Dear AUSD Community,

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Alhambra USD faced one of the most significant challenges in modern education…the sudden closure of all our schools and the transition to Distance Learning as the entire world responded to the global pandemic. Those early days of COVID-19 were filled with fear and uncertainty, but what also stands out to me is the strength, determination, and resiliency of our students, families, and staff members.

Our return to normalcy was slow and methodical, but always guided by our unwavering commitment to our students’ well-being and success. Along the way, we learned valuable lessons about adaptability, perseverance, and the power of community. As we hit this five-year-milestone, I reflect on those unprecedented times and what we all faced together. Those shared experiences have strengthened us, and have proven that no matter what challenges come our way, we can overcome them together.

Now, as we move forward, we find ourselves in a season of renewal and growth. With the recent shift to Daylight Saving Time and the much-needed rains, we are reminded that spring is almost here. This season serves as a reminder that even after the toughest storms, brighter days always follow.

As spring break approaches at the end of this month, I encourage everyone to take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy well-deserved time with family and friends. The latter part of the school year always seems to fly by and the coming months will be filled with exciting milestones and accomplishments.

Thank you for all you do to make AUSD a place of learning, growth, and support. Enjoy your break, and let’s finish this year strong!

Warm Regards,

Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Our Student Support Services team put on another amazing Family STEAM Night on February 26th! Thank you to everyone who took part in the evening. We hope our third, fourth, and fifth graders (and their families) had an incredible time learning about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), speaking to the various organizations, and watching our Middle School Honor Band perform. We love this new annual tradition and hope to make it even bigger and better next year!

(Photos: AUSD Communications Intern Madeline Nguyen)

Although these slide decks give you an overview and basic information on these topics, we encourage you to attend our BOARD MEETINGS and listen to the detailed staff reports as they are presented to the Board. Click on the images below to access PDFs of Tuesday's staff report slide decks.

Please join us for our next Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, which will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025 (6:45pm-8:00pm) via Zoom.

Click below or on the image to download a PDF of the flyer in multiple languages, with a clickable link to attend the Zoom meeting.

If you haven't signed up for SMS/Text messages, make sure to do so before the next emergency! The January windstorm/fire events and school closures spotlighted the importance of this system in helping us keep families and staff members informed. We added the SMS/Text feature to our mass communication system (Blackboard) in August 2024. This enhancement has significantly improved our communication capabilities, ensuring timely and efficient updates for our staff and families, especially during emergencies. We have appreciated your patience as we transitioned to this new notification tool and hope to see even more families sign up.

Click HERE to see our SMS Community Frequently Asked Questions.

• All AUSD 9th-12th grade families are invited.

• Learn how to find the right college by exploring factors such as academic programs, campus culture, and personal fit.
• Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
• Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm (via Zoom)
• RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/AUSDecp0409 (Zoom link will be sent via email after you RSVP)
• Translation available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, & Vietnamese.

Incoming 9th Grade Students and Families

Attend our information session & learn more about the unique pathways we offer, Summer Opportunities for students, and our exciting new Associate of Arts (AA) Degree Pathway. (Translations will be available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, & Vietnamese.)

In Person Informational Session

Thursday, April 10, 2025

6:00pm-7:00pm

Mark Keppel HS Cafeteria

RSVP Link: http://tinyurl.com/AUSDECP25

Join CTE at the AUSD Career Fair 2025! This event is open to all AUSD students and their families. Explore a wide range of career options, learn about industry trends, and discover exciting opportunities in internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships. Don't miss the chance to connect with local professionals and gain valuable insights into various career paths.

Date: Wednesday, April 16th

Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Where: Alhambra High School Gyms - 101 S. 2nd St., Alhambra (Entrance on 4th St. between Main St. & Commonwealth. Street parking will be available)

As immigration policies continue to change, AUSD remains deeply committed to providing a welcoming, secure, and inclusive learning environment for every student, no matter their immigration status. We want to reassure our families that every child has the right to a public education, as protected by federal and state laws. This right is unwavering, regardless of a student's or their family’s immigration status.

Our Student Support Services and Educational Services Team has prepared a website with information and resources to support our immigrant families. This site will be updated as we receive as we receive additional resources. Click below or HERE to access the site.

The Maintenance team completed placing long jump rubber pads at San Gabriel High School.

The Maintenance team demolished the cabinetry and non-functioning sink and capped all existing plumbing in the A-building Multipurpose room at Alhambra High School. Next, the area will be patched and painted, and floor tile will be installed.

Completion of the Alhambra High School Marquee:

Scanlon Early Education Center progress updates:

(Photos: AUSD Communications Intern Katelyn Anguiniga)

Have you voted yet? Help determine the San Gabriel Valley's BEST! Last year, AlhambraUSD was voted BEST School District and FAVORITE Workplace! Additionally, every AUSD school was voted as either Best or Favorite in their category! The Alhambra Educational Foundation was also named BEST Non-Profit Organization!

CAN WE DO IT AGAIN? Vote HERE no later than SUNDAY, March 16th at 11:59pm!

(Note: You must make at least FIVE selections to submit your vote.)

ED BUZZ LA COUNTY 🐝 is a show by the Los Angeles County of Education that “explores the groundbreaking initiatives, inspiring stories and innovative practices that are shaping the future of learning right here in Southern California.”

Recently, Alhambra High School coach Jose Sanchez and two of his standout students, Cesar Gonzalez and Kenneth San, from the Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon championship team were the featured guests on this show. LACOE Executive Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Elizabeth Graswich, interviewed them as they shared about how being involved in Academic Decathlon has helped them learn about life and bond as a team. (Watch other episodes of Ed Buzz Los Angeles HERE.)

Food and Nutrition Services is excited to announce its new INTERACTIVE ONLINE MENUS for each school in the Alhambra Unified School District.

Please check out the many great features, including nutritional information, calorie/carb/fat trackers, allergen alerts, and much more!

Scan the QR code or click HERE to access the online menu.

Click HERE for a list of non-district sponsored activities from our local cities and community partner organizations.

AUSD Elementary School students attending a school in Alhambra are invited to participate in the Student Art Contest to inspire the design for the City of Alhambra's 2026 Tournament of Roses Float! Artwork must relate to the 2026 theme "The Magic In Teamwork", a tribute to the strength, resilience and connection that arise when we come together no just in grand achievements but in everyday moments of support, encouragement and shared success. Submissions are due Thursday, March 20, 2025. Click HERE for more information and the contest entry form.

Therapicasso and Mark Keppel Artists are proud to announce a student-created Art Exhibition: "Unraveling the Soul", which will run from March 21st -June 15th. Join them for their Opening Night Reception at Blossom Market Hall - Upstairs Art Gallery (264 S Mission Dr., San Gabriel) on Friday, March 21st at 6:00pm (Opening Reception begins at 6:30pm).

Please RSVP TODAY if you would like to attend the reception (scan the QR code on the flyer or by clicking HERE). For questions or additional information, email Ms. Jenny Tang (tang_jenny@ausd.us) or Therapicasso (therapicasso@gmail.com).

The AUSD/ATA Food Pantry needs your help to restock its shelves after our big January distribution. Your donations will support struggling families in our community, including staff and students who were impacted by the fires.

Please call (626) 289-1933 or email (ataoffice303@gmail.com) to arrange for a drop-off during ATA's office hours. Thank you for your donations!

Please make plans to join the Alhambra Council PTA at their Annual PTA Founders' Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction. This year's Founders' Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on April 11, 2025, 6:00pm at the Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel Hotel. Please contact your local PTA to purchase tickets.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will support essential ACPTA activities, including the Reflections Art Program, scholarships for our graduating high school seniors, and the newly-introduced scholarships for our promoting elementary school 8th graders.

The Asian American Association has already calendared next year's Lunar New Year Banquet.

Mark your calendar and plan to join AAA on February 27, 2026 as they celebrate the Year of the Horse!

They are already making plans to make 2026's banquet even bigger and better!

Once again, the Alhambra Educational Foundation put on a spectacular Gala on March 1st as they celebrated the 2025 "Service to Education" Award Winners. Everyone had a wonderful time while helping to raise funds for the important work of AEF.

Photos: AUSD Communications Interns Madeline Nguyen and Hayley Wong.

Our sixth graders had an AMAZING time at camp last year...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.

The Alhambra Latino Association (ALA) 2025 Scholarship Applications are now available! This scholarship is open to Alhambra USD seniors who identify as Latina/o/x and plan to enroll in post-secondary education in the fall of 2025. Winners will be selected from each AUSD high school. Scholarshop applications packet are due TODAY, March 14, 2025 to submit their application packets. Click HERE to apply.

Please join the Alhambra Latino Association at their Scholarship Awards Dinner & Dance. This year ALA will be honoring Alhambra High School Teacher Joshua Moreno and AUSD High School scholarship recipients. The dinner & dance will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 5:30pm at Almansor Court in Alhambra. To RSVP click HERE. Deadline to RSVP is April 19th.

Congratulations to our March 2025 Game Changers: Stephanie Hardy, Certificated Game Changer from Mark Keppel High School and Cynthia Maciel, Classified Game Changer from Repetto School. Nominate a deserving certificated or classified employee to be a Game Changer HERE.

Be a part of the AUSD Team! Please click HERE for full-and part-time positions. We have competitive salaries and excellent benefits! AUSD posts all job opportunities at EdJoin.com/alhambrausd. Make sure to check back often.

https://www.ausd.us/apps/events/

• March 15: MKHS Theatre Production of AVENUE Q School Edition 2:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• March 16: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• March 19: Open House Night (Repetto TK-8; See LIST of dates and times)
• March 22: ALA Celebrating Our Cultures 11:00am-1:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• March 23: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• March 24: Parent Advisory Committee 6:45pm-8:00pm (Flyer, Link)
• March 26: Open House Nights (Baldwin, Fremont, & Ynez; See LIST of dates and times)
• March 27: Open House Nights (Emery Park, Garfield, Granada, Marguerita, Monterey Highlands, LIFT, Alhambra High School, & Mark Keppel High School; See LIST of dates and times)
• March 31: Cesar Chavez Day (All Schools & Offices are Closed)
• March 31-April 4: SPRING BREAK (All Schools are Closed)
• April 7: SBAC Testing Starts (Specific schedules vary by school sites)
• April 8: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
  
• April 9: College & Career Workshop: College Search-Finding the Right Fit 7:00pm-8:00pm via Zoom (Flyer, RSVP)
• April 10: Open House Night (Moor Field Preschool; See LIST of dates and times)
• April 10: Early College Program Information Session for Incoming 9th grade students and families at Mark Keppel HS Cafeteria 6:00pm-7:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• April 11: SGHS Drama Spring Musical of Beetlejuice Jr. 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 11: Alhambra Council PTA Annual Founders' Day Awards Dinner 6:00pm-10:00pm (Flyer)
• April 11: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
• April 12: SGHS Drama Spring Musical of Beetlejuice Jr. 2:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 13: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• April 16: AUSD Career Fair 2025 at Alhambra High School Gyms 5:30pm-7:00pm (Flyer)
• April 16: Mandarin DI Booster's Lunar New Year Night Market at Northrup School 3:00pm-6:00pm (Flyer)
• April 16: Open House Night (Park TK-8; See LIST of dates and times)
• April 16: SGHS Drama Spring Musical of Beetlejuice Jr. 5:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 17: SGHS Drama Spring Musical of Beetlejuice Jr. 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 18: AHS Drama Spring Musical of SWEENEY TODD School Edition 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 18: SGHS Drama Spring Musical of Beetlejuice Jr. 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 19: AHS Drama Spring Musical of SWEENEY TODD School Edition 6:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 20: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• April 25: AHS Drama Spring Musical of SWEENEY TODD School Edition 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 26: AHS Drama Spring Musical of SWEENEY TODD School Edition 11:00am (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 26: AHS Drama Spring Musical of SWEENEY TODD School Edition 6:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• April 27: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• April 29: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
• May 2: ALA Scholarship Awards Dinner and Dance 5:30pm-10:30pm (Flyer, RSVP)

Alhambra USD Open Houses continue through May.

You can download a list of all AUSD Open House dates/times (see below).

Principals/teachers will send out more information as your child's Open House approaches.

Student Board Member Keiko Rakin (AHS junior) and Student Advisory Council Member Kevin Tang (SGHS sophomore) were invited to represent Impact Teen Drivers and the State of California as panelists at the 2025 National Lifesavers Conference on March 10th in Long Beach. (Lifesavers is the largest Roadway Safety Conference in the Country!)

They joined students from three other states for a featured session, Student Changemakers: Leading the Charge for Safer Schools and Communities. They were impressive as they shared their youth-led projects and initiatives to promote a culture of safe driving, riding, and active transportation. At the end of their session, they received a standing ovation! 👏 Congratulations to both Keiko and Kevin!

Alhambra Unified School District is often featured in local media (print and television news). Click below to access some of our favorite stories, featuring AUSD students, staff members, schools and programs!

Do you have something newsworthy to share? Click on the Publicity Request button so we can spread the word!

Please visit us on social media to keep up with the latest AUSD news. If you want our notifications/reminders to show up on your timeline, make sure to follow/like us!

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

Alumni, retirees, family members (who are not the primary contact in PowerSchool), and local community members can receive future issues of this newsletter by clicking on the "SUBSCRIBE" button below. It's a great way to stay connected with AUSD! 💖