Superintendent's Weekly Update
August 14, 2026
August 14, 2026
Dear PUSD Families,
There is something special about the first days of a new school year.
Yesterday, we welcomed students back to campuses across Poway Unified. I had the opportunity to visit a number of schools, and it was wonderful to see the familiar signs of a new beginning: students reconnecting with friends, families taking first-day photos, teachers welcoming students at the door, and staff helping everyone settle in.
For most of our schools, the 2026–27 school year is officially underway. A successful year is built one day at a time through the collective efforts of our students, families, teachers, counselors, classified staff, and administrators.
Thank you to the many employees who worked throughout the summer to prepare our schools for opening day, and thank you to our families for the trust you place in us to support and care for your children each day.
I’m excited about the year ahead and look forward to seeing our students learn, grow, build relationships, and find their place in our schools.
Have a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Ben
Poway Unified School District participates in the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a state program that helps children flourish emotionally, socially, and academically by securing funding for health and mental health services that your child may already receive at school — at no cost to you.
What to do: You will receive an email from Informed K-12 on Tuesday, August 18th with a personalized link to complete the Health Information Exchange & Consent Form. It takes just a few minutes and allows the district to seek reimbursement from Medi-Cal and private insurers to continue funding these services.
Examples of services this may help fund:
- Preventative Social Emotional Education — emotion regulation and coping skills, conflict resolution and problem-solving skill building, relationship skills, healthy communication, bullying prevention, substance use prevention, digital citizenship, and suicide prevention awareness.
- Small groups, screenings & targeted supports — social skills groups, grief and family-change groups, friendship/peer-conflict support, individual counseling and check-ins, connecting a student/family to outside referrals, and follow up on social emotional screeners.
Quick reminders:
- You will never be billed, regardless of insurance or consent status - even after providing insurance information
- The mental and behavioral support your child receives at school does not go on their permanent school or medical records
- Consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn anytime
- Services continue either way — with or without your consent
- Privacy is protected under FERPA and HIPAA at all times
Please visit our website to learn more.
Questions? Contact cybhi@powayusd.com.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's health and wellness.