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Issued May 16, 2024

In this edition:

14 Schools Make U.S. News Best High Schools List

U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked 14 LBUSD high schools among the best in California, with some achieving top nationwide rankings.

The California Academy of Mathematics and Science topped the LBUSD list, ranking as the fifth-best high school in California and the 39th-best in the nation.

See Complete List

LBUSD student attends high school graduation

Graduation Dates and Times Announced

Mark your calendars! Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2024 will take place from June 5 to 14.

View Schedule

LBUSD Announces Center of Black Student Excellence

With plans to open in late 2024, the Center will be a hub of expertise, partnerships and cultural assets geared towards enhancing the educational experience of Black students. Norma Spencer has been selected to lead this transformative initiative as its director.

LBUSD Center of Black Student Excellence

Cabrillo High School National Drone Soccer Champions

Drone Soccer Teams Sweep U.S. Championship

Cabrillo High School and Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science are among the best drone soccer teams in the nation after their impressive wins at the 2024 U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship.

Cabrillo earned first place and the U.S. Drone Soccer team title, while Sato secured both second and third place.

11 More Teachers Nationally Certified

Congratulations to the latest LBUSD teachers who have earned National Board Certification, the highest professional distinction in teaching!

See Names

Business Group Lauds 21 Schools

Several LBUSD schools are listed on the newest 2023 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll list, recognizing California’s top-performing schools.

Student Maria Ignatencu of Long Beach Unified School District

Sato Student Named Linked Learning Student of Year

Maria Ignatencu of Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science has been named one of 11 recipients of the 2024 Linked Learning Student of the Year Award.

The award recognizes civic excellence and honors individuals who have significantly contributed to their community through their Linked Learning pathway experience.

Learn More

Long Beach Unified School District Migrant Education Program

Migrant Education Scholars Excel at State Competition

Several students from the LBUSD Migrant Education Program earned top awards at a Speech and Debate tournament hosted by the California Department of Education’s Migrant Education Office.

Choir students from Long Beach Unified School District's Birney Elementary School

Students Attend Choir Music Exchange at LBCC

Fifth grade chorus students from Birney Elementary School recently participated in a music exchange field trip at Long Beach City College.

Names in the News

Congratulations! Four LBUSD students are part of the 2024 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Cohort and an LBUSD music educator is eligible for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award.

Vision 2035 in Action Spotlight

Warehouse Manager Juan Rivera shares how the LBUSD Warehouse department provides support for all students and staff.

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

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.

For a deeper dive, the official handbook is available for download.

Follow LBUSD on Social Media @LongBeachUSD

Stay Connected with LBUSD on Social Media!

In an era where staying connected is more important than ever, LBUSD invites you to follow the District on social media for real-time updates, engaging content and a sense of community.

How to get started:

Find us at @LongBeachUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.
Select the ‘Follow’ button.
Engage by liking, commenting and sharing posts from LBUSD.

Let’s create a digital community where every member of LBUSD feels connected and informed.

CPR, First Aid Class for Classified Employees

The Personnel Commission is offering free CPR/First Aid certification classes for classified employees on Friday, May 31. Classes will run from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Teacher Resource Center (ABC Room), 1299 East 32nd St., Signal Hill.

This classified staff development event is subject to manager/supervisor approval for District release time, and participants must be permanent classified employees. Priority registration will be given to classified employees working with special needs students.

To register, download the registration form or find the form on the Personnel Commission webpage. Questions? Please call Classified Staff Development at 562-435-5708.

Employee Benefits

LBUSD Benefits Annual Enrollment Closing Soon

May is the Annual Enrollment Month for Health Benefits

If you are eligible for health benefits, you should have received your enrollment packet. Remember that all changes to your elections will be effective July 1. As always, if you currently have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and you want to continue with the new plan year (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025) then you must elect during the current annual enrollment.

Click here to view the What’s New for 2024-25 flyer.

May is Mental Health Month

A message from Kaiser: Even a few minutes a day of mindful meditation or another mindfulness practice can make a big difference. Find a place, a time and an approach that fits into your life. Learn how to practice mindfulness. For more self-care tools, tips and activities, check out KP’s wellness resources online. As a reminder, adult Kaiser Permanente members have access to Calm, Headspace Care and myStrength at no cost. Please visit kp.org/selfcareapps to learn more.

Find additional Mental Health tips on the LBUSD Benefits Instagram and Facebook pages!

As a reminder, EASE provides confidential counseling, phone consultations and community referrals. For more information, call 1-800-882-1341.

EASE counselors specialize in:

family troubles
emotional distress
drug/alcohol problems
job anxieties and stress
grief, loss, transitions

EASE is primarily an assessment and brief counseling service and is best defined as a pre-treatment service. The emphasis is on early identification of problems affecting work performance, consultation with managers, labor representatives, employees and proactive intervention. EASE is not a substitute for a district’s health-care plan. It is, however, a beneficial and effective extension of the provider plan.

Click here to take a 2-minute guided meditation pause.

WeightWatchers (WW)

Got a lot on your plate? WeightWatchers^® is here for you.

With the WW app, you can take the guesswork out of choosing meals and snacks, unlock trackers that show your progress and find guided meditations to ease stress. There's even 24/7 support from expert WW coaches and fellow members on a similar journey.

WeightWatchers also now offers tailored programs for everyone, including the Points^® Program, the Diabetes Program and a new GLP-1 Program. Ready to find the one for you?

Join WeightWatchers today through LBUSD at more than 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.

Already a WeightWatchers member?

Sync your current account or call WeightWatchers Customer Service at 866-204-2885.

Reminders from the Employee Benefits Team

Did you move? It's important to keep your address updated to ensure that we send you communication in a timely manner. If you recently moved, please log into your myLBUSD Portal and select “Self Service” to update your Employee Contact Information.

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.