Television show “Trading Spaces” transforms teachers’ lounges at First Avenue Middle School and Holly Avenue Elementary School. Shown in photo “Trading Spaces” host Paige Davis and Arcadia Unified School District educators Karalee Nakatsuka, Megan Forbes, Regina Ringo and Teresa Oakland. The show airs on the TLC network.
Distance learning a work in progress (online classes). Parents and students adjust and make the most of their home-based classrooms during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Local school districts just say 'no' to physical school reopenings.
Last week, the L.A. County Department of Public Health and the L.A. County Office of Education (LACOE) issued new guidelines and protocols for opening K-12 schools in the new academic year. Public Health stated that, given current health data, we must all prepare to remain in a remote learning environment in the new school year.
In response to the feedback from a survey, Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will offer a 100% online option in the core curriculum for K-12 students during the upcoming school year. “This online option will vary from the emergency remote learning model that was temporarily in place for Spring 2020 and have increased live interaction as a foundational feature,” PUSD officials said.
“We cannot and will not take chances with the health and safety of our students and staff. Pasadena Unified will open in a 100% distance learning model on Aug. 17,” Superintendent Brian McDonald said.
The Arcadia Unified School District has been planning multiple contingencies for their reopening plan that will allow the district to flex and adjust plans as guided by Public Health and LACOE.
On Thursday, Arcadia Unified School District announced it will be utilizing distance learning to start the year. Their full update is on the district’s Facebook page and website.
Arcadia High School student Spencer Cheung teaches card tricks to help others cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cheung created a YouTube video to teach what he knows.
Local school districts provide more detailed plans for in-person learning. Arcadia Unified School District will start in-person classes for Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grades.
Parents protest Arcadia Unified School District's alleged lack of pandemic precautions for a safe return to class. Thus far, there have been no coronavirus-COVID-19 transmissions in Arcadia schools. The parents have outlined a 9 point list of guidelines they hope the district might consider, including online learning and instruction, enhanced testing and cleaning, social distancing for elementary schools.
City of Arcadia & Methodist Hospital to Host Virtual Public Health Town Hall. The City of Arcadia and Methodist Hospital are joining together to host a virtual public health town hall on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 6 p.m. The city and hospital are actively engaged in coordinating a unified response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As more is learned about COVID-19 and the disease’s progression and impact on the community, city leaders and public health practitioners want to share lessons learned, best practices, and the latest scientific data to inform the community on effective COVID-19 transmission mitigation strategies.
Arcadia High School launches new Wellness Center to provide dedicated mental health and wellness support for the students and staff of Arcadia High. Dr. Deja Anderson, an emotional learning counselor, oversees it. With distance learning in effect since Spring 2020, the Wellness Center saw a shift to the virtual environment.
About 12 girls in white are seen walking across the lawn at front of First Avenue School (Arcadia Grammar School at this time, 1935). They have garlands of flowers over their shoulders to commemorate their graduation from 8th grade. Photo is also interesting because construction scaffolding is across front of school.
Arcadia High School baseball team postpones games due to COVID-19 virus protocols and will remain in quarantine until at least Monday, according to Arcadia athletic director Milicia Protic.
Arcadia High School cancels season-opening football game against Muir High School after one of its players tested positive for COVID-19 and the school had to place the entire team in quarantine, confirmed athletic director Milica Protic.
First Avenue Middle School celebrated the 26th birthday and life of teacher Jennifer Castillo with a ceremony and the release of over 900 balloons. She taught 6th grade Algebra and introductory Spanish. She died February 8 of heart failure.
Readers share hobbies started during the COVID-19 Pandemic and after, with columnist David Allen. Annick Downhower got hooked on streaming horse racing and reading blogs. She has returned to watching in-person racing at Santa Anita Park and continues to stream races on Fan Duel.
California offers schools $2 billion incentive to resume in-person learning. Parents of Arcadia Unified School District students plan a peaceful rally for Thursday, March 4 at noon at Arcadia County Park to address Arcadia's reopening plan.
Nearly all Los Angeles County skilled nursing facilities administered first doses of Covid-19 vaccine, including residents and staff at Arcadia Living.
Arcadia Board of Education selected Genna Helmberger as Arcadia Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004. She is an 8th grade science teacher at Dana Middle School (picture).
