AUSD CONNECTION

Dear AUSD Community,

We are excited to welcome Nora Corona Hernandez as the newest member of the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education. On Tuesday evening, Mrs. Hernandez took her Oath of Office following her provisional appointment to represent Trustee Area 2. She brings a strong record of community service and a commitment to ensuring that every student has access to an excellent education. Surrounded by family, friends, and local leaders (and with the added joy of celebrating her birthday), it was truly a memorable occasion. We are looking forward to the leadership and perspective she will contribute to the important work ahead.

One of the most significant challenges before the Board in the coming months will be addressing the impact of declining enrollment. California has experienced steady drops in public school enrollment in recent years, and AUSD is not immune to this trend. Enrollment directly affects programs, staffing, and facilities, making it essential that we plan carefully for the future. At Tuesday’s Board meeting, consultants from Total School Solutions presented a Demographic Study (“School Optimization Report”) that examines enrollment patterns at the state, county, and district levels. The report also outlines ways AUSD can thoughtfully respond to these shifts in order to preserve our strong programs and expand opportunities for students, while also keeping the district fiscally responsible. I encourage you to review the presentation below for a deeper understanding of the data and the possible next steps the District may consider.

Warmest Regards,

Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.

Superintendent

On September 9th, Nora Corona Hernandez was provisionally appointed to serve on the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education, representing Trustee Area 2. She will serve through November 2026. She was officially sworn into office on Tuesday, with Alhambra City Councilmember Adele Andrad-Stadler administering the Oath of Office. You can watch a video of Nora being sworn in HERE.

Nora, a longtime AUSD parent and active school leader, has been part of the district community since 2006. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including PTSA Board Member at San Gabriel High School, president of the Alhambra Council PTA, and representative in the Community Schools Collaborative at San Gabriel High School. Her two children attended Marguerita and Granada Elementary Schools and are both graduates of San Gabriel High School.

Congratulations, Nora! Thank you for your commitment to AUSD and your willingness to serve our students, staff members, and families.

There were no staff reports presented during Tuesday's Board Meeting, but during the Communications Items, a Demographics Study was presented, which shows projected enrollment and the impact on future funding for the district. This study provided important information that will guide important decisions for AUSD leadership and the Board of Education. Although this slidedeck will give you an overview and basic information, we encourage you to attend our BOARD MEETINGS in the future and listen to the detailed reports as they are presented to the Board. Click on the image below to access the PDF of the Demographics Study.

At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted two resolutions (recognizing Native American Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month). You can read the full content of each resolution by downloading the attachment below.

Thank you to parents who have already completed 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.

Scan the QR code on the flyer, click HERE, download the flyer below, or visit www.tinyurl.com/AIFdirections for instructions to access the Family Portal to start completing your form for the 2025-2026 school year.

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.

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.

tinyurl.com/ccfs2526topics

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and every day counts! Regular attendance helps students build strong foundations for learning, stay engaged, and set the tone for a successful school year. Celebrate Attendance Awareness Month by checking out our September Attendance Newsletter and using our Attendance Tracker to keep track of your child’s attendance. Every day present is a step toward success! Click HERE for a pdf copy of the Attendance Tracker.

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.

We have put together many resources to support our immigrant families. Please click on the image or "button" below to visit our website and access these resources.

Maintenance located a water pipe with a pinhole at Ynez Elementary. The plumbers placed a clamp and re-energized the domestic water system.

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!

LITTLE BITS OF GOOD NEWS & INFORMATION FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT

(Visit our social media platforms to see additional photos of many of these events/activities.)

AUSD is thrilled to celebrate Christina Kwon Loose — She was been named a 2025-2026 LA County Teacher of the Year! Christina, who was named AUSD's Teacher of the Year earlier this year, is a beloved 7th-grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher at Baldwin School. She was honored TODAY at the 44th Annual Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet. Christina is known for her inclusive, student-centered classroom and for her passion for empowering young learners. She and the other LACOE Teachers of the Year will now advance to represent LA County in the California Teachers of the Year competition. We are so proud of her incredible achievement and the joy she brings to her students, her families, Baldwin School, and the entire AUSD community! (We will feature more photos from today's celebration on the @AlhambraUSD Facebook and Instagram accounts and in our next issue of AUSD Connection.)

We have a celebrity in our midst! Brightwood second-grade teacher MELODY HOU is a huge proponent of Storyline Online (which offers FREE online stories, read aloud by professional actors) and was asked to be part of their videos to promote reading and literacy. She was prominently featured in the mini-documentary below, which will air on local PBS stations via the show All Access with Andy Garcia. She and her students (from last school year) will be featured in several additional segments throughout the year. She was also part of this short 30-second promo that aired over 400 times this month on CNBC. The next time you see Mrs. Hou, you just might want to ask her for her autograph!

(Storyline Online is an Emmy Award-winning children's literacy program, produced by the non-profit organization SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and is accessible FREE of charge at: https://storylineonline.net.)

LA Metro is looking for LA County high school students between ages 14-17 to join the 2026 Metro Youth Council. The goal of the Metro Youth Council is to develop the capacity of young people to share their ideas and perspectives about Metro's projects and initiatives.

Applications are open September 2nd–30th. For more information and to apply now: www.metro.net/youthcouncil

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!

Please join the Alhambra Chamber for its annual Alhambra Day of Service that is set to take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, 8:00AM - 11:00AM.

This day of service will consist of projects around the city where community members can join in and volunteer to beautify the community and other initiatives. Please visit https://tinyurl.com/adossept2025 for more information and/or to sign up.

The City of Monterey Park invites you to join them for upcoming Public Outreach Sessions on the Garvey Avenue Improvement Project. The Garvey Avenue Improvements Project will make travel safer and easier by easing congestion, improving bus service, and creating safer, more welcoming spaces for people walking and biking. By modernizing the street, the project will strengthen connections across Monterey Park and improve daily travel for residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors.

• Community Meetings: Sept 22nd from 6-7:30pm at George Elder (1950 Wilcox Ave) or Sept 25th from 6-7:30pm - Virtual Meeting (Zoom Link)

Additionally, community members can complete a questionnaire to share your priorities for the Garvey Avenue Improvements Project. Each completed survey is entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Survey closes September 30. Click here to take the survey: English, Spanish or Chinese

For additional information, visit: https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/1693/Garvey-Ave-Improvements-Project.

Project Talent Launch (PTL) is a student-run nonprofit organization, founded to provide high school students with paid internships, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Led by CEO Bonnee Song from SGHS and an executive team made up mostly of AUSD students, they work with multiple schools in the area, including all three AUSD high schools.

PTL is hosting its 1st Annual GOLF TOURNAMENT on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Arcadia Golf Course. Fees: $150 for adults & $100 for ages 18 and under (includes range balls, goodie bags & snacks). To register, visit: www.projecttalentlaunch.org. See flyer for the schedule and more details.

Please join us and help raise funds for the Alhambra Police Foundation at their Bounce for a Cause at Sky Zone Alhambra on October 13th from 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.

For the second year in a row, the Alhambra Educational Foundation was voted San Gabriel Valleys' BEST Non-Profit Organization in the recent Southern California News Group's Readers Choice Awards!

Join us on Saturday, September 20th 9:00am to 9:00pm at the 20th Annual Citadel Shopping Extravaganza.

Grab your Friends! Shop the deepest discounts of the year and support the Alhambra Educational Foundation all in one day!

Tickets are still available! Click HERE to view more details on the flyer.

The 12th annual Pumpkin Run is scheduled for Sunday, October 26th. Proceeds from this fun community event will benefit the Alhambra Educational Foundation. Register by August 31st to qualify for early bird registration prices.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://alhambrapumpkinrun.com.

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.

The Alhambra Latino Association (ALA) is looking for their 25-26 Youth Ambassadors! If you are a junior or senior that identifies as Latinx and would like to represent your high school through ALA, please fill out the interest form. Click HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer for the interest form. Deadline to submit: September 23, 2025.

Join the Alhambra Latino Association for another fun Noche de Lotería game night. Help ALA to continue its work for the students of the AUSD. Play different rounds of Lotería for a chance to win one of the door prizes. ALA wants to continue to offer scholarships to deserving, hard-working students and thanks to the support of the community, they were able to award 10 scholarships in 2025, the most in our 30-year history!

When: Friday, October 10, 2025 (Social hour 5:30-6:30 p.m.-Games 6:30-9:30 p.m.)

Where: Alhambra Masonic Lodge (9 W. Woodward Ave., Alhambra)

Admission: $25 donation per card game or $40 for two cards

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 8th. Click HERE to register.

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:

https://tinyurl.com/AAALNYPrizes2026

Congratulations to our September 2025 Game Changers: Stephanie Meyka, Certificated Game Changer from Garfield School and Richard Garcia, Classified Game Changer from Northrup School. Nominate a deserving certificated or classified to be a Game Changer HERE.

For the second year in a row, AUSD was voted as San Gabriel Valley's Favorite Work Place!

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.

https://www.ausd.us/apps/events/

• September 20: Citadel Shopping Extravaganza (Supports AEF) 9:00am-9:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• September 21: AUSD Booth at Farmers Market / Fiesta Alhambra 9:00am-11:00am
• September 19, 22, 23, 25, 26: Elementary Minimum Days: Parent Conferences & Preparation
• September 24: College & Career Family Series: No Loan/Low Loan School via ZOOM 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 7: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
• October 10: AHS Haunted House - SANCTUM 3:00pm-9:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 10: ALA Noche de Loteria Game Night 5:30pm-9:30pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 10: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members
• October 15: MKHS Theatre Production of Romeo and Juliet 4:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 15: College & Career Family Series: Budgeting via ZOOM 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 16-17: MKHS Theatre Production of Romeo and Juliet 7:00pm (Flyer, Tickets)
• October 17: End of 1st Quarter: Secondary (9th-12th Gr.)
• October 19: AUSD Booth at Farmers Market: 9:00am-11:00am
• October 21: College & Career Family Series: CSU Application via ZOOM 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 22: College & Career Family Series: UC Application via ZOOM 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 23: College & Career Family Series: The Common Application via ZOOM 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 24: End of 1st Trimester: Elementary (Gr. TK-8)
• October 26: Alhambra's 12th Annual Pumpkin Run - Supporting AEF (Flyer)
• October 27: AUSD Pupil-Free Day
• October 28: Elementary (Gr. TK-8) Pupil-Free Day
• October 28: Board of Education Meeting (Agendas & Minutes)
• October 29: College & Career Family Series: Out of State Colleges/Universities via ZOOM 7:00pm-8:00pm (Flyer, RSVP)
• October 31: "AUSD Connection" Newsletter emailed to Parents, Students, and Staff Members

Click on the high school logo to access their current athletic calendars.

Earlier this month, we welcomed National Education Association President Becky Pringle and California Teachers Association President David Goldberg for a day-long visit showcasing the AUSD/ATA Food Pantry and all three high school’s Dream Centers. Leaders toured all four locations and met with staff and students learning how these programs provide safe spaces, counseling, mentorship, food access, and advocacy for students and families.

During the visit, President Pringle announced a $25,000 donation from the NEA to support the Food Pantry, recognizing the widespread needs of the community and impact of family-centered initiatives. AUSD was proud to showcase these programs (and the amazing staff members who keep them running), which highlight the District’s ongoing commitment to equity, wellness, and student success.

Contributing Photographers:

• Ricardo Padillo, MKHS Student & AUSD Communications Intern
• Charlie Van, SGHS Student

Click on the masthead images below to view digital versions of the current issues. AUSD students, staff members, and programs are heavily featured in both papers. NOTE: Each month, look for AUSD Communications Interns' (ACI) photographs and/or writing featured in both community publications.)

Alhambra Unified School District is often featured in local media (print and television news). Click below to access some of our favorite stories, featuring AUSD students, staff members, schools and programs!

Do you have something newsworthy to share? Click on the Publicity Request button so we can spread the word!

Please visit us on social media (@AlhambraUSD) to keep up with the latest AUSD news. We are especially active on Facebook and Instagram. If you want our notifications/reminders to show up on your timeline, make sure to follow/like us!

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

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