Good afternoon to our AEF, AUSD and community families. As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have some exciting updates and news to pass along.

AEF will be supporting both the City of Alhambra and Monterey Park drive up Halloween Festivities (see fliers below). In Alhambra AEF Board Members will be in costume to hand out trick or treat bags prior to you entering the Haunted Parking Structure on October 31, 2020 on South Second Street from 11:00am - 2:00pm. In Monterey Park AEF will partner with Monterey Highlands School and PTA to hand out trick or treat bags on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Get dressed up and come drive thru for spooky time. Please remember to be safe and follow Health Department guidelines for Halloween activities. AEF and along with both cities are following LA County Health Department guidelines;

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/community/GuidanceHalloween.pdf

Our Keiki Camp has been successful and supportive for our students and families. The fee based program has benefited many families in the area and assisted with our students mental and social well-being. As we look forward and with the current unknown return to in-person learning at our schools, this is a wonderful option for parents to look at. https://www.aef4kids.com/keikicamp

I would like to welcome our newest Director Thomas Wong. Thomas comes to AEF with a wealth of volunteer and community involvement for many years and is a great addition to our Board. https://www.aef4kids.com/board-of-directors

We are currently selling tickets for the annual Shopping Extravaganza at the Citadel. The Citadel has taken extreme measures for COVID-19 guidelines so that you may have a safe shopping experience. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shopping-extravaganza-social-distance-style-tickets-117597745021

I know we all are dealing with stress and anxiety during the pandemic which impacts our children. This pandemic impacts not only us as adults, but also impacts our children. We need to explain and model for them the need to physically distance from one another, wear a mask, not congregate in large groups and ensure we are washing our hands frequently. This can take an emotional toll on a child and as parents, we need to watch for symptoms of distress. We must continue to focus on the positive and be a role model. I have attached a link for a resource:https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19

I want to thank the City of Alhambra, Alhambra Unified School District, Alhambra Teachers Association and especially our Board of Directors who supported and participated at the first annual food drive on August 29, 2020. At the event, over 1200 families were given food during the drive up event. Many AUSD students and staff members were present to assist with loading the food and other items for our community needs. The Tzu Chi Association distributed backpacks and school supplies for our students as well. This was a great community event that brought together many different organizations for the betterment of everyone who lives in our school district area.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to thank each and every one of you as we deal with this pandemic. I am hopeful that soon, this will pass and we can all get back to our normal daily routines. 

Stay safe & healthy,

Stephen R. Perry

President