by Winston Chua
The San Marino Chinese Club on Friday night formally welcomed new SMUSD Supt. Alex Cherniss at a gathering attended by members of the school board and city council. Approximately sixty people were on hand for the reception, which was held at the club office on Huntington Drive.
“It was an honor to see so many city officials and members of the Chinese Club attend this event,” Dr. Cherniss said. “The Chinese Club has welcomed me with open arms to the City of San Marino.”
“We had a nice little reception and welcomed him,” said Chinese School President Kaili Chang. “He’s really receptive and had open ears to what we had to share.”
Part of the discussion between the club and the superintendent focused on leasing issues between the club and the district. Dr. Cherniss talked about what he’s expecting for this school year and also his background.
Also in attendance at the reception were Carver Elementary School Principal Liz Hollingsworth, Valentine Elementary School Principal Colleen Shields and new San Marino High Principal Mary Johnson.
“I look forward to working with the Chinese Club to develop parent workshops on the new Common Core instructional initiatives,” the superintendent added.
Preparations are also underway for the Chinese Club’s Mid-Autumn Festival kickoff party, which is scheduled for September at the Old Mill.
The Mid-Autumn Festival will take place at the Hilton San Gabriel on November 1 at 6:30 p.m. Around 100 people are expected to attend the kick-off party, which will feature performances from the Huntington Middle School Orchestra.
Funds raised from the MAF go to support San Marino schools; this year Chang added that monies will go towards establishing two scholarships at both Huntington Middle School and San Marino High School to recognize students with outstanding achievement.
