Principal's Update

Principal Stratton's Community Update: May 16, 2025

Gunn Mission Statement

Titans are self-reliant learners empowered to better themselves and their communities.

Words from Wendy

Good evening, Titan Families,

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we are filled with gratitude for all the ways our students, staff, and community have come together to make this year truly exceptional. From memorable field trips and remarkable performances to countless moments of growth and connection, the energy on campus is palpable. As we wrap up the year, we want to celebrate our achievements, stay focused on supporting every student, and prepare for the exciting events ahead. Let’s finish strong!

Featured Articles

PTSA Thank You's
PAUSD Volunteer Fingerprint Clearance Protocol
Multivariable Calculus Offering Update
PAPD Graduation Letter
Special Olympics
Finals Schedule
Titan Tidbits

Key Dates

PTSA Thank Yous

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the PTSA and our incredible parent volunteers for making these past weeks truly exceptional.

The Global Tastings event was a delightful success, offering students and staff a taste journey around the world. Staff Appreciation Week began with a serene garden setting where staff selected fresh bouquets to brighten their day. Throughout the week, we enjoyed treats, coffee, and delightful surprises. The highlight was an unforgettable luncheon accompanied by a stunning performance from a talented student dancer.

Your generosity and thoughtfulness have made us feel deeply valued and appreciated. Thank you for illuminating our school community with your kindness and support!

PAUSD Volunteer Fingerprint Clearance Protocol

PAUSD Volunteer Fingerprint Clearance Protocol

As part of Palo Alto Unified School District’s commitment to student safety, all volunteers who may have unsupervised access to students are required to complete a fingerprint clearance process prior to volunteering. This process includes a background check through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This protocol applies to individuals volunteering for field trips, overnight events, or any activity where they may be alone with students. Fingerprinting is a one-time process and remains valid for as long as the individual continues volunteering within PAUSD.

For detailed instructions and additional information about the fingerprint clearance process, please refer to the PAUSD Volunteer Fingerprint Protocol document here:
PAUSD Volunteer Fingerprint Protocol

Multivariable Calculus Instructor Secured

We would like to provide an update regarding the Multivariable Calculus course offered through Foothill College for PAUSD students.

Foothill College and PAUSD have been in active discussions about this request. The ability to offer a course like Multivariable Calculus through our partnership depends on several key factors, including faculty availability, scheduling logistics, and budget considerations.
While Foothill has encountered some staffing challenges, they have successfully partnered with De Anza College to secure an instructor for the course. We will share additional details on scheduling and logistics soon.

For students seeking more flexibility, Palo Alto Middle College High School remains a strong alternative. This program provides access to a wide range of courses on the college campus, allowing for a more personalized and advanced academic experience while still in high school.

We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

PAPD Graduation Letter

Please see the letter below from the Chief of Palo Alto Police Department.

Special Olympics

On Friday May 2, over 200 student athletes from PAUSD, as well as students from schools in Menlo Park, Los Altos and Mtn View competed in the Special Olympics at Gunn. Events ranged from the mile run, 100 yard dash, wheelchair races and jumping and throwing. Thank you to Adaptive PE teacher Angel Sheridan and her team for another terrific event!

Finals Schedule

Please find the schedule for finals below, June 2-June 5.

TITAN TIDBITS

https://schoolnewsrollcall.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PAL_05_25.pdf

schoolnewsrollcall.com

Choir Field Trip

The Gunn choir took on the Big Apple over Spring Break and had an amazing time performing, bonding and exploring the city together.

Japan Bowl 2025

Congratulations to Matt Hall and his Japanese class students on their success in the Japan Bowl in Washington DC over Spring Break. A note from Sensei Hall"

"Japan Bowl is essentially Jeopardy played with topics related to Japan's history, culture, politics, etc.... Now, imagine playing that game in JAPANESE!! Crazy, right?

If you have one of the students below, give 'em a pat on the back, because they killed it. The Japanese Level 2 team took 1st Place, defeating perennial powerhouse Lynbrook High, the only team to do so this year. The Japanese Level 3 team took 2nd Place, just narrowing falling to....you guessed it, Lynbrook. This marks the second year in a row Benjamin and Andrew have placed 2nd. They are already planning for next year's competition at Level 4.

Gunn High School Japan Bowl Roster

Japanese 2. Macos Goyenechea (captain), Ren Lin, & Shinher Jiang

Japanese 3. Benjamin Yang (captain), Andrew Halliburton-Qwan & Sahana Mahadevan"

Instrumental Music Trip

A note from the Instrumental Music Department:

"Gunn Bands&Orchestras had the incredible opportunity to visit UCLA and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music as part of our So Cal tour over Spring Break. Our ensembles got to clinic with UCLA faculty and affiliates and students had the opportunity to tour UCLA's beautiful campus."

Theatre Trip to Ashland, Oregon

A note from Theatre Teacher Kristen Lo:

Gunn Theatre traveled with a group of 50 students and staff to The Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival! We saw five wildly imaginative plays including an As You Like It with original 60's flavored music. Actors from the festival joined us on Saturday for bruch where they talked about their careers and answered students questions-- an inspiring morning for everyone! We also took a backstage tour exploring the three theatrical spaces Ashland offers and had a design workshop.