California High School boys’ water polo team celebrated its first CIF-Southern Section Division 5 title, edging out Brentwood High 10-9 at the William Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine in November, capping a successful year in which the team compiled a 28-6 record. The CIF title is the first for Cal High in any sport since 2000, and only the fourth title in the school’s 65-year history. Cal High’s title run caps a remarkable month of November for Whittier Union athletics, with many student-athletes distinguishing themselves with personal bests and triumphs.
Whittier Union High School District students rang in the holidays, singing traditional songs and holiday favorites as part of the annual Choral Festival on Dec. 5. Choral groups from California, La Serna, Santa Fe and Whittier high schools received evaluation from this year’s adjudicator, Michelle Jensen, an assistant professor at Azusa Pacific University, clinician and conductor of the APU Chamber Singers.
Pioneer High School senior Raylene Cosio has never been one to back down from a challenge – whether it’s running a 26.2-mile marathon, taking a six-week accelerated geometry class or leading the varsity girls’ basketball team to victory. Cosio’s constant resilience is a character trait developed as a result of the adversity she faced growing up, including losing her home on two separate occasions and dealing with difficult family relationships.
The transition from middle to high school can be difficult for students who are having trouble acclimating to the intensified academic rigor. Sierra Vista High School, Whittier Union’s independent study campus, provides a bridge for these students through the Freshman Fresh Start program. Launched in 2013, Freshman Fresh Start is designed to support ninth-graders who are behind in credits, have poor attendance or need one-on-one teacher support. The result for many Sierra Vista freshmen is better social skills, better grades, a restoration of confidence and new friends.
Whittier Union to Celebrate Music and Cheer at Annual Band Jamboree
The talented marching bands, color guards, pep and cheer squads and a drill team from the Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools will give rousing performances for the annual Band Jamboree celebration, which will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 at the Sandra Thorstenson Stadium at California High School, 9800 Mills Ave., Whittier. Tickets are $8 at the gate or $7 if purchased from a band member.
Whittier Union Leaders Take on New Roles to Steer Student Achievement
Familiar faces have taken on new roles at Whittier Union, continuing a history of strong leadership that has led to rising student academic achievement. Frontier High School Principal Dr. Margie Moriarty will also lead the Whittier Adult School. Richard Rodriguez will serve as assistant principal of Frontier High School. Allison Huntley will serve as assistant principal of guidance at Whittier High School. Craig Fox will serve as Pioneer High School’s assistant principal of business and activities. Together, the four have served Whittier Union for nearly 60 years.
Santa Fe High to Host Parent Education Day to Ensure Student Success
Santa Fe High School will offer parents the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops on topics ranging from teens’ social media use to college and career information during its annual Parent Education Day from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 10400 Orr and Day Road, Santa Fe Springs. Launched in 2003, the program is an informal and free way to gain knowledge on topics and issues that impact teens today.
Whittier High School senior Ava Sanchez is determined to make a difference – whether its empowering her peers to give back to the local community or inspiring younger students to achieve academic success. Recognized for her leadership skills, integrity and work ethic, Sanchez – a straight-A student who is on track to be one of Whittier High’s class of 2019 valedictorians – has found a way to balance academics with community service.
La Serna High School student-athletes are enjoying newly renovated athletic fields, including a nine-lane synthetic athletic track, new high jump, long jump, pole vault, discus and shotput areas. The $9.8 million project was completed with Measure W funds. Playing fields will serve a variety of sports, including football, soccer, and track and field.
Whittier Union High School District has released three initial draft trustee area maps as it shifts from at-large elections to by-trustee area elections, effective November 2020. The District is seeking public input on the initial draft maps – NDC Green Map, NDC Orange Map and NDC Purple Map – which were developed by professional demographers based on comments from previous public hearings. The public may submit input regarding how the trustee areas are divided through comment boxes available at the five comprehensive high schools, District office and WUHSD District Formation Process website, www.elections.wuhsd.org. The District will host two rounds of community open houses during which attendees may provide structured input on the maps. The first round will take place 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26 at Whittier High School; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Santa Fe High School; and 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28. A second round will be held in December.
