PJUSD Newsletter

Dear PJUSD Parents, Staff, and Community,

As we approach the end of another school year, I want to reflect on all that we have accomplished together as an academic community.

This year has been filled with growth, perseverance, and countless moments that reflect the strength of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families. In classrooms, on fields and stages, and throughout our campuses, our students have continued to learn, grow, and prepare for their futures.

As we enter these final weeks, we also look forward to the many celebrations ahead: promotions, graduations, and end-of-year recognitions. These milestones represent not only achievement, but also the collective effort of students, staff, and families working together to support success.

To our staff: thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and care for every student, every day. The impact you make often extends far beyond what can be measured, and it does not go unnoticed.

To our families, thank you for your partnership and trust. Your support plays a vital role in the success of our students and schools.

To our students, this is your moment. Be proud of the effort you have put in, the challenges you have overcome, and the progress you have made. Each step forward matters.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on strengthening our schools, supporting our students, and building on the work we have done together. While the school year is coming to a close, our commitment to excellence and opportunity for every student continues.

I hope the summer months bring time for rest, reflection, and connection with family and friends.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

With appreciation,

Dr. Reyes Gauna
Superintendent

PJUSD offers before- and after-school programs for students in TK–8 through ASES and ELOP. ASES is for 7th and 8th grade students and provides a safe place after school with homework help and activities.

ELOP is for TK–6 students and offers fun, learning, and enrichment before and after school.

We also plan to offer a before-school program at Walnut Grove (WG) and Apricot Valley Elementary (AVE). Please fill out the Before School Program Interest Form if this is something you would like to enroll your child in:
https://www.patterson.k12.ca.us/district/departments/educational-services/expanded-learning-program

For questions or enrollment for 2026–27, contact Mariela Aguilar-Munoz at (209) 895-7700, ext. 22052.

Visit our district's News & Announcements page to explore "Our Promise Features."

Each month, this section will shine a light on the people, programs, and initiatives that make a difference across our District. From staff who go above and beyond, to programs that support student success, and initiatives that help us fulfill our PJUSD Promise, these stories remind us of the incredible work happening in our schools.

This month’s Promise Feature highlights PJUSD School Bus Driver, Refina Lotomau, and how her years of experience driving for Turlock Unified and Lawrence Livermore Labs are now benefiting our students and community.

Last week, we proudly attended the Stanislaus Partners in Education Recognition Luncheon. Patterson High School’s Supply Chain & Logistics program was honored with the 2026 Dr. Curtis R. Grant Excellence in Education Award.

We also recognized Christopher Soto and his team at Sutter Health for their outstanding partnership and continued support of our students, staff, and community.

As we head into summer break, the Technology Department is preparing for some exciting upgrades. We wanted to share a few important updates regarding changes you’ll see when we return in the fall.

New Student Email Addresses

Students will be receiving a new district email address after July 1, 2026. This change helps us keep our systems secure and organized. The new format will be easy to remember:

• The Format: [First Name] + [Random 3-Digit Number] @patterson.k12.ca.us

• Example: If a student's name is Jordan, their new email might look like Jordan123@patterson.k12.ca.us.
  
  

Students will continue to receive messages at both their old and new addresses. This transition window will be temporary and we will help ensure addresses are updated across our systems. Keep an eye out for more details coming out soon.

Upgraded Tech for Teachers

We are also busy refreshing the hardware our teachers use every day. This May, we’ll deliver new devices to our teaching staff to ensure they have the most reliable tools available to support their students' learning.

Enhanced Classroom Tools with Google Workspace Plus

We are thrilled to announce that we are bringing Google Workspace Plus to our teachers. This upgraded suite is powered by Gemini, an AI-driven assistant designed to help educators with lesson planning and organization.

To make sure our staff is ready to lead the way, we are collaborating with our Educational Services Department and bringing in Google Certified Trainers to provide comprehensive training sessions. These resources will help our teachers master these new tools and bring innovative learning experiences to our students.

Our goal is to make sure everything is ready to go on the first day of school, Thursday, August 6th, so our students and teachers can hit the ground running. We hope you have a safe and relaxing summer break!

Last month, the district recorded an average attendance rate of 93.75%, a slight decrease of 0.65% compared to this time last year. With April historically bringing some of our highest attendance numbers, we know how challenging it can be to keep pace, but our schools continue to show strong commitment to being present and engaged.

Creekside Middle School led the way with an impressive 95.84%, earning the top spot for March. Grayson Elementary followed closely behind in second place with 95.52%, while Northmead Elementary secured third with 95.19%.

A special shoutout goes to Open Valley Independent Study, which achieved the biggest attendance gain from February to March with a remarkable 4.25% increase, earning them the coveted G.O.A.T. necklace!

As we enter the final month of the school year, May is an important time to continue nurturing not only academic success, but also the behavioral, social, and emotional well-being of our students. At the heart of Student Support Services is a commitment to ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and connected.

Supporting Positive Behavior
Our schools continue to promote positive behavior through clear expectations, encouragement, and relationship-building. As routines shift with end-of-year events, we reinforce the importance of respect, responsibility, and kindness to help maintain a positive school environment for all.

Social & Emotional Well-Being
This time of year can bring a mix of excitement, stress, and change for students. Our counselors and support staff are working closely with students to build skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. These skills not only support success in school but also in everyday life.

Helping Students Manage Stress
With testing, projects, and transitions ahead, some students may feel overwhelmed. We encourage families to support their children by maintaining consistent routines, encouraging open conversations, and reminding them that it’s okay to ask for help. Small strategies—like getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and staying organized—can make a big difference.

Building Strong Connections
Positive relationships are key to student well-being. We encourage students to stay connected with peers, teachers, and trusted adults. Feeling a sense of belonging helps students stay engaged and confident as they finish the year.

Preparing for Transitions
Whether moving to a new grade level or school, or preparing for graduation, transitions can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Our team is here to support students through these changes, helping them feel prepared and confident for what’s next.

We’re Here to Support You
If your child needs additional behavioral, social, or emotional support, please reach out to your school’s Student Support Services team. We are here to partner with families and connect you with helpful resources.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the whole child. Together, we can ensure every student finishes the school year feeling supported, successful, and ready for the future.

Wishing you and your family a positive and successful May!

Together, we can help our children build resilience, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive.

We are excited to announce the recipients of our April 2026, "PJUSD Promise Awards:"

Certificated - Kristina De La Rosa (Walnut Grove)

Classified -Leianna Rosas (West Valley Learning Center)

Congratulations, Kristina & Leianna! We look forward to honoring you at our regular Board meeting on Monday, May 4th, 2026.

PJUSD is hiring! Check out or Edjoin page to see current open positions in our District: https://bit.ly/pjusdedjoin

If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to: Katie Jones at kajones@patterson.k12.ca.us or Delia Salinas at dsalinas@patterson.k12.ca.us for more information.

Website: https://www.patterson.k12.ca.us
Location: 510 Keystone Boulevard, Patterson, CA, USA
Phone: 209-895-7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJUSD95363
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattersonschools