Superintendent's Updates

Superintendent's August 2024 Update

Sup's Update Graphic

Superintendent Dr. Mendoza Dear Baldwin Park Unified Community,

It is with great excitement and anticipation that I welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! Whether you are returning to our schools or joining us for the first time, I am thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant and dynamic educational community.

Over the summer, our dedicated team has been hard at work preparing our schools and classrooms to provide the best possible learning environment for all our students. From updating facilities and integrating new technology to expanding learning opportunities, we are committed to ensuring that every student has a learning environment to achieve and succeed.

This year, we will continue to focus on our core mission to ensure high achievement for all learners leading to success in college, career, and life. We believe in the potential of every student, and we are dedicated to supporting their academic growth, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. This mission is further strengthened with our re-commitment to our District and Board priorities: Student Achievement, Support Services, Community Engagement, and Fiscal Prudence.

We know that the foundation of a strong school community is built on collaboration, respect, and shared goals. By working together—students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community—we can create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment where everyone can achieve their best.

I encourage parents to stay involved in your child's education and to communicate regularly with teachers and school staff. Your partnership is invaluable, and together, we can make a significant impact on your child's learning and development.

To our students, I want you to know that your dreams, ambitions, and hard work inspire us every day. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your successes, and know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

To our teachers and staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion for education. Your commitment to our students' success is the cornerstone of our schools, and I am grateful for everything you do.

As we embark on this new school year, let us remember that our collective efforts, resilience, and positivity will drive us forward. I look forward to the achievements, discoveries, and growth that this year will bring.

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! Let's make it a year of learning, growth, and success—together.

Sincerely,

Froilan N. Mendoza, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Board Meeting Recap

Board Meeting agendas and additional information is available at: BPUSD Board Meetings

Recap of the Board of Education Meeting held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Spotlights

2024 NextGen Youth Workforce Education Technology Interns

Baldwin Park Unified partnered with local organizations for the third year of the NextGen Youth Workforce Program, offering job preparation for students and residents aged 14-24. This summer, three BPUSD students gained hands-on experience in the District’s Educational Technology and Support (ETS) Department, focusing on information technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Their work included real-world projects, shadowing ETS engineers, and contributing to the District’s AI Committee. We commend these students for their dedication: Andrew Delgado, Sierra Vista High School, Riley Abadines, Baldwin Park High School, and Madelina Jacobs, North Park Continuation High School

Introduction of New Administrators:

Norma L. Verdugo, Coordinator of Student Achievement

Shelley Aguilar, Assistant Principal of Sierra Vista High School

Travis Nelson, Assistant Principal of BP STEM Academy

Dr. Christine R. Heinrichs, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, introduced the above administrators beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

Presentation by the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Baldwin Park Unified educates nearly 1,376 English Learner (EL) students and monitors 405 reclassified students. To support these students, the District has formed a District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). This committee advised the Board of Education on key tasks, including developing a District Master Plan for EL programs, conducting a District-wide needs assessment, setting goals for EL programs, and reviewing reclassification procedures.

Action Items

Approval of the 2024-2025 School Plans for Student Achievement

The Board of Education approved the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for all schools receiving funds through the Consolidated Application (ConApp). The SPSA aligns with school goals for improving student achievement and includes a comprehensive budget. These plans, reviewed and recommended by School Site Councils, consolidate the planning of all programs funded through the ConApp.

Adoption of the Revisions to Board Policy 6163.4 Student Use of Technology, Students

The Board of Education approved revisions to Board Policy 6163.4, Student Use of Technology. These updates align the policy with current laws, streamline processes, remove outdated references, and reflect current District practices. The revisions, based on recommendations from the California School Boards Association (CSBA), include updated terminology, changes to the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA), references to social media guidelines, and guidelines for proper use of BPUSD logos and branding.

Establishment of Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 1114, District Sponsored Social Media, Community Relations

The Board of Education approved the establishment of Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 1114, District-Sponsored Social Media. This policy aligns with current laws, creates a consistent process, and reflects current District practices. Based on recommendations from the California School Boards Association (CSBA), the policy provides guidelines for proper social media use, content management, and outlines disciplinary consequences.

Establishment of Board Policy 5131.8 Mobile Communication Devices, Students

The Board of Education has approved the establishment of Board Policy 5131.8, Mobile Communication Devices. This new policy aligns with current laws, including AB 272, which allows the District to limit or prohibit student smartphone use at school under specific circumstances. It also outlines guidelines for searching students' devices, confiscating them when necessary, and disciplining off-campus use that poses a threat or disrupts school activities. The policy is based on recommendations from the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

Adoption of the Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.12, Search and Seizure, Students

The Board of Education approved revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.12, Search and Seizure. These updates align the policy with current laws, remove outdated references, and reflect District practices. The revisions, based on California School Boards Association (CSBA) recommendations, include updates reflecting court decisions on searches without individualized suspicion, restrictions on searching electronic devices, locker searches, and random weapons screening with handheld metal detectors.

VISIT THE NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WEBSITE

ECE Launch

The Baldwin Park Unified School District has launched a dedicated platform for all Early Childhood Education programs and opportunities available to young learners.

The new ECE website serves as a comprehensive resource for parents and community members, providing centralized information to enhance understanding and engagement with our preschool offerings. Visit the new site today to explore everything it has to offer!

Early Childhood Education website: ece.bpusd.net

ALTERNATIVE INCOME FORMS NOW OPEN

Alt Income Form Alt Income Form Spanish

Complete a form today at: https://bpusd.rocketscanapps.com/

OPTIONAL STUDENT DEVICE INSURANCE

Device Insurance English

Device Insurance Spanish

Please visit https://www.bpusd.net/apps/pages/deviceinsurance for more information or fill out an application attached

BPUSD EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION NOW ENROLLING

ECE

ECE Spanish

BEFORE-AND AFTER-SCHOOL NOW ENROLLING FOR

Think Together English

Think Together Spanish

BALDWIN PARK ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION NOW ENROLLING

ESL English]

ESL Spanish

Food Service

Home Care Aide

Janitorial English

Janitorial

Medical Billing

Support Services

BPUSD NOW HIRING

BPUSD Now Hiring

BPUSD is Hiring! Apply now by visiting Edjoin.org/bpusd

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WITH HAZEL HEALTH

Hazel Health Hazel Health 2

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice

Please visit https://www.bpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4379656&type=d&pREC_ID=2584125 for more information

Upcoming Key Dates Header

*Additional details are available on our District website calendar.

Thursday, August 15	First Day of School (ECE-12th Grade)
Monday, September 2	Labor Day Holiday (No School)
Month of September	School Attendance Awareness Month
Month of September	National Suicide Prevention Month
September 8 - 14	National Suicide Prevention Week
Tuesday, September 10	Regular Meeting of The Board of Education