88

EDUCATION AND YOUTH 

Mountain Views News Saturday, September 27, 2025

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

260,000 California 2nd 
Graders Awarded CalKIDS 
Scholarship Accounts

Sacramento, CA — More than 260,000 California 
2nd graders are starting this school year with their 
very first scholarship through CalKIDS, the state’s 
landmark program that helps families prepare for 
college and career training. Each eligible 2nd grader 
is automatically awarded a minimum of $500 in 
their CalKIDS Scholarship Account. Foster youth 
and students experiencing homelessness receive an 
additional $500–$1,000, for a CalKIDS Scholarship 
Account worth up to $1,500.

Each year, a new group of students is added to the 
CalKIDS Program. Eligibility is determined by the 
California Department of Education using the Local 
Control Funding Formula, which identifies students 
based on income criteria or as English learners. California 
public school students enrolled in 1st grade on 
Fall Census Day are identified as eligible and are then 
awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship Account by the time 
they enter 2nd grade. The account can be used to 
support their future college and career goals.

“Expanding CalKIDS participation each year is an investment in California’s future,” said State 
Treasurer Fiona Ma. “When families engage with a CalKIDS Account early, it can help foster higher 
aspirations and support long-term academic success.” 

CalKIDS has become the nation’s largest child development account program, now with more than 5 
million accounts created and $2.2 billion invested for California children and students. To date, more 
than 650,000 families have claimed their CalKIDS Scholarships, and over $60 million has already 
been distributed to help more than 110,000 students pay for college and career training expenses.

“As students return to classrooms, it’s the perfect time to remind families about the CalKIDS Program 
and the promise it holds for our students’ futures,” said Dr. Jami Parsons, Deputy Executive 
Director of the California Association of School Counselors. “School counselors play a critical role in 
helping families plan for college and career training, and CalKIDS is a powerful tool to start that conversation 
early—especially for those who might not have seen higher education as an option before.”

Research shows that children with even modest savings are three times more likely to attend college 
and four times more likely to graduate. With CalKIDS, every eligible student begins their path to college 
and career training with a scholarship in their name—funds that are invested and may grow over 
time to eventually be used for tuition, books, supplies, or computer equipment at accredited institutions 
nationwide.

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is quick, easy, and takes just a few minutes. To check eligibility and 
claim, parents and students can visit CalKIDS.org and use the student’s Statewide Student Identifier 
(SSID), a 10-digit number which may be found on their K–12 school portal, transcript, report card, 
or by contacting their school directly.

With millions of accounts already created and thousands of families claiming each month, CalKIDS 
is giving families the hope, resources, and support to help California children pursue higher education. 
For more information, visit CalKIDS.org.

About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest 
child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare 
Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of 
higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational 
aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born 
in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families 
have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.


Alverno Heights Academy

200 N. Michillinda Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3463 

Head of School: Joanne Harabedian

E-mail address: jharabedian@alvernoheights.org

Arcadia Christian School

1900 S. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006

Preschool - TK - 8th Grade

626-574-8229/626-574-0805

Email:inquiry@acslions.com

Principal: Cindy Harmon

website: www.acslions.com

Arcadia High School

180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91007

Phone: (626) 821-8370, Principal: Brent Forsee

bforsee@ausd.net

Arroyo Pacific Academy

41 W. Santa Clara St. Arcadia, Ca, 

(626) 294-0661 Principal: Phil Clarke

E-mail address: pclarke@arroyopacific.org

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School

Ms. Rose Navarro, Principal

2660 East Orange Grove Blvd.

Pasadena, Ca 91107

626-793-2089

https://school.abvmpasadena.org/

Barnhart School

240 W. Colorado Blvd Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 446-5588 

Head of School: Tonya Beilstein

Kindergarten - 8th grade

website: www.barnhartschool.org

Bethany Christian School

93 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3527 

Preschool-TK-8th Grade

Principal: Jonathon Hawes

website: www. bcslions.org

Clairbourn School

8400 Huntington Drive

San Gabriel, CA 91775

Phone: 626-286-3108 ext. 172

FAX: 626-286-1528

E-mail: jhawes@clairbourn.org

Foothill Oaks Academy

822 E. Bradbourne Ave., Duarte, CA 91010

(626) 301-9809

Principal: Nancy Lopez

www.foothilloaksacademy.org

office@foothilloaksacademy.org

Frostig School

971 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107

(626) 791-1255

Head of School: Jenny Janetzke

Email: jenny@frostig.org

The Gooden School

192 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-2410 

Head of School, Jo-Anne Woolner

website: www.goodenschool.org

High Point Academy

1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road 

Pasadena, Ca. 91107 

Head of School: Gary Stern 626-798-8989

website: www.highpointacademy.org

La Salle College Preparatory

3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 351-8951 website: www.lasallehs.org

Principal Ernest Siy

Monrovia High School

325 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016 

(626) 471-2800 Principal Darvin Jackson

Email: schools@monrovia.k12.ca.us

Odyssey Charter School

725 W. Altadena Dr. Altadena, Ca. 91001

(626) 229-0993 Head of School: Lauren O’Neill

website: www.odysseycharterschool.org

Pasadena High School

2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 396-5880 Principal: Dr. Eric Barba

website: http://phs.pusd.us

St. Rita Catholic School

322 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

Principal: Jon McMaster (626) 355-6114 

mcmaster@st-ritaschool.org

Website: www.st-ritaschool.org

Sierra Madre Elementary School

141 W. Highland Ave, Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-1428 

Principal: Dr. Jodi Marchesso

E-mail address: marchesso.jodi@pusd.us

Sierra Madre Middle School 

160 N. Canon Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 836-2947 Principal: Garrett Newsom

E-mail address: newsom.garrett@pusd.us

Walden School

74 S San Gabriel Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 792-6166 

www.waldenschool.net

Weizmann Day School

1434 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 797-0204

Lisa Feldman: Head of School

Wilson Middle School

300 S. Madre St. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 449-7390 Principal: Ruth Esseln

E-mail address: resseln@pusd.us

Pasadena Unified School District

351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena, Ca. 91109

(626) 396-3600 Website: www.pusd@pusd.us

Arcadia Unified School District

234 Campus Dr., Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 821-8300 Website: www.ausd.net

Monrovia Unified School District

325 E. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, Ca. 91016

(626) 471-2000 

Website: www.monroviaschools.net

Duarte Unified School District

1620 Huntington Dr., Duarte, Ca. 91010

(626)599-5000 

Website: www.duarte.k12.ca.us

SIERRA MADRE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION SEEKS 
APPLICATIONS FOR ROYAL COURT

The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association is once again seeking applications for members of our Royal 
Court to represent the City at local functions and activities and to ride on our float on January 1, 2026 
in the Rose Parade® presented by Honda.

 

This year we are searching for up to four (4) Royal Court members. Duties will include:

- SPEAKING TO LOCAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS

- PRESENTING TO THE SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL

- DECORATING OUR FLOAT AND WORKING IN OUR SALES BOOTH

- REPRESENTING US IN OTHER PUBLICITY OPPORTUNITIES

- RIDING ON THE FLOAT IN THE 2026 ROSE PARADE® PRESENTED BY HONDA

- WORKING AT FLOATFEST ON JAN. 2ND, 2026, INTERACTING WITH VISITORS 

- VARIOUS EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE 2026 CALENDAR YEAR

Princesses/Ambassadors will have a very exciting and educational year! 

Application Guidelines and Process:

 1) Applicants must be 15 to 18 years old, have a 3.0 grade average, and be a resident of Sierra 
Madre. Royal Court members must be available to participate in the speaking engagements (November 
& December) and during our Deco Week (December 26 – 31). 

 2) Applications are available on our website at: www.sierramadrerosefloat.org

 3) Applications must be emailed to info@sierramadrerosefloat.org by Wednesday, October 8, 

2025. Applications submitted later than October 8th will not be considered.

 4) Applicants must be able to attend judging interviews on the afternoon of Sunday, October 12th. 
The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association Royal Court will be presented to the membership on Sunday, 
October 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the SMRFA Barn, located at 587 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. 

 

For more information or questions, please contact info@sierramadrerosefloat.org


CITRUS COLLEGE EXPANDS NURSING PROGRAM CAPACITY 
TO INCREASE ACCESS, MEET HEALTH CARE DEMANDS 

Glendora, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2025) – Citrus College 
is significantly expanding its Associate 
Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare 
more graduates for successful health care careers. 
This growth is in response to increased 
student demand and will help address the 
region’s critical shortage of skilled medical 
professionals. 

For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated 
closely with the California Board of 
Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of 
the program. Last month, the BRN granted the 
college its official approval to increase enrollment 
from 30 to 120 students each year, opening 
the door for more aspiring nurses to begin 
their careers. 

“Increasing enrollment capacity in our ADN 
program reflects our commitment to responding 
to meeting workforce and community 
needs, as well as our continuing efforts to prepare students for meaningful careers,” said Dr. Greg 
Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. “Nursing is a profession that demands both skill 
and compassion, and this expansion ensures that many more Citrus College students will have the 
knowledge and experience necessary to make a real difference in the lives of patients.” 

According to Dr. Salima Allahbachayo, director of health sciences at Citrus College, hundreds of students 
submit applications to the ADN program every year. 

“Due to space limitations, we have had to turn away 90% of our qualified applicants,” she said. 
“Expanding the program creates opportunities for more aspiring nurses to enter the field, while also 
helping our region by graduating a greater number of highly prepared professionals. This is truly a 
proud moment for Citrus College, our students and the broader community.” 

Since its founding in 2007, the Citrus College ADN program has consistently met the standards set 
by the BRN and has maintained full approval throughout its history. The program also boasts outstanding 
student retention and completion rates. Likewise, Citrus College nursing students continue 
to achieve exceptional results on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. 

“We are proud to maintain an average program attrition rate of less than 10%, a program completion 
rate of 96% and a first-time licensure pass rate of 93% over the past five years,” Allahbachayo added. 

This record of excellence will continue as the program opens for applications for the spring 2026 semester. 
Prospective students can apply now through 3 p.m. on Oct. 17. Interested applicants are also 
encouraged to attend one of two upcoming nursing application Zoom workshops: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 
at 5 p.m.; or Friday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. 

“We are thrilled to see our college’s ADN program grow and provide opportunities for even more 
students,” said Dr. Cheryl Alexander, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of 
Trustees. “The need for well-trained, compassionate nurses has never been greater, and Citrus College 
is proud to be part of the solution. The ripple effects of this expansion will be felt in hospitals and communities 
across the San Gabriel Valley.” 

For more information about the Citrus College Associate Degree in Nursing program, visit 
www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/adn or call 626-914-8720.


Students in the Citrus College ADN program gain hands-on 
experience using medical training manikins. The expansion 
of the program will allow more aspiring nurses to train for 
careers in health care. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com