Buena Park board honors local partners from Toyota to Anaheim Ducks for student support
November 11, 2025 | Buena Park School District, School Districts, California
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The Buena Park School District Governing Board recognized several community partners at its Nov. 10 meeting for programs and donations supporting students and families.
Superintendent Dr. Julian Lee said the district values "meaningful partnerships" that advance student wellbeing and academic opportunity and singled out bond projects officer Mike Magbu for veterans' honors. Leslie Chavez, a principal, accepted a plaque for AutoNation Toyota Buena Park for its backpack program and support for summer reading, which trustees credited with helping students continue learning over breaks. "They are a constant source of support for our students, staff and families," Chavez said.
Jay Bekkelheimer presented Cal State Fullerton’s GEAR UP program, describing embedded mentorship, high-impact tutoring, and professional development that sent 10 teachers to AVID training. Bekkelheimer said the partnership "positioned our students and staff for long-term growth." Jessica Bowen of Bracken's Kitchen described a food partnership that provided "over 600 hot lunches" at a district farmers market this summer and will deliver "200-plus frozen family meals" at upcoming markets to expand access to nutritious meals.
Dr. Joaquin Valdez thanked the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, Brett Kurtz and Greg Hughes for donating a street-hockey rink and volunteer time to Beatty Middle School, a gift that sparked a new hockey team, enhanced physical-education lessons and campus beautification projects. President Jason Chung added a personal note of appreciation for the Ducks’ volunteerism and community engagement.
The recognitions were presented with plaques to each partner; board members and school leaders emphasized the programs’ direct effects on students’ school experience and extracurricular opportunities. The board moved on to other agenda items after the presentations.
Superintendent Dr. Julian Lee said the district values "meaningful partnerships" that advance student wellbeing and academic opportunity and singled out bond projects officer Mike Magbu for veterans' honors. Leslie Chavez, a principal, accepted a plaque for AutoNation Toyota Buena Park for its backpack program and support for summer reading, which trustees credited with helping students continue learning over breaks. "They are a constant source of support for our students, staff and families," Chavez said.
Jay Bekkelheimer presented Cal State Fullerton’s GEAR UP program, describing embedded mentorship, high-impact tutoring, and professional development that sent 10 teachers to AVID training. Bekkelheimer said the partnership "positioned our students and staff for long-term growth." Jessica Bowen of Bracken's Kitchen described a food partnership that provided "over 600 hot lunches" at a district farmers market this summer and will deliver "200-plus frozen family meals" at upcoming markets to expand access to nutritious meals.
Dr. Joaquin Valdez thanked the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, Brett Kurtz and Greg Hughes for donating a street-hockey rink and volunteer time to Beatty Middle School, a gift that sparked a new hockey team, enhanced physical-education lessons and campus beautification projects. President Jason Chung added a personal note of appreciation for the Ducks’ volunteerism and community engagement.
The recognitions were presented with plaques to each partner; board members and school leaders emphasized the programs’ direct effects on students’ school experience and extracurricular opportunities. The board moved on to other agenda items after the presentations.
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