Superintendent's Weekly Update

May 29, 2026

Dear PUSD Staff and Families,

As we head into the final week of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on a week that captured so much of what makes our district special.

I had the opportunity to visit Adobe Bluffs, Canyon View, Garden Road, Morning Creek, Park Village, Valley, and Willow Grove Elementary schools. Every campus has its own unique character, and it is always inspiring to see students actively engaged in learning and staff who care deeply about their work and the students they serve.

I also had the privilege of attending the Poway to Palomar Middle College graduation ceremony. Watching students reach this milestone while already earning college credit was impressive, but what stood out most were the stories behind their success. Programs like this create meaningful opportunities for students and open doors to future possibilities. It was an honor to celebrate their accomplishments alongside their families, teachers, and supporters.

As the school year comes to a close, I also want to thank everyone who participated in our spring survey. We saw an increase in participation this spring, giving us a broader understanding of family experiences and perspectives across the district. Your feedback matters. It helps us recognize where we are making progress, identify areas for growth, and make more informed decisions on behalf of our students and schools. We have shared highlights from the survey results on our district website, and I appreciate the time so many of you took to provide thoughtful input.

The final days of the school year always seem to pass quickly, but they also provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on all that has been accomplished. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for the partnership and dedication you bring to our schools each day.

Have a great weekend,
Ben

This week on Straight from the Supe, Westview High School teacher Jose Lucero discusses what being named a District Teacher of the Year means to him, how he approaches teaching, and what led him into education.

Watch or listen today!

This week, 8th grade AVID and AVID Excel students, as well as senior AVID standouts from every middle and high school, were honored at the district offices. These students exemplify the spirit and purpose of the AVID college readiness system, and were selected for their strong academic performance, resilience, and dedication to their school communities. Congratulations!

AVID focuses on closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID Excel supports this mission by focusing on middle school multilingual learners—accelerating their language development and building the academic literacy they need to thrive in high school college-prep courses and beyond.

This week, Design39Campus hosted its Maker39 Market, where learners showcased creative pieces developed through their own market research!

These young entrepreneurs designed their own businesses to sell their creations, using the sales to support local organizations close to their hearts. Amazing job, learners!

Oak Valley Middle School held a ribbon cutting event Wednesday for the campus' new "Nest" wellness center. The center is packed full of resources to help students reduce stress, reflect, and refocus in a calming and quiet environment.

Congratulations to the OVMS counseling team and student leaders for the incredible amount of work to create a space promoting positive mental health!

Poway High School students learning a second language took on the role of tour guide during the school’s Cultural Fair on Friday. Students set up booths for their chosen country and taught visitors about the unique culture and answered questions in their second language.

Thank you to the teachers and library staff who worked with students over the last trimester to prepare for the event!

• Employment Opportunities
• New Student Enrollment
• Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes
• District Calendars

• May 29, 2026 — D39Campus K-5 Show: Music from Oceania (Info)
• June 1, 2026 — MVMS Jazz Concert
• June 4, 2026 — Last Day of 25-26 School Year