BUSD News

January 10, 2025

Message from the Superintendent - BUSD Together: Unified in Purpose

Dear Bellflower Unified Families,

I hope this message finds you well. This past week has been challenging for many in Los Angeles County due to the fires, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected during this difficult time. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, as well as the dedication of our staff, local agencies, community partners, and our students.

In response to the strong winds and air quality concerns, we took several important steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our students:

- Supporting Sensitive Groups: Our staff closely monitored students with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and provided necessary accommodations to ensure their comfort and safety

- Modified Outdoor Activities: We adjusted outdoor activities across all campuses and implemented our “Rainy Day” schedule to prioritize health and safety when necessary.

- Campus Safety Checks: Our teams conducted regular inspections to address any hazards posed by high winds, such as fallen branches or unsecured outdoor furniture

On a brighter note, I hope you enjoyed the holidays with your loved ones and that your break was restful. It was also the first week back for our BUSD community! We are especially proud of the 605 All-Star Band, who had their "Best Day Ever" at the 136th Rose Parade. Their amazing performance is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every student, band director, staff member, and volunteer involved.

As we start the second semester, I wish all our students, staff, and families a successful and fulfilling journey ahead. I look forward to the incredible accomplishments we will achieve together in the coming months.

We deeply value our partnership with you in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Warm regards,

Lisa Azevedo

Interim Superintendent

BUSD Dual Language Immersion Intent to Enroll Application Now Open!

Flyer of the BUSD Dual Language Immersion Intent to Enroll Application, with a picture of a student wearing hispanic attire.

We are excited to announce that the intent to enroll application for the BUSD Dual Language Immersion Program for new students interested in the 2025-2026 school year is now open.

Our Dual Language Immersion Program is designed to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competencies in our students. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to become proficient in both English and Spanish while receiving a high-quality education.

We encourage all parents of prospective students to take advantage of this opportunity. More information regarding the application process and program details will be available in the Intent Application Form linked below and on our district website.

2025-2026 Application (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfALL8Y4eL7rgrjlOTcAD3A16DQM0lQN-gzambq7vEAG_1v_Q/viewform)

Thank you for your continued support of our educational programs. We look forward to welcoming a new Dual Language Immersion class in August, 2025!

🔍Discover What’s Happening in Our School’s🔎

Students sitting down on a bench posing for a picture, smiling with their thumbs up.

City of Bellflower Recycling Art Contest Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the City of Bellflower Recycling Art Contest! Albert Baxter dominated the competition by winning 10 out of the 12 months, while two talented students from Thomas Jefferson also took home prizes. After an informative presentation, students were tasked with illustrating:

- How and where beverage containers are recycled throughout their lifecycle

- The benefits of recycling

- All materials that can be recycled

- How recycling benefits the community

This year’s theme was “Journey of a Bottle,” and students were encouraged to use bright colors with markers, crayons, colored pencils, or paint on the provided entry forms. The winning students have been invited to the Bellflower City Council meeting on January 13, 2025, to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Classroom setting with a group of teachers seated at tables arranged in a U-shape, facing a screen displaying a presenter.

2025 Kick-Off at Ramona Elementary

At Ramona Elementary, we began the school year with an inspiring tradition where each teacher selected a personal "Word for the Year" to guide their focus and motivation. Words such as "Growth," "Connection," "Empower," and "Joy" now grace our staff lounge, serving as daily reminders of our shared commitment to positivity and purpose. This simple yet impactful exercise has set a positive tone for a year filled with intention, collaboration, and a renewed dedication to our students and school community. Together, we are transforming words into action and dreams into reality.

A group of smiling children posing together, showing off their bracelets.

The Power of Community Circles at Ramona

The 5th and 6th-grade teaching team, in collaboration with the school counselor, has initiated mixed community circle groups to strengthen relationships among all upper-grade students and teachers while promoting civility and friendship across classes. These community circles operate in a 5-week cycle, culminating in a team-building challenge day featuring a water relay, mindfulness drawing, and music with bracelet making. Communities will rotate to new leaders and start the cycle again. Students enjoyed requesting songs, competing, and creating bracelets together.

Woodruff Elementary Teacher Going the Distance for Science Camp

In a remarkable show of dedication, Ms. Bolton was slimed by two 6th-grade students as part of a fundraising incentive for science camp. Thank you, Ms. Bolton, for your enthusiasm and commitment to our students.

Student performing on stage in an outdoor setting with other students, staff, and parents in the audience watching the performance.

Music Winter Performance at Ernie Pyle

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our Winter Musical Performance. With over 400 attendees, your support made this event a truly memorable celebration of our students’ hard work and talents. It was uplifting to see our TK through 4th-grade students shine on stage, and the incredible turnout from families and community members added to the festive spirit. Thank you for being an essential part of our Ernie Pyle family. Your presence and encouragement mean the world to our students and staff. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season.

Picture of student with her face painted while smiling and holding a drink in her hands.

Family Clay Night at Thomas Jefferson

The excitement was palpable as families gathered to celebrate the holiday season at Thomas Jefferson. Highlights of the night included photos with Santa Claus, face painting, and delicious food vendors! Our traditional craft activity—designing and creating Christmas tree ornaments—was the star of the evening. This enchanting night wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our PTA, dedicated teachers, and volunteers. The laughter, creativity, and sense of community reminded us all of the magic of this season. Thank you to everyone who participated and celebrated with us. We look forward to creating more cherished memories together in the future.

Flyer for "Kindness Week" from January 27- 31, featuring daily themes and activities. Includes colorful icons like rainbows, suns, and boots.

Kindness Week is Coming to Craig Williams, January 27th-31st!

During Kindness Week, Wildcat students will participate in The Great Kindness Challenge, aimed at fostering kindness within our school community. This initiative promotes what kindness looks like, how to be kind to others, and how to practice self-kindness. Our CW counselors will host various activities throughout the week and incorporate lessons on kindness in classrooms

Encourage your child to celebrate Kindness Week and The Great Kindness Challenge by participating in our spirit week.

Student sitting down on chair, while two other students stands in front of him with a camera.

Somerset Filmmakers

In collaboration with Creating Creators, Somerset High School students are diving into the world of filmmaking. They are learning essential skills ranging from scriptwriting to shooting and editing, providing them with a creative outlet and valuable experience in the art of storytelling. We can't wait to see their cinematic creations!

An adult standing and showing something to two students, who are facing away from the camera with their backs visible as they look at what the adult is presenting.

Seeing the Future Clearly!

This week, Vision to Learn visited ILC, helping our Eagles soar with improved vision! The first glasses from VTL were distributed to our students, marking a bright new chapter for their success.

Parent Resources: 👪

School-Based Community Access Point (SBCAP)

2019 saw the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) launch the School-Based Community Access Point (SBCAP) as part of an effort to expand access to prevention services and supports for students and their families and promote individual and community wellbeing with a comprehensive and culturally sensitive lens. Learn more at the link below:

School Based Community Access Point (SBCAP) - Department of Mental Health

2019 saw the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) launch the School-Based Community Access Point (SBCAP) as part of an effort to expand access to prevention services and [...]

dmh.lacounty.gov

🏫 Student Resources:🎒

California Youth Leadership Forum For Students with Disabilities

The 2025 Delegate Application will be available January 2025!

The 2025 YLF will be held in-person from July 14 through July 19, 2025 (dates subject to change) at California State University, Sacramento, where delegates stay in the dormitory.

If selected for the YLF program, delegates are required to attend and participate during all scheduled in-person days.

At the week-long event, delegates will learn the following:

-Advocacy and leadership skills in a peer setting

-Meet with professionals with disabilities

-Meet state policy-makers

-Develop goals through their personal and career leadership plan for their education, independent living and career goals

-Make lifelong friendships and create network with alumni

Please note: YLF planning partners continue to track health trends and safety guidance within California. All participants may be expected to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, and to test negatively for COVID-19 in the 24 hours before arriving in Sacramento.

Home Page - CA Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities...

dor.ca.gov

BRAVO Awards Scholarship Opportunity

BRAVO Nominations Now Open

The BRAVO Awards (Bellflower Recognizes Acts of Valor & Outstanding Service) honor individuals and employees who have demonstrated outstanding public service or acts of heroism related to public safety in Bellflower during the past year. Citizens, residents, Sheriff and Fire Department personnel, medical and security professionals are all eligible to be nominated.

bellflower.org

🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑

Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly.

January Menus

Teacher showing a child how to hold scissors properly

BUSD Employment Opportunities

Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!

Some of the Available Openings:

🔵 Special Education Mild/Moderate 7-12

🔵 Elementary School Counselor (TK-6)

🔵 Preschool Teacher

🔵 Food Service Assistant II

Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.

Details here 👉https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/employment/employment-general-information

We Want to Hear from You! 📢

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BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING INFORMATION

School Board / Board Meeting Dates

January 16, 2025 6:00 PM PST Regular Board Meeting

All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below.

Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD

Board Meetings Live Stream Link

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