The Weekly Update #4

As we enter the month of November and begin heading into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on just how grateful I am to serve as the Principal of Mark Keppel High School. Like any school year, there are ups and downs, ins and outs, challenges and celebrations, but I can honestly say there is no other place I would rather be. Mark Keppel is a special place, and that is because of the people who make up this incredible community.

I am continually grateful for our dedicated staff, our amazing students, and our supportive families. Together, you create a community that is full of spirit, pride, resilience, and heart. It is a privilege to be part of a school where people care deeply about one another and are committed to making a difference every day.

As we approach the holiday season, I encourage everyone to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the people who make a difference in our lives. Value your family and friends, cherish the time you have together, and remember that sometimes the most meaningful moments are found in the simplest acts of kindness and gratitude.

Semester 1 is quickly coming to a close, and as I look back, I am incredibly proud of all that our students have accomplished in academics, athletics, and the arts. From classroom achievements and outstanding performances to athletic accomplishments and the countless ways our students contribute to our school community, there is so much to celebrate. Our Aztecs continue to make us proud!

While we still have much to accomplish before the end of the semester, we are also looking ahead with excitement to what the second semester will bring, including one of our most anticipated milestones of the year: graduation. There is so much to look forward to, and I cannot wait to see what our students and staff accomplish together.

Thank you for being part of the Mark Keppel family and for making this school such a wonderful place to be. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and to share in all of its successes, challenges, and memorable moments.

Wishing all of our Aztec families a wonderful Thanksgiving season filled with joy, gratitude, and time with those who matter most!

With gratitude and Aztec pride,

Alejandra Perez - Principal
Mark Keppel High School

On behalf of the Mark Keppel High School community, I want to congratulate our Aztecs! Our school was recently recognized as a 2026 Educational Results Partnership (ERP) Honor Roll School for our high academic achievement and student success. Please click the image above to view a detailed letter. Scroll down to find the language you need: Spanish, Mandarin or Vietnamese.

AUSD high schools cordially invites you to our College Application/Financial Aid Night at Alhambra High School! Presentation will be provided by our expert guest(s) from the Los Angeles Consortium-California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)/ CALSOAP. Optional workshops will also be offered for hands on support to complete college applications and the financial aid application (spaces limited). We look forward to seeing you!

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026

5pm-7: 00pm (working lab hours)

4:45pm-5:15pm (General Presentation)

Must bring your student and AUSD laptop or chrome device

* No wifi available to outside users

Where: Alhambra High School

101 S. 2nd St.

Alhambra, CA 91801

Please visit the school website for more information!

Families are encouraged to RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ausdapps2026

Please visit the school website for more information!

Folklórico is a traditional Mexican folk dance that celebrates Mexico’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant costumes, lively music, and energetic dance movements. Each dance tells a story and represents the traditions, history, and regional diversity of Mexico.

We are excited about the opportunity to bring Folklórico dance to our students, boys and girls, at Mark Keppel High School! If you are interested in participating and being part of this exciting opportunity, please complete the form linked HERE, to express your interest. We look forward to sharing this cultural experience with our Aztec community!

In honor of our veterans, our campus will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th. School will be in session on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of that week.

Please take note of the upcoming changes to the school bell schedule at MKHS:

January 15, 2027

All periods will follow the regular schedule.

School dismissal: 3:30 PM

April 23, 2027

Minimum Day

School dismissal: 1:00 PM

Please mark your calendars and plan accordingly. Thank you!

On November 3, our Poder 10 class hosted its monthly Fun Day for the Poder Program. Fun Day is a special monthly tradition in which each Poder grade level plans an event that brings our students together through food, games, and activities for the other classes to enjoy.

For today's Fun Day, students organized a variety of fall-themed activities, including Leaf Raking, Stuffing Stackers, Apple Picking, Leaf Hopping, and our Thanksgiving Tree.

The Thanksgiving Tree, a birch tree, served as a special centerpiece for the event. Each student received a paper leaf and was invited to write down something they are thankful for before adding it to the tree. The purpose of this activity was to encourage everyone to pause, even in the midst of the busy and sometimes overwhelming semester, and reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for.

The birch tree will continue to serve as a meaningful part of our school community throughout the year. We envision using it in different ways to recognize special occasions, celebrate important moments, and create opportunities for students to connect with one another. Ultimately, we hope it becomes a lasting symbol of our shared experiences, connectedness, and sense of community.

For the Thanksgiving season the tree will be located in front of the Counseling Office so that our school community can share what they are thankful for.

Click the above image to access our Mark Keppel SPSA Goals and WASC Recommendations

Our counselors held family meetings in the month of October. If you would like to view the presentation, please click on the images above.

Attention Seniors! Graduation cap and gown fittings will take place on Tuesday, November 10, during lunch in the old gym. Students will be fitted according to the following schedule based on last name:

A-K: 12:42 pm - 12:55 pm

L-P: 12:55 pm - 1:10 pm

Q-Z: 1:10 pm - 1:22 pm

Please arrive during your assigned time to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Don’t miss this important step in preparing for graduation.

Mark your calendars! Join us on Tuesday, November 17 for a delicious way to support our school!

A portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting the Senior Class Grad Nite celebration!

Bonus for students: You'll also have the opportunity to purchase your Grad Nite tickets at special EARLY BIRD PRICES!

Bring your family, invite your friends, enjoy some great food, and help make Grad Nite unforgettable for our seniors!

Support our PTSA. Support our Seniors. See you at Noodle World!

Senior Agreement. (Link)

Greetings, MKHS Senior Families and Students!

Congratulations on reaching your senior year at Mark Keppel High School! This is an exciting milestone, and we look forward to celebrating your accomplishments with your families and our school. As we prepare for senior activities and graduation, we want to ensure that all students and families understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with participation. Earning a high school diploma is based on successfully completing graduation requirements. Participation in senior activities and the commencement ceremony is subject to applicable school and district policies and expectations. To ensure a safe, respectful, and memorable experience for everyone, all seniors and their parents/guardians are asked to review the Class of 2027 Senior Activities & Graduation Participation Agreement.

CLICK HERE to view the senior agreement.

The acknowledgement must be completed by Friday, November 13, 2026.

Students are not allowed to participate in senior activities until the Agreement to Participate Form has been submitted.

A printed copy of the agreement is available upon request from the Office of Business and Activities. For any questions, please contact the office of Business and Activities at 626-943-6720.

Hello Keppel Students and Families,

Did you know that FREE after-school dance classes are available right here at Mark Keppel High School?

The Keppel Dance Project (KDP) gives MKHS students access to 75-minute dance classes taught by professional instructors throughout the school year, at no cost to students or families. KDP is made possible through California Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools funding. These FREE classes are also open to AUSD elementary students in grades 7 and 8.

Students do NOT need to currently be enrolled in an MKHS dance class or be a member of a Keppel dance team to participate. Whether you are an experienced dancer, want extra training, or have simply wanted to try dance, these free & fun after-school dance classes are for you.

Classes feature a variety of dance styles and change throughout the year.

View the current KDP class schedule:
https://mkhsdance.my.canva.site/kdp-class-calendar

Reserve your FREE spot:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/keppel-dance-project

IMPORTANT: Please register early! Online reservations close one hour before each class begins so that we can confirm the instructor and class. Students with advance reservations must bring their current MKHS Student ID and their QR confirmation. Both will be checked upon arrival, and the QR code will be scanned to record attendance. Please arrive before class begins. Any reserved spot that has not been claimed when class starts may be released to additional walk-in students. Students should wear comfortable dance or athletic clothing and appropriate footwear, bring water, and secure long hair. No jeans.

Come try a class, train in a new style, and take advantage of this FREE opportunity available right here on campus (in the MKHS dance studio)!

Sincerely,

Keppel Dance Project
MKHS Dance Arts Department

We invite students, parents, staff, and community members to get involved in the MKHS Safety Committee. Your voice matters!

Together, we can help create a safer, more welcoming, and supportive school environment for everyone. This is an opportunity to share ideas, raise concerns, collaborate, and be part of making positive changes on our campus.

We will be holding meetings in the months of November, December, and January.

Interested in joining? Please contact the Office of Business & Activities at 626-943-6720.

A safer school starts with all of us!

The safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority. As a reminder, Hellman Avenue can be very busy, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. We ask everyone to please be patient, attentive, and mindful of their surroundings during these times.

Please remember to follow all traffic laws and posted signs. When using the valet drop-off area, make sure to pull all the way forward to keep the line moving and, most importantly, avoid blocking the pedestrian crosswalk.

We also ask everyone to remain vigilant and watch carefully for pedestrians and students riding e-bikes as they enter and exit campus. A few extra seconds of awareness can make a tremendous difference in keeping everyone safe.

Thank you for your cooperation and for doing your part to help keep our Aztec community safe. We appreciate your patience and partnership!

The Asian American Association of Alhambra is excited to announce its $1,000 Outstanding Student Scholarship opportunity! This scholarship is open to eligible Alhambra USD seniors of Asian descent who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Fall 2027. One student will be selected from each high school!

Application Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share your aspirations, highlight your goals, and receive support as you take the next step toward your future!

The Asian American Association of Alhambra is proud to announce the $3,000 Bob Gin Service to Community Scholarship! This scholarship recognizes one outstanding Alhambra USD senior who has demonstrated a commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in the community.

Application Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to share your story, highlight your community involvement, and be recognized for making a difference!

To access the November College and Career Centers newsletter, please click on the image above.

Workshops & application support

• Nov 4, 2026 | PowerTime, 12:54 PM: College-cost and scholarship topics—Net Price Calculator + Activity and Scholarships: Finding and Winning Free Money. Open to all grades; confirm session details when registering.

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/F26CCCPrez

• Turn It In Tuesdays: Nov 3, 2026, Nov 10, 2026, and Nov 17, 2026 during PowerTime. Seniors can get help with college and financial aid applications.

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/help4college126

Plan ahead

• Spring ECP priority deadline: Dec 6, 2026. Explore college-credit classes and meet with the CCC to plan your next pathway course.

Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/ausd-ecp-classes

• Alhambra Courthouse Tour & Power Lunch: Dec 2, 2026. Open to eligible students who have taken or are taking ECP LAW 1 or LAW 2; priority for pathway completers and students finishing this fall. Visit the CCC for sign-up and permission slips. Spaces are limited.

Find presentation updates and sign-ups: https://tinyurl.com/mkccc-presentations

Stay connected: CCC A128 • Grade-level Google Classroom • @mkhscollegecareercenter

Click the above image to access the athletic updates

Click the above image to access all issues of the AUSD connection, including the October issue.

Click the image above to access previous issues of The Keppel Insider.