ABC Community Update
News from the ABC Unified School District: May 9, 2024
California Distinguished Schools Recognition
We recently shared that Cerritos High School, Gahr High School, Tetzlaff Middle School, and Whitney High School were named Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Last Friday, they attended a formal presentation of their awards, given to them by Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Carver Academy, which received a National Blue Ribbon award this year, was also recognized. Congratulations to students, families, teachers, and staff for earning this special recognition.
Cerritos High School’s You & Me Prom
ABC Adult School International Day
The ABC Adult School’s English as a Second Language Department celebrated International Day on May 3, 2024. This vibrant annual event honors the rich cultural diversity of ESL students, featuring dynamic performances and cultural exhibits. Over 20 countries were represented at display tables across the Cuesta campus, with students from Central America, China, India, Mexico, and South America showcasing their unique traditions through captivating performances. The event provided a colorful and immersive experience, highlighting the global mosaic of the Adult School’s community.
Congratulations Haskell Filmmakers!
Student filmmakers from Haskell Middle School demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical expertise, and language skills in their exploration of mental health through film. This project, a collaborative effort between the Broadcasting CTE Pathway and the English Language Development program, culminated in submissions to the 2024 Directing Change Program and Statewide Film Contest. Their film 'Student-Athletes Mental Health' earned an honorable mention, highlighting their talents. The celebration continued with a mini-film festival viewing party, where students and faculty alike admired their cinematic achievements. Soon, the students will go to a red-carpet screening of all the statewide winning films.
News & Notes
Thank You, Cerritos Acura
Join us in thanking Cerritos Acura for donating three engine blocks to our automotive programs at Artesia and Gahr High Schools. These engines give students opportunities to learn and grow as they gain valuable skills. We appreciate our partnership with Cerritos Acura for their consistent support of our automotive Career Technical Education pathway.
Nixon Celebrates Dads
With Father’s Day around the corner, Nixon Elementary School held its annual Donuts with Dads event, where students shared donuts and some fun with the father figures in their lives. This is the school’s way of recognizing and thanking those dads who are so supportive of the school and students.
Whitney Robotics Summer Camp
With summer around the corner, now’s the time to consider enrolling in summer programs like the Whitney Robotics RoboCamp. At RoboCamp, students learn all things robotics, from building a robot and facing the design challenges that come with it to using code to program the robot to complete tasks. The camp is a two-week program that runs from June 3 to 7 and from June 10 to 14. Learn more at robocamp.whitneyrobotics.org.
Mental Health Awareness Month
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health in our schools by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI joins the mental health community to reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment, and ensuring those who are struggling know they are not alone.
If you or someone you know wants to be connected to a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by ABC Unified School District:
Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
Visit www.caresolace.com/abcusd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Summer CTE Enrichment Program
The ABCUSD Summer CTE Enrichment Program is now open for enrollment. The program is open to 9th-11th grade students who are currently enrolled in a CTE pathway and to all 8th-grade students. It offers students the opportunity to gain industry knowledge and work-based experience. Space is limited, so submit your application today.
ABC Day of the Employee Celebration
Each May, ABC Unified School District proudly celebrates the Day of the Employee, uniting all special recognition days related to education into one grand event. Across the District, including at our District Office, festivities highlight the invaluable impact of our staff on our students—whether interacting daily or supporting behind the scenes.
This year, District Office staff were treated to a delightful breakfast and a fun performance by the talented students from Furgeson Elementary School's ABC EXCELS after-school program.
A big THANK YOU goes to all our staff members for your unwavering dedication and for making a difference in the lives of our students, families, and each other.
Secondary Summer School
Registration for Secondary Summer School 2024 is now open for students in grades 7-12. Summer academies will be held in person on the following campuses and dates:
Carmenita and Tetzlaff Campuses (incoming grades 7-8)
June 5 - July 3
Artesia, Gahr, and Tracy Campuses (incoming grades 9-12)
June 5 - July 11 (Summer Graduation July 11)
For additional information on courses offered, bell schedules, registration forms, upcoming parent meetings, and summer administration contacts, please see the website and flyers linked below.
ABCUSD Secondary Summer School Website
ABCUSD Middle School Summer Academy Flyer
May 7, 2024 Board Meeting Recap
Below is a recap of the ABCUSD Board of Education Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Students from Aloha Health Medical Academy led the flag salute
Dr. Crechena Wise was introduced as the new Principal of Cerritos High School
Equity Officer Mr. Blain Watson announced the winners of the Black History Month Art Contest
The Board recognized ABCUSD’s 2024 California Distinguished Schools: Tetzlaff Middle School, Cerritos High School, Gahr High School, and Whitney High School
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Joe Fraser shared a presentation about Tenured, Permanent, and Status Teachers
Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Dr. Carola Castro and Equity Officer Mr. Blain Watson shared a presentation about Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors, Inventors, and Leaders featured in ABCUSD TK-12 curriculum
Ashley Martinez and Natalie Velasquez, Student Board Representatives from Artesia High School, provided an update on the school’s activities, including the “I Apply to College” rally, report card night, Girl’s Soccer Championship, Grease the Musical, Senior Awards Night, “I’m Going to College” Dinner, and more.
The Board adopted Resolution 23-23, recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Board approved Revised Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 0430 - Comprehensive Local Plan for Special Education
The Board approved Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5141.3 - Immunizations
The Board approved a request to contract with Community Matters to provide a two-day in-person Safe School Ambassadors program training for 20-40 current 7th-grade students and 5-8 adults at Carmenita and Ross Middle Schools beginning in the Spring of 2024 through the 2024-2025 school year
The Board approved a request to contract with UCLA Science Project to provide approximately 180 3rd grade through high school science teachers with professional learning for the 2024-2025 school year and 100 K-12 teachers for the 2024 Summer Professional Learning
The Board approved a request to contract with Web Video Vision, Inc. to provide video production services for the ABC Adult School for the 2024-2025 school year
The Board approved the contract with MGT Consulting Group to conduct justification study services for the 2024-2025 fiscal year
The Board approved contracts with AirLab Environmental Consulting & Testing and Titan Environmental Solutions to provide hazardous materials testing services and consulting with an option to renew for up to four additional years after the initial contract year
The Board approved Bid Award ABC-1651 Bragg Elementary School Modernization to Spec Construction Co., Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder
The Board approved Bid Award ABC-1652 Artesia High School Access Control to DLRM Sys., Inc. DBA RM Systems as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder
The Board approved Bid Award ABC-1653 Demolition Work at Cerritos High School to Karcher Environmental, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder
The next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Dates to Remember
May 10 - ABCUSD Area Concert at Artesia High School (6:30 p.m.)
May 15 - ABCUSD Area Concert at Cerritos High School (6:30 p.m.)
May 15 - School Facilities Capacities & Declining Enrollment Ad Hoc Cmte (6:00 p.m.)
May 23 - Diversity, Unity, Equity Board Advisory Committee (6:00 p.m.)
May 23 - Finance & Audit Board Advisory Committee (6:00 p.m.)
May 21 - Board Meeting
May 22 - ABC Adult School Graduation (5:00 p.m.)
May 27 - Memorial Day (No School)
May 29 - Last Day for 7th Grade Students (CMS, FMS, TMS, RMS)
May 29 - Gahr High School Graduation (7:00 p.m.)
May 29 - Tracy High School Graduation (1:30 p.m.)
May 30 - Last Day for Students
May 30 - Artesia High School Graduation (7:30 p.m.)
May 30 - Cerritos High School Graduation (7:00 p.m.)
The ABC Community Update is a weekly e-publication
produced by the ABC Unified School District.
ABCUSD
16700 Norwalk Boulevard
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 926-5566
In 1965 the Artesia, Bloomfield, and Carmenita School Districts unified and became the ABC Unified School District. Today, the District serves over 20,000 Pre-K to 12th Grade and adult education students through its 30 campuses, adult school, and virtual academy. The District is home to some of the most awarded and recognized schools in California and serves the cities of Artesia, most of Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, as well as portions of Lakewood, Long Beach, and Norwalk.