PUSD UPDATE

Dear PUSD Community,

In this week’s Update, you’ll see what it’s like to be principal for a day. Dozens of local civic leaders got a behind–the-scenes look at the complex and inspiring work of school leaders during the annual event sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation.

PUSD is creating a roadmap for the future and carefully gathering community input at every step of the way. At a workshop this weekend, students, parents/caregivers, employees, and community members joined together to discover, dream, and design their vision for the future of PUSD. Our district has come far since our last Strategic Plan, and this is a time to reimagine the future of our school district. Learn more at pusd.us/strategicplan

Many of you may be considering schools for your children next year, whether in preschool, elementary, middle or high school. Open Enrollment for 2022-2023 is underway and we invite you to tour PUSD schools and see for yourself how we’re nurturing life skills as much as academic excellence. pusd.us/enroll

Also in today’s Update, you’ll get a peek at preparations for the upcoming PUSD All Star Musical. Last week, the cast and the scenes, props, and costume design students toured the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where they will perform and produce Into the Woods in a groundbreaking collaboration with the professional artists from Pasadena Playhouse.

There’s so much to look forward to in the coming months.

Thank you for your hard work and have a great week!

Sincerely,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Jeannine Bogaard, Program Director of the Pasadena Community Foundation, spent the morning last Wednesday shadowing Dr. Karrone Meeks, Principal of Washington STEM Magnet, as part of the annual Principal for a Day event sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation. The event brings business and civic leaders to school campuses to get a rare and valuable perspective on running a public school. Ms. Bogaard heard from Washington STEM’s student council, visited STEM labs, music, and coding classes, and was treated to a kindergarten performance of The Three Little Pigs.

“I really appreciate being here today, understanding how the school works, seeing the children in action,” said Ms. Bogaard, an alumna of Blair High School and PUSD schools. “PUSD is where you want your children to be.”

Washington STEM Elementary school serves students in from Pre-K to fifth grade, including Transitional Kindergarten. A new five-year magnet grant will bring environmental science and a Spanish world language program to the campus along with collaborative and inspirational learning spaces.

PUSD is preparing children for success by nurturing life-skills as much as academic excellence. See for yourself how PUSD equips your child to thrive. Sign up to tour today! pusd.us/tours

Open Enrollment/priority registration continues through 4 p.m. on Nov. 14 for siblings and/or students advancing to 6th or 9th grade in Signature Programs (such as IB, STEM/Arts Magnet, Dual Language, Math Academy). If you have questions about online applications, we can provide in-person assistance at Longfellow Elementary on the following dates. (All are welcome!)

• Wed. 11/9 1:30pm-4:30pm (Sibling/ Signature Program Priority applications)

• Thurs. 11/10 7:30am-9:30am (Sibling/ Signature Program Priority applications)

While every child living within PUSD boundaries is assured placement in their neighborhood school, a different campus might offer a specialized program that better meets the interests and needs of the individual student. www.pusd.us/enroll

For additional help, please call our main office 626-396-3639 or click here.

We can’t wait to go Into the Woods for our All Star Musical! PUSD high school students and staff are working with professional artists from Pasadena Playhouse to produce a student-designed and student-performed production of the award-winning musical. Last week, the cast and the scenes, props, and costume design students toured the performance space for the production coming to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on January 26 and 27!

The Pasadena Unified School District is developing a five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2028) that will define why we do what we do, where we want to go, and how we believe we will get there. As part of this work, teams made up of school and district employees, students, parents/caregivers, and community members are reaching out to get your input. We want to make sure all voices are heard, including those we don’t hear from too often. Learn more about PUSD’s Strategic Plan at pusd.us/strategicplan

On Saturday, teens, parents/caregivers, employees, and community members came together to imagine the future of PUSD.

PUSD is reaching out to our community via workshops, focus groups, parent cafes, and more. Take this brief survey and tell us about your experience with schools and the school district. It's your turn to be the teacher. Your feedback will help us build a stronger, more connected PUSD.

Survey in English

Survey in Spanish

PUSD is developing a district-wide Facilities Master Plan. Help define and prioritize the district's facilities needs for the next 10 years. Students, parents/caregivers, employees, and community members, take the short survey today! (available in multiple languages).

Survey ends December 15, 2022.

November is Native American Heritage month and an opportune time to celebrate and learn about the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. Resources that can help support students, teachers, and families in their observation of this month are available at nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov

The California Healthy Kids Survey began on November 4 and runs through November 18 for all PUSD families and staff and for students in certain grades – 6, 7, 9, and 11. The survey gathers important feedback on elements that affect learning, such as youth health risks and behaviors, school connectedness, school climate, and school violence. It is anonymous, confidential, voluntary, and highly encouraged because your voice is valuable! Each school site will provide a unique link to families, staff, and participating students.