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.
Whittier Union Lauds National Merit Scholarship Commended Students
Whittier Union High School District is celebrating several students who were named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. They are Cole Acedo, Ian Brennan, Kelvin Chong and Katelyn Nye from La Serna High School and Julia Casas from Whittier High School. National Merit Scholarship participants are selected based on how they score on their Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores, taken in junior year. Of the 1.6 million students who took the exam for a chance to win the prestigious $2,500 scholarship, 34,000 top scorers received a commendation and 16,000 were selected as semifinalists.
Whittier Union High School District has been selected as one of three “Bright Spot” honorees – along with Pasadena City College and Chula Vista Elementary School – by Education Trust-West for advancing equity and strengthening the pipeline to college. Bright Spot districts and college campuses demonstrate a commitment to excellence and implement strategies and practices that have led to positive outcomes for students of color, low-income students and English learners.
La Serna English Teacher Named a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year
La Serna High School English teacher Shelly DeSimone was named a top 16 Los Angeles County public school teacher for 2018-19 by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) during the organization’s annual banquet on Sept. 21. DeSimone was selected to represent the profession’s “best of the best” from among 72,000 L.A. County teachers. DeSimone will advance, along with other county teachers of the year from around the state, to the California Teachers of the Year competition.
