Superintendent’s Message A Hero’s Journey Welcome back for the 2016-17 school year. Many of us recognize the metaphor of the Hero’s Journey by the movies we watch and the books we read. Just as epic heroes have great distances to travel, modern educators are in transition from the Agrarian Age of education to the Informational Technology Age. In this ecosystem of rapid change, my goal for us is to begin to discover the “Hero” that lives within each one of us. Through self-discovery and collaboration, we can redefine heroism and make an already strong organization even stronger. I am both humbled and excited to serve at the helm of such an extraordinary school district. In the first few weeks on the job, I have worked to meet as many District personnel as possible. During these interactions, I have been amazed at the passion each person has for his/her job and the specific impact they have on student learning for our students. Bonita Unified has built not just schools, but a school system that supports learning. This system provides a learning environment in which motivation is intrinsic rather than extrinsic and where our schools are places in which the joy and chaos of exploration and inquiry are dominant and always present. It is with great enthusiasm that the entire District embarks upon the 2016-17 school year with the message of “A Hero’s Journey.” We will expand the view of heroism by taking risks, opening ourselves up to possibilities, and allowing ourselves to become vehicles of discovery. I look forward to an engaging school year as we explore the use of devices in the classroom to provide personalized learning for our students that will prepare students for jobs tomorrow that do not exist today. Be sure to share our journey using the hashtags: #BonitiansBack2School and #herosjourneyBUSD Sincerely,

Christina Goennier, Ed.D. Superintendent

@BUSD4kids

New Staff Meet for Orientation and Peer-toPeer Technology Training Teachers Teach Teachers at BETA Thirty-nine teachers shared their best practices for integrating technology into the classroom at the annual Bonita Educational Technology Adventure (BETA). CUE enthusiast Jon Corippo opened the day with a keynote address at the Bonita Center for the Arts. CUE, which originally stood for Computer Using Educators, inspires innovative learners by fostering community, personalizing learning, infusing technology, developing leadership, and advocating educational opportunities for all. Superintendent Dr. Christina Goennier addressed the staff with her support for personalized learning using technology as a tool. This was Goennier’s first address to the staff of Bonita Unified. Teachers and other instructional support staff attended sessions conducted by Bonita Unified teachers and support staff who have successfully implemented the methods they promoted. Topics included using the Aeries gradebook, Hyperdocs, virtual fieldtrips, managing Chromebooks, and more. Orientation for New Certificated and Co-Instructional Classified Staff The Superintendent’s Breakfast and Orientation on August 15 facilitated the typical orientation and paperwork needed for Human Resources, plus an interaction with new Superintendent Dr. Christina Goennier and Assistant Superintendent of Education Nanette Hall. This is the first year that Bonita Unified has held a formal orientation and welcome for coinstructional classified staff. Dr. Goennier and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Rob Roberts focused on the mission and tenets of the District and engaged new co-instructional classified staff in methods to contribute to student success.

Superintendent Goennier, the Newest Player on the Team of Six At the July 6, 2016 meeting, the Board of Education announced Dr. Christina Goennier, as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Bonita Unified School District. The Board conducted extended interviews that allowed Board members to drill down in conversations with finalists to discover passions, motivations, and behaviors. The length of the interviews also allowed candidates to interview the Board regarding the direction and values she would be asked to shepherd. “We see ourselves as a Team of Six,” Goennier said referring to her collaboration with the Board. “One of my strengths is enhancing the strengths of others. Each Board member brings a unique perspective and a series of strengths to their positions and the communities. We will work together to strategize, problem solve, and lead this District to the next level.”

“We wanted to make sure that the candidate we chose was a good match for the ‘Bonita Way,’” Board President Jim Elliot said. “We are not just family, but also a high-functioning team that we’ve crafted with support from the bargaining units, the staff, and the community.” During the search, the Board visited each finalists’ current district. “We found in these conversations and visits that Christy is a balanced leader,” Elliot continued. “She’s up-to-date, a leader and an innovator in technology. She brings a new approach to curriculum that provides unprecedented access to education,” referring to Goennier’s work at Beaumont Unified School District to connect the resources of the Mount San Jacinto Community College with the district’s high schools to provide college courses for 9th through 12th graders. Goennier works from the inside out, valuing time with her family first. “I love to spend my free time with my family hiking, camping, running, and reading.” She is an accomplished hiker taking on summits such as San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and Mount Whitney two times in the past three years. From this framework of family values, Goennier believes relationships are the driving force behind an organization’s culture. Leading this District begins with developing relationships with the Board, the management team, principals, teachers, parents, and other community leaders. “Bonita Unified is stacked with talented leaders. This gives me a great opportunity to employ what I’ve learned in other environments--listen more than you speak and lead by example,” she said. Dr. Goennier is passionate about personalized learning, using data to drive and change instruction, creating opportunities for career readiness, and providing access to education for all students. Access to devices is only a small part of the change in technology to support student learning. Understanding why education is moving towards personalized learning, what personalized learning can provide to our students, and how Bonita Unified School District is going to accomplish personalized learning is what will prepare students for the 21st Century. A graduate of Cal State San Bernardino and the University of La Verne, Goennier spent four years as the assistant superintendent of instructional services at Beaumont Unified School District, with a total of 22 years of experience in education. Follow Dr. Christy Goennier on Twitter @BUSD4kids.

Schools in the Spotlight Ramona Middle School School started August 22, but the entire month of August was full of exciting events to prepare for a successful year. Here are just a few of the ways administration, teachers and students prepared for school:

Student Leadership Julie Pocino’s Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) class of 8th grade student leaders were on campus August 9 for training. These students welcomed incoming 6th graders at their orientation on August 10 and 11. Brad Smith’s Leadership class assisted the school with 6th, 7th and 8th grade registration on August 15 and 16.At registration, students received their schedules, located classrooms, purchased P.E. clothes, and more. New Faces Ramona hired a number of wonderful new teachers over the summer including Bonnie Freiburghouse in Science, Steven Duran in history, Katie Kowalewski in specialized services, and Colin Campbell in math. English teacher Marissa Beitler accepted a position as an assistant principal at Fontana High School. We are excited to welcome former Lone Hill Middle School English teacher Carrie Coss in her place. Former Assistant Principal Steven Patterson is now principal of Oak Mesa Elementary School. We are excited to welcome former Bonita High science teacher Joel Hudec as his replacement. Curriculum Prep & New Technology Ramona teachers returned August 17 to begin preparing their rooms for the new school year. Many developed fresh curriculum for their students this year. The science department is excited to continue their work in transitioning to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and will be working to restructure their units to create innovative and engaging lessons.

Photo 2: Allison Reedy’s 8th grade science class at Ramona Middle School studies the movements of heavenly bodies.

The math department is transitioning to the integrated model, meaning that last year’s Accelerated Math 7 students will be entering “Integrated I,” formerly called Algebra I. Teachers have been

designing lessons in math that will continue to encourage students to think critically and apply math to real-world situations. The Specialized Services Department is excited to pilot a number of collaborative teaching classes that will bring Ramona’s English and special education teachers together to engage students for their highest learning opportunities. Although many already took the plunge last year, the English department is using a digital platform, Google Classroom to help students work together on documents and collaborate from school or from home. History teachers are excited to introduce more opportunities for students to practice being historians as they dive into primary source documents at all grade levels. Sixth graders will look at documents such as Hammurabi's Code, seventh graders will analyze documents like the Magna Carta, and eighth graders will break down the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, and more. Physical education teachers will begin the daunting task of trying to improve on a record year for physical fitness. More students ran a 6-minute mile last year than any other class in Ramona’s history.

Photo 3: Mike Rigg’s 6th grade P.E. class at Ramona Middle School works at the end of last school year to improve their fitness.

La Verne Heights Elementary School New Teachers La Verne Heights (LVH) is pleased to welcome two new teachers. Melissa Mann completed her undergraduate degree in Human Development at University of California San Diego, her teaching credential from University of San Diego, and her Reading Specialist Credential from University of La Verne. She comes to La Verne Heights with 15 years of teaching experience, joining BUSD

three years ago as a third grade teacher at Gladstone Elementary School. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running, playing soccer, and watching her kids play sports. Stephanie Fincher is an alumna of La Verne Heights. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of La Verne (ULV), where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. She also earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at ULV, and she is currently completing a Master's Degree with an emphasis in Technology in Education. Fincher has served as an instructional aide and office clerk at LVH. Most recently she served as a longterm substitute in a kindergarten classroom. Outside of school, Fincher’s favorite place to be is at the beach with her family. Walking Up the Support Thank you to the entire La Verne Heights community for outstanding, generous support during the 2016 Walkathon. Each year PTA’s Walkathon exceeds the goal set from the previous year, and the La Verne Heights Walkathon, held on May 25, 2016, was no exception. The PTA raised $51,635, an increase of over $3,400 from 2015. These funds are used to support the many programs and activities our community holds dear, including all field trips and assemblies, the talent show, the carnival, classroom materials, and the award winning Accelerated Reader program. Since 2012, Walkathon has raised over $219,000…simply amazing! SEE HOW WE’VE GROWN! 2012 ‒ $33,448 2013 ‒ $40,100 2016 ‒ $51,635

2014 ‒ $46,131

2015 ‒ $48,145

Photos 4 & 5: Students Elliana Garcia, Alyssa Fenner, Madison Salessi and parents Anel Schwass, Brandy Sullivan, Toria Skarich, and Chris Ryan enjoy the Fifth Annual La Verne Heights Walkathon to raise funds to support school objectives. This year, the Walkathon brought in $51,635.

Photo 6: Introducing Student Council La Verne Heights is pleased to announce the 2016-2017 Student Council Executive Board, elected by the students in June 2016. From left to right: ASB Special Projects Commissioner Nadia Cole, Dandy Lion, Special Projects Commissioner Nadia Cole, Treasurer Kyle Hogan, Vice President Jacquie Sheridan, President Alontae King, and Principal Patrick McKee. ASB Secretary Sunday Solana is not pictured.

Grace Miller Elementary School Staff Continues Successful Behavior Program Grace Miller implemented a unique behavior program last year that will continue this year. The Boomerang Behavior Program fits perfectly with the school’s culture theme: “The good you do comes back to you.” The program is based on three important principles of character: being Respectful, Responsible, and Resourceful. The program is monitored through Class DOJO, an online behavior monitoring website that integrates with a smartphone app that parents and teachers use to easily communicate how students are doing. Boomerang is part of the campus’ larger PeaceBuilder program used to foster respectful student interaction and peer problem solving strategies. Students earn points in Class DOJO by “increasing the peace” through their actions in the three focus areas. Highlights from the Spring Students returning to campus this year will continue to enjoy the Will Zheng Reading Garden and The Garden of Grace Butterfly Garden. These areas provide additional reading space for up to 32 students right outside the school’s library and feature two fountains and butterflies that are hatched and grown on the east side of the campus in a flowering garden. Grades 1-5 now have fully-loaded Chromebook carts to be used on a daily basis. Kindergarten classrooms have new iPads, and every classroom school-wide has an Apple TV. “We are looking

forward to having technology available in the classrooms on a regular basis in order to enhance learning,” Spencer said. Last year, the school housed a new inclusion preschool program called Building Lifelong Academic Skills Together, known as BLAST. “We have expanded that program this year to include two classrooms,” Spencer said. “Each class includes children who are typical learners as well as children with special needs.” BLAST focuses on growth in the key areas of development: cognitive, physical, language, and social-emotional.

Photos 7: Grace Miller added outdoor reading space for 32 students in their Will Zheng Reading Garden.

Allen Avenue Elementary School Family Reading Nights The staff at Allen Avenue has designed Family Reading Nights as an educational tool for both students and parents. Students will participate in a theme related activity like making bookmarks, listening to guests readers, and visiting with special authors. Parents will learn strategies to support their child in reading. These strategies include helping students sound out words, understanding the importance of learning sight words and how to help your student learn them, knowing what and when to ask a question that will support reading comprehension, and other strategies to develop a student’s reading fluency. At Family Reading Nights, library staff will introduce parents to the Library Media Center. Teachers will explain how the Accelerated Reader (AR) program works and provide parents with strategies to encourage further reading at home. Parents will have time to sit down with their children and read in the library, browse the library shelves with their children, and learn how to select appropriate books for their child's reading level. Family Reading Nights will be held monthly and sponsored by each grade level. Specific dates will be communicated to parents directly.

Makerspace Makeover for the Library The Library Media Center has added special spaces for students to gather, think, and create together. According to spaces.makerspace.com, makerspaces are a relatively new phenomenon that combine community with tools. An elementary school application of the Makerspace concept is gaining momentum in Bonita Unified. Media Center Assistant Jackie Rheingans has created several makerspaces in Allen Avenue’s Library. Current stations include materials to connect power to a light bulb, an “I Spy” board, and a LEGO wall. A LEGO wall has LEGO base plates attached to the wall and access to plenty of LEGO bricks of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Students use the bricks to write words on the wall or construct innumerable creations from their imagination.

Photos 8 & 9: Allen Avenue Elementary School has added “Makerspaces” to its tools for inspiring students to learn, create, and grow in community.