South Whittier School District held their monthly board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, at the district office and via Zoom.
This month board members and attendees were able to hear five presentations. There was the 2023 Spelling Bee award recognition, 2021-2022 financial audit report, 2021-2022 Measure QS Bond Measure Audit Report, McKibben Elementary Student Achievement Report, and a Graves Middle School Student Recognition.
2023 Spelling Bee Award Recognition
The district recognized the top three winners of the 2023 SWSD Spelling Bee that was held at Loma Vista on January 19.
All top three spellers were from Carmela Elementary.
First Place: Sakura Prietos
Second Place: Aimee Ayala
Third Place: Maite Garcia
The district also recognized the staff that made the spelling bee event happen. They honored Dr. Marti Ayala, Vanessa Sindi, and Lilian Ortiz, for their efforts in organizing the first spelling bee event since 2019.
2021-2022 Financial Audit Report
The board heard an independent audit report that audited the financial statements of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the South Whittier School District as of and for the year ended June 30, 2022.
During the presentations the auditor shared their findings and recommendations. The audit received a positive report.
2021-2022 Measure QS Bond Measure Audit Report
The board heard another audit report, this time in reference to the district’s Measure QS General Obligation Bonds. The independent auditor shared his report findings and gave his opinion that the audit report came back with all findings being in accordance with compliance.
McKibben Elementary Student Achievement Report
McKibben elementary principal, Jan Tyrone, shared a student achievement report.
In her report she shared the overview and demographics of the school. She then reported data from the CAASPP testing and Star 360 for all students in English Language Arts and math, as well as data for English Language Learners.
According to Star 360 data, McKibben has seen a positive change and growth in both ELA and math since the beginning of the year in all students. They have also been able to reclassify 17 English Learners this year alone.
Mrs. Tyrone then shared McKibben’s academic achievement plan and communities of practice. Communities of practice include writer’s workshops, TK/K purposeful play, CGI, data charts, interventions, and supports for English Learners. Lastly, she shared about attendance data and PBIS.
Graves Middle School Student Recognition
Graves Middle School principal, Mr. Marquez, recognized a students that has made positive changes in both his academic and behavioral journey this year. He recognized GMS student, Christian Piña, for his efforts and achievements he has accomplished this year.
Christian along with his parents worked with Mr. Marquez and Mr. Matsushita in putting together an accountability plan to assure Christian’s academic and behavioral success. Christian stuck to the plan and has since raised all of his grades and has improved classroom behavior.
Congrats, Christian! SWSD is proud of you!
The district will hold their next board meeting on Tuesday, March 7, in the district board room and via Zoom.