AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Message from the Superintendent
Dear AUSD Community,
Happy New Year…again! Tomorrow is the official start of Lunar New Year, and this year, we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Many of our school sites and local cities are having their own celebrations, and the Asian American Association of Alhambra will be hosting their annual scholarship banquet in just a couple of weeks. Lunar New Year is always a time of celebration, and a reminder of the rich and vibrant cultural experiences in our community.
One year ago, we grieved together at the senseless loss of 11 lives at the Star Ballroom in Monterey Park. That tragic event deeply affected our community, and although we are moving forward as we heal, we still feel the loss today. In the spirit of unity and resilience, we come together again as a community to uplift and support one another during the Lunar New Year season.
Following the heavy rains that fell in the area this week, we extend our gratitude to families for entrusting us with the safety and well-being of their children. As we navigated the challenging weather conditions, our priority remained the safety of our students and staff members. Please know that we were closely monitoring the weather conditions and working hand-in-hand with local authorities, who assured us our infrastructure would be able to handle the amount of rain that we were expecting this week. Throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County, schools stayed open, instruction continued, and parents were able to go to work and focus on their responsibilities – with the peace of mind of knowing their children were safely in our care. Your trust and partnership are invaluable to us.
Spring showers remind us that March will arrive before we know it. As we get closer to spring, I’d like to remind you of our ambitious campaign to send our sixth-grade students to camp next month. The Alhambra Educational Foundation is spearheading the fundraising efforts to ensure we are able to provide our sixth graders with this enriching educational experience. You should have received a letter on Wednesday about our Adopt-a-Camper program and details about the various sponsorship levels. As a reminder, I’ve attached another copy of the letter below. Any size donation would be greatly appreciated. You can make the donations through the AEF PayPal account: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/2257144.
With great appreciation,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
In This Issue...
- OPENING FEATURED EVENT: Marguerita Rededication & Time Capsule Ceremony
- February 6th Board Meeting Items
- Staff Report: Mid-Year Update of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Local Control Funding Formula Budget Overview for Parents (BOP)
- Board Resolution: Read Across America Day
- Educational Services
- 2024-25 Dual Language Immersion Program Applications & Informational Video
- AUSD College & Career Workshop
- STEM News
- Technology Updates
- Affordable Connectivity Program
- Student Support Services
- Measles Health Services News
- PACES - Parent and Caregiver Empowerment Summit
- 1st Annual Family STEAM Night
- Community Schools News
- Temporary Change to Permit Application Process
- Facilities and Construction
- Facilities Updates
- Construction Updates
- SMALL SPOTLIGHTS (Little Bits of Good News & Information from Around the District)
- Food & Nutrition Services:
- Cafeteria Menus
- Harvest of the Month: CARROTS
- Parent Resources: Community Offerings & News
- Save the Date! Annual PTA Founders Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction
- AMA Scholarship
- Art Contest Opportunities
- Gun Safety Resources from the City of Monterey Park
- Scholarship Opportunities
- CalKIDS
- Non-Profit Partner Organizations (AEF, ALA, AAA)
- News from AAA
- News from AEF
- News from ALA
- PTA Spotlight: Reflections
- Human Resources
- January Game Changers
- Employment Opportunities
- AUSD Calendar
- Upcoming Events and Important Dates
- Open Houses 2024
- High School Spring Performances
- High School Athletics Calendars
- CLOSING FEATURED EVENT: Korean Exchange Students at Alhambra High School and Mark Keppel High School
- AUSD in the Media
- Publicity Requests
- AUSD is on YouTube: LACOE's "UDL in Action," featuring Brightwood Teacher June Dojillo
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: Marguerita Rededication & Time Capsule Ceremony
Congratulations to the entire Marguerita School community for a fabulous Rededication & Time Capsule Ceremony on Friday, January 19th!
Upon entering, current and former Marguerita families and staff enjoyed a gallery walk of historical photos and refreshments, which was followed by a special presentation in the school auditorium. Entertainment was provided by the Marguerita and AUSD musicians, and then principal Thomas Kohout welcomed special guests and gave highlights of Marguerita's history and everything that led to the campus rededication. Among the special guests in attendance, were several former principals, including Gary Fox, Carl Nagata, and Teresa Johnson.
Teacher and alumni representatives then shared the contents of the time capsules before the celebration moved to the front of the school. There, final comments were made before the five time capsules were sealed into their their metal/cement/brick casing, which will be re-opened in fifty years in January 2074!
It was another beautiful chapter in the history of Marguerita School!
Staff Report Presentation Slides
Board Resolution
On February 6th, the Board approved Resolution No. 23-24-12, declaring Read Across America Day to be celebrated on March 2, 2024. Download a full version of the resolution below.
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.
AUSD College & Career Workshop
All 9th - 12th grade families are invited to attend our College & Career Workshops.
Our next presentation will be on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
Click HERE to register. Find out about Dual Enrollment and College Promise.
STEM News
Affordable Connectivity Program
Los Angeles County of Education (LACOE) is working collaboratively with the County of Los Angeles encouraging families that are eligible sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP helps ensure that income-eligible households can afford home internet services that are essential for school, work, healthcare services, and more by providing a discount of up to $30 a month.
Click HERE to apply online or print out a mail-in application.
Measles Health Services News
Measles has been on the rise in many parts of the world with some isolated cases here in the United States. Measles is one of the most highly contagious childhood diseases. It can have a devastating impact on young children, in particular infants.
Click HERE for more information about the rise in measles cases and resources in LA County to protect your child against measles.
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.
1st Annual Family STEAM Night
UPDATE: NOW OPEN TO ALL SCHOOLS!
Wednesday, March 6th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Marguerita School. AUSD's Student Support Services Division is excited to invite you to our 1st Annual Family STEAM Night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)! There will be a resource fair and interview panel along with food, fun, and a great learning experience for all! For AUSD students in grades 3-5.
Click HERE to RSVP before the February 19th deadline.
Community Schools News
The eligibility threshold for Community Schools has been updated, and we have four additional schools that may qualify for funding.
The District will be submitting applications on behalf of Alhambra High School and Emery Park, Fremont, and Garfield Elementary Schools. We will update you when we hear back from the State! 🤞
Change to Permit Application Process
We are temporarily reverting back to paper applications for the permit process. Parents who are interested in applying for a permit for their child should click HERE to go to the Permits page of the AUSD website to download a fillable PDF application and/or to get more information. Once the application is complete, parents will need to email it (along with the required documentation) to transferpermit@ausd.us. Thank you for your patience as we change over to a new online permit system.
Facilities Updates
On January 19th, a time capsule was placed at Marguerita School in celebration of the completed modernization project and school reopening. With hard work and commitment, the Facilities Services Maintenance team performed an outstanding job building the grave and crane for the time capsule. We'd like to give a special thank you to the Maintenance team for contributing to the success of Marguerita's rededication ceremony.
Construction Updates
Brightwood Elementary School
Brightwood's Building F modernization continues with framing, mechanical installation, and new roofing. The new shade structure was recently completed!
Alhambra High School
The modernization of Building A at Alhambra High School is progressing: new fire water installation, drywall, insulation, door frame installation, and roofing are substantially complete.
Scanlon Center
The demolition of the Scanlon Center (former AUSD administration building) is nearing completion... the basement and building are already gone!
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.)
On Friday, January19th, the TK and Kindergarten students from Brightwood School went on a field trip to Centennial Farms in Orange County. The students were able to see brand new piglets, watch a dairy cow being milked and touch baby chicks. Thank you to TK/Kinder teachers Natalie Danielsen, Nia Diep, Francine Lam and Melisa Lee for planning and organizing such fun learning experiences for their students!
Thank you to all the PTA Reflections Art Contest Winners and their families who joined the Alhambra Council PTA at the January 18th celebration at Mark Keppel High School. What a talented group of artists! Thank you to each site’s PTAs for organizing the individual competitions and providing opportunities for our student to showcase their artistic abilities.
Congratulations to AUSD’s latest NISL Graduates Lindsay Gilbert, principal at Northrup School, Debora Palafox Perry, instructional coach at Garfield School, and Dr. Stephanie Richardson, principal at Garfield School. NISL (National Institute for School Leadership) is a program of the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE) and is a nationally recognized, research-proven professional learning program for school leaders. Over the course of 12-15 months, NISL participants engage in 12 intensive, interactive multi-day units to deepen their understanding of content and processes in order to make positive changes in their schools/district.
Congratulations to Samantha Davidson’s 2nd graders at Garfield School for participating in the LA Clippers Read to Achieve Program. All of the 2nd graders did a wonderful job at reading. Congratulations to Matteo Chang, Kasii, Mangum, Royston Calderon and Julianne Han who each went above and beyond by reading more than 500 minutes. Thank you to the Los Angeles Clippers for the amazing lunch boxes and for helping the Garfield Wildcats read.
Did you know Wednesday, January 24th was the 100th Day of School? Ramona School’s TK and kindergarten students celebration being 100 days smarter by dressing how they think they will look when they are 100 years old. Their teachers also got in on the fun. Young or old, they sure are cute!
Tournament President Ed Morales recently announced the 136th Rose Parade theme will be "Best Day Ever!" The Tournament Leadership launched their busy year of planning and prepping with their annual Leadership Retreat. Mark Keppel High School thespians and musicians provided the entertainment at the retreat. They performed a preview of their spring musical, MEAN GIRLS.
On Friday, February 2nd, Monterey Highlands celebrated 31 English Learners who have successfully become Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) students. Parents were invited to celebrate️ this wonderful achievement and enjoy breakfast. The student's writing was on display for parents with 3 students reading some of their original writing for the audience. Students shared informational, persuasive and creative writing with the audience. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!
Congratulations to Brightwood’s TK/K Team who were awarded a $3,600 grant to use for science-related field trips and activities. They plan to take their four TK/K classes to the Aquarium of the Pacific in May, and are also working to bring a petting zoo to their school campus. Thank you to teachers Francine Lam, Natalie Danielsen, Melisa Lee and Nia Diep (not pictured). Not only did they work hard on the grant submission, they attended the grant ceremony and then will complete and submit a follow-up grant report in June.
Congratulations to MKHS senior Megan Garibay, who won the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley YOUTH OF THE YEAR award. The Youth of the Year award is presented each year to a teenager who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership skills and acts as a role model for other youth in their community. Megan won the Dr. Ngo $5,000 College Scholarship and is now is now up for LA County's Youth of the Year award. Read the full article about Megan HERE.
Congratulations to the AHS, MKHS and SGHS Counseling Teams for putting together a fantastic Financial Aid Night at Alhambra High School on January 24th. Thank you to all the seniors and their family members who came to hear from our expert guests from the California Student Opportunity and Access Programs (Cal-SOAP). We hope the presentations and the hands-on workshop and financial aid application support was helpful to families and we thank the counselors for their continual efforts to eliminate financial barriers to post-secondary education.
In the last issue of AUSD Connection, we shared about the Robert Arenivar mural at Mark Keppel High School. We are excited to share this video with you to help you learn more about the mural's historical significance. Thank you to Mike Sonksen and Paul Botello (and videographer John Davilla) for helping us remember to look for art in unexpected places. (You can read more about Mike Sonksen and the mural by clicking HERE.)
Harvest of the Month: CARROTS
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. January's HOTM is CARROTS.
Save the Date!
Please make plans to join the Alhambra Council PTA at the Annual PTA Founders Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction. This year's Founders Day Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on March 8, 2024 at the Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel Hotel. Tickets are $60.00 per person. Contact your school's PTA to purchase your tickets to this event.
Congratulations to all the 2024 award recipients! Please follow @AlhambraUSD on Facebook and Instagram, where we will be spotlighting all the honorees between now and the banquet.
AMA Scholarship
The Alhambra Management Association (AMA) will be awarding three $800 scholarships (one from each AUSD high school) to current AUSD 12th graders who have demonstrated leadership and who plan to continue their education beyond high school to pursue careers in teaching or public service.
The Deadline to apply is February 28th by 11:59pm. For more information or to apply, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/AMAscholarship24
Art Contest Opportunities
Here are two art contest opportunities for AUSD students to show their artistic talent.
Attention AUSD Artists! Submit your artwork for possible recognition by Congresswoman Judy Chu’s office for this year's Congressional Art Competition: "ARTISTIC DISCOVERY". Scholarship prizes will be awarded to the TOP 5 winners, and the first prize winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. and have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Submissions are due March 8, 2024. Click HERE for more information, including rules and regulations.
Gun Safety Resources from the City of Monterey Park
The City of Monterey Park would like AUSD families to know about their Firearm Safety and safety kits as well as the Gun Violence Restraining Order training. An additional resource that is available to the public is the MPK Hope Resiliency Center located at Sierra Vista Community Center. The MPK Hope Resiliency Center is a comprehensive resource dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being. The programs, support groups, and counseling are tailored to address the unique needs of individuals affected by the January 21st tragedy and to assist with navigating the aftermath of the incident. For more information, please visit www.mpkhope.com or call 626-609-3399.
Have you heard about CalKIDS?
CalKIDS also provides “seed” money for ALL children (regardless of family income level) born in California after July 1, 2022.
The state automatically provides a $25 initial deposit. Parents who register through CalKIDS.org to view their child’s account will receive an additional $25. Parents can also visit ScholarShare529.com and open a college savings account for their children. If parents link it to their CalKIDS account, they will receive an additional $50 contribution. This means EVERY child born in California July 1, 2022 or later can receive up to $100 of FREE money for college.
Low-income families whose children were in grades 1-12 at a California public school as of October 6, 2021 already have CalKIDS accounts in each child’s name with an initial deposit of $500. Foster youth receive an additional $500, and those identified as homeless receive another $500 (potentially $1,500 total for children who are most in need). New students will continue to be identified as eligible each fall through the public school system.
Non-Profit Partner Organizations
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (AAA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
News from AAA
🐲 Celebrate the Year of the Dragon 🐉
Thank you to everyone who submitted your RSVP for AAA's 34th annual Lunar New Year Banquet and for helping to raise funds for student scholarships! Tickets will be available at the door ($80 per person), subject to availability. We look forward to celebrating with you on Friday, February 23rd.
News from AEF
Adopt-A-Camper Program
Alhambra Unified School District is partnering with AEF to launch the Adopt-A-Camper program. The goal is to send every AUSD sixth grader to science camp in the spring of 2024. AEF has set up a link where can go to donate.
Click HERE to donate. Thank you in advance for your generosity. More information is available from Superintendent Dr. Jaramillo's letter that was sent home earlier this week (link below her newsletter message).
News from ALA
ALA Scholarship
The Alhambra Latino Association (ALA) 2024 Scholarship Applications are now available!
AUSD seniors will have from December through March 15, 2024 to submit their application packets. Click HERE to apply
ALA Celebrating Our Cultures Festival
On Saturday, February 3rd, AUSD celebrated with the Alhambra Latino Association at their "Celebrating Our Cultures" Festival. The event was held at San Gabriel High School and was filled with music, art displays and student performances. Thank you to ALA for such a wonderful event.
PTA Spotlight: Reflections
Congratulations to this year's Alhambra Council PTA Reflections winners, who were honored on January 18th at a special awards ceremony, which also included an art gallery showcasing this year's site winners.
Click HERE for larger image.
* * * * *
We have THREE Outstanding Interpretation Winners, whose entries have now been submitted to the California PTA for possible state-level recognition:
- Desiree Chong (Monterey Highlands School): Literature Category, Middle School (Gr. 6-8) Division
- Queena Yang (Monterey Highlands School): Music Composition Category, Middle School (Gr. 6-8) Division
- Mila Lim (Brightwood School): Photography Category, Primary (Gr.TK-2) Division
Congratulations to Desiree, Queena, and Mila!
January Game Changers
Congratulations to our January 2024 Game Changers: Dorothy "Dottie" Burkhart, Certificated Game Changer from Mark Keppel High School and Johnny Deckard, Classified Game Changer from San Gabriel High School. Nominations for the next AUSD Game Changers are open. Nominate a deserving certificated or classified to be a Game Changer HERE.
AUSD Employment Opportunities
(Subscribe to Receive Automatic Updates)
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
- February 12: Lincoln's Birthday - No School
- February 16: End of 2nd Trimester (Gr. TK-8)
- February 16: Minimum Day for Elementary Schools (Gr. TK-8)
- February 18: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Lunar New Year Street Fair 9:00am-1:00pm (Flyer)
- February 19: Presidents Day - No School
- February 23: AAA Lunar New Year Banquet 6:00pm-9:30pm (Flyer)
- February 25: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- February 27: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- March 1: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents & Staff
- March 2 - 6: Read Across America Week
- March 3: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- March 4 - 8: AUSD National School Breakfast Week (Elem. Flyer, HS Flyer)
- March 6: SSS Family STEAM Night 3rd-5th grades 5:00pm-7:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
- March 6: AUSD Puberty Talk Information Session - 5th Grade 5:30pm-6:30pm (Flyer, RSVP)
- March 8: End of 3rd Quarter (Gr. 9-12)
- March 8: MKHS Spring Musical - MEAN GIRLS 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- March 8: PTA Founders Day Awards Dinner (Flyer)
- March 9: MKHS Spring Musical - MEAN GIRLS 2:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- March 10: AUSD Booth at Alhambra Farmers Market 9:00am-11:00am
- March 12: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
- March 13: College & Career Workshop 7pm (Flyer, RSVP)
- March 15: MKHS Spring Musical - MEAN GIRLS 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
- March 15: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter Emailed to Parents & Staff
Open Houses 2024
AUSD Open Houses take place February through May.
Please download a copy a list of all AUSD Open House dates/times (see below).
More information will be provided by your child's teacher/school.
High School Spring Performances
Click on images for more information
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.
MKHS Theatre Company is proud to announce its spring musical: MEAN GIRLS. Performance dates are Fridays, March 8th & 15th at 7:00pm and Saturdays, March 9th & 16th at 2:00pm.
Tickets are $15 online and presale from the Student Bank or $20 at the door. To purchase tickets online, please go to: mkhs.myschoolcentral.com.
SGHS Theater presents it's spring musical: IN THE HEIGHTS. Performance dates and times are Fridays, April 12th & April 19th at 6:30pm, Saturdays, April 13th & April 19th 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 the 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: South Korean Exchange Students at Alhambra HS and Mark Keppel HS
In January, Alhambra High School and Mark Keppel High School each welcomed a group of students from South Korea as part of a South Korean Student Cultural Exchange program.
Both schools welcomed them with a delicious luncheon (tacos or In-n-Out) and then entertained them with a variety of student performing groups. They followed up the performances with tours of their school campuses. While in the San Gabriel Valley, the South Korean students stayed with an AUSD family for 10 days and attended classes and social activities with their host student.
During spring break, as part of the exchange, we will have a group of AHS and MKHS travel to South Korea for their own exchange opportunity!
Alhambra High School
Mark Keppel High School
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
LACOE's "UDL in Action," featuring Brightwood Teacher June Dojillo
Brightwood's June Dojillo was part of the Los Angeles County Office of Education's (LACOE) UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Project and implement model lessons in their classrooms. Mrs. Dojillo volunteered to take a series of courses through CAST.org and LACOE and they recorded a series of films to educate other teachers. We have linked one of them here. The videos are usually only released for educational purposes, so we thank the CCIL (California Coalition for Inclusive Literacy) Project for allowing us to share this with the AUSD community.
(NOTE: There were ten teachers in California who participated in this eduseries, including two from AUSD. We hope to be able to share more videos soon, so stay tuned!)
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