Honoring Family and Tradition: Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

At the Sierra School of Alhambra, Día de los Muertos (translates to “Day of the Dead”) has become a cherished annual tradition. This year’s celebration was marked by a colorful ofrenda, or altar, displayed prominently in the front office. Students and staff came together to honor loved ones who have passed, embracing the holiday’s rich cultural significance. What began as a small observance years ago, has grown into a vibrant school-wide commemoration. On the first day of presenting the ofrenda, staff played festive music to set a joyful atmosphere. With more than half of the students and staff at the [...]

Honoring Family and Tradition: Día de los Muertos Ofrenda2024-12-02T10:49:51-05:00

Shark Bites Café: Serving Up Life Skills One Meal at a Time

The Shark Bites Café at the Sierra School of Alhambra is more than just a place to grab a quick bite. Originally conceived as a small stand selling chips and drinks, it has blossomed into a vibrant hub where students and staff come together, fostering community and life skills in equal measure. At lunchtime every Thursday, the café buzzes with excitement as students eagerly anticipate their turn to participate – whether as customers or as staff learning critical job skills. Student volunteers work behind the counter, take orders, handle cash, and deliver meals. For nonverbal students, visual menus allow them [...]

Shark Bites Café: Serving Up Life Skills One Meal at a Time2024-11-25T10:07:26-05:00

Sierra School of Alhambra Aide Bridges Language Barrier

John Paul Buha joined the Sierra School of Alhambra to bring his rich background in Chinese literature and a master’s in education from California State University to support a Mandarin-speaking student. Little did he know that this role would become much more than a job – it would be a life-changing experience, for both him and the student. David, a 10-year-old Chinese native diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay and hyperactivity, immigrated to the United States in 2022 with his parents. The move to America was spurred by the family’s desire to ensure their son received the best education and support possible. [...]

Sierra School of Alhambra Aide Bridges Language Barrier2024-11-14T11:01:10-05:00

Sierra School of Alhambra Play Ball!

Sierra School of Alhambra students recently traded their classrooms for a baseball field. A school-wide baseball game brought together students from the BEST, PALS, and ACI programs for the first time. The friendly game included 15 students and multiple staff members. The community building activity provided hours of entertainment, physical activity and lessons in team spirit. “We wanted the students to show good sportsmanship and teamwork, but most of all we wanted the kids to be kids and have fun,” said Stephanie Helguera, director. Learn more about our school today.

Sierra School of Alhambra Play Ball!2023-06-14T10:53:54-04:00

Sierra School of Alhambra empowers students to serve their community

As April comes to its close, so does National Autism Awareness Month for the students and teachers at Sierra School of Alhambra. Here, young people of all learning abilities are encouraged to meet their full potential. And that’s a big mission on a campus that serves students ages 8 through 22, from the Los Angeles Unified School District and other school districts in the San Gabriel Valley. The students at Sierra have learning, behavioral or social/emotional challenges that benefit from a structured setting rather than the open form of a large, mainstream public school. But that doesn’t make the learning any less relevant or [...]

Sierra School of Alhambra empowers students to serve their community2023-05-09T16:33:55-04:00