EMCSD Bulletin
November 2021 Edition
Message from Dr. Garcia
Dear EMCSD Community,
As we head into our season of gratitude, all of us at El Monte City School District would like to share how thankful we are for you. Serving our school community, especially the past 18 months, has been a great privilege, and we appreciate your support.
We had the opportunity to welcome California State Superintendent Mr. Tony Thurmond and Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo at two of our schools. Both shared wonderful praise for the work our students and staff are doing. Please check out the local community resources coming up later this week, including FREE COVID-19 vaccines opportunities for children through Kaiser Permanente and Food Pantry giveaways at the Community Resource Center in El Monte. We hope you enjoy this newsletter!
In gratitude,
Dr. Maribel Garcia
CA Superintendent Visits Rio Hondo School
FOUR EMCSD SCHOOLS EARN U.S. NEWS 'BEST SCHOOL' RECOGNITION
EMCSD Students Receive COVID-19 Vaccines at Columbia and Gidley
Over the weekend, students and families throughout the EMCSD community lined up outside of Columbia and Gidley schools to receive the newly approved Pfizer Child COVID-19 vaccines. The District provided locations for the East Valley Community Health Center to vaccinate families who wanted to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19. Nearly 300 people attended the clinics to either receive their first dose or booster shots.
Dr. Garcia Hosts first Key Communicators Meeting of 2021-22
Durfee's Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program Hosts Dia de Los Muertos Altar Exhibit
In honor of Día de Los Muertos, Durfee School’s TK-4th Grade Spanish Dual Language Immersion students created altars to honor their loved ones Students placed pictures, offerings, and trinkets that best represent their family members, pets, and friends. Throughout the day, Durfee AVID students provided tours to classes so their fellow students could learn about the cultural signifance of the Day of the Dead tradition.
Rio Hondo Honors Veterans with Annual Veterans Day Assembly
Cortada Hosts Rocket Launch at Lunch
Principal Caston surprised students with impromptu rocket launches during their lunches to show how science, math, and engineering can be used to do some really cool stuff!
“I never got to have or see these kinds of things as a kid, so now that I’m an adult, I want to be able to help provide these little fun experiences for our students”, said Principal Caston
Local Events & Services
Join Girl Scouts!
For more information on the meeting, please contact Miranda Marquez at mmarquez@girlscoutsla.org or call (626) 677-2360
Free Food Pantry, Pumpking Pie Giveaway, and COVID-19 Vaccines!
Date:Wednesday, November 17th
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where:The Community Resource Center, El Monte (3570 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731)
For questions, please call (213) 428-1495
Student Newsletters for November
Happy November! The months are going by quick this school year! Quarter 1 has just ended and Quarter 2 has officially started! Which also means that this month will be short since Thanksgiving break (Nov. 22-26) is right around the corner! Please see the attached documents to view the Student K-5 and 6-8 grade Counseling Corner newsletters courtesy of our Opportunity Program. Learn about the habit of the month and wellness tips for you and your children!
COVID-19 Resources
Anyone ages 5 & up can receive Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
Residents with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm 7 days a week for assistance with appointments.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s vaccine website. Reminder: COVID-19 vaccines are FREE. Health insurance is NOT required and your immigration status will NOT affect your eligibility to receive the vaccine.
In addition to children 5-11 being approved to take the Pfizer vaccine, ALL COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J) are now approved by the FDA & CDC for boosters. If you got Pfizer or Moderna (both doses at least 6 months ago), you are eligible for a booster. J&J is available to anyone who received a dose more than 2 months ago and is 18+.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information Webinar (in Spanish) on Wednesday, November 17 at 7pm
Kaiser Permanente COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for Children
Kaiser Permanente is providing free COVID-19 vaccinations for children (ages 5 – 11) throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Only the Pfizer vaccine is available for children.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available to Kaiser Permanente members and the community.
For appointments, call 1-833-KP4CARE (1-833-574-2273) or visit kp.org/covidvaccine
Appointments Highly Recommended, Walk-ins Also Accepted:
Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center
Baldwin Park Medical Offices 2, 2nd floor
1011 Baldwin Park Boulevard, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday and holidays
November 26, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; November 27, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
By Appointment Only:
Kaiser Permanente Diamond Bar Medical Offices
1336 Bridgegate Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, November 27, 7:30 – 11 a.m. (children only)
Kaiser Permanente Montebello Medical Offices
1550 Town Center Drive, Montebello, CA 90640
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, November 13 and December 4, 7:30 – 11 a.m. (children only)
For appointments, call 1-833-KP4CARE (1-833-574-2273) or visit
kp.org/covidvaccine
COVID-19 Testing Resources
Testing is free and available to everyone, regardless of immigration or insurance status. Free COVID-19 testing locations are available throughout El Monte and neighboring communities, find the closest location near you by clicking this link: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing. Residents of LA County without internet access can call 211 to speak with an operator who will help you make an appointment.
Upcoming Events
Monday, November 15 -Friday, November 19: Parent Conferences
Monday, November 22 - Friday, November 26: Schools closed for Thanksgiving Break
About Us
Email: newsletter@emcsd.org
Website: https://www.emcsd.org/
Location: 3540 Lexington Avenue, El Monte, CA, USA
Phone: 626-453-3700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElMonteCSD