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Board Approves CSEA & DUSD Compensation Agreement Resulting in Salary Increase for Classified Staff
The Board of Education approved the tentative agreement reached with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) for compensation at the Special Meeting held on Friday, June 1, 2018. The terms of the negotiated agreement between DUSD and CSEA stipulates a one year classified salary schedule increase of 2.0%, retroactive to January 1, 2018. In addition, four Memorandums of Understanding also included within the agreement were approved by the Board that provide for the inclusion of proctors in the bargaining unit, adding a new classification of Lead Intensive Behavioral Instructional Assistant, changes to the classification of Head Custodian I, II, III, and cash-in-lieu benefits attestation. The members of the negotiating teams for both DUSD and CSEA are to be commended for reaching a mutually beneficial result for both parties.
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Three DUSD Schools Named to the Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll
Beardslee Dual Language Academy, Royal Oaks STEAM Academy and Valley View Elementary have been named to the 2017 - 2018 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll for their high achievement and student success. The program, sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE), is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and districts that are improving student outcomes. These three Duarte Unified schools are among only 1,798 public schools in California to be recognized for this honor. ERP maintains the nation’s largest database on student achievement and utilizes this data to identify higher-performing schools and districts. Schools that receive the ERP Honor Roll distinction have demonstrated consistent high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time, and a reduction in achievement gaps among student populations.
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DUSD Hosts 2018 Special Olympics Spring Games
In partnership with the Special Olympics Southern California San Gabriel Valley Region, Duarte Unified hosted the 2018 Spring Games at Duarte High School on Friday, May 4. Student athletes from 13 districts from across the San Gabriel Valley came to represent their schools at Falcon Stadium. The event kicked-off with a rousing Opening Ceremony led by Superintendent Mucerino with help from DHS students James Ballard and Reid Wideman. Each athlete took the oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." And, they were! In addition to the fan favorite races and long jump events, this year marked the first time a unified relay was included made up of general and special education students from Team DHS! Kudos to the following for helping make sure the day was a success: DHS ASB, DHS Athletes, DHS Adult Transition Program, DUSD SPED Team, Duarte Parent Volunteers, West Coast University Physical Therapy Students, DHS Admin Team & DUSD Adapted PE Teacher, Greg Saris for facilitating the entire event!
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Spring Arts Showcase is April 19!
The entire community is invited to the All-District Spring Arts Showcase on Thursday, April 19, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Duarte High School Gym. Artwork created by students in grades PK-12 from all of our schools will be exhibited. This event is free and open to the public.
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Board Approves DUEA & DUSD Compensation Agreement Resulting in Multi-Year Salary Increase for Certificated Staff
The bargaining teams of the Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) and the Duarte Unified Educators Association (DUEA) are pleased to jointly announce that a tentative multi-year agreement regarding compensation for certificated staff members has been reached and has been Board approved. This provides certificated staff a total salary increase of 7.0% over the course of the agreement. The members of DUEA ratified the tentative agreement on March 23, with 84% of members voting in support of the agreed upon terms. The negotiators for both bargaining teams are to be commended for working collaboratively through the Interest Based Bargaining process to achieve a mutually beneficial result for both parties. The tentative agreement was approved by the Board of Education at the Regular Meeting held Thursday, April 19. Click on banner to read full press release.
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STEAM Summer Experience Offered by DUSD
The S.T.E.A.M. Summer Experience at Duarte Unified School District offering Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics enrichment and academic classes in partnership with Opportunities for Learning (OFL) for all students entering Kindergarten-12th grade is coming! Save these dates: July 2-30 (Monday-Friday, 8am-Noon) Locations: (Grade level student will be entering for 2018-19 school year) Kinder-Grade 4: Beardslee Grades 5-8: Valley View Grades 9-12: DHS Further details regarding registration, course information, daycare options and more will be available April 19th. Students enrolled in DUSD and students from outside of our district are all welcome to attend!
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DUSD Featured Nationally for 21st Century Campus Modernization Success
The transition of our facilities from elementary school campuses to TK-8 academies is featured by Gen7 Schools as a national model of success. The construction of innovative, energy-efficient learning spaces, advancement of the arts, integration of cutting-edge technology and engaging instruction of 21st century skills are top priorities for DUSD, and our new Gen7 facilities deliver on every goal. A total of 22 new Gen7 permanent modular classrooms have been installed throughout the district allowing existing programs to be expanded and new ones to be launched. These new learning environments are equipped with flexible furniture for unmatched comfort and performance. We encourage community members to come visit and see the transformation to 21st Century Schools taking place at all of our campuses by signing up for a tour at come2duarteusd.com and read the full article at www.gen7schools.com.
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Welding Technology Dual Enrollment Career Training Program Starts June 26, Register Today!
Duarte Unified's collaboration with Mt. San Antonio College, Delafield Coorporation and several business and community partners has resulted in a dual enrollment career training program designed to give students in Grades 9-12 the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain employment in a variety of industries related to Welding and Fabrication that include construction, aerospace, lighting, and automotive aftermarket industries. Through this unique partnership, students have the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Science Degree in Welding, as well as four academic certificates of completion including certification for Structural Steel - Manual and Semi-Automatic, and Light Gage Steel.
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March is Music in our Schools Month
DUSD joins the nation in declaring March as Music in Our Schools Month! We are proud to highlight our instrumental and choral programs and reaffirm our commitment to high quality music education in our schools. Mark your calendars now for the All-District Band Festival on March 20 at the Duarte High School Gym starting at 7:00 p.m. featuring the DUSD combined elementary, middle and high school bands. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. On March 27, is the All-District Choral Showcase starring the DUSD Elementary Honor Choir and middle and high school choirs at the Performing Arts Center starting at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. We also wish to pay tribute to our committed arts partners who help to support the expansion of our music education programs that includes the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, LA County Arts Ed Collective, Woodward Foundation, Dragon Kim Foundation and the Duarte Education Foundation.
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DHS Boys Basketball Team Wins CIF Division 5A Championship
For the first time in the history of the school, the Duarte High School Boys Basketball Team won the CIF Division 5A Championship Title! The pride our boys have brought to the entire Duarte community has been something to behold. In his first year as head coach, Earl Sanchez led his team to the Montview League Title and the CIF Division 5A Championship. The Falcons also advanced for the first time into the second round of the State CIF Division 5 Tournament. Thank you to everyone who supported our student-athletes during their record breaking season and congrats to every member of the team on making history!
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DUSD/CSArts Preview Day on March 24, 2018
Are you a 7th-12th grade student who has a talent and passion for the arts? Would you like to attend a school where you can pursue the arts every day while still completing a rigorous academic program that will prepare you for college? Then join us for the CSArts/DUSD Preview Day on March 24th to learn more about California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, the first satellite school of the award-winning Orange County School of the Arts. At Preview Day, students and their families receive an overview of the school’s academic program and have the opportunity to visit sessions on the 10 arts conservatory programs offered from the Schools of Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music, and Theatre. A break-out session will also be dedicated to the joint 7/8th grade program in partnership with the Duarte Unified School District facilitated by Superintendent, Allan Mucerino. Register at sgv.csarts.net/apply-now/preview-days.
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Register Now for Dual Language Spanish-English Program Offered at Beardslee K-8 Academy
Just a few seats remain in our Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion Program for the 2018-19 school year at Beardslee K-8 Academy! The dual language immersion program at Beardslee has been designed to educate English learners and native English speakers together. The outcome is mastery of academic subject matter content in both English and Spanish. The dual language immersion program is available for students entering kindergarten and first grade. As Beardslee is a K-8 model, students will continue dual language instruction in specific subject areas when they reach 6-8th grades. Families with children entering kindergarten and first grade can apply now by calling 626-599-5200 or by completing the enrollment request form. We also encourage prospective families to visit Beardslee and all schools in the district by signing up for a campus tour at www.come2duarteusd.com.
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Duarte High Offers the Only 4 Year Early College Degree-Bearing Program in the Region
Duarte High School in partnership with Citrus College offers the only Four-Year Early College Dual Enrollment Degree-Bearing Program in the San Gabriel Valley. This unprecedented opportunity is available to students in grades 9-12. The Early College Program blends high school and college in a rigorous and supportive cohort program. Students simultaneously earn a high school diploma and complete between 30-60 college units depending on the pathway they choose, including earning an Associate of Science Degree. This program affords families a cost savings of thousands of dollars compared to the price of entering college after high school graduation, and provides an accelerated pathway for students wanting to get a head start on graduate work or entry into their career of choice.
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DUSD to Offer One-of-a-Kind H.O.P.E. Academy (Hospitality Occupations Preparation Education)
Duarte High School, Mt. San Antonio College and the City of Hope have entered into another one-of-a-kind partnership to offer a Hospitality Occupations Pathway including a Culinary Arts Academy. Articulation is underway to create the only dual enrollment opportunity of this kind in the San Gabriel Valley. Already certified by the National Academy Foundation (NAF) as an Academy for Culinary Entrepreneurship, the new program offered by Duarte High School will deliver learning opportunities for entry into careers in the hospitality industry offering students certification and an Associate of Science Degree upon completion to be developed with partner colleges. Courses will be delivered at DHS in a state-of-the-art Culinary Classroom to be expanded and retro-fitted with a new professional-grade kitchen that will be ready for students entering the program Fall of 2018.
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DHS Wind Symphony Wins Superior Rating
Congratulations to the Duarte High School Wind Symphony on receiving an award of “Superior” on Tuesday, March 6th, at the band and orchestra festival at Baldwin Park High School. This rating is the highest possible scoring for a performance of concert music, and represents a score that ranks our band in the top 10% of musical organizations in the state. It is the first time that the band has earned such a high distinction! As a result of the high rating by the judging panel, the Duarte High Wind Ensemble has been invited to the Southern California Band And Orchestra Association Regional Festival at Excelsior High School in Norwalk. This contest will be for bands that have received “Superior” ratings from earlier festival judges across the state, and will present the highest level of music festival adjudication. It is the first time in school history that Duarte High School has had a band invited to attend this competition. Bravo to the musicians and Band Director Willis!
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Introducing Our New School Logos
Duarte Unified School District is excited to reveal the new logos that have been custom designed for each of our schools. After a comprehensive development process led by our Principals that was school-based and included numerous forums for feedback from stakeholders at each site, the final products are unique to each campus, yet fit together to show district unity. They also pay homage to the school's original mascots, with the exception of M.I.T. High School, who made the bold decision to switch their mascot from a bull dog to a tiger. Thank you to everyone that participated in each stage throughout the process. Check with your school for information regarding how to purchase new logo merchandise and spirit wear.
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Dragon Kim Foundation, CSArts & DUSD Partner to Provide Elementary Music Program
The Dragon Kim Foundation, and CSArts - SGV have partnered with our district to provide a free after-school music class for students in grades K-4 who attend DUSD. Fifty students elected to participate in a special general music class that meets every Friday from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the CSArts campus. Students will learn the fundamentals of music through singing, playing percussion instruments, and movement in a fun and interactive setting. The class is taught by Ms. Lindsie Hardy who also teaches choral music at DUSD schools during the instructional day. An added bonus, fourteen CSArts Instrumental Music students have volunteered to work as student-mentors for the 50 elementary school students. The first class was held on February 23, and will continue through April with a performance scheduled on May 3, at 7:30 p.m.
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DUSD Awards Golden Apple to Raymond Abernathy
The Duarte Unified School District awarded Raymond Abernathy with the Golden Apple Award at the annual Association of California School Administrators recognition breakfast held at the Santa Anita Race Track on February 21, 2018. Ray was recognized for this honor because of the care and support he provides the hundreds of children he has guided as a probation officer and trusted mentor. We are in awe of the commitment and dedication Ray puts into his work and the positive difference he is making in the lives of our youth. Thank you Ray for all that you do for the children of the Duarte Unified School District!
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Students from China Visit DUSD
Student visitors from China attended classes at Northview and Duarte High School the week of February 20, 2018. This is a follow up to the cultural exchange program for Duarte High School students who traveled to Yuhuan High School last summer. Our Chinese visitors participated in our Mandarin classes, engaged in school activities and had a great time developing friendships with our Falcons and Cardinals.
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Senator Anthony Portantino Visits DUSD
The leading early childhood education advocacy nonprofit group called Child360, formerly known as LAUP, selected Duarte Preschool as a model Early Education program to host a visit by Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair of the Education Budget Subcommittee, on December 15. A key player in early childhood education policy, Portantino was impressed by Duarte Preschool's highly qualified teachers and their delivery of GLAD techniques and STEM integration. A round table discussion followed the tour attended by early childhood experts, DUSD officials, and Board Members Diaz and Bell to address funding and wrap around service supports to ensure all children have the right start they need to succeed in school and life. Learn more about our Duarte Preschool programs and how to enroll here.
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DUSD SHOWCASE DAY
Save the date for the Duarte Unified School District's Showcase Day on February 3, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The event will kick-off at the Performing Arts Center with a Keynote Address by Superintendent Mucerino followed by Open Houses taking place at all of our schools. This opportunity will provide current and prospective families a first-hand look at why DUSD is the education destination for all children! SAVE YOUR SPOT! Register today at http://come2duarteusd.com/districtshowcase
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2017 SOCCER GAMES HOSTED BY DUSD
On December 1, DUSD hosted the 2017 San Gabriel Valley Special Olympics Soccer Tournament at Duarte High School. Twenty-four teams from schools across the region participated in this six division competition. The athletes from Andres Duarte Arts Academy swept the middle and elementary divisions taking 1st Place in three different divisions. Valley View took 2nd & 3rd Places in the elementary divisions, and Duarte High won 2nd Place in the Tournament. All of the participating athletes are to be applauded for their efforts! Thank you to the DHS Leadership Team led by Associate Principal Mr. Russ Earnest, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, and to the DUSD Special Education service providers who volunteered their time to make this event a huge success! DUSD is proud to partner with the Special Olympics organization to bring this opportunity to the children of the San Gabriel Valley.
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CSARTS ANNOUNCES MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT DUARTE HIGH SCHOOL'S CHOIR TRIP TO CARNEGIE HALL!
SMG Property, LLC, the real estate holding entity for California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV), is pleased to announce a matching gift challenge in support of the Duarte High School (DHS) Choral Department, and we need your help! They will perform with professional Broadway actors on stage at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, accompanied by the New York City Chamber Orchestra. It will cost approximately $44,000 ($2,000 per student) to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip a reality for the DHS Cantabile Show Choir. In support of this incredible student performance opportunity, SMG Property, LLC will be matching, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 of funds donated towards the trip. SMG Property, LLC hopes this matching gift challenge will encourage others in the community to contribute to this important cause. With this challenge, donors have a chance to double their impact and do twice the good!
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DISTRICT ARTS EXHIBITION
Support our local student artists by attending the DUSD Arts Exhibition & Reception on November 16 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Westminster Gardens, Packard Hall. This is a free event open to the public and will feature artwork from all of our schools created by students in grades PK-12 including submissions displayed at the L.A. County Fair. The Duarte Show Choir & Falcon Jazz Band will also perform. Art is in the heart of Duarte schools...come see for yourself!
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CSArts-SGV & DUSD PREVIEW DAYS
Join us at our Preview Days to learn first-hand about California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley’s (CSArts-SGV) & Duarte Unified School District's (DUSD) quality academic and arts educational programs, unique school culture, and unparalleled value. Each Preview Day provides a general overview of the academic and arts programs, presented by Dr. Ralph Opacic, CSArts Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allan Mucerino, Superintendent of Duarte Unified School District, and other members of the administration. Students and their families will also have the opportunity to meet with arts conservatory leadership and learn about the joint DUSD/CSArts partnership. You’re currently in the process of taking the first big step of many to build a bright future. Preview Days will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 & SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2018. Register at sgv.csarts.net.
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BATTLE OF THE BANDS
DUSD proudly hosted the 5th Annual Duarte Field Tournament on Thursday, November 2, 2017. Twelve of the best bands from across Southern California gave spectacular performances including an exhibition show by the Falcon Marching Band & Color Guard. This Tournament has quickly become one of the most competitive on the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association circuit. As the hosts of the event, the DHS Band Leaders accompanied by Superintendent Mucerino, awarded trophies to the top scoring bands. Though not adjudicated at this event, the DHS Marching Band has performed in 5 tournaments this fall season and placed every time even after moving into the tougher 1A Division. They will compete in their final field show for this year on November 7, 2017 at West Covina High School. You may have noticed an extra pep in their step thanks to new Band Director, Mr. Gerry Willis. A published composer, accomplished conductor, professional musician and veteran music educator.
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PRESCHOOL HEROES COME TO SCHOOL
Superman, Iron Man, Captain America and 90 other superheroes came to our Duarte Preschool classrooms to celebrate "Hero Day" on Friday, October 27. They weren't the fictional caped crusaders though, these were our preschoolers' real heroes - their dads, grandfathers, foster fathers, uncles, and brothers. The true male role models that are making a positive difference in our youngest students' lives. These special gentlemen spent the day learning alongside their little loved-ones and participated in math games, outdoor play, reading, storytelling, STEM projects, and lunch with the children. The "Heroes” also received instruction and resources on the importance and positive effects of male involvement in their children’s education. Parent involvement has long been one of the cornerstones of Duarte Preschool, and the special men in our students' lives are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program. Duarte Preschool offers both State Preschool for income eligible families, and fee-based programs.
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DUSD LAUNCHES PREMIER TK-8 DANCE PROGRAM
Through the unique partnership our district has cultivated with the California School of the Arts (CSArts), Duarte Unified has launched a premier dance and movement program taught by industry professionals from Elements Dance Space studio located in Pasadena, California. It is the first comprehensive dance program in this region offered to all students in Grades TK-8 at every school in the district. Ten dance instructors who are all highly trained professionals with experience working within the industry as well as teaching all levels and ages of students and adults, instruct the classes. The dance program exposes students to a range of dance genres during bi-weekly sessions ranging from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the age level. These include hip hop, ballet, jazz, lyrical and modern dance styles. Click on headline above for more...
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CARNEGIE HALL, HERE WE COME!
We are excited to announce that our very own Cantabile Show Choir, Duarte High School's advanced choir ensemble, has been selected to participate in a Broadway Residency with Manhattan Concert Productions this coming February, 2018. The students will venture to New York City to perform with professional Broadway actors on stage at the iconic Carnegie Hall accompanied by the New York City Chamber Orchestra. There is a $2000 fee per choir member to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which covers the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities. Our students are seeking financial sponsors to help with tuition. Click on headline above for more...
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ENGINEER YOUR WORLD AT DUARTE HIGH SCHOOL
Engineer Your World (EYW™) is a high school course offered in only 200 schools nation-wide and DHS is the only school providing this class in the San Gabriel Valley. Developed with funding from the National Science Foundation by a team of University of Texas faculty and NASA engineers, EYW™ engages students in authentic engineering practices in a project-based environment. Students are expected to develop engineering design skills by building them along with the necessary habits of mind through exploration and discovery. By joining forces with EYW™, our students will be empowered to discover and explore interests, imagine and design solutions to real-world challenges, and become independent, confident problem solvers. Learn more at engineeryourworld.org. Click Headline above for more...
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DUSD ANNOUNCES NEW NORTHVIEW ADMIN TEAM
DUSD announced the appointment of Mr. Scott Moses as Principal and Ms. Char Wilson as Assistant Principal of the Northview 8th Grade Village for the 2017-18 school year. Mr. Moses replaced Dr. Mark Newell, who retired effective August 30. Dr. Newell is to be commended for guiding Northview through a pivotal transition year during 2016-17 that included the solidification of the partnership with the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts). “I wish Mark all the best and a much deserved rest as he enters the next stage in his life,” said Superintendent Allan Mucerino. “And, I am confident that Scott has the skills and experience needed to step up and be the new Principal for the Northview 8th Grade Village during this landmark year.” Click on headline above for more...
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EAST MEETS WEST STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE
A contingency of Duarte Unified high school students and staff toured China June 5-17. They spent time in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Highlights of their trip included the Forbidden City, Great Wall and the Bullet Train. As part of this amazing student cultural exchange program, they also visited Hangzhou School and Ningbo Binhai International Cooperation School. Earlier this year, students from China attended Duarte High and now our students have the incredible opportunity to experience China. They had a great time enjoying the cuisine, sights and culture. And, over eighty Chinese students in Grades 3-12 participated in a week of the DUSD STEAM Summer School experience. The joined in the fun alongside their DUSD peers and engaged in learning activities, played games and even took a Mandarin class. Their stay was commemorated with a culminating ceremony that included certificates for the students and a cultural gift exchange. Click headline above for more...
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DUSD PARTNERS WITH APU TO OFFER GUARANTEED ADMISSION AND $10,000 SCHOLARSHIPS
Duarte High School students who meet admissions requirements will receive guaranteed admittance to APU, a $10,000 renewable scholarship, application fee waiver, and support with the application process. “On behalf of our Board of Education, staff, students and their families, we look forward to this exciting opportunity with APU,” said Mucerino. “Along with our recent partnership with the California School of the Arts, this agreement with APU demonstrates Duarte’s commitment to advance its school district and increase the success of its students while promoting a college bound culture.” The agreement begins fall 2017 and also includes this year’s graduates who met the program’s academic requirements. Click on Headline above to learn more...
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Duarte USD Hires Record Number of New Staff
The renaissance taking place within Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) has caught the attention of educators not only in our local region, but across the nation who are seeking to become part of the district’s team. As of July 2017, fifty-eight new certificated and classified members join the DUSD staff, a record number of new hires for the district.
