PUSD Update

Dear PUSD Community,

As we begin the month of February, I would like to commend PUSD students, employees, and families for their courage and commitment during the last difficult month. I’m grateful that our amazing PUSD community continues to work together to keep students on campus safely as pandemic protocols change so rapidly. I am proud of and thankful for our outstanding schools and everything they have to offer.

We kick off National Black History Month today to honor the many heroes - sung and unsung - who work every day to increase access, equity, and justice for every person.

It is a reminder of our District’s mission statement, adopted by the Board of Education in 2021:

“We are a caring community that promotes a deep love for learning by embracing the cultural background of every student. We hold high expectations for student achievement. We provide an innovative curriculum that represents the global value of education. With a commitment to academic excellence, we prepare our students for their place in an ever-evolving world.”

Our work to close historical equity gaps doesn’t begin and end in February but continues throughout the year. We’re building on efforts to increase access and equity for every student. There is much work ahead, and with the strength of the remarkable PUSD community, I believe we can get this done.

Health, hard work, change and opportunity: these are certainly cause for celebration.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Each February, we celebrate National Black History Month and the immense contributions, legacies, and achievements of Black Americans. Although students learn about the history and achievements of Black people throughout the school year, this month, Pasadena Unified schools will hold activities and in-depth programs that focus on Black history and this year’s theme of “Black Health and Wellness.” The theme acknowledges the legacy of Black inventors, scientists, medical practitioners, and other ways in which the Black community has contributed to healthcare. We hope the lessons this month will inspire and energize our students.

TRUDELL SKINNER SCHOLARSHIP

The legacy of a Pasadena Unified leader will live on with a new scholarship created in her memory. Dr. Trudell Skinner worked as an educator and administrator at PUSD for more than a decade. After serving as a teacher and assistant principal early in her career, she became the principal of Blair High and Middle School. Six years later, Dr. Skinner transitioned to the administrative side of education, working as the district’s Equity Coordinator and Coordinator of the Office of Enrollment Records and Permits. A month before her untimely passing in August 2021, Dr. Skinner was promoted to Senior Director of TK-12 schools, where she would reconnect with many of the employees she mentored. This scholarship will honor Dr. Skinner's legacy by allowing deserving PUSD students to continue their education beyond high school. If you would like to contribute, please visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/TrudellSkinnerScholarship. Information about applications will be available in the coming weeks.

SAVE THE DATE

All PUSD students, staff and their families are invited to attend a Black History Month celebration on Saturday, February 19, 2022, hosted by Pacific Oaks College. Contact Sheree' Bielecki at sbielecki@pacificoaks.edu or call 626-529-8202 for more information on how you can sign up for entertainment or be part of the event.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Open enrollment is continuing and there is still time to find the right school for your child. The first Open Enrollment lottery closed last week but the second lottery begins in March. PUSD offers high-quality educational choices for all students. We urge you to visit your school of residence and discover the possibilities available close to home. Whether you choose to attend the school in your neighborhood or one across town, we invite you to visit any PUSD campus and see how we are accelerating achievement for all students.The process is easy. First lottery results will be available online February 17-18, 2022. To request email updates and reminders, sign up for our newsletter.

Second Lottery Dates:

• Apply: March 7, 2022, 9am - March 11, 2022, 4pm

• Results available online: March 18, 2022 by 11:59pm

• Register: March 21, 2022, 9am - March 25, 2022, 4pm

The Second Lottery is open to:

• New and continuing K-12 students residing in the District who missed the first lottery

• Students who want to apply for schools other than the school of residence or for a dual language immersion program

• Families who missed the sibling/priority application period

• First lottery participants not offered their first choice must select “continue to next round” to be included in the second lottery

All applications and forms are available online at pusd.us/enrollment.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Getting the vaccine will help protect our students and employees. COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 and over. Get the COVID-19 vaccine to keep our community safe! www.pusd.us/vaccine

#VaccinatePasadena #PUSDproud @CityOfPasadena

Email: communications@pusd.us
Website: www.pusd.us
Location: 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
Phone: 626-396-3606
Facebook: facebook.com/pasadenaunifiedschooldistrict
Twitter: @PasadenaUnified