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PUSD Update

November 29, 2021

PUSD UpdateNovember 29, 2021
Dr. Brian McDonald, PUSD Superintendent
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Message from the Superintendent


Dear PUSD Community,


As we move into the holiday season, I am grateful that we can both celebrate and learn in person and I’m hopeful that we can continue our face-to-face interactions. For many in our community, this is also a time of great sadness as we mourn the 13-year-old Blair School student killed by a stray bullet while playing video games inside his home last week. Words cannot adequately express our sympathy for the student’s family, and sorrow for another life cut short by gun violence. We ask anyone who may have information on the shooting to please contact the Pasadena Police Department immediately. A $10,000 reward has been set up for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Blair School and Madison Elementary will continue to offer counseling services on an as-needed basis.


COVID-19 NEWS

Health officials are monitoring a new “variant of concern” called Omicron. Although it has not been identified here in the United States, our strategy remains the same -- making sure that everyone 5 years and older gets fully vaccinated or receives their booster dose as quickly as possible. Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) and Pasadena Public Health Director Dr. Ying-Ying Goh helped kick off a vaccine clinic aimed at kids ages 5 - 11 at McKinley Elementary School last week. They urged parents to vaccinate their children because it is the best way to reduce transmission of the virus and it will allow us to continue in-person learning. To make an appointment for a vaccine or booster, visit myturn.ca.gov. We aim to make it easier for all eligible students and staff to be fully vaccinated before returning from Winter break. We are also partnering with local pharmacies to offer additional clinics at school sites in December. If you cannot attend one of our District clinics, there are several other local options for vaccinations and testing.


https://www.albertsons.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html


https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine


https://www.riteaid.com/covid-19


https://www.vons.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html



ENROLL FOR 2022-2023

The sibling and priority application window has closed. However, families will have another opportunity to participate during the first lottery in January. Pre-enrollment for schools of residence begins today, November 29, 2021. It is for:


  • New to PUSD K-12 students who prefer their school of residence

  • Kindergarten students turning 5 by September 1, 2022

  • New to PUSD students entering Transitional Kindergarten

  • Current PUSD students who are promoting to 6th or 9th grades and prefer to attend their school of residence: pusd.us/findmyschool


As our first lottery approaches, please be aware of all of the academy choices at our wonderful high schools! If you missed our “Right Fit High School'' presentation, you can view it here: https://youtu.be/Xiglpluspq8. You can also visit the academy Padlet page to see all of the exciting things academies have to offer: https://padlet.com/turleykristina/gpyfqx4z5ji4b7m7.

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ELIOT ARTS

Eliot Arts Magnet hosted an impressive art show at Cafe de Leche in Altadena this month. They held the closing ceremony before the Thanksgiving break just in time to give thanks to the staff (especially Mr. Robert Moya) who made it possible for our talented students to share their artistry.
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JACKALOPE

The talent doesn’t stop there. Pasadena High School’s Creative Arts Media and Design students joined hundreds of local artisans for the Jackalope Fair last week. The fair included a Pasadena High School booth and featured one-of-a-kind artwork, accessories, jewelry, housewares, fashion, food and more. Some students secured their first sales, some sold out, and they all learned that creativity and dedication make the world a more beautiful place.



Thank you for all that you do and have a beautiful week!


Sincerely,


Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

Superintendent

(above) Creative Arts Media and Design (CAMAD) students from PHS at the Jackalope Arts Festival.
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#VaccinatePasadena

Getting the vaccine will help protect our students and employees. COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 and over. Get the COVID-19 vaccine to keep our community safe! www.pusd.us/vaccine

#VaccinatePasadena #PUSDproud @CityOfPasadena