PUSD UPDATE

Dear PUSD Community,

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful break and that you were able to relax and enjoy spending time with friends and family. We have so much to look forward to in the new year and in the new semester. We are already preparing for the next school year with Open Enrollment, so please read and share the important information below. We are putting the finishing touches on our All-Star Musical and we can’t wait for the performances of Into the Woods at the end of the month. And next Monday, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We also have several academic and athletic accomplishments to tell you about in this week’s newsletter. Please take a moment to catch up on all the latest PUSD news and have a great week!

Sincerely,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Sierra Madre Elementary has been selected for the prestigious 2023 California Distinguished School Program, which recognizes schools for their excellent work in achieving exceptional student performance and in closing the achievement gap. The California Distinguished Schools Award celebrates exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

“California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families,” stated State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

“Congratulations to Sierra Madre Elementary School teachers, administrators, school staff, and families for all your hard work to ensure that students thrive even during difficult times,“ said PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators specified in the California School Dashboard.

Starting today, families of new and continuing TK-12 PUSD students who live within PUSD boundaries or are employees of PUSD and the City of Pasadena may submit applications through the first lottery of Open Enrollment. The first lottery runs from January 9-27, 2023. Families who wish to enroll for the first time in dual language immersion programs next year must submit an Open Enrollment application. For more information and to complete an application, visit www.pusd.us/enroll

We are so excited! In just over two weeks, PUSD will go Into the Woods for our All-Star Musical presented in collaboration with the Pasadena Playhouse. The PUSD student designed-and-performed production will take center stage on Thursday, Jan. 26 and Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. All tickets are free of charge but must be reserved due to limited seating. pusd.us/intothewoods

On Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, PUSD celebrates and honors the life, legacy, and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in collaboration with the Pasadena MLK Community Coalition. The theme of this year’s event is “Why We Can’t Wait.” The celebration will begin at 8:30 a.m. next Monday at Eliot Arts Magnet and will feature PUSD student performances, essay, and art contest winners.

The Tournament of Roses recognized four outstanding PUSD employees on the field and on the jumbotron during the 2023 Rose Bowl game:

• PUSD’s Teacher of the Year Mr. Bharatchandra Parekh from John Muir Early College Magnet,

• Muir Football Coach Lance Mitchell who led Muir to a CIF Championship,

• Principal of the Year, Dr. Shannon Malone, formerly of Octavia E. Butler Magnet (currently Senior Director of K-12 Schools), and

• PUSD Director of Health Programs Ana Maria Apodaca, who led the district’s COVID response.

What a wonderful start to the new year!

Pictured on the Rose Bowl Jumbotron from left: Mr. Bharatchandra Parekh, Dr. Shannon Malone, Ana Maria Apodaca, and Lance Mitchell.

2023 Rose Queen and Court Float with two PUSD Princesses, Michelle Cortez-Peralta, Pasadena High School and Zoë Denoncourt, Marshall Fundamental.

Congratulations to the Muir Varsity Girls Water Polo Team who won 3rd place in the Chino Hills Tournament Silver Division! We are so proud of them!! This puts their current record at 7-1! Amazing start to the season!

Over the winter break, the Marshall Fundamental Varsity Basketball Team played at the Crypto Arena in downtown L.A., defeating San Gabriel Academy 24 to 16. What a great way for the basketball team to gain experience and time on the court. Way to go, Lady Eagles!

Budget evaluations show that PUSD can expect to meet its financial obligations in the current fiscal year and continue to do so for at least two subsequent fiscal years. The District filed a positive certification in the First Interim Budget Report to the Los Angeles County Office of Education. This means that we continue to allocate resources prudently, efficiently, and equitably in order to provide high-quality services to all students. Based on available expenditure data and analyses completed by staff, the District has maintained all budgetary commitments while still providing historic salary increases. The District’s minimum fund balance policy requires a reserve for economic uncertainties and PUSD is expected to meet its three percent reserve requirement (per Board policy) in 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025.