Dear AUSD Community,

As we settle into October, I am impressed with what our school communities have accomplished in just the first two months of the school year. Our students and staff members are doing incredible things, in and out of the classroom, and with each passing week, the energy on our campuses continues to grow.

In this issue, I want to shine a light on our outstanding drama productions, which are in full swing around the district. The arts are a vital part of the educational experience in the AUSD. They provide a creative outlet for students to express themselves, build confidence, and collaborate in ways that enrich academic and personal growth. Each time I watch one of the productions, I am just in awe of the talent and dedication of the students on stage and those who work behind-the-scenes.

San Gabriel High School opened our fall high school productions with a production of Alice by Heart - an immersive, musical retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Next up will be Mark Keppel High School’s fall production of Neil Simon’s Fools and Alhambra High School’s annual haunted house, Nightshade Manor (followed later with their fall production of Clue in November).

I encourage everyone to attend these and other student performances and witness the remarkable talents of our young actors and stage crew. Our arts programs not only highlight student creativity, they also strengthen the sense of community and belonging that make AUSD such a special place. Whether it’s through music, visual arts, or drama, the arts teach us essential life skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance – values we seek to instill in all our students.

As we move into the heart of the school year, I invite our families to stay involved and engaged. Our schools and PTAs have many fun activities planned this fall, but I also encourage you to attend informational meetings and academic opportunities, and to simply stay connected with your child’s teachers because we know that parent engagement makes a world of difference to your child and to the entire school community.

As always, thank you for your continued dedication to our students and our schools. Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together to create the best possible environment for our learners. I am excited about the meaningful learning and community-building that is happening in our schools and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Warm Regards,

Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Congratulations to Alhambra High School senior Isabella Jackson, who was named a 2025 Rose Court Finalist! This year, the Tournament of Roses expanded its geographic eligibility to include the cities of Alhambra and San Gabriel, and we are thrilled to have an AUSD student among the Top 28 in this first year of eligibility.

On Monday, September 30th, Bella's friends, family, and community & district leaders were on hand to cheer her on at the Rose Court announcement. We know Isabella will be an inspiration to others to apply next year! (Photo Credit: Grant Sapcharoenlert, MKHS student)

Although these slide decks gives you an overview and basic information on these 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 PDFs of Tuesday's staff report slide decks.

At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted four resolutions (National Dropout Prevention Month, Filipino American History Month, Cyber Security Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness). You may read the full content of each resolution by downloading the attachment below.

Thank you to our AUSD students who submitted posters in support of United Against Hate Week during September 23-27, 2024. The finalists in the grades TK-5, 6-8, and 9-12 categories appear below. The finalists will also be recognized by the district and their posters will be in our community libraries.

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 annual 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.

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. For more information, please visit: https://join.calable.ca.gov/parents (English) or https://join.calable.ca.gov/padres (Spanish).

Learn the essentials of the college application process, including key deadlines, requirements, and tips for success. (All sessions will be held over Zoom.)

• October 22nd, 7:00pm-8:00pm: CSU Application Overview (RSVP)
• October 23rd, 7:00pm-8:00pm: UC Application Overview (RSVP)
• October 24th, 7:00pm-8:00pm: Common Application Overview (RSVP)
• October 30th, 7:00pm-8:00pm: Out of State Colleges/Universities (RSVP)

Wednesday, September 25th was AUSD's 17th Annual College Fair. Our College & Career Center team members put together an incredible evening, with representatives from community colleges, universities, trade schools and the military. Click HERE for highlights from the event! (Photo Credit: MKHS students Grant Sapcharoenlert & Madeline Nguyen (MKHS student) and AUSD staff members)

In preparation for winter, when COVID-19 cases tend to surge, the federal government is making free rapid antigen tests available again. The site is active NOW and accepting requests! Please click HERE to order four free tests at COVIDTests.gov.

Please continue with common-sense practices to keep each other safe from COVID-19 and other communicable health conditions: 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.

Are you a creative mind ready to make a difference? Join our poster contest and encourage others to reduce their screen time. Design a poster that captures the benefits of unplugging and spending time away from devices.

Contest Details:

• Theme: "Off & Away the Entire Day"
• Prompts: Choose from two options:
1. Illustrate the idea of "Off & Away the Entire Day"
2. "Disconnect to Reconnect" - Showcase the benefits of disconnecting and spending a day without your phone.
• Deadline: October 28, 2024
• Submission: Bring your poster to the main office (elementary only) or scan the QR code to submit.

Click HERE for contest details and information.

Welcome to the first edition of our brand-new Attendance Newsletter! Student Support Services is excited to share important information and resources to support your child's success. Our motto is: " Be Present, Be Connected: Together We Thrive!" Regular attendance is essential for learning, connection, and growth. If your family is facing any challenges, we’re here to help. Together, let’s ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive!

Click HERE to read the October Attendance newsletter or download the pdf attachment below.

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.

School-based mental health services provide essential support for students by offering accessible counseling and resources within the educational environment. These services aim to address a range of mental health issues, promote emotional well-being, and enhance academic performance. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, school-based programs help reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and empower students to develop coping skills and resilience, ultimately contributing to a healthier school community.

Students may need school-based mental health services for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Anxiety and Stress: Academic pressures, social situations, or family issues
2. Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in activities
3. Bullying or Peer Conflict: Experiences of bullying or conflict with peers
4. Trauma: Exposure to traumatic events (whether at home or in the community)
5. Family Issues: Challenges such as divorce, loss, or financial instability
6. Learning Disabilities: Struggles with learning which can lead to frustration and low self-esteem
7. Behavioral Concerns: Difficulties with impulse control, aggression, or other behavioral issues
8. Social Skills Development: Difficulties with developing healthy relationships and effective communication skills
9. Substance Abuse: Students experimenting with or struggling with substance use
10. Transition Challenges: Adjusting to new schools, changes in social dynamics, or life transitions

If you think your student is in need of school-based mental health services, please reach out to your child’s teacher, or your site's mental health or licensed mental health counselor, school counselor, school psychologist, or administrator.

Due to two inches of water flooding, the District Cafe underwent remodeling. The walls were repainted, new lighting was installed, floors were replaced, and divider walls and a swing door were built and installed. The remodel of the Cafe is substantially complete.

The planters were capped to divert and prevent water from penetrating the C & D buildings at Alhambra High School.

Vehicle Maintenance Facility Project: VMF 1 & 2 Premanufactured Metal Building erection has commenced.

Scanlon Early Education Center Project: SEEC 1 & 2 Building footing construction and reinforcing steel installation continue.

In the last issue of AUSD Connection, we shared that MKHS Drama Teacher Page Phillips was named a 2024-25 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Here is a highlight video (courtesy of LACOE) of the celebratory luncheon.

To view the video that was played as Page walked to the stage to receive her recognition, click HERE. In it, she responds to the question, "What is the most important thing you want your students to know at the end of the year?" Watch it and you'll understand one of the many reasons why the judges felt Page was so deserving of this award! 🥰

Calling all students: National School Lunch Week starts Monday, October 14th and Friday, October 18th. Join us for lunch each day and win prizes or a front-of-the-line pass!

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. This event is open to students, parents, and staff members...but spaces are limited & RSVPs are required. Sign up by contacting your school office.

September's Harvest of the Month (HOTM) was Cantaloupe. Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) had their 1st Harvest Of The Month in September. The teachers have been enjoying incorporating Cantaloupe into their lessons. Each month, teachers around AUSD incorporate HOTM lessons into their teaching and share photos. The students' favorite part of HOTM is always the tasting.

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.

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!

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. Use the code aef24 to get a discount.

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.

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!

PRIZE DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW...Please click HERE to make a donation.

Open to ALL eligible Alhambra USD seniors of Asian descent. One winner will be selected from each high school. Eligibility: All seniors of Asian descent who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Fall 2025 are eligible for this scholarship.

Due Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply at: https://tinyurl.com/AAA2025Scholarship

Want to reward and extra-special AUSD employee? Nominate a deserving certificated or classified to be a Game Changer HERE.

The next nominating window will close next Friday, October 18, 2024.

AUSD was just named San Gabriel Valley's Favorite Work Place by the Southern California News Group!

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/

• October 12: Noche De Loteria - Supporting ALA (Flyer)
• 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 (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 23: CCC Workshop: UC Application Overview (Zoom) 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 24: CCC Workshop: Common Application Overview (Zoom) 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 24: AUSD Student Support Services at Alhambra Trunk or Treat 5:00pm-6:30pm
• 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 (Flyer, 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
• November 3: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• November 11: Veterans Day - School Holiday
• November 17: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
• November 19: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
• November 21-23: AHS Fall Production of CLUE on Stage 7:00pm (Tickets)
• November 22: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
• Save the Date - February 26: 2nd Annual Family STEAM Night (More info. to follow Flyer)

Please support our students and the performing arts!

Congratulations to SGHS on an excellent production of the musical, Alice By Heart. The performances were amazing in the school's Little Theatre, which was transformed into a vibrant, dreamlike Wonderland. To see more photos from the production, visit @AlhambraUSD on Facebook or Instagram. (Photo Credit: Katelyn Aguiniga & Grant Sapcharoenlert, MKHS students)

Click on the high school logo to access their current athletic calendars.

A favorite Moor Field event each year is their annual County Fair! On September 26th, students and families enjoyed 16 different booths, and also gobbled up delicious snow cones and popcorn. Thank you to the wonderful Moor Field team and the volunteers who worked so hard to make this event happen!

Click on the masthead images below to view digital versions of the current issues. AUSD students, staff members, and programs are heavily featured in both papers.

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

Alumni, retirees, family members (who are not the primary contact in PowerSchool), and local community members can receive future issues of this newsletter by clicking on the "SUBSCRIBE" button below. It's a great way to stay connected with AUSD! 💖