South El Monte High School senior Daniel Torres will represent El Monte Union High School District at the 130th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day after winning a coveted spot in the Pasadena City College Honor Band, which has marched in every parade since 1930. After a rigorous audition process that included hundreds of high school musicians from throughout Southern California, the Honor Band chose Torres, a four-year member of the Mighty Eagles Marching Band, to perform in the New Year’s Day parade. Torres is joining nearly 250 musicians who will represent their schools and showcase their talents in the parade.
The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees conducted its annual reorganization meeting Dec. 5, selecting David Diaz as president for 2019, Florencio F. Briones as vice president and Ricardo Padilla as clerk. Diaz – a graduate of South El Monte High School who serves as the director of an environmental justice and health organization – was elected to the board in November 2017. Also serving on the Board of Trustees are Carlos G. Salcedo and outgoing president Maria Morgan.
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.
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.
El Monte City School District to Host Holiday Craft Fair, Santa Photos
Cortada School will host a holiday craft fair with 10 work stations where students can create Santa gnome ornaments, snowman picture frames and Christmas tree bookmarks and take photos with Santa Claus from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 3111 N. Potrero Ave., El Monte. Admission for the work station activities will range from 50 cents to $1 and a photo with Santa will cost $1.
El Monte Union High School District unveiled the Bobby Salcedo Student Union on Jan. 23 at Mountain View High School. The 30,000-square-foot facility – named for former Mountain View High student, teacher and administrator Agustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo – houses a cafeteria, ASB offices and a student store.
El Monte Union High School District voters on Nov. 6 approved Measure HS, a $190 million facilities bond that will fund basic repairs, upgrade school safety and security, and enhance learning facilities at each high school.
El Monte Union to Celebrate Visual Arts at Annual District Art Show
El Monte Union High School District will host its annual student art show and reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 at El Monte High School, 3048 Tyler Ave., El Monte. The event recognizes students who earned accolades in the Los Angeles County Fair Art Competition. Students will be awarded certificates of recognition for work in drawing, painting, ceramics, graphic design, creative writing and more.
El Monte Union High School District is hosting its final Cash for College workshop to help students and families fill out financial aid applications and access other resources to ensure a smooth transition toward higher education. Attendees can get help completing FAFSA and California Dream Act applications from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte.
The El Monte Union Board of Trustees on Oct. 3 adopted a resolution supporting bullying prevention at its schools as part of National Bullying Prevention Month. The District pledges to work with community stakeholders, parents, students, teachers and staff to develop programs that foster a school climate free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. Some measures the schools currently take include holding presentations on social media, cyber-bullying and bullying, as well as going over the process of reporting bullying with all students.