South Whittier School District held its monthly board meeting on Tuesday, May 20. Attendees heard three presentations. Presentations included a McKibben Elementary student and academic achievement report, a robotics and STEAM presentation, and a community schools presentation.
PRESENTATION: McKibben Elementary School Student & Academic Achievement Report
McKibben Elementary Principal, Christian Alcalá, gave a presentation regarding McKibben academic achievement and latest CAASPP scores.
Mr. Alcalá gave results for the 2024 CAASPP scores in both English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. He shared that students showed progress in both ELA and math compared to 2023 CAASPP scores. Student success was contributed to data chats, collaboration, and professional development.
The presentation then shared English Learner (EL) progress. The CAASPP data showed that students had significant growth with an increase of 13.1%. The past year McKibben has incorporated designated ELD groups across all grade levels and professional development in integrated ELD strategies.
Mr. Alcalá finished his presentation by recognizing a McKibben parent, Katelin Reyes, who has gone above and beyond volunteering time and resources by leading McKibben’s garden project that has given students a safe and sunspace to learn, grow, and thrive. Lastly, he honored 17 students that have reclassified this year. Reclassification is a significant achievement that opens students up to countless opportunities.
Congratulations to all!
PRESENTATION: Robotics & STEAM Innovation in South Whittier
South Whittier’s STEAM teacher, Maggie Solorio, gave a presentation about SWSD’s STEAM classes and robotics program.
Mrs. Solorio shared that that fourth through sixth grade students receive weekly instruction. The after-school STEM and robotics club meet weekly with first through third grade students meeting eery Thursday and fourth through sixth grade students meeting on Wednesdays. In these programs students develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration across all grade levels.
The presentation then shared about the Wonder League of Robotics Competition. This is a global robotics competition that received 500 entries. South Whittier entered four team. Of the four teams, three teams advanced to the invitational round. 25 teams were then selected to advance to the People’s Choice round, of the 25 teams three were from South Whittier School District. This was a significant achievement as students showed grit, skill, collaboration that was competitive on a global scale.
PRESENTATION: Community Schools
Associate Superintendent, Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez, gave a presentation about South Whittier becoming a community school district.
A community school is a public school char serves as a hub for students, families, and the broader community focusing on four pillars: integrated student supports, family and community engagement, collaborative leadership and practices for educators and administrators, and extended learning time and opportunities.
South Whittier was granted a community schools grant which is a $7.8 million grant over a span of five years. The purpose of this grant is to Support school site efforts to partner align community resources to improve student and family outcomes. The Community Schools
initiative is a whole-child, whole-family, whole-community approach to learning and development.
Dr. Rodriguez shared about the two-year planning project, roadmap, and key activities. She then shared the vision for implementation and hopeful outcomes which includes increased student engagement and attendance, improved academic outcomes, expanded access to mental health services, stronger family-school partnerships, and equitable supports for all learners.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th, 2025.