Renewal  Week 

The El Monte Union High School District is planning a week of fun, inspiring, informational, and therapeutic activities for us students beginning Monday, March 15th and ending on March 19 . I interviewed Mr. Castellanos who is in charge of this event for South El Monte High School for some more information on Renewal week, I asked him what events will be happening? Where will this event take place virtually or in person? Why did you guys decide to do this? He stated “Renewal week is going to give our students at South, and all students across the El Monte Union High School District, an opportunity for a bit of a brain break. It is clear that distance learning has been stressful, difficult, and frustrating for many. It is also clear that students have missed out on many of the social and interactive events and ‘extras’ that make high school memorable. So Renewal Week is designed to give every student a chance to take a deep breath, participate in some interest-based sessions, and enjoy some time learning something new or simply taking care of ourselves.” 

  Renewal week will offer a wide range of sessions, many of which are offered across the district. This includes yoga/meditation, art, improv, virtual field trips, student panels, group counseling sessions, Ask a Doctor, motivational speakers, mindfulness activities, children’s book read-along, meditative journaling, and more. There will also be lessons on how to tie a tie, how to knit, cooking tutorials, and even a virtual dance with live streaming music and caricature artists and more. Renewal week will be a completely virtual event. With our community still being affected by COVID-19, we are still limited in terms of hosting events, but there will be drive-thru give-away days as part of Renewal Week where students can come to campus and pick up some cool items. Schedules will be sent out next week, and students will be able to select which sessions they would like to attend.