AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
We are just over one month into the school year, and a wonderful rhythm has developed across the district. Students have reconnected with friends and are getting involved in clubs and activities, teachers and staff have gotten to know the students, and our campuses are busy with learning, activities, and school spirit. I have enjoyed seeing so much of that energy across AUSD as I’ve visited schools and spoken with staff, students, and families. These everyday moments are what make our schools such special places.
As you probably know, our Educational Impact Committee (EIC) has also begun hosting Community Conversations at our elementary schools. These gatherings give families and community members an opportunity to learn more about the declining enrollment trends and other factors affecting AUSD, ask questions, and share their thoughts about the future of our district. If you missed the conversation at your child’s school, you are welcome to attend a session at another site. We will also offer an online Community Conversation on October 15th, providing a convenient opportunity to participate from home. If you have not yet joined us, I hope you will!
I also want to thank everyone who has already completed the EIC Community Survey. Your feedback is an important part of this process. If you have not yet responded, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. No decisions have been made yet, and your voice matters. We want to hear from as many members of our community as possible as we look ahead and think about how we can best serve our students and families. (More information is available below and in the EIC News that was sent home earlier this month.)
There are also some great opportunities coming up to support our schools through the Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF). Tomorrow, September 19th, AEF will host its Shopping Extravaganza at Citadel Outlets. Purchase your tickets by TONIGHT and join us for special discounts, raffle prizes, and a delicious lunch, all while helping AEF raise funds to support our schools and programs. Another way to support AEF is by signing up for the Pumpkin Run, which AEF is now coordinating. You can find all the details about these events and other ways to support AEF and our other non-profit partners in the section below.
I am also excited that our Board of Education and Cabinet members are continuing to connect with our community beyond our school campuses. This Sunday, you can find us at the Alhambra Farmers Market as we celebrate Fiesta Alhambra! This is a great opportunity to stop by, say hello, and chat with our Board members and directors in a casual, informal setting. We will be there from 9:00am until 11:00am and will have some fun giveaways at our booth, so be sure to come see us!
There is so much happening across AUSD, and I am grateful for the many ways everyone continues to come together to support our students. Thank you to our entire AUSD community for the excitement and enthusiasm you have brought to the new school year. We are off to a great start!
Warmest Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Enrollment Impact Committee
On September 4th, we sent out the first issue of the EIC Newsletter. It contains important news and information about the important work of AUSD's Enrollment Impact Committee. (You can access it below if you did not receive it.) Please join us at an upcoming Community Conversation and help us reimagine the future of AUSD.
- Watch the video: https://youtu.be/yzdlsqO8mSE
- Join a Community Conversations Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/EICCommunityConversations
- Respond to the Survey: https://tinyurl.com/EICCommunitySurvey
- Learn More at the EIC webpage: www.ausd.us/eic (under construction)
- Questions? Contact your school or send an email to EIC@ausd.us.
ALL Parents: Please Complete the AIF!
Reminder: We still need parents to complete the Alternative Income Form (AIF)! Completing this form helps ensure Alhambra Unified School District will receive the maximum amount of federal funds for our schools. The collection of household income information is a necessary step for your child's school to receive thousands of dollars in federal funds. ALL families should complete the Alternative Income Form (AIF), irrespective of their household income. One AIF is needed for each student.
Click HERE or visit www.tinyurl.com/AIFdirections for instructions to access the Family Portal to start completing your form for the 2026-2027 school year.
College & Career Center Family Series: Resume Building & The Importance of Early Experience
Learn the basics of building a high school resume, including its structure and key sections, while discovering ways to help your student identify resume-building opportunities throughout high school.
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm via ZOOM
- RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/cccfs101426
- Translation will be available
Click HERE to access 26-27 CCC Family Series presentation information in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese).
🚨Important: Mobile Communication Devices Policy
Reminder: The new Mobile Communication Devices Policy is now in place. We ask all parents, guardians, and students to be familiar with, and to follow, the updated policy. This flyer outlines our expectations for student use of mobile communication devices during the school day and is designed to support a safe, focused, and productive learning environment.
Thank you for taking the time to review this important information and for partnering with us to support student success.
Attendance Update: September 2026 Newsletter
Be Present, Be Connected: Together We Thrive!
September Is Attendance Awareness Month! Every school day matters! We invite families to bookmark our Attendance Matters Website for helpful resources and year round support. Be sure to explore our September Attendance Newsletter, featuring a fun family challenge, use the Attendance Tracker to monitor your student’s attendance, and review our helpful guide on when to keep your child home due to illness.Together, we can help students stay healthy, connected, and ready to learn!
26-27 Attendance Tracker
Please click HERE or on the graphic to view the Attendance Tracker.
This can help you monitor the absences your student accumulates during the 2026 - 2027 school year!
How to Safely Send Your Student to School
Are you wondering whether your child should attend school today? Here are some important factors to consider.
Click HERE to access the "How to Safely Send Your Student to School" flyer.
Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiatives (CYBHI)
AUSD participates in the CYBHI program, which allows us to seek reimbursement for the support we provide on our school campuses. This assists the District in sustaining important school-based services and supports for students and their families. Please take a few minutes to securely submit your child's insurance information using this link.
There are NO co-pays or out-of-pocket costs for you, and submitting this information will not impact your personal insurance coverage. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to email our team at cybhi@ausd.us. We are happy to assist you. Thank you for your partnership and for helping us continue to provide important health and behavioral health support to our students.
As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming campus environment, Baldwin School has received new, heavy-duty walk-on mats at the primary entrances of the N-building. The new mats not only showcase Baldwin's proud school spirit, but they also keep our floors clean, dry, and safe during rainy days.
National School Lunch Week (October 12th - 16th)
National School Lunch Week is October 12th - 16th and our school cafeterias are each having a Frequent Diners Club challenge.
Here's what students will need to do:
- Pick up a Frequent Diner Card on October 12th from your school cafeteria at lunch.
- Have school lunch every day during school lunch week.
- Bring your card everyday and get one stamp on your card each day.
- Submit your fully-stamped card to the cafeteria on Friday, October 16th for the Grand Prize Drawing!
SAVE THE DATE: 22nd Annual Food and Wellness Fair
Save the date and plan to join AUSD's Food and Nutrition Services at their 22nd Annual Food & Wellness Fair on Monday, October 26th (pupil-free day) from 10:00am to 1:00pm at San Gabriel High School (located at 801 S. Ramona Street in San Gabriel).
- Delicious Food Tasting
- Nutritional Education
- Physical Activities for All Ages
- & More!
Participants will help decide new cafeteria menu items! Open to students, parents, and staff members but spaces are limited & RSVPs are required to attend. Contact your school office to attend!
Online INTERACTIVE Cafeteria Menus
Food and Nutrition Services' INTERACTIVE ONLINE MENUS are available for all AUSD schools.
Click HERE to access the online menu and check out the many great features, including nutritional information, calorie/carb/fat trackers, allergen alerts, and much more!
Repetto School would like to give a big thank you to Suzanne Lang, author of the Grumpy Monkey series as well as several other titles, for reading to the Repetto Roadrunners on September 16th at their Author's Night. The students enjoyed lounging on comfy blankets, sipping lemonade, and eating cookies. They also participated in Grumpy Monkey crafts, brought or pre-purchased Grumpy Monkey books, and had their books signed by the author.
Mark Keppel's football team is off to one of their strongest starts in history. The varsity team has already won three of their first five games, and are excited for what the rest of this competitive season will bring.
Celebrate Latino Heritage Month at Fiesta Alhambra this Sunday, September 20th at 9:00pm - 1:00pm at 100 S. 2nd Street (part of the Alhambra Farmers Market). Enjoy live music, cultural performances, artisan vendors, children's activities, and fresh produce. Make sure to stop by the AUSD Board of Education Booth (Spot #60, 9:00am-11:00am) to chat and pick up some fun giveaways.
MKHS students Claire Chan and Dana Huynh were recognized by the AUSD Board of Education for their outstanding work as Caltech Earthquake Fellows. During Tuesday's Board Meeting, Claire and Dana shared highlights from their summer research and encouraged the district to explore an earthquake early warning system. The Board presented both students with certificates to celebrate their accomplishments and the wonderful way they represented MKHS throughout their summer experience!
AUSD 3rd Annual No Time to Hate Poster Contest
Put your creativity to the test in honor of AUSD's commitment to all students and their families! Participate in the AUSD 3rd Annual No Time to Hate Poster Contest! This year's theme is: OUR FORMULA FOR UNITY: HEART > HATE.
Poster contest is open to all AUSD students grades TK-12. All winners will be honored at a district ceremony. Please click HERE for the informational flyer. Posters are due on October 20th. Click HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer for the submission form.
Monterey Park Library Foundation Gala 2026
You're Invited to the Monterey Park Library Foundation GALA - PRIDE IN THE PAST, FAITH IN THE FUTURE. Join in celebrating many years of service and support. Proceeds support the programs and activities of the Bruggemeyer Library.
When: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 6:00pm Reception and 7:00pm Dinner
Where: Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra)
Individual Tickets: $99.00 Each
For more information, please contact mpklib.foundation@gmail.com or visit www.montereypark.ca.gov/LibraryFoundation
Homework Help at the Library
FREE homework assistance for elementary school students at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library (318 S. Ramona Ave. in Monterey Park).
Volunteer high school students will be available to provide free homework assistance for elementary students on Mondays from 5:00-7:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00-4:00pm in the Children’s Department. Parents must remain in the Children’s Department. No registration is required.
HomeworkCA by Tutor.com
Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library now offers FREE academic resources and on-demand online tutoring from HomeworkCA by Tutor.com!
All AUSD students in grades K-12 can use the service to get help with homework, class projects, papers, and test prep. Students can access live, online tutoring 24/7 from any Internet-capable device - no library card is required. Click on the link above or scan the QR Code to connect to HomeworkCA.
Public Notice from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
For more information about AEF (SGV's 2025 BEST non-profit organization), please email support@aef4kids.com or go to their WEBSITE.
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
For more information about ALA, please email alhambralatinoassociation@gmail.com or go to their WEBSITE.
Asian American Association (AAA)
For more information about AAA, please email aaaofalhambra@gmail.com or go to their WEBSITE.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - 13th Annual Pumpkin Run 2026
The 13th annual Pumpkin Run is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th. Proceeds from this fun community event will benefit the Alhambra Educational Foundation. Register online early for early bird prices.
For more information or to register, please visit: https://alhambrapumpkinrun.com.
Noche de Lotería Game Night
Help the Alhambra Latino Association continue its work for the students of the AUSD by joining a fun game night, with opportunities to win a game and/or door prize. Proceeds will go towards student scholarships.
Date/Time: Friday, October 9, 2026 (6:00pm - 9:30pm)
Location: Alhambra Masonic Lodge (9 W. Woodward Ave., Alhambra)
Admission: $30 donation per card game or $50 for two cards (includes light dinner)
Deadline: Wednesday, October 7th. Click HERE to register.
Youth Ambassador Program
ALA is looking for high school juniors and seniors who identify as a Lantinx and are interested in representing your school through the Alhambra Latino Association's Youth Ambassadors Program.
Click HERE to apply.
The deadline is TODAY, Friday, September 18th!
Writing Workshop
AUSD juniors and seniors are invited to this FREE Writing Workshop, which will be led by LA Times Editor Steve Padilla and Professor Gina Chávez. Participants will learn strategies on how to write powerful essays for college and scholarship applications.
Date/Time: September 26, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Alhambra Civic Center Library
The workshop is free, but please register HERE! Light snacks will be provided. Bring your computer, tablet, or notebook.
School Calendars
Download the AUSD calendars for the 2026-2027 and the 2027-2028 school years and make sure to mark those dates on your calendar.
To view other upcoming events, visit https://www.ausd.us/apps/events and subscribe to the AUSD public online calendar.
Alhambra USD Employment Opportunities
Come be a part of the AUSD Team! Please click HERE for full-and part-time positions. We have competitive salaries and excellent benefits! AUSD posts all job opportunities at EdJoin.org/alhambrausd. Make sure to check back often.
SGHS Fall Production: Neil Simon's THE ODD COUPLE
AHS Haunted House: CAGED
AHS's Theater Department's ONE-NIGHT-ONLY CAGED annual haunted house, will take place Friday, October 9th (3:00pm-8:30pm). Step inside, a psychological horror experience exploring the confinements of the mind and body. Tickets are available at: www.ahstheater.com ($10 for adults & $8 for students). Please Note: Children under 12 are not advised.
MKHS Fall Production: THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER
AHS Fall Production: URINETOWN The Musical
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