Arcadia Unified School District's Profiles in Excellence returns as an in-person ceremony after a 2-year halt due to the pandemic. Profiles in Excellence recognizes 12 certificated staff and 12 classified staff. The recipients reflect the district's tagline--Imagine, Inspire and Inquire--and go above and beyond in helping the students, teachers, families and the entire district. Photo of the recipients.
All Arcadia Unified School District's elementary schools earn historic acclaim in California's coveted 2023 Distinguished Schools Program. The award winning Arcadia elementary schools are Hugo Reid Elementary, Camino Grove Elementary, Highland Oaks Elementary, alternative learning program Rancho Learning Center, Baldwin Stocker Elementary, Holly Avenue Elementary and Longley Way Elementary School.
Arcadia Unified appoints new Highland Oaks Elementary School principal, Debbie Champion.Champion began her career in Arcadia as a teacher at Holly Avenue Elementary School. She has been with the district for over 25 years.
26 local schools earn high honors, the 2023 California Distinguished Schools award, including Hugo Reid Elementary, Camino Grove Elementary, Highland Oaks Elementary, Rancho Learning Center, Baldwin Stocker Elementary, Holly Avenue Elementary and Longley Way Elementary School from the Arcadia Unified School District.
Outstanding Educator Awards honor 17 area teachers, presented by Assemblymember Mike Fong. Grace Shahinian from Camino Grove Elementary (Arcadia Unified School District) was among those honored.
Arcadia Unified School District earns California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) award from the state. It recognizes a school and/or school district for taking an innovative, proactive approach to reimagining teaching, learning, and important school services during the pandemic, where California schools saw State-mandated distance learning for the 2020-2021 school year. Arcadia Unified School District and Holly Avenue Elementary received CAPP honors.
Arcadia Unified teachers share what learning looks like in a pandemic. Karalee Nakatsuka, 8th grade history teacher at First Avenue Middle School, discusses remote learning during COVID-19.
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.
Parents demand schools reopen but is it safe during the pandemic? Teacher vaccinations are important but not a prerequisite for reopening, CDC says--at least in elementary schools.
Half Day After School Camp Offered at Two Arcadia Elementary Schools.
As the 2020-2021 school year begins, Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department will be offering a half day after school camp that will follow approved modifications by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. These guidelines are subject to change, based on the local protocols related to COVID-19 and will be sent out to parents at registration.
The half day after school camp will be offered at Baldwin Stocker Elementary School and Camino Grove Elementary School from 1-5 p.m. beginning Aug. 24. Registration is $92 per week and will open on a monthly basis. Camp will still offer a variety of organized recreational activities for ages 5-12, led by trained activity leaders. Registration is now open for camp taking place Aug. 24 – Oct. 2 online at ArcadiaCA.gov/recreation.
For the first time in two years, the Arcadia Educational Foundation (AEF) Summer School Program for 2022 will happen in person for all grade levels. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer school had to be conducted virtually during the summers of 2020 and 2021. As for health and safety, summer school has been adapted in accordance with the health guidelines and regulations that Arcadia Unified School District follows.
Great news from the Great Race Place. Eclipse Awards for Horse Racing, held at Santa Anita Park, honored Jessica Pyfer as Apprentice of the Year, Joel Rosario as Jockey of the Year, and race horses CeCe and Corniche.
Arcadia Public Library hosts Lunar New Year celebration on January 18, 2020. Celebrating the Year of the Rat with fun stories, activities and a Lion Dance and presentation by Shin Dance Academy, sponsored by Sino U.S. Performing Arts Organization.
Westfield Santa Anita kicking off Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, January 20. It's the Year of the Tiger. Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay will join Westfield representatives and community partners to unveil a 7-foot-tall golden tiger as the centerpiece of this year's Center Court decorations. A gold "wishing well" will be installed so shoppers can donate to Asian Pacific Community Fund. Westfield will announce a Gift with Purchase promotion.
Arcadia resident and LAUSD educator Jenny Lu writes book encouraging girls to enter STEM fields. Her book is titled Emma Ren: Robot Engineer and is aimed at children ages 4-8.
Representative Judy Chu (District 28) makes special speaking appearance at Arcadia High School on February 3, 2023. She spoke about monumental issues and legislation on topics like gun control, abortion, and more, hosted by Arcadia Young Democrats. The event called "What's New with Representative Chu," was the first of its kind at Arcadia High School. Chu, the first Chinese- American woman ever elected to Congress, has had a 22-year career in politics.
Holly Avenue Elementary School named as a 2020 California Distinguished School for the second time in three years by the California Department of Education.
Monterey Park shooting aftermath. Lunar New Year is typically a festive and family affair, but was marred by a mass shooting in Monterey Park, which killed 10 at a dance hall. David Lee, co-president of Arcadia Chinese Association, said Lunar New Year is supposed to be "a happy time for family reunions because Chinese tradition and culture is very family-oriented."