Maxwell Academy spotlighted; teachers and student-athletes honored at Duarte Unified meeting
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Summary
The board spotlighted Maxwell Academy’s International Baccalaureate program, recognized district employees of the year and honored Duarte High School winter-sports athletes and academic scholars.
The Duarte Unified School District Board of Education on March 13 spotlighted Maxwell Academy, featuring the school’s International Baccalaureate program and community-engagement activities, and recognized multiple staff and student accomplishments across the district.
Principal (presentation) Deanstra (identified in the meeting as Miss Deanstra) described Maxwell as an IB school emphasizing inquiry-based learning and intercultural understanding. She highlighted recent family reading nights, parent-led classroom presentations (including a parent who taught about epilepsy and donated a book), inclusive classes for students with diverse abilities, and staff professional development opportunities. Deanstra also recognized staff awards: Andrea Stalder was named district certificated employee of the year (from Maxwell) and Cindy Duffin was recognized as a classified employee of the year at the school level.
The board and Superintendent Dr. Hillman praised classroom projects such as a math-literacy activity where students built mousetrap-powered cars, and described other school events including family IB night, international-student hosting, and World Kindness Day activities. Board member Reyes and others asked Maxwell staff to come forward so the board could publicly thank them.
Duarte High School recognitions
Duarte High principal Mr. Harrow presented winter-sports academic scholar awards and all‑league honors for wrestling, boys and girls soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, tennis and track. The presentation included a list of individual student honorees in each sport and recognition of coaches and athletic staff. The board and community applauded student achievements and district employee awards, and City of Hope representative Francis Fung presented a “City of Hope Champion Award” to Lisa Bowden for coordinating student blood drives and the district partnership.
Why it matters
Spotlight presentations and recognitions give the board and community visibility into school programs and student outcomes. The Maxwell presentation showcased inclusive IB practices and family engagement that district leaders said support learning and student success. The athletic recognitions highlighted student academic performance alongside sporting achievements.
Ending
Board members thanked Maxwell staff, student ambassadors and Duarte High coaches and athletes for their presentations and community contributions. The board recessed briefly for photographs and community refreshments following the recognitions.