F.A.C.E - Face Community Newsletter

Free to students and families!

Over 100 LGSD staff and families registered. This event celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by promoting health, unity, and community engagement. We ran a scenic 3.1-mile course along the Embarcadero or a 1-mile cruiser walk/run. All ages and abilities were welcome, including families and pets.

Paid registration included an official event shirt, medal, runner's bib, and chip timing. Proceeds support the San Diego Alpha Foundation's scholarship programs for local youth.

Lemon Grove's Black History Empowerment Celebration is an annual event that honors and celebrates African American culture, history, and community. In 2025, the celebration took place on February 22 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, The event was co-organized by Thrive Lemon Grove, the Expanded Learning Program, and the F.A.C.E. department (Family and Community Engagement) of the Lemon Grove School District.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant lineup of performances and activities, including: Student presentations, spoken word poetry, african drumming and dance, live music by local artists, art exhibitions and displays, interactive activities such as Sip & Paint, face painting, balloon twisting, a youth zone with games and entertainment, and more!

The celebration provided a platform for students, families, and community members to engage with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the African American community. It also highlighted the Lemon Grove School District's commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and cultural awareness among its students and the broader community.

The Lemon Grove School District's Family Day, Multicultural Fair, and Chess Tournament is an annual community event that celebrates cultural diversity, fosters family engagement, and promotes academic excellence. Held each March at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center, this free event offers a variety of activities for all ages

Featuring:

• Cultural performances and art showcases
• Interactive booths and maker stations
• Game truck, laser tag, and inflatable obstacle courses
• Free treats for the first 200 families (churro ice cream bowls
• Arguably the best tacos in San Diego (Adrianna's Taco's)
• Resource vendors and Teen Center activities

This event exemplifies the district's commitment to building strong partnerships with families and the community, providing a platform for students to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful cultural experiences.

Lemon Grove School District's "Celebrating Community Partners" event is an annual gathering that honors and strengthens the collaborative relationships between the district, parent leaders and volunteers, and its community partners.

This celebration highlights the district's commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance educational opportunities and support student success.

This year, the event was held on Tuesday, April 22nd, with dinner served at 5 PM, at the Palm Campus Auditorium (8425 Palm Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945).

The theme for the evening was "Together We Thrive," emphasizing the collective efforts of families, educators, and community organizations in collaboration to support LGSD students.

For more information about future events and initiatives, contact the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department.

The Shaw-CAASAS Awards are an annual recognition event hosted by Parent Leaders, sponsored by the Lemon Grove School District to honor Black, African American, and Pan-African students for their achievements and contributions. Established through a community-led effort, the awards aim to celebrate students' academic excellence, humanitarian efforts, and leadership within the district.

Award Categories:

• The Humanitarian Award (Grades 4–7): Recognizes students who demonstrate empathy, kindness, and support for others, fostering an inclusive and positive school environment.

• The Thriving Lemon Award (Grades 4–7): Honors students who exhibit consistent academic achievement, resilience, and active participation in class, serving as role models for their peers.

• The Rising Star Award (Grades 6–8): Acknowledges students who have shown significant growth and improvement in behavior and academics, reflecting their dedication and potential.

• The Shaw Legacy Award (Grade 8): Given to students who embody Mr. Tim Shaw's values of goal-setting, community engagement, and academic excellence, serving as exemplary leaders within and outside the classroom.

This opportunity was initiated by Tanya Harris, a parent partner in the district, to honor her late son (Trayvon Harris) and the legacy of Mr. Shaw, a former board member dedicated to African American student achievement. The event is organized by parent leaders and supported by district staff, reflecting a collaborative effort to uplift and empower students.

The Shaw-CAASAS Awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also reinforces the district's commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.

The Family and Community Engagement Department, in dedication to the community schools model strives to serve you, connecting us in opportunities, events, and collaborative opportunities to enhance our school sites and community.

In the year ahead, we look forward to strengthening our connection with you and expanding opportunities for meaningful engagement across our school sites and throughout the district.