To many, Maria Avila is the smiling cafeteria lady who stands by the breakfast carts and helps students punch in their ID numbers. Behind the initial image is a woman who has pushed through loss after loss and eventually found…
Author: Eileen Ong
Juniors, seniors will take first official CAST
Juniors and seniors will be taking the first operational administration of the California Science Test (CAST) on April 8-9 and April 10-11 respectively. From this year forward, students will be taking the CAST, alongside the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, in…
Auditorium closes for inspection
Due to a faulty fire curtain, the auditorium is currently not available for use. An inspection will further examine one of the motors that operates the fire curtain. “There are regulations we adhere to. One of the major inspections that…
School removes tiles due to asbestos scare
By Kenny Lam and Eileen Ong The school addressed an asbestos scare by replacing broken floor tiles in the S5 classroom during Thanksgiving Break. According to pictures received by The Matador, the classroom was fenced off and a temporary tunnel…
Wash fence poses danger for students nearby
Peering into the deep abyss of the Alhambra Wash, it is alarming to see that the only thing between the students and the large canal is a rusty, old chain-link fence. The fence, instead of providing a sense of security,…
Free community college
California residents can attend any community college in California for free through a state program that covers tuition fees. The California College Promise Grant (CCPG)’s goal is to make higher education more affordable and accessible to students who otherwise cannot…
Active shooter response training prepares police, staff, students
The Alhambra Police Department collaborated with the Alhambra Unified School District to administer an active shooter response training in order to prepare for such a situation. First responders from the neighboring cities of San Gabriel, Monterey Park, San Marino, and…
District impedes progress with rotations
With four new assistant principals out of five, the change in administrative staff creates issues in leadership as the school adjusts to new faces in the office. When the Alhambra Unified School District constantly shuffles its administrators around different schools,…
Whitman settles discrimination complaint
By Kenny Lam and Eileen Ong Resolving a discrimination complaint filed after a school vandalism incident in May 2017, the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) awarded teacher David Whitman $15,000 compensation for emotional distress. In addition, the settlement agreement negotiated…
Yearbook review: El Camino Real successfully captures year
El Camino Real released volume 63 of their long-anticipated yearbook at the distribution and signing party on May 4. At first glance, the single fractured text slayed across the cover already gives off a powerful impression. Its minimalist design spotlights…