PUSD UPDATE

There is a lot of news to share. Enjoy this Update that features two members of the 2024 Tournament of Roses Royal Court, the naming of two of our schools as “Best High Schools,” a survey on cafeteria food, and more. Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

Don’t miss this opportunity to discuss the future of PUSD at a Town Hall Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Students: what would you like to eat at school lunch or breakfast? Tacos? Chicken sandwiches? More vegetarian options? Take this survey before Friday, October 13. Based on the results, menus will be updated as soon as November. Visit https://www.pusd.us/foodservices.

This Wednesday, Oct. 4, PUSD students will “walk, bike, and roll” to school to celebrate National Walk and Bike to School Day. It’s a day that reminds everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular physical activity, the need for safe places to walk and bike, and how these activities can help the environment. PUSD partners with Pasadena Department of Transportation, Police and Fire departments, city officials, and community partners for the annual event.

Join PUSD, the African American Parent Council, and E2S at a community event on Saturday, October 7, 2023 to launch the Black Student & Family Task Force. The Task Force supports the academic achievement of Black students in PUSD and the well-being of Black families. The event is October 7, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Franklin campus. 527 Ventura St, Altadena, CA 91001. Childcare and refreshments will be provided. See the flyer for more details.

Congratulations to a group of Blair International Baccalaureate (IB) high school students who are receiving worldwide recognition for creating an innovative project with community impact. Blair’s Adrianna Bäumle, Devin Bäumle, Noah Hjorth, Emily Johnson, Theodore Sitzman, and Preethi Syverson worked together on the Ohana Project https://we-are-ohana.org/. Their student-designed site focuses on ways to help people improve their emotional, social and mental wellbeing. These PUSD students are among about 300 students from 48 countries recognized.

Teaching children to swim safely saves lives and has ripple effects – from mental health benefits to better sleep. Through the PUSD Water Safety Program, every third-grade student learns life-saving water safety skills at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC). Last month, the RBAC received a donation from SoCalGas of $50,000 to support the PUSD Water Safety Program. The program provides 15 lessons focusing on swimming skills and water safety for all PUSD third grade students. Support from SoCal Gas and the RBAC for this program disrupts cycles of inequity and saves lives.

Featured in the picture:

Jimmy Francis, Rose Bowl Aquatic Center, Ria Apodaca, Director of Health Programs, PUSD, Andy Carrasco, SoCalGas

On Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 10:19 a.m., PUSD will join millions of people worldwide to

practice earthquake drills for the annual Great Shakeout. It’s an opportunity for students and school staff to simulate a disaster response. It’s also a reminder to all of us to check that we have a plan for our families in case of an earthquake or a disaster.

On October 19, PUSD will test emergency communications by sending email, text, and phone alerts to all parent/caregiver and employee contacts. Please contact your school to make sure they have your most current phone numbers and email addresses. Get ready to drop, cover, and hold on!