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.
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.
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.
Whittier Union High School District will benefit from $13.7 million in relief funds, presented by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez during a July 8 distribution event at Pioneer High School. The financial relief stems from the American Rescue Plan, which allotted funding for public education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds. The funds, supported by Congresswoman Sánchez, will help ensure the District’s recovery out of the pandemic. The financial relief stems from the American Rescue Plan, which allotted funding for public education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds. The plan, supported by Congresswoman Sánchez, will help ensure the District’s recovery out of the pandemic.
Baldwin Park High School Boys Soccer Team to be Recognized by City
The Baldwin Park High School boys varsity soccer team will be recognized by the City of Baldwin Park during its regular city council meeting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 7. The Baldwin Park Unified soccer team won the CIF Southern Section Division V Championship in May – the school’s first title since 2014.
Whittier Union Hosts Food Giveaway During Drive-Thru Event
Whittier Union High School District, in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Supervisor Janice Hahn and the City of Santa Fe Springs, will host a food giveaway during a drive-thru distribution event from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 7. The event will take place at Santa Fe High School, 10400 Orr and Day Rd., Santa Fe Springs. The event is strictly drive-thru, no walk-ups will be allowed. Face coverings are required, and line formation will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Whittier Union to Return to Full-Time Instruction for 2021-22 School Year
Whittier Union High School District will return to full-time, in-person instruction for the 2021-22 school year, which begins Thursday, Aug. 12. All students have been automatically enrolled for in-person learning, which consists of six-hour days, five days a week. Families who are not yet ready to return full-time have the option to enroll in the District’s Independent Study Program.
