ABC Community Update

News from the ABC Unified School District

October 27, 2022

A Message from School Board President Mrs. Yoo

School Board President Soo Yoo provides some thoughts on ABCUSD and the safety of students.

Celebrating Diwali at Gonsalves Elementary

Last week, Gonsalves Elementary School held its 2022 Diwali celebration. After having been a virtual event for the past few years, students were glad to celebrate in person this year. The celebration, organized by the school’s Indian Parent Group, showcased student performances and traditional food. Diwali, the biggest holiday in India, is the “Festival of Lights,” celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Happy Diwali and Namaste!

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ABC Principal Named 2022 Distinguished Principal

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) recently named the National Distinguished Principals for 2022. Among the only 38 public school principals recognized was Dr. Eveline Huh. Dr. Huh was the Principal at Willow Elementary School up until recently, when she was named the Director of Child Development & Special Programs at the District Office. During her time at Willow Elementary, the school saw sustained gains in state assessments, decreased suspensions and absenteeism, and an improved school culture. The school was also recognized as a top school in L.A. County for closing the achievement gap for Latino students. Congratulations, Dr. Huh!

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Sheriff’s Waring About Fentanyl and Halloween

Recently, the L.A. County Sheriff’s seized about 12,000 suspected fentanyl pills hidden in candy boxes. Skittles, Sweetheart, and Whopper candy boxes were filled with the dangerous opioid. With Halloween approaching, Sheriff’s are asking families to check the candy their children have collected to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you do find anything suspicious, please contact local law enforcement.

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Pre-Fall Break COVID-19 Test Distribution

The District will hold COVID-19 test distribution events the week before Fall Break on November 15 and November 17. While it is not required for students to test prior to returning from Fall Break, if you would like to pick up an Antigen Test Kit for your student(s) to use prior to returning from Fall Break, please complete the form using this link: https://forms.gle/SWAEfVriQo2E2vBA6

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Whitney Students Recognized by City Councilmember

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cerritos City Councilmember Frank Yokoyama presented certificates of appreciation to the cabinet members of the Whitney High School Association of Latin-American Students for their efforts. He said, “This month is a time to appreciate and celebrate Hispanic heritage and our community leaders like these fine students.”

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ABC Mechanic Salutes WWII Veterans

Veterans Day is quickly approaching - a day where we celebrate those who have served our country, many fighting far from home to make the world a better and safer place. We all celebrate Veterans differently, and one ABCUSD mechanic, Rene Palomo, went over and above. Recently, he was involved in the “Honor Flight,” where Vets from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are flown to Washington, D.C., to attend a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. Mr. Palomo served as a guardian, helping 36 Vets travel across the country. Of the Vets he accompanied, 25 served in Vietnam, eight served in Korea, one served in both World War II and Korea, and one served in World War II. Thank you, Mr. Palomo, for giving back to those who gave so much to our nation.

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ABC Was Shaking Out (Not Really)

What would happen if an earthquake struck Southern California? How would schools respond? Last week, schools from across ABCUSD participated in the Great ShakeOut. Students and staff dropped, covered, and held during a simulated earthquake. Schools then reported to the District Emergency Operations Center via radio. We’re pleased to report that students did well and that our schools are prepared.

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Cerritos Optimist Club Supports ABC Families

ABCUSD supports students and families in need through the ABC Cares Community Resource Center located at Fedde Middle School. The Center provides clothes, shoes, school supplies, and other items free of charge for those in need. For the past year, the Cerritos Optimist Club, one of the region's longest operating service clubs, has been helping to support the Center with an ongoing donation. Last week, Optimist Club members visited the Center, taking a tour of the facilities. The District thanks the Cerritos Optimist Club for its ongoing support of students and families.