El Monte Union High School District released an additional draft trustee area map for public review and comment. The District, like many other school districts and cities in the state, is in the process of changing how members of the Board of Trustees are elected to office. A total of seven draft maps of what trustee areas in the District could look like have been shared with the public. Beginning in November 2022, registered voters will vote for a single Board of Trustees candidate residing in their newly drawn trustee area, comprised of one-fifth of the entire school district. Registered voters will not be able to vote for Board of Trustee candidates from trustee areas in which they do not reside.
El Monte Union Spreads Holiday Spirit and Cheer with Family Posada
The El Monte Union High School District hosted its fourth annual Family Posada on Dec. 10, welcoming more than 1,000 families to the event with featured appearances from Santa Claus, folklórico dancers, school swag giveaways, snow, and food such as tamales and pan dulce. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Family Posada was transformed by staff and parent volunteers into a drive-thru parade, during which cars lined up outside the District office before touring through a snowy Christmas light tunnel.
El Monte High School teacher Joel Whisler has been named the 2021-22 recipient of the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award, a distinction given to educators who exemplify Bobby Salcedo’s commitment to education. Whisler, who has taught music at El Monte High School for 27 years, was honored with the award during the El Monte Promise Foundation’s 18th Annual Tamalada on Dec. 9.
El Monte Union Recognizes Special Education Day Across Campuses
The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees passed a resolution to recognize Special Education Day across campuses on Dec. 2, an initiative that celebrated students, special education programs and the dedication of teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to ensure all students are successful. The Special Education Day celebrations will continue throughout December, as school site staff hand out bracelets, shirts, and awareness activity packets, aimed at minimizing the stigma of students with disabilities.
El Monte Union High School District has been recognized by the California School Boards Association with a Golden Bell Award for its career technical education (CTE) pathway, Zoo Crew: Engineers Gone Wild! The three-year science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathway launched in 2018 at Mountain View High School. The goal of the Zoo Crew engineering pathway is to inspire more female and underrepresented students to enroll in STEM courses. Zoo Crew challenges students to master rigorous CTE coursework by designing and engineering products, habitats, and structures that benefit wildlife, with a curriculum that is fun and relevant.
The El Monte Union Board of Trustees will continue discussion on and narrow the number of draft trustee area maps for final consideration during a public hearing at the next Board meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5. As the District’s process to create by-trustee areas moves forward, the public is urged to participate in-person or virtually to share their feedback on the maps. Visit https://emuhsd-by-area-trustees.com/ to view the maps and submit comments.
Fernando R. Ledesma High School has received a $5,000 grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians to develop student literacy and promote a love of reading among underrepresented students. The high school began the application process for the Barona Education Grant after interviewing their Trinity Youth Services students. The feedback received expressed a high student interest in wanting to read more books that resonated with them.
El Monte Union High School Receives Grant to Focus on Reading Needs
Fernando R. Ledesma High School has received a $5,000 grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians to develop student literacy and promote a love of reading among underrepresented students. The high school began the application process for the Barona Education Grant after interviewing their Trinity Youth Services students. The feedback received expressed a high student interest in wanting to read more books that resonated with them.
Arroyo High School has debuted a new math class – Mathematical Reasoning with Connections (MRWC) – which provides students with a challenging, project- and group-based approach to math. In a presentation to the El Monte Union Board of Trustees during its Oct. 20 board meeting, Arroyo High Math Department Chair Patricia Espinoza and several of her students shared the benefits of MRWC, a fourth-year course designed for seniors that serves as a bridge to college mathematics.
El Monte Union Approves ESSER III Plan, Focuses on Student Wellness
The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees has approved the use of additional one-time funds totaling $22 million, provided through the Elementary Secondary Emergency Relief Plan (ESSER III), to place a greater focus on the academic, emotional and mental health needs of students and staff. The District surveyed students, staff and parents on their thoughts regarding learning loss and highest priority needs. El Monte Union has put together a plan of action for how to allocate these funds, which will support students by providing expanded learning opportunities with afterschool tutoring and Saturday Academy, as well as a continued three-year summer school program.
