PUSD UPDATE

Dear PUSD Community,

Thanks to our community and partners, PUSD offers great programs and opportunities for our students.

In this week’s Update, we highlight PUSD’s Tournament of Roses Princesses, student athletes who participated in the Turkey Tussle at the Rose Bowl, and students who are exploring careers in the medical profession and on the stage, and business and civic leaders who were “Principal for a Day.”

These unique experiences are made possible by our teachers, administrators, staff, families, our community, and the students whose energy and creativity inspire us all.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

Congratulations to Emmerson Tucker (Blair senior) and Trinity Dela Cruz (Marshall Fundamental senior) who have been crowned as a Pasadena Tournament of Roses 2024 Royal Court Princess at the Rose Court Coronation on October 27 at the Tournament House. As members of the Royal Court, they will each receive a scholarship and serve as ambassadors before riding in the January 1, 2024, Rose Parade and attending the Rose Bowl game. Emmerson and Trinity credit each of their PUSD schools for helping them reach the Royal Court.

“Blair has been so amazing! They have been so supportive academically and emotionally they give everything to the students… Not only do they look for creativity but they look for us to be inspired, be smart, and outgoing. I love that.”

–Emmerson Tucker

“Marshall Fundamental staff and school environment has absolutely helped me thrive academically and emotionally. I’m so honored to have such amazing friends and staff to support me. They taught me how to spread my Eagle wings and fly out of the nest.”

–Trinity Dela Cruz

PUSD students helped make the nationwide event, Lights On Afterschool, a shining success on Thursday. PasadenaLEARNs, along with the City of Pasadena's After School Adventures Program, Harambee Ministries, and The Homework Club of Sierra Madre showcased the programs that serve youth during out-of-school time. For more information on upcoming events, visit our website at www.pusd.us/learns.

Randi Maurer, an attorney based in Pasadena, spent the morning shadowing Don Benito Principal John Maynard, as part of the annual Principal for a Day event sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) on October 25. The event hosts business and civic leaders at all PUSD schools for a rare and valuable perspective on running a public school. The “principals” were thoroughly impressed by our PUSD programs and students.

The Pasadena Unified Board of Education is asking for your help in selecting our next superintendent. To ensure this is a collaborative and inclusive process, the Board invites students, staff, parents, and community members to provide their input via an anonymous survey. The survey is open October 27, 2023 through November 17, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Take the survey

Save the Date! Superintendent Search Community Forums

November 20, 2023 - 6 p.m. Location TBA

November 21, 2023 - 6 p.m. Location TBA

The California Healthy Kids Survey begins November 3 and runs through November 27, 2023 for PUSD families and staff and for students in grades 6, 7, 9, and 11. The survey gathers feedback on elements that affect learning, such as health risks and behaviors, school connectedness, school climate, and school violence. It is anonymous, confidential, voluntary, and highly encouraged because your voice is valuable! Each school will send families, staff, and participating students a link specifically for their school.

McKinley students got a jump start on trick or treating with a pumpkin parade through district offices. The young ghouls and goblins collected nonedible spooky treats on their first trick-or-treat excursion of the season.

Join us November 8, 2023 at 6 p.m. at John Muir High School for a celebration of PUSD marching bands.