AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
As we move through the final months of the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize a vital part of our school community: our VOLUNTEERS. They do so much for our students and schools, including assisting in classrooms, organizing events, chaperoning field trips, raising funds, and lending their time behind-the-scenes. Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our students and staff. Their dedication reflects the strong spirit of partnership that defines our district.
This evening, we will celebrate the contributions of some of this year’s most active volunteers at our annual PTA Founders Day banquet. (Click HERE to see all of this year’s honorees.) These individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond in service to our students, but I also want to acknowledge the countless others who quietly give their time and energy in both large and small ways. Whether it’s a friendly face at morning drop-off, organizing a schoolwide event, or anything in between, each act of support helps to strengthen our school communities.
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve how we welcome and support volunteers, we periodically review our volunteer processes and protocols. We would greatly appreciate it if parents and guardians could take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below (scroll down to the Human Resources section). Your feedback will help us ensure a safe, inclusive, and meaningful volunteer experience for all.
On behalf of our Board of Education and the entire Alhambra Unified School District, thank you to all who give so generously. Your contributions are deeply appreciated, and they continue to make a lasting impact on our students’ educational experiences.
Warm Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Please join us for our upcoming Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:45pm-8:00pm via Zoom.
Click on the image to download a PDF of the flyer with information or click HERE to join the Zoom Meeting.
STEM News
Each month, the AUSD STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) teachers for the primary grades put out a monthly newsletter highlighting each school's STEM projects.
Please click HERE or the image to access the March Newsletter.
📢 SMS FEATURE: Mass Communication System SMS/Text Messages
If you haven't signed up for SMS/Text messages, make sure to do so before the next emergency! 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. We hope to see EVERY AUSD family sign up.
Click HERE to view our SMS/Text Frequently Asked Questions.
AUSD Career Fair 2025
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.)
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM WORKSHOPS for INCOMING 9th Graders
Join us for an in-person workshop to complete ELAC application & required forms for the Early College Program Summer Classes OR sign up & receive information to complete the steps on your own!
In-Person Workshops- 6:00pm-7:00pm
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025- Alhambra High School- Library
- Thursday, May 1, 2025- Mark Keppel High School- College & Career Center (A building)
RSVP Link: https://tinyurl.com/AUSDECP25WK
PACES: Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit
Join us for our second annual Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit (PACES) event. This event is especially designed for you to walk away with new knowledge and practical skills to help you feel empowered in your relationship with yourself and with your child.
Mark your Calendar:
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00am - 2:00pm
San Gabriel High School (801 S. Ramona St., San Gabriel)
Click HERE to RSVP.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) - Health Advisory
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Advisory, following multiple confirmed measles cases in our state. To date, eight cases have been reported in California—all linked to international travel. Seven individuals (including an LA County resident) had recently traveled to Asia, and one was a close contact of a traveler. (See the CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks for confirmed national cases.)
Visit LAC DPH Provider Measles website for guidance and resources including a CHECKLIST for managing patients suspected of having measles. To read the full CDPH Health Adivsory, click HERE.
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 of the community at-large
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.
Moor Field Feasibility Study - Community Meeting
AUSD is preparing for the relocation of Moor Field Preschool from 1001 South Sixth Street to the Scanlon Early Education Center at 15 West Alhambra Road. The Board of Education is conducting a feasibility study to determine how to best utilize the Northeast quadrant of Moor Field to improve the educational and athletic experience for AHS students.
Please join us for a COMMUNITY MEETING for outreach and data gathering, as part of our Moor Field Feasibility Study:
- Thursday, May 1, 2025
- 6:00pm
- Alhambra High School Cafeteria (101 South Second Street in Alhambra)
Congratulations to MKHS senior Matthew Wong, who was recently surprised with a $50,000 scholarship from Southern California Edison (SCE)! Each year, SCE awards these prestigious scholarships to outstanding students who are pursuing STEM careers, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Matthew has completed impressive geophysics research and plans to improve earthquake resilience. (Photo by AUSD Communications Intern Grant Sapcharoenlert)
Congratulations to SGHS senior Mariah Tsui, who was also surprised with a $50,000 scholarship from Southern California Edison. Mariah is currently deciding between studying Mathematics of Computation at UCLA or Applied Mathematics at UC Berkeley. Her goal is to create tools to help people make better financial decisions and build futures of financial stability. Mariah plans to use her skills and knowledge to help underserved communities to overcome financial struggles.
Congratulations to Northrup School’s Naomi Chan! Earlier this year, she was named Northrup’s and AUSD’s 2025 Spelling Bee Champion. Then on March 19th, she competed against 41 other district champs from across LA County and came in Fourth Place! This is the first year that AUSD participated in the LACOE Spelling Bee, and Naomi’s impressive showing made AUSD very proud. We can’t wait to see how Naomi and our other district spellers do next year!
The next time you grab some food at Blossom Market Hall in San Gabriel, take a little detour to check out the impressive artwork on display upstairs. Non-profit organization Therapicasso has partnered with art students from Mark Keppel High School’s Art Club and MKHS’ Art Links to present the “Unraveling the Soul” art exhibition. The exhibit will remain open through June 15th. (Photo by AUSD Communications Intern Brayton Andrade)
In March, Monterey Highland’s Drama Club, with support from PTA, performed Disney’s “Frozen KIDS” to sold-out audiences. Based on the hit animated film and Broadway musical, “Frozen” tells the story of Princess Anna (6th gr. Alyssa Camargo) and her sister Princess Elsa (6th gr. Mia Salinas). The production was guided by Gennie Cheng (producer, co-director, music director), Victoria Perez (co-director, choreographer), and Diego Gonzalez (co-director). (Photo by AUSD Communications Intern Katelyn Aguiniga)
The Alhambra Fire Department's fire captain and firefighters were at Ramona School last month to offer an engaging presentation aligned to Ramona’s second grade project-based learning, which focuses on how our community helpers make a difference. Among with the firefighters was Heather Blais-Pickering, an AHS alumna who reunited with her former high school basketball coach, Ramona principal Dr. Debbie Kotani.
Right before spring break, 45 San Gabriel HS sophomores went on an unforgettable field trip to the Ronald Reagan Library. This epic adventure was the culminating field trip after the students finished a deep study of the classic George Orwell allegory Animal Farm. The students were amazing and the tour guide event went out of their way to continually compliment them for being so polite and appreciative. This photo is of the SGHS students and teachers in front of an actual section of the Berlin Wall!
Family members of the late Johnny Thompson presented a check to the District for $125,000 to AUSD. The funds will be used to support the MKHS Instrumental Music Program. The donation was made in honor of Johnny, who was a proud Mark Keppel graduate and longtime Monterey Park business owner who supported the AUSD Music Program for decades! Later that week, the Thompson family made another generous donation to the MKHS Music Boosters. AUSD is extremely grateful to Johnny Thompson's support and generosity throughout his life, and to his family's Legacy Gift presented in his honor!
New Online INTERACTIVE Cafeteria Menus
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!
Click HERE to access the online menu.
LA2050 Grants Challenge - Vote by April 18th!
AUSD's student board member, Keiko Rakin, was among the many local students selected to be an LA2050 Youth Ambassador. Part of her role is to distribute this LA2050 Grants Challenge SURVEY (available in multiple languages) to help determine how $1 million in grant funding will be allocated.
Please help Keiko and the other Youth Ambassadors by completing this survey. Voting is open NOW through April 18th.
SAVE THE DATE: SGV Pride Parade & Festival
The Alhambra Teachers Association, the Boys and Girls Club of the West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside, and the City of Monterey Park will host the 5th Annual SGV Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 7th. Join them for music, resources, arts, giveaways and more! For more information please email: recreation@montereypark.ca.gov.
- 9:00am: Parade (Starts at Mark Keppel High School - 501 E. Hellman Ave., Alhambra).
- 10:00am - 12:00pm: Festival (Barnes Park - Located at 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park).
SPIKE (Supporting Pupils In Knowledge & Education) - Virtual Tutoring
Does your child need a bit of help with school? SPIKE is here to help! SPIKE (Supporting Pupils In Knowledge & Education) is a group of students at San Gabriel High School who are here to help your child with any subject! They provide virtual tutoring through Google Classroom, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (3:30pm - 4:30pm). Email sghs.spike@gmail.com for details!
Donations Needed
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.
Donations will be accepted at Moor Field on Monday, April 14th (9:00am-10:30am and 4:00pm - 5:00pm). If Monday is inconvenient, please call (626) 289-1933 or email (ataoffice303@gmail.com) to arrange for alternate arrangements. Thank you for your donations!
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
AEF Summer Programs 2025
K-8 Summer Academy registration is open NOW. Please click HERE to check class offerings, locations and fees for this program.
AEF Summer High School is one of the few in the area to offer UC/CSU approved classes, accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Please click HERE to check class offerings, locations and fees for this program.
Adopt-A-Camper Program - PLEASE DONATE!
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.
ALA Scholarship Awards Dinner & Dance
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 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 by April 19th.
AUSD Volunteer Survey
Thank you to the many parents, relatives, and community members who give generously of their time to support our schools by volunteering.
Please take a few minutes to help us continue to improve our volunteer processes and protocols by responding to THIS SURVEY no later than Friday, April 25, 2025.
Game Changer Nominations
Want to reward an extra-special AUSD employee? Nominate a deserving certificated or classified staff member to be a Game Changer HERE.
The next nominating window will close next Friday, April 18, 2025.
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.com/alhambrausd. Make sure to check back often.
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