
AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Message from the Superintendent
Dear AUSD Community,
Even though school is out for the summer, there is no slowing down across the Alhambra Unified School District. While many students and staff are enjoying a well-earned break, our campuses remain full of energy and excitement as we continue the important work of supporting learning, maintaining and improving our facilities, and preparing for a successful new school year.
Summer school programs are currently in full swing, offering students valuable opportunities for academic enrichment, credit recovery, and continued growth. Our dedicated educators and staff are working hard to ensure that every student participating in summer learning has the support and guidance they need to thrive.
Beyond the classroom, summer is also a critical time for the district’s construction and maintenance across our schools. Our team is busy refreshing classrooms, upgrading systems, and modernizing infrastructure. Everyday, our staff is hard at work ensuring our learning environments are safe, welcoming, and ready to meet the needs of every student when school resumes.
So much of what keeps our district running happens behind the scenes: planning new programs, hiring and training staff, ensuring payment to vendors and employees, upgrading systems, purchasing supplies and equipment, and refining curriculum. All of it continues during the summer months and are part of AUSD’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and to delivering the highest quality education possible for the students and families we serve.
As we approach the Fourth of July, I hope each of you finds time to reflect on the values that unite us as a nation: freedom, equality, and the promise of opportunity for all. Especially during times of division, it is vital that we recommit to the ideals of respect, understanding, and community. Public education is instrumental in nurturing these principles, and we are proud to do that work here in AUSD.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, meaningful, and celebratory Independence Day.
Warm Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Featured Event: Park School Spring Math Festival
Congratulations to Park School for a very successful Spring Math Festival! Seventh-grade Park students worked incredibly hard to put together this year's Festival. They collaborated in teams to create business proposals and then each team interviewed with Principal Gasca for approval. Staff members were given festival "cash" to participate as the students experienced the life of a business owner. There are many people who deserve appreciation for making the event such a huge success: teacher Jessica Tan, principal Carin Gasca, and the Park School PTA, and of course to the seventh graders themselves.
Staff Report Presentation Slides
Although these slidedecks give you an overview and basic information on thes 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 the PDF of Tuesday's staff report slidedecks.
ALL Parents: Please Complete the AIF!
Help ensure the Alhambra Unified School District receives the maximum amount of federal funds for our schools by completing the Alternative Income Form (AIF). The collection of household income information is a necessary step for AUSD to receive thousands of dollars in federal funds for the school your child attends. ALL families should complete the Alternative Income Form (AIF), irrespective of their household income. One AIF is needed for each student.
Scan the QR code, click HERE, download the flyer below, or visit www.tinyurl.com/AIFdirections for instructions to access the Family Portal to start completing your form for the 2025-2026 school year.
Technology Information
SMS/Text Messages Alerts
When you update the parent portal this summer, make sure to sign up for SMS/Text message alerts. The SMS/Text feature of our mass communication system (Blackboard) has significantly improved our communication capabilities, ensuring timely and efficient updates for our staff and families, especially during emergencies, but you have to make sure you have entered a cell number in the Emergency Messaging section for the system to alert. Click HERE to view our SMS/Text Frequently Asked Questions.
AUSD is Accepting New Students
Many people wait until summer to move. Have you noticed any new neighbors? If they have children, please make sure they know they can enroll them for the upcoming school year NOW. We are also accepting permits from families who live outside the AUSD attendance area. Visit the www.ausd.us for more information.
Information and Resources for Immigrant Families
We have put together many resources to support our immigrant families. Please click on the image or "button" below to visit our website and access these resources.
Independent Citizen's Oversight Committee - Accepting Applications NOW
The Board of Education of the Alhambra Unified School District is seeking qualified, interested individuals to fill two (2) vacancies on its independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (“COC”) for the District’s Measure HS and Measure AE school facilities bond programs.
Vacant Positions:
1) One member active in a bona fide taxpayers association
2) One member active in a business organization located in the district
Interested community members who live within the AUSD boundaries are encouraged to apply. Click HERE to review the committee bylaws and complete the application. Completed applications should be sent to the Alhambra Unified School District Office of the Superintendent.
Committee Responsibilities:
In accordance with Education Code Section 15278(b), the Citizens’ Oversight Committee shall:
• Inform the public concerning the District's expenditure of bond proceeds of Measure HS
and Measure AE.
• Review expenditure reports produced by the District to ensure that Measure HS and
Measure AE bond proceeds were expended only for the purposes set forth in Measure HS
and Measure AE, respectively; and
• Present to the Board in public session, an annual written report outlining their activities and
conclusions regarding the expenditure of bond proceeds of Measure HS and Measure AE.
If you have any questions, please call (626) 943-3330.
Facilities Update
The Facilities department attended its yearly asbestos and lead refresher training. The primary purpose of the training is to educate the team about the hazards associated with these substances, how to recognize them, and how to minimize exposure in the workplace.
The Custodial team attended their annual meeting at the start of summer break. The purpose of the meeting was to inform staff about important updates within the district, provide training on newly purchased equipment, and enhance communication and team collaboration. By holding these meetings, the Custodial team can ensure efficiency, maintain high cleaning standards, promote safety, and support the overall success of AUSD.
Garfield School's auditorium painting project is complete. Up next: the floor will be sanded down to its original wood, and a new finish will be applied. Once the floors are complete, the auditorium seats will be reinstalled and Garfield's auditorium renovation will conclude.
Before:
During:
After:
Construction Updates (Early Education Center Progress)
Ceiling grid with LED light fixtures and diffusers has been installed.
Storefront entry with exit signage and clock speaker has been installed.
Exterior plaster installation is nearing completion.
Perimeter Brick Wall - BEFORE Demolition
Perimeter Brick Wall - AFTER Demolition
LITTLE BITS OF GOOD NEWS & INFORMATION FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT
(Visit our social media platforms to see additional photos of many of these events/activities.)
The inaugural group of AUSD Communications Interns (ACI) were honored at the May 20th Board Meeting. This pilot year featured 12 talented Mark Keppel students who helped spotlight the many exciting things happening in AUSD through their photography, videography, and writing skills. AUSD will expand the ACI program to all three high schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Students interested in applying to the program should look for information when school resumes in August.
Last month, Northrup School held their Family STEAM Night. The Gladiators had yet another well-attended and well-received educational outreach event for their community! Thank you to Northrup School for making this such a wonderful event.
Ten current and former AUSD Student Advisory Council (SAC) members joined over 300 student leaders from across LA County for the 2025 Student Empowerment Summit at UCLA on June 20th. Led entirely by the LACOE Student Advisory Council, the event was all about Learning and Leading. AUSD’s own Gabby Wong (recent Mark Keppel graduate and a member of LACOE's SAC) played a key role as co-moderator of two panel discussions. Representing all three AUSD high schools at this summit were: Emily Huang, Jasmin Huang, Michelle Lim, Isabella Majeau, Mia Morales, Drexel Ngo, Keiko Rakin, Kevin Tang, Nancy Vo, and Angelina Yip.
In May, Martha Baldwin teacher Christina Kwon Loose was named AUSD's Teacher of the Year. The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) recently informed us that Mrs. Loose has been named one of the 26 Semi-Finalists for LA County Teacher of the Year! We are anxiously waiting to hear if she makes it to the next level, but we are already excited to know she is part of this elite group of some of the best teachers in the entire County! Congratulations, Mrs. Loose!
- Featured in this article by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning on adult SEL.
- Attended the SEL and Wellness Summit in May to further their learning.
- Earned the SEL Thriving School Award: Family & Community Engagement (gold badge).
- Featured on LACOE's newsletter and website.
Great job, Brightwood! Keep up the amazing work!
Featured YouTube Video
In an earlier issue, we shared that MKHS students (Nina Branicio, Natalie Chan, and Drexel Ngo) won first place in the Central District of California's Civics Contest. With Independence Day right around the corner, we thought it would be an ideal time to feature their award-winning video (When Duty Calls: Serving on a Jury), which reminds us all about one of our most important civic duties.
AUSD 2025 Summer Feeding Program
Free meals are being served Monday through Friday (10:30am - 11:00am excluding Mark Keppel High School @ 10:15am - 10:45am & San Gabriel High School @ 10:00am - 10:30am) at select campuses throughout AUSD. Anyone aged 18 and under may pick up a free meal at the locations listed on the graphic. For more information, please click HERE or on the graphic.
(Please Note: AUSD schools are closed on July 4th and there will be no meal service at any of the locations on that day.)
Click HERE for non-district sponsored activities from our local cities and community organizations.
Summer Meal Opportunities
In addition to meals through our Food & Nutrition Services department, the cities of Alhambra and Monterey Park are also offering FREE meals for ages 18 and under at select local locations. For more information, please click on each flyer.
Non-Profit Partner Organizations
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
The 12th annual Pumpkin Run is scheduled for Sunday, October 26th. Proceeds from this fun community event will benefit the Alhambra Educational Foundation. Register by August 31st to qualify for early bird registration prices.
For more information or to register, please visit: https://alhambrapumpkinrun.com.
Alhambra USD Employment Opportunities
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.org/alhambrausd. Make sure to check back often.
(Subscribe to Receive Automatic Updates)
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
- June 30: Extended School Year (ESY) for Special Education Ends
- July 3: High School Summer School Ends
- July 4: Independence Day Holiday (AUSD Schools/Offices will be closed)
- July 11: Elementary Summer School Ends
- July 15: AEF Theatre Camp Musical: The Little Mermaid Junior 2:00pm at MKHS (Flyer)
- July 16: AEF Theatre Camp Musical: The Little Mermaid Junior 5:00pm at MKHS (Flyer)
- July 18: AEF K-8 Summer Academy & Summer High School Ends (Flyer)
- July 22: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- July 25: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
- August 5: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- August 8: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
- August 12: First Day of School
- August 26: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- August 29: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
- September 1: Labor Day Holiday (AUSD Schools/Offices will be closed)
Student Calendar 2025- 2026 (Revised May 2025)
Please make sure to mark your calendar with the revised dates for the upcoming 2025 -2026 school year, including the first day of school, which will be Tuesday, August 12th.
(NOTE the change of the last day of school year!)
High School Athletics Calendars
Featured Event: South Korea Teacher Exchange
For the second year, AUSD educators were able to experience an amazing exchange trip to South Korea. This year, eight teachers spent time together exploring, experiencing, and learning about South Korean history, culture, education, and food! They also connected with South Korean educators and taught lessons at both an elementary school and a high school. They had an amazing time and created lasting friendships! We included information about their adventure as a "small spotlight" in the last issue of our newsletter, but wanted to feature more of their wonderful photos in this issue.
AUSD in the Media
Read about AUSD in these Local Community Papers
📰 FEATURED on the AUSD website (www.ausd.us): Press Coverage
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 (@AlhambraUSD) to keep up with the latest AUSD news. We are especially active on Facebook and Instagram. If you want our notifications/reminders to show up on your timeline, make sure to follow/like us!
About Alhambra Unified School District
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
Look for the next issue of "AUSD Connection" on July 25th!
Do you know anyone who would like stay up-to-date with AUSD news?
Alumni, retirees, family members (who are not the primary contact in PowerSchool), and local community members can receive future issues of this newsletter. Share this newsletter with them and have them click the "SUBSCRIBE" button below.
It's a great way to stay connected with AUSD! 💖