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PUSD UPDATE

September 4, 2023

PUSD UPDATE September 4, 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

Dear PUSD Community,


I hope you are enjoying the three-day weekend! On Labor Day, we honor the contributions and resilience of workers across the U.S. and here in our district. At PUSD, we stand together to create a workplace where employees can thrive and help reach new heights that make our District’s vision – to empower students to succeed – a reality.


Creating a culture of “with” is crucial to the success of our students because meaningful relationships can have a significant impact on how children learn.

That’s why the superintendent’s leadership team now holds its weekly meetings at schools, talking directly with our colleagues at school campuses to see how central offices can work with schools to better support students, employees, and families. At Norma Coombs Elementary last week, we toured the new literacy center, met the wellness teacher, saw spectacular roller coaster projects recently created by 5th graders, and observed a class that serves students with disabilities. We also witnessed a sweet reunion between the school’s beloved custodian and the District’s administrative services manager who last worked together almost 20 years ago. It was an uplifting and productive day.

Building meaningful relationships based on trust is also why PUSD’s Special Education department is hosting a series of workshops where parents/caregivers, educators, and community members can connect with each other.


Through professional and personal experience, serving children with disabilities is what drives my passion for social justice. That’s why, more than anything, I want everyone in PUSD to know that you are connected, cared for, and included.


Please enjoy this week’s Update and have a great week!


Sincerely,


Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

BUILDING A CONNECTED SPECIAL EDUCATION COMMUNITY

PUSD’s Special Education Department is hosting Discover, Dream, Connect workshops that bring together parents/caregivers of children with disabilities, their teachers and other educators, and community members. The purpose of these workshops is to bring families and educators together to connect and support each other when it comes to topics such as IEPs, services, and resources. The workshops scheduled this month are part 1 in a series. In this first round of workshops, guests can attend one or all workshops - the same topics will be featured. Part two workshops will be scheduled later this fall.

PUSD MIDDLE SCHOOL EARNS RARE RECOGNITION

Congratulations to Octavia E. Butler (OEB) Magnet, a Dual Language STEAM Middle School! On August 31, 2023, it was officially recognized as a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School. Nationally certified magnet schools provide high-quality, innovative educational options to families and students that promote choice, diversity and academic excellence. OEB Magnet is one of PUSD’s seven magnet schools which have a concentrated curriculum based upon educational themes including: visual and performing arts, environmental science, STEM, dual language (Spanish, French) and Early College. We are so very proud of Principal Noemi Orduña and her entire team for this tremendous achievement.

NEW ELEMENTARY VISUAL ARTS TEAM

Meet PUSD’s new elementary visual arts team! Along with veteran teachers, several new visual arts credentialed teachers have prepared lessons and materials to begin arts-integrated instruction for TK-5 grade students at all schools this week. These educators are also excited to have the incredible support of PUSD Artist in Residence, Denise Seider.

PHOTO: Top row: Stacy Torres, Angie Donato-Arzili, Christian Reynaga, Patrice Yokum, Yvonne Davis, Michele Durrett, Cynthia Beale, Amanda Gould

Bottom Row: Alma Cielo Livingstone, Denise Seider, Joanne Copeland Muro, Dany Richey

SUMMER PROJECTS

While many of us were on summer break, PUSD Facilities and Maintenance & Operations teams were hard at work. Playground equipment was replaced at eight preschool sites, and roofing got underway at seven campuses, including San Rafael Elementary, Don Benito, McKinley, and Webster. Heating and cooling systems were replaced, installed or repaired at schools such as Altadena Elementary, Webster, and Norma Coombs. A fence and landscaping project at Field is mostly complete and awaiting delayed supplies. A band room and six classrooms were renovated at Marshall and John Muir. In addition, landscaping projects were completed at schools across PUSD. Architectural designs have now received approval for shade structures, campus identity, and softball field upgrades. A number of other projects are in the design, scoping, or bidding phases.

INTERNET ACCESS FOR FAMILIES

A computer and reliable internet services are essential to accessing education, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and more. PUSD is supporting Delete the Divide, an initiative by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and L.A. County that advances digital equity among disproportionately impacted communities. LACOE can help eligible individuals apply for up to a $30 discount per month on home internet service. For more information visit https://www.lacoe.edu/Technology/Delete-the-Digital-Divide, call LACOE's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) help desk at 562-940-1776 or email acp@lacoe.edu

GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month when libraries nationwide remind parents, caregivers, students, and community members that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to lifelong learning. Visit the Pasadena Public Library, Altadena Public Library, or the Sierra Madre Library.

UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

  • The special meeting of the PUSD Board of Education is Thursday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m. 351 S. Hudson Ave, Pasadena, Room 229. Agenda at www.pusd.us/Page/639

  • The regular meeting of the PUSD Board of Education is Thursday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m. Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room (Room 236), 351 S. Hudson Ave, Pasadena. Agenda at www.pusd.us/Page/639

Pasadena Unified School District
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351 S. Hudson Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91109