AUSD CONNECTION
NEWS FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear AUSD Community,
As we wrap up another school year, I want to take a moment to thank our entire school community for your ongoing support. This year, like many before it, brought its share of challenges, but through collaboration, determination, and a shared commitment to our students, we continue to move forward together.
Our focus on student engagement has remained at the heart of everything we do. From classroom learning to extracurricular opportunities, we’ve worked to make every student feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. This work is only possible because of the strong partnerships between students, families, staff, and the community. Open lines of communication have helped us stay connected and responsive to the needs of our schools, and I encourage us all to keep that dialogue going in the months ahead.
Looking forward, we know there may be new challenges in the upcoming year, including declining enrollment and reduced funding. While these realities will require thoughtful planning and adaptation, our priorities remain unchanged. We will continue to focus on what matters most: providing high-quality, student-centered education in a safe, welcoming environment.
To our graduating seniors, congratulations! You’ve reached an important milestone, and we are proud of all you have accomplished. As you take the next step in your journey, please know that you carry with you the support and pride of the entire school district.
To all members of the AUSD community, I wish you a summer filled with rest, renewal, and meaningful time with family and friends. Thank you for being part of this remarkable school year. We look forward to seeing you when school resumes in August.
Warm Regards,
Denise R. Jaramillo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Student Board Member - End of Term
At Tuesday's Board of Education Meeting, the Board thanked the 12 elected members of the 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council (SAC). Tuesday also marked the last official meeting for our second-ever Student Board Member, Keiko Rakin. As is our tradition with every outgoing Board Member, Keiko was presented with a commemorative gavel in recognition of her service and leadership.
Schools recently held SAC elections for the 2025-2026 school year. We look forward to working with the next group of student leaders as they represent their peers and make their voices heard in AUSD's decision-making process. We will announce our new SAC members in next month's newsletter.
LCAP Survey deadline extended - Respond by TONIGHT (May 23rd)!
The LCAP Survey is intended to collect opinions and perceptions of AUSD staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members to ensure that AUSD schools and the District as a whole continue to provide a supportive and nurturing environment. This information will help guide future decisions and improvements. Your feedback will help AUSD understand your needs so we can best serve you.
The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. AUSD will receive survey results in a format in which no personally identifiable information will be collected or reported. AUSD has received less than 1,400 responses. We are asking all families, students, staff members, and community partners to complete the survey so our new LCAP can reflect the needs and opinions of our educational partners.
To participate in this survey, click this link or paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.ausd.us/lcap/.
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Please join us for our upcoming Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025 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.
Alternative Income Form (AIF) - Increase Student Funding
Please complete the Alternative Income Form and help AUSD receive the maximum amount of federal funds for our schools.
Click HERE or on the flyer for instructions and access to the Family Portal to start completing your form for the 2025-2026 school year.
STEM News
Each Month the AUSD STEM teachers for the primary grades put out a monthly newsletter highlighting each school's STEM projects.
Please click HERE or the image to access the April Newsletter.
📢 SMS FEATURE: Mass Communication System SMS/Text Messages
If you haven't signed up for SMS/Text messages, make sure to do so before the next emergency! 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. We hope to see EVERY AUSD family sign up.
Click HERE to view our SMS/Text Frequently Asked Questions.
Health Advisory from CA DPH
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Advisory, following multiple confirmed measles cases in our state. To date, eight cases have been reported in California—all linked to international travel. Seven individuals (including an LA County resident) had recently traveled to Asia, and one was a close contact of a traveler. (See the CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks for confirmed national cases.)
Visit LAC DPH Provider Measles website for guidance and resources including a CHECKLIST for managing patients suspected of having measles. To read the full CDPH Health Adivsory, click HERE.
Independent Citizen's Oversight Committee - Accepting Applications NOW
The Board of Education of the Alhambra Unified School District is seeking qualified, interested individuals to fill two (2) vacancies on its independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (“COC”) for the District’s Measure HS and Measure AE school facilities bond programs.
Vacant Positions:
1) One member active in a bona fide taxpayers association
2) One member active in a business organization located in the district
Interested community members who live within the AUSD boundaries are encouraged to apply. Click HERE to review the committee bylaws and complete the application. Completed applications should be sent to the Alhambra Unified School District Office of the Superintendent.
Committee Responsibilities:
In accordance with Education Code Section 15278(b), the Citizens’ Oversight Committee shall:
• Inform the public concerning the District's expenditure of bond proceeds of Measure HS
and Measure AE.
• Review expenditure reports produced by the District to ensure that Measure HS and
Measure AE bond proceeds were expended only for the purposes set forth in Measure HS
and Measure AE, respectively; and
• Present to the Board in public session, an annual written report outlining their activities and
conclusions regarding the expenditure of bond proceeds of Measure HS and Measure AE.
If you have any questions, please call (626) 943-3330.
The family of Mark Keppel High School alumnus Johnny Thompson visited MKHS to present a “big check” in Johnny's honor as part of a remarkable $500,000 legacy gift to support the MKHS Instrumental Music Program and establish a scholarship in Johnny’s name. Thanks to their generosity, Johnny’s lifelong passion for music will continue to uplift future generations of student musicians. (Photos by AUSD Communications Intern Ricardo Padillo.)
Fremont School held Career Week during May 12th - 16th. It was an exciting and fun-filled week for the Chargers to explore the many possibilities their futures may hold. Thank you to all of the wonderful presenters for taking the time to speak to the Fremont students during Career Week and being a part of this important event.
Congratulations to Jessica Qi and Emily Siwy, members of Baldwin School's Nutrition Advisory Council, who won the Southern California School Nutrition Association 2025 Nourish to Flourish Contest in the 5-8 Short Story category. Their short story (which beat out 355 other entries) highlights the important role of school nutrition professionals. As winners, they will receive a trophy and $100 gift card to split.
Congratulations to the Trenchacles robotics team for their amazing performance at the First LEGO League Spring Showdown on May 4th. The talented team of Simon Li, Christopher Woo, Jayden Sercena, and Ian Ching (all students from Brightwood School) competed against 30 teams, and ended taking home three trophies: Champions Finalist, 1st Place – Robot Performance, and 1st Place – On-the-Spot Challenge. This powerhouse team also won the 2024 SoCal Regional Championship and still has one more season before heading to high school. Follow themon Instagram: @wsgvfirstteams
Thank you to the WSGV Boys & Girls Club for stopping by Alhambra High School on May 8th to celebrate the amazing AHS Academic Decathlon team. As LA County Champs, 4th in the state, and 6th in the nation, this team has made us proud at every level. Special shout-out to senior Kevin San for ranking 2nd in the nation and earning three scholarships. The team brought home a total of 11 medals at Nationals! The Boys & Girls Club brought lunch for the whole crew and surprised Coach Jose Sanchez with a $1,000 check in recognition of the team’s success and hard work.
Rain or shine, the Garfield Wildcats were on a mission to raise funds for field trips and campus beautification. On Tuesday, May 6th, all Wildcats participated in the Fun Run, put on by Boosterthon and the Garfield PTA. The students ran, skipped, danced, and walked laps while listening to great music and being cheered on by parents and staff. Garfield exceeded their fundraising goal and now will get to water balloon Mr. Alvarado & Ms. Alcala.
Thank you to the City of Monterey Park for giving MKHS students the opportunity to get some hands-on experience in local government during the recent Monterey Park Student Leadership Day. Mrs. Natalie Sanchez’s class participated in a mock City Council meeting, held discussions on water policy, and gained insights into how agencies collaborate to serve the community. They also received coaching from city staff, elected officials, and representatives from the SGV Municipal Water District. (Photos by AUSD Communications Intern Victoria Perez)
On May 5th, Ramona School celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a special performance by Esperanza's Dance Group, showcasing traditional cultural dances. This enriching experience was made possible through funding from Ramona's Community Schools grant.
BMX freestyle athletes flew through the air while Brightwood students cheered with excitement during an exciting and educational assembly on May 15th. A special thank you to everyone who made this incredible assembly possible. Brightwood appreciates the positive messaging about respect and perseverance that was included in this engaging event.
San Gabriel High School hosted a huge community celebration on May 2nd with approximately 300 students, staff members, and elected officials in attendance. The event featured live student performances, barbecued burgers from the Food Services team , additional delicious treats from the Culinary Academy. A key focus of the celebration was the unveiling of the new outdoor learning space, garden, and California native plant area. They are integral part of the SGHS Community School initiative. This space will be used not only by students, but also as a hands-on resource for Environmental Science and Biology classes.
Monterey Highlands hosted a Multicultural Assembly on May 19th. Thanks to generous support from the PTA, they had a full slate of performances from all over the world. These performances tie in with the schoolwide equity work and acknowledgement of heritage months, especially Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The incoming 2025-2026 ASB Student Cabinet emceed the event for “on the job training,” with performances by Lion Dancers, African Drumming and Dancers, a Mariachi band with Folklorico Dancers, Taiko Drumming, and Hula Dancers accompanied by a Ukelele.
AUSD 2025 Summer Feeding Program
Free meals are being served Monday through Friday (10:30am - 11:00am excluding Mark Keppel High School @ 10:15am - 10:45am) at select campuses throughout AUSD. Anyone aged 18 and under may pick up a free meal at the locations listed on the graphic. For more information, please click HERE or on the graphic.
(Please Note: AUSD schools are closed on June 19th and July 4th. There will be no meal service at any of the locations on those dates.)
Online INTERACTIVE Cafeteria Menus
Food and Nutrition Services' INTERACTIVE ONLINE MENUS are now available from 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!
LACOE Summer Student Empowerment Conference
- Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
- Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Location: UCLA
- Breakfast and Lunch Provided
- SIGN UP HERE TODAY! (Spaces are limited!)
2025 Summer Internship Opportunity
The City of Alhambra and Republic Services is now accepting applications for their 2025 Summer Internship Program. The program is open to high school or college students living in Alhambra and must be 18 years old or older. This is a paid position and 20 hours per week. Click HERE or on the image to download a PDF of the flyer for complete details.
Deadline to apply: Friday, May 30, 2025
Email complete applications to: alhambra@republicservices.com
SAVE THE DATE: SGV Pride Parade & Festival
The Alhambra Teachers Association, the Boys and Girls Club of the West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside, and the City of Monterey Park will host the 5th Annual SGV Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 7th. Join them for music, resources, arts, giveaways and more! For more information please email: recreation@montereypark.ca.gov.
- 9:00am: Parade (Starts at Mark Keppel High School - 501 E. Hellman Ave., Alhambra).
- 10:00am - 12:00pm: Festival (Barnes Park - Located at 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park).
Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF)
Alhambra Latino Association (ALA)
Asian American Association (AAA)
AEF Summer Programs 2025
K-8 Summer Academy registration is open NOW. Please click HERE to check class offerings, locations and fees for this program.
AEF Summer High School is one of the few in the area to offer UC/CSU approved classes, accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Please click HERE to check class offerings, locations and fees for this program.
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.
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.
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