El Monte Union High School District students reunited with friends, classmates, teachers and staff as they returned to campuses for in-person instruction and kicked off the 2021-22 school year on Aug. 17. This momentous day was commemorated at Arroyo High School with a visit from Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health Director, Barbara Ferrer.
El Monte Union High School District will transition from an “at-large” elections system to a “by-trustee area” system, a change initiated by the Board of Trustees to comply with the California Voting Rights Act. The District will hold a series of public hearings and open houses to engage the community in creating these trustee areas and to provide structured input. The official mapping process begins on Wednesday, Aug. 18, and the anticipated completion timeline is March 2022. Information on public hearings, open houses, and other meetings can be found at www.emuhsd-by-area-trustees.com.
Whittier Union Hosts Orientation for Freshmen, Sophomores
Freshmen and sophomores across Whittier Union High School District got a jumpstart on the school year through the District’s Frosh/Soph First Day, held at each school site on Aug. 11. Frosh/Soph First Day aims to ease the transition into high school and help students build connections with one another. Events included meet-and-greets with teachers and administrators, a walkthrough of class schedules and campus, a series of games, activities and student performances, and photo opportunities for students and their parents.
Nearly 11,000 Whittier Union High School District students made their way onto campuses bedecked in welcome posters and balloons on Aug. 12, where they were greeted by enthusiastic administrators and staff – all eager to kick off the school year. Following a year of remote and hybrid learning, many Whittier Union students beamed with excitement as they made their way to classes for full-time, in-person instruction. Some Whittier Union students are continuing with online learning through the District’s Independent Study Program, i-Sierra. Though the 2021-22 year will more closely resemble a traditional school year, many health protocols are still in place throughout the District to help ensure the safety of students, teachers, staff and families. Such protocols include health screenings and the use of face masks, as well as continued efforts to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccines in partnership with community partners.
Monrovia Unified Students Return to Campuses for 2021-22 School Year
Monrovia Unified School District students will return to full-time, in-person instruction on Wednesday, Aug. 18. While students are returning to in-person learning, health and safety protocols – such as the use of face coverings while indoors – are still in place. Families who have chosen not to return to in-person learning were given the option to enroll in the District’s new Mountain Park Virtual Academy.
El Monte Union to Hold Public Hearing on Board Election Process
El Monte Union High School District will hold the second in a series of public hearings as part of the transition to a by-trustee election system at the District office, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1. The hearing will invite public comments and input regarding the composition of the voting areas in advance of the preparation of draft trustee voting area plans by the District’s demographer. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate. The El Monte Union Board Room is located at 3537 Johnson Ave., El Monte. Participate in-person and virtually at https://www.emuhsd.org/boardlive.
Buena Park School District Returns to Full-Time Instruction on Aug. 17
Buena Park School District will launch the start of its 2021-22 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 17, with students returning to full-time, in-person learning. Families who wish to keep their children enrolled in remote learning are eligible to apply to the Buena Park Learning Center, which provides students with rigorous at-home learning materials and support.
Throughout her childhood, South El Monte High School Class of 2021 graduate Heather Gomez discovered a joy for playing soccer and a love of children. Gomez, who helped lead the SEMHS Eagles girls soccer team to a state championship in 2019, is taking her athletic prowess and dream of a career as a pediatrician to Montevallo College in Alabama. Gomez graduated with a 3.8 GPA, completed eight AP classes and holds the school record for most goals scored, totaling 29 -- one of the scholar-athlete’s many accomplishments on the field.
In keeping with California’s emphasis on zero-emissions technology to support improved air quality and combat climate change, students from the El Monte Union High School District, community members and California Air Resources (CARB) representatives will greet the first of a brand new, all-electric school bus fleet – part of a $9.8 million Clean Mobility in Schools pilot project.
One hundred and fifty Bonita Unified School District students are equipped with backpacks full of school supplies for the upcoming 2021-22 year, thanks to the efforts of Project Boon and the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation. The donated backpacks and school supplies were distributed to Bonita Unified students during a free meals drive-thru event on Aug. 11.
