Shortened PD Schedule: Monday September 11 through Wednesday, September 13. TK dismissal at 11:20 am. K-8 dismissal at 11:30am. Shortened schedule due to all staff participating in Professional Development.

Student Free Day: Friday, September 15

No school for TK - 8th grade students. All school offices will be closed. Head Start is still in session.

Dear EMCSD Community,

The health and well-being of our students is always a top priority at El Monte City School District. Student mental health has become a growing focus nationwide in schools, and we proudly advocate for increased mental health services for our students. Recently, the focus has shifted to concerns about the negative effects of social media on student mental health.

There are benefits of social media, especially as a gathering space allowing millions of people to connect and bond. Our district actively uses social media to give you insight into the amazing work being done throughout EMCSD and to provide resources.

However, there needs to be more effort on behalf of social media companies to protect and properly serve their youngest users. Unfortunately, the same platforms that connect us all could have damaging effects on the mental health of millions of youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children's Hospital Association have all declared children and adolescent mental health a national emergency, citing research confirming social media is playing a major role in causing mental health problems in youth and that excessive and problematic use of social media is harmful to children’s mental, behavioral, and emotional health.

Social media companies have the ability to make their platforms safer for children and this is why we have officially joined school districts nationwide in a class action lawsuit against major social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

This year, we are continuing to strengthen relationships across our school communities. We completed our First 10-day plan that included a digital citizenship component for all grade levels. We successfully trained and launched our new Say Something Anonymous Reporting System for our middle schoolers so they can report any challenges they or their peers may be facing.

Help us continue this important work at home with your students by encouraging healthy online and social media habits. This includes:

• If your student has a social media account, advise them to remain private and not accept follower requests or messages from strangers.

• Monitoring your student's social media use and checking their messages, likes, and saved videos. You can reference these parent guides for TikTok, Instagram, and SnapChat.

• Talk to your student about online privacy and safety

• Utilize other parent resources from our Digital Citizenship curriculum partners at Common Sense

• Practice Healthy Screen Time - see our Healthy Habit for Screen Time video here.

• Continue utilizing our Second Step resources at home with your students: TK & Kinder, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, and 8th Grade

It takes all of us to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. If you have any questions about mental health resources for your student(s), do not hesitate to contact your school.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Dr. Maribel Garcia

Superintendent, El Monte City School District

Parents and guardians, as a reminder, you can access your Annual Notification of Parent Rights packet on our district website by clicking here. School districts are required to annually notify pupils, parents, and guardians of their rights and responsibilities, as well as about state and district policies. The Annual Notification contains important information that can be referenced throughout the year.

Are you or someone you know looking to pursue a career in education? Do you want to be more involved in your student's district? As we prepare for the start of the 2023-2024 school year, there are many job openings available at EMCSD! We have listed a few below. You can also see more on the graphics above.

• Custodial Substitute
• Health Services Specialist
• Migrant Ed Saturday Academy: Lead Teacher
• Nutrition Service Assistant Substitute
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
• and much more!

The children day parade and harvest festival are back! With a petting zoo, train rides, food booths, arts & crafts vendors, and so much more!

Harvest Festival Details:

When: Saturday, October 28, 2023

Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm

Where: Arceo Park, 3125 Tyler Ave.

Children's Parade starts at 10:15 am on Main Street and Tyler Avenue. Parade travels south on Tyler Avenue and concludes at Arceo Park. A variety of school bands, cheerleaders, folklórico dancers, sports teams, special guests and much more!

There is also an opportunity for a drawing for FREE Bikes and Helmets! The 2023 Emily Ishigaki Children's Day Parade and Harvest Festival Bicycle Opportunity Drawing for children 14 an under. Limit one entry per child. Opportunity drawing will be held at 1:15pm SHARP. Winner must be present.

When: Monday, September 18, 2023

Time: 6:00pm

Where: Jeff Seymour Family Center, 10900 Mulhall St., El Monte, CA 91731

For more info contact: [email protected] or call (626)-677-2360

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with award winning author Aida Salazar as she discusses her book Land of the Cranes. This is a story of an immigrant family's flight to Los Angeles after escaping near certain death in Mexico. A series of tragedies leads nine year old Betita and her pregnant mother alone in a Los Angeles detention center, struggling with the realities of separation from Betita's father. This story - told in verse - highlights the struggles of refugees to the United States. Join us for a conversation with author Aida Salazar.

Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. To sign up, visit library and see staff, or register online by clicking button below.

When: Saturday, September 16, 2023

Time: 11am-12pm

Where: Norwood Library, 4550 N. Peck Rd., El Monte

For ages 9-13 with parent or caregiver. Children will receive books donated by Walmart. While supplies last.

Join Senator Susan Rubio in partnership with the YWCA and the El Monte Union High School District for a free seminar aimed at empowering young women to become leaders of tomorrow! Workshops include Wellness, Financial Literacy, Etiquette, and Healthy Relationships. Click on the button below to register for the event.

Ages: 7th grade - College

When: September 30, 2023

Time: 9am - 1:30pm

Where: El Monte High School, 3038 Tyler Ave., El Monte, CA

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Rubio's office at (626) 430-2499