AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. During this time (and always), I am filled with appreciation for the strength and unity of our AUSD community. This season gives us time to reflect on the many blessings we share: our dedicated staff, supportive families, and the amazing students who inspire us every day.
This year, we have much to celebrate, including our growing international partnerships that are broadening horizons and fostering global connections for our students and staff. These initiatives exemplify a spirit of collaboration and curiosity. Among them are:
Expanded South Korea Exchange: We are excited that San Gabriel High School has joined the districtwide student exchange program with South Korea. As part of this exchange, our high schools will host exchange students from South Korea in January, then during spring break, students from all three of our high schools - Alhambra, Mark Keppel, and San Gabriel - will travel to South Korea to immerse themselves in a rich cultural and educational experience. Thank you to the staff and administrator chaperones, as we truly could not have these programs without their willingness to accompany them on this adventure.
Teacher Partnership with South Korea: Following the success of our first teacher partnership exchange last summer, we are planning to continue this invaluable professional and cultural learning experience by sending a second group of AUSD teachers to South Korea next summer.
Virtual Exchange with Taiwan: Tonight marks the final session of a six-part virtual exchange program connecting students from our three high schools with peers at three high schools in Taiwan. These dialogues have built meaningful connections and enriched our students’ global perspectives.
Digital Pen Pal Program with Taiwan: Monterey Highlands and Ramona middle schoolers will soon embark on a Digital Pen Pal Exchange with schools in Taiwan. Additionally, both schools will host Taiwanese visitors in spring 2025, providing an opportunity for even deeper cultural learning, friendship, and understanding.
These partnerships reflect our commitment to preparing students for a globally interconnected world and to helping them understand that learning extends beyond classroom walls.
Although our schools will be closed next week and our students, staff, and families will be enjoying some well-deserved “away time”, we have several high school athletic teams that will be participating in CIF playoffs or other high-level tournaments. We wish all of them the best.
As we enter a week of rest and a season of gratitude, I want to thank each of you for your continued support of our students, schools, and programs. Your dedication makes AUSD a place where innovation and opportunity thrive. On behalf of everyone in the district, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving break, filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude.
Warm Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
🌟 Spark of Love Toy Drive
Alhambra Unified School District partnering with Alhambra Fire Department, Tzu Chi foundation, ATA, AEF & other local organizations/agencies to host the Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. To make it a success, they need your support! Please donate new, unwrapped toys and sporting equipment to any AUSD school or the District office no later than December 6, 2024 🎁🎄. Collection bins will be located in the main office at all AUSD sites
Save the Date: Family STEAM Night (February 26, 2025)
Make plans to join us at our 2nd Annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Resource Fair -- Open to all families of students in grades 3-5. Last year's event was a rousing success and we are ready to go "Full Steam Ahead" in year 2. Mark your calendar:
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- 5:00pm-7:00pm
- Marguerita Elementary School
Click HERE to RSVP.
CalFresh Healthy Living Program partnered with Baldwin School’s Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) to provide monthly "Train the Trainer - TWEENS as Teachers" workshops. NAC students received training that they replicate with Baldwin’s kindergarten classes.
Congratulations to the AHS Girls Golf Team - CIF Division 5 Champions. AHS is incredibly proud of the hard work they put into every practice and game, demonstrating resilience and commitment to excellence that has brought them this well-deserved success. A special thank you to Coach Arroyo & Coach Kim!
In celebration of Native American Month, members from the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Tongva/Gabrieleno, provided workshops for AUSD third-grade classrooms, starting with Fremont School on Monday, November 4th (and continuing with all other elementary sites). The presentation included an overview of the Tongva history and culture, followed by a hands-on craft activity.
The Alhambra Management Association (AMA) is proud to announce that MKHS senior Gabrielle Wong is AMA's 2025 recipient of the "Every Student Succeeding" Award. Gabby serves as Chief Executive Officer of Therapicasso, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mental health through the therapeutic nature of art and to offering a safe, expressive outlet to explore, process, and communicate emotions. She was recognized at celebratory luncheon in Pasadena yesterday, where she was presented with her award and a $400 scholarship check.
Congratulations to Northrup third grader, Holland Hong. Holland submitted her artwork for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ fifth annual Día De Los Muertos Celebration of Art & Culture. Holland was awarded second place for her age group (ages 4-8). She was recognized, along with all the other winning artists, at a special ceremony on November 1st. Click HERE to see all of the winning artwork.
Congratulations to AUSD's 2025 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists, Xiushan Lu (MKHS), Kenneth San (AHS), Kevin San (AHS) and Jade Tan (SGHS). Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors are named semifinalists! In the spring, they will find out if they will receive the prestigious National Merit Scholar designation and be eligible for almost 7,000 scholarships worth nearly $26 million.
Congratulations to the San Gabriel High School Red Cross Club. They held a successful Red Cross Blood Drive on October 25th, with 64 pints of blood donated. That equates to 192 lives saved. Thank you to everyone who donated blood. Pictured are SGHS Red Cross Club members Joyce Ma (treasurer), Fiona Ly (president), and Joanne Yu (vice president).
Congratulations to Mr. Chris Takeshita, principal of Baldwin School. "Mr. T" was named by Dr. Carly Chavez, Fremont principal, as
this month’s “Excellence in Leadership” award recipient. Dr. Chavez praised Mr. T for, "...his unwavering support and leadership insight, as well as his ability to bring laughter into even the most challenging situation." Dr. Chavez also acknowledged Mr. T as a wonderful colleague, thought partner, and friend.
MKHS Students are Congressional App Challenge Finalists...AGAIN!
Congratulations to Mark Keppel High School students Athicha Chanpradub, Drexel Ngo, Evan Lau, and Alina Ramos (listed in alphabetical order)! Together, they created this app, EyeSpeak, that enables full computer navigation for paralytic users.
They were named finalists in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and will be honored by Congresswoman Judy Chu at a special ceremony on December 2, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, where they will find out their final placement. As Brightwood students, Drexel and Alina were also finalists in 2023, and all four students were finalists together in 2022.
Alhambra High School junior Jeylin Guerrero will be singing the National Anthem to open this ceremony.
ID Numbers Needed after Winter Break
Effective Monday, December 2nd (after Thanksgiving Break), the Point of Sales machines in the cafeteria will be fully implemented. Student will need to enter the ID numbers (or state their full legal name) to receive their meals each day. Please call Food & Nutrition Services if you have any questions at 626-943-6590.
(NOTE: All students continue to be eligible for one breakfast and one lunch each school day.)
National School Lunch Week Winners!
The week of October 14-18th, AUSD schools and the Food and Nutrition Services department celebrated National School Lunch Week. Each elementary schools held frequent diner card contests. The students had fun collecting stamps on their cards daily during lunchtime. At the end of the week the students who had lunch from the cafeteria every day turned in their cards. Each cafeteria held a grand prize drawing. Congratulations to all of our AUSD Elementary and High School Winners!
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
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.
Asian American Association $1000 Scholarship - Apply Today!
This scholarship is 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. Thanksgiving Break would be a perfect time to work on your essay, which is due by Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply at: https://tinyurl.com/AAA2025Scholarship
Lunar New Year Banquet - RSVP now for Early Bird Price!
Asian American Association's Lunar New Year Banquet will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025. 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!
Early Bird RSVPs get priority seating and are eligible for a Early Bird Prizes!
Game Changer Nominations
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 Thursday, December 19, 2024.
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.
Final High School Fall 2024 Drama Production
🎭
Alhambra High School Fall Production - CLUE
- November 22nd, 7:00pm
- November 23rd, 11:00am & 6:00pm
Click HERE for tickets/info.
AUSD and Granada Featured in ABC7 News Segment
Alhambra USD is proud of our strong partnership with the Tongva/Gabrielino tribe. This month, members of the tribe visited AUSD third-grade classes throughout AUSD to help students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Tongva/Gabrielino history, culture, and traditions. On November 19th, reporter Niku Kazori and cameraman Romeo Montiel visited Granada Elementary School to for a first-hand view of these important lessons and activities.
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