AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Message from the Superintendent
Dear AUSD Community,
I hope this message finds you rested and rejuvenated from our recent spring break. As we return to our regular routines, I want to take a moment to welcome everyone back. Spring break provided a much-needed pause to allow us to dive back into our commitments with renewed energy and focus.
During these last couple of months of school, we have a lot to look forward to and even more to accomplish together. From spring concerts and athletic events to theater productions and graduation ceremonies, the calendar is filled with opportunities for our students to showcase their talents, achievements, and growth. World Theatre Day arrived on March 27th, during our spring break. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of theater arts in education and our lives. Theater entertains, educates, and inspires – making it a vital part of our community's cultural and educational development.
In line with this celebration, I want to praise Mark Keppel High School for their outstanding production of Mean Girls the Musical last month. The dedication, talent, and hard work displayed by the students and staff members were truly remarkable, setting a high bar for theatrical excellence within our district. Looking ahead, I am excited to invite our community to support the upcoming spring musicals at Alhambra High School and San Gabriel High School. Alhambra High will be enchanting audiences with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, promising a spectacular showcase of our students’ talents in bringing this beloved story to life. San Gabriel High School is preparing to immerse us into the vibrant neighborhood of Washington Heights with its production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights. SGHS will enhance this theatrical experience by hosting a Barrio Block Party on April 13th, a celebration of culture, community, and the arts.
Our elementary students will also show off their musical theatre skills with Brightwood School’s performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. (Scroll further down for more details and ticket information for these incredible productions.) We’ll close out the school year with Garfield School’s Finding Nemo in May. (More information will be provided soon.)
I encourage you to support these ambitious theatrical productions. By doing so, you not only applaud the hard work of our students and staff members, but also foster a community that values and invests in the arts. These performances are a testament to the talent, creativity, and spirit of excellence within the Alhambra Unified School District. Let's show our support and enjoy the wonderful world of theater together.
Warmest regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
In This Issue...
- OPENING FEATURED EVENT: "Be the Change" Student Fellowship Summit
- April 2nd Board Meeting
- Board Resolution: AUSD Distracted Teen Driving Awareness Month
- Educational Services
- Solar Eclipse - Safety Precautions for Viewing
- Parent Equity Talks
- District Career Fair
- College Credit Class for Incoming 9th Graders
- Early College Program - Summer 2024 Classes
- 2024-25 Dual Language Immersion Program Applications & Informational Video
- STEM News
- Technology Updates
- Updated Educational Technology Resource Site
- Student Support Services
- REMINDER - Family STEAM NIGHT
- PACES - Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit
- Permit Applications for the 2024-25 school year
- Facilities and Construction
- Facilities Updates
- SMALL SPOTLIGHTS (Little Bits of Good News & Information from Around the District)
- Food & Nutrition Services:
- Harvest of the Month: Oroblancos
- Cafeteria Menus
- Parent Resources: Community Offerings & News
- PTA Founders' Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction
- City of Alhambra & Republic Services Scholarship Opportunity
- West San Gabriel Valley SELPA - Apply for Summer 2024 Admissions
- Scholarship Opportunities
- CalKIDS
- Non-Profit Partner Organizations (AEF, ALA, AAA)
- News from AEF
- News from ALA
- Human Resources
- Game Changers
- Employment Opportunities
- AUSD Calendar
- Upcoming Events and Important Dates
- Open Houses 2024
- Student Calendar 2024 -2025
- High School Spring Performances
- High School Athletics Calendars
- CLOSING FEATURED EVENT: Open House Round-Up
- AUSD in the Media
- Publicity Requests
- AUSD is on YouTube - SGHS California Octathlon Awards
AUSD Website & Social Media - Stay Connected with AUSD!
"AUSD Connection" Archive
Throughout the newsletter, please CLICK ON IMAGES AND HEADLINES to access additional information, embedded links, and larger versions of the photographs/graphics.
Featured Event: "Be the Change" Student Fellowship Summit
Did you know that car crashes are the LEADING cause of serious injuries and fatalities among teenagers? In recognition of California Teen Safe Driving Week and National Districted Driving Awareness Month, AUSD partnered with Impact Teen Drivers and Safe Kids Worldwide at their "BE THE CHANGE" Student Fellowship Summit on Tuesday, April 2nd.
Over 100 AUSD high schoolers spent a full day participating with community leaders in evidence-based programs and initiating projects aimed at fostering positive community norms. The goal of this fellowship summit is to empower young people to promote becoming safer drivers and passengers, and to foster a culture of responsibility and awareness to enhance the safety of roads and walkways for all. We are excited to see the students put their learning into action as they outreach to the community to share this important message and make meaningful changes to everyone safe.
Thank you to MKHS students Grant Sapcharoenlert (IG: @thegarterarchives) and Ricardo Padillo (IG: @rizzyphotos) for serving as media assistants for the event and helping us to memorialize the day with their beautiful photos. (Additional photos provided by Furious Photographers & Freddy Perez-Gomez.)
Board Resolutions
Board president Bob Gin delegated facilitating duties to Student Board Member Alternate Kaitlyn Cao, who did an outstanding job leading her first Board Meeting on April 2nd.
Important Safety Precautions for Viewing the Solar Eclipse
Dear Students, Parents and Staff,
With the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, it is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure our students’ and staffs’ safety while enjoying this remarkable celestial event. Solar eclipses, where the moon passes between the sun and Earth, are extraordinary moments in astronomy. However, it's crucial to understand the differences between partial and full solar eclipses to follow safety guidelines for viewing them.
Solar Eclipse Details:
Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Optimal Viewing Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. PST
The eclipse will be visible across Mexico, the U.S and Canada.
In California, the April 8 solar eclipse will see a partial solar eclipse.
Understanding Solar Eclipses:
It is vital to always use proper eye protection.
Partial Solar Eclipse: In a partial solar eclipse, the moon covers only a portion of the sun, creating a crescent shape. Even during a partial eclipse, the sun's rays can cause eye damage if viewed directly.
Total Solar Eclipse: During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely obscures the sun, casting a shadow on Earth and revealing the sun's corona. Viewing the total eclipse without eye protection is safe only during the brief period of totality. However, proper eye protection is necessary before and after totality to prevent eye damage.
Additional Resource: For more information on solar eclipses and safety measures, please refer to them following cited resources:
NASA's Total Solar Eclipse Safety: NASA Eclipse Safety
American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Safety: AAS Eye Safety
Space.com's Solar Eclipse Guide: Solar Eclipse Guide
Timeanddate.com's Solar Eclipse Page: Solar Eclipse Page
Sky & Telescope's Solar Eclipse Viewing Tips: Solar Eclipse Tips
We hope everyone enjoys this rare celestial event safely and responsibly.
Sincerely,
Janet Lees
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Parent Equity Talks
The Alhambra Unified School District is partnering with Powerful Choices Educational Consulting to host Equity Talks with Parents. Join us on April 8, April 23, and May 7, May 20, 2024 from 5pm-6:30pm at Alhambra Unified School District (1515 W. Mission Rd., Alhambra - Marengo West Conference Room, Second Floor). ** Parents must commit to attend all four in-person sessions. Interpretation and child care will be provided.
Click HERE to RSVP
Have Questions? Contact: jarvis_liliana@ausd.us / (626) 943-3540
District Career Fair 4/24/24 at Alhambra HS
Don't miss the chance to learn about the top-growing careers, including:
👩⚕️ Dentist
🎨 3D Digital Designer
🥗 Clinical Dietitian
💻 Data Scientist
🏗️ Civil Engineer
👩⚕️ Registered Nurse
And many more exciting opportunities await!
College Credit Class for Incoming 9th Graders
Join us for a mandatory in-person workshop to complete ELAC application and enroll in COUN 1.
Workshops will be held 5PM-6:15PM.
Workshop options:
- Wed 5/1- Garvey Intermediate
- Thurs 5/2- Temple Intermediate
- Tues 5/7-Alhambra HS
- Wed 5/8- San Gabriel HS
- Thurs 5/9- Mark Keppel HS
Early College Program- Summer 2024 Classes
Alhambra USD, in partnership with East Los Angeles College, offers FREE College Credit Courses to AUSD high school students. Different options available: 1) Asynchronous, 2) Online Zoom, 3) In Person at San Gabriel High Schools. Click here to view the class schedule: https://tinyurl.com/ausd-cte-classes.
Sign up today!
2024-25 Dual Language Immersion Program
We are accepting applications for the 2024-25 TK-8th grade Spanish and Mandarin Dual Language Immersion programs.
This is your opportunity to give your child the gift of bilingualism and give them an advantage in the world.
Access detailed information on the AUSD website HERE and/or watch an informational video HERE.
STEM News
Each month the AUSD STEM teachers for the primary grades put out a monthly newsletter highlighting each school's STEM projects.
Click HERE or on the flyer to view our March Newsletter.
Technology Updates
Educational Technology Resource Site
We are excited to share our updated Support Site for AUSD families. The site 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.
REMINDER - Family STEAM Night
To RSVP click HERE. Don't forget to RSVP. Registration closes on Friday, April 12, 2024.
PACES: Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit
SAVE THE DATE! Please join the SSS division for this special day of workshops that aim to empower parents and caregivers as they support the overall well-being of our children.
Join us on Saturday, May 4th from 8:30am-12:00pm at San Gabriel High School (801 S. Ramona St., San Gabriel). For more information or to register, please click HERE.
Permit Applications for the 2024-25 school year
Starting after April 15th, the 2024-25 permit process will change over to a new online permit system. Parents who are interested in applying for a permit for their child, click HERE to begin the process. Thank you for your patience as we change over to a new online permit system.
Facilities Updates
Brightwood Elementary School
A privacy screen was installed at Brightwood K-8 School. The screen provides an attractive secure space for students and staff. The screen instills a sense of PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence) and inspires school spirit.
LITTLE BITS OF GOOD NEWS & INFORMATION FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT
(Visit our social media platforms to see additional photos of many of these events/activities.)
During their spring break, MKHS students headed to South Korea for an International Student Exchange Program. We're so glad that they had a wonderful time during this exciting opportunity. Thank you to MKHS assistant principal Amy Wu and teacher Candace Wu for chaperoning the students during their adventure. To see more photos visit their Instagram page - IG: @mkexchangeprogram.
Granada School held their Annual Basketball Tournament in March. The team who won the tournament had the opportunity to play against the staff in the Granada Staff vs Student Basketball game on Thursday, March 2tst. Both teams were cheered on by the staff and students, with a performance by the Granada School cheer team. The final score was 11-8 with the staff winning. Way to go Lions!
As a Spring Musical Partnership, AHS Thespians connected with cast members of Garfield Elementary's production of Disney’s FINDING NEMO JR. AHS is in the final stages of rehearsals for their spring musical, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID and with both shows having similar underwater settings, the schools saw the perfect opportunity to collaborate. Scroll further down for information AHS’s Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID. Garfield’s Disney's FINDING NEMO JR. will be in May (information will be coming soon).
Thank you to our AUSD parents who joined our staff for the In-Person LCAP Parent Advisory Council meeting on Monday, March 18th. We appreciate your thoughtful comments and suggestions as we build our new three-year LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) and look forward to having additional opportunities to receive input from all our community partners.
San Gabriel High School celebrated Nutrition Awareness Week on March 4th - 8th. As a great way to pass the time away during the lunch period, the students were given these great conversational topics: The Importance of School Breakfast; Rethink Your Drink; Healthy Snacks; What's a Healthy Diet; and Eating Fruits and Being Active via Smoothie Bike and smoothie sampling!
As part of Spirit Day on Friday March 15th, the Ramona School students and staff were asked to wear green for St. Patty’s Day. Thank you to our Ramona Mustangs -- what a great way to show your school spirit and to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Thank you to Ynez School students and the City of Monterey Park. Prior to spring break, Ynez fourth- and fifth-grade ASB commissioners worked hard to pack up food for families who needed a little extra help. All the food was donated by generous Monterey Park residents.
Attention all Monterey Highlands alumni: Monterey Highlands Elementary PTA is excited to announce their Senior Scholarship program for the graduation class of 2024. They will be awarding three $500 scholarships. Submit your application along with any required documentation by scanning the QR code or visiting http://tinyurl.com/4jwnezz6. The deadline is Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:59pm.
Join Mark Keppel High School and Mark Keppel Alliance for a day of fun family-friendly activities, entertainment, and running at the 2024 FEAR THE SPEAR 5k on tomorrow, April 6th. All proceeds raised will benefit MKHS educational programs, sports and clubs. For more information or to register, scan the QR code or visit: https://fearthespear5k.weebly.com/.
Harvest of the Month: Oroblancos
Alhambra USD teachers can sign up for our Farm to School Program, "Harvest of the Month" (HOTM). Our Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) division is excited to bring locally grown produce to the classroom for teachers to integrate a little "nutrition", "ag", and "CA grown" with their students. Each month will feature a different fruit or vegetable. March's HOTM was OROBLANCOS.
PTA Founders' Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction
The Alhambra PTA Council held their Annual PTA Founders' Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction on March 8th. The PTA recognized staff members, parents and volunteers who dedicate their time to PTA and who go “above and beyond” to improve the lives of all children and families. Congratulations to all the 2024 award recipients!
City of Alhambra & Republic Services Scholarship Opportunity
The City of Alhambra and Republic Services are proud to announce an exciting scholarship opportunity for high school seniors residing in Alhambra. Students are encouraged to write and submit a short essay on environmental stewardship by Wednesday, May 1st to recycle@cityofalhambra.org. Five winners will be selected to receive $1,000 scholarships and be presented with certificates by the Alhambra City Council. Please visit www.cityofalhambra.org/scholarship for more information.
Apply today for Summer 2024 Admissions
West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is in partnership with Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is offering a 12-18 month Joint MA and Teaching Credential Program. Apply today for the Summer 2024 Admissions. For more information, go to www.CGU/TEACHEREDUCATION or contact Jill Gulick at gulick_jill@ausd.us, (626)427-6206
Claim Your FREE CalKIDS Money!
Graduating Seniors: Many of you have $500 to $1,500 in your CalKIDS account already which can be used to support college or career training. Claiming an account and using the money is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Locate the high school senior’s 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which may be found on their school’s portal, report cards, or by asking their school.
- Check eligibility HERE.
- If eligible, claim your account at www.calkids.org.
Once the account is claimed, money can be used to pay for qualified higher education costs, such as tuition, fees, computers, books, and more. The funds can be used at eligible colleges, universities, vocational schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships.
Non-Profit Partner Organizations
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
News from AEF
AEF Summer Program - EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT EXTENDED THROUGH TODAY!
Early registration for the AEF Summer Program has been extended through TODAY, APRIL 5TH. Register at www.aef4kids.com or call 626-943-3080. View the the summer program catalogs or get more information by clicking HERE.
Adopt-A-Camper Program - PLEASE DONATE!
Our sixth graders had an AMAZING time at camp...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. More information is available from Superintendent Dr. Jaramillo's letter that was sent home on February 7th (linked below).
News from ALA
ALA Scholarship Awards Dinner & Dance
Please join the Alhambra Latino Association at their Scholarship Awards Dinner & Dance. This year ALA will be honoring Assistant Superintendent Janet Lees and AUSD High School scholarship recipients. The dinner & dance will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 5:30pm at Almansor Court in Alhambra. To RSVP click HERE. Deadline to RSVP is April 21st.
🎉 Congratulations to ALA's 2024 Scholarship Recipients!
We are excited to announce the eight awardees: Sherlyn Pineda Alvear (AHS), Samuel Carvajal (MKHS), Ana Yezenia Penaloza (SGHS), Baltazar Miguel Montejo Diaz (SGHS), Fernanda Linares (Independent Studies Program - AHS), Jeremy Gutierrez (Dora Padilla Arts - SGHS), Rachel Olguin (Dora Padilla Arts - ISP) and Michael Ramos ( Brian Tatsuno Career Tech - AHS).
Game Changers
Nominations for the next AUSD Game Changers are open. Deadline for the April nominations is April 12, 2024. Nominate a deserving certificated or classified to be a Game Changer HERE.
AUSD Employment Opportunities
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Upcoming Events & Important Dates
- April 7: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- April 12: SGHS Spring Musical - IN THE HEIGHTS 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 13: SGHS Spring Musical - IN THE HEIGHTS Barrio Block Party 12:00pm-2:00pm (Barrio Block Party, Flyer, Tickets)
- April 13: SGHS Spring Musical - IN THE HEIGHTS 2:00pm (Barrio Block Party, Flyer, Tickets)
- April 14: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- April 17: SGHS Spring Musical - IN THE HEIGHTS 4:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 19: AHS Spring Musical - Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 19: SGHS Spring Musical - IN THE HEIGHTS 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 20: SGHS Spring Musical - IN THE HEIGHTS 2:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 20: AHS Spring Musical - Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 21: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- April 23: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- April 24: District Career Fair 5:30pm-7:30pm, Alhambra HS Gyms (Flyer)
- April 24: SSS Family STEAM Night 3rd-5th grades 5:00pm-7:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
- April 26: AHS Spring Musical - Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 26: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
- April 27: AHS Spring Musical - Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID 11:00am (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 27: AHS Spring Musical - Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID 6:30pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- April 28: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- May 3: ALA Scholarship Awards Dinner & Dance 5:30pm-10:30pm (Flyer, RSVP)
- May 4: SSS Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit (Paces) 8:30am-12:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
- May 5: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- May 6: Parent Advisory Committee 6:00pm-7:30pm
- May 14: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- May 16: Minimum Day - Elementary Schools
- May 17 : "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
Open Houses 2024
AUSD Open Houses continue through next month. Please download a copy a list of all AUSD Open House dates/times. (🔸 NOTE: Park School has changed their Open House date from April 3rd to May 15th.) More information will be provided by your child's teacher/school.
Student Calendar 2024 - 2025
Please mark your calendar with these important dates for the upcoming 2024 -2025 school year.
High School Spring Musicals
Click on images for more information, and check out the exciting trailers below.
AHS Theater Boosters and Thespians present: Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID. Performance dates and times are Fridays, April 19th & 27th at 6:30pm and Saturdays, April 20th, & 27th at 6:30pm and Saturday, April 27th at 11:00am.
Ticket prices are $20 adults and $15 students/child. To purchase tickets online, please go to: alhambratheaterboosters.ludus.com.
SGHS Theater presents its spring musical: IN THE HEIGHTS. Performance dates and times are Fridays April 12th & April 19th at 6:30pm, Saturdays April 13th & April 20th at 2:00pm, and Wednesday April 17th at 4:00pm.
* Join them on Saturday, April 13th for their Barrio Block Party at 12:00pm and a PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN Performance at 2:00pm.
Ticket prices are $15 general and $10 students. To purchase tickets online, please go to: sghsdrama.ludus.com.
High School Athletics Calendars
Featured Event: Open House Round-Up
Thank you to all the schools who shared photos from their March Open Houses. As you can tell from these photos, there are some incredible things happening in classrooms all over AUSD!
AUSD in the Media
Read about AUSD in these Local Community Papers
📰 NEW to the AUSD website (www.ausd.us): Press Coverage
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!
AUSD is on YouTube
SGHS California Octathlon Awards
In addition to AHS' success in this year's State Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara, the San Gabriel High School team also did well and qualified for the Virtual State Competition, the "OCTATHLON," where they took SECOND PLACE! (The online award presentation video is posted below.)
There were 9 students on the team: Jayden Chen, Tina Yang, Kun Li, Sarah Guan, Natalie Qi, Leimin Wang, Andrew Ruiz, Mingyu Yang, and Annie Chen, and are led by coach Kenneth Ma. Here are the SGHS students who won individual medals:
- Mingyu Yang - Silver in Art, Gold in Social Science, Silver in Essay
- Andrew Ruiz - Bronze in Literature, Silver in Math, Bronze in Social Science
- Jayden Chen - Bronze in Math, Bronze in Music, Bronze in Science, Silver in Social Science, Bronze in Overall Score for Honors
- Kun Li - Gold in Essay
About Alhambra Unified School District
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