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Whittier Union High School District

  • Whittier Union Students Receive Powerful Lesson During DUI Car Crash Simulation

    Pioneer High School students received an opportunity to see how the real-life consequences of driving drunk, distracted, or impaired can have devastating and tragic results for their friends, family, and community during an “Every 15 Minutes” demonstration held in front of the school on March 18. The staged simulation for Pioneer High juniors and seniors – featuring the participation of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Los Angeles County Sheriff, City of Whittier Police Dept., Los Angeles County Fire Dept., first responders, and Funeraria de Angel Pico Rivera mortuary – took the students through an entire DUI car crash scenario – the initial 911 call, the rescue of victims, a sobriety test, and the subsequent arrest of the driver.

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  • California High School Senior Recovers from Debilitating Illness, Receives Award of Merit

    As an incoming freshman, California High School senior Viridian “Viv” Gonzalez got off to a flying start, earning straight A’s in her first semester, with a challenging schedule that included several Honors classes. Her future looked bright; then calamity struck. Gonzalez fell ill during her second semester and was hospitalized for months, missing a considerable amount of school. When Gonzalez returned to Cal High for her sophomore year, she was still very weak and wheelchair bound but determined to pick up where she left off. Enrolling in Cal High’s Health Academy pathway and with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to guide her, Gonzalez persevered despite her limited mobility, excelling in all her classes and slowly regaining her health. As a senior with a 3.5 GPA and improved health, Gonzalez said she is looking forward to taking the Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) exam this spring.

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  • Pioneer High Football Makes History with CIF Titles, Launches Fundraiser for Championship Rings

    The Pioneer High School football team made history in the fall 2024 season, taking home the school’s first-ever CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) title, followed by a regional title – an achievement that has ignited school spirit and set the stage for future generations of athletic excellence. While the team fell to Balboa High School in the CIF State Championship game on Dec. 14, their journey united the school and community in a milestone season. To commemorate this achievement, Pioneer High’s football team is raising funds for championship rings, a lasting tribute to their historic season. Contributions can be made through the school’s dedicated fundraising page or directly at Pioneer’s Business & Activities Office.

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Whittier Union Names Band Director its 2020 Teacher of the Year

When California High School Director of Bands Doug Nordquist came to Whittier Union as a music teacher in 1982, he was literally jumping for joy as he was in the midst of competing to win a spot as a high jumper on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. With a parallel career as an Olympic-level athlete, Nordquist began striving for excellence in the classroom, teaching multiple subjects and eventually establishing Cal High’s Entertainment Unit, a music program that has enabled thousands of Whittier Union students to find their calling and achieve success at high levels. He has been named the District's 2020 Teacher of the Year.

Whittier Union Appoints New Principal to Lead La Serna High School

La Serna High School Assistant Principal Griselda Castro – an educator in the Whittier Union High School District for the past 25 years – has been appointed to serve as the Lancer campus’ newest principal. Castro, a National Board Certified teacher, will replace longtime La Serna Principal Ann Fitzgerald, who will begin her new role as assistant superintendent of personnel services July 1.

Pioneer Summer Math Academy to Celebrate 30 Years, Provide Virtual Instruction for First Time

One of Whittier Union’s most popular academic programs – the Summer Math Academy at Pioneer High School – will celebrate its 30-year anniversary as an online learning program, continuing its rich tradition of challenging students to complete a year’s worth of advanced math in six weeks. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the math academy, held in partnership with East Los Angeles College’s Jaime Escalante Program, will be administered online and is open to incoming ninth through 12th grade Whittier Union students only.

Whittier Union Appoints New Principal for La Serna High School

La Serna High School Assistant Principal Griselda Castro will take the helm as the school’s newest principal, bringing 25 years of education experience to the role. Castro will replace longtime La Serna Principal Ann Fitzgerald, who has been appointed assistant superintendent of personnel services effective July 1, 2020.

Whittier Union Escalante Math Academy to Celebrate 30-year Anniversary

Pioneer High School’s Summer Math Academy, in partnership with East Los Angeles College’s Escalante Program, will celebrate its 30-year anniversary as a six-week distance learning program, continuing a tradition that allows students to complete an entire schoolyear’s worth of advanced math curriculum in one summer session and earn high school credits if they score a “B” grade or better. The program will run June 15 to July 28, with classes held from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Classes will be conducted via Zoom videoconferencing. Online registration is open until May 20.

Whittier Union High Schools to Host Drive-Thru Graduation Delivery Events

Starting Monday, May 18, Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools will host Drive-Thru Graduation Delivery events for its Class of 2020. Seniors will arrive to their schools at designated times to receive special yard signs, caps and gowns, graduation products, medals and other items as part of the delivery. Pioneer High School will provide yard signs from 8 a.m. to noon May 18 and hold its official distribution event on June 1; Whittier High will hold its event from 12 to 4 p.m. May 18; La Serna High School will hold its event from noon to 5 p.m. May 19; California High School will hold its event from 1 to 6 p.m. May 20; and Santa Fe High School will hold its event from noon to 4 p.m. May 21.

Whittier Union English Learner Overcomes Obstacles to Become Student Leader

Santa Fe High School senior Angel Moreno Gallegos has traveled a long road to become the first member of his family to graduate from an American high school and attend a four-year university. Born in the United States but raised in Mexico, Moreno Gallegos came to Santa Fe as a freshman with almost no English language skills. Four years later, he will graduate as a student leader with a 4.12 GPA, with plans to attend Cal Poly Pomona and study chemical engineering. For his ability to rise to numerous challenges and stay focused on his goal of academic achievement, Moreno Gallegos was honored with an Award of Merit by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees during its virtual board meeting on May 12.

Whittier Union Schools Rally Behind AP Test-Takers Ahead of Virtual Exams

As Whittier Union schools prepare students to take their Advanced Placement exams for the first time ever from home and online – a challenging feat for any student – Pioneer High School teachers and staff showed their support by holding a drive-thru pep rally on May 6. While observing social distancing and wearing protective masks, Pioneer administrators and AP teachers banded together to provide 150 students who are poised to take their AP exams, which begin Monday and continue through May 22, with “survival kits” containing supplies and snacks.

Whittier Union High Schools Celebrate Class of 2020 with Virtual College Signing Day

Whittier Union seniors donned college apparel, held school pennants and posed with colorful balloons as they reminisced about their high school experiences and celebrated their next steps – into college, military or careers – during virtual College Signing Day activities on May 1. College Signing Day recognizes high school seniors’ commitment to continuing their education at four-year universities, community colleges, the military or vocational schools. Although many universities have extended decision day until June 1, many students have already made their choices.

Whittier Union High Schools Place in Top 25% in Best High Schools List

Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools have been listed among the top-performing public high schools in the state and the nation, according to the 2020 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report. California, La Serna, Pioneer, Santa Fe and Whittier high schools ranked in the top 25% or higher of high schools in the nation, in addition to earning high rankings among approximately 2,600 high schools in the state.