Husky Nation Highlights

On behalf of the entire Husky Nation staff, I would like to extend our condolences to those families impacted by the unprecedented and devastating fire weather of the last week. We are heartbroken by the sights and sounds of these fires on homes, schools and communities all across Los Angeles County.

We continue to learn about the impacts on our students and staff. Unfortunately, we are aware of impacts within our school community. As we learn more, we will mobilize efforts to support and assist these families. More information to follow.

Students, staff and families in the Monterey Highlands school community stand united and ready to support each other and those affected by this tragedy.

At this moment, we still intend to reopen on Monday, January 13, 2025, on a regular schedule. The day will be anything but regular but it's important to provide a sense of place and purpose for our students who are struggling with big feelings - fear, anxiety, worry, and confusion. It's also important to feel our feelings as adults - this is a real traumatic event and many adults are impacted, too.

Here are some updates on our reopening plans:

1. Cleanup - AUSD Facilities teams have been working around the clock to replace air filters on HVAC units and classroom purifiers. They have also worked to safely clean ash from surfaces, including inside classrooms.
2. Air Quality - We will run an Inclement Weather Schedule this week for as long as needed until air quality improves. Even after the inclement weather schedule ends, students are always welcome to stay indoors at the Cafetorium. Students and staff are strongly advised to wear a mask. Masks are available in the Health Office.
3. Staffing - Staff has been provided resources to check-in with students on Monday 1.13.25. AUSD will provide additional support staff to our site on Monday to ensure smooth school operations.
4. Food Service - Unfortunately, there will be no Breakfast served at 7:30am on Monday 1.13.25. Breakfast will be available at recess time. Early Breakfast will resume on Tuesday 1.14.25. There will only be one lunch entree option for the next few days as we transition back to daily food service.
5. Enrollment - We anticipate an increase in enrollment as students displaced from Pasadena Unified and other impacted areas resume attending school. We encourage everyone to welcome these new students and families during this difficult time.

In the midst of this difficult time, we still want to create a sense of some normalcy for our students, so AUSD and our school will resume with previously scheduled events for this week.

We're excited to announce that the Alhambra Board of Education will be recognizing several Husky Nation students on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 @ 4pm at the District Office in the Board Room.

Each season, the Board recognizes outstanding student achievement in a variety of activities. For Fall 2024, the Board will be recognizing:

• The 2024 Mock Trial Team for a stellar inaugural season and excellent performance in Round 1 of the LA County Mock Trial Competition
• The 2024 "Off and Away" Poster Contest winners - Abby Chen and Chloe Suh, both 5th graders at Highlands

The ceremony is open to the public. Husky Nation community members are welcome to cheer on and celebrate our students!

We can't wait to host our inaugural school-level round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee!!

The following students will compete in the live bee on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 1:30pm in the Cafetorium. This event is open to the public (no tickets) - seating is first come, first served.

Best wishes to our competitors! One winner from Grades 4/5 and one winner from Grades 6-8 will move on to District Level Spelling Bee competition!

Calling all mathletes, problem-solvers, and curious minds!

Date: January 15

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Monterey Highlands Cafetorium

Kick off the evening with our PTA Association Meeting from 5:30-6:30 PM (agenda available here), then dive into an exciting Math Night from 6:30-7:30 PM—brought to you in collaboration with Mathnasium of Monterey Park!

• Delicious Food & Refreshments
• Fun Math Games & Activities
• Awesome Prizes

Come for the numbers, stay for the fun! Let’s make math an adventure for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

Do you know a volunteer or staff member that has gone ABOVE AND BEYOND for PTA and your community? Nominate them for PTA Honorary Service Awards using this form by January 17, 2025.

Honorary Service Awards are designed as a unique way to publicly acknowledge both individuals and organizations for outstanding community service to children and youth in our community. There are several different types of awards and more information about each is provided at the nominations link above.

Recipients of the awards will be invited to Alhambra Council PTA Founders Day Dinner on April 11, 2025. We look forward to receiving your nominations!

Calling all passionate professionals and Tradespeople!

Monterey Highlands Elementary PTA is gearing up for an incredible 2025 Career Day, and we need YOUR expertise to inspire our students!

• Are you enthusiastic about your career?
• Do you have a unique story to share?
• We want a diverse range of speakers!

Join us in shaping young minds and broadening horizons. Whether you’re a scientist, artist, entrepreneur, or have a fascinating career journey, we want to hear from you!

Speakers will present to 4 classes for 10-15 minutes each, with 5 minutes reserved for questions. Career Day is targeted for our 3rd-8th grade students.

Date: February 21

Time: 8:00-10:30 AM

Interested in being a Speaker? Let us know by simply completing this Form. Let's empower the next generation together!

We are grateful for our volunteers. Here are some of our volunteer needs at this time:

Ongoing PTA Volunteer Opportunities

• Interested in speaking at our Career Day? Let us know by clicking here! (PTA)
• Interested in helping plan and organize our PTA events? Let us know by submitting your interest here! (PTA)

The Associated Student Body (ASB) oversees all fundraising and school activities at Monterey Highlands. The ASB Cabinet meets most weeks to review activity and fundraising requests.

Useful ASB Information:

• ASB Fundraiser Request Form
  
• ASB Approved Fundraisers

ASB produces our monthly Wonderful Wednesday virtual assembly. In the month of January, 3rd Grade teaches us how to show Perseverance. Our morning PA messages to start the week will also focus on this theme.

Our Wonderful Wednesday video is coming soon!

Please join Mr. B and our Leadership Team as we update 6th and 8th grade parents on current fundraising levels and progress towards goals. The meetings will be held virtually and recorded in case you can't make it.

• 6th Grade Parent Meeting - Mon 1/13 @ 5pm - zoom.us/my/mh.principal
• 8th Grade Parent Meeting - Mon 1/13 @ 6pm - zoom.us/my/mh.principal

• No Adventures on 1/15/25 - please pickup your child at dismissal
• Adventures Art Walk on 1/29/25 - in the Cafetorium, more info coming soon!

The Apollo Afterschool program publishes a newsletter periodically to update everyone on their fun and exciting programs. Enrollment is open!

Interested in the Options for Learning program? The state-funded preschool next door to us also has before and afterschool care options. Come by their Open House table for more information. Flyers are attached.

• 1/13 - Parent Meetings for Fundraising Updates - zoom.us/my/mh.principal
• 6th Grade @ 5pm, 8th Grade @ 6pm (both meetings will be recorded)
• 1/14 - AUSD Board of Education Meeting
• Student Recognition @ 4pm
• Board Meeting @ 6pm
• Location: 1515 W. Mission Rd, Alhambra, CA 91803
• 1/15 - NO ADVENTURES (Staff Training) - pick up your child at dismissal!
• 1/15 - Husky Nation Spelling Bee, Cafetorium, 1:15pm
• 1/15 - PTA Association Meeting + Math Night, Cafetorium, 5:30-7:30pm
• 1/16 - National History Day Info Session, Library, 4-5pm
• 1/20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - NO SCHOOL
• 1/22 - School Site Council Meeting on Zoom, 1:15pm
• 1/23 - Talent Show Rehearsals, Cafetorium, 2:30-4pm
• 1/23 - Safety Committee Meeting @ 3pm on Zoom
• 1/27 - Pupil Free Day for Staff Development - NO SCHOOL
• 1/27 - Adventures Day Camp, 8am-5pm
• 1/28 - English Learner Advisory Committee Meeting, Library, 8am
  
• 1/29 - Adventures Art Walk, Cafetorium
• 1/29 - Options Open House, Outside Gate 1, 12-3pm
• 1/30 - Student of the Month (Perseverance), Cafetorium, 8am
• 2/4 - AUSD Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
• 2/5 - Therapicasso Family Art Night, Cafetorium, 4:30-6:30pm
• RSVP required, more info to follow
• 2/7 - 8th Grade Individual and Panoramic Pictures

📥 Email: highlands@ausd.us
🌐 Website: www.montereyhighlandselementary.org
📍 Location: 400 Casuda Canyon Drive, Monterey Park, CA, USA
📲 Phone: (626) 570-6220