AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
In the Alhambra Unified School District, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and valued at school. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are pleased to share an update on our AUSD Anti-Bias Project, an important initiative designed to build empathy, inclusion, and understanding among our students and school communities.
At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, members of our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Summer Coalition presented an overview of the District’s Anti-Bias Project, which includes the conceptual framework, grade-level lessons, and strategies for students and staff to effectively interrupt harmful behaviors and transform incidents of school-based bias into meaningful learning opportunities. These lessons encourage students to stand up for others, practice empathy, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our schools.
This year, the Anti-Bias Project is expanding to include grade-level units for students in Grades 3–5, in addition to the existing curriculum for middle school students, which began last year. The educator toolkit (which was launched last year) provides teachers with language and strategies to respond to bias in the moment and turn those experiences into teachable moments. We are also developing parent workshops to help families navigate these important and sometimes challenging conversations at home and in the community.
We invite you to learn more by reviewing the slidedeck below, which were shared at the Board meeting. Although you will not get the benefit of the clarification and discussion that occurred during the presentation, you will still be able to understand the importance of this project and an overview of the curriculum how each grade level will build upon the previous year in each grade level (3-8).
Together, we can continue building a school environment where all students feel a strong sense of belonging and where kindness, respect, and understanding guide our daily interactions. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we expand this vital work districtwide.
Warmest Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
The California State Seal of Biliteracy
Graduating high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English will get the State Seal Biliteracy recognition on their diploma or transcript. Click on the state seal or HERE (or en español) for more information about the requirements and more. You may also reach out to your school administrators for more information.
SMS/Text Messages Alerts
Stay Informed: If you have not already done so, please make sure you have signed up for SMS/Text message alerts through the Parent Portal. The SMS/Text feature of our mass communication system (Blackboard) has significantly improved our communication capabilities, ensuring timely and efficient updates for our staff and families, especially during emergencies, but you have to make sure you have entered a cell number in the Emergency Messaging section for the system to alert. Click HERE to view our SMS/Text Frequently Asked Questions.
College & Career Center Family Series Presentation Topics
Join Alhambra Unified School District at their College & Career Center Family Series Presentations. All 9th -12th grade families are invited to attend!
Next Presentation Topic: College Planning (This workshop breaks it all down: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and budgeting—so you can make smart money moves. Get real tips, free tools, and expert advice to help you pay for college without the stress.)
When: Wednesday, October 15th
Time: 7:00pm -8:00pm
Where: Virtual by Zoom (tinyurl.com/cccsf1015)
Click HERE see the complete list of topics and dates, or download the PDF below.
Information and Resources for LGBTQ+ Students & Families
AUSD is steadfastly committed to creating safe, stable, nurturing, and welcoming environments for all students and staff. The District prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, immigration status, and other protected characteristics as outlined in its policies, ensuring inclusivity and equity across all educational programs and activities. AUSD reflects the diverse population of the world and celebrates this diversity through daily educational experiences and honors contributions from historically marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ communities.
Click HERE to access resources.
Elementary Schools
High Schools
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!
The latest recipient of the Excellence in Leadership award is Isaac Alvarado, principal at Garfield School. The previous recipient, Doris Gorski, shared her reasons for selecting him: “Isaac Alvarado leads with genuine kindness, a collaborative spirit, and a steady, positive energy that makes every interaction feel supportive and purposeful. When I’ve worked with him, I walk away feeling a true sense of collaboration and partnership. It’s easy to see the ripple effect of that leadership throughout their entire school community."
As part of Deaf Awareness Month in September, the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center hosted their 2nd Annual Deaf Awareness Fair on Saturday, September 27th at their local Alhambra campus. The AUSD Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Program serves the West San Gabriel Valley SELPA and was one of the vendors. Attendees included families and staff from the DHH Program, members from the community, and local partners. It was a collaborative and supportive event to support our Deaf community!
In September, the Marguerita School Huskies identified different ways to show Respect. The students wrote the different ways they will show respect on paper leaves and then created a Tree of Respect in the school garden. Way to go, Huskies!
October 8th was National Walk to School Day. With the assistance of Monterey Park Police and Fire Departments, Monterey Highlands students, parents, and staff members practiced safe walking (including at intersections and crosswalks) to their school campus. This year's event was very well attended with over 100 participants, including Bowie the Dog! Highlands Huskies appreciates everyone's partnership in keeping students safe to and from school!
The Alhambra Police Department shared a great morning at Granada School for a Coffee with a Cop event on September 29th! Thank you to all the parents, staff, and students who joined in on the fun. A special shout-out to Starbucks on First St. and Main St. for generously providing delicious coffee for everyone!
Welcome Back San Gabriel High School Alumni
San Gabriel High School is turning 70 this year, and they want SGHS alumni to be a part of the celebration! From sharing your stories to helping plan, your involvement will make this milestone unforgettable. Scan the QR Code or click HERE to update your contact info and let them know how you'd like to be involved.
Together, we’ll honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of San Gabriel High School. Here’s to 70 years of Matador pride, and to the many more to come! Join SGHS for Homecoming and Alumni Fest on October 24th!
Alhambra Police Foundation - Bounce for a Cause!
Please join us and help raise funds for the Alhambra Police Foundation at their Bounce for a Cause at Sky Zone Alhambra on Monday, October 13th (10:00am - 9:00pm). Reserve your spot HERE and receive 20% off using code: FUN20OFF. Sky Zone will donate 20% of the proceeds to the Alhambra Police Foundation every time the code is used. See flyer for more information.
ACT Bus Community Workshops & Bus Service Update!
The City of Alhambra is hosting Community and Online Workshops for the ACT Bus Service changes that will be starting on December 15th. Discover the new ways to get around Alhambra with the updated ACT Bus Service!
Join the free Community and Online Workshops to learn:
- What’s changing with the ACT routes
- How to connect to your favorite destinations
- How to track buses in real time on your phone
In-Person Sessions: October 22nd and November 5th (Alhambra Library Reese Hall)
Online Sessions: October 29th and October 30th (link provided upon registration)Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Register now to reserve your spot and start your journey with ACT’s new service visit: www.alhambraca.gov/act or scan the QR Code on the flyer. Receive a special gift for attending!
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
Successful Shopping Extravanganza
Thank you to everyone who supported AEF by joining us at the 2025 Shopping Extravanganza at the Citade Outlets.
12th Annual Pumpkin Run 2025
The 12th annual Pumpkin Run is scheduled for Sunday, October 26th. There's still time to sign up and join the fun. Proceeds from this community event will benefit the Alhambra Educational Foundation.
For more information or to register, please visit: https://alhambrapumpkinrun.com.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar and please plan to join AEF at their 19th Annual Service to Education Awards Dinner & Gala on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Each year AEF recognizes individuals & community organizations who have contributed many hours of service or money to the education of students in our AUSD community.
Save the Date!
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Asian American Association's annual Lunar New Year Banquet:
📆 Friday, February 27, 2026
📍 NBC Seafood Restaurant (404 S. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park)
⏰ 6:00pm
Proceeds fund scholarships for AUSD students!
Opportunity Drawing Prize Donations are being accepted NOW:
Game Changer Nominations
Want to reward an extra-special AUSD employee? Nominate a deserving certificated or classified to be a Game Changer HERE.
The next nominating window will close next Friday, October 17, 2025.
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.
AHS Haunted House: SANCTUM
AHS' Theater Department's one-night-only haunted house, SANCTUM, will take place TODAY, October 10th (3:00pm-9:00pm). AHS Technical Theater students have created a chilling, post-apocalyptic world filled with suspense, immersive sets, and live performances. Tickets are available at: www.ahstheater.com or at the door ($10 for adults & $8 for students). Note: This event is recommended for ages 10 and up.
SGHS Fall Production: RADIUM GIRLS
MKHS Fall Production: William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET
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