie-breaker rounds, the winners were announced to the cheers of parents, family members and friends. Gordon H. Beatty Middle School eighth-grader Mia Vargas-G. won first place for the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade division, Emery School student Bennett L. won the fifth-grade division and Emery School student Jacob W. won the fourth-grade division.

“It’s so exciting that I’m going to the Orange County Spelling Bee,” Mia Vargas-G. said. “I’ve done quite a few spelling bees, but I’ve never won before. I’m a little scared but I’m looking forward to the County Spelling Bee.”

Jacob W. said he was worried that he was not going to win but was thankful for the practice help he received from family members that he believed secured his win.

“I want to thank all of our participants for studying hard, learning to spell so many difficult words and becoming more verbose as a result of this competition,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “We know our sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade winner and runner-up will make our District proud at the Orange County Spelling Bee and encourage our entire community to achieve and succeed.”

Both sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade winner Mia Vargas-G. and runner-up Bible K. will represent Buena Park School District at the Orange County Spelling Bee on Feb. 27.

Fourth-grade Division:

Winner: Jacob W.

Runner-up: Daniel B.

Fifth-grade Division:

Winner: Bennett L.

Runners-up: Elly C., Frederick L., Jordan C. and Jayden N.

Sixth-, Seventh- and Eighth-grade Division:

Winner: Mia Vargas-G.

Runner-up: Bible K.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

BEE1: Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade winner Mia Vargas-G. and runner-up Bible K., both representing Gordon H. Beatty Middle School, showcase their trophies from Buena Park School District’s 2023 Spelling Bee.

BEE2: Emery School fifth-grader Bennett L. took home first place in his division – leaving him speechless after such a tense competition.

BEE3: The complete line-up for Buena Park School District’s fourth-grade Spelling Bee division – including Emery School fourth-graders Jacob W. and Daniel B. (first two on the left), who took home first place and runner-up, respectively.

Buena Park School District students learned about charity, friendly attitudes and helping others during the District’s second annual Kinder Kindness Week celebration, held Jan. 23 to 27.

Some 375 kindergarten students were given medals and superhero capes for learning various ways to make their campus, community and homes better by spreading kindness. Students also created artwork about how they’re reaching out to make new friends, planting trees, cleaning up their neighborhoods and being polite.

“I hope that the Kinder Kindness event inspires our students to be kind year-round,” Special Projects Teacher Charlene Ball said. “We want to teach students that their first instinct should be kindness and that its always best to be naturally kind.”

Each elementary school in the District is currently showcasing the artwork in various multipurpose rooms and classrooms to spread goodwill to the rest of the student body and visiting parents. The Kinder Kindness art exhibit can also be viewed online.

“To me, kindness means helping others when they’re sick, sharing and saying thank you,” Corey School kindergartener Penelope M said.

The Kinder Kindness medals and capes were paid for by the Buena Park School District Education Foundation and the KM Legacy Foundation.

“Kinder Kindness Week is quickly becoming one of my favorite celebrations because it’s important to condone kindheartedness and humanity,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Kinder Kindness is part of our District’s extensive wellness program, which aims to boost social-emotional growth in all of our students while.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

KINDNESS1: Corey Elementary School kindergarteners Brayden M. and Olivia F. beam with positivity after earning medals for participating in Buena Park School District’s Kinder Kindness Week.

KINDNESS2: Corey Elementary School kindergartener Patrick T. shows off his superhero cape, signifying him as “super kind” during Buena Park School District’s Kinder Kindness Week.

 

Buena Park School District is revamping its curriculum and bolstering support through a partnership with University of California, Irvine that puts doctoral students into classrooms to observe and share feedback for improving instruction, and through its popular Math Academy, which challenges students to apply real-world scenarios to boost understanding.

Now in its second year, the Math Academy focuses on small group breakout sessions and fun activity-driven lessons in grades three through five, providing individual coaching and Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) for student-centered teaching.

The UCI partnership, which launched this school year, allows three doctoral students to regularly visit Whitaker and Gilbert schools to observe and report on math lessons while providing instructional support to classroom teachers.

The Math Academy, supported by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) Funds, is a three-year program created to reduce class sizes during math instruction. More than 1,240 students participate in the program across the District. The UCI partnership is a three-year grant funded by the William T. Grant Foundation to support K-12 schools in improving in-class math lessons.

Using CGI, the Math Academy aims to teach students how to use their own knowledge of math to nurture thinking, rather than relying on algorithms. The Academy provides students with rigorous and structured one-hour math lessons that include warm-ups, problem-solving time, counting by large groups of numbers and quizzes.

“CGI is based on almost 40 years of research about children’s thinking – it’s about building understanding of student thinking,” Orange County Department of Education Math Coordinator Dr. Jody Guarino said. “We then use that student thinking to drive instruction.”

Guarino provides the District’s Math Academy teachers, and all elementary teachers, with regular professional development training to teach them new and insightful ways to engage with their students, including new listening methods, connecting on a social-emotional level, teaching grade-appropriate lesson strategies and promoting equity for genders and people of color.

The District’s partnership with UCI not only provides support for math teachers during class sessions, but also provides feedback based on in-class observation to improve future lessons.

The UCI team also works with families by holding community talks to showcase everyday ways they can teach math – such as buying food at a grocery store, finding batting averages during Dodgers baseball games or using fractions with ingredients while making dinner.

“Buena Park School District is really pushing to evolve math standards and our Math Academy and UCI partnership are amazing new examples of how we’re staying ahead of the curve for the benefit of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “We’re making sure our students are more active in math instruction so that they adapt and understand. Meanwhile, our teachers are constantly improving and making their lesson plans better.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

MATH1: Fourth-grader Jed D. gets help with a word problem from Emery School teacher and Cotsen Fellow Arla Little during a Math Academy lesson.

MATH2: (Left to right) Corey School fourth-graders Stella D., Madilyn C. and Emily M. discuss which math problem solution they believe to be the most useful during a Math Academy lesson.

Buena Park Middle School’s band and choir students filled the halls of Thanksgiving Church and thrilled family and community members with the sounds of classical music standards and holiday favorites during its “Let it Snow” Winter Concert on Dec. 8.

The concert was directed by Buena Park Middle School band and choir Director Dylan Locke with help from California State University, Long Beach student-teachers Alix Aber and Kelsey Lih, who served as co-conductors for the evening. Some 250 guests were in attendance for the event.

“The concert was phenomenal,” Locke said. “All of our students have been working so hard and the choir sang three performances over the course of six days. It is a lot of work to ask of middle school students – but they stepped up to the challenge and it’s been amazing to see their work pay off for the benefit of the community.”

The band played well-known holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bells,” “My Dreidel” and “Festival of the Eternal Lights” while the choir sang “Noche De Paz,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Winter Wonderland.”

“I’m so proud of our performance because I think we sounded great and I think everyone did a great job,” eighth-grader Alena L. said. “Mr. Lock, Mr. Aber and Miss Lih were all great – they set us up for success, they’re great teachers and they make performances like this very fun. They made this winter concert such a great experience.”

In the lobby, parents and family members gathered to heap praise upon their children and purchased wild flower bouquets, which were arranged by Buena Park Middle School’s horticulture students.

“Our band and choir students did an amazing job spreading holiday cheer with their musical skills,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “I want to thank Mr. Locke for guiding our students and supporting the District effort to boost creativity through the performing arts.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

WINTER1: Buena Park Middle School’s band plays a selection of classical and holiday standards to the delight of family and community members during the school’s Winter Concert.

WINTER2: Buena Park Middle School’s choir students smile as they gleefully sing “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for some 250 guests at Thanksgiving Church during the school’s Winter Concert on Dec. 8.

Buena Park School District’s elementary school students drew thunderous cheers of applause from parents and family members for every goal, blocked shot and kick during the first-ever Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament on Dec. 3.

The Superintendent’s Cup brought together more than 160 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from each of the District’s five elementary schools for a multi-round soccer tournament, aimed at teaching athleticism, perseverance, teamwork and good player conduct.

After 15 games and several penalty kick showdowns, Emery Elementary School walked away as the winners for the third- and fourth-grade divisions, while Gilbert Elementary School was named the winner of the fifth-grade division.

“It feels great to be part of the winner team at our first Superintendent’s Cup – my team is so energetic and happy,” Emery School fourth-grader Charles O. said. “Sometimes we were down on points, but then we got back up and won because we never gave up. Today’s tournament showed that anything is possible if you try. We thought all the teams were better than us, but in the end we won.”

The event was held at the Buena Park High School stadium and was organized through a partnership between the District, Buena Park High School and Pure Games, a non-profit sports program that teaches students about building character through athletics. The event was sponsored by the Buena Park Education Foundation.

“The Superintendent’s Cup has been such a great experience for students, staff members and families – we know that the event has given our students the foundations of teamwork and cooperation,” Director of Educational Programs Seri Hwang said. “I also think they also just had a great time being outdoors during a friendly competition between our schools.”

In addition to an afternoon of soccer matches, guests had the chance to visit educational booths that explored healthy eating and physical fitness, as well as enter drawings to win prizes like soccer balls.

“Everyone had such a phenomenal time at our first Superintendent’s Cup – it was such a pleasure to see all of our families come out to support our student athletes,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Congratulations to our winning teams and to all of our players – you all played with such heart and made your schools proud.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SOCCER1: Gilbert Elementary School students hug, cheer and celebrate winning the fifth-grade division of the inaugural Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament on Dec. 3. More than 160 students participated in the tournament to the delight of community members, family and friends. Emery Elementary School won the third- and fourth-grade divisions.

SOCCER2: Several Corey and Pendleton elementary school students showcase their fancy footwork during a match at the first-ever Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament on Dec. 3. The day’s event featured 15 soccer matches and several tie-breaker penalty kick showdowns to determine Emery Elementary School as the winner of the third- and fourth-grade divisions and Gilbert Elementary School as the fifth-grade division winner.

Whitaker Elementary School welcomed droves of students, parents and community members onto campus for a night of tasty burgers and outdoor cinematic splendor during its Movie Night Fundraiser on Nov. 17.

 

Students and their families gathered onto Whitaker School’s basketball courts for a special viewing of “The Secret Life of Pets” while feasting on In-n-Out burgers, popcorn and candy.

The event was sponsored by Whitaker’s Home School Organization and featured an In-n-Out food truck, thanks to the In-n-Out Foundation. The night brought in $1,863.75 -- 75 percent of which will be used to fund Whitaker School field trips, student events and support for classrooms. The other 25 percent of the proceeds will be given to a Buena Park charity.

“As usual, our community showed up with their Whitaker pride,” Whitaker School Principal Stephanie Williamson said. “It’s amazing to see so many parents here, together raising funds to support our students. I am beyond proud.”

Whitaker School was randomly selected to host the In-n-Out Foundation via a lottery drawing in June 2021. The event also included a showcase of Whitaker School student artwork, essays and a song that centered around the theme “What Whitaker Means to Me.”

“Movie Night was an incredible opportunity to get all of our kids together and let them enjoy time away from the educational process while introducing them to something new,” Whitaker School parent Gabriela F. said. “It’s a great way to bring the community together for a good cause.”

Twenty-five student winners, whose work was featured at the event, were selected for their excellence and were awarded In-n-Out meal tickets to use at the event.

“I want to thank Whitaker School’s Home School Organization and the In-n-Out Foundation for their major philanthropic support. The night’s proceeds will go a long way toward making Whitaker School shine brighter and it will also benefit the City of Buena Park as a whole,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “It truly takes a village to raise a child and we are lucky to live within such a caring village that knows and encourages generosity and charity.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUNDRAISER1: Students and parents bundled up with cozy blankets and enjoyed tasty In-n-Out burgers during Whitaker School’s Movie Night fundraiser, which brought in $1,863.75 that will pay for school field trips, events, supplies as well as donations to a local Buena Park charity.
 

FUNDRAISER2: A Buena Park School District mother and her two children enjoy a night out under the stars at Whitaker School’s Movie Night fundraiser. The night’s proceeds will largely go to funding field trips, events and buying everyday supplies for Whitaker School.

WHAT: Buena Park School District will host its inaugural Superintendent’s Cup soccer tournament, where students will have a friendly competition to determine which school reigns supreme on the soccer field.

Students from all five elementary schools in grades three, four and five will compete in a series of short matches that focus on building teamwork, social-emotional intelligence and perseverance.

The event is being organized in partnership with Buena Park High School and Pure Games, a non-profit sports program that teaches students about building character through athletics. The event is being sponsored by Buena Park School District Education Foundation and community partners will be providing health and wellness resources to guests. The District plans for the event to become an annual tradition for students and the community.

WHEN: 1:00 - 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. (Superintendent’s Cup event)

Families are also welcome to attend:

8 a.m. (Buena Park High School boys’ junior varsity soccer team match)

10 a.m. (Buena Park High Schools boys’ varsity soccer team match)

WHERE: Buena Park High School stadium, 8833 Academy Drive, Buena Park, CA 90621.

DETAILS: For more information, contact the Buena Park School District office at (714) 522-8412 or visit https://www.bpsd.us/.

Nearly 75 Buena Park School District students mastered the designs of Mother Nature, learned the metamorphosis of frogs through Lego programming, discovered how engineers are taking wildlife into consideration when building structures and understood the importance of predators and prey during the District’s biannual Super Saturday event.

Held Nov. 5 at Buena Park Middle School, Super Saturday invited all Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students in grades three, four and five. The event gave students the chance to learn about biomimicry – the act of using nature’s designs to influence buildings and vehicles.

The District teamed up with the Orange County Department of Education’s (OCDE) “Inside the Outdoors” program to host the event, with the help of Director of Educational Programs Seri Hwang.

“Through the GATE Super Saturday event, our students are given additional opportunities outside of the classroom to explore how to combine nature’s models with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” Hwang said. “Super Saturday is a great avenue for students across our District to collaborate, innovate and build their creativity skills.”

Students learned from OCDE instructors while handling frogs, tarantulas and turtles to understand wildlife, played freeze tag to simulate predator and prey populations, constructed Lego frogs for racing, and built popsicle stick bridges to allow animals to safely traverse over dangerous human-made obstacles such as highways.

“I loved the frog engineering Lego project because it was fun to be able to make things with my hands and electronics,” Emery School fifth-grader Sophia S. said. “Super Saturday makes me want to become an engineer because it taught me about many different subjects like building bridges to help wildlife and how we can use animal designs to make machines.”

Hwang also said that Super Saturdays are important for boosting student interest in STEM careers and developing students’ knowledge of biomimicry. The next Super Saturday event will be held in spring 2023.

“Super Saturday is always such an amazing event for everyone involved – it truly is inspiring to see how just one day of additional learning can create dozens of young environmentalists and scientists,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “I think that the latest Super Saturday inspired many of our students and I cannot wait to see how it drives their goals for life and careers.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SUPER1: Buena Park School District students Juliet P. (left) and Claire M. (right) showcase their Lego frog design, which mimics the jumping pattern of a real frog using computer programming, plastic pieces and a small motor. Juliet and Claire learned about the movements of frogs and other animals during the fall Super Saturday event on Nov. 5 at Buena Park Middle School.

SUPER2: (Left to right), Buena Park School District students Aaron U., Miguel P., Brayden L. and Jaden W. build a popsicle stick bridge to assist animals traverse dangerous highways to ensure wildlife safety during the fall Super Saturday event on Nov. 5. Some 90 Gifted and Talented Education students attended the event to learn about how engineering and science can be used to work alongside wildlife.

More than 30 Buena Park Middle School teachers have recently earned the Apple Teacher certification, recognizing their Apple applications mastery that is used to teach students about video and audio editing, giving presentations, organizing spreadsheets and more.

In order to certified, teachers must gain digital badges to show their proficiency in a variety of Apple programs, which include Keynote, Pages, Numbers, Garageband and iMovie. To assist with application learning, Apple Professional Learning Coaches visit Buena Park Middle School weekly to give training to students and teachers.

Buena Park Middle School teachers started gaining certification during spring 2022 and just reached a milestone of having 34 certified Apple Teachers in the 2022-23 school year.

With help from Apple Coaches, students are developing their digital literacy and learning skills to help them succeed in the workforce. The students then use those skills to create a variety of projects, such as giving presentations about ancient civilizations in history class and editing video essays about the latest books they have read for English language arts.

“I’m grateful to work with many educators who are willing to try something new to engage our students,” Math Teacher and Apple Teacher Alice Lee said. “I’m always so encouraged to see which classes have reserved time with our Apple Specialist because it means those students get the opportunity to explore deeper, to make connections to their learning and to have fun while still learning. Our students enjoy getting to learn about the different Apple apps, and our students are challenging us teachers to keep pushing, keep learning and keep engaging.”

Buena Park Middle School teachers are dedicated to staying-up-to-date on educational technology, ensuring that they are well-equipped to helping student master the digital tools that will support their success in high school, college and career. Having the Apple Teacher certification aids all Buena Park Middle School teachers in answering niche application questions from their students – which Lee said has created a level of comfort for everyone in class, translating to better communication and ease during group projects.

“We’re so proud of all of our newly certified Apple Teachers at Buena Park Middle School,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “This level of mastery and passion for learning new technology will provide major support to all of our students during in-class lessons.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

APPLE1: Buena Park Middle School Math Teacher and Apple Teacher Alice Lee instructs sixth-grader Leila M. on how to use Apple Keynote to create vibrant visual presentations. Lee is one of 34 Apple certified teachers at Buena Park Middle School, which signifies that she and her colleagues have mastered the minutiae of various Apple applications.

 

Buena Park School District students and parents haunted the halls of Gilbert Elementary School dressed as princesses, police officers and pop culture icons while enjoying delectable foods, games and entertainment during the school’s Fall Festival.

Held on Oct. 27, the Fall Festival welcomed community members onto campus for an evening of fun that raised $250, which will help fund future Gilbert Elementary School field trips to aquariums, local colleges and museums to boost student learning and a college-going culture.

The event also had a mini pumpkin coloring station, a kabob food truck, a costume parade and contest, music and an outdoor showing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“It’s so nice to see smiles and families as a whole at our Fall Festival – it really reinforces our community feeling at Gilbert School,” Principal Leslie Chavez said. “Everyone loves this community event – we had a food truck, we also had trunk-or-treat for candy distribution and a bounce house too. It has really been a great combination of community members coming together in a great way to make a fun evening for our families.”

The night’s festivities also included a costume contest, which included winners for the upper and lower grades. Fifth-grader Amelia G. won the upper grade division for her neon bright ’80s girl costume, while transitional kindergartener Ximena G. won for her astronaut costume. The two costume contest winners were awarded $15 gift cards to any store of their choosing.

“I’m so shocked that I won,” Amelia G. said. “I got this costume idea because I love ‘Stranger Things’ and the music and style of the ’80s. Also, I want to thank my mom and my aunt for helping me put this costume together.”

Carmen Lopez, mother of two Gilbert School students, said the Fall Festival was a fantastic way to get her children outside and making memories with friends. She also said that Principal Chavez’s planning and overall helpful nature made the event safe and fun for all guests.

“Gilbert School’s Fall Festival is a wonderful outing that not only strengthens community ties – it also goes a long way to funding more field trips to make sure our students are learning and growing and thinking about their future colleges and careers,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “I hope everyone had a great time – it was so amazing to know that Principal Chavez and her team were responsible for so many smiling faces with this event.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FALLFEST1: Gilbert School’s Fall Festival costume contest winners were fifth-grader Amelia G., who was dressed as an ’80s girl, while transitional-kindergartener Ximena G. was dressed as a space-faring astronaut.

FALLFEST2: Buena Park School District students dressed in their coolest and spookiest costumes during Gilbert School’s Fall Festival on Oct. 27. The evening event included a kabob food truck, games, a mini pumpkin painting station, music and safe trunk-or-treating options for the entire community.

Buena Park School District’s revamped preschool program is ensuring its youngest students thrive by using data collected from the Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP) to create personalized and focused plans that prepare students for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Thanks to DRDP data collected during the first two months of the 2022-23 school year, teachers at all preschools in the District are now providing in-depth student progress reports to track readiness, acknowledge strengths and determine if students need additional support in their learning.

Teachers gather DRDP data by observing students during daily classroom activities, play and one-on-one interactions. The observations focus on social and emotional development, language and literacy, cognition (including math) and English language development.

“The DRDP data helps us ensure that our preschool practices set students up for success with their next teacher,” Administrator of Early and Expanded Learning Mary Beckelheimer said. “The data also allows us to identify needs and provide extended support for students earlier in their academic career– early intervention is key in addressing learning challenges.”

Growth or need for improvement is noted throughout the school year by teachers and instructional assistants and is then used to tailor learning plans and is shared with students’ new teachers when they are promoted to their next grade level.

Beckelheimer said one of the most important components of the DRDP is consistent contact with parents. Teachers update parents throughout the year on their child’s growth, creating meaningful discussions about what to encourage and how to prepare their children for higher grade levels.

“The work being done at the Buena Park Learning Center and in our expanded preschool program is phenomenal – we’re building a strong foundation for our youngest students and making sure they have good support early in their lives,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “The Desired Results Development Profile data we collect will go a long way in ensuring our students get the social and academic assistance they need to thrive in the Buena Park School District, high school, college and in their careers.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SUCCESS1: Buena Park Learning Center Early Learning Educator Kyoung Son reads along with preschooler Abigail N. during a lesson, observing how she is learning according to the Desired Results Development Profile guidelines, which is then used to create personalized and focused plans for student success.

SUCCESS2: Preschooler Kyle J. learned about taking turns on the slide and safety while on playground equipment from Early Learning Educator Kyoung Son. Son and other Buena Park School District teachers observe how preschool students behave and learn to gather data for the Desired Results Development Profile, which provides outlines on how to approach teaching to all District students.

Buena Park School District welcomed 14 city, business and community leaders onto its campuses as Principal for a Day to learn about District operations, explore academic programs and support services, and connect with students on their favorite subjects, the skills they have learned and their future goals.

A variety of local professionals participated in the Oct. 18 event, including Buena Park Mayor Sunny Park, Buena Park High School Counselor Maggie Gallego, and Biola University Associate Professor and English Learner Specialist Dr. Jenna Canillas.

Each guest met with school administrators, teachers, and staff members and also served as a role model for students, encouraging them to pursue their educational aspirations and passions. The guests visited students as they learned in typical classroom settings, discovered the performing arts, expanded their social-emotional learning out on the playground, used their hands in woodshop classes, nurtured the environment in wellness gardens and more.

Associate City Clerk for Buena Park Anna Badillo said Principal for a Day provides community leaders with a new perspective on how education is constantly changing and improving. She also said she wants to be a role model for young female students.

“The whole experience of Principal for a Day and seeing so many women leading schools as principals and inviting women leaders is just amazing,” Badillo said. “I hope the students can look up to us and hopefully one day, they too might want to hold those same leadership positions.”

Whitaker School Principal Stephanie Williamson said the best part of Principal for a Day was giving local leaders a chance to meet with the staff, administrators and students who make the District shine. 

“Principal for a Day is one of my favorite days of the year because it really demonstrates that we’re not just a school district, we’re a community, and that means we have connections throughout the entire city,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “We’re very lucky to have had such wonderful guest principals at this year’s event – I hope they all saw how our District is encouraging and growing the next generation of business owners, educators, philanthropists and civic leaders.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

PRINCIPAL1: Associate City Clerk for Buena Park Anna Badillo listens to second-grader Rose L. as she reads “The Pigeon Wants a Puppy.” Badillo and other community and business leaders visited Buena Park School District campuses for Principal for a Day on Oct. 18, to learn about how the District operates and to encourage students to pursue higher education.

PRINCIPAL2: (Right to left) Mathematics Coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education Jody Guarino meets with Corey Elementary School Principal LaRonda Ortega as the two prepare for Principal for a Day on Oct. 18. Guarino, along with 13 other local leaders, visited Buena Park School District to learn more about its program and services and to meet with the community.

 

Buena Park School District’s Pendleton Elementary School has entered its first year of International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) candidacy, during which administrators and staff members are receiving special training while students are being given more agency to question in order to boost understanding.

The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that promotes advanced learning opportunities in students ages three to 12. IB challenges students to become open-minded, empathetic leaders, achieved by integrating lessons on social-emotional growth, understanding the environment, enhancing critical thinking skills and more into the curriculum.

“Our students’ way of thinking about instruction has shifted – they have more agency that they didn’t have before,” Principal Loriann Leota said. “They can understand concepts better because we’re teaching in a different way. We’re creating better understanding in all areas of learning – IB expands on that. Our goal with IB is to help students feel successful and right now, many of our students are feeling that.”

Several of Pendleton School’s staff, including Leota, received training from IB PYP coaches over the summer to ready the school for its first candidacy year. This included preparing curriculum to include cognitively guided instruction for math, Studies Weekly for social studies and Twig Science for science classes – all of which are student-led instructional techniques to make sure that students are asking questions to boost their knowledge.

During the 2023-24 school year, Pendleton teachers will receive grade-level specific training and workshops to strengthen IB practices in classroom instruction.

Leota said that an IB consultant visit on Oct. 12 determined that Pendleton School is ahead of schedule in their new implementation of IB practices and that she expects to apply for the authorization phase to become a full IB Primary Years Programme school by the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Once Pendleton is certified as an IB school, students will put their new skills to the test during the “Fifth-grade Exhibition,” a report in which fifth-graders research a world problem, understand its significance and suggest a solution during a presentation.

“We are thrilled that Pendleton School’s staff and students are excelling during their International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme candidacy period,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “The expanded curriculum and training Pendleton School is receiving thanks to the IB candidacy will ensure that our current and future students will become world leaders who are environmentally conscious, empathetic and academically minded.”

Gordon H. Beatty Middle School’s Debate Program students are researching current events, practicing their diction and challenging their preconceived ideas to sharpen their skills as they prepare to return to a fully in-person debate tournament season.

While students participated in virtual and hybrid tournaments over the last couple of years, Buena Park School District students say they are thrilled to have their friends and family back in the audience and cheering for them. The team is gearing up for its first Orange County Debate League tournament on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Fall Friendship Scramble, which will be hosted at Buena Park Middle School.

“This year, our tournaments are all back to normal and I think it’s so much more beneficial because the audience will get to see what the students are doing while we’re in class,” eighth-grader Elizaveth G. said. “We students get to show our skills to our parents, and we also get to see other students in person and that allows us to learn from each other too.”

More than 60 Beatty Middle School students, in grades six to eight, are part of the Debate Program; 50 of them will participate in tournaments this year. Debate Program Coach Kat Terhune said joining the program and competing in tournaments is perfect for teaching students about poise under pressure, researching and preparation and learning about viewpoints beyond their own.

“The Debate Program teaches students valuable skills about how to navigate both sides of a viewpoint,” Terhune said. “It really forces students to get out of the mindset of ‘my side is right’ – they have to understand both sides, how to use evidence in their reasoning and how to evaluate that evidence.”

Eighth-grader Steven C., who has been in the Debate Program for three years, said he loves the variety of social, political and environmental topics available at each tournament. He said the Debate Program has helped him become more social and a more well-rounded student.

“Our award-winning Debate Program is the pride of Gordon H. Beatty Middle School,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “This remarkable program fosters so much achievement and growth for our students and gives them a chance to shine.”

Following the Fall Friendship Scramble, Buena Park School District will also participate in debate tournaments on Dec. 10, Feb. 4, March 18 and May 1.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

DEBATE1: Gordon H. Beatty Middle School eighth-grader Steven C. practices for an upcoming Orange County Debate League Tournament during debate class. Steven C. is among more than 60 other students learning to research, construct and argue their viewpoints through the Debate Program.

DEBATE2: Gordon H. Beatty Middle School eighth-grader Aziza M. returns for her final year of the Debate Program, hoping to win more awards while also expanding her knowledge and having fun with friends.

 

At Corey Elementary School, students as young as two years old are building social skills, learning to read, expanding their language skills and readying themselves for academic success thanks to a revamped preschool program.

Buena Park School District’s preschool program, including the program at Corey School, was recently expanded for the start of the 2022-23 school year to offer part- and full-day options, parent participation opportunities and accommodations for younger students.

Corey School Instructional Assistant Karina Castaneda and the rest of the preschool staff strive to offer a nurturing environment for students and their parents. Castaneda said one of the biggest components of preschool is when students connect with each other and learn about social-emotional growth.

“What I’ve seen in the first few weeks of school is that students really like connecting with each other and teachers,” Castaneda said. “It’s good to have students start school at such a young age because preschool is all about socializing and getting familiar with a school environment.”

Castaneda said the preschool program is also boosting communication rates in English Language (EL) learners since several instructors across the District speak Spanish, Korean and Tagalog. She said having the ability to speak a student’s first language creates a stronger bond between student and teacher and helps students understand academic concepts earlier.

“Connecting with our youngest learners, ages two to five, in their primary language is very important as their preschool experience may be their first structured learning experience in English,” Administrator of Early and Expanded Learning Mary Beckelheimer, who coordinates the District’s entire preschool program, said. “We consider fluency in a language other than English a true superpower in our society and we value staff who are dual and multilingual speakers.”

Corey School Principal LaRonda Ortega said the District’s preschool program was purposely built to address the needs of the community in terms of assisting with EL learners, social-emotional learning and extended care hours for working parents.

“Corey School’s preschool program is a bright example of the strong academic foundations that we’re building for our youngest students at Buena Park School District,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Our District’s preschool program is full of thoughtful, caring instructors and we’re glad to have expanded the program to be nurturing even more students.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

PRESCHOOL1: Corey Elementary School student Ivanya B. learns social-emotional skills playing house with some of her fellow students during her school’s preschool program.

PRESCHOOL2: Corey Elementary School student Raymond O. is expanding his communication, reading and social skills and making new friends during his school’s new expanded preschool program.

Buena Park School District has teamed up with several local entities to boost focus on literacy through the “Leaders are Readers” campaign, which aims to showcase how reading can allow children to reach great heights.

Buena Park School District Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes met with leaders from the City of Buena Park, the Buena Park Library District, the Buena Park Police Department and Centralia Elementary School District on Aug. 9 to discuss what literacy meant to them.

“I want everyone in our community to know the wonderful opportunities that the Buena Park Library has available for anyone with a library card,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Reading can take you to entirely new worlds, shape your creative mind and build the very foundations of your future. Reading is a fundamental cornerstone of all our lives.”

Buena Park Library District Director Helen Medina said the library is more than just books – it’s a place where the community can safely gather for fun activities, where teens can hang out and people of all ages can access tools and information to improve their lives. The library also loans out items like ukuleles, mobile hotspots, tablets and offers passes to California State Parks.

“Literacy has the power to open doors that would be unavailable otherwise,” Medina said. “In addition to providing career and education opportunities, reading for recreation can be enjoyable and exciting. It is important to foster a love of reading at a young age to encourage life-long learning.”

Buena Park Police Department Interim Chief of Police Frank Nunes said that being the child of immigrant parents who emphasized that literacy had a major effect on his life and career since it instilled a lifelong thirst for knowledge in him that drives him to this day.

Buena Park City Manager Aaron France said literacy promotes lifelong learning, making readers more aware of their local government and inspiring them to be more active participants in their communities.

“The Leaders are Readers campaign is an effort to demonstrate a passion for reading and the wonderful things that come as a result of reading,” said Norma Martinez, Centralia Elementary School District Superintendent. “Through reading, we can feed our thirst for knowledge. We can travel in our imaginations and can learn so many wonderful things.”

The Buena Park Library District is currently undergoing major renovations – including new heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems. Guests will be able to enjoy the updates when the library opens on Sept. 12, 2022.

To sign up for a library card and start enjoying the facilities, programs and events: click here.

PHOTO CAPTION:

LIBRARY1: (Right to left) Buena Park City Manager Aaron France, Buena Park Police Department Interim Chief of Police Frank Nunes, Buena Park School District Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes, Centralia Elementary School District Superintendent Norma Martinez and Buena Park Library District Director Helen Medina outside of the Buena Park Library. These five are spearheading the Leaders are Readers campaign, bringing awareness to the positive effects of literacy.

Buena Park School District has hired two new assistant principals for the 2022-23 school year, with Jaime Carbajal joining Gordon H. Beatty Middle School and Leticia Rojas leading Buena Park Middle School.

Rojas is a 10-year veteran in education, having worked as a visual arts teacher, a teacher on special assignment and career technical education pathway specialist. She said she is focused on being a positive influence in the community and supporting Principal Shin Park boost school events, support teachers and encourage student growth.

“The possibility of growth inspires me every day,” Rojas said. “Every day is a fresh start. Every school year we have the possibility to reflect, plan and grow as an organization for the constant improvement of our schools and success of students.”

Assistant Principal Rojas has a Bachelor of Arts in art education, a single subject credential in art and a master’s in educational administration (administrative credential), all from California State University, Long Beach.

Carbajal, who is starting his 16th year in education at Beatty Middle School, has worked as a student teacher, substitute teacher, history teacher and an assistant principal. Carbajal said the middle school years are the most pivotal time in development for students – noting that it is during this time when students form their personalities, passions and career interests.

“My main goals are to get to know the community and build the partnerships that will allow me to better serve its students,” Carbajal said. “I would like to expand on the existing services and opportunities that this school offers and work collaboratively to ensure that all students get what they need to be academically and socially successful.”

Assistant Principal Carbajal has a Bachelor of Arts in history and a teaching credential from the University of California, Irvine and an administrative credential from the Green Dot Administrator Induction Program.

“We are truly lucky to have both Jaime Carbajal and Leticia Rojas as assistant principals at both of our middle schools,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “They will be fantastic support to our amazing principals, teachers and administrators and I believe they will also become strong mentors to our students across both campuses.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CARBAJAL: Gordon H. Beatty Middle School Assistant Principal Jaime Carbajal believes the middle school years are the most pivotal for student development.

ROJAS: Buena Park Middle School Assistant Principal Leticia Rojas vows to be a positive influence to her school’s community, providing encouragement to staff members and students.

Buena Park School District’s eight campuses were alive with energy as students were welcomed back by new and returning teachers and administrators during first day of school celebrations on Aug. 16.

The District welcomed more than 4,200 students across its schools, each populated with colorful hand-made posters, welcoming them to yet another amazing school year.

At Whitaker School, parent Dave B. said he is excited to see his two sons grow not only academically, but also socially – building important people skills through interacting with new people and making friends. He said both of his sons are eager to learn more about math as well as play outside and get some exercise in the fresh air.

“I’m looking forward to having an expanded community – we have more than 620 students here at Whitaker School,” Principal Stephanie Williamson said. “We’re excited about our updated parking lot for better traffic flow and soon we’ll be breaking ground on a new playground set, solar panels and a new preschool.”

Meanwhile at Gordon H. Beatty Middle School, some 610 students were greeted by new Principal Joaquin Valdez and new Assistant Principal Jaime Carbajal. Principal Valdez said he looks forward to seeing students build the foundations for engagement with each other and their teachers, as well as integrating himself into the community.

“I’m happy and excited for my son to be back in school,” said Gina H., mother of eighth-grader Nathan H. “I’m happy because he’s back with his friends and learning and he just loves the robotics lab here at Gordon H. Beatty Middle School. Also, I met the new principal and assistant principal and they are both nice and welcoming.”

Gilbert Elementary School Principal Leslie Chavez, who welcomed some 520 Gilbert Grizzlies onto campus this year, said her students came energized and ready to learn.

“The start of the school year is always my favorite time of year because it’s when everyone has the most energy and I can feel the positivity in the air at all of our schools,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “We will continue to teach not only strong core academics, but also career and technical education skills that can be used in college and the workforce through our District’s Pathway Program.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FIRSTDAY1: Third grade teacher Heather Robson shakes the hand of transitional kindergartener Jackson J., welcoming him to Whitaker Elementary School, the Buena Park School District and the start of the new school year.

FIRSTDAY2: (Right to left) Gordon H. Beatty Middle School eighth-graders Destiney A., Lauren G. and Rian B. celebrate the start of the first day of the 2022-23 school year.

FIRSTDAY3: Gilbert Elementary School fifth-grader Karen P. dashes up a new rope climbing activity on her school’s new playground equipment, newly furnished for the 2022-23 school year.

Gordon H. Beatty Middle School’s new principal, Joaquin Valdez, lives to inspire his students – helping them turn turmoil into positivity and prepare themselves for college.

“Adversity is something that many of us experience and the ability to see the brighter side of things or the opportunity to see the glass as half full allows us to keep moving forward,” Valdez said. “The ability to trust that things will get better no matter how hard or difficult of a situation you are experiencing is what keeps me moving forward.”

Principal Valdez started his 17-year educational career as a counselor, encouraging students to think about their futures and careers. He has served as an academic counselor and a California High School Exit Exam counselor before becoming an assistant principal.

Valdez said what drew him to Buena Park School District is how its unique Pathway Programs are teaching students about robotics, multimedia, visual and performing arts, engineering and more to prepare them for college.

Beyond boosting academics, Valdez will focus on social-emotional learning to find new ways to mitigate student stress, while also building new relationships through positive behavioral interventions and support.

Principal Valdez has a Bachelor of Science in human services in mental health from California State University, Fullerton with a second major in Chicano studies, an administrative credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills, a master’s degree in counseling (school counseling and pupil personnel services credential) from California State University, Long Beach and a doctorate in educational leadership in higher education from USC. 

“Principal Valdez is an amazing educator and I know his supportive and encouraging background is going to fit right in at Beatty Middle School,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “I know our community is going to respond well to his personable style and formidable leadership skills.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

VALDEZ1: Gordon H. Beatty Middle School’s new principal, Joaquin Valdez.
 

 

Longtime educator Jeselle Mata has been selected as Charles G. Emery Elementary School's new principal, bringing 17 years of educational experience to the role and eagerness to build connections and foster a culture of success for all students.

Principal Mata has taught various grade levels including in public and private schools for South Whittier School District, Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Mata said her daily inspiration lies in providing a brighter future for young students.

“What excites me about Buena Park School District is the commitment to students,” Mata said. “The District is centered on educating the whole child and supporting students in discovering their strengths as future leaders.”

Principal Mata is trained in a variety of areas including Advancement Via Individual Determination to boost college readiness, Write from the Beginning for English language arts improvement, Cognitively Guided Instruction for student-centered math teaching, and Capturing Kids’ Hearts for educator training and professional development in social-emotional learning.

“My focus as a school leader is to collaborate with parents, teachers, and staff to improve our school, our classrooms, and our students' learning,” Mata said. “My main goal for my first year is to connect with the community: building a bridge between home and school so that all families feel welcomed and supported at Emery.”

Principal Mata has a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from California State University, Los Angeles, an administrative credential from Cal Poly Pomona, and a master’s degree in education and multiple subject teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University.

When she is not working hard at leading Emery School, Principal Mata enjoys visiting Disneyland with her husband and three children.

“We are all so excited to welcome Principal Mata to the Buena Park School District community,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “We know her extensive experience, positive attitude and fantastic goals will fit Emery’s atmosphere of success.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

PRINCIPALMATA1: Charles G. Emery Elementary School’s New Principal: Jeselle Mata

Buena Park School District is providing more than 200 students with additional support in math, reading, English Language Development, and college and career readiness through its Summer Academy.

The academy, which runs through July 14 at Charles G. Emery Elementary School and Gordon H. Beatty Middle School, provides incoming first through eighth-graders with more opportunities to continue academic excellence while also having fun.

Each day, both schools’ programs provide additional assistance to the District’s English Language Learners with targeted instruction to increase reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students are also learning how to use a variety of apps from the District’s Apple Coaches to incorporate music, art, and skills to help with college and career readiness.

Each Wednesday, students are encouraged to participate in Spirit Wednesday and dress according to various themes, such as “Our Futures are So Bright” and “We are College Bound.” Students are also given Mindful Minutes, and nutrition breaks to ensure they stay healthy.

Incoming fourth-grader Clay H. said his favorite aspect of the Summer Academy is learning how to play different musical instruments with GarageBand – a computer program he is learning thanks to the school’s Apple Coaches.

“Our Summer Academy is a fantastic way for students to continue their academic excellence while helping others prepare for the coming school year,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Summer Academy is just one of the many ways Buena Park School District builds strong foundations for our students while also preparing them for high school, college, and beyond.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SUMMER1: Incoming fourth-grader Clay H. learns to play the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese bowed instrument, on his iPad through GarageBand during Buena Park School District’s Summer Academy.

SUMMER2: Incoming first-grader Scarlett P. works on her English language arts skills during Buena Park School District’s Summer Academy.
 

Body text here...

Body text here...

Body text here...