PUSD UPDATE

Dear PUSD Community,

It’s the last week before winter break! I hope you’ve gotten to see some of our students’ heart-warming performances. It’s a joy to experience these memorable moments and to see first-hand the talent and dedication of our PUSD community.

Please enjoy the holiday season, take time to reconnect with friends and family and remember to practice self-care as well. We have some helpful tips for staying healthy in this week’s update, along with all the latest news and upcoming events in the district.

Wishing you all a great winter break!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

Schools dismiss early on Thursday, December 21 (please check with your school for dismissal time). Winter break begins Friday, December 22, and classes resume on Monday, January 8, 2024. The PUSD Update will also take a short break and weekly messages will resume in early January. Have a great winter break!

This time of year, we’re all feeling the pressure of final exams and other end-of-the-semester activities. We want to remind you to take care of yourself as you study, finish projects, take care of your families, and make holiday preparations. Here are some helpful tips to relieve stress:

1. Set realistic daily goals

2. Keep up with healthy habits

3. Make time for yourself every day

4. Be mindful of your schedule

5. If you need help with your mental health, visit pusd.us/wellness, caresolace.com/pasadena or call Care Solace anytime at 888-515-0595 to find a mental health care provider to fit your needs.

Rose City High School’s new basketball team could be a game changer for students. The nine-member team has already won two out of their three games against other alternative/continuation schools. The team builds a sense of community and motivates students to keep up with their grades. Rose City officials say they are proud of the student-athletes and are grateful to nearby McKinley School for the use of their gym.

PUSD is a district of choice, which means that if the program you are interested in is not at your neighborhood school or if you live outside of Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre, you may apply to a PUSD school via the district’s Open Enrollment process.

• The first lottery application period is January 9-26, 2024, for PUSD families, PUSD employees and Pasadena City employees; the second lottery is March 4-8, 2024

• Families can request any PUSD school that interests them, regardless of their home address. Learn more about Open Enrollment

• Beginning March 25, 2024, families who reside outside the boundaries of PUSD may apply for Interdistrict Permits

School tours continue! Visit pusd.us/tours for more information.

Congratulations to the PHS Varsity Boys Basketball team on their victory over Burbank High School 76-62. The Bulldogs are now 8-0 for the season. #PUSDproud

The countdown is on for the 135th Annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game in two weeks. 2024 Royal Court Princesses Emmerson Tucker (Blair senior) and Trinity Dela Cruz (Marshall Fundamental senior) are serving as ambassadors and are looking forward to riding in the majestic Rose Parade and attending the Rose Bowl game. The Rose Parade starts at 8 a.m. on January 1, 2024.

During the Rose Bowl game that follows, PUSD employees and students will be honored during a ceremony on the field. Honorees include: Principal of the Year Charlene Tucker, Ed.D., (Field Elementary); Classified Employee of the Year Rogelio Macias (Muir); Teacher of the Year Marion Yamada (Hamilton Elementary); and Community Service Award recipients from the PUSD Student Think Tank.