BUSD News - Superintendent's Update December 18, 2020

First and foremost I would like to start by thanking each and everyone for your support during 2020 as this year comes to an end. We’ve had challenges and have also shown perseverance. 

As we get ready for the winter break we wanted to let you know that our District will be shutting down to provide the opportunity for everyone to adhere to the safer at home orders. All of our programs which include Expanded Learning Service, Special Ed Cohort and most importantly Distance Learning will commence on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.  

At this time BUSD has not set a date for return to in person learning.  The news continues to be dynamic and changes almost daily.  We will continue to closely monitor Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) guidelines and requirements for  K-12 schools.  BUSD will work with LADPH to determine and communicate a safe return date to bring our students and staff back to campus for in-person learning.  Until then, we will continue to provide distance learning and encourage you to continue to work with your site administrator for any support you may need. 

Meal Service: 

We are happy to announce that on Monday, December 21, we will be providing a 14 day meal distribution to enjoy over the break.  Meals will be available for pick up at the Nutrition Center located at 10247 Alondra Blvd. Bellflower, CA, 90706 during the following hours: 7:30-8:45 AM; 11:30 AM-1:30 PM; and 4:00-7:00 PM.  You are able to receive one meal per child.  Additional information was provided by your Principal.  Following the December 21 pick up, the nutrition center will be closed until January 5, 2021.  Schools that are currently receiving food delivery on Mondays, will receive their 7 days worth of meals on Tuesday that week.  For families who pick up meals at their school site, you will also need to pick up your meals on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. If you have any additional questions please call the nutrition center at 562-866-4192.  

Sports Update:

The California Department of Health updated their guidance for sports stating that if regional stay at home orders are removed, then sports may be able to start as early as January 25, 2021; but, they will review their guidance on January 4, 2021.  LADPH has stated they may make adjustments to the guidance provided. 

Staff Spotlight:

Melissa Ellis, a health science teacher at Bellflower High School and part of the CalAPS program, was recognized by Paxton/Patterson for her innovation in developing lab kits to augment the virtual labs students use in distance learning.  Click here to read more about her recognition.

Ana Perez was recognized for her outstanding service to the City of Bellflower. Mayor, Juan Garza, presented her with a certificate at Mayfair High School. Congratulations Ana and thank you for all you do for the students of BUSD.

ESports Gaming

Students in the Introduction to Esports and Gaming course through CalAPS experience designing a home in Minecraft.  The game allows students to create using an open world software to engineer architectural digital designs. Minecraft has Virtual Reality (VR) software and is expected to help students prepare for VR in game design which is similar to what they will see if they take these types of courses in college. The good news is that regardless of whether students go to college, they still benefit from playing Minecraft as people who play Minecraft show increased communication, adaptability, problem solving, creativity, math skills, digital manipulation, teamwork, confidence, historical knowledge, and an increased ability to manage resources.  It is also a cultural game that is all inclusive so anyone can play it.

Take a look at some of the student designs below.  Video tours are available on Youtube:  Video Tour 1 Video Tour 2

Virtual Paint Night at Craig Williams

PTA sponsored a virtual paint night where students replicated a Master’s painting and added their own touches and style.  

Elementary Vocal Music Program

The small but mighty Elementary Ensemble has made their first performance video.  This year, the group is made up of 6th grade students and the performance includes a total of 16 voices. Enjoy! 

Belflower Angels Perform, “Ding Dong Merrily on High”

Bellflower Ensemble performs, “Silent Night” (Pentatonix version)

Mayfair Middle School Virtual Winter Concert

The concert is a compilation of performances from Varsity Chorus, Advanced Chorus and Junior chorus.  

Mayfair High School Vocal Music Selections

Student Spotlight:

Mayfair High School sophomore Chris Guillen and his brother and Mayfair Alum (class of 2018) created Just Breathe, The Rocio Guillen Foundation was founded by Marcus and Christopher Guillen in memory of their mother Rocio Guillen whose life was tragically taken October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada during the Route 91 Fest. This year they took their annual Toy Drive event to Las Vegas and distributed 1,000 toys to SAFY a therapeutic foster care agency in Nevada.