Message from the Superintendent
Dear AUSD Parents/Guardians,
Every day our world seems to become increasingly dependent upon technology. The level of technological advances and their impact on our day-to-day existence are nothing short of miraculous. Think about it, three years ago this week, we transformed our entire instructional program to be delivered virtually, allowing students to attend school from the safety of their homes. Today virtual learning may appear routine as our students regularly engage in online activities as part of their daily lessons, but prior to the pandemic, it was unthinkable. As I ponder all of the possibilities that come with technology, and think about the additional transformations still to come, I can’t help but be reminded of the responsibility we all have to ensure that our students understand how to use technology safely.
Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) has a “Student Responsible Use Policy for Technology,” which is outlined in detail in the AUSD Parents and Students Handbook 2022-2023 on page 65. This policy was designed with student safety in mind, and noncompliance with this policy can compromise your child’s safety when they access the internet with their District device.
Your child’s principal will be sending a separate message to you with specific things you can do to help ensure our students are using technology appropriately. We thank you in advance for monitoring your child’s computer usage and for supporting a safe and productive educational experience for your child and other students in the Alhambra Unified School District.
I’d like to spend a little bit of my message in this issue singing the praises of Janet Lees, our assistant superintendent of educational services. Last night, I had the pleasure of joining her as California Assemblymember Mike Fong named her as a 2023 Woman of Impact for the 49th District. I can’t think of anyone more deserving! She has been a true champion of AUSD children and colleagues for over four decades, and her impact ripples out across the district and the San Gabriel Valley community.
Here’s a little background about Janet Lees: She is the child of Japanese immigrants. Her mother lived through the nuclear bomb in Hiroshima and her father survived U.S. internment during WW2. This legacy inspired Janet to make collaboration the centerpiece of her leadership approach, making sure every perspective is heard, no matter how challenging the issue. Janet’s gift for uncovering creative, human-centered solutions is captured in her mantra, “the answer is in the room,” and achieved through high levels of trust.
Janet goes the extra mile to make the impossible happen on a regular basis. Moving mountains is one of her talents. Fostering a culture of harmony is another. Janet’s magic is her ability to see possibilities where others do not. We are so fortunate to have her as part of the AUSD family. I am proud to call her my colleague and my friend.
In partnership,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Congratulations to Mark Keppel High School on the occasion of their MKHS Dream Center Grand Opening on March 3rd!
We're excited for the students to have this safe space to get support and help from caring peers and adults. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to get the Mark Keppel Dream Center up-and-running!
Ramona School's 7th-grade classes held a launch of their PBL (Project-Based Learning) activities that will focus on a deep dive into health conditions and diseases. Students will study genotypes, phenotypes, genetics...and much much more! We can't wait to see them showcase their learning later this spring!
Congratulations to Mark Keppel High School students who had an amazing SkillsUSA regional contest this year! MKHS had a record 89 students compete in regional contests this year with 21 students winning medals and 39 students qualifying for state! The final total was: SIX Gold medals, SEVEN Silver medals, and EIGHT Bronze medals. Kudos to the incredible students, and to their equally amazing advisors who spent countless hours training them! To see a list of the winners, please click HERE.
In honor of Women's History Month, Fremont School invited local women leaders from the community to present to their students. Last week, Fremont welcomed Alhambra Mayor Adele Andrade Stadler, Alhambra Councilmember Sasha Renee Perez, Alhambra USD School Board President Kaysa Moreno, and AUSD Director of Equity & Accountability Dr. Lily Jarvis.
Ramona School recently celebrated their English Learner students who met all the requirements to be redesignated!
Congratulations to all of the hard-working students, and to the families, teachers, and staff members who helped them improve their English and academic skills!
Brightwood School is creating a powerful cohort of leaders through its PLUS (Peer Leaders Uniting Students) Team, with guidance from their advisor Michelle Kanemori. PLUS is a student leadership group that will help determine critical negative issues on campus and create activities to counteract them. Schools throughout Alhambra Unified School District will be developing PLUS Teams, but Brightwood is proud to get their team off the ground early -- it will be an important piece of their PBIS and positive school culture.
Congratulations to Mark Keppel High School junior Zenina Adao! This past Saturday, Zenina was named the runner-up at the Los Angeles County POETRY OUT LOUD competition. Every year since 2005, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation works with thousands of schools and organizations nationwide to bring students a unique way to learn and love poetry. Through Poetry Out Loud, students read, memorize, and recite classic and contemporary poems. We're proud of all the students who worked so hard to prepare for this competition, and thrilled that Zenina was recognized for her amazing oratory and interpretation skills!
Parents are invited to join us at our FINAL Parent Community Conversations session. The superintendent and the Board of Education would love to hear directly from you to help guide their plans for the future. These meetings are held via Zoom. Parents can sign up HERE. (NOTE: We are also accepting sign-ups for our last STUDENT Community Conversation through Sunday night. Students can sign up HERE.)
AHS: Zombie Prom
Alhambra High School Thespians are bringing musical theater back from the dead with their spring production of ZOMBIE PROM, a high-octane Off-Broadway hit musical!
This 1950’s rock comedy plays for five performances, starting April 14th.
Tickets are available HERE or at the door.
($15 for students and $20 for adults)
MKHS: The Addams Family
Today and tomorrow are your last opportunities to catch the Mark Keppel Theatre Production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY!
The musical comedy is based on the characters from the hit 1960's sitcom of the same name. This version focuses on a new story about Gomez and Morticia's only daughter, Wednesday, who has found herself in love with a "normal" boy, much to her parents' dismay.
Tickets are available HERE.
($12 presale or $15 at the door)
SGHS: Mamma Mia!
San Gabriel High School Drama presents its spring production MAMMA MIA! Performances start April 14th.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs, and explosive dance numbers combine to make "Mamma Mia!" a smash hit!
Tickets are available HERE.
($10 for students and $12 for adults)
Alhambra Educational Foundation
DATE CHANGE: The AEF Service to Education Dinner and Gala has been moved to September 2023. More info. will be forthcoming.
AEF Summer School registration is now OPEN. Classes will take place June 8th through July 14th. Register through the AEF WEBSITE.
Alhambra Latino Association
TODAY (March 17th) is the deadline for seniors to submit their application for the 2023 Alhambra Latino Association Scholarship.
Apply through the ALA website WEBSITE TODAY!
Asian American Association
Thank you to everyone who supported AAA's Lunar New Year banquet through donations and/or attendance. We are already planning for next year's event (which will be on February 23, 2024).
If you would like to be part of the committee, please contact AAA through their WEBSITE.
/https://blastathletics.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/cover_photo/file/72945/F3DB2964-C552-4D15-8EC1-3886FBD1144D.jpeg)
About AUSD
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@AlhambraUSD)!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@AlhambraUSD
Email: AlhambraUSD@ausd.us
Website: www.ausd.us
Location: 1515 West Mission Road, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626) 943-3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alhambrausd
Twitter: @alhambrausd