Follow-up Story: Two of El Monte’s longest-running businesses recently opened their doors to El Monte Union students interested in pursuing highly-skilled vocational employment, part of a series of field trips organized by El Monte Union’s Career Technical Education (CTE) division to offer students a real-life glimpse into the subjects they are studying. Longo Toyota and Precision Coil Spring – both in operation for over 50 years – provided students with tours of their facilities and reviewed the variety of high-paying technical and administrative positions available. Students also met with former El Monte Union students who are now employed by the companies, including a Ledesma High School graduate who started as a car wash valet and worked his way through the ranks to become Longo’s Used Car Service Manager.
Photos are available
Follow-up Story: The El Monte Union High School District kicked off Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 23 with a drug-free pledge and awareness program symbolizing its deep commitment to fostering safe, drug-free campuses to ensure student success. The anti-drug campaign follows a recent move by the EMUHSD Board of Trustees to pass a resolution opposing cannabis retailers, dispensaries and commercial businesses from setting up establishments within the City of El Monte. The City of El Monte is proposing to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit recreational marijuana businesses, but allow cultivation, distribution and research of medical marijuana. The District resolution also calls for the city to conduct more outreach to EMUHSD families and stakeholders ahead of any vote and action to adopt the ordinance.
Follow-up Story: Arroyo High School senior Michael Nguyen is making waves at El Monte Union High School District as one of 16,000 students across the nation to be named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2018. The distinction places him in an elite group of students who make up less than 1 percent of seniors who received the highest scores in their state. Nguyen, who scored a nearly perfect 1490 on his PSAT and holds a 4.34 GPA, is a member of the California Scholarship Federation, the National Honor Society, Speech and Debate, and the Key Club. Photos are available
Follow-up Story: Mountain View High School's Teacher Preparation Academy – which targets the state's teacher shortage and motivates at-risk students to continue their path toward higher education – has been nominated for a California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award, a recognition earned by school districts that promote excellence and increase student achievement through outstanding programs and practices. The academy, established in 2000, has helped boost college-going rates, academic achievement and school attendance.
Follow-up Story: The El Monte Union High School District hosted its 18th annual student art show and reception on Oct. 25, recognizing more than 300 students who earned accolades for entries in the Los Angeles County Fair Art Competition. Students were awarded certificates of recognition for their outstanding work in drawing, painting, ceramics, graphic design, creative writing and more.
El Monte Union High School District will hold the last in a series of Cash for College workshops to help students and families fill out financial aid applications on Thursday, Jan. 25 at Fernando Ledesma High School. Attendees can get help completing FAFSA and California Dream Act applications.
Follow-up Story: Jamie Witt, a 20-year social science teacher in the El Monte Union High School District, has dedicated her career to ensuring students are civically engaged, prepared for the rigors of college and empowered to achieve what they might perceive to be the impossible. The District’s 2017-18 Teacher of the Year was recognized Sept. 29 by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which named her one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.
El Monte Union to be Honored Oct. 14 for Reducing Water Footprint
El Monte Union High School District will be honored at noon Saturday, Oct. 14 by the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) with a San Gabriel Valley Water Smart Award for reducing its water footprint. The District, which collaborated with the Upper District on its Large Landscape and Retrofit Program, is one of five school districts that will be recognized at the annual Waterfest event at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Park, 15501 Arrow Hwy, Irwindale.
Follow-up Story: South El Monte High School celebrated 25 years in the South El Monte community on Sept. 22 with a homecoming parade from City Hall to Eagle Stadium, led by the school’s drill team, cheer squad, band and color guard. The parade featured current SEMHS staff who opened the school 25 years ago and dignitaries from the District and city. Boxer and SEMHS alum Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. served as grand marshal. Latino pop singer and SEMHS alum Raymundo Monge performed the National Anthem at the game, in which SEMHS was victorious over Mountain View High, 35-8. The event also featured coronation of a homecoming king and queen.
Follow-up Story: Hundreds of El Monte Union High School District students on Oct. 9 attended the District’s annual College Night and Career Resource Fair at Arroyo High School, which hosted more than 50 colleges and universities that provided information on programs, activities, entrance requirements and degrees offered. The event featured representatives from various student support services and college access programs, as well as college workshops.
