Superintendent's Weekly Update

April 3, 2026

Dear PUSD Staff and Families,

This week provided a meaningful balance of time on our campuses and opportunities to connect with the broader community that supports our schools.

I had the opportunity to visit a number of our school sites, and as always, those visits were time well spent. Across different grade levels and settings, what stands out is the consistency of purpose. There is a shared focus on students and a deep level of care in how that work is carried out each day.

One visit that especially stayed with me was Ability Appreciation Day at Adobe Bluffs Elementary School. This was a thoughtfully designed, student-centered event that brought inclusion to life in tangible ways. Students rotated through interactive stations and experiences that helped build understanding, empathy, and appreciation for individuals with diverse abilities. It was powerful to see students not only learning about inclusion, but actively practicing it through their interactions with one another.

Events like this do not happen by accident. I want to recognize lead teachers Kristen Wallace and Taylor McCrady for their outstanding leadership in organizing the day. Their planning and commitment were evident in every detail.

The event was also strengthened by the many partners who contributed their time and expertise, including the Westview High School Best Buddies Club and ASL Club, the Poway High School Unified PE Champions, the Rancho Bernardo High School Empower Program, Special Olympics, ABLE Arts, Canine Companions Service Dogs, Little Angels Service Dogs, and others. These partnerships create authentic, engaging experiences for students and reinforce the importance of inclusion across our school community.

I also want to thank our educational partners who joined us for the Annual Golf Classic hosted by the PUSD Foundation. I had the chance to stop by and greet participants as they got started, and I am grateful for their continued generosity, which directly supports opportunities for our students and staff. Strong partnerships like these make a meaningful difference across our district.

As we head into spring break, I hope this time provides a chance to rest and reset.

Enjoy the break, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, April 13.

With gratitude,

Ben

New Video Podcast Episode Out Now!

On the latest episode of Straight from the Supe, Zachary Manlapid, director of choirs at Mt. Carmel High School, and Patrick Coleman, department chair of arts and electives at Del Norte High School, discuss the importance of arts education and creating spaces for students to thrive creatively.

Watch or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Spotify

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Registration Now Open: “Stronger Together: Preventing Bullying Through Family–School Partnerships”

Registration is now open for our Family Engagement Event “Stronger Together: Preventing Bullying Through Family–School Partnerships” taking place on April 22, 2026 from 5:00–7:00 PM.

This virtual event will include a panel discussion featuring school leaders, mental health practitioners, and student and parent representatives. Together, we will explore practical strategies, available supports, and ways families and schools can partner to create safe, positive learning environments for all students.

We look forward to having you join us.

Register Here

Join the Talented Team at Studio 701!

Applications are now being accepted to join Poway Unified's Studio 701 digital media internship program.

Application window
March 31-April 20, 2026

Apply today

Studio 701 students have the opportunity to work in digital media projects across two teams:

Excellence in Education – Join a professional filmmaking and broadcast team to produce compelling, documentary-style stories that highlight innovative programs, student success, and impactful partnerships across the district—all while using industry-standard equipment and studios in a career-focused internship experience.

Influence Lab – Become an influencer! Step into the role of a digital creator by producing engaging, short-form content that informs, inspires, and connects with audiences through social media storytelling, while learning today’s top digital marketing strategies to jumpstart a career in influencer marketing.

Ability Appreciation at Adobe Bluffs

Students celebrated inclusion, and fostered understanding and empathy during Adobe Bluffs Elementary’s Ability Appreciation Day on Thursday. The event featured guest speakers who spoke about living with disabilities, interactive stations, and experiences for students to engage in, enabling students to build and practice an appreciation for individuals with diverse abilities, learn how to connect, and be aware of person-first language.

STEAM on Display at Sundance Elementary

From the science of flight and cars to dairy and raisins, Sundance ES students recently applied STEAM skills to hands-on projects, testing ideas, analyzing results, and presenting their findings to educators and parents during a STEAM Showcase. Students demonstrated their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities across a variety of fun topics, highlighting the district's approach to high-quality STEAM instruction across grade levels.

Career Discovery at Bernardo Heights

BHMS students had the unique opportunity last week to gain hands-on experience and network alongside professionals during the school's 2nd annual career fair. Students interacted with Rancho Bernardo students currently in CTE pathways, gaining a deeper understanding of the courses and career opportunities ahead. Poway Unified is proud to support initiatives that prepare our world-class learners for college and career possibilities.

Learning Exhibition at Design39Campus

Design39Campus recently hosted 39XD, a day-long festival highlighting the creativity and work of the school's TK-8 learners and educators. Students showcased their creative projects and experiences across subjects like art and storytelling with hands-on displays and demonstrations, and community members were able to explore the innovative learning spaces that make up the campus.

Calling all Realtors!

Join us for Poway USD 101 for Realtors and become a PUSD Certified Expert, a valuable credential for professionals serving families in our community.

Event Details

Date: May 14, 2026

Time: 8:30–11:30 a.m.

Location: PUSD District Office

This fast-paced, half-day training provides insider knowledge about Poway Unified School District’s award‑winning schools, boundaries, and programs, equipping you to speak confidently with clients and stand out in a competitive market.

Designed specifically for realtors and led by PUSD staff. Space is limited and fills up quickly. Register today!

Important Links

Important Dates

April 6 - 10, 2026 - District Recess, Spring Break

Click here for the full calendar.

A NOTE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT A NOTE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT