Dear El Monte Union Community,

April was a month centered on student well-being, achievement, and community across El Monte Union, as campuses engaged in spring activities and awareness efforts that support safe, connected, and inclusive learning environments.

Throughout the District, schools observed Child Abuse Prevention Month, Autism Awareness Month, and Stress Awareness through Wellness Center-led activities and campus initiatives that encouraged students to speak up, support one another, and prioritize mental health. These efforts continue to be reinforced through our “See Something, Say Something” campaign and anonymous reporting system. Community members can submit tips by visiting EMUHSD.org/tips.

This month, we also proudly recognized outstanding student successes. Arroyo High School senior Gary Chen earned a $50,000 Edison Scholarship in recognition of his academic excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math – or STEM – while El Monte High School was named a 2026 California Distinguished School, highlighting strong student outcomes and a continued focus on equity and achievement.

As we move closer to graduation season, our focus now turns to preparation and celebration. Students across the District are finalizing coursework, completing requirements, and preparing for this important milestone. Adult Education graduates will be honored on Wednesday, May 27, followed by our adult transition program and high school graduations on Thursday, June 4.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished.

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 senior Gary Chen has been named a 2026 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 scholarship to support his pursuit of STEM in higher education. Chen plans to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he will study electrical and computer engineering.
 
The recognition came as a surprise during Chen’s Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature class, as students finished the first act of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The classroom door opened and a group entered, including Chen’s father and representatives from Edison International, delivering the announcement.

“I was swept off my feet when they came into class holding a huge check with my name on it. It all felt amazing,” Chen said. “I was so happy, especially for my father, who is not usually an expressive person, but I could tell he was really happy for me.”

Read the full story here on Arroyo High School senior Gary Chen.
 

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El Monte High School was recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education during a ceremony on April 24. The District’s Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, the school’s principal Eddie Cuevas, and educators attended the event to accept the honor, which recognizes schools for closing achievement gaps and improving student performance.
The designation highlights El Monte High School’s efforts to promote equity in education and support student success across all academic areas.
 

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Seniors across El Monte Union campuses participated in the District’s annual Career & Trades Day on April 21 at Arroyo High School’s newly upgraded gymnasium. This year’s event allowed students to attend during the school day as part of a field trip experience, followed by lunch.

Students connected with industry professionals representing unions, apprenticeships, community colleges, and career technical education programs. Participating organizations included Pasadena City College’s automotive technology and dental assisting programs, the City of El Monte, El Monte-Rosemead Adult School, Southern California Sheet Metal Apprenticeship, Río Hondo College fire technology, Citrus College biotechnology, and more, providing students with insight into a wide range of career opportunities.

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El Monte Union observed Child Abuse Prevention Month in April with Districtwide activities and workshops, including pinwheel making and identifying trusted adults, led by each school’s Wellness Centers to promote student safety and well-being.
  
At Mountain View High School, administrators, wellness staff, and student volunteers organized a “Take What You Need” lunchtime event on April 15 to promote positivity and peer support. Rosemead High School engaged families through a “What If’s” Kahoot! questionnaire on April 14 and hosted a T-shirt launch April 21, while campuses across the District held additional T-shirt launches throughout the month featuring a pinwheel design. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, the pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the joyful, healthy childhood every child deserves.
 
Learn more about Child Abuse Prevention and the story behind the pinwheel here.
 

The District also continues to promote its “See Something, Say Something” campaign, encouraging students to report concerns to a trusted adult or submit an anonymous tip through the El Monte Union’s online reporting system. Families can stay informed about Wellness Center programs and events by following @emuhsdcares on Instagram.

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El Monte High School’s Class of 2026 hosted a walk-a-thon on April 4 at the school’s newly upgraded athletic facility in support of Autism Awareness Month. Students, families, staff, and community members received autism awareness shirts and raised funds through raffles and club booths, with half of the proceeds benefiting The Autism Community in Action. The event concluded with a water balloon activity, giving participants a chance to cool off after completing laps around the track.

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El Monte Union’s Adult Transition Program welcomed parents and prospective students to its April 2 Open House, highlighting services for students with developmental disabilities ages 18 to 22. Attendees connected with teachers and staff, toured classrooms, and explored how the program supports life skills, career readiness, and the transition to adulthood. 

Students also showcased original artwork and merchandise, including neurodiversity-themed shirts, pens, cards for special occasions, and recycled clipboards and notepads made from shredded paper. The program emphasizes practical, real-world experiences, with students learning to create budgets, shop in stores, use vending machines, and simulate job tasks such as hanging clothes and preparing a pizza.

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South El Monte High School’s SeaPerch robotics team earned a first-place finish at the Los Angeles Regional SeaPerch Competition in March, securing a spot in the International SeaPerch Competition in Maryland and marking the program’s return to global competition for the third time in 15 years.

The student-led team competed against top programs from across the region, demonstrating technical skill, teamwork, and adaptability to emerge as overall champions. Representing Los Angeles County, the group is advancing to an international field that includes teams from across the United States and countries such as China and New Zealand.

Read the full story on South El Monte High's SeaPerch win. 
 

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Students and staff at El Monte-Rosemead Adult School marked Adult Education Week with activities from March 30 to April 3. Events included a student appreciation barbecue, Scholastic Book Fair, multicultural fashion and talent show, campus tours, and student raffles featuring gift certificates and spring baskets.