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New Director of Instructional Support & Improvement
Mrs. Tami Zylla is thrilled to become BUSD’s Director, Instructional Support & Improvement. Tami considers Bellflower “home” as she has been educating in in the city for 26 years. She began her career teaching 4th grade at Bellflower’s St. Bernard Catholic school after student-teaching in 6th grade at BUSD’s Washington Elementary. She joined the Woodruff staff in 1996 as a fifth-sixth grade teacher eventually transitioning into the position of Title I reading intervention. In 2008, Tami received the honor of LA County Teacher of the Year and subsequently moved into a position as a literacy coach for the district. In this capacity, Tami had the opportunity to work with students, teachers, and principals across the district to hone English Language Arts instruction. In 2012, she had the privilege to embark on the journey of establishing BUSD’s independent study program. As the administrator at the Las Flores Home Education Independent Study Academy, Tami worked diligently to cultivate an effective, alternative learning environment where TK-12 students academically thrive while also developing into well-rounded, productive 21st century citizens. Tami holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Ecology from U.C. Irvine and a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in reading and literacy. She is currently an instructor for U.C. Irvine’s online reading certificate program where she works with teachers from across the United States to develop their literacy skills. Tami is passionate about education and is looking forward to collaborating with her Bellflower Unified family in their quest to continually improve upon instruction as they work to “Build Futures” for the students of BUSD.
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New Assistant Principal at Foster and Lindstrom
Loriann A. Leota is the new Assistant Principal for Stephen Foster and Lindstrom Elementary Schools. It is an honor to have been selected by the Bellflower Unified School District to serve this fantastic community of learners. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from William Paterson University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California and a Master of Arts in Education: Educational Administration from Concordia University. She has been in education for almost a decade as a Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Curriculum Developer, Assistant Principal and Summer School Principal. I believe that every child is unique and if they are provided with a caring, secure and engaging environment, they will grow intellectually, emotionally and socially. As the Assistant Principal, she will work to support students in those three areas, with a deep understanding that we are not only working to prepare our students for the next grade, but for the future! She believes in open communication and a strong home to school connection.
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BHS has a New Assistant Principal
Mr. Castañeda is excited to join the Bellflower High School administrative team. He joined Bellflower Unified School District in the 2013-2014 school year, and was hired as a middle school RSP Teacher at Bellflower Middle/High School. Over the past six years, he has co-taught English as an RSP teacher and taught history as a General Education teacher, both in middle school and high school. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Castañeda has served as a class advisor, Link Crew Coordinator, School Culture (PBIS) Director, Social Science Instructional Leader, WASC Coordinator, and Activities Director. His experiences over the past 16 years as a classified and certificated staff member have strengthened his leadership capacity and will serve him well in his new administrative role. Mr. Castañeda values the importance of building relationships and creating meaningful connections with all stakeholders for the betterment of the school community. As an administrator, his top priority is to work with all stakeholders to continue growing as a community that is safe and nurturing where students can thrive and develop the skills required to reach their full academic and personal potential. Mr. Castañeda is excited about this new opportunity and is eager to work together with everyone, Because Unity Creates Success!
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Lindstrom Elementary has a New Principal
Dr. Olga Rios is excited to be named principal of Lindstrom Elementary. In her role as principal, Olga plans to create a relationship-based culture with parents as partners. Her primary focus will be to promote a positive school climate so that students, staff, and parents feel welcomed and ready to do their very best everyday! Previously, Olga worked as a teacher and assistant principal in our district. She worked with all grade levels developing her skills in managing discipline, best instructional practices, and effective leadership. She began her career at Craig Williams Elementary as a second grade teacher. Three years later, she transitioned to Bellflower High School, where she spent thirteen years teaching 7th grade English and World History. After, she served as the AP for Thomas Jefferson Elementary for a year and a half before returning to BHS. While at BHS, she spent one year overseeing middle school instruction and curriculum, and served as summer school principal. This past year, she oversaw middle school discipline, attendance, and testing. In addition, Olga has a distinguished background. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Long Beach, a Masters’ Degree from Harvard University, and a Doctorate Degree from USC’s Educational Leadership Program. She believes in the power of education to transform a student’s life for the better because education changed her life. She entered school as an English learner and had to overcome many challenges. Her story is a story of success. Olga is committed to the achievement of all students and is eager to make a difference as a Lindy Lion! In her free time, Olga enjoys reading, watching her son play baseball and supporting her daughter’s college experience.
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New Principal at MHS
Bellflower USD is proud to indroduce Dr. Hillary Weissman as the new principal at Mayfair High School. Dr. Weissman holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in educational administration, and received a doctorate in educational leadership, all from Cal State University, Long Beach. She comes to Bellflower Unified School District from Malibu High School where she served as assistant principal for three years. Prior to this position, she worked at Norte Vista High School in Riverside where she served as assistant principal for two years Dr. Weissman started her teaching career at Westminster High School as an English teacher and co-aquatics director. She has also previously taught at San Pedro High School where she was an English teacher, small learning community leader and dean of discipline. Before becoming an administrator, she worked at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles for five years as an intervention specialist, AVID coordinator, WASC coordinator and English department chair. While at Manual Arts High School she recalls the valuable and memorable experience of co-authoring a book with her students and Mayor Eric Garcetti entitled: Beyond the Gates and Fences. Dr. Weissman stated, “I am honored to join the dynamic Bellflower team, and I am eager to get to know the students, staff, and parents of Mayfair High School! I look forward to supporting an environment where all students can thrive and participate in meaningful experiences. Go Monsoons!”
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Congratulations to our Adult Transition Students
Congratulations to our Adult Transition Students! Students from the Adult Transition Center along with teachers and Board Clerk Laura Sanchez-Ramirez and Board Member, Richard Downing celebrated at their Completing Ceremony. BUSD is proud to have helped build their futures and is excited to see where their journey takes them. Pictured from left to right: Board Clerk Laura Sanchez-Ramirez, Phillip Manriquez Sandra Dubrowskij, Andrew Guillen, Gilbert Guevara,Terran Holman, Brandon Ngor, Julia Ranson, Vanessa Marin, Justin Ouk, Tracy McSparren, Superintendent, Richard Downing, Board Member.
