Dear AUSD Community,

I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible staff members who make our district such a special place to work and learn. Every day, I see examples of the commitment, passion, and talent our teachers, administrators, and support staff bring to their jobs.

In an earlier newsletter, we shared highlight videos of our three 2024 Employees of the Year, including our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Page Phillips, who is Mark Keppel High School’s Drama Teacher and Visual and Performing Arts Chairperson. Today, I am thrilled to share some incredible news: PAGE PHILLIPS has been named a TEACHER OF THE YEAR for all of LOS ANGELES COUNTY! Page was honored at a special luncheon today, where she was celebrated for her influence both in the classroom and on the lives of her students. This recognition is a true reflection of her creativity, dedication, and the lasting impact she makes in our community. (A few highlight photos from today’s celebration are in our first Featured Event below.)

As we continue to celebrate our amazing AUSD team, I want to encourage you to think about other exceptional staff members who make a difference for you or your child. Please consider nominating them for one of our Game Changer awards, which recognizes both teachers and non-teachers who go above and beyond in their roles. We love hearing about the people who are making a difference throughout AUSD! The first of our 2024-2025 Game Changers (Shelia Sutton and Jose Torres) were honored at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. You can read more about nominating other deserving Game Changers in the “Human Resources” section below.

Thank you for being part of the AUSD Family and for helping us recognize the incredible people who make Alhambra Unified School District San Gabriel Valley’s Best School District & Favorite Workplace!

Warm Regards,

Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Earlier today, we had the privilege of joining Alhambra USD Teacher of the Year, Ms. PAGE PHILLIPS, at the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year Luncheon. Page is the drama teacher and Visual and Performing Arts Chairperson at Mark Keppel High School. Not only was she named AUSD's Teacher of the Year, but she was also named a 2024-2025 LOS ANGELES COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR! Page was joined at this joyful occasion by MKHS and District officials, her husband, and her three children. Congratulations, Page! You are so deserving of these recognitions!

In the Parent Portal, you will be prompted to update the Alternative Income Form for 2024-2025. We need your help to ensure Alhambra Unified School District receives the maximum amount of federal funds for our schools. The collection of household income is a necessary step to receive millions of dollars in federal funds for the school that your child attends.

Click HERE to update your Alternative Income Form.

• All AUSD 9th-12th grade families are invited to attend
• Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• Location: San Gabriel High School
• Time: 6:00pm-8:oopm

Click HERE to view the latest AUSD College & Career Center newsletter!

This survey is for parents of current AUSD students. Please fill out this survey if you (parent) are interested in signing up for an English Language Class (Conversational Class). Space is limited. No child care will be provided. Link to this survey: http://tinyurl.com/AUSD-ELAC-F24

CalABLE is a savings and investment plan offered to individuals with disabilities. Eligible individuals, family, friends, and employers can contribute up to $18,000 a year without affecting the account beneficiary's public disability benefits. CalABLE provides individuals with an opportunity to potentially build wealth and gain financial wellness in a way that supports living with a disability.

There are also websites designed for parents: https://join.calable.ca.gov/parents/. The Spanish version is: https://join.calable.ca.gov/padres/.

The Support Site for AUSD families is filled with educational technology resources for all grade levels. You will also find information related to our 1:1 student device program. We believe that by empowering our students with the right technological resources and support, we are setting the foundation for a more engaging, effective, and inclusive learning environment.

New! Damaged/Lost/Stolen Device Informational Video for Families

September is Attendance Awareness Month! Positive attendance from the first day of school sets the mindset that school is important and it allows students to start building the foundations of learning. Attendance is the first step to achievement. Chronic absence — missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason (excused, unexcused absences, or suspensions) — can translate into students having difficulty learning to read by the third-grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school.

While cell phones and other devices have many benefits, they can also be a distraction to student learning and harmful to mental well-being. In Alhambra Unified School District, our goal is to see each and every student achieve at the highest level. We are asking that families support us in requiring our students to keep their cell phones and personal devices "Off and Away" the entire day. Disconnecting from phones will allow us to connect with each other, connect with learning, and connect with our campus community. Let’s all work together to improve our learning, relationships, and mental wellness on the campus of AUSD!

Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental/emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities. The journey through childhood to adulthood can be filled with challenges that can impact a person's mental health. AUSD is excited to announce that we are continuing our relationship with Hazel Health, who provides therapists in a telehealth setting, that help children cope with their feelings. This service is provided at no cost to parents, insured or uninsured. Sign up HERE.

With students and staff back in school and interacting daily, we would like to remind families and staff members to continue with common-sense practices to keep each other safe from COVID-19 and other communicable health conditions. Please continue to wash your hands regularly, keep up-to-date on your vaccines, wear a mask (as appropriate), and consult with your health professional if you notice symptoms of illness. For up-to-date guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's WEBSITE.

🚩 COMING SOON: In preparation for winter, when COVID-19 cases tend to surge, the federal government will soon make free rapid antigen tests available again. Please click HERE for more information and make sure to order four free tests at COVIDTests.gov when the program re-launches.

The condensate drain line at Mark Keppel High School was upgraded to conform with the California building code.

Baldwin Elementary School's kitchen was repainted and a new epoxy floor was installed.

During the summer break, roof restorations were made at Mark Keppel High School. A WeatherWeld system was applied to the A, D, and G buildings to encapsulate the roofs and prevent future leaks.

Emery Park and Monterey Highlands marquee projects have been completed.

Scanlon EEC 1 & 2 - Building footing layout has been completed and footing excavation has commenced.

Vehicle Maintenance Facility Progress

Congratulations to the SIX AUSD schools who were recognized by California PBIS for excellence in the implementation of the core features of Positive Behavior Support and Interventions!

Please join Food and Nutrition Services at their 20th Annual Food & Wellness Fair on Thursday, October 31st (Session 1 - 10:15am & Session 2 - 11:30am) at Monterey Highlands School (400 Casuda Canyon Dr., Monterey Park). Participants will help decide new cafeteria menu items. Open to students, parents, and staff members but spaces are limited & RSVPs are required to attend. Sign up by contacting your school office.

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

Alhambra Public Library offers its cardholders access to Brainfuse online tutoring and homework assistance. You do not need to reside in the city of Alhambra to get a card. ANY California resident can get a library card from the Alhambra Public Library and access Brainfuse support. Click HERE for more information.

Please support the Alhambra & Monterey Park Rotary Charities Foundation by purchasing a raffle ticket. Proceeds go to many service projects in the community, including the annual Alhambra Teacher Mini-Grants (that have awarded AUSD teachers a total of $244,330 since its inception). Download the form below for more information or to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $100 each. Only 300 tickets will be sold and the top prize is $10,000! Wining tickets will be drawn on Thursday, November 14th.

Regional winners of this contest will receive scholarships and gift cards in the three age categories (4-8, 9-13, 14-18). Entries are due Monday, September 30th. Find details and the application form HERE:

Our Parent-Teacher-Associations (PTAs) and Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations (PTSAs) are still accepting memberships!

Please become a member HERE and support their many PTA/PTSA activities and fundraisers throughout the 2024-25 school year.

CalKIDS is a children’s savings account program administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the State of California. CalKIDS will provide each child born in California and eligible low-income public school students with up to $1,500 for college and career training. Please visit www.calkids.org to see if your child is eligible and to claim your account. Don't miss out on FREE MONEY for college!

This event is happening TOMORROW (Saturday, September 21st) 9:00am to 9:00pm. Shop the deepest discounts of the year and support the Alhambra Educational Foundation all in one day! If you don't have your tickets yet, you can still buy them at the door tomorrow. Click HERE to download a flyer with view more details.

The 2024 Alhambra Pumpkin Run will be held on Sunday, October 27th. Once again, profits will go towards the Alhambra Educational Foundation. Please join the Downtown Alhambra Business Association and the City of Alhambra for this fun-filled day. Proceeds from the run/walk are donated to AEF to help AUSD students and schools. Get more information or register by clicking HERE.

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.

Join the Alhambra Latino Association for their fun game night, NOCHE DE LOTERIA!

Register by October 9th at: https://tinyurl.com/ALALoteria1012.
Become a sponsor at: https://tinyurl.com/ALALoteriaSpon.

All proceeds go to scholarships for AUSD students! For more information, visit their website HERE.

Save the date and plan to join us on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the Asian American Association's Lunar New Year Banquet. This annual event is a fun-filled spectacular event that raises money for student scholarships. Celebrate the Year of the Snake, while supporting the students of AUSD!

Congratulations to our September 2024 Game Changers: Shelia Sutton, Certificated Game Changer from Mark Keppel High School and Jose Torres, Classified Game Changer from Garfield School. Nominate a deserving certificated or classified 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/

• September 23, 24, 26, & 27: Elementary Minimum Days (Parent Conference Week)
  
• September 21: Citadel Shopping Extravaganza - Supporting AEF (Flyer, Schedule, Tickets)
• September 25: 17th Annual College Fair, San Gabriel High School 6:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer)
• September 27: SGHS Theatre Production of ALICE BY HEART 6:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• September 28: SGHS Theatre Production of ALICE BY HEART 2:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)

• September 29: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• October 2: SGHS Theatre Production of ALICE BY HEART 4:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 3-4: SGHS Theatre Production of ALICE BY HEART 6:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 5: SGHS Theatre Production of ALICE BY HEART 2:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 6: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• October 8: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
• October 11: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
• October 13: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am

• October 17-18: MKHS Theatre Production of Fools 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 18: AHS Haunted House - Nightshade Manor 1:00pm-8:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 20: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• October 22: CCC Workshop: CSU Application Overview (Zoom) 7:00pm-8:00pm (RSVP)
• October 23: CCC Workshop: UC Application Overview (Zoom) 7:00pm-8:00pm (RSVP)
• October 24: CCC Workshop: Common Application Overview (Zoom) 7:00pm-8:00pm (RSVP)
• October 24: AUSD Student Support Services at Alhambra Trunk or Treat 5:00pm-6:40pm
• October 27: Alhambra Pumpkin Run - Supporting AEF (Flyer)
• October 29: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
• October 30: Elementary (Gr. TK-8): End of 1st Trimester
• October 30: CCC Workshop: Out of State Colleges/Universities (Zoom) 7:00pm-8:00pm (RSVP)
• October 31: Elementary (Gr. TK-8) Pupil-Free Day
• October 31: 20th Annual Food & Wellness Fair 10:15am-12:45pm (Flyer)
• November 1: AUSD Pupil-Free Day
• November 1: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members

Please support our students and the performing arts!

Thank you to the schools who shared highlights from a some of their school and community events from the first month of school. Here is a collection of photos from a few Back-to-School Nights, Welcome Back Picnics, and other site/community outreach activities. We love seeing all these students, families and staff members at these fun and important events!

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

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