To help students kick off the school year on a high note, Whittier High School's Associated Student Body (ASB) hosted a luau dance for seniors on Aug. 28. Seniors dressed in theme for the dance, where they enjoyed Polynesian food and snow cones, as well as a Polynesian dance performance, an exciting limbo competition and a DJ – all coordinated by ASB.
Whittier Union High School District, in addition to distributing free breakfast and lunch, launched its Afterschool Supper Meal Service on Sept. 7, providing students the opportunity to pick up free supper meals at each of the District’s five comprehensive high schools Monday through Thursday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.