PJUSD Newsletter

Dear PJUSD Families and Community,

As we begin September, I want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for helping us start the school year on a positive note. It was wonderful to visit our schools and see students engaged in learning and our staff creating welcoming, supportive environments.

As we settle into the school year, attendance and academic growth remain two of our highest priorities. Every day at school matters. Consistent attendance gives students access to quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and the many opportunities available on our campuses.

Our teachers and administrators continue to review student assessment data to determine where students may need additional support or enrichment. Our goal is for every student to grow, supporting students working toward proficiency, accelerating those who are close to proficiency, and continuing to challenge students who are already proficient or advanced.

Equally important is ensuring that our schools remain places where students feel safe, connected, supported, and valued. Academic success and a positive school experience go hand in hand. Through the work of our teachers, counselors, administrators, support staff, and programs across the district, we will continue focusing on the whole child and creating environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We have much to look forward to this school year, and I am excited about what we will accomplish together.

Have a wonderful September!

Dr. Reyes Gauna
Superintendent

• 95 Percent Group's Core Phonics (K–5): Every K–5 student uses this program to build strong phonics skills. Phonics skills are the building blocks of reading. Benefit: Helps all students sound out words with accuracy, confidence, and fluency.
  
  

• Corrective Reading (Grades 3–9): Students who need extra help in reading get targeted lessons through this program. These lessons build skills in decoding, word recognition, and understanding what they read. Benefit: Gives struggling readers the tools to catch up and become confident, independent readers.
  
  

• SIPPS (Grades K–2): This program helps young readers by focusing on phonics, sight words, and fluency. Benefit: Builds a strong foundation early on, so students are ready for reading success that lasts a lifetime.

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 our District’s Visual and Performing Arts & Music teachers and explores how music and the arts are helping students learn, create, and grow across our PJUSD Schools.

As we begin the 2026–27 school year, work continues across Patterson Joint Unified School District to ensure our campuses are safe, functional, and ready to support students. Throughout the summer, our Maintenance, Grounds, Custodial, Transportation, Facilities, and Construction teams worked on everything from routine campus improvements to major construction projects.

Several major projects are taking shape across PJUSD:

Almond Blossom Elementary School: Construction continues on our newest elementary school, including the two-story classroom building and three support buildings. The District anticipates occupancy in July 2027.

Creekside Middle School Lunchroom: The new lunchroom building has been delivered and placed on its foundation, marking a major milestone for the project. Construction continues toward an anticipated February 2027 completion.

Patterson High School Gym: Foundation work is underway on the new gym, with walls and roofing expected to be completed ahead of the winter weather. The project is anticipated to be completed in June 2027.

PHS Weight Room: Renovations are moving forward, with equipment and materials currently being procured. Completion is targeted for Winter 2026–27.

Walnut Grove ASP Facility: Planning and site work are underway for a new 1,440-square-foot facility that will provide additional space for the After School Program while preserving existing green space. Completion is anticipated in Spring 2027.

Grayson Water Improvements: PJUSD continues important improvements to Grayson Elementary's water infrastructure, including new plumbing, pump replacements, and other system upgrades. The District is working closely with Stanislaus County and the California State Water Resources Control Board on certification of the system.

Crews work on the steel structure of the two-story classroom building at the new Almond Blossom Elementary School.

Our Technology Department has been busy helping students and staff kick off the 2026–27 school year strong. The team supported student device distribution, helped students access their accounts and set up multi-factor authentication for the first time, and resolved an impressive 1,768 support tickets.

Thank you to our Technology team for keeping our schools connected and providing dependable, responsive support across the District!

Congratulations to Grayson with the highest attendance rate for August with 97.14%. Second place goes to CMS with 96.13% and third place goes to NM with 95.70%.

Six school sites achieved 95% or better and the district average is 95.25%. This is a first for the district at the end of a month. Way to start the year!

Being at school every day is one of the most important ways families can support student success. Each school day gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, connect with teachers, and develop skills that prepare them for the future.

Families can help by establishing consistent routines, scheduling appointments outside school hours when possible, tracking absences and tardies, and reminding children that attendance matters.

We understand that children get sick and sometimes need to stay home. Our goal is to reduce avoidable absences and help students return as soon as they are healthy and ready.

Every day counts. When students are at school, they have another opportunity to learn, connect, participate, and grow.

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

PJUSD families and students have access to STOPit, an anonymous reporting tool that makes it easier to share safety concerns and get help when needed. Reports can be submitted through the STOPit mobile app, website, or 24/7 phone hotline and may include text, photos, or videos.

STOPit can be used to report concerns such as bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, threats, weapons, discrimination, and alcohol or drug-related issues. Reports are reviewed and shared with school administrators so they can respond appropriately.

Families can download the STOPit app and search the directory for their school. No login is required.

Our 2nd Annual Walk for Childhood Cancer is coming up on Saturday, September 19th, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Patterson Community Stadium!

Join our District and our community as we come together to support children and families affected by childhood cancer, benefiting Valley Children’s Hospital. This year’s event will feature our walk and running lanes, Car Show, vendors, family activities, food, a DJ, music, and more.

There’s still time to get involved! Register for the Walk, enter the Car Show, or make a donation today.

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

Certificated - Elizabeth Anson (Northmead Elementary)

Classified - Refina Lotomau (Maintenance and Operations Department)

Congratulations Elizabeth and Refina! We look forward to honoring you at our regular Board meeting on Monday, September 14, 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