ABC Community Update

News from the ABC Unified School District

November 3, 2022

Halloween Across the District

Over the past week, you could see dinosaurs, Pokemon, and princesses at ABCUSD schools as sites celebrated Halloween. From trunk-or-treats to costume parades to pumpkin carving, schools were full of smiles as students had fun celebrating. We hope everyone had a spooky-safe Halloween! Check out a fun video from Furgeson Elementary showing students competing in a book character pumpkin decorating contest.

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Another Successful Red Ribbon Week

Last week was Red Ribbon Week, where students were encouraged and reminded to live a drug-free lifestyle. Schools celebrated with special spirit days to drive home the message about making good choices. Schools are doing their part to ensure students learn about the dangers of drug use and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Filipino American Heritage Month Video

October was Filipino American Heritage Month - celebrating the rich history of the second-largest Asian American community in the nation: Filipino Americans! This month commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States when “Luzones Indios” came ashore near Morro Bay, California, in 1587.

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Nursing Nuggets

The latest edition of Nursing Nuggets - the monthly message from ABCUSD’s school nurses - is out. Learn about the flu and how it could impact students and families this season. The L.A. County Department of Public Health has reported one of the earliest flu seasons and is encouraging all to get the flu vaccine. Click here for the latest English and Spanish editions of the Nursing Nuggets.

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Gahr Field Tournament

Thirty-one marching bands from across the region will compete this Saturday at the 7th Annual Gahr Field Tournament. The recently installed new turf at Gahr High School’s Rants Stadium which will host the bands starting at 10:00 a.m. The Cerritos High School Regiment of Gold performs at 6:30 p.m., and the Gahr Marching Gladiators will perform in exhibition at 8:45 p.m. Click here to find more information, including the full schedule.

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120 Years of School Nursing

School nursing in the United States is celebrating 120 years of serving students. School nursing started on New York City’s Lower East Side by nursing pioneer Lillian Wald, and her work helped reduce student absenteeism and stop the spread of communicable diseases. What began then has become an important part of public education. Thank you to our school nurses.

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Pre Fall Break COVID-19 Test Distribution

The District will also 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 the link below: https://forms.gle/SWAEfVriQo2E2vBA6

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Turn Back Those Clocks

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back by one hour this weekend as daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 a.m. Although there is discussion in Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, a law has yet to be passed. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to help you deal with the end of daylight savings:

Go to sleep at your usual bedtime on Saturday night before the time changes
Wait until bedtime before adjusting your clocks on Saturday night
Set your alarm for Sunday morning at your usual wake-up time

According to experts, it can take up to a week to adjust to the time change.

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Statewide Test Scores Released

The California Department of Education recently released the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, scores for 2022. The results show a decline in English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy proficiency and Math performance across the state. ABCUSD scores show a slight decrease in overall scores in ELA/Literacy, 1.5 percent, and in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in Math, 6 percent. As noted in a recent presentation to the ABCUSD Board of Education, the District is taking steps to address the declining scores in ELA/Literacy. The District also provided an overview of our efforts to address Math at this week’s board meeting. The District has three overarching focus areas for this year - school safety, student well-being, and academic support for all students. Our efforts will align with giving teachers and staff the tools they need to help each and every student.

Board Meeting Recap

The ABCUSD Board of Education took the following actions and heard the following reports at its regular meeting held on November 1, 2022:

Students from Stowers Elementary School led the flag salute
Student Board Representatives from Whitney High School provided a report on school activities
The American Association of University Women, La Palma-Cerritos, gave a report on the Tech Trek Program
Maureen Conklin, ABCUSD Nutrition Services Manager, gave an update on the District’s Nutrition Services Program
A presentation about the CAASPP Math data was given by Mrs. Carol Castro - Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services, Dr. Beth Bray - Director of Elementary Curriculum, and Dr. Crechena Wise - Director of Secondary Curriculum
Approved community member and student appointments to Board Advisory Committees
Approved Resolution #22-37 - Intention to Grant a Partial Fee Acquisition and Temporary Construction Easement to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Approved a contract with PowerSchool Group, LLC, to conduct master schedule-building workshops for high school administrators
Awarded Bid ABC 1600 - Student Information Systems to Aeries Software
Approved Request for Proposal Award ABC 1601 - Topographic Surveying Services