Message from the Superintendent
Dear AUSD Parents,
We all rely on technology on a daily basis. But I think we can all agree that, with all the positives technology has brought us, there have also been many negatives. Among these negatives are the ability to share/post “anonymously” and how quickly inaccurate rumors can spread. With that in mind, we are calling on all parents to partner with us and help reduce the understandable fear that comes along with some of these anonymous posts.
Recently, we have seen an increase in social media posts threatening harm to individuals or groups at our schools. We take every single threat seriously and investigate them immediately. Our local law enforcement agencies determine the credibility of the threat and the identity of the posters. Disciplinary and legal consequences are issued and we work closely with the families to ensure these incidents are not repeated.
Even when the threats are not credible, they can cause enormous amounts of stress and anxiety to our school community. They also take away school, district, and law enforcement personnel from their other important duties. We need parents to closely monitor their child’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online and the fact that they are never 100% anonymous. If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, please take screenshots of the posts, and then immediately report the information to the school office and/or law enforcement. Allowing children to be unmonitored on social media platforms also makes them vulnerable to criminal and predatory activities. We need to work together to keep our children safe wherever they go, including when they are interacting virtually.
We know there have been some concerns regarding the recent lockdowns, and wanted to share some reminders with you regarding school safety. Please review the section BELOW regarding school safety, and communications during lockdowns.
Thank you for working in partnership with the District, and helping us focus our efforts back onto the important work of helping students to thrive academically, socially, and mentally.
Have a happy and safe Halloween. We hope our students will enjoy their long weekend!
Sincerely,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Superintendent
P.S. In light of the recent reporting of Fentanyl-laced pills being disguised in candy boxes, I'd like to remind parents to be extra careful and to check their children's Halloween candy to make sure it is in its original packaging and does not look suspicious.
Be on the lookout for a Blackboard-Connect message about participating in one of our focus groups. If you have questions, please click HERE.
To access a copy of this document with information about the California Dashboard, please click HERE.
Steve Padilla, LA Times senior editor, is a proud AHS alumni. He recently returned to his alma mater to lead professional development sessions for AHS English teachers. He is also presenting writing workshops to students at AHS, MKHS, and SGHS.
AHS Thespians proudly present: Elephant's Graveyard -- the tragic true story of Mary the Elephant on November 17th, 18th, and 19th. Get tickets HERE ($15 adults and $12 students)
Ynez eighth-grade teacher Ms. Jessica Arthur, and three students (Katrina Truong, Lena Tran, and Zhuo Er Wang) attended the Girls Steam Empowerment Conference to participate in a variety of hands-on, engaging STEAM activities and attend panel discussions led by women leaders in STEAM careers.
Thank you to all the students and parents who attended the 15th annual AUSD College Fair. We hope you enjoyed the many informative workshops and were able to speak with representatives from the 50+ schools/programs who were there. It was a HUGE success, with over 1,000 people in attendance! Congratulations to all the counselors and Career Technical Education staff who worked so hard to put on this incredible event!
As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, Karyn Grass Chen (author & parent of a Northrup 3rd grader) visited K-2 classrooms at Northrup School to share her book, MANDY DOES MEAN THINGS. This story teaches students about kindness, acceptance, and overcoming struggles. The message of the book also empowers students to say NO to bullies and opens up important conversations about UNITY.
Congratulations to AHS Speech and Debate Coach Kevin Tong. Mr. Tong was recently awarded his 4th Diamond Award by the
National Speech & Debate Association. Diamond coach awards reflect a coach's excellence and longevity!
AUSD's "Team All Fired Up" WON the 2022 California School Nutrition Association's Trayed Competition. This contest is a fun, live competition -- similar to the Food Network TV show Chopped. Congratulations to Dwayne Dionne, Roxanne Venegas, and Rudy Molino! Here's a VIDEO of Duane describing their winning entry.
Over 200 SGHS students, staff members, and parent volunteers participated in their Campus Beautification event. They joined together on a recent Saturday to paint, landscape, and clean the campus! The event was hosted by SGHS' ASB, the Center for the Pacific Asian Family, and The Mission Continues.
Brightwood School presented a plaque to the Monterey Park Fire Department in recognition of their partnership with their STAR Student celebrations during the pandemic, which helped Brightwood earn a 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award.
DEADLINE EXTENDED: California has extended the Alternate Income Form (AIF) deadline. You now have until Friday, November 18th at midnight to submit the information through the Parent Portal and help your child's teacher earn additional classroom supply funds. A big part of our site and district funding is allocated based on the data from the AIFs, so we need everyone to fill it out, please. REMINDER: You must fill out the form for EACH child in your family.
The Alhambra Teachers Association's Food Pantry will have three distributions this month. The need is even greater around the holidays. If you are able to make a donation to the pantry, please call (626) 289-1933.
Alhambra Educational Foundation
Registration for the October 30th Pumpkin Run has closed, but you can still participate in all the fun events on Sunday, including the fun (and free) Hallowscream Festival. Pumpkin Run proceeds benefit AEF, so please cheer on the runners and thank them for supporting AEF! Even if you are not running on Sunday, you can donate to AEF through their WEBSITE.
Alhambra Latino Association
ALAs "Celebrating our Cultures" event has been postponed and will no longer be happening on November 5th. It will instead be held in the spring of 2023. To be a vendor, performer, or sponsor of this event in spring, send an EMAIL to ALA. Please visit ALA's WEBSITE to stay informed about news and updates of their events and scholarships.
About AUSD
Email: AlhambraUSD@ausd.us
Website: www.ausd.us
Location: 1515 West Mission Road, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626) 943-3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alhambrausd
Twitter: @alhambrausd