Arcadia Unified School District to reconsider Apaches as mascot amid online petition drive, officials say it is on agenda. It is a revival of a 20-year-old controversy to remove Apaches name and imagery amid a nationwide movement to erase offensive emblems. Shayan Farooq, a 2013 graduate of Arcadia High School, felt the issue needed to be addressed. Farooq started a petition at Change.org. AUSD spokesperson Ryan Foran said the issue will be addressed in its list of priorities after reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic and recent sexual assault allegations involving current and former students who were video recorded, without consent, having sex. Controversy surrounding the Apaches mascot dates back two decades when Native American activists protested the Apache Joe mascot at Arcadia school board meetings in 1999. Then Principal Martin Plourde sought the White Mountain Apache Tribe's blessing to use the imagery and tribal leaders approved, but many students at Alchesay High School (Arcadia High School's sister school on Apache reservation) found the mascot offensive and urged Plourde to change it. 2018 Arcadia High School graduate Yumei Lin is leading a Facebook group to change the emblem.
Former Mayor, students reflect on continuing controversy over Apache imagery use at Arcadia High School.1342 people have signed petition to stop its use as a mascot.
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.
Arcadia High School badminton team won its first CIF championship last week by beating Diamond Bar 13 to 8 in the Open Division (highest level). Arcadia High School created its coed badminton team just six years ago.
Wrapping up spring season's biggest takeaways and outstanding efforts in high school sports. Recognized for his outstanding effort is Antoine Sims, Arcadia High School football coach who was hired during the pandemic.
Class of 2023 graduations happening in Arcadia include:
June 1-Arroyo Pacific Academy graduation at Arroyo Pacific Academy, 325 North Santa Anita Avenue.
June 8-Arcadia High School graduation at Santa Anita Park Racetrack, 285 West Huntington Drive.
Also, June 6-Gabrielino High School (located in San Gabriel) graduation will be held at Santa Anita Park Racetrack.
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.
Ryan Liu, a former Pasadena City College (PCC) Valedictorian enters race for PCC's board of trustees Area 6 seat. The seat, which represents portions of El Monte, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Arcadia and Temple City, is currently held by John Martin, first elected in 1979.
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.
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.
L.A. COUNTY - 4 schools granted waivers to reopen - Classes are allowed for the youngest students at private campuses. Four private schools in Los Angeles County can start welcoming students in transitional kindergarten through the second grade back to campus.
The list, made public Wednesday, marks the first time area schools have been given the go-ahead to reopen for their youngest students under a waiver program the county approved late last month.
The schools that have been granted the waivers are Holy Angels School in Arcadia, Kadima Day School in West Hills, Los Encinos School in Encino and Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Ann in Los Angeles.
The county is only granting up to 30 waivers per week, with priority given to schools that serve more low-income students. The waivers are to be distributed equally between the five districts in the county.
This week's San Gabriel Valley high school baseball rankings have Arcadia High School in first place. The Arcadia High School Apaches are 8-0 in the Pacific League.
Arcadia High School pilots electronic student ID. The school's App Development Team began its pilot program for mobile student IDs utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) scanners in the school library. It has the potential to streamline student identification processes throughout the school district.
11 Arcadia High students named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalis
Arcadia High School continues its 28-year streak of seeing a double-digit number of students represented in the renowned National Merit Scholarship Program. This year, 11 Arcadia High students are counted among less than 1% of high school seniors across the nation that have been named 2022 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, who now have the opportunity to vie for one of nearly 7,500 scholarships that collectively total close to $30 million.
Arcadia High School students see continued success in National Merit Scholarship Program. Twenty Arcadia High School students have earned a spot in the 2021 competition. Over the past 25 years, Arcadia High School has had more than 600 National Merit Scholar semifinalists.
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 Choral Program concludes year with First Annual Choir Night Cafe benefit concert on May 20 at Arcadia Performing Arts Center. 2022 has been a year marked with change, with a new director and a return to in-person performances following distance learning due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Choral Program consists of Concert Choir and Chanteurs.