
ABC Community Update
News from the ABC Unified School District - 3/7/24
Four ABCUSD Schools Named California Distinguished Schools
Celebrating Literacy
Nixon Students Jog to Support Their School
Each year, Nixon Academy students can be seen running and running and running on a day in March. They’re not running just for fun but to raise funds to support their school. Volunteers were on hand to cheer the students on and even run a few laps with them. As Interim Principal Ms. Santos said, “Nixon community pride was on full display.”
Kennedy Celebrates Black History Month and Lunar New Year
Students at Kennedy Elementary School enjoyed a month of learning how Black History is American History during Black History Month, along with celebrating Lunar New Year - one of the most important holidays celebrated in Asia and around the world. The school celebrated with dancing, cultural celebrations, and classroom projects.
Grease is the Word
Artesia High School performing arts students took their upcoming show, Grease, on the road to promote their upcoming shows. Recently, they stopped at Fedde Academy to perform for future high school students, giving them a sneak preview of the show. The show runs from March 7-9 at Artesia High School.
News & Notes
Artesia Jazz Band Earns Top Spots at Competition
Congratulations to the Artesia High School Intermediate and Novice Jazz Bands for taking First Place and Second Place at the 22nd Annual Mayfair High School Blue Dragon Jazz Festival. Joseph Spencer, bassist, earned the most outstanding soloist for the entire festival.
Cerritos High Dances to the Top
Congratulations to the Cerritos High School Dance Team for winning First Place in both Small and Large hip-hop dance categories at the West Coast Elite Nationals this past weekend. Both wins are a “first” for both groups winning at Nationals. Well done!
Ross Color Guard Wins
Congratulations to the Ross Middle School Color Guard for taking First Place at the Winter Guard Association of Southern California Competition last weekend. The Color Guard performed their show called “Everywhere,” wowing the judges. Well done, Falcons!
ABC Code Jam is Coming
ABC Code Jam is a student-organized “hackathon” hosted at Whitney High School. The fun event is open to programmers of all levels, offering twelve hours of intensive project development from inception to completion. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in enriching workshops and speaker sessions. This year's Code Jam is scheduled for March 16th, running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Lunch and dinner will be provided. Registration is required by March 10th on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot at: http://signup.codejam.fun.
ABC Education Foundation Hands Out Grants
The ABC Education Foundation handed out a record $65,694.73 on Wednesday, February 28th, at the organization’s annual Donor Recognition and Mini-Grant Awards event. This year, the Foundation supported 28 classroom, school, and district programs, bringing new learning and personal growth opportunities to students. The programs funded this year range from social-emotional support to STEM activities to world history curriculum and much more. Thank you to the ABC Education Foundation and its donors, who continue to support our students and schools.
Cerritos Soroptimists Bring “Dream It, Be It” Program to Gahr
The amazing women of the Cerritos Soroptimist Club have been inspiring ABCUSD’s young women students with their “Dream It, Be It” program for many years. This year, the Club brought the program to Gahr High School, working with students and helping them discover their values and dreams while learning how to set and achieve goals.
ABCUSD Students Recognized in Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame
Recently, the City of Lakewood recognized outstanding student-athletes living in the city. Among those recognized were many ABCUSD students, including:
Zion Staples, Artesia High School - Basketball Performer of the Year
Natalie Tamayo Raya, Artesia High School - Cheerleading Performer of the Year
Eleven other Artesia High School students were recognized as nominees, and the school’s Varsity Boys Basketball and Boys Soccer teams were noted as league champions.
Daylight Saving Time
We “Spring Forward” this weekend for Daylight Saving Time, so don’t forget to move your clocks ahead by one hour on Saturday, March 9th, before you go to bed.
Board of Education Meeting Recap
The ABCUSD Board of Education met on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, here are some highlights:
- Students from Kennedy Elementary School led the flag salute and shared information about their school, including STEM activities, upcoming performing arts events, and shared the Kangaroo Pledge
- The Board recognized the Artesia High School Girls’ Soccer Team and Cerritos High School Boys’ Basketball Team for their CIF Championships
- The Board heard presentations about “Women Authors, Inventors, and Leaders Featured in ABC TK-12 Curriculum” and “Summer School Options”
- Student Board Representatives from Whitney High School, Alex Cheng and Unice Liu, provided a report on activities and events taking place at their school, including student college tours, the school’s recent open house event, last week’s TEDx event, the Faculty Follies, and the school earning a California Distinguished School Award
- The Board passed Resolution 23-19 - To Release From Employment and Nonreelect Temporary Certificated Employees per Education Code (44954)
- The Board held a Public Hearing regarding the Tentative Agreement with the ABC Federation of Teachers, Local #2317, California Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers/AFLCIO in accordance with the provisions of AB 1200
- The Board approved the Tentative Agreement with the ABC Federation of Teachers, Local #2317, California Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers/AFLCIO
- The Board approved the Second Interim Report for the Period Ending January 31, 2024, with a Positive Certification
- The Board approved Bid Award ABC-1636 Fedde Middle School Modernization to Spec Construction, Inc., as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will be on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Dates to Remember
March 19 - Board of Education Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
March 20 - School Facilities Capacities & Declining Enrollment Ad Hoc Committee (6:00 p.m.)
March 20 - ABC Film Festival (5:30 p.m. at Whitney High School)
March 21 - Diversity, Unity, Equity Board Advisory Committee (6:00 p.m.)
March 26 - Strategic Planning Board Advisory Committee (5:30 p.m.)
March 27 - Legislative/Policy Board Advisory Committee (6:30 p.m.)
March 28 - Finance & Audit Board Advisory Committee (6:00 p.m.)
March 29 - No School
April 1-5 - Spring Break
The ABC Community Update is a weekly e-publication
produced by the ABC Unified School District.
ABCUSD
16700 Norwalk Boulevard
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 926-5566
In 1965 the Artesia, Bloomfield, and Carmenita School Districts unified and became the ABC Unified School District. Today, the District serves over 20,000 Pre-K to 12th Grade and adult education students through its 30 campuses, adult school, and virtual academy. The District is home to some of the most awarded and recognized schools in California and serves the cities of Artesia, most of Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, as well as portions of Lakewood, Long Beach, and Norwalk.