Husky Nation Highlights

Therapicasso is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that envisions a world where mental health is approached with creativity, compassion, and community. The organization was founded by two current Mark Keppel High School students - Joshua Ferriere and Gabby Wong!

Monterey Highlands is proud to partner with Therapicasso to provide a family Art Night workshop. This is new event at our school. During the event, Therapicasso will present mindfulness strategies and activities tied to artistic expression.

Space is limited so that the facilitators can check-in with participants. Art supplies are also limited for this inaugural event. For this event, an RSVP is required - so please complete the form below.

A confirmation email will be sent by Monday 2/3 at 4pm to confirm attendance.

If there is sufficient interest, we will work with Therapicasso to schedule a second event this year or early next year.

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.

It has come to our attention that some students are wearing Heely's roller shoes to school. We've kindly asked students not to bring those shoes to school.

We'd like to inform parents that these shoes are not safe for our school environment. With so many ramps and steps on campus, the wheels present dangers for students. These shoes are also unsafe for students in Gr 4-8 who participate in PE.

We anticipate rain this week, so wheel shoes are very hazardous. The school office will call home and ask for parents to bring a change of shoes when students are wearing Heelys. Thank you for understanding.

The 2nd Annual AUSD STEAM Night will be hosted at Marguerita School - 1603 S. Marguerita Ave, Alhambra, CA 91803. The event is for students in Grades 3-5. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at the link below.

We are bringing back our Mobile Husky Carts! Based on a rotating weekly schedule, staff will deliver a cart full of Husky Store items to the classroom so that students can spend their well-earned Husky Bucks! We appreciate donations of toy and snack items to keep our carts stocked.

Items purchased from this Amazon Wishlist are delivered directly to the school. Thank you for your generosity and supporting PBIS!

This month’s focus is Honesty. One way to think about Honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do.” Practicing Honesty helps strengthen our relationships and even reduces stress.

Calling all passionate professionals and Tradespeople!

Monterey Highlands Elementary PTA is gearing up for an incredible 2025 Career Day, and we need YOUR expertise to inspire our students!

• Are you enthusiastic about your career?
• Do you have a unique story to share?
• We want a diverse range of speakers!

Join us in shaping young minds and broadening horizons. Whether you’re a scientist, artist, entrepreneur, or have a fascinating career journey, we want to hear from you!

Speakers will present to 4 classes for 10-15 minutes each, with 5 minutes reserved for questions. Career Day is targeted for our 3rd-8th grade students.

Date: February 21

Time: 8:00-10:30 AM

Interested in being a Speaker? Let us know by simply completing this Form. Let's empower the next generation together!

Attention all Monterey Highlands Parents, Guardians, and Teachers! We are now accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 Executive Board. Our PTA plays a crucial role in supporting our school and ensuring the best possible experience for our children. We need your help in identifying dedicated and passionate individuals to lead the way.

For more information and to submit nominations, please click here. Nominations must be submitted by March 10, 2025. The election will take place on April 19, 2025.

Don't miss this opportunity to have a voice in shaping the future of our school. Get involved and make a difference! Thank you!

We are grateful for our volunteers. Here are some of our volunteer needs at this time:

Ongoing PTA Volunteer Opportunities

• Interested in speaking at our Career Day? Let us know by clicking here! (PTA)
• PTA now accepting nominations for next year’s Executive Board (PTA)
• Interested in helping plan and organize our PTA events? Let us know by submitting your interest here! (PTA)

The Associated Student Body (ASB) oversees all fundraising and school activities at Monterey Highlands. The ASB Cabinet meets most weeks to review activity and fundraising requests.

Useful ASB Information:

• ASB Fundraiser Request Form
  
• ASB Approved Fundraisers

ASB produces our monthly Wonderful Wednesday virtual assembly. In the month of Februrary, 2nd Grade teaches us how to demonstrate Honesty. Our morning PA messages to start the week will also focus on this theme.

Our next Wonderful Wednesday video is coming soon!

• 6th Grade Parent Meeting - Mon 1/13 @ 5pm - YouTube Recording
• 8th Grade Parent Meeting - Mon 1/13 @ 6pm - YouTube Recording

8th Grade Promotion is right around the corner! Check here for important events and reminders:

• Our Panoramic Photo and Individual Portraits will be taken Thursday, 2/6 throughout the day. Please remember these are formal portraits so students should dress accordingly and within dress code expectations.
• 8th Grade Parent Night (MKHS) - Night of the Aztecs is also Thursday, 2/6 @ 5:30pm. See flyer below. RSVP at this link.

Save the Date - 8th Grade plans to sell concessions at Therapicasso's Family Art Night on Wed, February 5th, 2025 from 4:30-6:30pm in the Cafetorium. Flyer coming soon!

Monterey Highlands is always bustling with activity! Here's some of what our students were up to lately!

• Fall Board Recognition (1.14.25) - students on the Mock Trial Team and "Off and Away" Poster Contest Winners were recognized by the AUSD Board of Education. Photo credit: Karlie Yonemoto (AUSD Communications Intern)
• Adventures Art Walk (1.14.25) - students in the Adventures Afterschool program created a huge exhibit of their arts and crafts projects from this year. Parents were invited to enjoy their young artists' work. Photo credit: Iliana Avalos
• National Red Ribbon Contest Winner - for the 3rd year in a row, the Trinh Family has won in the National Red Ribbon Photo Contest! Their winning photo was the "Most Creative Home Entry". Highlands gets a $1,000 donation as a result. Thank you, Trinh family!!

The Apollo Afterschool program publishes a newsletter periodically to update everyone on their fun and exciting programs. Enrollment is open!

• 2/3 to 2/7 - 6th Grade's Valetine Gram Sales, Breezeway
• 2/4 - AUSD Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
• 2/5 - AUSD District Spelling Bee, District Office, 3-5pm
• 2/5 - Therapicasso Family Art Night, Cafetorium, 5:30-6:30pm
• RSVP required
• 8th Grade will sell concessions (cash only)
• 2/6 - 8th Grade Individual and Panoramic Pictures
• 2/10 - Lincoln's Birthday - NO SCHOOL
• 2/10 to 2/14 - Valentine Spirit Week presented by PTA and ASB
• 2/11 - National History Day Workshop, Library, 5-6pm
• 2/13 - Staff PD - MINIMUM DAY
• 2/14 - End of Tri 2, Report Card Prep - MINIMUM DAY
• 2/13 and 2/14 - 6th Grade's Cupid Shop, Breezeway
• 2/13 & 2/14 - Adventures Carnival, Lower Blacktop, 1-2:30pm
• 2/17 - President's Day - NO SCHOOL
• 2/18 - National History Day Workshop, Library, 5-6pm
• 2/21 - 8th Grade Movie Night, Cafetorium, 5-8pm
• 2/25 - National History Day Workshop, Library, 5-6pm
• 2/26 - Middle School Dance, Cafetorium, 2-3:30pm (more information to follow)
• 2/26 - AUSD STEAM Night @ Marguerita School, 5-7pm
• 2/27 - National History Day Workshop, Library, 5-6pm
• 2/28 - Student of the Month (Honesty), Cafetorium, 8am

A California Distinguished School - 2014, 2020, 2023

📥 Email: highlands@ausd.us
🌐 Website: www.montereyhighlandselementary.org
📍 Location: 400 Casuda Canyon Drive, Monterey Park, CA, USA
📲 Phone: (626) 570-6220