Long Beach Unified School District School Bulletin

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December 19, 2023

2024 Niche Best Schools logo and CAMS Graduate

CAMS Ranked Best Public High School in State

The California Academy of Mathematics and Science and several other LBUSD schools are among the top public schools in the nation, according to Niche’s 2024 Best Schools list.


Taking the top spot on the statewide list is CAMS, ranked as the No. 1 Best Public High School in California, up from No. 4 in 2023. 

View Full List of Top Ranked Schools

Excellence & Equity in LBUSD

LBUSD's new publication shares the District's ongoing equity journey from the perspectives of senior district leaders.


Co-authored by Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Brown and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services Dr. Kelly An.


Read Publication
Front page of Excellence & Equity Publication
Group of female high school students from LBUSD

Photo courtesy of the Port of Long Beach.

Students Explore Careers for Women in Trade

Nearly 185 high school students from LBUSD attended the Port of Long Beach’s Celebrating Women in Trade luncheon, designed to inspire young women to pursue careers in the trade and logistics industry.

Hear About Their Inspiring Day

LBUSD Early Learning and Kindergarten Festivals Return Jan. 20

Families with children from birth to 5 years old are encouraged to attend for information on early childcare, preschool and the enrollment process for incoming 2024-25 transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students.

Learn More
Early Learning and Kindergarten Festival
8c1f4c51-5882-4dc4-9379-dafeabcd2f04 image

Long Beach Community Helps Raise Funds for Jordan Musicians


Several members of Jordan High School's choir, band and orchestra are one step closer to performing at Carnegie Hall thanks to a recent benefit concert hosted by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and the Mayor’s Fund.

Read More
Two Wilson High School students speak on stage

Wilson Scholars 'Step' into Excellence


Wilson High School’s annual 'Young Black Scholars Step Show' demonstrates the significance of stepping as an art form and promotes Black history and excellence in Long Beach.

Learn More
McBride student and staff member speak at a recent 10-year celebration event

McBride Celebrates 10 Years


Several students, teachers, administrators and alumni gathered at McBride High School to celebrate the school's 10th anniversary during an evening ceremony held earlier this month.

Read More
Students assemble toys into accessible items

Students, Community Join Forces to Build Accessible Toys


The annual Toy Hackathon hosted by Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science invites the local community to volunteer their time to help modify battery-operated toys for students in LBUSD’s Specialized Health Care Program.

Learn More
Members of Lakewood High School's choir

Thank You, Lakewood High School Madrigals!


'Tis the season for holiday carols! Thank you to the Lakewood High School Madrigals for bringing LBUSD administrators holiday cheer this week!

Names in the News

Congratulations! Several middle and high school students from LBUSD were recently announced as winners of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2023 Art Contest.

See List of Winners
Artwork by students Kelly Hernandez and Ashley Vasquez of Renaissance High School
Vision 2035 in Action

Have You Heard? Let's Dive into Vision 2035!


Has Vision 2035 been introduced at your school or work location?


The District's new aspirational vision reimagines education in LBUSD — and it all begins with YOU!


Here's how to get started with discovering more about Vision 2035:


  • Our brief article provides a quick overview and short video explaining the four main components of Vision 2035: the graduate portrait, the adult portrait, the system portrait and the statement of core values.


Nominate a Colleague for the 'Vision 2035 in Action' Spotlight


Do you know an LBUSD certificated or classified employee who embodies a core value of Vision 2035

 

During the spring 2024 semester, Superintendent Baker will recognize staff members who represent each of our nine core values. Those selected may also be featured on the District’s main social media accounts and a future School Bulletin!

Nominate a Colleague

This Month's Vision 2035 in Action Spotlights:

The Young Black Scholars program at Washington Middle School serves as an affinity space for students and educates the community on Black culture.

The Black Student Union at Millikan High School provides a safe, comfortable space for students while highlighting Black culture in Long Beach.

Employee Updates

Job Sharing Program


Permanent elementary or secondary teachers are invited to apply for job sharing partnerships for the 2024-25 school year.  


Job share deadlines are as follows:


  • January 19, 2024: Submit a request to have your name, work email and telephone number included on a list of interested job sharing partners by completing the Job Share Interest Request form.


  • March 1, 2024: Submission of applications for new job sharing partnerships or renewal of existing partnerships. Submit applications to Human Resource Services, Attention: Job Share, via district mail or email to jobshare@lbschools.net.  

 

More information about Job Sharing (including the Job Share Interest Request form and the Job Share Application) can be found on the Human Resource Services 'For Current Employees' webpage.


For additional information, please call Leti Langford at ext. 8106 in Human Resource Services. 


Employee Benefits

December is Workplace Stress Month


A message from Aetna: Did you know that the average person spends almost 100,000 hours at work in their lifetime? A lot can happen during working hours. Learn how to lower work stress


Find workplace stress tips on the LBUSD Benefits Instagram and Facebook pages.

Flu Season Comes with the Fall Season


If you have a LBUSD medical plan, your flu shot is covered!


Your no-cost flu shot helps protect you and those you love.

Getting your flu shot early is one of the best ways to build immunity this season. The vaccine is safe and effective, and helps protect you and those around you. You can get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time

.

Who needs a shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions.


Vaccination is especially important for children, older adults and anyone with a health condition or weakened immune system. Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm to learn more.

WeightWatchers December 2023 Promo

WeightWatchers (WW)


Get your holiday support squad!

The holidays can be stressful. We've partnered with WeightWatchers® to offer tools, ideas and support to help you eat well and feel good about your food choices — without giving up the things you love.


Holiday Tip #19: A mini-break can help ease holiday stress and tame cravings.

Holiday stress can send us right to the cookies. But a mindset shift can help! When a craving hits, set a 5-minute timer. Then ask yourself: Am I hungry? Or is there something else I need?


Give yourself the gift of WeightWatchers!

Join WeightWatchers today through LBUSD for as low as $8.05 per month on select plans – 50% off the retail price! All benefit eligible employees and spouses, as well as medical plan enrolled retirees and retiree spouses are eligible. Learn more at WW.com/LBUSD.


WeightWatchers has a clinically tested Diabetes-Tailored Plan!

Research shows that the program helps people with diabetes lose weight and lower their blood sugar.

Reminders from the Employee Benefits Team


As the year is quickly coming to a close, your Employee Benefits team at Risk Management would like to provide some “housekeeping” items related to health benefits for the 2023 calendar year. Here are some things to note:


  • If you’re eligible for health benefits, you have district paid Basic Life and AD&D plans. If you need to make an update or check who you have designated as your beneficiary, please contact our Employee Service Center at (866) 844-9744, to reach a live representative dial 4 Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.


  • Don’t lose out on free money! If you have either Kaiser or Aetna medical insurance, make sure to get your reward(s) for any of the appropriate wellness actions you’ve taken by the end of this plan year on June 30, 2024. 


  • As with every year, all benefit limits and deductibles reset on July 1, the annual start of a new plan year. Find current benefit information at LBUSDbenefits.com or view the 2023-24 Benefits Guide.


  • If you have LBUSD medical benefits, your 2023 Form 1095C will be mailed by the end of January. Additionally, if you have a Kaiser or Aetna HMO plan, you will get your 1095B directly from your medical carrier. If your address has changed, make sure to update your records now.



Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!

In Memoriam

Pamela Whisner

teacher, Stephens

November 4, 2023


Daniel Ewaskey

former painter

November 10, 2023


Ryan Temple

counselor, Millikan

November 11, 2023

Nancy Kull

former intermediate office assistant

November 23, 2023


Lowell Bixler

former teacher

November 25, 2023


Pamela Showley

former teacher

November 25, 2023

Official publication of the Long Beach Unified School District issued from the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

1515 Hughes Way, Long Beach, California 90810
(562) 997-8000.

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

JILL A. BAKER, Ed. D.



BOARD OF EDUCATION

DIANA CRAIGHEAD, President

DOUGLAS OTTO, J.D., Vice President

JUAN BENITEZ, Ph.D., Member

MARIA ISABEL LÓPEZ, Member

ERIK MILLER, Member

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