AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
This past Wednesday, our district celebrated Employee Appreciation Day, so it’s only fitting for me to take a moment to publicly acknowledge the care, compassion, and dedication of the 2,000 amazing individuals who make up “Team AUSD.” As I visit school sites, I am always filled with gratitude as I see our employees who teach and support our students and families to make this an unforgettable year.
In just one short week, our AUSD seniors will become AUSD alumni as they graduate from high school and move on to the next phase of their lives. As I extend my heartfelt congratulations, I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge how especially poignant this year’s high school graduations are. For most of these young men and women, this will be their first traditional graduation ceremony after having their eighth grade year cut short by the pandemic. I remember how disappointed our eighth graders and their families were as we had to transition to virtual ceremonies and drive-through celebrations. While their education journey may have been a difficult one, they showed strength and resiliency through the many challenges of their high school years, and I am looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments next week. I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2024 and am excited to see what they achieve as they move forward to college, careers, and beyond.
I hope all students, including our seniors, will reflect on the wonderful memories they have made this year, the lessons they learned, and the bonds they forged. Let’s finish up the final week of the 2023-24 school year on a positive note before we head off to the summer to rest, relax, and recharge!
Warm regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Please join us for our upcoming PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) Meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 6:45pm-8:00pm via Zoom.
Click on the image to download a PDF of the flyer with information in multiple languages or click HERE to join the Zoom meeting.
2024-25 Dual Language Immersion Program
We are still accepting applications for the 2024-25 TK-8th grade Spanish and Mandarin Dual Language Immersion programs.
This is your opportunity to give your child the gift of bilingualism and give them an advantage in the world.
Access detailed information on the AUSD website HERE and/or watch an informational video HERE.
Woodworking Awards Banquet
The 6th Annual AUSD Student Woodworking Awards Banquet was held on May 8th and recognized students for their technical competence, creativity, motivation and dedication in woodworking. The Richard Nicholson Award is the most prestigious award of the evening, and is awarded to just one student in the district who demonstrates all the qualities of all the awards. This year’s recipient is Avian Thai from MKHS. Please visit www.ausd.us/cte to find out more about Career Technical Education classes.
Automotive Technicians' Awards Night
The 55th Annual AUSD Automotive Technicians' Awards Night was held May 9th and recognized students for their technical competence, attitude, motivation and interest in the automotive field. Congratulations to all of our award winners! Please visit www.ausd.us/cte to find out more about Career Technical Education classes.
Educational Technology Resource Site
We are excited to share our updated Support Site for AUSD families. The site is filled with educational technology resources for all grade levels. You will also find information related to our 1:1 student device program. We believe that by empowering our students with the right technological resources and support, we are setting the foundation for a more engaging, effective, and inclusive learning environment.
Permit Applications for the 2024-25 school year
AUSD has moved our permit process to a new online permit system.
Parents who are interested in applying for a 2024-25 permit for their child can click HERE to begin the process.
We are so proud of our Dual Language Immersion students. They work hard to grow academically in two languages. On May 2nd, our Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program at Northrup School celebrated the 3rd and 5th grade DI students with their Biliteracy Program Participation Recognitions. If they continue progressing, they will earn the California Seal of Biliteracy when they graduate from high school. (Note: We'll share about a similar event for our Spanish DI students in the next issue.)
Congratulations to the following Los Angeles County Industrial and Technology Education Association (LACITEA) honorees:
Scholarship Recipients:
Professional Awards:- Ademar Saccone: High School Teacher of the Year, Engineering, MKHS
- Dr. Leann Huang: Administrator of the Year, Coordinator-College & Career Prep
Brightwood School took a team of teachers to the California SEL & Wellness Summit recently, thanks to the sponsorship through their LACOE CalHOPE SEL Focal School grant. Teachers Naomi Cruz, June Dojillo, Suzanne Hanson, and Melisa Lee along with principal Candace Griego had an amazing time learning, reflecting and connecting. AUSD Director Wendy Molina-Solis also joined them at the summit. Principal Griego also co-presented a session: "Growing HEART Skills: Lessons Learned on Adult SEL Development."
On May 1st, Alhambra High School held their "2024 Moor Decision Day" for the Class of 2024 seniors. In AUSD, we celebrate all of our seniors and the decisions they’ve made to go to community college, trade or vocational program, LIFT Adult Transition Program, a four-year university, military, and/or begin a career. To celebrate, there were games, crafts and also a photo booth for the students to enjoy.
Monterey Highlands Afterschool Adventures program hosted their 1st Annual Art Walk for the parents, guardians and community members on May 1st. The Adventures students from TK-6th grades showcased various artwork they developed. Students created water color paintings, built robotic sculptures, assembled paper mache, worked with clay, and even learned songs. A huge thank you goes to Ms. Iliana Avalos, Monterey Highlands Youth Specialist, and her Program Leaders for creating and nurturing an enriching environment for our students.
Recently, Baldwin School held their literacy night “Camp Read A Lot." The night was filled with fun reading, writing, and phonics activities for the students. Thank you to the Baldwin staff, because of you this was a wonderful evening for the students and an amazing turnout.
Mrs. Tammy Scorcia’s 4th & 5th grade students at Ynez School spent a month learning and discussing the positive ways they see themselves vs. how the world sees them. The process also included interviewing classmates and using positive adjectives to help expand their vocabulary and mindset. Thank you to Catalyst San Gabriel Valley for making this project happen through your generous grant.
Monterey Highlands PTA helped turn Husky Nation green for Earth Week, April 22nd – 26th. Thanks to funding from the Husky Run this year, the PTA has helped purchase soil, plants, gardening equipment, and more to help beautify the campus. PTA volunteers came in ahead of Earth Week to help weed and clear up the planter boxes and various areas around campus. Many of the "buddy classes" signed up and planted plants throughout the campus. The students had a great time gardening and will work to maintain their areas next year.
At MKHS, Mental Health Counselors Kathy Funes and Andrea Madrigal, with support from social work intern Raul Donate, are working to raise awareness about mental health and student wellness. On May 8th, their counseling team and site PBIS team members hosted a mental health awareness resource table during students' lunch time. Students were able to grab informational flyers with wellness tips, campus resources, and mental health hotline numbers. Several goodies and tools were given out to help support students' mental health and wellness.
Recently, Granada School held their first Classic Vintage Car Show. They had an amazing turnout, and made strong connections with their families and the neighborhood residents. The playground held 160 classic vintage cars, and students served as informal judges and voted for their favorite vehicle. In addition to the car show, there was live music, folklorico performances, informational booths and food vendors. As bonus, the $3,500 in car entrance fees were donated to Granada! Way to go Granada Lions!
Congratulations to Dr. Janice Phan, principal of Ynez School. Dr. Phan was announced at the last principals meeting as Alhambra Unified School District’s latest recipient of the “Excellence in Leadership" award, which is given to an AUSD principal who has demonstrated hard work, dedication, and leadership at her school and within the community.
National School Lunch Hero Day
On May 3rd, AUSD celebrated our amazing Food & Nutrition staff members, who work tirelessly to nourish our students' minds and bodies. Thank you to everyone who brought them coloring pages, cards/notes, and treats to make them feel extra special that day.
PTA News
Congratulations to all unit PTAs for their remarkable achievement in growing membership numbers. The Alhambra Council PTA has achieved its highest membership numbers in five years, setting an exemplary standard as the ONLY council unit in the First District PTA where all school board members have joined every PTA. Each new PTA member strengthens our community's bond and shared commitment to supporting education.
Alhambra Council PTA Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the 2024 Alhambra Council PTA Scholarship Award winners. These young scholars have each won a $750 Scholarship to use towards continuing their education: Andy Taing - Alhambra High School, Justin Wang - Alhambra High School, Kaitlyn Wong - Mark Keppel High School, Emilio Hernandez - San Gabriel High School, and Natalia Perez - San Gabriel High School.
AJ Wang Foundation Scholarship Opportunity
The AJ Wang Foundation Scholarship is for students attending community colleges in the Southern California areas (including Pasadena City College, East Los Angeles City College, or any of the other community colleges listed on the application). The application period is April 15th – June 1. Each recipient will receive $3,000 per year for up to three years (with $1,500 granted for each semester). For more information, go to: www.ajwangfoundation.org. Download the information and application below.
Apply today for Summer 2024 Admissions
West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is in partnership with Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is offering a 12-18 month Joint MA and Teaching Credential Program.
Apply today for the Summer 2024 Admissions. For more information, go to www.CGU/TEACHEREDUCATION or contact Jill Gulick at gulick_jill@ausd.us, (626)427-6206
Claim Your FREE CalKIDS Money!
Graduating Seniors: Many of you have $500 to $1,500 in your CalKIDS account already which can be used to support college or career training. Claiming an account and using the money is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Locate the high school senior’s 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which may be found on their school’s portal, report cards, or by asking their school.
- Check eligibility HERE.
- If eligible, claim your account at www.calkids.org.
Once the account is claimed, money can be used to pay for qualified higher education costs, such as tuition, fees, computers, books, and more. The funds can be used at eligible colleges, universities, vocational schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships.
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
AEF Summer Program
View the the summer program catalogs or get more information by clicking HERE.
Register at www.aef4kids.com or call 626-943-3080.
Adopt-A-Camper Program - PLEASE DONATE!
Our sixth graders had an AMAZING time at camp...several groups even got to enjoy some snow!
Please help Alhambra Unified School District and the Alhambra Educational Foundation to continue this new tradition by supporting the Adopt-A-Camper program. Use this LINK to donate. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Employees of the Year
Congratulations to this year's Employees of the Year:
- Manager of the Year: NELSON SANTOS, Director - Facilities & Transportation Service
- Educator of the Year: PAGE PHILLIPS, Department Chair - Visual and Performing Arts, Mark Keppel High School
- Classified Employee of the Year: JESUS MURILLO, Senior Custodian, Fremont School
Thank you, Student Advisory Council!
Under the leadership of Alhambra Unified School District's first-ever Student Board Member Justin Wang and Student Board Member Alternate Kaitlyn Cao, SAC met monthly with AUSD administrators and board members to discuss important topics and share feedback from their sites. They also represented AUSD at multiple community events and took on leadership roles at a variety of events and activities.
Prior to the Board Recognition, SAC shared this video of highlights from the 2023-24 school year. Many thanks to the SAC members who worked on the video, especially to MKHS ninth-grader Angelina Yip.
CONTACT US:
Website: www.ausd.us
Address: 1515 West Mission Road, Alhambra, CA, USA
Email: AlhambraUSD@ausd.us
Phone: (626) 943-3000
Facebook: @AlhambraUSD
Instagram: @AlhambraUSD
Twitter/X: @AlhambraUSD
YouTube: @AlhambraUSD