PJUSD Newsletter
December 2024
Contact:
Susan White
Senior Executive Assistant / Cabinet Member
Superintendent's Message
Hello PJUSD Families and Staff,
As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together. December is a special time to celebrate our students' achievements, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families and community.
This season reminds us of the importance of connection and collaboration, values at the heart of our PJUSD Promise. As we look ahead to the new year, let’s continue working together to unlock the potential in every student and empower lives across our district.
On behalf of the PJUSD School Board of Trustees and myself, thank you for being an integral part of our journey. From all of us here at PJUSD, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year.
Warm regards,
Reyes Gauna, Ed.D
Superintendent
Communications
Visit our district's News & Announcements page on our website to explore our new highlight feature:
Our Promise Features: Showcases our staff for the incredible work they do throughout the district. This spotlight is particularly aimed at those whose work often goes unnoticed but provides significant value to our district, schools, students, and/or staff. It offers a small moment of appreciation for their dedicated efforts in fulfilling our PJUSD Promise.
This month's Promise Feature highlights one of our District's School Psychologists, Ben Sierra, highlighting his passion for supporting our students by fostering meaningful relationships.
United Patterson Graduate Profile
Join us in celebrating the success of former Patterson graduates with our monthly United Patterson Graduate Profile series. Our latest profile features Tarrant Tupuola a proud graduate of Patterson High School, Class of 2016.
Read his story and discover more inspiring profiles on our district's website under the News & Announcements page and by clicking on the "United Patterson Profiles" filter.
Do you know a Patterson graduate who has moved on to do some incredible thing? Share their story with our community by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/UPprofile.
Administrative Services
Expanded Green Space at Apricot Valley
We’re excited to share that work has already begun on relocating the perimeter fence on the east side of Apricot Valley Elementary School. This project is expected to be completed by January 28, 2024.
The new fence will align with the school’s property boundary, reclaiming 2.3 acres of green space that will now be available for our students to enjoy. This expanded area will provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities and play, creating a better environment for our students.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete this important project. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for our Apricot Valley community!
For any questions, please contact our Administrative Services Office.
Student Support Services
Planning Ahead for Student Attendance
Regular attendance is crucial for student success, and we encourage families to plan vacations and trips during times when school is not in session. We understand this may not always be possible, so we offer Short-Term Independent Study (STIS) as an option for planned absences.
STIS requests must be submitted at least one week (5 school days) before the first planned absence and are available for absences ranging from 1 to 15 days.
For more information or to request STIS, please contact your school’s Attendance Office.
Important STIS Deadlines:
- Winter Break: December 13, 2024 (No STIS December 18–20 for PHS due to finals)
- Spring Break: April 10, 2025
- End of Year: April 30, 2025
Thank you for working with us to ensure your child’s continued learning and success!
Supporting Healthy Technology Use for Students
The Student Services Department would like to thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration in creating a healthy and positive learning environment for your child(ren).
As part of our commitment to student well-being, we want to highlight the potential impacts of gaming and social media on mental health and academic success. To help you navigate these topics, we’ve included resources below to support conversations with your child(ren) about setting healthy boundaries with technology:
- Guide to Gaming (English)
- Guide to Gaming (Spanish)
- Guide to Social Media (English)
- Guide to Social Media (Spanish)
Thank you for your continued dedication to your child’s well-being and success. Together, we can empower our students to thrive both academically and personally.
Educational Services
Exploring Career Technical Education (CTE) at PJUSD
PJUSD is proud to offer Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways at Patterson High School! CTE equips students with the academic, technical, and workplace skills they need for future careers, preparing them for success through hands-on learning and practical applications. CTE connects students with real-world experiences while integrating rigorous academics in a meaningful, engaging way.
Why Choose CTE?
- College and Career Readiness:
Students in rigorous CTE programs are more likely to meet college and career readiness goals, with higher rates of college enrollment, especially among minority students. - Higher Graduation Rates:
CTE students graduate at a rate of 90%, compared to the national average of 75%. - Engaging At-Risk Students:
High-risk students enrolled in CTE programs are far less likely to drop out and experience improved school connectedness and reduced behavioral issues. - College Success:
CTE graduates are more likely to pursue and succeed in postsecondary education, achieving higher GPAs and lower dropout rates in their first year of college.
CTE Programs at Patterson High School
Patterson High School offers a variety of CTE pathways, including:
- Ag Mechanics
- Patient Care
- Logistics
- Forklift Operations
- Truck Driving
- Animal Science
- Horticulture
- Cosmetology/Barbering
For more information about CTE programs at PHS, visit our the CTE page on our district's website: Career Technical Education
Human Resources
PJUSD Promise Awards
Please join us in celebrating last month's "PJUSD Promise Award" recipients (November 2024). These two outstanding individuals have exemplified the core values of our PJUSD Promise!
Certificated - Serena Miranda (Creekside Middle School)
Classified - Joey Perez (District Office)
Serena Miranda - Certificated (November)
Joey Perez - Classified (November)
Join Our Team!
We are always looking to fill vacancies internal and external vacancies throughout our district. These roles may vary from part-time, substitute, to fulltime roles. Please visit our district's website to find out how to Join Our Team!
https://www.patterson.k12.ca.us/district/careers
Those not interested in fulltime employment with Patterson Joint can apply to become a qualified substitute to fill in for staff absences. If you want more information on how to be added to our substitute list please use the following link: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/1879360
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Connect With Us!
Website: https://www.patterson.k12.ca.us
Location: 510 Keystone Boulevard, Patterson, CA, USA
Phone: 209-895-7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJUSD95363