Lynwood Unified School District welcomed nearly 12,000 students to the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 14, ushering in an academic year filled with promise and growth as the District continues its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students through a variety of new initiatives and campus improvements.
As students arrived for their first day of school, they were greeted by festive red carpets, energetic mascots, lively bands and cheer teams. Many students stepped onto their campuses for the first time or transitioned to new grade levels, adding to the excitement. Filled with pride and emotion, parents accompanied their children, capturing photos and shedding tears as they witnessed their scholars embark on a new phase of their academic journeys.
These special moments unfolded against a backdrop of refreshed campuses, where students at Marshall Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Middle School, and Firebaugh and Vista high schools returned to schools featuring new exterior paint, asphalt slurry and restriped playgrounds. These updates are part of the District’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe and inspiring learning environment and improving infrastructure. Additional work, including new roofing and HVAC replacements, is ongoing across campuses.
One of the highlights of this year’s upgrades is the debut of a new culinary arts classroom and lab at the Lynwood High School Bullis Campus, which will provide students with hands-on experience in the culinary field and prepare them for potential careers in the food industry. Meanwhile, the reconstruction of a new classroom building at Imperial Campus remains on track, with deep soil mixing set to begin in October, a key step in ensuring the structural integrity of the new building before construction begins.
"Great learning happens in great environments, so we are thrilled to see our students return to upgraded and revitalized campuses this school year," said Gretchen Janson, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of business services. “These enhancements reflect our District’s commitment to providing the best possible educational experience. We can’t wait for our students to experience the positive impact of these upgrades firsthand."
In addition to physical upgrades, the District is expanding its academic offerings, with Mark Twain Elementary School introducing a new Dual Language Immersion program. This program is designed to cultivate bilingualism and biliteracy in students from a young age, providing them with valuable language and cultural proficiency skills. Enrollment is ongoing.
The District is also excited to launch the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), known as LevelUp Lynwood, which provides before- and after-school enrichment for all TK-6 students. LevelUp Lynwood includes STEAM-focused activities through codeCampus and a variety of enrichment opportunities from Think Together. LevelUp Lynwood is especially beneficial for students needing extra academic support or those interested in engaging in sports, arts or science projects.
Looking ahead, the District is preparing to go out for a bond in November, aiming to raise up to $200 million to continue vital facilities improvements across the District. These funds will support further upgrades, ensuring that the District can provide modernized facilities that enhance the learning experience and school environment for students and staff.
These initiatives are all part of the District’s new Strategic Plan, a visionary blueprint for inspiring the future of education in Lynwood and Unlocking Brilliance in every student.
“I am excited to welcome back our students, teachers and staff and look forward to an inspiring year ahead,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., said. “My wish for our students is to be inspired, work hard to achieve their personal goals and achieve their highest aspirations. Let’s make this year the best one yet as we support our students in reaching their highest potential.”