Recently, the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved a districtwide sustainability plan to meet clean energy goals by 2045. This plan follows the Green Schools Operations Energy Policy 3510.1, a student-led initiative passed in July 2022, which focuses on transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing water and energy consumption.

The new sustainability plan consolidates existing initiatives and prioritizes climate mitigation strategies, bridging engineering solutions with organizational culture and education. Developed with input from the Climate and Sustainability Task Force, school leaders, parents, industry experts, and the City, it reflects a community-driven approach.

As of December 2023, LBUSD has installed 7,400 kilowatts of solar photovoltaics and plans to add another 2,900 kilowatts across 16 sites. The plan outlines two main strategies: greenhouse gas reduction and programmatic solutions. 

Key Strategies

Greenhouse gas reduction strategies are categorized by priority:

• Priority 1 strategies include installing additional solar cells at 56 sites and replacing LED lighting at 11 locations. These initiatives promise financial savings to fund further efforts.
• Priority 2 strategies focus on electrifying air conditioning, kitchen, and pool heaters, as well as decarbonizing the vehicle fleet.
• Priority 3 strategies aim for long-term conservation, such as replacing turf grass with artificial turf, potentially saving up to 58.6 million gallons of water annually.

Programmatic strategies aim to foster behavior changes that support these reduction efforts, addressing issues like waste management through bans on plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers.

Emission Scenarios and Implementation

The plan uses 2022 as a baseline, during which LBUSD emitted 25,067 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. It forecasts two scenarios for future emissions:

• “Business-As-Usual” predicts emissions will drop to 12,191 metric tons by 2045 without further action.
• “Business-As-Planned” anticipates a decrease to 9,519 metric tons if the new strategies are implemented, representing a 62% reduction from the baseline.

To ensure successful implementation, the district will adopt a five-step framework, which includes hiring a sustainability coordinator, setting measurable targets, and creating a public dashboard for tracking progress.

LBUSD’s commitment to sustainability will continue to be reported in future board meetings, highlighting the district's ongoing efforts to foster a greener future. For more details, you can read the full plan here.

Thirty-two Long Beach Unified School District schools are listed on the newest Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll list of California’s top-performing schools.

The annual list is sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence and compiled by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP), a nonprofit that applies data science to accelerate student success. The Honor Roll recognizes the top public schools and school districts that have excelled in closing achievement gaps, particularly in historically disadvantaged student populations.

Of the 32 Long Beach Unified Schools recognized, 31 earned the “Star School” designation for high performance while serving significant populations of high-poverty students. The winning schools are Alvarado, Bixby, Burcham, Carver, Cleveland, Emerson, Fremont, Gant, Gompers, Henry, Holmes, Kettering, Longfellow, Los Cerritos, Lowell, MacArthur, Madison, Naples, Prisk, Signal Hill, and Tincher Elementary Schools; Bancroft, Hughes, Intellectual Virtues Academy, Keller Dual Immersion, Marshall Academy, Stanford, and Rogers Middle Schools; and CAMS, McBride and Sato High Schools. Newcomb Academy earned the “Scholar School” honor for high performance and closing achievement gaps. 

ERP manages the nation’s largest database on student achievement, leveraging data science and predictive analytics to identify effective public education systems, practices, programs, and policies that produce the best student outcomes. School districts awarded the ERP Honor Roll distinction have consistently demonstrated high academic achievement, significantly improved over time and reduced achievement gaps among student populations. For districts with high schools, the ERP Honor Roll recognition also includes college readiness measures.

This year’s Honor Roll is being presented in collaboration with business leaders and 27 chambers of commerce across the state, including the California Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation for Commerce and Education, California Black Chamber of Commerce, CalAsian Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Joaquin A+, and other business leaders across the nation.

The complete list of Honor Roll schools is now posted on ERP’s website at edresults.org/honor-roll.

Pictured above is Wilson High School alumna Claire Beeli, the first Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate. 

The Long Beach Public Library, in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and the nonprofit Urban Word NYC, is calling on all teen poets interested in entering the 2025 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate program.

As their third year hosting the initiative, they offer Long Beach youth “the opportunity to inspire positive change in their communities through the power of activism and poetry.”

Applications are open from December 15 through February 15 for those 13 to 18 years old.

Finalists will be invited to a public reading event in May, during which the next youth poet laureate and ambassadors will be announced. The selected youth poet laureate will receive a $1,500 scholarship, while each poet ambassador will receive a $500 scholarship.

Learn more and submit applications at artslb.org.

Attention all LBUSD young artists!

The City of Long Beach is launching a local youth art competition that “captures Long Beach’s beauty and essence” to celebrate the city’s future for the next generation.

The contest is open to all Long Beach residents attending LBUSD elementary and middle schools.

Each of the nine City Council districts will have two winners: one for grades 1-5 and one for grades 6-8. Elementary school winners will receive a $50 incentive, while middle school winners will receive $200 for their work. Winners will also be invited to a reception at City Hall and a high-resolution printed image of each winning artwork will be displayed in Long Beach legislative offices and honored before the City Council.

Here are the rules:

• The deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025.
• Mediums accepted are paintings, drawings, prints, collages, mixed media, photography and digital art.
• AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.
• Submissions must be original content created by the contestant. They must not contain elements protected by someone else’s copyright or otherwise subject to third-party intellectual property or proprietary rights, including privacy and publicity rights.
• Artwork submissions should be no larger than 36”x 36” and, at minimum, 8.5” x 11” in PNG or JPG format.
• Student applicants must be residents of Long Beach, and Finalists must provide a guardian’s proof of residence or similar verification.
• Artwork must be submitted through this application.

Full contest details are available here. For questions, email artslearning@artslb.org or call 562-204-6104.

Goodluck to all our Long Beach Unified artists!

As we anticipate a transition in our federal government, we move forward together, guided by our Board of Education’s Vision 2035  and our district’s Strategic Plan, Creating a Better Future Together. Through these aspirations and plan, we affirm our deep commitment to our students, families and community. Our core principles are unwavering: students are at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to nurture students’ growth, support their learning and empower them to thrive in school and beyond. With compassion and conviction, adults in our system stand firmly with students and families who are furthest from justice and opportunity, knowing that when we lead for them, we create a stronger, more inclusive environment for everyone.

To our Black, newcomer and immigrant youth; our LGBTQ+ youth; our students with disabilities; our students experiencing housing insecurity; and other youth facing systemic inequities—we stand with you and for you. We are here to ensure you succeed inside and outside the classroom, to encourage you to dream big and to feel fully supported.

Our commitment to excellence and equity inspires our work every day. Our Vision 2035 Graduate, Adult and System Portraits shape a community rooted in care, mutual respect and shared aspirations. Guided by these values, we work to make our schools safe, supportive spaces where students feel valued, cared for and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Let us continue fostering an environment of compassion, encouragement and high expectations for all students and one another. We are deeply grateful for partnering with our community and look forward to a bright, prosperous future for every learner in our care.

The Press-Telegram’s 2024 Halloween-themed Scary Stories Contest recognized the following talented Long Beach Unified School District students across various categories:

• Elementary School Stories – First Place: Untitled Story by Ariyanni from Longfellow.
• Elementary School Artwork – Winner: Untitled Artwork by Rowan Taucher from Lowell.
• Middle School Stories – First Place: “Jogged a Memory” by Christian Hall from Stanford.
• Middle School Artwork – First Place: Untitled Artwork by Julian Nepita from Stephens.
• High School Stories – Winner: “What Lurks Above” by Ari Reyes from Poly.
• High School Artwork – Winner: Untitled Artwork by Teagan Shandrew-Pearsall from Wilson.

Congratulations to all the winners for their creativity and spooky storytelling!

Calling all Long Beach kids!

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation, and Marine (PRM) has introduced a new “Jellyfish” bot, a device that can remove up to 100 pounds of debris from surface-level water in a single mission. The “Jellyfish” bot will aim to enhance City efforts to clean along the Long Beach marina.

To help celebrate its launch, Long Beach PRM is hosting a youth art and naming contest to help rename the robot. Local kids are invited to submit their artwork and name suggestions.

The winning entry will receive a $1,500 scholarship package and other prizes provided by local sponsors.

Here are the rules:

• The deadline is Friday, October 25th at 5 pm.
• Submissions should be no larger than 11"x17".
• The use of AI is not allowed in the creation of your submission.
• If you win the contest, you will be expected to be present at the award ceremony on Saturday, December 7th.
• The contest is open to youth up to age 18.
• All artwork must be submitted through this application.

Visit lbparks.org for more information. Questions? Contact PRM-info@longbeach.gov.

Pictured above is an untitled artwork by Keenan Lambert from Los Cerritos Elementary in last year's Scary Stories Contest. 

The Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Scary Stories Contest, an annual Halloween tradition, has once again returned!

P.T. is waiting for Long Beach area kids to send its spookiest and most dreadful drawings. “We want you to scare us. We want you to make us shiver and shudder. We want you to make us jump — and turn on all the lights in our homes.”

As usual, the consists of three age divisions for drawings and stories: elementary school (K-5), middle school (6-8), and high school. Students can submit their story, a drawing, or both. Entries will be judged separately.

The Press-Telegram states that the winning entries will appear in the Sunday, Oct. 27, edition of the Press-Telegram and online. Top finishers' stories and artwork in each age group will additionally receive a $20 gift card to In-N-Out.

The rules for the contest:

• The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
• For story submissions, please fill out the online form at bit.ly/2024ScaryStories. No mail or in-person submissions will be accepted.
• All artwork entries must be emailed, with the subject line “Scary Stories,” to ptnews@presstelegram.com. Drawings should be submitted in JPEG format and be no larger than 5 megabytes in size. Entries must include the student’s name, age, and school.
• Stories must be no longer than 650 words.
• Artwork must be original (no tracings).
• Do not use artificial intelligence programs to craft stories or create images. Entries must be the student’s own work.
• Entries will be judged based on imagination, creativity, theme, and quality.

Visit presstelegram.com for more information. Questions? Contact City Editor Chris Haire at chaire@scng.com.

Join Us for Our Inaugural Districtwide Latino Heritage Celebration!

We are thrilled to invite all LBUSD families, students and community members to our first-ever Latino Heritage Celebration at Cabrillo High School this Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.!

Get ready for a morning full of excitement and cultural pride, featuring student performances, live mariachi and banda, music and so much more. Explore informational resources from our community partners and enjoy delicious food from local vendors.

It’s a celebration of culture, community and togetherness — join the fun! Don’t miss this unforgettable event!

View the Latino Heritage Celebration Flyer

 

Join us for back to school!

Tuesday, September 10

PTA Meeting at 4:30 PM

Title 1 Meeting at 5:00 PM

Class Visits from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Meet the teachers and see the new classrooms! 

Enter through the gates on Dunrobin, by the park.

 

Principal updates for the week of: 9/3/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

The Long Beach Unified School District will serve free meals to all enrolled students for the full duration of the 2024-25 school year through School Nutrition Programs.

LBUSD is an equal opportunity provider. View additional information. Learn more at the Nutrition Services website.

View Images, Videos and Media Coverage of the First Day of School

We Are Excited to Welcome Our Students Back to School

The air was buzzing with excitement as students across the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) returned to school for the 2024-25 academic year. Smiling faces, racing hearts, and high-fives filled the campuses as students eagerly stepped foot back into their learning environments.

At Stephens Middle School, the recipient of the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished School Award, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Students were greeted with lively music, enthusiastic cheers, and the joyful sight of waving pom poms. Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Brown and members of the Senior Team added to the excitement, chanting alongside students and families as they entered the campus, setting the tone for an inspiring year ahead.

This year, as we continue to bring our Vision 2035 to life, we are thrilled to launch our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan: Creating a Better Future Together. Over the next five years, this plan will guide our actions to better prepare our students for the future, address historical inequity and transform our district into a liberatory/ equitable, affirming and forward-thinking organization. 

One of our key initiatives this year is implementing the new Equitable Grading Policy at all secondary schools. This policy, aligned with our commitment to excellence and equity, ensures that grading practices are fair, consistent and accurately reflect student learning while supporting their growth. Additionally, in the upcoming months, we will proudly open the Center of Black Student Excellence, a dedicated hub for resources, mentorship and community engagement, furthering our commitment to equity and inclusion across the district.

Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker expressed her enthusiasm for the new school year, stating, “We are beyond excited to welcome our students and families back to school! This year marks a significant step forward in our journey toward Creating a Better Future Together through Vision 2035. With the launch of our new Strategic Plan, the introduction of the Equitable Grading Policy, and the upcoming Center of Black Student Excellence, we are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and high-quality education for all. Let’s make this year one to remember!”

Welcome back, LBUSD! Let’s embark on this incredible journey together, where every day brings new opportunities for learning, growth, success and infinite possibilities.

 

 

 

Principal updates for the week of: 8/27/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Welcome To All New & Returning Gator Families!

It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome all new & returning families. The start of a new year brings growth, renewal, and many opportunities. Our staff has been hard at work preparing for students to return to a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment. I ask that you remain connected with us. You will receive a "Principal's Update" (newsletter) every Sunday via email. You may also receive messages via SchoolMessenger. Please make sure to read and listen to all correspondance so that you are aware of special dates and events.

Principal's Update: Back to School Information

!Bienvenidos a las familias de Gompers!

Con gran entusiasmo doy la bienvenida a todas las familias nuevas y las que regresan. El comienzo de un nuevo año trae crecimiento, renovación y muchas oportunidades. Nuestro personal ha trabajado arduamente preparándose para que los estudiantes regresen a un ambiente seguro, atractivo y enriquecedor. Le pido que permanezca conectado con nosotros. Recibirá una "Actualización del director" (boletín) todos los domingos por correo electrónico. También puede recibir mensajes a través de SchoolMessenger. Asegúrese de leer y escuchar toda la correspondencia para estar al tanto de fechas y eventos especiales.

Actualización del director: información sobre el regreso a clases

The Gompers office will be open daily from

8:30 AM to 3:30 PM starting Tuesday, August 20th, 2024.

We can't wait to see everyone again!

View the Full Report  Ver el informe completo 

 

The Gompers team wishes you a fun and relaxing summer break.

See you for the first day of school on

August 27th, 2024!

Principal updates for the week of: 6/3/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

View Slideshow

The Long Beach Unified School District is proud to announce the 88 recipients of the 2024 Most Inspiring Students Awards, recognizing students who embody the spirit of resilience, dedication, hard work and creativity.

Administered by the LBUSD Equity, Engagement and Partnerships office, the annual award selects one student from each district school and alternative education program as a model of perseverance and determination. Each winner receives a medal, plaque and lawn sign in recognition of their achievement.

“Our Most Inspiring Students Awards celebrate the incredible resilience, dedication and creativity of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker said. “These remarkable students serve as shining examples of perseverance and determination, inspiring us all to reach higher and dream bigger. Congratulations to all our awardees; you exemplify the Vision 2035 Graduate Portrait values we aspire for all Long Beach Unified students!”

Below is a complete list of the student winners and their school/program sites.

Elementary Schools and Early Education Programs:

• Solia Lauaki, Grade 4, Addams Elementary School
• Sanghak Kan, Grade 1, Alvarado Elementary School
• Josh Melchor-Nunez, Grade 5, Barton Elementary School
• Ocean Christian, Grade 5, Birney Elementary School
• Adam Carbonell, Grade 5, Bixby Elementary School
• Dustin Brogdon, Grade 5, Bryant Elementary School
• Elizza Garcia, Pre-K, Buffum TLC
• Kamryn Pryce, Grade 4, Burbank Elementary School
• Ivan Morales, Grade 1, Burcham Elementary School
• Miles Mayfield-Hom, Grade 4, Carver Elementary School
• Jayda Smith-Carpenter, Grade 5, Chavez Elementary School
• Valeriee Peraza, Pre-K, Child Development Centers
• Colin Muk, Grade 5, Cleveland Elementary School
• Grace Cooper, Grade 5, Dooley Elementary School
• Donovan Fleming, Grade 4, Edison Elementary School
• Bella Nguyen, Pre-K, EduCare
• Jesse Sikola, Grade 2, Emerson Elementary School
• Hank Mulford, Grade 4, Fremont Elementary School
• Presley Arredondo, Grade 5, Gant Elementary School
• Andrea Cortes, Grade 5, Garfield Elementary School
• Seth Perez-Diaz, Grade 3, Gompers Elementary School
• Kody Monroe Nao, Grade 4, Grant Elementary School
• Aleks Cernardo, Grade 3, Harte Elementary School
• Pablo Villa Flores, Pre-K, Head Start
• Audrey Tormo, Grade 2, Henry Elementary School
• Kaliah Staten, Grade 5, Holmes Elementary School
• Rachel Arellano Maniquis, Grade 4, Hudson Elementary School
• Tyler Loeb, Grade 1, Kettering Elementary School
• Mikal Samples, Grade 5, King Elementary School
• Chloe Patricio, Grade 5, Lafayette Elementary School
• Aya Hammam, Grade 5, Lincoln Elementary School
• Madison Camacho, Grade 5, Longfellow Elementary School
• Katelyn Christensen, Grade 5, Los Cerritos Elementary School
• Kershaw Fulkerson, Grade 2, Lowell Elementary School
• Karissa O'Sullivan, Grade 5, MacArthur Elementary School
• Leonel Saltos, Grade 3, Madison Elementary School
• Effie Rodriguez, Grade 4, Mann Elementary School
• Camilla Quiroz, Grade 5, McKinley Elementary School
• Owen O'Shea, Grade 5, Naples Elementary School
• Khymari James, Grade 5, Nieto Herrera Elementary School
• Tarteel Abuedriss, Grade 3, Oropeza Elementary School
• Harmony Gibson, Grade 5, Prisk Elementary School
• Vivienne Pina, Grade 5, Riley Elementary School
• Irene Trujillo, Grade 5, Roosevelt Elementary School
• Kingston Meniefield-Robinson, Grade 5, Signal Hill Elementary School
• Genesis Saavedra, Grade 5, Smith Elementary School
• Sophia Flynn, Grade 2, Stevenson Elementary School
• Jayla Kronberger, Grade 1, Twain Elementary School
• Christopher Jenkins, Grade 5, Webster Elementary School
• Thomas Cardenas, Grade 5, Whittier Elementary School
• Faith Hernandez, Grade 5, Willard Elementary School

K-8 and Middle Schools:

• Karly Provencio, Grade 8, Bancroft Middle School
• Simon Poling, Grade 8, Cubberley TK-8 School
• Esme Rodriguez, Grade 8, Franklin Middle School
• Camila Calderon, Grade 8, Hamilton Middle School
• Justin Dul, Grade 8, Hoover Middle School
• Dexter Mendez, Grade 8, Hughes Middle School
• Briana Abarca, Grade 8, Jefferson Leadership Academy
• Antonio Morales, Grade 8, Keller Middle School
• Carlos Navarrete, Grade 8, Lindbergh Middle School
• Camari Shabazz, Grade 8, Lindsey Academy
• Kailynn Peraza, Grade 8, Marshall Middle School
• Alexis Vargas, Grade 8, Muir Academy
• Milleona Men, Grade 8, Nelson Middle School
• Kamryn Harkey, Grade 6, Newcomb Academy
• Isaiah Nen, Grade 8, Powell Academy
• Karina Cerda, Grade 6, Robinson Academy
• Anni Jarvenen, Grade 8, Rogers Middle School
• Colton Hutchins, Grade 7, Stanford Middle School
• Sharon Alfaro Romero, Grade 8, Stephens Middle School
• Devon Tring, Grade 8, Tincher Preparatory School
• Hazel Diaz, Grade 8, Washington Middle School

High School and Alternative Education Programs:

• Kehila Hernandez, Grade 10, Avalon TK-12 School
• Nia McLennan, Grade 12, Browning High School
• Flor Rodriguez-Alonzo, Grade 12, Cabrillo High School
• Ramon Amezcua, Grade 12, California Academy of Mathematics and Science
• Kamari Thompson, Grade 11, Educational Partnership High School
• Andrea Dorantes, Grade 12, Jordan High School
• Tydus Pel, Grade 11, Lakewood High School
• Leila Grant, Grade 12, Long Beach School For Adults
• Justus Kelly, Grade 12, Millikan High School
• Daniel Salas, Grade 12, Reid High School
• Rome Lopez, Grade 12, Renaissance High School for the Arts
• Rachel Woolwine, Grade 10, Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science
• Brandon Henderson, Grade 12, Wilson High School
• Juan Ayala Morales, Grade 12, Poly Accelerated Academy of Learning
• Miracle Trevilla, Grade 12, McBride High School
• Mia Soto, Grade 12, Polytechnic High School
   

Twenty-one schools in the Long Beach Unified School District are listed on the newest Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll list of California’s top-performing schools. 

The annual list is sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence and is compiled by the nonprofit Educational Results Partnership (ERP). The Honor Roll recognizes statewide schools that have outperformed in closing achievement gaps, particularly among higher-poverty and historically disadvantaged student populations.

Of the 21 LBUSD schools recognized, 18 earned the “Star School” designation for high performance while serving significant populations of high-poverty students. Those winning schools are Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science; Cubberley K-8 School; Bancroft and Stanford middle schools; and Alvarado, Birney, Bixby, Cleveland, Fremont, Gompers, Holmes, Longfellow, Los Cerritos, MacArthur, Prisk, Riley, Signal Hill and Twain elementary schools.

California Academy of Mathematics and Science, Newcomb Academy and Naples Elementary School earned the “Scholar School” honor for high performance and closing achievement gaps, without significant levels of low-income students.

ERP maintains the nation’s largest database on student achievement and uses the data to identify successful public education systems, practices, programs and policies that are delivering the best results for students. School districts that receive the ERP Honor Roll distinction have demonstrated consistently high levels of academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time and a reduction in achievement gaps among student populations. For districts with high schools, the ERP Honor Roll recognition also includes measures of college readiness.

The honor roll is sponsored by numerous businesses and private foundations. This year, the Honor Roll recognized 1,430 of California’s higher-performing schools, approximately 17% of all schools in the state. Learn more at edresults.org.

Pictured above, LBUSD Superintendent Jill A. Baker delivers a certificate to Dyaisha Yarber, one of 12 Vision 2035 Stars.

The Long Beach Unified School District is thrilled to announce the finalists selected as Vision 2035 Stars. The recognition is awarded to staff members who embody the core values of the District’s new aspirational vision that reimagines education in LBUSD. 

Last year, LBUSD staff members were encouraged to nominate colleagues who embody one of the nine core values of Vision 2035. From the 150 nominations received, a selection committee of district administrators carefully reviewed and ranked each submission to select one finalist per core value. A total of 12 finalists were chosen, with two core values having two finalists each, while one finalist represented a pair.

In mid-April, LBUSD Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker surprised all 12 Vision 2035 Stars at their work sites to hand-deliver their certificates and gift card prizes.

Congratulations to the finalists! See the complete list below:

Centering Student Needs and Voice

• Teddy Hollister, a teacher at Wilson High School. 

Authentic Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Daniel Miyake, a pathway coordinator at Browning High School.
• Marcus Egland, a gang intervention specialist for LBUSD School Safety.

Culture of Innovation and Creativity 

• Albert Gallo, an engineering teacher at Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science. 

Diversity and Inclusion

• Amy Brust and Pam Canlas, both teachers at Jordan High School. 

Environment that Fosters Connection, Respect and Safety 

• Dyaisha Yarber, a transportation supervisor for the LBUSD Transportation department.
• Eddie Sinsun, a campus staff assistant at Jefferson Leadership Academy.

Equity and Social Justice

• Anjali Shelat Atkins, a college and career coordinator at Educational Partnership High School.

Excellence and Accountability Through Continuous Improvement

• Toni Sampo, purchasing manager for the LBUSD Contracts division.

Fostering Joy and Commitment 

• Justin Hogate, a teacher at Stephens Middle School.

Integrity and Responsible Leadership

• Nader Twal, program administrator of Vision 2035.

View Slideshow

Principal updates for the week of: 4/15/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Principal updates for the week of: 3/25/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Principal updates for the week of: 3/18/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Pictured above, a group of LBUSD parents and caregivers attend a Parent College Tour at Long Beach City College.

The Office of Equity, Engagement and Partnerships (EEP) at the Long Beach Unified School District is committed to establishing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and families. 

LBUSD’s EEP strives to build strong partnerships with families and local community organizations to ensure every student has access to high-quality education. Through a variety of programs, EEP provides resources for parents and guardians and cultivates a culture of respect and understanding throughout the District.

Supporting and Empowering Families and Students

EEP supports families and students across all grade levels through various resources, including District-led parent groups, the LBUSD Black Student Achievement Initiative, parent engagement opportunities and LBUSD’s Parent University, a series of workshops designed to support and empower families to become full partners in their child's education.

In January 2024, LBUSD’s EEP launched the Family Leadership Institute (FLI). Phase One of FLI featured a three-day workshop for families from 12 elementary school sites. The FLI sessions provided participants with the support and empowerment to become leaders and set individual and family-oriented goals.

During Phase Two, EEP Director Dr. Lucy Salazar and staff members led sessions aimed at building empathy and community among parents. The focus was on honoring the knowledge and assets of parents and caregivers as leaders.
 
In line with Phase Two, EEP also organized a Parent College Tour to the Long Beach City College (LBCC), a transformative half-day experience designed to help parents and caregivers understand LBCC's inclusive environment. The tour showcased services tailored to support all individuals including those with disabilities, undocumented or experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. 

The LBUSD Parent College Tour provided parents and guardians with the necessary knowledge and resources to actively engage in their student’s education and foster their academic success. It also helped them better understand how to support their children when transitioning into higher education.

Strengthening Community Partnerships 

LBUSD is grateful for the authentic partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) and the connections established between these organizations and its schools. Recently, an appreciation breakfast was held at Browning High School to recognize the significant role played by CBOs in providing resources and services to students and families. 

The event was an opportunity to foster future collaborations and express gratitude for existing partnerships, including those with Parent Community Facilitators at LBUSD middle schools and social workers from the District’s Wellness Centers, the Bethune Homeless Education Program and the Foster Youth Unit.

Together, the District and CBOs identified future collaboration opportunities that aligned with LBUSD's Vision 2035. They also discussed extending relationships with families, providing hands-on assistance and services to improve the academic performance of Black students, and supporting underserved youth, particularly LGBTQ+ students, among other goals. 

Staying Engaged with LBUSD 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the EEP webpage for more information on the current programs and resources available to LBUSD families. 

Local community organizations can also contact EEP at 562-997-8322 to inquire about district partnership opportunities.
 

Principal updates for the week of: 3/11/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

In support of ensuring an equitable education for all, the Long Beach Unified School District is celebrating Black History Month with resources and cultural awareness events that honor the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of African Americans in the United States.

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is a month-long observance in the United States that takes place every February. It celebrates the achievements of African Americans and recognizes their central role in U.S. history. The month of February serves as an opportunity to deepen one's understanding of U.S. history and the significant role that African Americans have played in shaping it.

LBUSD invites students, families and the local community to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. 

The LBUSD Black Student Achievement Initiative will host a Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Jordan High School. The event will include performances by LBUSD students and a special guest artist. Visit lbschools.net/BSAI to RSVP.

The District also recently held its third annual Black Student Achievement Initiative Symposium at Jordan High School. The community-wide event featured keynote speaker Dr. Bettina Love, a professor from Columbia University, and the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller "Punished for Dreaming.”

Additional Black History Month resources can be accessed through the following links:

• LBUSD Black Student Achievement Initiative webpage
• Black History Month in Long Beach — Visit Long Beach
• Black History Month Resource Guide for Educators and Families — Center for Racial Justice in Education
• Black History Month Celebrations in Long Beach — Long Beach Public Library
• Origins of Black History Month — Association for the Study of African American Life and History
• Black History Month: History and Overview — Library of Congress
   

Principal updates for the week of: 1/29/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Principal updates for the week of: 1/15/2024

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Principal updates for the week of: 12/11/2023

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

 

 

 

Principal updates for the week of: 11/27/2023

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Principal updates for the week of: 11/6/2023

If you missed any information, updates from previous weeks can be found under Parents > Principal's Update.

Long Beach Unified condemns any and all acts of terrorism and violence currently taking place in Middle East. Our thoughts are with the Jewish and Palestinian communities and everyone impacted by the catastrophic and unfortunate events in the Middle East. We recognize that this is an extremely difficult time for our school communities and extend our support to students and staff who may need it. There are counselors available at every school campus, and our middle and high school students are welcome at their schools’ Wellness Centers for additional support.

Below are helpful tools on how to talk to children about the impacts of these events.

• Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)
• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War (Common Sense Media)
• Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event (Child Mind Institute)
• Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

The Long Beach Unified School District is celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with resources and cultural awareness events that honor the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Earlier in September, the LBUSD Office of Curriculum and Professional Development provided a variety of Hispanic/Latinx resources for school administrators to share with teachers. The resources facilitate cross-cultural learning opportunities at all grade levels.

Approximately 59% of LBUSD students are Hispanic/Latinx.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States. The dates coincide with the celebrations of Independence Day for many Latin American countries throughout mid-September and Dia de la Raza in Mexico, also known as Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 12.  

LBUSD celebrates cultural heritage months throughout each school year to recognize the histories and contributions of historically marginalized identities in the nation. These efforts align with the District’s goals of promoting student academic success, cultural competence and critical consciousness in support of LBUSD’s Excellence and Equity policy.

Learn more about Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month at www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov. 

Additional resources also can be accessed by clicking on the following links:

• Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month In Long Beach
• Hispanic, Latino, & Chicano: What’s the Difference?
• Unmaking “Hispanic”: Teaching the Creation of Hispanic Identity
• Key Facts about US Latinos for Hispanic Heritage Month
• Latino/Hispanic LGBTQ Heroes (including former Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia)
• A Latinx Resource Guide: Civil Rights Cases and Events in the United States
   

The Long Beach Unified School District is continuing districtwide plans to expand all arts programs and opportunities across the District thanks to historic funding from the voter-approved Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act.

Prop. 28 requires the state of California to establish new, ongoing programs supporting arts instruction at all preschool and K-12 schools starting with the 2023-24 school year. 

LBUSD will receive approximately $10.7 million per year in additional funding to expand arts education access for all students. The historic investment will provide LBUSD students across all grade levels with greater access to the arts to help foster students’ creativity and self-expression and boost critical thinking skills.

The District’s expansion efforts began earlier this year with its first source of funding for the 2023-24 school year. These efforts include:

• More opportunities for art, dance, theater and music instruction for every elementary school student
• Greater access to visual and performing arts through new electives and expanded programs for all middle and high school students
• Additional staffing and support to help bolster all existing art programs in LBUSD

“The District is thrilled that we are able to further enrich our visual and performing arts programs due to Prop. 28,” LBUSD Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Christine Whipp shared. 

“We have hired a record number of new arts teachers this year to ensure we meet our mission of providing every student the opportunity to experience the power and beauty of the arts, and the joy, creativity and intellectual stimulation that arts education programs provide,” Whipp said.

Prop. 28 funding is calculated at the school site level by the California Department of Education (CDE). The funds will be distributed each fiscal year to local educational agencies (LEA) based on student enrollment in preschool and K-12. The California School Boards Association explains “70 percent will go to schools based on their share of statewide enrollment and the remaining 30 percent will go to schools based on their share of low-income students enrolled statewide.”

The CDE website states all LEAs with more than 500 pupils must expend at least 80% of the funds to employ certificated or classified employees to provide arts education instruction. The remaining 20% will fund training supplies, curriculum, professional learning, materials, and arts educational partnership programs.

Visit the District’s Visual and Performing Arts Office website to learn more about arts education in LBUSD.
 

The Long Beach Unified School District will serve free meals to all enrolled students for the full duration of the 2023-24 school year through School Nutrition Programs.

LBUSD is an equal opportunity provider. View additional information. Learn more at the Nutrition Services website.

The Gompers Office will reopen for the 2023-2024 school year on August 22nd, 2024. 

During this phase of the HVAC project, the Entrance/Exit for students will remain the same.

PLEASE NOTE: the office will be located in Bungalow 33, which is on Hardwick Street. Please enter from there. 

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE BUS ZONE AT ANY TIME.

For your convenience, a map can be found below. 

Take some time to also review the Gomper's Bell Schedule, Dress Code, and Policies & Procedures.

We look forward to seeing everyone! 

View the report: English / Spanish

Lupe Jimenez, a school nurse at Lindsey Academy and Lindbergh STEM Academy, has won the School Nurse of the Year Award from the Long Beach School Nurses Association.

She is described by colleagues as a dedicated, kind and compassionate school nurse.

Jimenez has worked as a school nurse for eight years and has served as a board member for the Long Beach School Nurses Association and the California School Nurses Organization Southern Section.

Throughout her time with the Long Beach Unified School District, Jimenez has provided numerous resources to her students and families, trained new nurses and has provided a safe haven for students needing additional support and care. 

“I truly do enjoy being a school nurse,” Jimenez said. “I find it to be a blessing to have intertwined my love for kids and nursing with being able to provide resources to families and kids.”

Fourteen teachers in the Long Beach Unified School District recently earned National Board Certification, the highest professional distinction in teaching.

Over the years, a total of 181 LBUSD teachers have earned the prestigious honor. The certification is a year-long process that involves submitting portfolios, videotaping classroom instruction and participating in a day of written exercises. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification is the nation's only advanced teacher certification.

The newest certified teachers and their work sites are Marc Ahrens, Hughes; Nichola Bailey, Poly; Shayla Brown, Lafayette; Tiffany Diaz, Carver; Tabatha Goodwin, Twain; Elizabeth Heng, Keller; Jamila Mallard, Robinson; Rachel Murillo, Lindsey; Madeline Parker, Sato; Griselda Rodriguez, OCIPD; Tina Seo, Mann; Ashley Thomas, Browning; Tu-Quynh Tra, Wilson; and Julie Tsai, Addams.

Teachers who recently obtained maintenance of the certification (a five-year extension) are Monica Aguilar, Garfield; Catherine Brady, Stanford; Stacy Burgraff, Addams; Kelsey Cooper, Whittier; Whitney Gomes, Jordan; Jeff Harper, Jefferson; Pauline Klein, Stevenson; Jennifer Larsen, Twain; Emily Lloyd, Powell; Ruth Mohr-Silofau, Wilson; Alison Morales, OSSS; Sylvia Mulvehill, Stanford; Thuyvi Nguyen, Muir; Erin Richey, Carver; Julie Santana, Hughes; Joseph Sarabia, Carver; Jennifer L. Stuart, Wilson; Joyce Su, Garfield; Natalie Vanosse, Madison; and Lorian Steider-Brady, Lafayette.

National Board Certification can offer license portability and can contribute to continuing education units for educators statewide. Learn more at nbpts.org or find National Board Certification in the A-Z index at lbschools.net. 

Music Education Teacher Valerie Vinnard of Webster Elementary School is one of 212 educators in the U.S. recently announced as quarterfinalists for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award. 

The Recording Academy and Grammy Museum present the annual award to a highly committed educator who has contributed greatly to music education. A total of 10 finalists including the grand winner are recognized every year for their remarkable impact. 

The grand winner will receive a $10,000 personal honorarium and matching school grant. This year’s winning recipient will also attend the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and a range of Grammy Week events. 

“The remaining nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium with matching school grants. Fifteen semi-finalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants,” states the Grammy website.

Any current, full-time U.S. educator who teaches music in public or private schools, kindergarten through college can be nominated for the award. This year, Vinnard was selected as a quarterfinalist from more than 2,000 nominations.

The semi-finalists will be announced in September. The winning recipient will be recognized next year during the 2024 Grammy Awards week.

An exhibition featuring artwork by elementary students from the Long Beach Unified School District is now open to the public at the Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA). 

The “I Am” exhibit showcases 53 self-portraits of young students from Bryant, Dooley, Emerson, Hudson, Kettering, Oropeza, Riley, Roosevelt and Stevenson elementary schools. 

LBMA invited LBUSD elementary students to submit self-portraits that reflect their identities and the different aspects that make them uniquely who they are. The featured portraits on display were selected by judges from LBMA from a total of 135 submissions received.

The exhibit will be open to the public through Sunday, June 4. Learn more at lbma.org/exhibitions.