The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees celebrated the careers of two of its longest-serving members during the Nov. 8 Board meeting, saying farewell to Vice President Jeff Baird and Clerk Leighton Anderson, who are both retiring from the Board after serving together for 25 years. Baird and Anderson were first elected to the Board in 1997 and have each served five terms. During that time, they have worked alongside four superintendents, have shepherded through three separate facilities bond measures, and seen thousands of Whittier Union students graduate and receive their diplomas.
Whittier Union Volleyball Team Has Breakthrough Year, Advances to CIF
Santa Fe High School girls volleyball team had a breakthrough competition year, returning to the CIF playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 school year and making it all the way to the semifinals after finishing the season with a 20-12 overall record and tying for second place in the Del Rio League. The team credits their successful season to their willingness to work hard and put in the extra effort needed during practices.
Whittier Union Students to Participate in Annual Band Jamboree
Whittier Union High School District band, color guard, percussion, cheer, song and drill team students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the community during the District’s annual Band Jamboree. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7 at California High School’s Sandra Sanchez Thorstenson Stadium, located at 9800 S Mills Ave., Whittier. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/BandJamboree. Children under five are free and doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Whittier Union Adult School Course Provides Hands-On Experience
Whittier Union Adult School launched its inaugural Handy-Person Maintenance & Tech class during Fall Quarter 1, providing students with hands-on experience with industry equipment and real-world scenarios. Students worked on projects such as installing and removing toilets and faucets, patching drywall, basic electrical, door framing and more. Students enrolled in the class learn valuable skills and concepts that will help them to approach home maintenance repairs in a correct and safe manner. For more information on the Handy-Person Maintenance & Tech class, as well as other adult school offerings, visit their website.
California High School senior Sarah Plascencia was recognized with an Award of Merit by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, who honored Plascencia’s determination for completing her schooling and graduating with the Cal High Class of 2023. Plascencia received the award during a meeting on Oct. 11, where she was joined by her friends, family and Cal High supporters. Plascencia moved out of the area when her foster mother died last December, then successfully advocated to remain at Cal High so that she could maintain her friendships and stay with the school family that has guided and nurtured her.
La Serna High School student leaders participated in the school’s inaugural Student Leadership Conference on Sept. 27, where they received training on how to be effective student leaders on campus and how to best connect with their peers to create a fulfilling high school experience. Link Crew leaders, academic mentors, academy leads, sports captains, Associated Student Body members and OASIS/HAVEN leaders made up the nearly 300 students who attended the conference and heard from keynote speaker Felix Bobo, an accomplished educator, businessman and leader who supports and coaches individuals on how to achieve higher levels of success. During the conference, students engaged in breakout sessions that covered a wide range of leadership topics including emotional intelligence, the power of a story, and the importance of communication and conflict resolution.
Whittier Union High School District students filled the California High School quad and learned more about their post-secondary options during the 2023 Districtwide College Fair on Sept. 13. Students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from more than 50 colleges – which included several University of California and California State University campuses, along with private schools, community colleges, trade schools, United States Armed Forces and out-of-state universities – and gained insight to each school’s offerings, while filling out registration cards for more information.
Whittier Union Adult School’s (WUAS) Electrician 1 program has recently received recognition from the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), which presented the school with its coveted Outstanding Achievement Award for the school’s success in guiding students to employment in the industry. The program, which includes a math/electrician component, is designed to prepare students to pass the Electrical Training Institute’s (ETI) electrician’s apprentice application. WUAS students have an 89% placement and employment rate after completing their training. WUAS will receive its award at SBWIB’s 27th annual awards ceremony on Nov. 3 at the Torrance Marriott South Bay.
Whittier Union High School District joins with several local school districts to host the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT) Interdistrict Parent Education Conference, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at the United Sierra Education Center, 9401 S. Painter Ave., Whittier. The conference will focus on and bring awareness to the needs of English learners and will cover topics such as K-12 and adult education, transportation, childcare, academic success, financial aid, social emotional learning and career technical education. Cost for the conference is $50 per person.
Whittier Union High School District students are receiving expanded Social Emotional Learning (SEL) services during the 2022-23 school year, an initiative that aligns with Whittier Union’s commitment to supporting the development and well-being of students. Guided by the District’s multi-tiered SEL Pyramid, Whittier Union aims to have services available for all students, whether they need someone to talk to or need crisis intervention and referral services. Students are supported by an SEL Collaborative of student well-being liaisons, student well-being interns, counselors, psychologists and school social workers. Every Whittier Union school has one full-time social worker on staff to assist with the day-to-day concerns of students. At the District office, two full-time social workers are available to work with students who have more pressing social emotional needs and offer a lifeline of support to keep them in school. Calming rooms with comfortable furniture and amenities have also been created at every school, providing students a safe space where they can ease their stress and anxiety.
