PUSD UPDATE

Dear PUSD Community,

In the last week, we celebrated community schools, kicked off the Black Student & Family Task Force, and “Walked, Biked, or Rolled” to school to promote exercise and safe routes to school. We also held two Town Halls at Octavia E. Butler Magnet and the Western Justice Center to talk about our district’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

I know that while there is much to celebrate, there are many hurts that have to be healed so we can move forward as a community united around our children.

We are working to heal harms through restorative practices and an intentional change in our culture. Thanks to an emphasis on the wellbeing of our students, the work of the Western Justice Center and the Black Student & Family Task Force in our schools, we are positioned to move our District into action so that every student has an excellent educational experience.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

PUSD elementary, middle and high schools are hosting tours right now. See for yourself how we’re preparing students to be ready for the world. Sign up to tour today! pusd.us/tours.

Wellness rooms are bringing a sense of calm to kids across the district. Response to Intervention (RTI) coaches and professionals work at schools and now each campus is has a dedicated wellness room. The rooms are designed to help address students’ social-emotional needs in a safe space. Behavior teacher Linda Ortega says the wellness room at McKinley School is a spot for students to come for a short time to refocus, reset, and regroup.

Some wellness rooms include aromatherapy, soothing sounds, calm lighting, kinetic sand, cucumber water, bean bag chairs, and murals. For details on all wellness services provided by the District, please visit Student Wellness and Support Services

News of the violent conflict in Israel/Gaza over the weekend has shaken us all, especially those in our community whose family and friends are affected. We hope for safety and peace for all those suffering and in pain. We encourage students to visit the wellness rooms on their campus or talk to a school counselor. PUSD offers a wide range of mental health support for more information, visit https://www.pusd.us/Domain/1327. You may also call THRIVE: School Mental Health at (626) 396-3600 x 88233. Care Solace is another free service available to the PUSD students, staff, and families 24/7/365. Call 888-515-0595 or visit www.caresolace.com/pasadena.

Students, parents/caregivers, and officials walked, biked, or rolled to school on scooters, skateboard or roller skates on October 4-5 to raise awareness about safe routes to school.

Wear orange to celebrate Unity Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023! Unity Day takes place during National Bullying Prevention Month to promote healthier communities through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Wearing orange is a visible reminder of our collective responsibility to create safe and inclusive environments for everyone. For more information please click HERE.