PUSD UPDATE

Dear PUSD Community,

Welcome back to school! I hope that you had an enjoyable and restful Thanksgiving break.

A special thanks to all the students, families, and staff members who participated in the 6th annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning that benefits PUSD high school athletics.

The next few weeks before the winter break are going to be busy! Our students have musical performances and celebrations and high school seniors are completing their college applications.

Neighborhood school registration for the 2024-2025 school year starts December 4, 2023, and the first lottery of PUSD’s school choice program is in January 2024.

Please take a few minutes to enjoy the latest PUSD news and have a great week!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

What a terrific Turkey Trot! Thank you to all of those who skipped, walked or ran the 5K Rose Bowl Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! We even had some walking, talking turkeys! We raised more than $5K for high school sports! You can still donate at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/CA/Pasadena/RoseBowlTurkeyTrot

A shout out to PUSD 12th graders for completing college applications this fall! A special thank you all counselors for all their hard work in helping PUSD high school seniors finish applications and meet deadlines.

Families may register children to attend their neighborhood school beginning December 4, 2023 if the child is a new to PUSD K-12 student who prefers their neighborhood school or if they are just entering transitional kindergarten (TK). Find your school at www.pusd.us/findmyschool and register on or after December 4, 2023.

New and continuing TK-12 students who live in Pasadena, Altadena, or Sierra Madre may apply for schools other than their assigned neighborhood school for PUSD signature programs through two lotteries. Children of full-time PUSD and City of Pasadena employees are also eligible. Apply online: pusd.schoolmint.com

• 1st Lottery Application Period: January 9, 2024 at 9 a.m. through January 26, 2024 at 4 p.m.

• 2nd Lottery: March 4, 2024, 9 a.m. - March 8, 2024, 4 p.m.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is expanding for the 2024-25 school year to include children who turn five by June 2, 2025. TK will be available at all PUSD schools, and Spanish immersion TK will expand to two sites (Longfellow and Jackson). Space is limited, so please see the application dates above and apply as soon as you are eligible.

Preschool is now enrolling! PUSD’s Early Childhood Education programs are a launchpad for your child’s bright future. Our programs nurture each child’s physical, social, emotional, creative, linguistic, and cognitive growth. www.pusd.us/ece

The California Healthy Kids Survey has been extended to December 1, 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, school connectedness, school climate, and school violence. It is anonymous, confidential, and voluntary but highly encouraged because your voice is valuable! Each school will send families, staff, and participating students a link specifically for their school.

The PUSD Board of Education is asking for your help in selecting the next superintendent. To ensure this is a collaborative and inclusive process, the Board invites students, staff, parents, and community members to provide their input at our upcoming community forums.

November 29, 2023 - 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

John Muir High School

1905 N. Lincoln Ave., Pasadena

Rooms: Auditorium, A132, A136

November 30, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Pasadena High School

2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena

Rooms: Auditorium, Cafeteria, Library