Lifestyle

Gabriel Halimi Appointed to BHUSD Board of Trustees

In a unanimous vote at its Nov. 9 Special Meeting, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education approved Gabriel Halimi as its provisional appointee until November of 2022. Halimi will fill the vacant seat previously occupied by Tristen Walker-Shuman, former Board of Trustees Vice President.

BHUSD to Interview Board Candidates on Nov. 2

“I just want to acknowledge a hearty thank you for the honorable Mr. Goldstein for putting his hat in the ring.

BH High School Student Youngest US Cyber Games Athlete

“One day I saw an ad for a cyber competition, and I was pretty interested and then I started competing,” Bulexa said.

Beverly Hills Commissioner to Speak at UCLA Seminar

Nystrom, who has a Masters in Earth Sciences from Boston University and a Certificate in Sustainability from UCLA, brings her environmental knowledge to bear on environmental justice, climate change and social justice—and how to communicate those principles to a broader audience.

Book the Beverly Hills High Madrigals this Holiday Season

The group’s holiday carol songbook includes “Angels We Have Heard of High,” “Spin, Spin, Little Dreidel,” “Winter Wonderland,” “S’Vivon,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and more.

BHUSD Accepting Board Member Applications

The resolution came after the board’s Sept. 28 vote approving that the vacancy be filled by a provisional appointment instead of holding a special election.

BHUSD To Appoint Walker-Shuman Replacement

“I have no one in mind, and I’m going to be very open minded when it comes to selecting a new person,” BHUSD Board President Rachelle Marcus told the Courier.

Walker-Shuman Resigns From BHUSD School Board

Walker-Shuman told the Courier that she plans to “continue taking care of my parents and family, finishing graduate school and advocating for education.”

Interactive Mental Health Program Comes to BHHS

The program included singer and songwriter Jess Hoover, who shared her own mental health journey with students while also inspiring them to create their own masterpiece.

Celebrating the Abraham Accords

With the rise of anti-hate sentiments and acts of violence increasing over this past year, this clinic comes at an important time to show inclusion and diversity triumph over intolerance and bigotry. The success of the Abraham Accords has demonstrated what people of different cultures can achieve when working together.

BHUSD Board Opens Investigation into Walker-Shuman

The fact that the D.A. found that no actual “crime” has been committed does not signal an end to the investigation of this matter, however. During the lengthy public commenting period at the Sept. 14 meeting, parents called on Walker-Shuman to resign or respond to the allegations. 

School Board President Calls For Investigation Into Vice President

Walker-Shuman characterized Marcus’s call for an investigation as an overstep of her authority, saying that “she violated board policy by issuing a statement in her official capacity that was not agreed upon by the whole board.”  

Enrollment Update from BHUSD

Bregy underscored that the numbers are changing each day. “Just today alone, four or five new families came in to register,” he said. Last week, 41 new students registered. 

School Board Approves New Beverly Vista Assistant Principal

Little comes to Beverly Vista with a decade of experience. He previously worked at Animo Westside Middle School, a charter school in the Green Dot Public Schools network, where he taught as a history teacher and spent five years as an Assistant Principal. 

BHEF Continues to Help Schools

Today, BHEF uses a variety of methods to raise and distribute as much as $700,000 a year to BHUSD schools.

BHUSD Board Rejects $2.8 Million Purchase Order for Security Program Management Fees To Be Paid for with Bond Funds

“We have a purchase order for bond management for security in the amount of $2,800,000,” Wells said. “My issue with it is that I am not comfortable approving this when I do not have an overview of the security program…until we have this information, I’m just not comfortable approving dollars in this amount.” 

Alleged Anti-Asian Incidents at BHUSD Elicit Response

“For too many, 2020 wasn’t just about a deadly virus, it was about an epidemic of hate,” said Bonta, himself the state’s first Filipino-American attorney general.

UTLA Chapter Resolution Draws Rebuke

“Motions brought by UTLA members at regional Area meetings are not the official expressed opinions of UTLA or its elected leaders,” UTLA said.

Torray Johnson Appointed New Assistant Principal

“In looking at the accomplishments of the current team, I feel fortunate to work with individuals who not only value education but place student outcomes at the center of their decisions,” Johnson said in a statement released by the District.

BHUSD is Ready to Rebound

Bregy added,“By offering Live@BHUSD as well as the ILC, we were able to meet the needs and cover just about everybody,” Bregy added.

In-Person Graduation Ceremonies Return to Beverly Hills

“I really want to commend the people that worked on those and organized them,” Board President Rachelle Marcus said of the ceremonies.

Class of ’21 Has Cause to Celebrate in Beverly Hills

Each graduate has been given four allocated seats.

School Board Reconsiders Hiring Outside Consulting Firm

“So, we will be looking to select a new consulting firm and we’ll have a committee of various stakeholders,” Chism said. “We’ll have board members, community members, staff, parents, students all involved in that in that decision so we can continue to move forward.”

Beverly Hills HS Girl’s Tennis Team Wins CIF-SS Division 4 Title

“What we didn’t know at the time was that our match was going to make or break the whole thing,” Maya Goldkorn, a junior at BHHS, told the Courier.

Beverly Hills Students Perform in Westside Ballet Workshop

Both Shim sisters will perform in newly choreographed numbers. Sixth-grader Elle will dance in “Les Petites Étoiles,” Mozart’s charming piano composition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” a new piece choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Caprice Walker and featuring the pre-professional performance company’s younger dancers, to be accompanied by live piano. 

Beverly Hills Students Named National Merit Scholars

This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2019 when over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. 

BHUSD Board of Education Meeting Hears Varied Agenda

Objection to the hiring of CWI was the topic of an impassioned plea during the meeting.

Arrest Made in Robbery of Beverly Hills HS Students

“Anytime anything like that happens, it’s a concern for us as a community and for our students and for their safety,” BHUSD Board of Education President, Rachelle Marcus, told the Courier. 

Beverly Hills Troop 110 Holding Food Drive

Upward Bound House provides families in crisis with short-term emergency shelter on the Westside and in South Los Angeles.

Anti-Maskers Target Elementary School in Beverly Hills

“COVID is a lie, I know you hate that mask,” one protester, Asefeh Shirafkan, told a student. “You don’t need to wear a mask.”

BHUSD Schools Return to Full Time

“I am thrilled that the District and the Union were able to reach an MOU to return to full five days of instruction,” Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus, told the Courier. 

BHUSD Board Touts Successes, Reflects on Missteps

“The practice did not match the policy and we were just putting the house in order,” Margo told the Courier. 

Principal Kevin Allen Bids Farewell to BHUSD

Under his leadership, El Rodeo achieved California Distinguished Schools Status prior to the reconfiguration. 

UCLA Win Sparks Risky Revelry

“After COVID for a year and a half, we all just want to celebrate,” a student who identified himself as John told the Courier.

Board of Education Considers New Protocols

During the Superintendent’s report portion of the meeting, Dr. Michael Bregy shared that updated health protocols include maintaining three feet of physical distance between student desks, and six feet of distance between staff and student desks.

Three BHHS Students Named National Merit Finalists

The BHUSD statement added, “It is always exciting to recognize our students’ accomplishments over the years, but throughout a pandemic it is quite outstanding to honor their work especially throughout these times.

Returning to Classrooms After One Year Away

As someone who spends her life training teachers, leading workshops for teens, and supporting parents, I know the pain and frustration that so many of you feel. And as we all sit here and reflect on the one-year anniversary of school closures, we’re all longing to find anything positive from the past year – what is that silver lining, if any.

BHUSD Board Looks Ahead to Middle and High School Opening

“As I have indicated through some correspondence, we have allocations that are being provided to us for a vaccine for our employees through L.A. County,” Bregy said at the meeting.

Beverly Hills Elementary Schools Will Reopen Next Week

“We are thrilled to be moving forward as a team together with our teachers, staff, students, and parents to reopen our schools,” Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy told the Courier. 

Parents and Teachers Speak Out  

We can all agree our teacher’s safety is important, but as a physician myself, my life and the lives of all health workers are just as important. The lives of grocery store workers, police officers, firemen and all the other essential workers are as important. Yet we all have been working the past year for you and your families while our BHUSD teacher’s union is playing politics with our children’s education. The rest of the country and nation is getting back to school.

School District Mourns Three Deaths

Rita Creagh, beloved El Rodeo School teacher, passed away on Jan. 16 from COVID-19. Creagh worked as a special education and 3rd grade teacher at the school for 32 years. 

Sports to Resume in Beverly Hills Unified School District

Outdoor, high-contact sports such as basketball, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, rowing, soccer and water polo may resume all activities, including practices, training and competitions.

Tentative Agreement Reached in Union Legal Action Against BHUSD

UPDATE March 1: The Beverly Hills Unified School District (District) and the Beverly Hills Education Association (Association) have tentatively reached an agreement after mediation over the weekend. Pending the approval of District and Association leadership, elementary grades TK-2 will return on March 8 and grades 3-5 on March 9. Additional details will be posted as they are available. 

Hawthorne School Welcomes Holocaust Survivor

When a student asked why he shares his painful story, he replied, “I try to keep the memory alive so the next generation knows what happened during the Holocaust and World War II.”

BHUSD Working to Safely Reopen Elementary Schools

The Beverly Hills Unified School District   (BHUSD) has thus far made great strides in preparing for a return to classrooms.

Beverly Hills High School Earns Computer Science Diversity Award

“During an unprecedented year, BHHS female students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their study of AP Computer Science,” said Dustin Seemann, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services.

Beverly Hills Parents Encourage District to Reopen Schools

“I think if we continue to decrease, you might hit that number in like two to three weeks,” Ferrer said. “We dropped pretty significantly just in one week. I think we were at 75 cases per 100,000 like a week ago. And I think now we’re 45 — these are adjusted rates that the state uses.”

Security Measures and Vaccines Discussed for Beverly Hills Students

“We’ve extended invitations to people in the state to provide those vaccinations for our staff and perhaps our community,” Bregy said.

Beverly Hills High Graduate Featured in Art Exhibit

Abrahams’ painting chosen by the AP Art and Design Board is titled “Adam and Eve,” inspired by the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis.

WeHo Council Seeks to Name Library After Justice Ginsberg

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon for women, for the LGBT community, for workers, and every progressive value that West Hollywood holds,” said Councilmember Sepi Shyne. “Justice Ginsburg expanded access to the American promise of liberty and equality for all. Her legacy is felt by all of us and her decisions have positively affected every person living in West Hollywood.”

Jewish Community Foundation of L.A. Awards $3 Million

BHUSD Holds Special Board Meeting

Elementary students will transition back to physical school five days per week for instruction in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Registration Open for Beverly Hills Winter Classes

The teddy bear workshop on Dec. 21 takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is recommended for ages 16 and older. This workshop requires basic hand sewing skills, and a sewing machine is highly recommended. 

BHUSD Installs New Board of Education

“We are delighted to hit the ground running with our newly installed Board of Education. I have every confidence that they will lead us through what is now the worst time of the pandemic for our community toward the best educational decisions for all of our students, staff, and families,” Bregy told the Courier.

Beverly Hills Students Take Virtual Tour of USC

“It’s never too early for students to think about college and their futures, even during a pandemic,” Jeffries, a USC graduate herself, told the Courier.

Beverly Hills Public Library eLearning Classes Available

“I never expected such mass participation during the pilot ranging from high schoolers all the way up to individuals in their 70s,” said Bradley Cook, chair of the Next Beverly Hills Coding Bootcamp.

College Admissions During COVID-19. Separating Fact from Fiction

What does this mean for current juniors, sophomores, and freshmen? As it stands now, the most competitive schools plan to require the ACT and SAT for next year’s application cycle.

Bregy Gives BHUSD Update

“I wanted to share as of this morning, there are no oil derricks on the high school property,” Donald Blake, senior executive bond program manager said. “That is a milestone, and I cannot tell you how happy we are.”

Final Work Finishing on BHUSD Oil Well Project

“Work is now in progress to address minor leaks on the two wells previously identified to require additional plugging work. This additional plugging work is anticipated to be completed by December 2020,” Beverly Hills Director of Public Works Shana Epstein told the Courier.

Beverly Hills High School Livestreams “Hamlet”

Senior Max Love told the Courier he has “studied Shakespeare for three years in anticipation of playing his dream role,” the lead in Hamlet.

BHUSD Considers Waiver Process

“However, and it’s not a popular thing to say. But it certainly would not be my recommendation to bring back these students in December, right before winter break,” said Bregy at the Nov. 10 meeting.

Memorial Held for BHHS Student

Given the ongoing pandemic, the Jewish Club implemented strict social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings at the memorial.

Beverly Hills Courier Endorses Donna Tryfman and Mary Wells for School Board

Beverly Hills Announces New Inter-Commission Collaborative

Arts & Culture Commissioner Deborah Frank pointed out the groundbreaking nature of the new collaboration.

BHUSD Unveils “Ready Together” Plan

While BHUSD is not able to bring back the student body in its entirety yet, the 77-page “Ready Together” reopening plan provides a thorough blueprint for all on how to safely return to—and stay in—the physical classroom.

BHUSD Candidates Make Their Case

The Courier asked the seven candidates vying for one of three open seats to describe how each would address some of the biggest challenges the District faces.

Simon Wiesenthal Center Applauds Newsom’s Veto on Ethnic Studies Requirement

On Oct. 1, the Simon Wiesenthal Center released a statement commending Newsom’s veto of the bill.

UCLA’s Andrea Ghez Wins Nobel Prize in Physics

“Twenty-five years is a long time,” Ghez said of her career.

Beverly Hills Youth Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal

“For voluntary service, I did a few things. I tutored through one of Beverly Hills’ After-School Programs.

Holocaust Education Crucial as Extremism Rises

Since sundown on Sept. 18, Jews around the world began observing their holiest days on the calendar in the strange, virtual format of the era of COVID-19.

How to Support Teens During a Strange and Uncertain School Year Tips for Creating a Sense of Normalcy During These Abnormal Times

While you’re in planning mode, encourage your kids to pin passwords and Zoom log-in information right on their desks, where they can see it easily to avoid a mad scramble during school hours. And be sure they set up systems—binders, digital folders for various subjects, and workspace areas—to help stay organized.

Cafe@BHUSD Will Feed All Beverly Hills Children

“We are delighted to be able to offer at no charge an abundance of fresh, healthy produce for all Beverly Hills children!

Meet Beverly Hills HS Senior Who is Miss California Teen US

I’m looking forward to creating more kindness walls across the United States because I saw how much of an impact it had on others and I saw how much it really changed our school overall.

Historic Beverly Hills School Year Begins

“I’m so excited for you to meet your teachers and see what they have planned for you,” Bregy said.

Beverly Hills High Student Wins Beauty Pageant

Beverly Hills High School student Alana Morgan was crowned Miss California Teen USA on Aug. 9.

Seven Declare Candidacy for Beverly Hills School Board

The Courier spoke to the seven candidates vying for one of three open seats on the BHUSD Board of Education. Here is what they had to say.

Beverly Hills Teachers Reach Agreement with School District

In an Aug. 1 statement, BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy emphasized that the ultimate goal remains to return to the classroom safely.

Beverly Hills Scouts Troop 110 Welcoming New Members

During this time, the troop will welcome new members for the 2020/21 school year.

Planning for a Safe Return to Beverly Hills Schools

“I do want to touch on the unique obstacles that are going to be the hardest for the middle school to think through,” Think Tank member Frank Chechel noted.

Remote Learning Isn’t Going Away — Yet.

Finally, I suggest that students always keep their camera turned on during class – this allows teachers to see that they are engaged. Plus, there’s nothing like knowing you’re being watched to keep you on your best behavior!

BHUSD Prepares for Distance Learning

The virtual ILC option for the fall remains the same, offering online learning exclusively for the first full semester. The deadline to enroll in the ILC has been extended to July 27 at 8 a.m., and those who do not apply for the ILC will be automatically placed in Live@BHUSD. As of July 21, 441 students — 13 percent of the student population —have enrolled in the ILC.

Beverly Hills and BHUSD Approve Joint Powers Agreement

Friedman said the City was pleased to continue its strong partnership with BHUSD.

School Is Out. Camps Are Closed. Internships are Cancelled. Now What?

I suggest encouraging your teen to use this summer to pursue twin goals: 1) prepare for adulthood, and 2) relish the joys of childhood.

Other Districts and Private Schools Rollout Fall Plans

“SMMUSD staff want to reopen in-person as soon as possible and had been preparing to recommend an in-person option (Model B, the hybrid model that includes both in-person and distance learning). However, the steady upsurge in coronavirus cases in our region over the past several weeks combined with the advice of public health experts has led us to the conclusion that distance learning is the most prudent model to start the 2020-2021 school year.”