Piedmont Pulse

March 16, 2026

Dear PUSD Families & Staff:

In my recent State of the District report, I raised several questions regarding our use of technology for learning at all grade levels. Over the last year, I have been considering the many promises made about EdTech, especially in light of recent research on cell phone and device use, including work by Jonathan Haidt and Jared Horvath. Both question the impact of technology on our children. While we have a strong record of students who achieve academically and socially, we must re-examine our use of technology and how constant connectivity, both inside and outside the classroom, impacts the experience of our students.

To address emerging questions, I have recommended a comprehensive technology audit of our technology use. Through my meetings with our teachers, staff, and parents, I appreciate just how complex the uses of technology have become across our district. The audit will examine our backend infrastructure, staffing, data analysis, and student screen time and purpose. The timing is particularly appropriate as we are currently revising our District Technology Plan. We are still defining the final scope to determine which components require an outside consultant and which will be handled internally, as an external audit may not fully capture the nuances of individual classroom instruction.

Given the decade-long development of our current systems, decoupling technology from our learning environment cannot happen overnight. Any changes must be the result of a thoughtful, evidence-based analysis involving our entire school community. As a first step, we are bringing a contract for a professional technology audit firm to the Board for approval at the March 18th meeting. We look forward to collaborating with our staff and families to ensure our technology use aligns with the academic success and well-being of our students.

In Community,

Jennifer Hawn, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Highlander Robotics attended the FIRST Robotics Competition District Event in San Francisco and won the most prestigious judged award in addition to placing 4th overall.

Here’s what the competition had to say about our team and the award:

The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST. The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to the District Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events and compete with their robot.

Some teams climb the mountain. This team carved a path so others could climb it, too. When they saw barriers to FIRST participation in the Bay, they did not wait for the fog to lift. They cleared it. They built common ground; a shared home where teams could practice, collaborate, and grow. They proved the vision, forged the partnerships, raised the support, and turned an idea into something lasting. These leaders knew that a true clan only prospers when they help their neighbors rise. They shared their secret scrolls of scouting strategy and their digital training manuals with every team in the land, ensuring that as they grew, they pulled the whole community up with them. Like the old names carried by their machines, their story feels legendary. But their real magic is simple: they make more people believe they belong. The FIRST Impact Award goes to Team 8033!

Congratulations Team 8033!

March Community Meetings

We have a series of opportunities for staff and parents to come together to discuss programs and important issues throughout our district. Please join us!

Parents & Staff, please encourage incoming 11th and 12th grade students to apply to be a student Board Member next year.

For the 2026-27 school year, the four eligible students (two from Millennium High School and two from Piedmont High School) will be chosen to serve on the Piedmont Unified Board of Education to share a one-year term. The student board members will function as a preferential voting member of the Board. This information below explains the application and selection process, and contains a copy of the application. Please feel free to copy and distribute it to any eligible student who might be interested. Applications due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026.

More information and the application is linked HERE.

Beach Elementary’s beloved Beach Revue is back! Since 1968, the school community has come together each year to produce this volunteer-led musical revue. With more than 85% of Beach families participating, the Beach Revue is a true community tradition.

This year’s theme, “Broadway, Our Way!”, promises an exuberant, family-friendly show featuring songs and scenes inspired by the energy and flair of Broadway.

Performances will take place at the Alan Harvey Theater on March 27 and 28 at 6:30 PM, and March 29 at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and children, and can be purchased at piedmont.city/beachrevue.

All proceeds benefit Beach Elementary. Join us for a lively afternoon or evening of live music, singing, dancing, and show-stopping Broadway fun.

Highlander Robotics Summer camps registration now open!

NEW! FLL Champs Academy for FLL-C rising 5th-7th grade

Highlander Robotics is pleased to announce a new summer camp for experienced FIRST Lego League–Challenge (FLL-C) kids! Highlander Robotics software team members will teach advanced robotics concepts including the engineering method, mechanism design, path following with sensors and gyros, and debugging. We will be teaching in Spike Prime.

Dates: June 8-12, 2026, M-F 9:00am-12:00n at the Mary G. Ross Engineering Lab at Piedmont High School. All campers should have at least one season of FLL-C experience and be a rising 5th-7th grader. Each camper will need to bring a tablet or laptop loaded with current SPIKE software. Details will be provided after registration. Cost $575. REGISTER HERE

Summer aCADemy Returns in 2026

Attention STEM loving Middle Schoolers!

Highlander Robotics Summer aCADemy for rising 7th to 9th graders,

Dates: June 8-12, 2026, M-F 1:00-4:00 pm at Piedmont High School. Summer aCADemy is an introduction to fabrication and computer aided design (CAD) using Onshape taught by Highlander team members in our Ross Engineering Lab. Registration is $500. REGISTER HERE

More info or to contact us: FRC8033.com

PUSD Adventures Programs

Piedmont Unified School District is excited to offer a variety of Adventures programs for students Kindergarten through 9th grade.

Spring Adventures: April 6–10

Spring Adventures is a fun mix of learning and creating, filled with special activities designed to keep kids engaged and excited. Each day blends hands-on academic enrichment with creative projects, games, and time to connect with friends.

Spring Adventures runs from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM for TK–5th grade students, with extended care available from 8:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–5:00 PM to support busy families.

It’s the perfect way to welcome spring—with curiosity, creativity, and plenty of fun!

Register using this link:PUSD Homeroom. Adventures 2026

Summer Adventures 2026 is a PUSD teacher-led summer enrichment program offering multiple options.

Session Dates: June 8–18 and June 22–July 2
Fees: Half Day $590 per session | Full Day $1,180 per session

• Summer Adventures (1st–5th Grade): Morning academic enrichment paired with afternoon creative projects, games, and hands-on group activities.
  
  

• Welcome to Kindergarten: A gentle introduction to the school day with age-appropriate activities that build confidence, routines, and friendships.
  
  

• Welcome to 6th Grade: A transition program focused on team-building, confidence, and familiarity with middle school schedules and expectations.
  
  

• Junior Counselor in Training (CIT) Program (7th–9th Grade): A leadership opportunity for older students to build responsibility and teamwork while supporting younger campers.
  Fee: $340 per session
  
  

Summer Adventures registration is now open and is available through PUSD Homeroom. Adventures 2026

For questions or additional information please contact Erin Rivera erivera@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Resident Enrollment Now: Residents with children not currently enrolled in Piedmont schools - new kindergarteners or a student switching to Piedmont schools - are invited to start the enrollment process now. Individuals who are not residents may apply for an interdistrict transfer; however, we are at capacity at every grade level for the 2026-27 school year.

Women's History Month - The California Department of Education and PUSD recognize March as Women's History Month. To our students, staff, and families, we celebrate you now and ALWAYS!

National AI Literacy Day - March 27th. We will join schools across the country for National AI Literacy Day. This is a nationwide day of action focused on two vital questions: “What is AI?” and “How do we prepare our students to thrive in an AI-enabled world?” Our Partnership with You: Starting today, we will be sending weekly "AI at Home" emails designed to spark curiosity and conversation at your dinner table in the lead up to National AI Literacy Day. We hope they support you and your child in navigating AI safely, ethically, and effectively. AI at Home Newsletter #1

An Evening With Kate Schatz - March 31st at 7PM, Ellen Driscoll - Havens Elementary - A Piedmont community event to join award-winning New York Times bestseller Kate Schatz for an engaging Q&A session illuminating her experience as an author, educator, and activist. Copies of "RAD WOMEN" book series and "DO THE WORK!" will be available for purchase at the event. Although this event is free, it would help us with planning if you could RSVP using PIEDMONT STORE LINK. We look forward to seeing you there! Co-sponsored by the Piedmont Affinity Mentors and Trischool DEIB Committees.

Spring Fling 026: A Night Licensed to Give - May 1, 6:00PM @Bloc15

Tickets for the Spring Fling 026 Gala are officially on sale—and early-bird pricing is now live. Secure your mission access to an unforgettable 007-inspired evening of glamour, intrigue, and school spirit, where our community. Read More »

Announcement URL: https://pef.schoolauction.net/springfling2026/homepages/show

Green Space Volunteer/Sponsorship Opportunities - For groups who wish to sponsor or volunteer to cultivate green spaces, please review our this green space report, and contact Pete Palmer at ppalmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us.

The Wellness Center: A special thanks to the Wellness Center team, including our amazing staff along with our supportive parents and community members. Mental health funding continues to be reduced at the State and federal levels, which means school districts must fundraise to offer the services our students need. This year, the Wellness Center must raise at least $50,000 for the 2025–2026 school year. Donate HERE. Questions? Contact Piedmont Wellness Support Committee at piedmontwellnessctr@gmail.com. Learn More about the Wellness Center at PiedmontWellness.org

Independent Study at PHS/MHS: Is your child a professional athlete? In the entertainment industry? Or, in need of an online independent study program? More information is linked HERE. For additional questions, please contact Principal Irma Muñoz Daniels at imunozdaniels@piedmont.k12.ca.us. Please note that MHS is also open for in-person enrollment.

Piedmont Portal - For all of the latest school and community events, please visit the Piedmont Portal linked HERE

State of the District Report 2025-26: State of the District reports are linked HERE.

Piedmont Alumni Network:

The second issue of the Piedmont Alumni Newsletter, linked HERE. The Alumni Newsletter highlights the many events and ways our alumni can stay connected to the Piedmont community. If you are a graduate of PHS or MHS, please connect with us HERE.

Follow PUSD - Please read our school newsletters sent out weekly for update to date information. The District Facebook (@piedmontunified) and Instagram (@piedmontusd)

Email: communication@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Website: www.piedmont.k12.ca.us
Location: 760 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont, CA, USA
Phone: 510-594-2600