ABC Weekly

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority, and it takes all of us working together to keep our school community safe.

We understand that pickup and drop-off are busy times of the day, but we ask all drivers to follow traffic laws and safe driving practices to help protect our students.

As a reminder, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s patrol the cities we serve, and will cite drivers who violate traffic safety laws.

Please keep these important reminders in mind:

• Do not block intersections

• Do not stop in the middle of the street or block traffic to let students enter or exit your vehicle

• Students should exit vehicles on the curbside whenever possible for safety

• Supervise your student when crossing the street and use marked crosswalks

• Avoid making U-turns or other unsafe turns near the school or drop-off areas

• Do not double park while waiting to pick up students

• Do not park in red curb zones, school bus zones, or other restricted areas

• Do not block residential driveways when parking or waiting

• Follow directions from school staff who may be assisting with traffic during arrival and dismissal

• Please drive slowly and remain alert for students who walk or ride bikes to school

Your cooperation helps ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in and around our schools. Thank you for helping keep our students safe.

Thanks to the City of Hawaiian Gardens, which partnered with the Hawaiian Gardens Casino and Fishers of Men West Coast to help local students start the school year on the right foot!

This past weekend, Hawaiian Gardens students received brand-new shoes, carefully fitted to make sure each student went home with the perfect pair. Families also had the opportunity to visit resource tables and connect with local organizations offering support and services.

A big thank you to the City of Hawaiian Gardens and its community partners for supporting our students and families as they begin a new school year!

Interested in Whitney High School? The application window for the 2027–2028 school year opened September 1, 2026 and both ABCUSD resident and out-of-district students may apply.

ABCUSD resident students can apply as they have in previous years through Whitney High School’s annual admissions process. New this year, students who live outside ABCUSD boundaries are also eligible to apply.

The admissions process includes an application, writing assessment, and reading and math placement tests. Applications are due September 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Learn more about eligibility, the application process, important dates, and how to apply at abcusd.info/WhitneyHighSchoolAdmissions.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout the month, we will share information and resources to help families recognize when someone may be struggling and know how to offer support.

This week, we are focusing on the power of connection. Strong relationships and trusted connections can make a meaningful difference when someone is going through a difficult time. Open conversations about mental health can also help reduce stigma and make it easier for someone to ask for help when they need it.

Small acts matter. Checking in with someone, listening without judgment, spending time together, or simply letting someone know you care can help them feel supported and less alone.

Families can learn more about suicide prevention and available resources through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.

• Care Solace: ABCUSD students, families, and staff can call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/site/abcusd for help finding mental health or substance use support that fits their needs and resources.

Together, we can build a community where people feel connected, supported, and able to ask for help when they need it.

Make plans now to attend the ABCUSD College & Career Fair! More than 40 college representatives, trade union specialists, and industry partners will be on hand to help students explore what comes next after graduation.

All middle and high school students are welcome to attend. Interested students should complete the Student Interest Form at abcusd.info/2026CollegeCareerFair.

Event Details:

Date: September 30, 2026

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Locations: Artesia High School

The United States Senate Youth Program is accepting applications for its 65th Annual Washington Week. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity will be selected to spend a week in Washington, D.C., learning firsthand about the federal government and public service.

Applications are due this October. Students interested in government, leadership, and public service are encouraged to learn more at ussenateyouth.org or at cde.ca.gov/eo/in/us/.