EL MONTE – Mountain View High School (MVHS) students, families, staff, dignitaries and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 20, which celebrated upgrades to the school’s Zoo Crew Classroom and Cafetorium.

The celebration included a welcome performance by Mountain View High’s Marching Band, Color Guard, Drill Team and Cheer Squad, along with speeches from MVHS Principal Jose Relson L. Bañas, EMUHSD Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga and EMUHSD Board of Trustees President Carlos Salcedo. Following the program, refreshments and snacks were served as community members took self-guided tours to view the progress of the renovations.

“What started out as a small idea of wanting to provide our students with an authentic experience of learning and applying their knowledge outside the four corners of a classroom has transcended into the implementation of these innovative projects today,” Bañas said. “On behalf of Mountain View, we thank Ms. Lee Porter for leading the way in our engineering pathway program, to our administration who upholds the mission and vision of this institution every day and to our District for their commitment to making our students’ dreams become a reality.”

In October 2021 the El Monte Union Board of Trustees approved a new round of funding from the Measure HS Bond, totaling $190 million, to support a sweeping modernization program that ensures every EMUHSD campus will receive facilities improvements.

The MVHS project includes the addition of theater-quality retractable seating, a proscenium wall for performances, and lighting and sound systems in the Cafetorium, which will be used as a versatile and flexible space with ample seating and an open stage for performances, rallies, ceremonies and more.

The Zoo Crew engineering pathway aims to inspire and challenge students to master rigorous career technical education coursework by designing and engineering products, habitats and structures that benefit wildlife. The renovations to the classroom – which include the addition of computer labs, 3-D modeling and workshop areas that will include a welding machine and paint booth to construct projects related to animal habitats – will support a curriculum and environment that is fun and relevant.

“I would like to thank our Board of Trustees and community members for their generous support of the Measure HS bond and also to our MVHS administration, staff and maintenance team for their contributions to these projects and assistance in today’s groundbreaking,” Zuniga said. “El Monte Union’s modernization program is the result of visionary leadership and dedication to ensure we provide our students with learning environments where they feel proud and capable of achieving academic success.”

The District and MVHS will soon celebrate another groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of a new athletic stadium, which will include new bleachers, a synthetic track and field, new concession and restroom buildings and enhanced landscaping.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_MVHS GROUNDBREAKING_1: From left to right: Mountain View High School (MVHS) Assistant Principal Dr. Jennifer Sandoval, MVHS Assistant Principal Allende Palma Saracho, MVHS Assistant Principal Oscar Gomez, MVHS Associated Student Body President Jose Ibarra, El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga and MVHS Principal Jose Relson L. Bañas celebrate the school’s groundbreaking tour to kick off the Zoo Crew Classroom and Cafetorium renovations projects on Sept. 20.

EMUHSD_MVHS GROUNDBREAKING_2: El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga gives a lively speech to commemorate Mountain View High School’s Zoo Crew Classroom and Cafetorium groundbreaking tour on Sept. 20.

EMUHSD_MVHS GROUNDBREAKING_3: Mountain View High School’s Cheer Squad welcome students and families for the school’s Zoo Crew Classroom and Cafetorium groundbreaking tour on Sept. 20.

EMUHSD_MVHS GROUNDBREAKING_4: Mountain View High School’s Marching Band perform for students and families during the school’s Zoo Crew Classroom and Cafetorium groundbreaking tour on Sept. 20.