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  • BUSD News January 9, 2026

    BUSD News BUSD News January 9, 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     You’re invited! We are excited to introduce our first-ever ELEMENTARY Showcase, designed specifically for new families navigating enrollment in Preschool (age 3), TK, and Kindergarten. Join us to discover what makes our elementary schools exceptional and receive step-by-step guidance for a smooth start! Saturday, January 24, 2026 9:00 AM–11:00 AM Stephen Foster Elementary 5223 E. Bigelow St., Lakewood, CA 90712 FREE event! New families and students—welcome! 🎉 What to expect: - Explore school programs ✨ - Meet principals & teachers 👋 - Learn about the enrollment process 📝 - Attend FREE parent workshops 🧩 - Enjoy refreshments & activities 🧃 - Cheer on student performances 🎶 Register now -  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9sugwC0ZQPvr9tmWRSX0-xtUvmMci8SkY-QSHQShV7i1KGw/viewform?usp=send_form Ramona Rams Rally for the Playoffs 🏈 Ramona Elementary has been selected to support the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL playoffs, and our school has received official LA Rams rally towels. As the Ramona Rams, it is a special honor to cheer for another Rams team, especially our hometown Los Angeles Rams. Let us show our school spirit, wave those towels with pride, and send all our energy and support to the LA Rams throughout the playoffs. Emmy-Winning Composers Visit Ernie Pyle Big day at Ernie Pyle Elementary! Ms. Jones’ 3rd graders welcomed Emmy-winning composer Christopher Lennertz (Alvin & The Chipmunks, Supernatural, Hop) and composer Tim Wynn (Supernatural, Final Destination Bloodlines) in partnership with Education Through Music–LA. They shared their career journeys, answered tons of great questions, and even jumped into music class!  Huge thanks to Board President Mayra Garza, Vice President Brad Crihfield, and Superintendent Dr. Erin Simon for stopping by to check in on filming and celebrate this amazing opportunity for our students.  Bellflower Unified is so grateful for our incredible school board and their dedicated leadership, countless hours of service, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff. During School Board Appreciation Month, we proudly celebrate all that you do to support our schools and our community! We are excited to announce that the intent to enroll application for the BUSD Dual Language Immersion Program for new students interested in the 2026-2027 school year is NOW OPEN! We encourage all parents of prospective students to take advantage of this opportunity.  Thank you for your continued support of our educational programs. We look forward to welcoming a new Dual Language Immersion class in August 2026! Click Here to Enroll Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD! Some of the Available Openings: Bus Drivers CalABLE Program CalABLE helps parents build financial security and independence for children with disabilities. Find out how easy it is to save and invest for your child today! What is CalABLE? CalABLE is a tax-advantaged savings and investment tool for people with disabilities. With a CalABLE account, you can save for the future and prepare your child for a lifetime of financial independence. Your child's savings should grow with them, and CalABLE can help. Build for tomorrow today - open a CalABLE account and set your child up for financial success. English:  https://join.calable.ca.gov/parents/ Spanish:  https://join.calable.ca.gov/padres/ California Youth Leadership Forum For Students with Disabilities The 2026 Delegate Application is NOW OPEN until January 31, 2026! The 2026 YLF will be held in-person from July 13 through July 18, 2026, at California State University, Sacramento (dates subject to change).  If selected for the YLF program, delegates are required to attend and participate during all scheduled in-person days. At the week-long event, delegates will learn the following: -Advocacy and leadership skills in a peer setting -Meet with professionals with disabilities -Meet state policy-makers -Develop goals through their personal and career leadership plan for their education, independent living, and career goals -Make lifelong friendships and create a network with alumni Please note: YLF planning partners continue to track health trends and safety guidance within California. All participants may be expected to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, and to test negatively for COVID-19 in the 24 hours before arriving in Sacramento. Learn more:  https://www.dor.ca.gov/home/ylf Bravo Awards $500 Scholarship Each year, the City of Bellflower has a $500 scholarship essay contest for high school seniors that reside in the City of Bellflower. The subject is, “What can residents do to make their community a safe place to live?” Recipients of the scholarship also get to attend the BRAVO Awards ceremony. Seniors residing in Bellflower will receive information about this opportunity from their government teacher. Essays must be limited to two double-spaced pages and are due to teachers by Friday, January 23, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for our students, as two BUSD students will receive this scholarship. Woodruff Performances Shine Woodruff Elementary's theater classes showcased their talents through engaging monologues and skits, while our TK–4 students delighted audiences with a festive holiday performance. It was wonderful to see so many families join us to support and celebrate our students’ creativity, confidence, and hard work. Thank you for partnering with us to make these moments so special for our learners. The Gift of Reading for Woodruff Elementary Thanks to a grant awarded through DD’s Discounts, Ms. Lark Masluk was able to purchase new books for Woodruff’s library! Thank you, Lark, for expanding our students’ reading choices and continuing to inspire a love of reading. Check out the fun in our after-school Enrichment Classes! Students at Las Flores are exploring hydroponics, creating in pottery, learning Spanish, practicing martial arts, and even designing rollercoasters—all while having a blast and building new skills beyond the classroom. Hands-on, creative, and totally engaging… enrichment time at Las Flores is full of discovery and fun! 🐆💛 A huge heartfelt Thank You to Mrs. Acevedo-Torres at Ernie Pyle We want to share a heartfelt Thank-You to Assistant Principal Mrs. Acevedo-Torres for stepping up to serve as acting principal at Ernie Pyle for the past few months! Your dedication and support for the staff and students do not go unnoticed. Thank you! Welcome, New Ernie Pyle Principal Ms. Pugh Monday’s professional development day was full of learning and celebrations! We kicked off the new year with great energy, meaningful conversations, and an apple cider toast as we welcomed our new principal, Ms. Pugh. Looking forward to all that’s ahead as we grow and lead together! 🎉📚 BHS Students interested in mental health? Get PAID $1700 this summer with the Child Mind Institute! Applications close Jan 15 ⏰ See Mrs. Ellis in Room 209 or apply online! Empowering Students with Life-Saving Skills On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Mayfair High School construction class students took part in a meaningful hands-on learning experience focused on CPR and first aid training, led by nurses from Kaiser Permanente. Through this training, students gained critical, life-saving skills that extend far beyond the classroom, empowering them to respond confidently and responsibly in emergency situations at school, on job sites, and within their communities. This opportunity reinforced the importance of safety, preparedness, and real-world readiness, highlighting how education at Mayfair High School prepares students not only for future careers but also to be responsible, capable individuals who can make a difference when it matters most. 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. January Menus School Board / Board Meeting Dates January 22, 2026  Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays, unless otherwise indicated below. Meetings Now Available on YouTube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Jan 09 2026

  • BUSD News December 19, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News December 19, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Dear Bellflower USD Community, As the holiday season arrives, it brings with it a sense of warmth, reflection, and deep gratitude. This is a special time to pause and appreciate all we have experienced, overcome, and accomplished together this year. To our amazing students: your resilience, curiosity, and growth continue to inspire us. To our dedicated educators and staff: your commitment, care, and wisdom have shaped our schools into places of guidance, learning, and belonging. To our supportive families and caregivers: your encouragement and partnership have been a powerful cornerstone of our shared success. To our broader community: thank you for believing in our mission and helping us create a future filled with opportunity and hope. We close out this year with hearts full of appreciation and eyes looking toward the future with optimism. May the holidays bring you joy, peace, and meaningful moments with loved ones. And may the new year renew your energy, your spirit, and your sense of purpose. Together, we are helping every student thrive and shaping a district grounded in care, high expectations, and excellence. With heartfelt wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright new year, Dr. Erin M. Simon Superintendent Families a friendly reminder that winter break is from  December 22 - January 2. January 5th, 2026 is a non-student day. The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the people who make Bellflower USD such a warm, welcoming place for our students and families. Last year, our first-ever Season of Gratitude brought in nearly 1,700 heartfelt messages, lifting spirits and reminding our staff how much their work matters. We’re excited to share that we’re bringing it back this year! If a Bellflower USD staff member has made a positive difference for you or your family, you can share your appreciation here: Link:  https://tinyurl.com/BUSDGratitude2025 The form will remain open through January 1. Your message will be delivered directly to the person you name—a small gesture that can make a big impact. Everyone is welcome to participate, and you can recognize as many people as you’d like. Let’s fill Bellflower USD with gratitude and joy this holiday season.  Proposition 28 at work! Funding arts and music, one dance step at a time. Ramona Elementary dance program shined at this year’s winter festivities. Proud of our students' learning, movement, and expression.  Winter Reading Club We invite our students to join the LA County Libraries Winter Reading Club over Winter Break! Calling readers of all ages! Read for 400 minutes for a chance to win prizes, and help the libraries reach their shared goal of 1 million minutes read! Register at the link posted on the flyer. School-Based Community Access Point (SBCAP) In 2019, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) launched the School-Based Community Access Point (SBCAP) to expand access to prevention services and supports for students and their families, and to promote individual and community well-being through a comprehensive, culturally sensitive lens. Learn more at the link below:  https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/sbcap/ Bravo Awards $500 Scholarship Each year, the City of Bellflower has a $500 scholarship essay contest for high school seniors that reside in the City of Bellflower. The subject is, “What can residents do to make their community a safe place to live?” Recipients of the scholarship also get to attend the BRAVO Awards ceremony. Seniors residing in Bellflower will receive information about this opportunity from their government teacher. Essays must be limited to two double-spaced pages and are due to teachers by Friday, January 23, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for our students, as two BUSD students will receive this scholarship.  Mayfair Tiny Solar House Delivers Free, Sustainable Power Mayfair High School CTE construction students built a 100-square-foot Tiny Solar House with three solar panels producing 400 watts, a deep-cycle battery, and an inverter that converts the battery's direct current into alternating current for a residential breaker panel. The fully functional setup powers lights and outlets at no cost, showcasing hands-on innovation, sustainability, and real-world skills. Getting Reading Right Last week was graduation week for our TK-3rd-grade teachers in Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 from Lindstrom, Ramona, Jefferson, Washington, and Woodruff! These teachers have completed the ten modules of Getting Reading Right training. This Science of Reading training covered the essential reading skills all students need to become proficient readers. Teachers highlighted that they learned to deliver high-quality reading instruction by being explicit and systematic, and by using a daily decoding routine. They emphasized the importance of daily small-group instruction to meet all students’ needs, explicit phonemic awareness instruction, and making decoding a consistent part of the routine. Thomas Jefferson Ready to Learn! Our school counselor, Marilyn Radford, visited classrooms to speak with our students about Being Ready to Learn, one of our school’s 3 R’s. She discussed what it means to be a good student. Such as keeping our work areas clean and organized, asking for help when we need it, demonstrating positive behavior, and using effective strategies for test-taking and managing test anxiety. They also explored the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, and why believing in our ability to learn and improve is so important. Our upper-grade students completed either a growth-mindset exit ticket or a cut-and-paste activity to deepen their understanding. With our younger learners, she discussed what it looks like to be both a good student and a good citizen at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. They loved making and wearing their decorative “I am a Good Citizen” headbands! Baxter students visit Cal State Dominguez Hills Our 4th and 5th-grade students had the exciting opportunity to visit Cal State Dominguez Hills and explore their amazing STEAM Department! Sixth Grade Market Day at Stephen Foster Sixth Grade Market Day has quickly become a favorite event on campus. Our young entrepreneurs are turning ideas into action - practicing creativity, teamwork, and real-world business skills along the way. The future is bright when students learn to dream, create, and lead.  Enrichment Friday at the EnrichLA Urban Garden! Mrs. Sanzaro’s students from Las Flores Home Education Academy had a blast on Enrichment Friday at the EnrichLA Urban Garden! Our 5th graders explored the beauty of nature while getting hands-on experience creating mini flower arrangements. EnrichLA programs provide students with unique opportunities to connect with their community, learn new skills, and discover the joy of learning beyond the classroom. Creativity, curiosity, and teamwork were in full bloom—way to go, Leopards! Congratulations BHS Class of 2026 for applying to college! We had over 280 students apply to college in the Fall semester. Take a look at the BHS “I Applied”! The College App Celebration event is celebrating seniors who applied to college. 12th Annual French Cuisine at MHS French 3 students at Mayfair Middle/High School recently hosted the 12th Annual French Cuisine presentation activity, La Dégustation de la Cuisine Française, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. During the event, students showcased their knowledge of French cuisine and culture by presenting and sampling a variety of traditional French foods. Invited schoolmates and family members joined in the celebration, creating a shared cultural experience. The presentational activity was held in the gym during Period 5. Why does garlic smell so strong? Somerset High School students dug into the science of garlic—its powerful compounds, its place in the allium family, and the many health benefits packed into one bulb. We wrapped it up by turning fresh herbs and garlic into toast that was exceptional. Learning you can smell, taste, and remember! 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. December Menus School Board / Board Meeting Dates Special Meeting December 19, 2025: 3:30 P.M. January 22, 2026  Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays, unless otherwise indicated below. Meetings Now Available on YouTube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Dec 19 2025

  • BUSD News December 12, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News December 12, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Coming up on: Monday, Dec 15  *Special Note: Location change school cafeteria  Hello BUSD families, You are invited to a community workshop hosted by the BUSD Board of Education and presented by High Profile Knowledge. Together we will explore practical ways to understand and navigate interactions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a calm and supportive setting. Join us for a two-hour educational course that provides clear, accurate, fact-based information, including what these agencies do, what they do not do, and how residents can stay informed and prepared. Monday, December 15, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM  Bellflower High School  Cafeteria , 15301 S. McNab Ave. Bellflower CA 90706 Free and open to the public. Please share this invitation with your family, friends, and neighbors.  If you're unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available before the event. We'll share the link at a later date.  For more information, contact Bellflower Unified Communications at Communications@busd.k12.ca.us. The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the people who make Bellflower USD such a warm, welcoming place for our students and families. Last year, our first-ever Season of Gratitude brought in nearly 1,700 heartfelt messages, lifting spirits and reminding our staff how much their work matters. We’re excited to share that we’re bringing it back this year! If a Bellflower USD staff member has made a positive difference for you or your family, you can share your appreciation here: Link:  https://tinyurl.com/BUSDGratitude2025 The form will remain open through January 1. Your message will be delivered directly to the person you name—a small gesture that can make a big impact. Everyone is welcome to participate, and you can recognize as many people as you’d like. Let’s fill Bellflower USD with gratitude and joy this holiday season.  Aleena Sandoval from the Intensive Learning Center is featured in the Board of Education’s Student Spotlight for always giving her best effort. She encourages others through her positive example, kindness, and determination. First Interim Financial Statements: Chief Business Officer Renee Arkus presented the General Fund First Interim Report for the period July 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025. The Board of Education reviewed the report and certified that it reflects a positive financial condition. Report attachments are provided below. 2025-2026 BUSD First Interim Financial Statement Presentation ENGLISH.pdf Download 1.9 MB 2025-2026 BUSD First Interim Financial Statement Presentation SPANISH.pdf Download 941.9 KB The Board of Education recognized Assemblymember José Luis Solache for his exemplary service to the community and his work on AB 1390. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1390, authored by Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D-Lynwood), to modernize monthly compensation levels for members of school district and county boards of education. The Board of Education recognized outgoing Board President Amie Stewart for her one-year tenure from December 2024 through December 2025. She was honored by state and local officials, BTA, CSEA, PTA, and community members for her hard work and commitment to the school district. Election Board of Education Officer: The Board of Education elected officers in accordance with Board Bylaw 9100.  Board Reorganization:  Renita Armstrong (Member), Maurina Cintron (Clerk), Mayra Garza (President), Brad Crihfield (Vice President), Amie Stewart (Member)  Appointment of annual representative to vote on the membership -  Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization: Maurina Cintron Education appoint a representative to the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association (lacsta) for 2026: Renita Armstrong  The California Advancing Pathways for Students (CalAPS) Board: Amie Stewart  School Board / Board Meeting Dates January 22, 2026  Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Basketball Recap: Bellflower Drops Highest Score of Season Against California Lutheran + How To Watch Basketball Recap: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. California Lutheran C-Hawks maxpreps.com Meet Soluna: Free Mental Health Support App for California Youth Soluna is a free, state-funded app designed to provide mental health support for California’s youth, ages 13 to 25. Available in English and Spanish, the app offers immediate access to professional coaches, peer support groups, and interactive wellness tools. Coaching is also available in 19 additional languages, making it widely accessible. Since its launch in January 2024, Soluna has been a no-cost resource for California residents, empowering young people to navigate challenges and build resilience. Download Soluna today from the iOS and Android app stores or visit   SolunaApp.com  for more information. Finals are Coming Up - Paper Tutoring Bellflower Unified School District offers FREE unlimited 24/7 academic support for our students through a company called Paper. This service provides 4th-12th-grade students with immediate 1:1 tutoring help for all subjects, as needed. Need someone to talk through a particularly tough math problem? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students within seconds. Need someone to read an essay and make suggestions on how you can improve it before submitting? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students. No matter what a student's academic needs are, Paper’s expert learning assistants are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log in and ask a question! Students can log in through Clever by clicking on the Paper icon. Outcome-focused tutoring and academic support for K-12 | Paper Accelerate student outcomes with GROW high-impact tutoring. Discover personalized learning solutions that deliver measurable academic progress for every student. paper.co Superintendent Dr. Erin M. Simon enjoyed lunch with students from the Adult Transitional Center. She listened to their experiences and celebrated their progress, underscoring the district’s commitment to adult learners. BMHS Awarded Avance Latino Community Partner of the Year Award Danielle Scipio, our Community Schools partner, had the pleasure of attending the Transforming Our Community Gala dinner, sponsored by Avance Latino, and we’re excited to share some wonderful news!  Dr. Scipio and Bellflower Middle/ High School received the Community Partner of the Year Award. Bellflower has proudly partnered with Avance Latino since 2021, and this year, their support continues in a big way. Avance Latino is hosting over 40 Financial Literacy workshops with our Success I & II, AVID 12, and Economics classes, providing our students with valuable skills and knowledge to succeed. Ramona Elementary principal Tanya Esqueda embraced the holiday spirit by decorating her school’s front office. Her front office team had a different vision for the tree topper this year, playfully printing a photo of her to serve as the star atop the tree. Mayfair's Varsity Super Smash Bros Ultimate Team are the California Super Smash Bros Ultimate Fall Season CHAMPIONS!  255 teams competed this season. We are the last ones standing.... Here is the recap: Mayfair won set 1 - Chibuike Iwauanyanwu won 2-0 Rancho Cucamonga won set 2 over Darian Heller 1-2 Rancho Cucamonga won set 3 over Jonathan Virula 1-2 Mayfair won set 4 - Darian Heller 2-1 clutch comeback win Mayfair won set 5 - Jonathan Virula 2-1 clutch comeback win ILC Santa Mailbox Is Here! Santa’s mailbox has arrived at ILC! Students are invited to write a letter and send it off to the North Pole Mailbox. BHS Disneyland Candlelight On Sunday, December 7, the BHS Vocal Ensemble, along with several proud alumni, had the honor of participating in the iconic Disneyland Candlelight Processional. This extraordinary opportunity allowed our students to take part in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, performing in a tradition cherished by audiences for decades. We are incredibly proud of our talented Buccaneers for representing Bellflower High School with excellence, poise, and passion. Their hard work, dedication, and love for music were on full display, and we celebrate this remarkable achievement with our entire school community. Congratulations to our performers and a special thank-you to Mr. Shu and everyone who supported them on this memorable journey! Winter Break Educational Activities If you are looking for fun and engaging educational activities during Winter Break, our local Public Libraries have the following activities available.  Winter Break Activities at Public Libraries  Download 74.0 KB BHS LACOE GENIUS We’re proud to announce that Bellflower High School has been selected to be a part of the first cohort of LACOE’s GENIUS Initiative! Through this powerful equity-driven program, our students and staff will collaborate with educators across Los Angeles County to strengthen culturally responsive practices, expand opportunities, and ensure every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Way to go, Buccaneers — leading the way in innovation and equity! Woodruff Elementary's Annual Reindeer Run Our campus was full of energy and excitement during this year’s Reindeer Run! The PTA created festive obstacle courses that had our students running, jumping, and cheering each other on. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our families and community, our students raised over $2,000 to support student incentives and school activities. We are grateful for our amazing PTA, and Ms. Suarez and Ms. Aguirre, who helped make this event such a joyful success! Celebrating Growth and Achievement at Woodruff Elementary Kudos to our Woodruff learners for their incredible growth and achievement throughout the first trimester! We are so proud of the hard work and dedication they continue to show each day. Thank you to our families who joined us to support and celebrate! Albert Baxter Bears Filled with Gratitude Look at all those gratitude messages from our Baxter Bears earlier this week! They are grateful for so many things in their lives! How awesome is that! Las Flores TK–1 Students' Informational Paragraphs! Mrs. Bartschi’s TK–1 Students are learning how to write informational paragraphs! Check out these little Leopards as they “talk off the map” to rehearse their ideas—getting ready to write their paragraphs using their amazing phonics skills. We love seeing their confidence and creativity grow! Way to go, little Leopards!  MMHS Unified Basketball Tournament Mayfair Middle and High School proudly hosted a Unified Basketball Tournament, bringing together students from neighboring districts for a day of teamwork, sportsmanship, and joy. MMHS faced Warren High, Locke High, and Paramount High, showcasing incredible skill, collaboration, and heart. The energy was electric as Mayfair’s Unified Cheer team delivered an inspiring performance, lifting spirits and celebrating true inclusivity. A day to remember that shows the power of unity and the joy of shared experiences. MHS 212 AP passes, countless proud smiles! Huge congratulations to our Mayfair students for earning a 3+ on their AP exams…amazing job! Special shoutout to the families who came out to celebrate, @mayfairptsa PTA for the coffee and treats, and our AP teachers for preparing our students so well. Reminder: Bellflower Unified will cover AP exam fees in 2025–2026.  Winter Reading Club We invite our students to join LA County Libraries Winter Reading Club over Winter Break! Calling readers of all ages! Read for 400 minutes for a chance to win prizes, and help the libraries reach their shared goal of 1 million minutes read! Register at the link posted on the flyer. 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. December Menus Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Dec 12 2025

  • BUSD News November 14, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News November 14, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Reminding our community that there will be no school November 24-28, 2025 for Thanksgiving Holiday - School Closed.  School will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025. Our Board of Education recognized our Student Spotlight of the Month: Jason Harris II! A BHS senior and exceptional student, Jason’s already been accepted to ASU and LSU (with more on the way!). From top-tier academics to mentoring youth on campus, his character shines. We can’t wait to see what’s next… We’ll be cheering on his journey!  Representing Bellflower High School Girls Golf: Coach Jae Shu. Receiving recognition from the Board of Education for earning the title of Mid Cities Individual League Champion is Abygail Machado. Team captain Machado led the way, averaging 47 strokes per 9-hole match and earning the league champion title. Overall, the Bellflower High School Varsity Girls Golf Team had an outstanding season this year. Through eight league matches, the team remained undefeated, demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and teamwork. The Board of Education recognized the Bellflower High School Girls' Golf Team for earning first place in the Mid Cities League. 🏌️‍♀️⛳️🥇🏆 Members of the varsity team (pictured) Nathania Aguirre Michelle Agyiri Valeria Carrillo Rola Ekladious Abygail Machado Margie Hernandez Mejia Henessys Gonzalez Quiterio Angelly Posadas Ramirez Isabella Saucedo Representing Girls Tennis from Mayfair High School: Coach Chris Tran and receiving recognition from the Board of Education for earning the Suburban Valley Conference Singles Championship for the second consecutive year…back-to-back titles….is Daleyna Le. This season, Daleyna went 29–7 overall and 23–1 in league play. Over the last two seasons, she has compiled 65 wins and an outstanding 44–1 league record. On top of that, she’s ranked 12th in her class with a 4.5 academic GPA. Congratulations, Daleyna and Coach Tran. The Board of Education approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bellflower Unified School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Bellflower Chapter #32 – Health and Welfare Contributions & Early Retiree Benefits, as presented in the attachment.  Click Here Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith presented the feedback on Our Mission, Vision, and Values   Click Here School Board / Board Meeting Dates December 11, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Young Rembrandts at ELOP Young Rembrandts offers art classes for our students. The classes are built to be fun while increasing academic skills, fine motor skills, social skills, hand and eye coordination and confidence. Currently, all our 12 ELOP sites have weekly art classes for the entire school year. Honoring a Special Member of Our Woodruff Wolf Pack Woodruff Elementary would like to give a special thanks to our amazing School Psychologist, Ms. Samantha Head, in honor of School Psychologist Week! We appreciate your dedication, compassion, and the countless ways you support our students, staff, and community each day. Thank you, Ms. Head, for all that you do to help our Wolves thrive! Our Community Heroes: Veterans Day Assembly & Breakfast at Jefferson On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Thomas Jefferson Elementary had the privilege of honoring Veterans from our community during a special assembly followed by a breakfast in their honor. It was inspiring to hear their stories, learn from their advice, and witness the remarkable teamwork and dedication they demonstrated. They went as far as to engage our students with an impressive 4-person push-up challenge! We are grateful to our Veterans for their service and for taking the time to celebrate with our school community. Thank you to all who helped make this meaningful event possible. Woodruff Elementary Honoring Veterans and Active-Duty Heroes at Woodruff Woodruff Elementary proudly celebrated Veterans Day by honoring the brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States Armed Forces. These heroes are the loved ones of our students, staff, and community members, and we were grateful to recognize their service and sacrifice. We love our Baxter PE Team! Here at Baxter, all of our classrooms including PE are proud to be AVID classrooms! We love your college poster, PE! Great job highlighting San José State University! Fun fact: our very own Superintendent, Dr. Simon, and Baxter’s own Coach Donna are both proud Spartans who attended San José State! We love our PE Team! College Tour Tuesdays at Foster In alignment with the implementation of AVID on our campus, we’ve started a new tradition. COLLEGE TOUR TUESDAYS! Ms. Mustafa got her whole class involved for her presentation. Our second graders did a great job sharing facts and ending with a cheer! If you would like to share your college or career with our students, stop by the office for details. We’d love to have you! Veterans Day assemblies across BUSD Veterans Day assemblies across BUSD schools paid heartfelt tribute to those who have served in the military. At cw_wildcats , students had the opportunity to invite their loved ones to honor and recognize their service for our country. This event not only strengthened our community but also educated our young minds on the importance of honoring our veterans. Thank you for your service! Nice work, tiny Leopards! Mrs. Bartschi and Mrs. Roldan’s TK–K students from Las Flores are learning how to use words they know to read and spell new words! By applying their phonological awareness skills, especially rhyming, they’re building strong reading foundations. Nice work, tiny Leopards—you’re already growing into excellent readers and writers! Attention Seniors at BHS Hey Seniors, are you applying to a UC campus? Do you need someone to review your UC PIQs? If so, Ms. Campos and Ms. Vielka can help! Stop by the College and Career Center in room 401 to share your PIQs. RING REVEAL for MHS Here’s to our 2025 CIF Co-ed small division champions! This team was like no other and they earned their spot plus some. Thank you to all the friends and family that supported these amazing athletes through their journey! MHS Seniors check out these application workshops! Need last minute 4-year college application support? Come join us during  THANKSGIVING BREAK!! Nov. 24th @10 AM - 2 PM: College &Career Center Nov. 25th @ 12 PM - 4 PM: Zoom Zoom ID: (Check google classroom) L.A. County Parks Food Programs If your family needs food assistance due to the federal government shutdown, access resources on LACOE's website. The L.A. County Parks is supporting the loss of SNAP and CalFresh by expanding capacity to its Food Programs. Youth, teens and seniors can participate in several programs at various park sites. Learn More Holiday in the Park From December 2–20, 2025, Holiday in the Park kicks off, giving communities the chance to enjoy festive cultural traditions from our diverse neighborhoods. The program features entertainment and performances, hands-on crafts, edible treats, family photos and delicious snacks, offering fun for all ages. Learn More Meet Soluna: Free Mental Health Support App for California Youth Soluna is a free, state-funded app designed to provide mental health support for California’s youth, ages 13 to 25. Available in English and Spanish, the app offers immediate access to professional coaches, peer support groups, and interactive wellness tools. Coaching is also available in 19 additional languages, making it widely accessible. Since its launch in January 2024, Soluna has been a no-cost resource for California residents, empowering young people to navigate challenges and build resilience. Download Soluna today from the iOS and Android app stores or visit  SolunaApp.com  for more information. Edison Scholars - Scholarship opportunity! Edison International is awarding $50,000 college scholarships to 30 high school seniors. Follow your passion in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) and become a future change maker.  Guidelines at:  Edisonscholars.com   Requirements: ⭐️ Must be a current senior in high school  ⭐️ At least a 3.0 GPA  ⭐️ Live in Southern California Edison’s service area ⭐️ Plan to attend a four year university college or university and pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or math! 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. November Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Preschool Teacher 2025-2026 School Year 🔵Locker Room Attendant-Male 🔵Bus Driver 🔵Instructional Assistant Series & Avid Tutor Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/humanresources/jobs Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Nov 14 2025

  • BUSD News November 7, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News November 7, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Dear Bellflower Unified Families,  We understand many of you are concerned after receiving notices about the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. We want to reassure you that free school meals will continue to be available for all students. These meals are funded through a separate program and are not affected by SNAP. Your child will still receive breakfast and lunch at school every day.  A pause in benefits can be stressful and create real challenges. Here are local resources you can lean on: BUSD:  BUSD + Caring Connections  Bellflower Unified partners with Caring Connections, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting BUSD students and families.  Call: (562) 866-9011 ext. 6123 Los Angeles County Office of Education: Information and resources on food and community support, mobile and home delivery options, and more.  Resources from the Los Angeles County Office of Education . Los Angeles County Parks Expanded access for youth, teens, and seniors. For more information, visit  Food Programs at Parks . We understand this is a stressful time. Our commitment is to support every child and every family so students feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn. If you have questions about meals or need extra support, please reach out to your school office or the Caring Connections contact above. Sincerely,  Dr. Erin M. Simon Superintendent Reminding our community that there will be no school on Monday, November 10, 2025, for Non-Student Day and Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for Veterans Day. School will resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Free Cerritos Library Access for BUSD Families Parents: Grab a $100/year Cerritos Library card FREE for your BUSD student—simple steps linked. Click Here We’re creating a new College & Career Information Series to support families as students move through key timelines in planning for life after high school. Your input will help us choose the most helpful topics and the best times/formats. Please take our brief 3–5 minute survey by scanning the QR code or clicking the link:  CLICK HERE Harvesting Success: Adult Transition Center Fall Festival The Adult Transition Center’s Fall Festival was a great success, bringing together students, families, staff, and community partners for inclusive seasonal fun. Celebrating Our Heroes: A Day of Inspiration at the Intensive Learning Center 613 ILC Eagles had a fun and inspiring day this past Monday. It started with our annual “Salute to Veterans,” followed by a performance by our second-grade students for veterans and the entire school community, including students, families, teachers, and staff. Costume Parade at Washington The Washington Patriots and their families enjoyed their annual Halloween Costume Parade.  Día de los Muertos 6th Grade Family Picnic at Washington The sixth-grade team at Washington celebrated its annual Día de los Muertos family picnic. Bellflower Volunteer Center Can Food Drive at Washington Washington Elementary families supported the community by donating canned food to the Bellflower Volunteer Center for their Thanksgiving Giveaway! Baxter Students Receive Free Dictionaries Thank you to the Elk Lodge for visiting our school today and gifting our 3rd graders a dictionary! They were all very excited! Elks Lodge Donates Dictionaries to Stephen Foster Scholars Big thanks to our Elks Lodge members for gifting dictionaries to our 3rd-grade scholars at Stephen Foster Elementary!  @stephenfosterelementary  We also welcomed Lakewood Vice Mayor Jeff Wood, who spoke at our Red Ribbon Week flag ceremony. Proud of our community partnership and student leadership! We broke ground on Mayfair Field! Huge thank you to our BUSD Board members, elected officials, city partners, and district staff, for celebrating with us and making this milestone possible. We’re so excited for our students, athletes, coaches, and our entire community. Keep up the great work, Soons! We’re proud to recognize 1,412 students for earning Honor Roll certificates this first quarter! These dedicated Monsoons achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher for the 1st quarter, showing their hard work and commitment to academic excellence. Out of 2,289 students, that’s an incredible accomplishment—more than half of our student body! Keep up the great work, Soons! 💙💛 Congratulations to Forest Hestermann from TK at Las Flores Congratulations to Forest Hestermann, a TK student in Mrs. Bartchi’s class, on finishing his JiJi Transitional Kindergarten journey. Forest is ready for his next adventure—Kindergarten JiJi! Way to go, Forest! We are so proud of you!  Esther Lindstrom TK Votes! TK Room 11 experienced voting today, complete with a polling booth, ballots, and a ballot box. Even Mr. Stern stopped by to vote! Ernie Pyle Día de los Muertos Celebration Ernie Pyle students and staff are celebrating and honoring our ancestors. Red Out to Kick Things Off at BHS Our staff brought the energy and rocked all red to celebrate Red Ribbon Week and the start of Spirit Week!  Meet Soluna: Free Mental Health Support App for California Youth Soluna is a free, state-funded app designed to provide mental health support for California’s youth, ages 13 to 25. Available in English and Spanish, the app offers immediate access to professional coaches, peer support groups, and interactive wellness tools. Coaching is also available in 19 additional languages, making it widely accessible. Since its launch in January 2024, Soluna has been a no-cost resource for California residents, empowering young people to navigate challenges and build resilience. Download Soluna today from the iOS and Android app stores or visit  SolunaApp.com  for more information. Calling all High School Students! Registration for California Advancing Pathways for Students (CalAPS) Spring classes is now open. Registration is first-come, first-served. Explore all the Career Technical Education Pathways that we have to offer. CalAPS courses are designed to empower students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in a diverse range of professions. Sign up today! For additional information, please call (562) 866-9011 ext. 2186. Paper Tutoring Bellflower Unified School District offers FREE unlimited 24/7 academic support for our students through a company called Paper. This service provides 4th-12th-grade students with immediate 1:1 tutoring help for all subjects, as needed. Need someone to talk through a particularly tough math problem? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students within seconds. Need someone to read an essay and make suggestions on how you can improve it before submitting? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students. No matter what a student's academic needs are, Paper’s expert learning assistants are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log in and ask a question! Students can log in through Clever by clicking on the Paper icon. Tutoring, enrichment, college & career support for K-12 | Paper With personalized tutoring, enrichment programming, and college and career support, Paper’s Educational Support System helps all your students shine in school and beyond. paper.co 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. November Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Substitute Teacher 2025-2026 School Year 🔵Bus Driver 🔵Health Assistant 🔵Instructional Assistant Series & Avid Tutor Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/humanresources/jobs School Board / Board Meeting Dates November 13, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Nov 07 2025

  • BUSD News October 31, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News October 31, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Earlier this week, we launched a new tradition in Bellflower: our first State of Education. Thank you to the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Erin M. Simon for a vision that puts students first… Known. Valued. Ready. From Listening to Lift Off. Football Recap: Amir Neal's Menacing Defense Leads Bellflower over Lynwood MaxPreps News - Football Recap: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. Lynwood Knights maxpreps.com MMHS Library Terror Step inside Mayfair’s Library of Terror….if you dare! Our library has been transformed into a spooky maze filled with eerie decorations, dim lighting, and haunted surprises around every corner. Students and staff worked together to create this thrilling Halloween experience. Enjoy the following video clip and see how Mayfair turned reading into a frightfully fun adventure! BMHS Buccaneers Bring Halloween Spirit to Life BMHS staff set sail into the Halloween spirit by dressing as buccaneers, the school’s mascot. The festive costumes showcased school pride and brought plenty of smiles and camaraderie to campus. Honoring Tradition: Día de los Muertos at BMHS BMHS students and staff celebrated Día de los Muertos on campus, honoring loved ones with colorful altars, marigolds, and papel picado. The event blended remembrance with cultural learning, creating a meaningful community experience. ATC Students Brave Somerset High’s Haunted House Students from the Adult Transition Center (ATC) visited Somerset High School’s haunted house for a spooky adventure. They faced jump scares with courage and enjoyed a fun, safe outing that strengthened connections with neighboring schools. Trunk-or-Treat Lights Up Craig Williams Elementary Families and students gathered at Craig Williams Elementary School for a lively Trunk-or-Treat night. Decorated car trunks, creative costumes, and candy made for a safe, festive evening! Thanks to the many volunteers who made it possible. Service and Storytelling: ATC Meets CBS LA’s Jasmine Veal While volunteering with Long Beach Community Tables, ATC students had the chance to meet CBS Los Angeles reporter Jasmine Veal. The encounter highlighted the power of community service and offered students a glimpse into journalism. PTA Assembly on Respect and Responsibility at Washington Thank you to our Washington PTA, we were able to get a former Harlem Globetrotter to show his dribbling skills while teaching the kids about respect and responsibility. HOWL-o-ween at Woodruff Elementary Woodruff Wolves enjoyed a HOWL-o-ween Festival where families decorated their cars for Trunk-or-Treat, visited the petting farm, and enjoyed face painting and games. Thank you to our amazing PTA for organizing such a fun-filled event Breast Cancer Awareness Walk for Hope What an inspiring sight it was to see so many members of our Bellflower community come together for the Cancer Awareness Walk. The event was filled with hope, compassion, and unity as families, friends, and neighbors walked side by side in support of those affected by cancer. The outpouring of love and participation truly reflected the strength of our community and the power of standing together for such a meaningful cause. Red Ribbon Week at Craig Williams Wildcats embraced this year's theme- Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free! They participated in pledge signing, spirit days, poster decorating contest, and performed for the Red Ribbon Week judges. Life is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free at Woodruff Elementary Woodruff's PTA has done it again! They organized an educational and fun-filled Red Ribbon Week using the national theme, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.” Students participated in engaging activities and lessons throughout the week, including pledging to live drug-free. Their pledges were proudly displayed, hanging from the trees and fences in front of the school as a symbol of our united commitment. Trunk or Treat Triumph at Ramona Elementary Over 250 families joined a successful and fun Trunk or Treat on Wednesday. The community came together with creative car displays, candy, and lots of smiles. Albert Baxter Turns Campus into a Circus Albert Baxter Elementary embraced the Halloween spirit with circus-themed costumes — from popcorn and cotton candy to lions and elephants. The colorful outfits transformed the campus into a cheerful big-top celebration. Sheriff’s Visit Highlights Drug-Free Choices at Ramona On Thursday, the LA County Sheriff’s Department spoke with students about staying drug-free during a PTA-organized assembly. Every classroom attended, and students even got to explore the patrol cars up close. Ramona’s Halloween Costume Parade Delights Families Ramtastic Scholars paraded to spooky music in a festive Halloween showcase, cheered on by a big crowd of parents. The joyful atmosphere made for a memorable, fun-filled celebration. What a spooktacular night at Stephen Foster Huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Trunk or Treat and made it such a frightfully fun evening! We’re so lucky to have an amazing PTA and the best parents who always show up to support our kids and school community. Until next year! Congratulations, Isabella Ochoa and Allison Gomez at Las Flores! A huge congratulations to Las Flores students Isabella Ochoa Avalos and Allison Gomez, who have both recently reclassified as English Learners! Reclassification is a significant achievement that recognizes students who have met the state’s rigorous criteria, demonstrating English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and academic growth. We are so proud of Isabella and Allison for their hard work and commitment to excellence — a true example of Leopard Pride! Celebrate with Team Kellan at Lindstrom Earlier this week, Lindstrom Lions from all grade levels wore orange to celebrate with Team Kellan and him beating Leukemia!!! We are so excited for Kellan and his family as they ring his bell for his cancer victory! Fire Safety Awareness at Ernie Pyle Thank you to our Wonderful PTA for setting up a visit from our local fire department for Fire Safety Awareness!  Teen centers offer after-school fun and involvement Lakewood's two teen centers provide a safe, fun, and positive space for teens to spend their free time after school. At the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park and the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, teens can socialize, do homework and play video games under the supervision of friendly and responsible staff. Each center hosts exciting Friday or Saturday night events like movie nights, air hockey tournaments and dodgeball. Upcoming activities include: Lego Day: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Lakewood Youth Center Paint Night: Saturday, Nov. 8, 4-8 p.m. at Bloomfield Park Canvas and Cocoa: Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Youth Center The Teen Resource Center also offers weekday Job and Homework Assistance programs.  Teens interested in volunteering can apply at either center; volunteers must be at least 12 years old and committed to helping the community. Both centers are open Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. For more details, call Bloomfield Park at 562-865-1717 or the Youth Center at 562-429-7472. Bellflower High School presents - Senior Info Night - Class of 2026 Senior Year can be challenging not just for our Seniors, but for their families too. To help everyone navigate all of the information for our seniors' final semester at Bellflower, we invite you to our Senior Info Night! Date: November 12 Location: BHS Gym Time: 5:00-7:00 pm What to Expect:  Graduation Requirements 2nd Semester Discipline Info Counselor Chats Available  Spring Semester Activities (Prom, Grad Week, etc) Jostens (Cap and Gowns, Class Rings, etc.) Financial Aid Information Yearbooks Available for Purchase Senior Shirt Available for Purchase Senior Activities Available for Purchase Senior Info Night.pdf Download 4.3 MB Paper Tutoring Bellflower Unified School District offers FREE unlimited 24/7 academic support for our students through a company called Paper. This service provides 4th-12th-grade students with immediate 1:1 tutoring help for all subjects, as needed. Need someone to talk through a particularly tough math problem? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students within seconds. Need someone to read an essay and make suggestions on how you can improve it before submitting? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students. No matter what a student's academic needs are, Paper’s expert learning assistants are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log in and ask a question! Students can log in through Clever by clicking on the Paper icon. Tutoring, enrichment, college & career support for K-12 | Paper With personalized tutoring, enrichment programming, and college and career support, Paper’s Educational Support System helps all your students shine in school and beyond. paper.co 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. November Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Substitute Teacher 2025-2026 School Year 🔵Bus Driver 🔵 Community Service Worker 🔵Instructional Assistant Series & Avid Tutor Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/humanresources/jobs School Board / Board Meeting Dates November 13, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Oct 31 2025

  • BUSD News October 24, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News October 24, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser      Esther Lindstrom Elementary Form Giant “LA” for World Series Game 1 Students and staff at Esther Lindstrom Elementary teamed up to show their Dodger spirit for Game 1 of the World Series…forming a giant “LA” on campus. Our community partner, the Lakewood Sheriff's Department, was also there to support the moment.  We’re creating a new College & Career Information Series to support families as students move through key timelines in planning for life after high school. Your input will help us choose the most helpful topics and the best times/formats. Please take our brief 3–5 minute survey by scanning the QR code or clicking the link:  CLICK HERE Football Recap: Bellflower Skates Past Compton Early College with Ease MaxPreps News - Football Recap: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. Compton Early College Rising Phoenix maxpreps.com Board of Education Meeting Recap October 23, 2025 Proud moment for our BUSD community! The Board of Education has recognized 8 incredible schools for their commitment to the California PBIS Coalition. These 8 schools received recognition from the California PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Coalition for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. Part of this implementation includes staff teaching students about behavior expectations and strategies for behavioral success. By teaching students about behavior expectations and strategies, we’re empowering them to overcome challenges and excel academically. A big shoutout to our outstanding schools: 🥉Stephen Foster Elementary (Gold) 🥉Bellflower Middle & High School (Silver) 🥈Frank E. Woodruff Elementary (Gold) 🥉Albert Baxter Elementary (Gold)  🥈Ramona Elementary (Silver) 🥈Las Flores (Platnium) 🥈Thomas Jefferson Elementary (Silver) 🥇Ernie Pyle Elementary (Platinum) The Board of Education recognized Ernie Pyle student Emilia Belfiore at last night's board meeting. Ernie Pyle staff says she truly embodies what Panther pride stands for – positivity, respect, integrity, dedication, and excellence. She has been selected as this month's Student Spotlight! Major Action - 12.1 APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR LEAD LABOR NEGOTIATOR SERVICES: The Board of Education selects Dannis Woliver Kelley (DWK) as the district's lead labor negotiation.  School Board / Board Meeting Dates November 13, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Boo to Bullying at Woodruff Woodruff Elementary’s PTA organized a fun and meaningful event in which students came together to “Say Boo to Bullying!” Thank you to our amazing Woodruff community for helping raise awareness and promote kindness, respect, and inclusion for all. Unity Day at Washington Washington Elementary pledges to stand against bullying during Unity Day. Washington’s student council supports the Washington Patriots by painting their hands and guiding them through other activities. Unity is spreading kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Anti-Bullying Week at Baxter So far for Anti-Bullying Week, we’ve written kind messages to our friends and taken a powerful pledge to be a friend, not a bully! Let’s keep the positive vibes going for the rest of the week, Baxter Bears! BUBBLE RUN FUN at Foster Thank you so much to the BOLT families and @stephenfosterpta  for supporting such a great event! You really know how to put the FUN in FUNdraising!  Enrichment Friday at Las Flores Check out Mrs. Sanzaro's class learning how to read music and playing a math game to practice multiplication facts & graphing area on Enrichment Friday! Drug Free Superheroes at Craig Williams Our Wildcats kicked off Red Ribbon Week by showing that they are Drug Free Superheroes who have the POWER to be drug free! BMHS Celebrates Unity and Diversity! ADHD Awareness Month and Unity Day at BMHS! Mayfair: UNITY IS STRENGTH Monsoons unite to create a campus without bullying through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. When teamwork and collaboration are present, wonderful things can be achieved! Somerset: They came. They learned. They screamed! Somerset took on Screamfest LA — diving into the dark art of acting, makeup, camera work, storytelling, and more! Somerset: Halloween Haunted Maze The annual Somerset High School Haunted Maze will be open to the public on Friday, October 31st, from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Bring your friends and family to get a real scare on Halloween night. There will also be free carnival games with prizes, a costume contest at 8:45 pm, and snacks for sale. We are requesting a $2 donation per guest over the age of 12 to support the school's ASB program.  Lakewood College Fair Resource Guide Each October, the city holds a  College Fair and free workshops  for college-bound teens and their parents. If you missed this year's College Fair on Oct. 14, or if you want to follow up with representatives you met there, check the Guide. It includes the two- and four-year colleges, universities, trade schools and resource organizations that participated in the fair. Download the 2025 College Fair Resource Guide Teen centers offer after-school fun and involvement Lakewood's two teen centers provide a safe, fun, and positive space for teens to spend their free time after school. At the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park and the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, teens can socialize, do homework and play video games under the supervision of friendly and responsible staff. Each center hosts exciting Friday or Saturday night events like movie nights, air hockey tournaments and dodgeball. Upcoming activities include: Lego Day: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Lakewood Youth Center Paint Night: Saturday, Nov. 8, 4-8 p.m. at Bloomfield Park Canvas and Cocoa: Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Youth Center The Teen Resource Center also offers weekday Job and Homework Assistance programs.  Teens interested in volunteering can apply at either center; volunteers must be at least 12 years old and committed to helping the community. Both centers are open Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. For more details, call Bloomfield Park at 562-865-1717 or the Youth Center at 562-429-7472. CalAPS Spring Registration Spring registration is almost here! CalAPS spring registration opens on Monday, Nov. 3! Visit your campus college and career center for more information.  Paper Tutoring Bellflower Unified School District offers FREE unlimited 24/7 academic support for our students through a company called Paper. This service provides 4th-12th-grade students with immediate 1:1 tutoring help for all subjects, as needed. Need someone to talk through a particularly tough math problem? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students within seconds. Need someone to read an essay and make suggestions on how you can improve it before submitting? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students. No matter what a student's academic needs are, Paper’s expert learning assistants are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log in and ask a question! Students can log in through Clever by clicking on the Paper icon. Tutoring, enrichment, college & career support for K-12 | Paper With personalized tutoring, enrichment programming, and college and career support, Paper’s Educational Support System helps all your students shine in school and beyond. paper.co 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. October Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Elementary Principal 2025-2026 School Year (Pyle ES) 🔵 Substitute Teacher 2025-2026 School Year 🔵Health Assistant 🔵Community Service Worker Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/humanresources/jobs Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Oct 24 2025

  • BUSD News October 17, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News October 17, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     October 25, 2025  Bellflower’s First Annual Breast Cancer Awareness One Mile Walk When: Saturday, October 25, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Where: Ron Yary Stadium - 15301 McNab Ave, Bellflower, CA 90706 Register here  This event is  free  and open to  everyone ...staff, families, students, and community members. Please also help us spread the word! October 28, 2025  BUSD State of Education Night for Families On behalf of the Bellflower Unified School District Board of Education, you’re warmly invited to our State of Education, presented by Superintendent Dr. Erin M. Simon. Theme: “Known, Valued, Ready — From Listening To Lift-Off.” Event details: - Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025  - Time: 5:00–6:30 PM  - Location: Bellflower Middle & High School Gym   15301 S. McNab, Bellflower, CA 90706  We’re creating a new College & Career Information Series to support families as students move through key timelines in planning for life after high school. Your input will help us choose the most helpful topics and the best times/formats. Please take our brief 3–5 minute survey by scanning the QR code or clicking the link:  CLICK HERE Telemundo 52 Los Angeles: Bellflower Unified Great California ShakeOut Drill (Albert Baxter) Bellflower Unified School District on Instagram: "📺 Proud moment! Telemundo 52 Los Angeles @telemundo52. featured our Albert Baxter @wearebaxter students and staff during the CA Great ShakeOut—California’s statewide earthquake drill. Today we practiced “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” reviewed evacuation routes, and talked through how we keep our campus prepared and resilient. Big thanks to Telemundo Los Angeles for shining a light on safety and preparedness in our school community! #CAGreatShakeOut #GreatShakeOut #EarthquakePreparedness #SchoolSafety #Preparedness #Bellflower #Education #Community #BaxterBears" 123 likes, 3 comments - bellflowerunified on October 16, 2025: "📺 Proud moment! Telemundo 52 Los Angeles @telemundo52. featured our Albert Baxter @wearebaxter students and staff during the CA Great ShakeOut—California’s statewide earthquake drill. Today we practiced “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” reviewed evacuation routes, and talked through how we keep our campus prepared and resilient. Big thanks to Telemundo Los Angeles for shining a light on safety and preparedness in our school community! #CAGreatShakeOut #GreatShakeOut #EarthquakePreparedness #SchoolSafety #Preparedness #Bellflower #Education #Community #BaxterBears". instagram.com Flag Football Recap: Monday's Victory Is Bellflower's 11th in Last 14 Outings MaxPreps News - Flag Football Recap: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. Fairmont Prep Huskies maxpreps.com Flag Football Game Preview: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. Norwalk Lancers MaxPreps News - Flag Football Preview: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. Norwalk Lancers maxpreps.com Football Recap: Mayfair Victorious Football Recap: Mayfair Monsoons vs. Paramount Pirates maxpreps.com Mayfair Football Celebrates First Win Over Paramount, 28-13 Mayfair High School's football team achieved its first victory of the season with a decisive 28-13 win over Paramount. Despite a shaky start that saw Paramount bvmsports.com Mid-Cities League football preview: Bellflower, Norwalk the top contenders There will be a new Mid-Cities League champion after last season’s winner was promoted to the Gateway League. presstelegram.com Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations at Ramona The Ramona Rams joyfully celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of fun and engaging activities that honored the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Students participated in music, art, storytelling, and learning experiences that highlighted influential figures who have made a lasting impact in the world. This celebration was more than just a month of festivities—it was a meaningful reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and appreciation for all cultures. By recognizing the achievements and legacies of Hispanic leaders, the Ramona Rams strengthened their sense of community and pride, embracing the values of respect, learning, and unity that make their school shine. Thank you PTA for all you did to make this a true success. ATC Dia De los Muertos The Adult Transition Center created a Día de los Muertos altar to honor loved ones and celebrate culture. Students and staff decorated it with marigolds, photos, candles, and colorful papel picado. The altar served as a meaningful space for remembrance, storytelling, and community connection. First Graders Dig into Farm Life at Woodruff Woodruff Elementary 1st graders had an amazing time visiting the farm! Students had the opportunity to see and pet a variety of farm animals while learning about their care and habitats. They also explored the vegetable gardens, discovering how fruits and vegetables grow. It was a fun, hands-on experience that brought classroom learning to life! It's a GREAT Day for a SHAKEOUT at Woodruff Elementary Woodruff Elementary, along with all other BUSD schools, participated in the California Great ShakeOut at 10:16 a.m. on October 16th. Even our PTA volunteers joined in by dropping, covering, and holding! Thank you to our staff and volunteers for their preparedness and commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Congratulations to Our 2025-2026 ASB Officers, Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson Elementary held its ASB elections this week, and we are excited to congratulate our newly elected ASB Officers for the 2025–2026 school year! We had an amazing turnout of students who ran for office, each showing incredible leadership and school spirit. Their enthusiasm and dedication remind us that the future is bright at Thomas Jefferson! Hispanic Heritage month at Baxter Ms. Hua's 4th grade class did a project for Hispanic Heritage month! They each selected the influential leader of their choice, completed a pennant, and wrote a short speech explaining why and how this person was influential. They then did a gallery walk and presented their projects to their peers. Some of them even memorized their speech! Way to go 4th grade! They came, they pied, they powered the Bolts Laughter, whipped cream, and big fundraising energy at Stephen Foster Elementary!  Bellflower High and Cerritos College Partnership Bellflower High has partnered with Cerritos College to assist ALL seniors in completing the steps for the Cerritos Complete Promise Program. The program helps students save money on college and earn their certificate and degree on time. It also offers 2-Years of Tuition Free College. Cerritos College staff will work directly with seniors in either their Government or English class to complete the Cerritos Complete Program steps. The Cerritos College Admissions and Financial Aid team will be visiting Government classes on Tuesday, October 21st and Wednesday, October 22nd to help students complete their Cerritos College Application and FAFSA or CADAA.  Review the flyers in this post to see what information you need to bring for the Cerritos College Application and FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application! Lakewood Celebrates BUSD is honored to join the City of Lakewood in welcoming our two new principals! Thank you for embracing Dr. Jennifer Morgan, the new principal of Mayfair Middle/High School, and Samuel Platis, the new principal of the Intensive Learning Center, into the Lakewood family. We’re excited for what’s ahead!  California Great ShakeOut at Mayfair Middle & High School Huge shoutout to the amazing students and staff of Mayfair Middle and High School for participating in the California Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 16, 2025! The Monsoons rocked today’s drill — your teamwork, focus, and preparedness were outstanding. Everyone did an excellent job following directions and taking the drill seriously, helping make it a successful and smooth practice. This annual event is an important reminder of how we can stay safe during an earthquake. We encourage all families to take time to review and prepare their own emergency plans at home to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a real earthquake.   Fall Community Classes Discover in-person and virtual classes for all ages—offered Monday through Saturday at 31 L.A. County Parks locations. Whether you're picking up a new hobby or staying active, there's something for everyone. Register now to grab your spot in popular fall and summer programs! https://parks.lacounty.gov/community-classes/ Register now for free college admissions and planning workshops Oct. 21-22 As a follow up to Lakewood's annual College Fair, parents and college-bound teens are invited to register for two free workshops offered at the Lakewood Youth Center on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22. College Planning Workshop: Navigate the Arduous Path of Admissions & How to Pay for College without Going Broke will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and is presented by Skip Dawson of College Planning of Greater Long Beach. College Information Workshop: Proper Preparation for College and Attending College Affordably will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:45 p.m. and is presented by independent college counselor and admissions expert John H. Wilson, III director of the West Angeles COGIC Education & Enrichment Program. You can register here for one or both of these workshops. https://rcsdepartment.wufoo.com/forms/z1kxable0mgc1w4/ Our Spot - Teen Program L.A. County Parks and Recreation operates Our SPOT—a safe, fun space for teens to connect, grow and explore. They're open Monday–Friday, 3–9 p.m., and includes a new Supper Program during hours! Enjoy fitness, arts, leadership workshops, substance abuse prevention, field trips, and more—all guided by trained mentors. Learn More:  https://parks.lacounty.gov/ourspot/ Paper Tutoring Bellflower Unified School District offers FREE unlimited 24/7 academic support for our students through a company called Paper. This service provides 4th-12th-grade students with immediate 1:1 tutoring help for all subjects, as needed. Need someone to talk through a particularly tough math problem? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students within seconds. Need someone to read an essay and make suggestions on how you can improve it before submitting? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students. No matter what a student's academic needs are, Paper’s expert learning assistants are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log in and ask a question! Students can log in through Clever by clicking on the Paper icon. Tutoring, enrichment, college & career support for K-12 | Paper With personalized tutoring, enrichment programming, and college and career support, Paper’s Educational Support System helps all your students shine in school and beyond. paper.co 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. October Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Substitute Elementary Counselor 2025-26 School Year 🔵Community Service Worker 🔵Food Service Assistant II 🔵Bus Driver Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/human-resources-certificated-personnel/job-openings School Board / Board Meeting Dates October 23, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Oct 17 2025

  • BUSD News October 10, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News October 10, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Our students have the exciting opportunity to submit original artwork for the National PTA Reflections contest. The categories are: Dance Choreography Film Production Literature Music Composition Photography Visual Arts We highly encourage students to enter! Submissions are judged based on: Interpretation of Theme- this year’s theme is “I Belong!” Creativity and technique. Contest entries are due to the front office by Tuesday, October 21st at 3:30 p.m. Submission forms are available in the front office, along with a bin to turn in entries. Specific rules for each category can be found on the national PTA’s website. https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections Have fun creating!  Flag Football Recap: Bellflower Beats Fullerton for Their Sixth Straight Victory MaxPreps News - Flag Football Recap: Bellflower Buccaneers vs. Fullerton Indians maxpreps.com Board of Education Meeting Recap October 09, 2025 At Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board proudly introduced and recognized the newly formed Bellflower Unified School District Foundation. Approved in September 2024, the Foundation is dedicated to supplementing and enhancing the educational experiences of students across the District. Through community events, alumni engagement, and fundraising initiatives, the Foundation will help bring innovative programs, scholarships, enrichment opportunities, and vital resources to our classrooms. Stay tuned for ways to get involved….together, we’re building brighter futures for BUSD students! Deputy Superintendent Ryan Smith presented the Student Safety Survey Results Student Safety Survey Results School Board / Board Meeting Dates October 23, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Woodruff Wolves Stand United Our Woodruff Wolves are showing their unity by standing up to bullying! This week, students are “teaming up,” putting bullying to “rest,” and “working out” their problems together through a fun and meaningful Spirit Week. Each day highlights the power of kindness, teamwork, and respect as we celebrate a safe, inclusive, and supportive school community.  Thomas Jefferson: Playworks Supports Positive Recess Experiences Our school partners with Playworks to provide professional development for school staff and community partners such as the YMCA and Think Together. Through this training, staff learn strategies to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging recess environment where all students can participate. Active play during recess helps students develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while promoting physical activity and reducing conflicts. A positive recess experience sets the tone for the rest of the school day and supports students’ overall well-being. Albert Baxter: Student Council Elected Albert Baxter’s newly elected Student Council, advised by Mrs. Ana Costa and Mrs. Mendez, is ready to lead. Congratulations to our student leaders, who will represent their peers and elevate student voice across campus. The council will help plan service projects and spirit events, and will collaborate with staff to promote a positive, inclusive school culture.  Las Flores: Kicking Off Our Annual ST Math Challenge Jiji the Penguin stopped by for a fun photo shoot to kick off our annual ST Math Challenge. Leopard learners, awesome prizes are waiting just for you! We can’t wait to cheer you on as you solve puzzles, unlock levels, and help Jiji go farther than ever. Lindstrom: Thank You to Our Custodial Staff Thank you to our Lindstrom custodial staff for keeping our school looking top-notch! You all ROAR!  Craig Williams: Scientists in the Making Sixth graders are diving into the microscopic world, making careful observations and evidence-based claims as they uncover hidden details on every slide under the microscope. October Is Bullying Prevention Month Earlier this week at the BHS Wellness Center, students crafted Affirmation Leaves. They penned uplifting messages for themselves and their peers, reminding us that we can be each other’s cheerleaders. Those who participated also sampled delicious pumpkin treats made by our very own Ms. Gail—thank you, Ms. Gail, for your kindness and creativity! What is your favorite positive message or affirmation?  MMHS: Spooky Story Contest Mayfair Middle/High School students are invited to unleash their creativity in this year’s Spooky Story Contest! Submit an original, school-appropriate story between 500 and 1200 words in MLA format for a chance to win a $25 gift card and have your work published in The Quill. All submissions are due by October 24, so don’t wait—let your imagination rise from the grave! For questions or help with your entry, stop by the Writing Center (Room 804) during 1st, 3rd, or 4th period. Join Us—Special Education Conference & Resource Fair (Sat,Oct11) We would love to see you at our Special Education Conference and Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct 11, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Mayfair Middle/High School. Join us for educational workshops, resources, and a keynote from Dr. Cherina Betters, Chief of Equity and Access for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Enjoy free childcare, raffles, and a complimentary lunch for all registered participants. Highlights: Parent-focused workshops Lunchtime Resource and Vendor Fair with community partners Spanish interpretation available Sponsored by Bellflower Unified School District and Mid Cities SELPA. We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any further questions, please contact School Support Services at (562) 866- 9011, ext. 2050. Please confirm your attendance by completing this short Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSey4ZlHBZxSIDwM_b-6QX3_0Si8LDl1N08KEAD_JPO_oCuVCw/viewform College Fair coming Oct. 14; register now for free workshops Lakewood's annual  College Fair  will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Centre. Participants (ages 15-22) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from colleges and universities, and get the information needed on admission, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines. All students in attendance are eligible to win a $250 scholarship sponsored by the Lakewood Teen Action Committee. For college-bound teens and their parents, there will also be two free workshops offered at the Lakewood Youth Center on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, the week following the College Fair. You can  register now for one or both of these workshops . College Planning Workshop: Navigate the Arduous Path of Admissions & How to Pay for College without Going Broke  will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and is presented by Skip Dawson of College Planning of Greater Long Beach. College Information Workshop: Proper Preparation for College and Attending College Affordably  will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:45 p.m. and is presented by independent college counselor and admissions expert John H. Wilson, III director of the West Angeles COGIC Education & Enrichment Program. Paper Tutoring Bellflower Unified School District offers FREE unlimited 24/7 academic support for our students through a company called Paper. This service provides 4th-12th-grade students with immediate 1:1 tutoring help for all subjects, as needed. Need someone to talk through a particularly tough math problem? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students within seconds. Need someone to read an essay and make suggestions on how you can improve it before submitting? A Paper Tutor will be there to assist students. No matter what a student's academic needs are, Paper’s expert learning assistants are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log in and ask a question! Students can log in through Clever by clicking on the Paper icon. Tutoring, enrichment, college & career support for K-12 | Paper With personalized tutoring, enrichment programming, and college and career support, Paper’s Educational Support System helps all your students shine in school and beyond. paper.co Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internships Calling all High School Seniors, Applications are Now Open Whether you're interested in being a producer, a journalist, a web developer, an engineer, a business executive, a PR agent, a sales representative, or any other career in media or tech, the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) is here to help you get your start. For over 30 years, EBF has been dedicated to the growth and development of students of color pursuing careers in media, entertainment, and technology. In that time, nearly 2,000 aspiring media professionals have received support, guidance, and resources from EBF. Most recently, each summer, we host a class of 150 new and returning EBF Fellows who intern with our partners.  Apply — EBF Whether you're interested in being a producer, a journalist, a web developer, an engineer, a business executive, a PR agent, a sales representative, or any other career in media or tech, the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) is here to help you get your start.  emmabowenfoundation.org Say Something Tips – Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows users to submit secure tips to help at-risk people before they hurt themselves or others. Learn more. sandyhookpromise.org 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. October Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Elementary Principal 2025-2026 School Year 🔵Behavior Intervention Specialist 🔵Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness Manager 🔵Risk Management and Benefits Manager Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/human-resources-certificated-personnel/job-openings Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Oct 10 2025

  • BUSD News October 3, 2025

    BUSD News BUSD News October 3, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser     Dear Bellflower Unified Community, Earlier this week, our Board of Education hosted the Meet the Superintendent Evening of Unity event. Thank you to our families, students, staff, elected officials, and community partners who joined us. Your presence and participation made the evening memorable. It was a night of engagement and unity within the community. We shared meaningful conversations, listened to your ideas and hopes, and strengthened our connection as a district. I am grateful for the spirit of collaboration that defines our schools. Together, we are creating welcoming learning environments where every student feels a sense of belonging, learns effectively, and thrives. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to the work ahead and to many more opportunities to connect. With gratitude, Dr. Erin M. Simon  Superintendent Mid-Cities League football preview: Bellflower, Norwalk the top contenders There will be a new Mid-Cities League champion after last season’s winner was promoted to the Gateway League. presstelegram.com Mandarin 3 Spotlight at Mayfair Ms. Luo’s Period 3 Mandarin 3 class at Mayfair is building language proficiency every day. This week, students rotated through a carousel activity to create self-portraits and introduce themselves in Mandarin, practicing vocabulary for appearance, personality, and interests, along with sentence structure, tones, and pronunciation. Click the link below to see our students in action. BHS Seniors Kick Off Cerritos Complete Bellflower High School’s 335 seniors attended a Kickoff Meeting for the Cerritos Complete Program, which continues to strengthen our partnership with Cerritos College. This exciting event provided students with resources and guidance to support a smooth transition to college, helping to ensure that every senior is prepared for the next step after graduation. National Custodian Appreciation Day at ILC Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day to the incredible ILC custodial team! Thank you for going above and beyond to keep our classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces clean and well-maintained. Your hard work makes our school cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone. We appreciate you—today and every day! Thomas Jefferson: Monthly Attendance Winners Congratulations to our classes with the best attendance this month: - TK–K: Ms. Meisch’s class  - 1st–3rd: Mrs. Searing’s class  - 4th–6th: Ms. Burden’s class Way to go, Thomas Jefferson scholars! Regular attendance helps students stay on track, build strong routines, and maximize the benefits of each school day. Thank you, families, for ensuring your children are here and ready to learn! Woodruff Wins the ST Math Challenge Woodruff Elementary is the proud winner of the districtwide ST Math Challenge! Our hard work and perseverance paid off with a special visit from JiJi the Penguin. Way to go, Woodruff Wolves! Future Leaders in the Making! Our Stephen Foster BOLTS showed bravery and heart as they delivered their student council speeches. We’re so proud of their voices and leadership. Surrey Nesper, Representing Las Flores Check out high school student Surrey Nesper representing Las Flores at the Superintendent’s Advisory. We’re proud to see the student voice in action!  A Huge Thank You to Our Pyle Custodial Team A huge thank you to our amazing Pyle custodial team! Your dedication keeps our campus clean, safe, and welcoming every day. We appreciate all you do for our students, staff, and families.  First Day of Wildcat Patrol It’s the first day of Wildcat Patrol! Our outstanding fifth graders at Craig Williams are stepping up as leaders, helping to supervise and support recess for lower-grade students. We’re proud to see them building responsibility, teamwork, and school spirit as role models for younger Wildcats.  Join Us—Special Education Conference & ResourceFair (Sat,Oct11) We would love to see you at our Special Education Conference and Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct 11, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Mayfair Middle/High School. Join us for educational workshops, resources, and a keynote from Dr. Cherina Betters, Chief of Equity and Access for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Enjoy free childcare, raffles, and a complimentary lunch for all registered participants. Highlights: Parent-focused workshops Lunchtime Resource and Vendor Fair with community partners Spanish interpretation available Sponsored by Bellflower Unified School District and Mid Cities SELPA. We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any further questions, please contact School Support Services at (562) 866- 9011, ext. 2050. Please confirm your attendance by completing this short Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSey4ZlHBZxSIDwM_b-6QX3_0Si8LDl1N08KEAD_JPO_oCuVCw/viewform College Fair coming Oct. 14; register now for free workshops College Fair coming Oct. 14; register now for free workshops Lakewood's annual  College Fair  will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Centre. Participants (ages 15-22) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from colleges and universities, and get the information needed on admission, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines. All students in attendance are eligible to win a $250 scholarship sponsored by the Lakewood Teen Action Committee. For college-bound teens and their parents, there will also be two free workshops offered at the Lakewood Youth Center on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, the week following the College Fair. You can  register now for one or both of these workshops . College Planning Workshop: Navigate the Arduous Path of Admissions & How to Pay for College without Going Broke  will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and is presented by Skip Dawson of College Planning of Greater Long Beach. College Information Workshop: Proper Preparation for College and Attending College Affordably  will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:45 p.m. and is presented by independent college counselor and admissions expert John H. Wilson, III director of the West Angeles COGIC Education & Enrichment Program. Free Online Tutoring & Homework Help Bellflower and Lakewood Public Library offers its cardholders access to Brainfuse online tutoring and homework assistance. You do not need to reside in either city to get a card. ANY California resident can get a library card from a Public Library and access Brainfuse support. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internships Calling all High School Seniors, Applications are Now Open Whether you're interested in being a producer, a journalist, a web developer, an engineer, a business executive, a PR agent, a sales representative, or any other career in media or tech, the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) is here to help you get your start. For over 30 years, EBF has been dedicated to the growth and development of students of color pursuing careers in media, entertainment, and technology. In that time, nearly 2,000 aspiring media professionals have received support, guidance, and resources from EBF. Most recently, each summer, we host a class of 150 new and returning EBF Fellows who intern with our partners.  Apply — EBF Whether you're interested in being a producer, a journalist, a web developer, an engineer, a business executive, a PR agent, a sales representative, or any other career in media or tech, the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) is here to help you get your start.  emmabowenfoundation.org Say Something Tips – Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows users to submit secure tips to help at-risk people before they hurt themselves or others. Learn more. sandyhookpromise.org 🍎🍉Food & Nutrition Services🥦🥑 Food & Nutrition Services updates the menus monthly. October Menus BUSD Employment Opportunities Bellflower Unified is HIRING, 10+ jobs! We have several new job openings and more than 10 vacancies. If you have the skills to empower our team and students in shaping brighter futures, we invite you to apply to join BUSD!  Some of the Available Openings: 🔵 Substitute Teacher 2025-2026 School Year 🔵 Data Technician 🔵Bus Driver 🔵Personnel Analyst Share our newsletter with a friend who might be interested.  Details here  👉  https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/departments/human-resources-certificated-personnel/job-openings School Board / Board Meeting Dates October 9, 2025    Board Meeting  - 6:00 PM All Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room of the District Administration Building, 16703 South Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. Regular and Special Meetings are held at 6:00 PM on selected Thursdays unless indicated otherwise below. Meetings Now Available on Youtube: @BellflowerUSD Board Meetings On Youtube Got ideas or feedback to make our newsletter even better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.  Click Here Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) Bellflower Unified School District https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/  

    Friday, Oct 03 2025