EL MONTE – El Monte Union High School District welcomed over 8,000 new and returning students to its campuses on Aug. 20 for the 2019-20 school year, with nearly 2,000 freshmen among the first to experience the District’s rollout of a new 1:1 device initiative, increased dual enrollment and innovative career pathway programs and new facility upgrades.

Rosemead High School kicked off the year on Aug. 13 with its fourth annual LINK Crew Orientation Program, which provided over 400 members of the Class of 2023 the opportunity to acclimate to the Panther culture, learn campus rules and expectations, meet classmates and “link” up with upperclassmen who will serve as their mentors for the entire school year.

“I joined LINK Crew because during my freshman year, I wasn’t prepared at all and didn’t know what was going on at school,” LINK Crew cabinet member Kayla Chung, who is among the 88 juniors and seniors involved in the program this year, told the ninth-graders in the audience. “I want to change that. I want you guys to feel at home and prepared for this upcoming school year. I want your freshman year to be as enjoyable as possible.”

With the help of LINK Crew leaders, Rosemead High’s orientation program helps ease students’ transition from middle school to high school and prepares them for academic and personal success.

As part of the year-long transition program, freshmen gathered in the Rosemead High Auditorium to get an overview of Panther life, participated in a balloon-pop challenge and hula-hoop game, and watched performances from varsity cheer and song while learning important tips like doing homework, getting involved on campus and finding resources.

Freshmen and their leaders engaged in interactive ice-breaker activities in individual classrooms, where they received information from their peers on how to be successful. Students also took a campus tour.

“Our job when you walk through those doors every day is to make you feel welcomed and loved, supported and successful,” Rosemead High Principal Dr. Brian Bristol told the freshman class. “That’s because we know you are the best. We are here for you and want to help you in every way possible, and I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

El Monte, Arroyo and South El Monte high schools also have LINK Crew programs on campus, helping student leaders to become mentors and facilitate freshman success by organizing activities and fostering bonds.

“We are incredibly excited to kick off a new year with a talented team of educators and staff, a new class of enthusiastic freshmen and returning students who will continue to be challenged through rigorous academics,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “We look forward to building on our District successes, strengthening our schools and supporting our students in achieving success.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

082019_EMUHSD_1920SCHOOLYEAR1: El Monte Union welcomed over 8,000 students, including nearly 2,000 freshmen, on Aug. 20, with Rosemead High School kicking off the 2019-20 school year with its annual LINK Crew Orientation program on Aug. 13. Pictured are Rosemead High freshmen and LINK Crew student leaders, who hosted ice breaker sessions and acclimated the new students to campus.

082019_EMUHSD_1920SCHOOLYEAR2: Rosemead High freshmen gathered in the school auditorium on Aug. 13 to get an overview of Panther life and participate in a balloon-pop challenge as part of the LINK Crew Orientation program, aimed at helping to ease students’ transition from middle school to high school by pairing the new students with upperclassmen.