ABC Weekly

Artesia High School students got a taste of real-world financial responsibilities during a recent Bite of Reality event, hosted by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Through this interactive simulation, students learned what it takes to manage a household budget, make financial decisions, and handle unexpected expenses. The experience gave students valuable lessons in money management and a better understanding of the financial responsibilities they may face as adults.

Thank you to SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union for bringing this engaging learning experience to our students! Watch the video to see the students in action.

Ross Middle School students tested their engineering skills during a special STEM activity led by professionals from Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing company. Students learned about STEM careers and the science behind forces and motion before taking on a hands-on engineering challenge.

Working in teams, students had just 20 minutes to design and build catapults with a mission to deliver life-saving medicine from space to Earth. Along the way, they had to account for challenges such as wind, obstacles, and moving targets. Some teams had more successful launches than others, but every team learned through this hands-on experience!

The activity encouraged teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving while giving students a glimpse into how engineers tackle real-world challenges. Thank you to the STEM mentors for sharing their knowledge and inspiring our future engineers!

Congratulations to Whitney High School student Jessica Yang for earning the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal! This recognition honors young people who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service, personal growth, and achievement.

To earn the Gold Medal, Jessica completed at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, and 200 hours of physical fitness, along with planning and completing an expedition or exploration.

Jessica will be formally presented with her Gold Medal during a ceremony in the summer of 2027. Congratulations, Jessica, on this remarkable accomplishment!

As a reminder, students who ride their bicycles to and from school must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. California law (Vehicle Code 21212) requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding on public streets, bicycle paths, or school grounds.

Under District policy, students who do not wear helmets when riding their bicycles to school may lose their campus bicycle parking privileges.

Families, please help keep our students safe by reminding your children to wear their helmets every time they ride. Thank you for helping us make safety a priority!

Due to high demand, the District will hold another Navigating Student Screen Time Parent Symposium on October 27, 2026, at Artesia High School.

This free community event will help families support safe, healthy, and balanced technology use. Middle and high school students are encouraged to attend with their families.

The evening will feature a student panel, an insightful keynote address on managing digital health, and practical strategies families can use at home.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Time: 5:00–7:30 p.m.

Location: Whitney High School

Dinner and childcare provided

Register at https://abcusd.info/ParentSymposium102726.

Attention families of 12th-grade students! It’s time to submit applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Completing a financial aid application is an important step in preparing for college and other post-high school opportunities. Seniors planning to attend a college, university, community college, or career and technical education program are encouraged to apply.

California requires graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA or CADAA unless they submit an opt-out form. The priority deadline to apply is March 2, 2027.

Students can reach out to their school counselor or College & Career staff for more information or support. More information is available from the California Student Aid Commission at csac.ca.gov.