Gidley School fifth-grader Julian Sauceda had two left feet and no confidence on the dance floor when he started the Conga Kids program at El Monte City School District – but now he tangos and foxtrots with passion. Conga Kids is a 10-week dance program that teaches students rhythm, self-confidence, trust and physical fitness. The program was created by Conga Kids, a nonprofit arts-in-education charitable foundation, to promote creativity, inter-personal communication skills and the culture of music in Los Angeles County.
Director of Nutrition Services Dr. Robert Lewis keeps students happy, healthy and productive by offering creative and healthy dishes like cherry blossom chicken with brown rice and broccoli, handmade tamales and pizza with low-fat cheese and whole grain crust. Since joining the El Monte City School District 10 years ago, Lewis enacted programs to fight childhood obesity and secured funding to make breakfast, lunch and supper free to all K-6 students.
More than 300 El Monte-area students and their families received guidance on how to prepare for post-secondary success during El Monte Union High School District’s inaugural College and Career Family Conference, “The Places You’ll Go!”
Wild Rose School of Creative Arts is one of five Los Angeles County schools chosen for the Disney Musicals in Schools grant, earning 17 weeks of training with theater professionals in preparation for a production of a Disney KIDS musical this spring. Thanks to the grant, Disney-trained theater professionals will work directly with teachers and a cast of about 50 students in third through fifth grade to produce “The Lion King” musical at Wild Rose this spring. Administered through Center Theatre Group, the grant also provides the school with free performance rights, educational support materials and the chance to perform onstage at the Ahmanson Theater.
About 40 parents were awarded certificates from Monrovia Unified School District for completing courses offered as part of the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE). Monrovia Unified offers PIQE classes to parents of elementary, middle, and high school students. At the high school level, parents learn about California Standards, the importance of a GPA and how to motivate their children to improve academic performance. Workshops for elementary and middle school parents include positive discipline techniques that encourage academic achievement and how to prepare for teacher conferences. The nine-week courses are offered at each school; interested parents can contact their child’s school for more information.
El Monte Union has partnered with the El Monte Police Department to conduct random K-9 detection sweeps at its campuses in an effort to deter students from bringing contraband to school. It is part of one of many initiatives the District has in place to ensure the safety of students and staff. The District works with a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, local law enforcement, mental health professionals, parents, students, teachers and staff to develop, implement and monitor policies and programs that foster and support a positive school climate.
San Gabriel Unified to Host Drug Prevention Education Seminar
San Gabriel Unified School District will hold a presentation for middle school and high school parents on drug education and prevention from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Gabrielino High School, 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. Families will learn about vaping, substance abuse and mental health resources for students.
El Monte Union High School District will be honored with the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award for playing an integral role in establishing a seamless cradle-to-college pathway for students in El Monte and South El Monte during the 15th annual Tamalada fundraiser at 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Grace T. Black Auditorium, 3130 Tyler Ave., El Monte. The Tamalada is hosted by the El Monte Promise Foundation and partnering entities that are dedicated to working with parents, school districts and community groups to cultivate a college-going culture in El Monte. In all, five institutions will be honored during the event.
Rio Hondo College’s Board of Trustees held an Oath of Office ceremony for one returning board member and two new members in front of a standing-room-only crowd of guests on Dec. 12 before naming new officers during a subsequent board meeting to lead the board through 2019. Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis administered the oath to Norma Edith García, who was re-elected Nov. 6. Superior Court Judge Olivia Rosales administered the oath to new member Rosaelva Lomeli and Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Janice Hahn administered the oath to new member Oscar Valladares. Once seated, the board named Trustee Gary Mendez as its new president, Valladares as vice president and Lomeli as clerk. Also serving on the board is Vicky Santana.
Monrovia’s community will sing along to memorable songs such as “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life” during the production of “Annie,” Monrovia Theatre’s 12th professional show at The Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center. The production features a cast of 22 adults, along with 25 elementary and middle school girls, 20 of which are Monrovia Unified students. In addition to beautiful sets and costumes, the production features a 16-piece live orchestra. Showtimes are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at The Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia.
