fbpx

Whittier Union High School District

  • Whittier Union Adult School Student Receives Award of Merit for Resilience, Determination

    At a crossroads with her education, California High School Class of 2018 graduate Abigail Villanueva had completed her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and public health at the University of Southern California, with a goal of enrolling in medical school. But before she could apply to a college, Villanueva needed to gain clinical experience in a medical setting. Taking the advice of a friend and former Whittier Union Adult School (WUAS) student, Villanueva enrolled in the WUAS medical assistant program, a comprehensive two-quarter course where students gain essential clinical and administrative skills through hands-on training that prepares them for real-world scenarios, clinical training, and internships.

    Read More

  • Whittier Union Alumna Seeks to Give Back to Community as Human Rights Advocate

    California High School Class of 2016 graduate Alondra Saldivar has a passion for helping others. From her days leading Cal High Condors into community service projects as Interact Club president to her current role as a law graduate working for the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Arizona, Saldivar has worked tirelessly to champion human rights while inspiring others to become community volunteers. Saldivar’s post-secondary journey has been a whirlwind of education and advocacy, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Juris Doctor degree at the University of San Francisco (USF), all while continuing to mentor young students and encourage them to pursue participation in community service clubs.

    Read More

  • Whittier Union Senior Celebrated, Receives $50,000 Edison Scholarship Surprise in Class

    Pioneer High School senior Olivia Jimenez envisions a day when socially assistive robotics will provide equitable and affordable support for children with special needs, helping them with their cognitive development and social skills. Jimenez’s goal is to use the field of mechanical engineering as a template for doing good work. Jimenez became inspired to work in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) after watching her sister, who is autistic, struggle to find the support she needed in under-resourced schools. Jimenez became fascinated with STEM, immersing herself in projects, exploring all possibilities, and searching for answers, a pursuit that led to her becoming Pioneer High’s Science Club president.

    Read More

Whittier Union’s California High School Showcases New Campus Mural

California High School students walked onto campus for the start of the 2021-22 school year on Aug. 12, surprised with a new Condor mural painted by Mark Quintero, a Cal High English and art teacher. Quintero painted the mural as a symbol of Cal High’s strength and endurance, with details throughout the vibrant mural representing a path toward enlightenment and growth. Photos are available.

Whittier Union Hosts Senior Sunrise and Back-to-School Assembly

La Serna High School students gained a glimpse into their school’s culture during a “Welcome to the Kingdom” themed back-to-school assembly, hosted by the Associated Student Body (ASB) on Aug. 18. Inspired by the movie, “Welcome to the Jungle,” each grade level represented an animal returning to their kingdom. In addition to performances by the band and cheer squads, students engaged in activities such as musical chairs. This year’s event was hosted outdoors for the safety of all the students. ASB also hosted a senior sunrise event, where nearly 400 seniors, dressed in pajamas and wrapped in blankets, were treated to a breakfast of donuts and juice.

Whittier Union Hosts Orientation for Freshmen, Sophomores

Freshmen and sophomores across Whittier Union High School District got a jumpstart on the school year through the District’s Frosh/Soph First Day, held at each school site on Aug. 11. Frosh/Soph First Day aims to ease the transition into high school and help students build connections with one another. Events included meet-and-greets with teachers and administrators, a walkthrough of class schedules and campus, a series of games, activities and student performances, and photo opportunities for students and their parents.

Whittier Union Welcomes Nearly 11,000 Students Back to Campuses for the 2021-22 School Year

Nearly 11,000 Whittier Union High School District students made their way onto campuses bedecked in welcome posters and balloons on Aug. 12, where they were greeted by enthusiastic administrators and staff – all eager to kick off the school year. Following a year of remote and hybrid learning, many Whittier Union students beamed with excitement as they made their way to classes for full-time, in-person instruction. Some Whittier Union students are continuing with online learning through the District’s Independent Study Program, i-Sierra. Though the 2021-22 year will more closely resemble a traditional school year, many health protocols are still in place throughout the District to help ensure the safety of students, teachers, staff and families. Such protocols include health screenings and the use of face masks, as well as continued efforts to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccines in partnership with community partners.

Whittier Union Adult School Graduate Starts New Career as Industrial Electrician

Almost immediately after Ruben Lopez enrolled in Whittier Union Adult School’s first-ever Electrician 1 and Math/Electrician classes, the global pandemic shifted the program to distance learning. Undeterred, Lopez participated enthusiastically in online classes, absorbing as much electrical theory as he could until he was able to put his knowledge to the test when in-person workshops resumed. For his final project, Lopez successfully demonstrated his mastery of electric circuitry and graduated at the top of his class. Since graduation, Lopez has transitioned into a career as an industrial electrician.

Whittier Union Students Prepare for Start of 2021-22 School Year

Thrilled to be back on campus and see their peers, Santa Fe High School students prepared for the new school year by taking part in the school’s Program Verification process, which provided students of all grades the opportunity to return to campus and pick up their books, technology, student I.D. cards and class schedules for the upcoming school year.

Whittier Union’s Alternative Education Provides Summer Opportunities

More than 400 Whittier Union students engaged in summer sessions and programs with the United Sierra Education Center, tackling new subjects and recovering credits ahead of the 2021-22 school year. The summer program ended on July 23 with Sierra Vista High School celebrating 34 summer graduates, Frontier High School honoring 30 summer graduates and Whittier Union Adult School recognizing five summer graduates.

Whittier Union Receives $45,000 from Credit Union of Southern California

Whittier Union High School District will receive $45,000 from the Credit Union of Southern California, which was presented to the District during its July 13 Board of Trustees meeting. The funds will be used primarily to enhance sports programs across the District and will also benefit student-athletes for years to come.

Whittier Union Girls Swim Team Captures CIF-SS Division IV Championship

The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees honored California High School’s girls swim team during a board meeting on July 13. The Lady Condors were celebrated for winning the CIF Southern California Division IV championship. During the recognition, Coach Todd Jacobsen presented each athlete with a certificate of achievement, celebrating their dedication to the sport and perseverance during an unprecedented year.