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.
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.
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.
Hounds put noses to work in training. Police bloodhounds and their K9 handlers gather in Encino for required certification tests and exercises. The certification exam drew police and dogs from LAPD, Arcadia, La Verne, and other cities, and sheriffs from Riverside and Orange Counties.
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.
The votes are in! We have a name for our newest Arcadia Police Department K-9 Officer (canine): Kaiser. Students and staff at Arcadia Unified School District selected the name. Kaiser and Officer Cvetkovich are training to work together in both apprehension and narcotics detection.
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.
Holly Avenue Elementary School named as a 2020 California Distinguished School for the second time in three years by the California Department of Education.
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.
Ashley Reagan Dunster is the new principal at Holy Angels School in Arcadia. She is the youngest granddaughter of President Ronald Reagan. By columnist Anissa Rivera.
Your step-by-step guide to the Rose Parade entries lists Spirit of the West Riders, an equestrian unit from Arcadia, at number 16. Also, at number 24, the Scripps Miramar Ranch equestrian unit will be accompanied by Santa Anita Park bugler Jay Cohen.
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 Police make arrest in assault case. Eighteen-year-old former Arcadia High School student Dylan Chan accused of various crimes, including using a minor for sexual acts. Allegedly recorded himself and, current and former female students, having sex.One alleged victim said it was without her knowledge and the suspect distributed the video in an online group chat with fellow students. Arcadia police are investigating and Arcadia High School's principal Angie Dillman believes sexual assault is pervasive in society and in listening to student voices to guide change.
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.
Pasadena parents speak on tirade of San Rafael Elementary School (in Pasadena) Principal Rudy Ramirez, an Arcadia resident. Pasadena Unified School District trustees meet in closed session but take no action; rant over janitor's arrest by Pasadena police videotaped. See also "Mayor Gordo defends critical letter," Pasadena Star News, p. A1, A6, August 20, 2022.
Obituary or death notice. Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui died among terrorist victims in a two bomb attack outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. He attended Holly Avenue Elementary School and then First Avenue Middle School in Arcadia. He left this district in 7th grade in 2014. See also Pasadena Star News, p. A6, August 30, 2021.
Arcadia Unified School District has a Latino Literacy middle school program. Nearly seven years ago, the Latino Literacy program started at the elementary school level by Alejandra Worozaken, Catherine Merel and Andrea Mendoza. Then four years ago, the program expanded to the middle school level and Perlita Guzman has been working hard since then to get Latino families to meet weekly for six weeks. All families have the opportunity to learn from various speakers and specialists about topics such as college admissions, high school, trending topics about today's youth, and life experiences in general.
Highland Oaks Elementary School's Club program connects students with interests and friends. Baton Twirling Club, Coding Club, Food Crafts Club, and Hawks Nest Community Building Club, are just a sample of the over 20 clubs offered there. Patricia Mattera, now in her 7th year as Highland Oaks Principal, first gained inspiration for the student clubs from her previous work experience.
President Biden sending official to hear public views on the proposed expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Chantry Flat, a hiking and picnic spot north of Arcadia and Sierra Madre, closed for several years, is proposed for inclusion in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.