PUSD Update

The Pasadena Unified School District is enrolling now for Transitional Kindergarten at 11 locations! Transitional Kindergarten (TK) bridges the learning gap between preschool and traditional Kindergarten. Designed for children who turn 5 years old between September 2 and February 2 for 2022-23 school year, TK gives young students an academic and enriched foundation to succeed in school. For more information, visit pusd.us/tk or complete an application at schoolchoicepusd.com

Before the school year starts in August we’re already planning for what happens after school. PasadenaLEARNs is currently accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year. Programs operate Monday-Friday every regular school day from dismissal until 6 pm. Morning programs are also available and will open at least 1½ hours before the school day begins. For morning program information and availability, contact the LEARNs site coordinator at your child's school. General information can be found at pusd.us/learns

PasadenaLEARNs is sponsoring a tuition-free Expanded Learning Opportunities Program at all PUSD elementary and middle schools for students who are English Learners, foster/homeless youth, or who qualify for free/reduced price meals. Programs operate from dismissal until at least 6 p.m. every regular school day.

Visit the LEARNs website at http://www.pusd.us/learns to apply. Space is limited!

COVID transmission in LA County remains high. With high transmission, health officials continue to encourage caution and the layering of protections, such as masking, testing, and staying away from others if you are sick. These safety measures remain essential to slowing the spread.

This summer season, the best way to keep your children safe and healthy as they soak up the sun is by getting them #vaccinated against COVID-19. PUSD offers free vaccines for anyone ages 5 and older Tuesdays through Thursdays from 1-2:30 p.m. More information

COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for children ages 5 and below. PUSD does not currently offer vaccinations for children under 5 years. Please contact your pediatrician or a local pharmacy.

Dr. Elisa Pérez has been selected as the new Principal of Madison Elementary School, pending Board of Education approval.

Dr. Pérez has been assistant principal of Blair High School since 2019 and has more than 16 years of experience as an educator. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Perez is a fluent Spanish speaker and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Before joining PUSD, she was a pre-college program coordinator, a community liaison, a secondary instructional coach, and a social studies teacher.

Dr. Pérez has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA, an Administrative Services Credential from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona , a Master of Education from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish Literature from Georgetown University.

Dr. Jodi Marchesso has been selected as the new principal of Sierra Madre Elementary School, pending Board of Education approval.

Dr. Marchesso has served as PUSD’s Coordinator of Professional Development and Community Schools since 2021 and as the district’s STEM specialist since 2012. She led PUSD through the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, created PUSD’s Innovation Exposition, and developed strong community partnerships with local scientific institutions. In Spring 2021, she served as the interim Assistant Principal at Sierra Madre Elementary to support students' return from remote learning. Dr. Marchesso joined PUSD in 2007 as both a middle and high school science teacher at Blair School.

Dr. Marchesso is also an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks College and has served on many state-level committees, including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee of the California Association of Science Educators.

Dr. Marchesso has a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Management and a Master of Education from William Howard Taft University, a CLAD credential from UCLA, an administrative credential from National University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Black Hills State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Dakota.

Raymond Cross has been selected as the new principal of Norma Coombs Elementary School pending Board of Education approval.

Mr. Cross has served as assistant principal of Pasadena High School since 2016 where he led the enhancement of strong college culture and strengthened student support services, special education services, and curriculum and instruction. Prior to that, he was assistant principal at Washington STEAM Magnet Academy (renamed Octavia E. Butler Magnet) where he was a classroom teacher from 2009-2015. He joined PUSD in 1999 as a teacher at Franklin Elementary. Mr. Cross began his career as an educator in Columbus Public Schools in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Cross has a Bachelor of Arts from Sacramento State University, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Pacific Oaks College, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administrative Services Credential from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.