ABC Community Update
News from the ABC Unified School District: April 25, 2024
State of the District
Elementary Track Meet
Elementary school students from across the District were at Gahr High School on Saturday, April 20, 2024, participating in the Elementary School Track Meet. From long jumps to softball throws to 400-meter races, these students did their very best. Congratulations to all of those who participated in this year’s event.
Hawaiian Eagles SOAR While Learning About College
Teams from ABCUSD elementary schools gathered at Gahr High School on Saturday, April 13th, for this year’s Reading Olympics. The teams, made up of fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students, selected books to read from a list of 20 books and then had to answer questions testing their retention and understanding of the stories. After the results were in, the “Book Worms” from Gonsalves Elementary took home the Gold medal. Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s event.
Elliot Elementary Family Culture Night
News & Notes
ABCUSD Saves Over 24 Million Sheets of Paper Through Peachjar
This past Monday was Earth Day, where we celebrate all we are doing for our planet’s environment. We celebrated our use of Peachjar, the District’s online flyer distribution system, which has saved 24,950,200 sheets of paper and 2,994 trees since we launched the program. Click here to learn more about Peachjar.
Bulldogs Visit Long Beach State
The Burbank Elementary School Student Council, also known as "The Leaders of the Pack", recently visited CSULB today as part of the school’s college readiness program. The Bulldogs toured the campus, watched basketball practice, dined in the Student Union, and received a "swag package" of pencils, stickers, & pins from the University to encourage them in their academic studies. Students make this trip each year, giving them a glimpse at their possible future.
Congratulations, Ms. Leonardo
Let's all cheer for Ms. Sahsa Leonardo, Supervisor of College & Career Programs, who was recently honored as the Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 14. This recognition is a testament to Ms. Leonardo's dedication and her efforts to grow our CTE programs, such as dual enrollment, early college, and career pathways.
Student Musicians Learn!
Our music programs continue to grow and draw visitors. Recently, renowned composer Rossano Galante took time to work with the Gahr High School Wind Ensemble, giving them advice and taking questions from the student musicians. Dr. Jermie Arnold, Associate Director of Bands at Cal-State Long Beach, hosted Ross Academy’s advanced band, where the students interacted and learned from the CSULB Wind Symphony. Thank you to Mr. Galante and Dr. Arnold for supporting our student musicians.
Gahr Art Expo
Last week, Gahr High School’s multipurpose room was transformed into a vibrant showcase of creativity for the school’s Student Art Expo. The two-day showcase gave student artists the opportunity to share their exceptional works, ranging from intricate drawings and extraordinary paintings to stunning pottery. Students expressed their unique perspectives and artistic expressions with the school community, inspiring their peers, teachers, and families.
School’s In for Summer!
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
ABCUSD Hosts Dean of USC Rossier School of Education
Dr. Pedro Noguera, Dean at the USC Rossier School of Education, visited ABCUSD schools this week to learn more about our efforts in using Artificial Intelligence in the classroom and what we are doing for our English Learners. Dr. Noguera spent time at the District Office, getting insight into the District programs, before visiting Whitney High School and Hawaiian Elementary School. Thank you, Dr. Noguera, for visiting ABC!
Pathways to Success Scholarship
The ABC Education Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2024 Pathways to Success Scholarship. Established by the Giordano Family, the scholarship is open to current high school juniors or seniors who have completed or are currently enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway. Past Pathways to Success scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply. Click here for more information and to apply.
California State Board of Education Seeks Student Board Members
The California State Board of Education is the state’s policy-making body for academic standards for K-12 schools. The Board is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Student Board Member position. The Student Board Member plays a crucial role in representing the perspectives and interests of students across California in important policy discussions and decisions. This position offers a unique opportunity for a dedicated student to actively contribute to shaping the future of education in our state. Click here to learn more about this position.
Dates to Remember
April 30 - Strategic Planning Board Advisory Committee (6:00 p.m.)
May 7 - Board Meeting
May 21 - Board Meeting
May 27 - Memorial Day (No School)
May 29 - Last Day for 7th Grade Students (CMS, FMS, TMS, RMS)
May 30 - Last Day for Students
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.