To my Board District 4 constituents, L.A. Unified community, and beyond:
As we enter the fall season, I have been working toward my goal of visiting every BD4 school. Since August, I have made it to more than 75 schools—from TK to adult education centers, from traditional schools to charters, from magnets to pilots. At each one, I have seen firsthand the hard work and dedication of teachers and employees, the abundance of curiosity in our classrooms, and the joy of discovery that can’t be taught by books alone. I have seen innovation and collaboration at work, and met hundreds of families who are dedicated to finding the best option for their child. I am more convinced than ever that L.A. Unified will reach new heights by putting kids first.
I thank all of you for opening your doors to me and allowing me to see the wonderful progress we are making in our district. I look forward to visiting every school before June, and continuing to fight for public education which ensures that all of our children succeed.
Read on below to see what I have been doing in the community, the great things happening in our schools, and important updates like the upcoming November 9 deadline for the L.A. Unified Choices magnet and dual-language program applications.
To the future,
Nick
Defending DREAMers: Democratic Roundtable at CHIRLA & DACA Litigation Support
Cutting Red Tape: Upcoming Facilities Forum to Answer Community Questions
I am increasing transparency of L.A. Unified's facilities for our families by hosting a Facilities Forum on November 13 at Westchester High School. Join me and our Facilities team to answer questions about costs, processes, and improvements. We can't solve problems that we don't know about! When I heard from parents about fees required for parent associations to use school facilities, I worked to make sure that these would be eliminated. I will continue to push the District to cut red tape and make schools more accessible as community hubs.
Awarding Hard Work and Sportsmanship: The Del Rey Spelling Bee
Celebrating Imagination: The Young Storytellers Program
When bureaucratic red tape threatened to cancel L.A. Unified’s Young Storytellers program, I intervened to give them the opportunity to continue engaging L.A. Unified students in the art of storytelling. I couldn’t pass up the chance to watch the fifth graders’ stories come to life with a celebrity cast at “The Biggest Show.”
Bringing Board Meetings Back to School: Committee of the Whole
I fulfilled my campaign promise to bring the board meetings into the community by hosting this month’s Committee of the Whole at Fairfax High School. We recognized the great work and celebrated the achievements of some of our extraordinary partners, including the LMU Family of Schools from Board District 4!
Exploring New Innovations: The Future Project in L.A. Unified
I have been working to bring new innovative partnerships to L.A. Unified, and I was excited to take part in facilitating The Future Project's initial event at Taft High School last month. The Future Project is a national initiative dedicated to helping students master essential 21st century skills like leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. They are instilling students with the skills they need to become “future ready.”
Meeting Young Leaders: Junior Statesmen of America Conference
I spoke at the Junior Statesmen (and women!) of America Fall State Conference to address the importance of leading by listening and practicing empathy to bridge ever-growing political divides. I was inspired by the energy and passion of over 700 civic-minded high school students who are eager to get involved and make a difference in the world. Learn more about the JSA here!
Modernizing District Communication: T.E.C.H. App roundtables
My first resolution is the T.E.C.H. (Transforming Engagement via Community Hubs) App, which will transform district communications with students’ families by implementing a districtwide smartphone app for easy and quick two-way communication. To make this process for parents, and by parents, I hosted several roundtable discussions to engage and learn from parents and caregivers. Join me for the next one at West Hollywood City Hall on November 8!
Getting in the Spirit: Board District 4 Schools
Celebrate Halloween in Style!
School Spot-L.I.G.H.T.S.: Board District 4 Schools Excel in Singing, Reading, and Cooking
West Valley Occupation Center Flourishes in Culinary Program: WVOC hosted a “Luncheon with the Principal,” treating all their guests to a fine dining experience from the sensational Culinary Arts Program. Events like this remind us of the importance of Adult Education and the wide range of post-secondary and career paths.
Stay in the Know:
L.A. Unified Updates
Know your Choices: Make sure to know all your options by taking a look at the L.A. Unified Choices Application. The District is accepting magnet and dual-language program applications until November 9 - so don't wait!
Working on college applications? The UC App is available now, until November 30. Also, make sure to submit your FAFSA application for financial aid eligibility.
