AURA - NEWS

Newsletter - April 2025

April 1512:08 AM(View: 218)
Newsletter - April 2025
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Youth in Government Day at Signal Hill City Hall!

On April 1st, a group of our outstanding students had the exciting opportunity to participate in Signal Hill’s Youth in Government Day! Hosted at Signal Hill City Hall, the event brought together students from schools across the city for a full day of civic engagement, collaboration, and fun.

Throughout the day, students took on the roles of city leaders—sharing their development plans, presenting fresh ideas, and channeling their passion for local governance. From proposing creative community projects to engaging in lively discussions about the future of Signal Hill, our students impressed everyone with their enthusiasm, insight, and leadership.

We’re proud of their participation and how they represented our school with pride and purpose. Events like these sparks a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and show just how powerful young voices can be in shaping our communities.

Way to go, future leaders!

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NEW ACTIVITY ALERT: Kickboxing Class Kicks Off with Energy!

We’re excited to share that our student kickboxing class officially launched on March 24th, and it’s already packing a punch!

Our students have been diving into the fundamentals of kickboxing, starting with dynamic stretching routines and stamina-building workouts. Week by week, they’re gaining strength, focus, and confidence as they master new moves and develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment.

This high-energy class is not only a great way to stay active, but also a powerful tool for building discipline, coordination, and self-confidence. We’re proud of how committed and motivated our students are—keep kicking strong!

Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to level up!

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Student Artwork on Exhibit at Signal Hill Public Library!

We’re proud to announce that our students’ creative talents are on full display at the Signal Hill Public Library! A selection of artwork created by our incredibly talented students is currently featured in a special exhibit celebrating youth expression and creativity.

Their vibrant paintings each work reflect the passion, imagination, and skill of our young artists.

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§ Announcements

Community Outreach: Lamp Unto My Feet (Required participation)

On Thursday, April 17, our students will join the AUHS Foundation for its annual outreach event, Lamp Unto My Feet, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM.

Held during Holy Week, this special program offers health screenings, prayer, food, and foot washing for our homeless community— symbolizing humility and compassionate service, following the example of Jesus Christ.
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§ Progress Reports Are Out!

Progress reports are now available and can be viewed by both parents and students via Toddle.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your child’s progress, feel free to schedule a meeting with Assistant Principal Ms. Mina Hosseini using the link below:
→ https://outlook.office.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/


Dinner Break Guidelines for Students Staying Until 5:30 PM
To support our students’ energy and focus throughout their extended schedules, we’ve implemented dinner breaks for those who are scheduled to stay until 5:30 PM.

Here’s how it works:
  • Tuesdays (Study Lab Days):
  • Students will take a 30-minute dinner break from 3:30–4:00 PM, then proceed to Study Lab from 4:00–5:30 PM.
  • Thursdays (College Course Days):
    Students attending college courses will be dismissed for break at the discretion of their college professor.
  • Students who need to stay until 5:00 PM on Fridays will have a scheduled dinner break from 3:00–3:30 PM.

Families have the option to:
  • Provide an extra meal budget for students. Our admin assistant can help purchase meals such as Waba Grill or a Subway Sandwich.
  • Pack additional food for students, which can be reheated in the microwave during their break.

We’re committed to supporting both the academic and wellness needs of our students—one healthy, happy learner at a time!


Aura PE Clothing Now Available!

Aura PE shirts and shorts are now available for purchase!
  • Shirt: $15
  • Shorts: $15
  • Full Set: $30
Students enrolled in the Kickboxing class are required to wear Aura PE clothing.

To purchase, please visit the Admin Assistant or Student Services. Get yours today and gear up in style and comfort for PE!


REQUIRED: New IB Student Planner Now Available!
Set your students up for success with the DP and MYP Student Planners—a powerful organizational tool designed specifically for the IB Diploma Programme. These planners are essential for helping students manage their time, track assignments, set goals, and stay on top of their academic responsibilities.

Please note: This planner is a required student supply.

  • Cost: $30 (includes taxes and shipping)
  • Payment Options:
    • Cash payments can be submitted to the Admin Assistant
    • Or go directly to Alma Pineda in Student Services
  • Receipt will be issued upon payment & student planner will be given to student upon arrival.

Ensure your student is fully equipped for the IB journey— get your planner today!
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IB MYP Accreditation Virtual Visit – May 2025
We are excited to announce that Aura will be having our IB MYP Accreditation Virtual Visit on May 2025! This is an important milestone in our journey as an IB World School. As part of the process, parents will be invited to participate. Your involvement is valuable and appreciated. Further details and a guide on how you can take part will be shared in a separate email soon.


Holidays & Important Dates
Date Day Holiday/Event
April 17, 2025 Thursday “Lamp unto my feet” volunteer event
April 18, 2025 Friday Good Friday Holiday – No class
May 2025 TBA IB MYP Authorization Virtual Visit
TBA TBA AURA 3rd Open House
May 26, 2025 Monday Memorial Day Holiday – No class
June 2-6, 2025 Exam Week
June 6, 2025 Friday Spring 2025 Student Led Conference
June 7-22, 2025 Break – No class
June 23, 2025 Monday Beginning of Summer Class


Updated Meal Menu

Day Meal Cost
Monday Mother’s Market – Choice of
  • Salmon Protein Bowl w side of fruit cup
  • Acaii Bowl
$18
*$11 Acaii
Tuesday Panda Express – Choice of
  • Orange Chicken & Teriyaki Plate w/ Rice & Chow Mein
  • Kung Pao Chicken & Orange Chicken w/ White Rice & Power Greens
$15
Wednesday Waba Grill –
  • Chicken & Beef plate of rice & veggies
$15
Thursday Owl owl Thai – Choice of
  • Pork belly & fried rice
  • Chicken/Beef pad thai noodle plate
$19
Friday Chick Fil A
  • Chicken sandwich w side of salad & drink
$17

Note: This is the fixed student menu indefinitely. Students who want to order something else must order through doordash delivery.
Ms. Hosseini holds a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from UNSW and has over a decade of experience in education, specializing in IB curriculum development. Since 2013, she has played a key role in implementing IB programs, training leaders, and ensuring high teaching standards. At AURA, she led the launch of the IB Middle Years Programme in 2023 and secured IB Diploma Programme accreditation in 2024. Her strategic leadership and collaboration with faculty have been widely praised. AURA focuses on health sciences education through STEAM and language programs, aiming to foster lifelong learning and global citizenship. Ms. Hosseini’s leadership continues to drive this vision forward.
February is Hearts Day! – AURA Students expressed their love for their community through a fund-raising bake sale to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity and help vic ms of recent LA Fire. Students raised a total of $800 from this fundraiser which was given directly to Habitat for Humanity! Our students working together and using their skills to help our community makes our heart happy! We are looking forward to have more events for a cause in the future!
We are thrilled to share that our very own Grade 11 student, Alexander Johnson has had his music piece selected to be played at the IB Global University Admissions Conference 2025, taking place From February 4–6, 2025 across all IB schools worldwide! This is an incredible honor and a proud moment for our school, showcasing the talent and creativity fostered through IB learning. Congratulations, Alexander! Your dedication and passion for music continue to inspire us all.
AURA’s education seeks to develop learners who understand the world, who understand people, and who have a relationship with God. If you want to understand the world, you need to know physics. Consequently, physics is one of the core courses at AURA. Consistent with the IB inquiry-based education model, physics is more learner-driven at AURA.
"What do I believe in? Why do I believe it? Are those reasons valid?" These are some of the central questions explored in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This course encourages students to critically examine knowledge, question sources, and engage with diverse perspectives.
The music course at AURA provides students with a comprehensive understanding of music as both an art form and a tool for wellness. Students will explore the cultural connections of music, learn foundational guitar techniques, and engage in lectures on music appreciation, history, and theory, including composition.
International Baccalaureate schools like AURA consider languages to be a key component of developing intercultural people: “As a requirement of the DP curriculum, every student learns at least one additional language” (IBO.org). At AURA, we currently offer Arabic with plans to add Spanish this coming year.
American University Research Academy is celebrating a significant milestone as it secures accreditation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. This designation paves the way for the school to offer students the prestigious IB Diploma Programme.
Personalized Thank You cards, Flowers, and small gifts go a long way in showing appreciation! Teaching supplies like nice pens! Gifts a teacher can use every day beyond pencils and books like Tumblers or Mugs!
IB Diploma Programme
CAWS - California Association of IB World Schools
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