Forward with Dr. Kym : 09/11/26

Hello Team PYL,

Happy Friday!

Today holds special significance for a few reasons. Not only is it Patriot Day, but it also marks exactly one year since the Board of Education asked me to serve as your Superintendent. It's hard to believe a year has flown by so quickly, yet I feel so deeply woven into the fabric of this community that it feels as though I have been here for years. Thank you all for making me feel so genuinely at home as we work together for our kids.

Shortened four-day weeks are always fast-paced, and this one was no exception! On Tuesday, I met with our trusted law enforcement partners from the Placentia Police Department, including Chief Butts and our dedicated School Resource Officers, Officer Cleveland and Officer Lee. We discussed our PYL Promise priorities regarding campus safety and security. We are deeply grateful for their steadfast partnership and ongoing commitment to our schools.

This morning started early with the Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary Club, where I was invited to present an overview of our district, our data story, and the foundation of the PYL Promise. Just like my recent visit with Placentia Rotary, it was wonderful to connect with local leaders who care so deeply about supporting our public schools.

School visits are always a highlight of my week, and this week took me to Brookhaven Elementary and Kraemer Middle School. At Brookhaven, Principal Fisher and I dropped into several classrooms, including Mrs. Castillo’s second-grade and Mr. Hebert’s fifth-grade classes, and spent time connecting with students on the playground. I also met a student named Preston, who proudly showed me his math work; he had completely mastered multi-digit subtraction with regrouping! At Kraemer, Principal Callaway and I visited an 8th-grade AVID class where students were researching the unique programs and points of pride across our high schools ahead of upcoming showcase events. We also spent time in Mr. Putman’s classroom as his students discussed the historic weight of 9/11, giving us a meaningful space to reflect alongside our young people.

While classroom visits usually take top billing, I had another deeply meaningful moment at the District Office this morning. Knowing how much I love all things Disney, this was a true highlight! I called an impromptu stand-up meeting for our district staff—and while sudden meetings usually spark a little apprehension, this one was pure celebration. I was thrilled to share that the Disneyland Resort decided to honor PYLUSD to commemorate "The Happiest Day in Anaheim" by giving two free Disneyland Park Hopper tickets to all employees at our district office and our three elementary schools located in Anaheim! Seeing the pure joy and surprise on our staff's faces was unforgettable. We are so grateful to the Disneyland Resort for honoring our educators and team members in such a special way.

Looking ahead to tonight, I am excited to experience two incredible community traditions for the first time: the Bell Game and the Battle of the Boulevard. I will be splitting my evening between both matchups to cheer on all four of our high schools. I wish all of our student-athletes, performers, and fans a night defined by great sportsmanship, district pride, and community safety.

Finally, as we observe Patriot Day, I know many of us remember precisely where we were on September 11, 2001. It remains one of those pivotal moments in history that fundamentally altered our world. Today, we hold in our hearts the lives lost, the selfless sacrifices of our first responders, and the brave individuals who stepped forward to serve. In their honor, I encourage each of us to ground ourselves in gratitude, practice acts of service, and seek small ways to bring kindness and strength to the world around us.

Thank you for an incredible first year of partnership, and have a wonderful, restful weekend.

In gratitude,

Kym

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Attend in person or tune in live at www.pylusd.org/liveboardmeetings to stay informed about important district updates and decisions.

Meeting agendas are available at www.pylusd.org/boardagendas. All meetings take place at the PYLUSD District Office, located at 1301 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Placentia, CA 92870.

September 11, 2026 — Bell Game & Battle of the Boulevard Game

September 28, 2026 — DELAC Meeting

October 2, 2026 — National Custodian Day

October 6, 2026 — National Coaches Day

October 9, 2026 — Middle School Grading Day (Minimum Day)