Superintendent's Weekly Update
October 31, 2025
Dear PUSD Families,
Happy Halloween Friday! I hope you have a safe and joyful evening if you're heading out tonight for Halloween activities.
This week, I had the privilege of visiting a number of our elementary schools and seeing firsthand the incredible work happening from the classroom to the playground and beyond. From students stepping into leadership roles to engaging programs that are preparing them for bright and impactful futures, it was inspiring to witness the dedication and care that goes into creating a world-class learning environment for every child.
It was also Red Ribbon Week, and I want to extend my appreciation to all our schools for the thoughtful activities and messages encouraging students to make healthy choices. A special thank-you to our amazing parent volunteers who organized so many creative and meaningful activities throughout the week, and to our partners in local public safety agencies for their continued support of our students and schools. Your partnership and commitment truly make a difference in our community.
Our Board of Education’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6; we’ll provide a recap of the meeting next week. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Ben
Dragon Fruit Tasting at Pomerado
During Red Ribbon Week, Pomerado Elementary students and staff found a unique and tasty way to celebrate healthy choices! PUSD Food and Nutrition teamed up with Pomerado Parents and Wildcats (PAWS) and Dickinson Family Farms to introduce students to locally-grown dragon fruit.
Students learned about the dragon fruit life cycle, enjoyed a taste test on the playground during lunch, and took a whole dragon fruit home to share with their families. This fun, educational event was a huge success, encouraging students to expand their nutrition knowledge and bravely try something new!
PUSD Teacher Takes on Global Running Challenge
Tracy Roth, a fifth-grade teacher at Tierra Bonita Elementary, is ready to tackle an incredible challenge: the 2026 World Marathon Challenge.
Tracy, who turns 62 this November, will attempt to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days, starting January 31st. This astounding feat has only been completed by a small number of people worldwide.
PUSD is so proud of Tracy’s dedication and her goal to inspire others, sharing: "I want to show my students, women and athletes of all ages that it’s never too late to start, to grow and to achieve greatness.” Having already completed marathons in all 50 U.S. states and numerous Ironman races, Tracy embodies the spirit of challenging yourself and believing to achieve.
Read more about Tracy, including her amazing achievements and source of inspiration at this link.
Exploring Business & Beyond
Join Career Technical Education on Nov. 12, 2025, at Rancho Bernardo High School for the next Career Speaker Series panel, an engaging evening where business, finance, sales, and marketing professionals will share real-world insights and advice for future leaders. After the discussion, students will have a chance to participate in an interactive Q&A and network directly with panelists.
Register today!
Straight from the Supe, Straight to You!
Tune in to our latest take on our Straight from the Supe series, with our new video podcast with Dr. Ben Churchill!
Find and enjoy the latest episodes on your favorite streaming platform: Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
Free Parent Workshop: Grief and Loss
PUSD is partnering with Elizabeth Hospice to offer a free Zoom workshop for parents and families across our district. Join us Wednesday, November 12, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. to learn strategies for supporting children through grief and loss. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to connect and learn!
Support the Dream to STEAM Campaign
The PUSD Foundation recently announced the launch of its annual Dream to STEAM giving campaign, which helps fund Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) opportunities for students across our district. Because Poway Unified receives the lowest per-pupil funding of any unified school district in San Diego County, the Foundation plays a vital role in bridging the gap to provide the experiences our students need to thrive.
Click here to learn more and donate today!