AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
Tuesday is an important day in our country - Election Day 2024. Serving as one of the hallmarks of our democracy, the opportunity for voters across our nation to cast their ballots in a variety of local, state, and federal elections is monumental. As we approach Election Day 2024, I can’t help but be reminded of the importance of participating in this essential civic process, and how fortunate we are to have this right. Simultaneously, I recognize that Election Day 2024 marks the end of what has been a lengthy and sometimes contentious campaign season, and opens the door to what can quickly become an equally complex and uneasy post-election environment.
With that in mind, I am reminded of how important it is that we approach different perspectives with respect and understanding. Our students are watching and learning from us, and this is our opportunity to show them the value of open discourse on complex policy matters and civility in times of disagreement. No matter the outcomes of the upcoming election, I want to reassure you that Alhambra Unified School District’s mission remains the same. We are here to support, educate, and uplift every student, and we will continue to provide a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for each of them.
With the increased attention on politics this fall, and a momentous baseball season (Go Dodgers!), it would have been easy to miss some moments of celebration that fall brought to our local community, and especially to our schools. Throughout AUSD, we have enjoyed fall, Día de Muertos,
and Halloween celebrations that filled our campuses with laughter and creativity. Festivals, trunk-or-treats, costume contests, haunted houses, and more provided an opportunity for our students to make lasting memories with their friends, family, and staff members. These events are a great reminder of the importance of community and the joy that traditions bring to our schools. The next several weeks will bring even more. Please scroll further down in this newsletter and take a look at the photos that capture the fun and festive spirit that has made this season so special in our school community.
This weekend, we will change our clocks, our days will become shorter, and it will begin to feel more and more like fall in Southern California. With these seasonal milestones also comes the end of the first trimester for our elementary schools, and a step closer to the end of the first semester for our high schools. This is the perfect time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students and staff members for the progress and growth we are seeing everyday.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school journey. I wish you and your family a happy, safe, and festive fall season. Winter will be here before we know it.
Warm Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
San Gabriel High School was proud to host Personal Finance Influencer and Author Yanely Espinal as her “Mind Your Money” book tour made a stop at SGHS. Students learned the importance of saving/investing early and making smart money choices to build wealth and financial stability. Her visit was timely, as recent legislature has made California the 26th state to mandate personal finance courses. Key advocates for the addition of these classes were State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and State Senator Anthony Portantino, who were both on hand to emphasize their support, introduce Yanely, and to thank non-profit organization Next Gen Personal Finance. (Photos: Grant Sapcharoenlert, MKHS student)
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Please join us for our upcoming Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 6:45pm-8:00pm via Zoom.
Click on the image to download a PDF of the flyer with information or click HERE to join the Zoom Meeting.
Save the Date: Family STEAM Night (February 26, 2025)
Make plans to join us at our 2nd Annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Resource Fair -- Open to all families of students in grades 3-5. Last year's event was a rousing success and we are ready to go "Full Steam Ahead" in year 2. Mark your calendar:
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- 5:00pm-7:00pm
- Marguerita Elementary School
Page Phillips, MKHS drama teacher, was recognized by the City of Monterey Park on October 16th for being named a 2024 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Thank you to all the members of Page’s “fan club” who were on hand at the City Council meeting to cheer her on.
The afterschool programs at Brightwood School celebrated LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL, which is an annual event shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families, and communities. The Brightwood Adventures, Options and Spark teams partnered together to creat a Glow in the Dark activity day for the programs' students on October 24th. Activities included a Glow in the Dark Party in the cafetorium, Trunk-or-Treating, and game booths. (Photos: Justin Lim, MKHS student)
The City of Alhambra held their 11tth Annual Alhambra Pumpkin Run and Halloween Festival on Sunday, October 27th. Once again, the proceeds from the run/walk event were donated to the Alhambra Education Foundation, which supports AUSD schools, students, and programs. Thank you to everyone who organized this fun-filled day, and a huge shout-out to all of the participants of the Pumpkin Run! (Photo: Victoria Perez, MKHS student)
MKHS students Gabby Wong and Joshua Ferriere have been visiting various schools in AUSD as an outreach of their non-profit organization, Therapicasso. Among the sites they visited were Ynez School, where they were part of the October 10th "Coffee with the Principal." They presented a Morning Mental Health Workshop around the theme, "Understanding and Addressing Mental Health in Families". We're proud of Gabby, Joshua, and Therapicasso's impressive youth-led initiatives! (Photo: Suna Kwan, MKHS student)
AUSD had a great time at the Monterey Park Library Foundation’s baseball-themed Gala on October 25th. The evening was a huge success. Everyone attending enjoyed delicious food and delightful company while helping to raise money to support the library and its many important community programs.
Lisa Serrano’s 6th graders and Selina Woo’s 2nd graders from Repetto School had a great time working together to plant herb and vegetable plants in the Repetto school garden on October 22nd. Ms. Serrano and Ms. Woo each received flats of herbs and veggies, which was made possible by the generosity of Altman Plants.
The Alhambra Police Department partnered with Ramona School for National Coffee with a Cop on October 9th. They also promoted safety awareness as part of National Walk to School Day. AUSD appreciates the strong partnership with our local law enforcement agencies, and is grateful for all they do to keep our students, staff members, and families safe!
AUSD’s Woodworking Technology teachers hosted the 12th annual Woodworking Contest to determine which students will qualify to compete in the SkillsUSA-CA Regional Conference. Students from the three high schools all competed for the BRAD WALSH AWARD. This year's final results were: First Place: Keira Chan (MKHS), Second Place: Dolly Huang Chen (MKHS), Third Place: Rayhan Zeng (AHS) and Honorable Mention: Miguel Alhuay (MKHS). Congratulations students on your win!
Congratulations to Fremont principal Dr. Carly Chavez, who was named the recipient of this month's "Excellence in Leadership" Award. She was selected by Marguerita principal Tom Kohout, who praised Dr. Chavez as a leader in her previous high school assistant principal position, as well as in her current position as an elementary principal. Mr. Kohout also mentioned that he has learned so much by working alongside her and watching her excel in both roles.
Point Of Sale - Coming Soon!
Please be aware that, after Thanksgiving Break, students will go back to entering their ID numbers in the cafeteria (as required by the California Department of Education, but temporarily paused during the pandemic). "Point of Sales" machines will be present in ALL school cafeterias, beginning November 12th.
Our older students probably recall having to enter their ID numbers and learned to do so very quickly. November 12th-22nd will be used for our younger students to memorize their ID number and get used to the new process.
Effective December 2nd, the Point of Sales machines will be fully implemented. Please call Food & Nutrition Services if you have any questions at 626-943-6590.
(NOTE: All students continue to be eligible for one breakfast and one lunch each school day.)
Therapicasso Art Exhibit & Fundraising Gala
Many AUSD schools have been working with Therapicasso, a non-profit organization founded by MKHS students Gabby Wong and Joshua Ferreire. They are excited to announce their Inaugural Gala on Friday, November 22nd to celebrate their art and mental health initiatives that are impacting thousands of youth across LA County.
Please spread the word and support these young leaders to have a successful first gala. To become a sponsor or to purchase a ticket, please click HERE or the link below.
Rotary Reverse Raffle
Please support the Alhambra & Monterey Park Rotary Charities Foundation by purchasing a raffle ticket. Proceeds go to many service projects in the community, including the annual Alhambra Teacher Mini-Grants (that have awarded AUSD teachers a total of $244,330 since its inception). Download the form below for more information or to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $100 each. Only 300 tickets will be sold and the top prize is $10,000! Wining tickets will be drawn on Thursday, November 14th.
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
Spark of Love Annual Toy Drive
Once again, AEF is partnering with the Alhambra Fire Department and AUSD for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. You can donate toys, electronics, and sports equipment to Alhambra Fire stations and Alhambra City buildings NOW. Donation boxes will be coming soon to AUSD schools! AEF also accepts monetary donations HERE to purchase gift cards for older children.
Adopt-A-Camper Program - PLEASE DONATE!
Our sixth graders had an AMAZING time at camp last year...several groups even got to enjoy some snow!
Please help Alhambra Unified School District and the Alhambra Educational Foundation to continue this new tradition by supporting the Adopt-A-Camper program.
Use this LINK to donate. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
The Alhambra Latino Association would like to thank everyone who joined them for their fun Noche de Lotería! Everyone had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, while playing 13 exciting rounds of Lotería.
Proceeds from this event support scholarships for AUSD students.
Asian American Association $1000 Scholarship - Apply Today!
Open to ALL eligible Alhambra USD seniors of Asian descent. One winner will be selected from each high school. Eligibility: All seniors of Asian descent who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Fall 2025 are eligible for this scholarship.
Due Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply at: https://tinyurl.com/AAA2025Scholarship
Lunar New Year Banquet - RSVP now for Early Bird Price!
Asian American Association's Lunar New Year Banquet will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025. This annual event is a fun-filled spectacular event that raises money for student scholarships. Celebrate the Year of the Snake, while supporting the students of AUSD!
Early Bird RSVPs get priority seating and are eligible for an Early Bird Prize!
Alhambra USD Employment Opportunities
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.com/alhambrausd. Make sure to check back often.
Final High School Fall 2024 Drama Production
🎭
Alhambra High School Fall Production - CLUE
November 21st-22nd 7:00pm
November 23rd, 11:00am & 6:00pm
Click HERE for tickets/info.
Dr. Denise Jaramillo is the 2024 Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year!
In case you missed the big news, we are thrilled to announce that AUSD's own superintendent, Dr. Denise R. Jaramillo, has been named this year's Superintendent of the Year for all of Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Office of Education brought an entire team with them to surprise Dr. Jaramillo on October 23rd. She will also be honored next week at the County's annual Superintendents' Professional Collaborative. AUSD is SO PROUD of Dr. Jaramillo and this VERY well-deserved recognition! Read the beautiful San Gabriel Valley Tribune feature below.
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