PUSD Celebrates Cesar Chavez with Learning and Service Activities
Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) celebrated the lifeand legacy of civil rights leader César Chávez with learning and service activities this month. PUSD teachers integrated lessons from standards-based curriculum into subjects such as social science and language arts at all grade levels.
PUSD Superintendent Jon R. Gundry and district officials will also participate in El Centro de Acción Social’s annual César E. Chávez Commemoration and Peace Walk on Saturday, March 31, starting at Villa Parke Community Center in Pasadena.
The district’s annual César Chávez art and essay contest saw an increase in participation by schools, teachers, and students, which was developed in collaboration with Latino Heritage, the organization that promotes Latino arts, history and heritage in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.
Contest winners will be honored at the Board of Education Tuesday, March 27, when the Board acts on a resolution recognizing March 31 as César Chávez Day.
Student art and essay entries were judged by local historians, artists, and community members, and included: Brian Biery, Flintridge Center; Vannia de la Cuba, Field Representative, Councilman Victor Gordo’s Office; Armando Duran, Association of Latino Employees, PCC; Liz Espinoza, Artist and Special Education Advocate; Maria I. Flores, LADD Office; Lisha Gonzalez, Counselor, Downtown Magnet School, LAUSD; Victor Gonzalez, Specialist, Academic Intervention Program, LAUSD; James Grimes, JPL Systems Engineer; Aurea Hernandez, LADD Office; Dolores Hickambottom, community activist and advocate; Esteban Lizardo, Former PUSD Board Member; Darlene Leyba, President Community Organization of Pasadena for Advancement in Education; Joan Morris, LADD Office; Nilda Muhr, National Hispanic Media Coalition; Gema Sandoval, Artistic Director and Founder, Danza Floricanto/USA; Nadia Zendejas, LADD Office.
Winning artwork and essays are now on display in the Language Assessment and Development Department (LADD) office at PUSD headquarters, room 209, 351 S. Hudson Avenue, Pasadena.
To view the complete list of winners, click here.