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Stephen Foster Elementary is a California Distinguished School
Stephen Foster Elementary School has been named a 2020 California Distinguished School and is among 113 school chosen in 2020 for the top honors awarded by the California Department of Education. Distinguished Schools are honored for having outstanding education programs and practices, closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Stephen Foster Elementary was honored at a statewide awards ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel on February 10, 2020. (Pictured from left to right: Teacher, Vince Gonzales; Board Clerk, Renita Armstrong; Board President , Jerry Cleveland; CA. State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond; Principal, Claudia Castillo; Board Vice President, Laura Sanchez-Ramirez; Superintendent, Tracy McSparren; and Board Member, Richard Downing)
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MHS Cheer Team National Champs!
The Mayfair High School Competitive Cheer team recently competed at and won the USA National Championship. Congratulations Monsoons!
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Measure BB at Work!
Measure BB at work! Ground breaking for the new STEAM building at Mayfair High School! BUSD is excited to announce that construction has begun at the future site of the Mayfair STEAM building. Board of Education members pictured left to right: Richard Downing, Laura Sanchez-Ramirez, Debbie Cuadros, Jerry Cleveland and Renita Armstrong
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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!
