By Eliza PARTIKA

GUSD Superintendent Darneika Watson wrote a welcome letter to students and families celebrating the progress the District has made on the availability of programs that are “closing opportunity gaps,” such as the recent addition for more resources for students learning English as a second language, the strengthening of reading, arts and dual language opportunities, and nutritious school meals at low cost. 

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve worked diligently, side by side, to make meaningful progress – celebrating successes, navigating challenges and always keeping students at the center of our work. Every student in our district will receive high expectations, support and access to the tools that will help them thrive,” she wrote in the letter. 

At the Aug. 12 Glendale Unified School District board of education meeting, the Child Development and Child Care Dept. presented the board with the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), which brings school-age child care programs up-to-date with current state, District and department policies. ELOP ensures quality after school programs for English Language Learners, fosters youth and low income students, and ensures after school programs are provided every school day. 

Once approved, the program would be available at Balboa Elementary, Cerritos Elementary, Columbus Elementary, Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Dunsmore Elementary, Glenoaks Elementary, Horace Mann Elementary, John C. Fremont Elementary, John Marshall Elementary, John Muir Elementary, La Crescenta Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Mark Keppel Elementary, Monte Vista Elementary, Mountain Avenue Elementary, Richardson D. White Elementary, Thomas Edison Elementary, Valley View Elementary, Verdugo Woodlands Elementary, Eleanor J. Toll Middle, Theodore Roosevelt Middle, Wilson Middle, Glendale High and Hoover High. 

The board also held an information session about changes to board policies regarding student instruction in mental health and wellness, alcohol and drugs, married pregnant or parenting students, history and social science instruction, special education instruction and individualized education plans (IEPs). 

A proposed study outline was presented for a new high school level Advanced Dance Choreography and Production course. This was discussed, as well as a pending grant application for the robotics program at Clark Magnet High School. The outline was studied closely and recommended for board approval at a later date. 

“None of this progress is possible without the deep unwavering commitment to our students,” said Watson. 

At Dunsmore Elementary, 4717 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta, applications are being accepted for the Japanese Immersion Program for the school year 2025-26. New Student Orientation is on Aug. 19. 

Parent Welcome for new students at Rosemont Middle School, 4725 Rosemont Ave., will be at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 15. Seventh grade WEB Orientation is today, Aug. 14. 

Welcome Week at Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave., began on Aug. 12, with the makeup day on Aug. 15. 

Classes for all GUSD schools begin on Wednesday, Aug. 20.