Dear El Monte Union Community,

Across the District, there is a distinct energy defined by achievement, preparation, pride, and cultural celebrations. Classrooms are focused, competition arenas are spirited, and staff continue working with purpose to support every student in our District.

During National School Counseling Week in February, we proudly recognized the counselors who guide academic planning, college exploration, and personal growth. Their support is especially impactful as seniors finalize college applications, meet the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) priority deadline, and prepare for the culminating milestones of graduation.

Our winter athletic programs have earned impressive accomplishments in league and postseason competition, demonstrating discipline and teamwork. As open house season continues in March, families will have further opportunities to experience the rigor, innovation, and student-centered learning taking place across our schools while strengthening connections with our community.

In the months ahead, we remain focused on expanding access to opportunity, reinforcing student wellness, and ensuring every graduate is prepared for success beyond high school.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees, thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students.

Stay up to date by following our District Facebook page and downloading our ParentSquare app.

Sincerely,
Edward Zuniga, Ed.D., 
Superintendent

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Arroyo High School and Rosemead High School have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll list with silver distinction by the College Board, recognizing their success in expanding access to rigorous AP coursework and supporting students in earning college credit. The AP School Honor Roll highlights schools whose AP programs deliver strong academic results while broadening participation, with silver indicating above-average performance across key measures of AP participation and success.

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El Monte Union commemorated Lunar New Year with vibrant festivities spanning every campus. On February 13, the District ushered in the Year of the Horse through a spirited drive-thru gathering highlighted by a lion dance performed by the Flying Dragon Foundation. Students and parent volunteers, along with District administrators distributed food, traditional red envelopes, festive treats, and candies to families.

Additionally, on February 19, Rosemead High School buzzed with energy as it welcomed students from Encinita Elementary School for a lively on-campus celebration. Students rotated through interactive games and activity stations, earning goodie bags after completing each stop. A photo booth, student performances and a traditional lion dance highlighted the event, promoting connection and cultural appreciation across grade levels. 

 

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El Monte Union celebrated its dedicated school counselors during National School Counseling Week, observed February 2-6, honoring the steady guidance and advocacy they provide to students each day. From academic planning and college and career readiness to social-emotional support, District counselors serve as trusted partners in student success, helping them navigate challenges, set goals, and realize their potential. Thank you to our counselors for their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student growth.

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Student leaders from across the El Monte Union and local middle schools gathered on January 30 at Fernando R. Ledesma High School for Student Leadership Day, a conference focused on bolstering school culture and student engagement.

In partnership with ENVOLVE, a traveling student leadership training program, the District brought together Associated Student Body (ASB) students for a full day of interactive learning led by motivational speaker Scott Backovich. Students were placed into mixed teams representing different schools and participated in guided activities focused on teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving, while ENVOLVE sessions emphasized building community, aligning events with campus culture, and creating inclusive activities that encourage broader student participation.

“It’s exciting to be surrounded by other students who care about getting involved,” El Monte High School ASB Senior Metzeri Garcia Puente said. “Sharing ideas and learning how to encourage participation helps us bring better, more inclusive activities back to our schools.”

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Mountain View High School (MVHS) seniors gathered on January 23 for a milestone Class of 2026 assembly designed as both an informational guide and a symbolic launching pad toward graduation. Students received important updates on upcoming senior events, key deadlines, and end-of-year celebrations before experiencing the premiere of a powerful, student-centered film that captured the heart of campus life.

The video, a collaborative project edited by MVHS alumnus, VISTA Academy members, and University of California, Berkeley student Jose Ibarra, was filmed and produced by current ASB and VISTA students alongside school staff. Directed with support from the MVHS Director of Student Affairs Aaron Sepulveda, the film highlighted Mountain View High senior Rene Alba’s journey from arriving mid-year as a freshman in search of belonging to becoming a beloved campus presence, student-athlete, and symbol of positivity.
 
For the first time, seniors viewed the annual assembly video inside the school’s newly built cafetorium, creating a movie-like amphitheater atmosphere that deepened the emotional impact and strengthened students’ sense of connection. 

To view the full video, please visit https://youtu.be/XtwuYqY0c1A.