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2020 Report to the Community 1

BONITA UNIFIED BONITA UNIFIED S C H O O L D I S T R I C TS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Preparing Every Student to Live Their Purpose

Allen Avenue • Ekstrand • Gladstone • Grace Miller • La Verne Heights • Oak Mesa Roynon • Shull • Lone Hill • Ramona • Bonita • Chaparral & Vista • San Dimas

2020Report to the Community

2 2020 Report to the CommunityBONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 3

Carl J. ColesSuperintendent

Board of Education

115 W. Allen Ave. San Dimas, CA 91773

909.971.8200do.bonita.k12.ca.us

@BonitaUSD

Superintendent’s Message Standardized Test Scores Among State’s Best Bonita Unified students scored

among the highest in the state on 2019 standardized tests, boosting scores by as much as 33% over five years and achieving proficiency levels in excess of 70% in English language arts (ELA) and 60% in math.

Scores for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) place Bonita Unified among the top 10% of unified school districts in California.

The test results are tangible outcomes of Bonita’s commitment to its core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results.

With the latest gains, Bonita Unified sits among the top 40 unified districts in the state, a ranking made all the more impressive by a diverse student population that included 40% of students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Bonita Unified was declared a model district for serving the needs of foster students in an April 2019 EdSource article and listed on a May 2019 study by the Learning Policy Institute as a district that is actively narrowing the achievement gap between white and Hispanic students.

The District’s emphasis of mastery and focus on results is evident in the regular collaboration among educators who offer multiple instruction and intervention options for students and who are truly invested in their students’ success, Assistant Superintendent Matt Wien said.

“Our teachers work across grade levels and subjects to ensure our students are well supported, challenged and equipped with all the tools they need to be successful,” Wien said. “We not only have ELA and math intervention programs in all of our schools, but we also have

teachers who are always actively looking for ways to share, refine and apply best teaching practices.”

Open communication paired with high accountability standards ensures administrators, teachers and staff trust one another to make the best decisions for students within their given roles.

“While the District celebrates its success thus far, we hope to raise test scores an additional 10 percentage points in both ELA and math by 2025,” Superintendent Carl J. Coles said.

“Our progress is a result of the commitment and dedication of each individual at every level of Bonita Unified,” Coles added. “We are showing we can reach our goal by working together.”

Prepare every student to live their purpose

EquityMastery

Focus on Results

Lead all comprehensive school districts in the region in academics,

activities, arts and athletics.

Glenn Creiman, President

Matthew Lyons, Vice President

Chuck Coyne, Clerk

Derek Bahmanou, Member

Diane Koach, Member

Our Purpose

Our Core Values

Our Vision

BUSD Overall Five-Year Trend:Met or Exceeded Standards – Math

15-point Growth over Five Years 15-point Growth over Five Years

BUSD Overall Five-Year Trend:Met or Exceeded Standards – ELA

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2018-19

45% 48%54% 56% 60%

71%

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

56%63%

68% 71%

Dear Bonita Unified Community,

I am extremely proud of the progress and accomplishments of Bonita Unified staff and students over the last year. Bonita Unified continues to be not only one of the top districts in San Gabriel Valley, but among the top unified school districts in the entire state.

Our soaring state test scores are just one measure of success earned by fulfilling our purpose: to prepare every student to live their purpose. We are able to fulfill this purpose through our core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results and with the help of strong community partnerships.

Our whole-child approach provides the social-emotional support required for students to be able to learn. The high-quality programs we offer in academics, athletics, arts and activities provide the opportunities students need to discover their interests, develop their skills, and plan for their future.

The hard work, dedication and commitment of our employees create the safe, nurturing and supportive environment needed for our students to thrive, learn and grow. Collaboration with our community partners furthers our reach and fortifies our effectiveness.

While accolades are a nice validation of our efforts, the true prize is the graduates who move on from our classrooms prepared to pursue their purpose in college, career and the military.

The Board of Education and I thank you for the trust you place in us and for your partnership as we celebrate our successes and continue our mission.

Carl J. ColesSuperintendent

PREPARING EVERY STUDENT TO LIVE THEIR PURPOSE


Employees Laud District

Scholar-Athletes Take Next Steps Toward Pursuing Their Purpose

Congratulations to the following Bonita Unified seniors who signed letters of intent in January with the following schools:

Students at Bonita Unified are encouraged to extend their success in the classroom to the field through robust options in athletic programs that motivate student athletes to challenge their limits.

Bonita Unified is home to quality programs in high-school soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, water polo, tennis, field hockey, cross country, wrestling, basketball, swimming and golf. Experienced coaches and trainers instill the values of hard work, sportsmanship and perseverance, leading many BUSD students to continue their athletic pursuits at the college level.

Athletic program participation not only helps prepare students to live their purpose by building their skills in dedication, discipline and collaboration, but also earns our Bonita Bearcats and San Dimas Saints accolades along the way. Bonita Unified boasts five league championship sports teams for the Fall 2019 season and sent an impressive nine sports teams to CIF Fall Championships:

• Cheer (SDHS)• Girls Cross Country (SDHS & BHS)• Boys Cross Country (BHS)• Football (SDHS & BHS)• Girls Tennis (SDHS)• Volleyball (SDHS)• Water Polo (SDHS)

“I am able to help each student as an individual with whatever they need in order to be successful.” (Chaparral-Vista High School)

“At all levels, everyone seems committed to serving the students and families in our school district.” (Gladstone Elementary)

“We have a family bond and respect towards each other district wide.” (Roynon Elementary)

“I’m making a positive difference in the lives of our future.” (Bonita High School)

“The union, board and management work so well together. They are truly a well-oiled machine. They want what is best for students and seem to strive forward as open-minded, progressive, invested parties.” (Lone Hill Middle School)

Bonita Unified School District’s commitment to family, community and inclusiveness has earned the organization recognition by the Inland News Group as one of 2019’s Top 35 Workplaces in the Inland Empire.

“This is a tremendous honor. Bonita Unified has worked with intention to create a culture of success that embraces our core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results,” Superintendent Carl J. Coles said. “Bonita Unified is a workplace that values each person as much as their position. This award only continues to further our efforts to enhance the work life of our 1,100 employees. Our employees are the heart and soul of Bonita Unified and the reason

that we have seen so much improvement in student achievement.” The Inland News Group surveyed more than 800 organizations and 30,000

employees about workplace culture, asking if their jobs exceeded expectations, if they would recommend their workplace to potential employees, why they love their jobs and how their employer could improve the workplace environment.

The surveys, which were administered by Inland News Group partner Energage, were distributed to all 13 Bonita Unified schools and the district office. More than 600 employees responded, generating 1,200 comments.

The comments paint a picture of positive culture at Bonita, with faculty and staff relishing the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and help them realize their potential. Employees also enjoy the camaraderie of co-workers and being rewarded for good work.

“We are extremely proud that Bonita has been recognized for its positive and nurturing workplace environment,” Bonita Unified Teachers Association President Nicole Grant said. “On behalf of our members, we greatly appreciate the support and cooperation we receive from the District, which allows us to focus on our goals of supporting equity and high achievement for every student.”

“We are deeply appreciative of receiving this honor, which speaks to the devotion Bonita classified employees bring to their jobs every day,” California School Employees Association Bonita Chapter President Don Roberts said. “We would like to thank our colleagues, community, and PTA’s for their ongoing support. Bonita is truly a great place to work.”

BONITA HIGH SCHOOLLauren Ono • BYU • GymnasticsSofia Delgado • University of San Diego • SoftballCamyl Armendariz • University of Nebraska • SoftballIsabella Haslett • University of North Dakota • SoftballTaylor Abate • California Baptist • SwimmingAJ Moreno • Cal Poly Pomona • BaseballLuke Watson • Cal Poly Pomona • BaseballJacob Johnston • Townsend University • Baseball

SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOLIsaiah Marquez • Long Beach State • BaseballD’Andre Smith • USC • BaseballLiam Rocha • California Baptist University • BaseballJordan Duyan-Heard • Whitter College • Volleyball

San Dimas Cheerleaders earned the 1st Place title at the CIF Division 2A championships for the second year in a row.

PREPARING TO LIVE OUR PURPOSE

EYOB SOLOMON 5th grade

Gladstone Elementary

“Gladstone Elementary helps me live my purpose by teaching me science

and math, which are important for my future. When I grow up, I want to be an engineer and game designer.”

SIARA ACEVEDO8th grade

Lone Hill Middle School

“My teachers help me live my purpose by teaching me valuable skills for the future in my yearbook

and Healthy Living classes. I want to create a line of organic dog treats someday, so the skills I’m learning will help me achieve that goal.”

Award-Winning Athletics Teams Bonita Unified Recognized as 2019 Top Workplace



To prepare students to live their purpose, Bonita Unified is committed to a whole child approach. This fall, eight licensed mental health professionals joined our team and offer individual and group counseling and therapy sessions for students in need at all 13 schools. Our robust wellness program includes:

• 16 School Counselors• 12 School Psychologists• 12 Mental Health Counselors • 1 Board Certificated Behavior Analyst• 9 Interns (Social Work and Psychologist)• 2 Foster Youth Liaisons• Partnerships with McKinley and Tri City Mental Health Services to provide

additional mental health counselors directly to students while at school

All Bonita Unified staff work together to support the mental and emotional needs of every student.

First responders from La Verne and San Dimas and representatives from Foothill Credit Union were recently presented with the Bonita Unified Purpose Award for ongoing contributions to the District.

Providing classroom demonstrations to students, sponsoring events, providing donations, volunteering at school events and collaborating with school leaders, local partners are an invaluable part of the education experience for Bonita Unified’s nearly 10,000 students and 1,100 employees.

“Community partners enhance our ability to prepare students to live their purpose,” said Superintendent Carl J. Coles. “Our district is strengthened with the support of our local community and the benefits to our staff and students is invaluable.”

The Purpose Award, a medallion featuring the District logo encircled by its core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results, signifies exemplary service, effort or commitment to the Bonita Unified school community.

La Verne police Cpl. Mark Gutierrez provides a fingerprinting demonstration to an Oak Mesa second-grade class. Area first responders are among recent community partners honored with the

Bonita Unified Purpose Award for ongoing contributions to staff and students.

Parent Partnership Strengthens Support for Students, Families

The fourth annual Parent Partnership Academy for Bonita Unified parents and guardians featured over 20 sessions on topics ranging from technology support to specialized learning needs.

The sessions were taught by Bonita Unified educators and local experts, including Lone Hill Middle School English teacher Alicia Saldana.

“It can be overwhelming for parents to try to navigate all the new technology teachers use in the classroom,” said Saldana, who led a parent session on How to Navigate Google Classroom. “Giving parents a few tools to help them help their child be successful can be a huge game changer. It helps students, teachers, and parents be a team for student success.”

Senior Director of Specialized Student Services Mark Rodgers said the Parent Partnership Academy is part of a larger effort to strengthen the connection between school and home.

“This collaborative is a reflection of our belief that communities working together to support all youth have a powerful positive impact, regardless of the past experiences or current challenges of each child,” Rodgers said.

DALE GODDARD 8th grade


“My teachers help me to be the best student I can and to learn new skills. I like learning about science and want

to be a chemist when I grow up.”

NOAH MUNOZ 7th grade


“All of my teachers at Lone Hill support me by teaching me everything I need to succeed and are helping me in my dream to become a police officer.”

Student Wellness Program Expands

Purpose Award Honors Contributions of

Community Partners


New App Enhances School-to-Home Communications

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep families engaged, Bonita Unified has implemented a new communications app that gives parents quick, efficient and convenient access to class, school and district information.

Communications, the new app by Signal Kit, employs a user-customized combination of text, email and telephone alerts in a simple tool for quick, easy and secure engagement with parents, students and staff. All families who provided cell phone numbers and emails during their student’s registration process are automatically entered into the new system.

The app allows parents to remain up-to-date with District, school and classroom news. Parents and guardians can customize notification preferences from email, phone calls and text messaging. They can also respond to direct messages straight from their email. Parents and guardians can also create and receive messages in their preferred language.



Bonita Unified has completed all the projects pledged to the community as part of its bond measure-financed facilities construction and upgrade program.

The projects represent an investment of $139 million in funds from Measure AB and Measure C, as well as additional revenue of about $51 million secured by the District.

Students, parents, staff and community members from Bonita Unified gathered in November 2019 to celebrate the District’s mission, vision and core values at the completion of the revamping of the District office.

The most recent projects completed include new gyms at each middle school and the Bonita High School

stadium renovation.“An upgraded environment helps

students want to perform to the level of the facilities around them,” Ramona Middle School Principal James Ellis said. “Investing in our facilities demonstrates to students that we care about them and want to provide great places for them to grow and learn.”

CHEYANNE MC LAURIN Bonita High School senior

“Bonita Unified has helped me live my purpose by offering so many

different activities and opportunities in different areas of interest. This has helped me discover a few options

of what I would like to do as a career in the future.”

PRESTON STEFFENChaparral High School senior

“Chaparral High School has helped me live my purpose by

making me feel comfortable and excited about programs and

classes like Renaissance, which I feel will help me in the future.”

General Fund

Revenue

81.38%

4.69%

10.34%

3.54% Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Other State Revenue Federal Revenue Local Revenue

TOTAL REVENUE (in millions) $110.24

General Fund

Expenditures

45.81%

10.04%

15.22%

4.96%

20.35%

1.41% Certificated Salaries Classified Salaries Employee Benefits Books and Supplies

Services Capital Outlay Net Other Outgo

TOTAL EXPENDITURES (in millions) $111.28

Bonita’s budget is approached with a student-first mindset and is aligned to our purpose and core values. Through responsible financial stewardship, Bonita Unified ended 2018-19 with a positive balance in its general fund, strengthening its reserves while meeting student needs. The District’s primary source of revenue is the Local Control Funding Formula, provided by the state.

An Overview: 2018-19 Budget ‘Our Commitment’ Outlined in Celebration of Facilities Upgrades PREPARING

TO LIVE OUR PURPOSE


2.29%


Elementary students are preparing to live their purpose thanks to the newly adopted Leader in Me program, which creates opportunities for students at all grade levels to lead schoolwide and classroom events, as well as create lesson plans for their younger peers.

Roynon Principal Tammi DiGrazia said the 2019-20 school year will mark year one of a three-year implementation of the Leader in Me program on her campus, an effort intended to boost academic and social-emotional growth.

“Leader in Me provides our school with the vision and language to lead the school in a way that addresses all areas of development,” DiGrazia said. “As leaders, our students will become active, engaged partners in their own education and their self-confidence, responsibility and initiative will grow.”

Leader in Me is a comprehensive-school improvement model, founded on “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen R. Covey: sharpen the saw, be proactive, begin with an end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, then to be understood and synergize.

The program, which is also in place at Gladstone Elementary, teaches life skills, such as leadership, responsibility, problem-solving, adaptability and communication. The program focuses on results by ensuring that students are excelling, not only academically, but socially as well.

Gladstone teacher Kristina Vitale is a Lighthouse Coordinator for the school’s Leader in Me program, and is responsible for guiding teachers and staff through the implementation process.

“The Leader in Me program begins with us, staff first,” Vitale said. “To begin our process, we selected a core group of teachers and staff to be Lighthouse Coordinators and Action Team Leaders and as we bridge into the next few years, we will extend an invitation to students and parents to join our teams so that the power of leadership can grow.”

The Leader in Me program echoes the District’s core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results.

Leader in Me students have the opportunity to organize schoolwide and classroom events, share the 7 Habits with their families during Leader in Me family nights and integrate student-led learning, in which older students create lesson plans that they share with their younger peers.

Bonita Unified is set to receive $344,000 from a Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) application.

The CTEIG program was established as a state education, economic and workforce development initiative to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to transition to employment and postsecondary education.

Bonita Unified will use the funds to improve high school pathways, with teachers, administrators and staff working together to decide where to invest the funds.

“The District has been working on expanding career pathways for our students, and these funds will help get us closer to fulfilling our commitment to ensure every student has opportunities for success,” Assistant Superintendent Matthew Wien said.

Bonita Unified looks forward to working with staff and students to enhance existing programs, build new career pathways and partner with local businesses for workshops and internships.

Middle School Students Tackle Hands-on Science Curriculum

Lone Hill and Ramona middle school science teachers have adopted Amplify Science, a state-of-the-art digital program that uses an interactive curriculum and hands-on activities to teach students to think critically and collaborate like scientists and engineers.

The program was chosen after the District ran pilot efforts for several science programs; Amplify was chosen unanimously for addition to the middle school curriculum.

In the program, students receive hypothetical situations that require them to think critically to discover a solution. In one scenario, they must resolve a food crisis by applying virtual, scientific methods to design a food bar that will contain the greatest amount of nutrients possible.

LUKE WATSON Bonita High School senior

“Bonita Unified has helped me live my purpose by providing me with a safe place to learn, socialize and grow. After high school I will be attending Cal Poly Pomona to play baseball,

and I think Bonita Unified has helped prepare me for that through its strong

academic and athletic programs.”

BRAIDAN LOWARY San Dimas High School senior

“Bonita Unified is helping me live my purpose by offering courses like

journalism and AP Environmental Science, which have helped me discover my passions. I hope to one day pursue a career that combines those two interests, but for now, I plan on pursuing a degree

in environmental science.”

Elementary Schools Adopt ‘Leader in Me’ Program

Grant to Provide $344,000 to Expand Career

Technical Pathways



12 BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT115 W. Allen Ave. • San Dimas, CA 91773

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PaidSan Dimas, CAPermit No. 27

BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTCall the District office or visit our website for more information about enrollment.

909.971.8200 | do.bonita.k12.ca.us

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