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AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
![AUSD CONNECTION NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT](https://cdn.smore.com/u/5330/bc4ce4b123018b303d37bbff77264d92.jpg)
Message from the Superintendent
Dear AUSD Community,
At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the Board declared May 15, 2024 as Alhambra Unified School District’s Employee Appreciation Day. (Read the full resolution HERE) As we approach the closing of another incredible school year, please join me and the Board of Education in taking this opportunity to reflect on the dedication and hard work our entire staff has offered throughout the 2023-24 school year.
The people who work in AUSD are more than just employees. They are mentors and motivators; the leaders of our time and the future. In the forefront and behind the scenes, they support and empower our students, create opportunities for families to engage in our schools, ensure the safety and well-being of all who come on our campuses, and facilitate the smooth operation of our district. They make a difference.
Throughout the year, it is not uncommon for me to receive calls, emails, or messages from family or community members, expressing their gratitude for the work of individual staff members. In each instance, I am reminded that AUSD employees are the backbone of our educational community, and so many of our students’ successes are the result of their efforts. Our teachers, classified staff, and managers deserve our heartfelt gratitude every day, but especially as we enter the season of appreciation.
Certainly, our students and families contribute greatly to our district’s success, but during these next couple of weeks, I invite each of you to join me in focusing a moment of attention on our employees by expressing gratitude in whatever ways you can. A simple “thank you,” a small token of appreciation, or a note acknowledging their value are all ways to make a team members’ day!
As we enter the final month of the 2023-24 school year, let's finish the year strong and continue to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our staff. I am grateful for AUSD and all that our staff, students, and families do to make our district a warm, welcoming, and enriching place to learn and work. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
In This Issue...
- OPENING FEATURED EVENT: Congressional Art Competition
- April 23rd Board Meeting
- Staff Report: Overview of Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Education Funding Plan
- Staff Report: Update on AUSD Community Schools Program
- Communications: Options for Learning - AUSD Overview, Initiatives and Outcomes
- Adopted Board Resolutions
- Educational Services
- LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
- College Credit Class for Incoming 9th Graders
- Early College Program - Summer 2024 Classes
- STEM News
- 2024-25 Dual Language Immersion Program Applications & Informational Video
- Technology Updates
- Updated Educational Technology Resource Site
- Student Support Services
- PACES - Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit
- Online Permit Applications for the 2024-25 school year
- Facilities and Construction
- Facilities Updates
- Construction Updates
- SMALL SPOTLIGHTS (Little Bits of Good News & Information from Around the District)
- Food & Nutrition Services:
- National School Lunch Hero Day
- Smoothie Bike at MKHS
- Cafeteria Menus
- Parent Resources: Community Offerings & News
- City of Alhambra & Republic Services Scholarship Opportunity
- AJ Wang Foundation 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
- News from AAA
- Human Resources
- Game Changers
- Employment Opportunities
- AUSD Calendar
- Upcoming Events and Important Dates
- 2024 AUSD Promotions & Graduations
- Open Houses 2024
- Student Calendar 2024 -2025
- High School Athletics Calendars
- CLOSING FEATURED EVENT: Barrio Block Party
- AUSD in the Media
- Publicity Requests
- AUSD is on YouTube - South Korean Student Exchange Program
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: Congressional Art Competition
Congratulations to the three AUSD students who were winners at Congressmember Judy Chu's 15th annual Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition:
1st Place: Tiffany To, 11th grader at MKHS - Tiffany won an $800 scholarship, tickets to Washington, D.C., and will have her artwork displayed at the U.S. Capitol.
3rd Place: Jocelyn Alvarez, 12th grader at MKHS - Jocelyn won a $300 scholarship and will also have her artwork displayed in Congressmember Chu's Pasadena Office.
5th Place: Mia Lai, 12th grader at AHS - Mia won a $150 scholarship & will have her artwork displayed in Congressmember Chu's Pasadena Office. (Mia was also in the Top 10 of last year's competition.)
Congratulations to these incredible young artists, along with their AUSD art teachers, Jenny Tang and Connie Yip!
Staff Report Presentation Slides
Although these slide decks give you an overview and basic information on this topic, 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 presentation slide decks.
Communications
Options for Learning presented to the Board of Education an overview of their program including initiatives and outcomes for Alhambra Unified School District. Click HERE for a downloadable pdf of the slide presentation.
Board Resolutions
At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted five resolutions (for National Foster Care Month, AANHPI Month, National Mental Health Month, National School Nurse Day, and AUSD Employee Appreciation Day). You may read the full the content of each resolution by downloading the attachment below.
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Please join us for our upcoming PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) Meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024 from 6:45pm-8:00pm via Zoom.
At this meeting, we will review the 2024-25 LCAP plan for feedback.
Click on the image to download a PDF of the flyer with information in multiple languages or click HERE to join the Zoom meeting.
College Credit Class for Incoming 9th Graders
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!
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 the image to access the April newsletter.
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.
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.
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 on April 15th, the 2024-25 permit process changed 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.
Facilities Updates
San Gabriel High School
The following pictures are for the San Gabriel High School roof projects, which were completed last summer. WeatherWeld uses a seamless encapsulation system which ensures a watertight seal that keeps rain from leaking through. We are happy to announce that, as of today, there have been NO reports of any roof leaks.
San Gabriel High School "U" Building
Construction Updates
Brightwood Elementary School
Modernization Project
Building "F" restroom
Restroom Upgrades continue.
Building "F" casework installation has commenced
These renovations are taking shape with the completed solar arrays, basketball courts, and ball walls.
Lunch Shelter has been completed.
Site renovations are taking shape with completed solar arrays, basketball courts, and ball walls.
Mark Keppel High School
PA, Camera, and IT Infrastructure Upgrades (PACIT)
Field trench for future infrastructure to support PA's and cameras.
IDF Room with new switches and cabling.
Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF)
Site Preparation for the new VMF has commenced adjacent to the San Gabriel High School campus.
Scanlon Early Education Center (EEC)
Site demolition substantially completed.
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.)
MKHS’s Science Department put together another wonderful Middle School Science Field Day on April 13th. We hope the 175 competitors from Brightwood, Garfield, Garvey, Monterey Highlands and Temple Intermediate Schools enjoyed their day of fun and learning. A special thank you to the Monterey Park Fire Department for making the egg drop challenge extra special. Photos by Grant Sapcharoenlert (IG: @thegarterarchives).
At the beginning of April, the SGHS Medical Careers Academy and HOSA Future Health Professionals club competed at the HOSA State Competition 2024. Congratulation to Zhikai (Kyle) Jiang and Andrew Win who placed 3rd overall in the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) competition, earning them spots at the International Competition in Houston, Texas this June. Also, placing in the top 10 of the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) category, were Dylan Chan and Nathanael Irawan with Dylan also placing 8th in the Dental Terminology category. Congratulations to these SGHS students and thank you to their advisors Mr. Hester and Ms. Loggins for their dedication to the students.
Northrup had an awesome STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) night on Thursday, April 11th. Art, drama, music and STEM were showcased along with mini concert performances by the students. The students did an amazing job showcasing what they have learned in class.
Garfield students enjoyed Wheels Squared BMX Show, thanks to their PTA, who sponsored this amazing assembly. The students had an incredible time watching Jared Eberwein perform several tricks on his BMX bike while educating the students. Highlights included his jumps over Garfield teachers and a back flip over the assistant principal. What a truly was an exciting experience!
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce invited AHS students to attend the Alhambra State of the City on Thursday, April 11th. Grace Alo, Oliver Campos-Yu, Leslie Chu, Kylee James, Tyr Lau, Siqi Li, Keiko Rakin, Justin Wang, and Alex Wu were able to meet local elected officials and business leaders, and learn about the responsibilities and achievements of the city's various departments. Each invited student has demonstrated leadership at AHS through PODER, Academic Decathlon, Dream Center, Athletics, Student leader volunteers, SAC and All-Male Dance.
Congratulations to AUSD’s latest recipient of the Excellence in Leadership award: Mrs. Linh Ly from Emery Park! At the last principal’s meeting, SGHS’s principal, Mrs. Debbie Stone (the previous recipient) presented Mrs. Ly with the award and shared the many reasons she respects and admires the hard work and dedication Mrs. Ly demonstrates each day. The trophy will stay with Mrs. Ly until the next general principals meeting, when she will select another principal who deserves the recognition.
After a very success "Husky Run" fundraiser, Monterey Highlands PTA hosted Shaving Cream High Five with Mr. B on April 24th for the whole school. The Highlands community raised over $15,000 for two school projects: campus beautification and library upgrades. Both projects are off to a great start! PTA and Monterey Highlands are grateful to the community for their support of this fundraiser, proclaiming, "This is how we LEAD!!"
Thank you to the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the LACOE Board of Education for honoring AHS’ Academic Decathlon Team at their April 16th Board Meeting. AHS' Academic Decathlon Team won FIRST PLACE in the Los Angeles County competition and THIRD PLACE in the State competition. The team was the top scoring non-charter school in California. They also had two students who finished among the top 5 individuals in the state. Congratulations to the AHS AcaDec Team!
SGHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members attended the 4-day 2024 FBLA State Leadership Conference in Anaheim. SGHS took home three awards. Congratulations to Kellyn Chea (5th place, Introduction to Business Communications), Haixin Huang (7th place, Business Communications), and Richard Guan (10th place, Computer Applications). Congratulations to these students and to all the participants for their outstanding performance and dedication.
TONIGHT (April 26th) is the LAST opportunity for the community to come out and support Brightwood as they present their enchanting production of Into the Woods Jr. Join them at 6:00pm to witness the magic unfold on stage. Tickets are available at the door for just $2, so don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the talent and creativity of Brightwood's young performers.
AHS Theater Boosters and Thespians present: Disney's The Little Mermaid. The production will close this weekend. The remaining performance are: Friday, April 26th at 6:30pm and Saturday, April 27th at 11:00am & 6:30pm. Ticket prices are $20 adults and $15 students/child (free for children five and under). To purchase tickets online, please go to: alhambratheaterboosters.ludus.com. To view their trailer, click HERE.
Garfield School presents: Disney/Pixar Finding Nemo Kids -- based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film. Performance dates are Thursday, May 9th & Friday, May 10th at 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Tickets go on sale for $5 each, starting Friday, May 3rd (before & after school). Tickets will also be available at the door (if space allows).
National School Lunch Hero Day
AUSD Food & Nutrition Services department is celebrating National School Lunch Hero Day on May 3rd! Help celebrate your School Lunch Hero!
Show your cafeteria staff appreciation by bringing a card, drawing, or a poem to your school cafeteria. (You can download and color the pages below!)
Smoothie Bike at MKHS
At Mark Keppel High School, the Nutritional Advisory Council (NAC) promoted Earth Day on April 22nd by hosting a "Smoothie Bike". The students had the opportunity to sample the fruit smoothies produced from the smoothie bike during their lunch period. The mission statement of NAC is to promote healthy eating and access to fresh produce by making available on-campus gardens.
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.
AJ Wang Foundation Scholarship Opportunity
The AJ Wang Foundation Scholarship is for students attending community colleges in the Southern California areas (including Pasadena City College, East Los Angeles City College, or any of the other community colleges listed on the application). The application period is April 15th – June 1. Each recipient will receive $3,000 per year for up to three years (with $1,500 granted for each semester). For more information, go to: www.ajwangfoundation.org. Download the information and application below.
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
Register at www.aef4kids.com or call 626-943-3080.
AUSD students should register ASAP, so they don't miss out. (REMINDER: AEF's K-8 Summer Academy also welcomes student from all surrounding districts, parochial, and private schools who would like to attend. )
View the the summer program catalogs or get more information by clicking HERE.
Science Camp 2024
Thank you to everyone for your generous donations supporting the Adopt-A-Camper program. Here are just some photos of the activities our AUSD sixth graders participated in.
Adopt-A-Camper Program - PLEASE DONATE!
As you can see from the photos above, 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.
News from ALA
🎉 Congratulations to ALA's 2024 Scholarship Recipients!
We are excited to announce the eight awardees: Sherlyn Pineda Alvear (AHS), Michael Ramos (Brian Tatsuno Career Tech Scholarship, AHS), Fernanda Linares (Independent Studies Program Scholarship, AHS), Rachel Olguin (Dora Padilla Arts Scholarship, ISP/AHS), Samuel Carvajal (MKHS), Ana Yezenia Penaloza (SGHS), Jeremy Gutierrez (Dora Padilla Arts Scholarship, SGHS), and Baltazar Montejo Diaz (BOLD Academy, SGHS - not shown).
All scholarship recipients will be celebrated at the ALA Scholarship Awards Dinner & Dance (along with honoree Janet Lees) on May 3rd. If you're interested in learning about Alhambra Latino Association or their dinner/dance, please click HERE.
Game Changers
Congratulations to our April 2024 Game Changers: Kathleen Funes, Certificated Game Changer from Mark Keppel High School and Rebecca Alvarado, Classified Game Changer from Baldwin School. Nominations for the FINAL AUSD Game Changers for 2023-24 are open. Nominate a deserving certificated or classified to be a Game Changer HERE.
AUSD Employment Opportunities
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Upcoming Events & Important Dates
- April 26: Brightwood PTA & Drama Club Spring Musical - INTO THE WOODS Jr. 6:00pm (Flyer)
- 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: Granada School Classic Vintage Car Show - Community Event 10:00am-4:00pm (Flyer)
- 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)
- 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 6:45pm-8:00pm (Flyer, Zoom)
- May 9: Garfield Spring Musical - Disney/Pixar FINDING NEMO Kids 6:00pm (Flyer)
- May 10: Garfield Spring Musical - Disney/Pixar FINDING NEMO Kids 6:00pm (Flyer)
- May 14: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- May 15: AUSD Employee Appreciation Day
- May 16: Minimum Day - Elementary Schools
- May 17 : "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
- May 19: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- May 22: 8th Grade & Moor Field Promotion Ceremonies (Flyer)
- May 23: 8th Grade & LIFT Promotion Ceremonies (Flyer)
- May 24: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies (Flyer)
- May 24: High School Commencement Ceremonies (Flyer)
- May 24: End of Third Trimester (Grades TK-8)
- May 24: End of Second Semester (Grades 9-12)
- May 24: Last Day of School (Grades TK-8 & Grades 9-12)
- May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (AUSD Schools/Offices will be closed)
2024 AUSD Promotions & Graduations
Open Houses 2024
AUSD Open Houses continue through mid-May. 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
The 2023-24 school year is not quite over, but we know many of you are looking ahead to the next school year.
Please mark your calendar with these important dates for the upcoming 2024 -2025 school year.
High School Athletics Calendars
Featured Event: Barrio Block Party
SGHS' incredible Barrio Block Party on April 13th was an family-friendly community event that celebrated LatinX culture and embodied the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility. It featured delicious food offerings and booths/performances by community partners, including LA Linea, LA Plaza Del Cultura y Artes, El Cine, Alhambra Latino Association, Teen Tix, California Community Schools, AHS Folklorico Dancers, SGHS Dream Center, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, and The Flamenco Souls.
Following the Barrio Block Party, attendees experienced a special "pay-what-you-can" performance of In the Heights, with the goal of making live theater accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Read about the event in the World Journal HERE. and view highlights HERE.
(Most photos by Grant Sapcharoenlert, IG: @thegarterarchives)
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
South Korean Student Exchange Program
During the Communications Items of Tuesday's Board Meeting, the student groups from Alhambra High School and Mark Keppel High School presented an overview of their student exchange visit to South Korea over spring break. Enjoy these video highlights they created...
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