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Beardsley expands band access; Doherty athletes honored for league and CIF success
Summary
Beardsley Academy principal Jennifer Romero highlighted expanded band offerings aimed at increasing access for students with scheduling conflicts, and Doherty High School principal Lehi Harrow and the board recognized fall-sport achievements including an 11–2 football season and Miramonte League championship.
Beardsley Academy presented its expanded band program to the Duarte Unified School District Board on Jan. 22, emphasizing new options to increase access for middle-school students with elective conflicts. Principal Jennifer Romero described beginning and advanced band during the school day, a before-the-bell beginning band option, and a new jazz band after school.
“At Beardsley, we take immense pride in the comprehensive support we provide our students,” Romero said, describing the program’s focus on equitable access and personal growth. Romero explained not all middle-school students could access band because of dual-language immersion schedules, resource seminar blocks for students with IEPs (RSP), and other elective conflicts; the before-the-bell band is intended to accommodate those students. Romero thanked the band instructor, Mr. Solis, students and parents for their support and noted the jazz band will make its debut at the spring concert on April 25.
Students offered brief comments on how the program benefits them. “I play the clarinet. I’m happy there’s band class that can be taken with Spanish,” said a sixth-grade dual-immersion student, who expressed hope future fifth graders will be able to participate. An eighth-grade RSP student described playing percussion and the drum set in both advanced band and jazz band, noting the jazz program allows more individual expression.
Doherty High School athletics: Principal Lehi Harrow recognized a successful fall season across multiple sports and called out the football team’s accomplishments. Harrow said the football team finished 11–2 overall, captured the Miramonte League championship and reached the CIF semifinals. He acknowledged coaches and a long roster of players who received league honors, and noted several athletes earned all-league and all-CIF recognition, including Alexander Perez, Avan Ortiz, Christian Bonilla and Jonathan Robles (players listed on record).
Why it matters: Beardsley’s scheduling innovations seek to expand arts access for students who otherwise face elective conflicts — a common equity issue in K–8 programs. Doherty’s athletic recognitions highlight student achievement and community engagement.
Ending: The board thanked school leaders, coaches, teachers and families for supporting extracurricular programs that contribute to student development.
