Tag Archives: quail summit elementary

Quail Summit student wins national chess tournament

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Quail Summit student Jonathan Chen beat first grade challengers from different states and won the title at the National K-12 Championship in Orlando.

Quail Summit student Jonathan Chen beat first grade challengers from different states and won the title at the National K-12 Championship in Orlando.

By Walnut Valley Unified

A six-year-old from Quail Summit Elementary has garnered the title of national champion. Jonathan Chen, a first grade student, represented his school during the National K-12 Championship held in Orlando, Florida.

Chen won the first-grade division with a perfect 7-0 score.The contest was held December 12-14.

Players with the same scores were paired against each other during seven rounds of competition. Each grueling round could last more than three hours.

“I am very happy and very proud of the biggest trophy and national champion title for my school!” Chen exclaimed.

Chen hopes to start a chess club so that next year he can bring a team trophy back to the school! The youngster from Diamond Bar has been playing chess for about two years.

His father introduced the game to him at age 4. He’s had a coach since he was in kindergarten and earned the youngest champion award in the 2013 American Open.

Last June, he won the 3rd Place trophy in the International Youth Championship, under 14-year-old division, held in Las Vegas.

A classmate asked Chen how he won all the games.

“I think it’s because I have more patience and more focus,” Chen replied.

Quail Summit students mix it up in Diamond Bar

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Students stepped out of their comfort zones to connect with other students during Mix It Up Day at Quail Summit Elementary.

Students stepped out of their comfort zones to connect with other students during Mix It Up Day at Quail Summit Elementary.

By Walnut Valley Unified

Quail Summit Elementary students joined the national Mix It Up at Lunch Day on October 28. The event provides students with an opportunity to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new.

And that’s just what they did! As the youngsters came out for lunch recess they visited three stations where parent volunteers passed out conversation starter cards.

“The best thing about today is that they are making new friends!” said parent Vivian Liao.

The cards had prompts like “Find someone who likes to play handball” and “Find someone who has ridden Space Mountain at Disneyland.”

After the boys and girls met a new friend that matched their inquiry, they received a puzzle piece, and a new card. When they earned four pieces to solve the puzzle, the kids received a green Mix It Up Day wristband, frozen treat, and hand stamp. They could also join the Cupid Shuffle dance party hosted by teachers Jessica Cabral and Erin Ruhl.

Several 5th graders volunteered to help with younger students during the primary grade lunch.

“I remember doing this in 1st grade!” recalled Asha Longsworth. She buddied up with second grader Whitney who liked being with her new big friend.

The innovative activity helps to create a school environment where respect and inclusiveness are core values. Quail Summit was designated as a Mix It Up Model School in 2013.

Diamond Bar couple engaged where it all began, Quail Summit

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Sometimes, you know from the first dance, the first kiss, that she is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Sometimes, it takes 17 years.

Michael Siacunco and Sarah Lin of Diamond Bar became engaged Friday night at Quail Summit Elementary. Not something you see every day in a public school.

Siacunco, an airman who works in systems engineering at Buckley Air Force Base outside of Denver, recently returned home for leave. He thought it was time for the next step in their relationship. His younger brother, Cody, pushed Michael to ask Sarah, now a cardiac unit nurse at UCLA Medical Center, to marry him.

“I thought it was time for all or nothing, the title of our first dance,” Michael said.

So the young man began his campaign to win over Sarah’s heart. Gathering his friends, Michael planned a special night that would remind her of their time together.

He recruited her friend to “hang out” with Sarah last Friday. The friend took her on some “errands.” They stopped at Chaparral, where friends held up a sign reminding her of the first kiss.

They stopped at Diamond Bar High, where other friends reminded them of their shared past, then the Diamond Bar Center, where the couple had spent so many hours talking about life.

Arriving at Quail Summit, Sarah started crying when she saw rose petals on the sidewalks lit by candlelight, with strings of lights on the railings. A movie screen showed a special video made by Michael.

Friends led her to the amphitheater, where Sarah had chased a little boy 17 years ago. “It was kind of blurred because I was crying so hard,” she said.

Read more in Rich Irwin’s story ENGAGED. 

Quail Summit school gets eight new trees in Diamond Bar

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Students took shovels to help plant a new tree at Quail Summit Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Walnut Valley Unified)

Students took shovels to help plant a new tree at Quail Summit Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Walnut Valley Unified)

The front landscaping at Quail Summit Elementary School now includes eight new trees planted this week. The lush green Japanese Maples, Camphor trees, and Australian Willows were made possible through a donation from the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society.

On March 11, the school held a ceremony attended by district and local officials to thank the non-profit organization.

“It is a great opportunity for the Quail Summit Elementary and the District to receive this generous tree donation from the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society and at the same time to educate our kids about the importance and meaning of tree planting for our future,” said Walnut Valley Unified School District Board Member Dr. Y. Tony Torng.

Quail Summit 4th and 5th grade student representatives joined the planting celebration. They drew pictures and wrote thank you cards for the event.

“It’s very important when someone gives you a gift that we say thank you,” said Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo.

Student Body President 5th grader Brianna Hernandez presented a poster and some fun facts about trees.

“With all the electronics we have in this era, sometimes it’s just nice to sit under a tree and read a book. I’m a proud to represent my fellow Quails to show that we care and love our trees. We appreciate your help and sponsorship in planting these trees and beautifying our school,” she said

Another Quail Summit student, 4th grader Kenzie Wilson, accompanied by 5th grader Mara Firtat, sang an original song about beautiful trees. Then all the students gathered around the last new tree and took planting with rich soil.

Lead Grounds Maintenance Worker Gene Kennebrew shared information about the species including it will grow to a towering 75’tall.

“This is a Camphor tree and these were originally from Eastern Asia. They were brought to Florida in about 1875. They are excellent for shade and have a nice aroma,” he said.

“We are very happy here today to have Quail Summit Elementary students join us for this great event. When we realize the benefit of the forest, the tree-planting ceremony is very important and meaningful for our society and work,” said William Shen, treasurer of the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation of North America, the organization that founded the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society.

Shen was presented with certificates from the Offices of Senator Bob Huff and Assemblyman Curt Hagman.

“We want to make sure you give us treats, but you walk away with your hands full too!” Dr. Hobbs said.

“I’m not sure if you know it or not, but Diamond Bar is a designated Tree City,” said Jody Roberto, Senior Field Representative for Senator Huff.

“And your school is contributing to that. You’re lucky to be at this beautiful school,” she said.