Twelve seniors out of 783 were denied diplomas because of their failure to pass a battery of state-mandated basic skills tests. They are the first to be denied diplomas under the Pupil Proficiency Law of 1976. Arcadia's test requires ninth grade level competency.
Looking across graduating class of Arcadia High School students on football field on campus. A back-drop and speakers platform has been set up on left side of photo. Parents and guests are on far side of graduating class. Graduation ceremony.
Fewer than half of the high school students statewide scheduled to graduate in 2004 have passed both the English language arts and mathematics portions of the California High School Exit Exam. Arcadia High School sophomores who took the test last year had the strongest showing in the local area with 89% of the 738 students tested passing math and 88% passing English.
A video created by three Arcadia High School graduates went viral and brought people to a school board meeting alst week, in support of fired cross country coach James O'Brien. The creators of the video are Esmond Wei, Ben Hsueh, and Sergio Rodriguez. The video was posted on YouTube.com and had more than 10,000 views in three days. A week later, it had more than 16,000 views.
Former Arcadia High School baseball coach Mike Parisi was arrested June 8 on suspicion of cocaine possession and of being under the influence of the drug. The Arcadia school board dismissed him. He will begin a 2-week trial period in drug court on August 7, where he will undergo counseling, drug testing, and a 12-step program.
New State Department of Health regulations require that all children entering first grade after July 1, 1975 have had a health check within the past year. This may be had at designated community health centers free of charge for those in need or otherwise by a family doctor at his regular fee.
Big moment: 729 walk in Arcadia High School graduation ceremony at Santa Anita Park. Kailin Kathy Liu was the valedictorian. There were 116 salutatorians and their names are listed. The school had a graduation rate of 99.7% with an average GPA of 3.46 and average SAT score of 1360.
All Arcadia High School students have now been granted permission to participate in voluntary drug urinalysis testing, an option previously open only to athletes and student body officers.