PJUSD Newsletter

November 2024

Dr. Reyes Gauna

Email

Contact:

Susan White

Senior Executive Assistant / Cabinet Member

swhite@patterson.k12.ca.us

Superintendent's Message

Dear PJUSD Community,

November is a time of reflection and gratitude, and I’m reminded daily of the dedication and care that our staff, families, and community bring to our schools. This month, we continue focusing on academic excellence and well-being, including preparing for our upcoming holiday events and celebrating the hard work of our students and staff. I am grateful for our collective commitment to the PJUSD Promise, ensuring that each student has opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Warm regards,
Dr. Reyes Gauna
Superintendent

Communications

Our Promise Feature Image of Eddie Thompson

Visit our district's News & Announcements page on our website to explore our new highlight feature:

Our Promise Features: Showcases our staff for the incredible work they do throughout the district. This spotlight is particularly aimed at those whose work often goes unnoticed but provides significant value to our district, schools, students, and/or staff. It offers a small moment of appreciation for their dedicated efforts in fulfilling our PJUSD Promise.

This month's Promise Feature highlights one of our District Security Officers, Eddie Thompson, showcasing his commitment to our students' success by assisting in creating a safe and secure environment for all.

United Patterson Feature of Reynaldo Tovar Jr

United Patterson Graduate Profile

Join us in celebrating the success of former Patterson graduates with our monthly United Patterson Graduate Profile series. Our latest profile features Reynaldo Tovar Jr. a proud graduate of Patterson High School, Class of 1997.

Read his story and discover more inspiring profiles on our district's website under the News & Announcements page and by clicking on the "United Patterson Profiles" filter.

Do you know a Patterson graduate who has moved on to do some incredible thing? Share their story with our community by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/UPprofile.

Administrative Services

PHS Tennis Court Resurfacing

Our Administrative Services team is happy to share more developments at our schools, enhancing our facilities. One of the next projects in revitalizing our campus is the resurfacing of the tennis courts. Please stay tuned for more information and updates about this exciting improvement!

Great Turnout at the Francis J. Bettencourt Dedication Ceremony

On October 26th, our district was honored to welcome family, friends, former students, and colleagues to the Performing Arts Dedication event for Francis J. Bettencourt, lovingly known as Mr. B. The event featured a touching tribute and the unveiling of the Francis J. Bettencourt display, followed by heartfelt remarks from Mr. B’s son, Craig Bettencourt, a former Patterson High School teacher. Attendees then enjoyed a tour of our performing arts facility and admired the newly placed lettering outside the building. We are grateful to have hosted so many people whose lives Mr. B profoundly impacted and are proud to officially dedicate our Performing Arts Center in his honor.

Group photo of Francis J. Bettencourt Family and PJSUD Staff at the dedication ceremony event.

Photo of new Performing Arts Center lettering outside of the facility

Photo of the dedication display for the Francis J. Bettencourt Performing Arts Theater

Student Support Services

Restorative Storytelling

This project takes the powerful impact of storytelling and expands on it by pairing it with a reflective art/sensory activity. Students are then led by our amazing team of Student Support Specialists through a series of questions and discussion that evoke self-awareness, accountability and community building.

Teachers are also asked to participate in the Circle Dialogue to strengthen

connection and school climate.

Topics include:

Making Friends, Homelessness Awareness, Anger and so much more!

Restorative Storytelling is a project that was launched this school year to address the need for more social and emotional support in our elementary classrooms. So far this school year, the district’s Student Support Specialists have conducted over 20 classroom presentations, in

grades K-3rd with amazing success.

Teacher feedback: “I felt so connected to my students after participating in the

circle!” “I am hearing so much more kind exchanges between my kids, it’s so

heartwarming” “The circle helped me to hear from some of my more quiet kids,

which altered me to check-in with them during the school day”.

Educational Services

Investing In Teacher Growth to Support Student Success

At Patterson Joint Unified School District, we are dedicated to creating a learning environment where every student can thrive. This commitment includes providing our teachers with the tools and strategies they need to support each child's unique learning journey. Our staff participates regularly in professional development sessions to learn about the latest educational research, strategies, and techniques. These sessions focus on areas such as instructional practices, social-emotional learning, and inclusivity, helping our teachers stay equipped with the best methods to engage and inspire all learners.

On November 1, PJUSD staff is engaged in all-day professional development to equip them with the knowledge and skills to ensure all our students are learning at high levels. We believe that investing in our teachers is an investment in your child's future. When teachers continue to grow and learn, it directly impacts classroom experiences and student success. By implementing new techniques and insights gained through these trainings, our educators create supportive, adaptable, and inclusive classrooms. We appreciate your partnership and trust as we continue to prioritize professional growth, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education.

Picture of Staff Raising Hands at PD Event

Human Resources

PJUSD Promise Awards

Please join us in celebrating last month's "PJUSD Promise Award" recipients (October 2024). These two outstanding individuals have exemplified the core values of our PJUSD Promise!

Certificated - Tiffany Hood (Las Palmas Elementary)

Classified - Norberto Medeiros (Apricot Valley Elementary)

Congratulations to our November 2024 PJUSD Promise Award recipients who will be recognized at our November 4, 2024 School Board of Trustees meeting:

Certificated - Serena Miranda (Creekside Middle School)

Classified - Joey Perez (District Office)

Photo of Tiffany Hood and family at Promise Award recognition

Tiffany Hood - Certificated (October)

Norberto Medeiros - Classified (October)

Join Our Team!

We are always looking to fill vacancies internal and external vacancies throughout our district. These roles may vary from part-time, substitute, to fulltime roles. Please visit our district's website to find out how to Join Our Team!

https://www.patterson.k12.ca.us/district/careers

Those not interested in fulltime employment with Patterson Joint can apply to become a qualified substitute to fill in for staff absences. If you want more information on how to be added to our substitute list please use the following link: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/1879360