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Whittier Union High School District

  • Whittier Union Scholars Share Experiences with CSUF Education Grad Students

    Pioneer High School students shared their high school experiences with future teachers during a field trip to Cal State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in October, designed to assist aspiring CSUF grad students as they learn the best strategies for providing equity in the classroom. Nine Pioneer High students lent their perspectives on school life during a panel titled “Speaking Our Truth: Young Men’s High School Perspectives on Culture and Belonging” to CSUF Diversity in Education students looking to earn their teaching credential.

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  • Whittier Union School Psychologist Recognized for Mental Wellness Advocacy

    Whittier Union school psychologist Stephanie Murray, an advocate for student well-being and suicide prevention for more than 30 years, has been recognized by the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) with its Nadine Lambert Outstanding School Psychologist Award, given to psychologists for their dedication and innovative practices. Murray received her award at the 2025 CASP convention on Oct. 29. Murray began her Whittier Union career at California High School, where she worked to develop suicide prevention protocols, provide ongoing teacher training, and establish a centralized method of risk assessment and information sharing. The protocols were adopted Districtwide even before the passing of Assembly Bill 2246 in 2016, which requires all California school districts to have suicide prevention policies and protocols in place.

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  • Whittier Union Teacher, Alumna, Receives Fellowship to Advocate for California Students

    From the moment California High School social science teacher Christine Segura graduated from Cal High in 2012, she sought to return to the school and district that she loved so much. Since being hired fulltime in 2021, Segura has expanded her responsibilities, serving as yearbook advisor, assistant volleyball coach, and as Co-Lead for Cal High’s Business Academy pathway. Now, Segura will begin a new role as an education advocate after receiving a Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship, making her one of just 20 California teachers to receive a fellowship in 2025. Teach Plus is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering teachers to lead key policy initiatives that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.

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Whittier Union Schools Hosts Back to School Nights

Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools are inviting parents and students to their Back to School Night events, which will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the school’s academic and extra-curricular programs and how to ensure student success.

Whittier Union Kicks Off 2018-19 with Freshman First Day, Welcomes Thousands to Campuses

Whittier Union schools welcomed approximately 2,778 freshmen on Aug. 14 for its Freshman First Day orientation program, which allows students to meet new classmates and take part in fun team-building activities. Students previewed classes and met teachers and administrators, as well as Link Crew members, who will serve as mentors during their first year of high school. The program takes place annually at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help smooth students' transition to high school.

Whittier Union to Welcome 2,778 Freshmen to High School on Aug. 14

Whittier Union schools will welcome approximately 2,778 freshmen on Tuesday, Aug. 14 for its Freshman First Day orientation program, which allows students to meet new classmates and take part in fun team-building activities. Students will get a preview tour of their classes and meet their teachers and administrators, as well as Link Crew members, who will serve as mentors during their first year of high school. The program takes place annually at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help smooth students' transition to high school. The first official day is Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Santa Fe High School Summer Bridge Program Inspires Incoming Freshmen

Santa Fe High School welcomed 36 incoming freshmen who completed a six-week Summer Bridge program designed to build their confidence and encourage them to get involved in campus activities. Parents and family members attended a completion ceremony on July 19. A part of the Santa Fe curriculum since 1995, the Summer Bridge class consists primarily of students from Lake Center and Lakeside middle schools who score below a 2.0 GPA. Bridge students listened to guest speakers, brushed up on study skills and time management, and immersed themselves in the six pillars of character.

Pioneer High Teacher Continues Legacy of Success with Escalante Summer Math Academy

More than 500 local middle and high school students will celebrate the completion of an accelerated six-week summer math academy, inspired by famous math educator Jaime Escalante, with an end-of-summer ceremony at noon Thursday, July 19. The 28th annual Jaime Escalante Math Academy, held in June and July, offered students the opportunity to take Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Math Analysis, Pre-Calculus or Calculus. Pioneer High School is at 10800 Benavon St., Whittier.

Cal High Summer Program Introduces Incoming Freshmen to High School through 3-week Summer Program

More than 530 incoming freshmen sampled high school life during California High School’s HS 102 course, a three-week summer program during which students participate in a variety of activities that introduce them to the academic and extra-curricular opportunities available on campus. Launched in 2013, the program, which ran from June 11-28, acclimates students as they transition from middle school to high school. It also familiarizes students with school expectations and provides them with the opportunity to earn 2.5 credits for completing the course.

Whittier Union Spending Plan Includes Expanded Credit Recovery Programs, Academic Mentor Training

Whittier Union High School District on June 26 adopted a spending plan that pledges to continue building on its efforts to increase student achievement, including by providing extra support to English learners and training teachers to identify students in need of intervention. For 2018-19, Whittier Union will invest $21.7 million in supplemental funds to develop programs specifically targeting high-needs students – those from low-income homes, in the foster system or who are learning English – under its Local Control and Accountability Plan.

Pioneer High School Teacher Accepted into Google for Education’s Innovator Program

Pioneer High School ed tech lead and math teacher Lisa Ceja has earned a spot in Google for Education’s Certified Innovator program, a year-long professional development experience that includes mentorship opportunities, online learning activities and an in-person, three-day Innovation Academy that helps participants launch a project related to a challenge in education. The academy will be held Monday, July 9 to Wednesday, July 11 at the Google office in Venice, California.