EL MONTE – Laughter and excitement filled the air as families, community members, and local dignitaries celebrated the grand opening of El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) Family and Community Engagement Center on March 26, an event that featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marked the debut of a hub dedicated to empowering families and strengthening school-community partnerships.

EMUHSD’s newly transformed space, formerly known as the District’s Professional Development Center, has been reimagined into a welcoming environment where families can gather, learn, and grow alongside their students. With a full schedule of workshops, parent education classes, and annual events like the District’s Posada, the center reflects El Monte Union’s ongoing mission to support student achievement through meaningful family involvement.

“This center represents more than just a building — it is a space where families, students, and educators can come together to learn, grow, and support one another,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “By providing a central location for workshops, community events, and essential resources, we are reaffirming our commitment to empowering families and strengthening the connections that help students thrive.”

The Family and Community Engagement Center will serve as a Districtwide resource, offering programming on college and career readiness, mental health and wellness, financial literacy, and strategies for supporting learning at home. Designed with collaboration and comfort in mind, the facility features a modern conference room, state-of-the-art meeting spaces, a kitchenette, and a nursing room — all tailored to meet the community’s needs.

South El Monte High School senior and EMUHSD Student Board Member Andrea Pablo and longtime parent volunteer Gloria Garcia delivered speeches during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pablo highlighted the importance of community support in shaping student success, while Garcia reflected on her years of service through the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee — affectionately known as “Super PAC” — and the value of engaging families during the critical high school years.

“One of our biggest priorities was to truly engage families — to make them feel welcome, heard, and valued,” said Garcia of the Super PAC, which formed in 2018. “High school can be a challenging time, and it’s when our children need us most. When families come together, we create powerful opportunities for growth, collaboration, and change.”

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a festive taco reception, explored the new facility, and participated in family-friendly activities, including a lively round of bingo — all reflecting the heart of the new center: community, joy, and connection.

Funded through Supplemental and Concentration resources and Fund 40 Capital Outlay, the center underscores El Monte Union’s commitment to inclusivity and access. The District continues to offer a wide array of resources and opportunities for parent involvement across its campuses, including school-based parent volunteer programs and the Super PAC, which works directly with the superintendent to strengthen family engagement efforts Districtwide.

Additionally, the Board of Trustees and Dr. Zuniga highlighted the District’s Department of Assessment, Accountability, and Community Engagement, along with principals, community liaisons, and categorical programs assistants from each school, for their dedication to fostering strong family-school connections.

“What was once just a space for development is now a true home for our families — a place where parents feel welcome and work alongside faculty and staff,” Board President Florencio Briones said. “Thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life to meet the evolving needs of our students and families for years to come.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT_1: From left to right: El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees Clerk Dr. Maritza Galaviz, Vice President Dr. Luis Guzman, President Florencio Briones, Student Board Member Andrea Pablo, parent volunteer Gloria Garcia, and members Qui Nguyen and Ricardo Padilla alongside Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga celebrate the grand opening of the District’s new Family and Community Engagement Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26.

EMUHSD_FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT_2: South El Monte High School’s band, drill team, and color guard kick off the celebration with energetic performances as guests arrive for El Monte Union’s Family and Community Engagement Center ribbon-cutting on March 26. The event marked the unveiling of a dynamic new space designed to foster family empowerment and community collaboration.

EMUHSD_FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT_3: El Monte Union celebrates its dedicated community liaisons from each high school for their ongoing efforts to strengthen family-school engagement during the District’s Family and Community Engagement Center ribbon-cutting event on March 26.

EMUHSD_FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT_4: Community members take part in a spirited round of bingo inside the newly opened Family and Community Engagement Center, wrapping up the March 26 celebration with family-friendly fun and connection.